The attached slide is from my BAVA Conference presentation in October 2024 on Kevala Yogada, where I used President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chart as one of the case studies. At the time, my interest was in understanding why certain individuals find themselves drawn into circumstances far greater than their own personal interests, where perseverance, sacrifice and steadfastness become central to fulfilling their dharma.
In this chart, the Ātmakāraka Moon is in its own sign and is also the Lagna lord (Moon being the co-ruler of Taurus), giving rise to Kevala Yoga. Since the Moon is connected to the Lagna, it becomes Kevala Yogada, linking the mind with the deeper purpose of the soul. The strength of that conviction can become a powerful force for change, but it can equally make such individuals difficult to deflect from the course they have chosen.
The configuration of planets in 3rd, 4th and 5th houses is associated with exceptional tapasya, courage and endurance (Yama Yoga). Combined with the Moon-Mars conjunction, it explains the extraordinary determination and resilience that have characterised his leadership during the conflict. The Moon AK signifies the mind, emotional resilience and public support. But its conjunction with Mars brings the ability to combat. Looking at the events of the past few years, these qualities are reflected in the way Zelensky has continued to pursue his chosen course despite extraordinary national adversity and human loss.
As I noted in the lecture, every major development in Zelensky’s public life unfolded during Moon daśā that commenced in 2018, consistent with the Moon being both the Ātmakāraka and Kevala Yogada. I also suggested that although Mars daśā that will be commencing from July 2028 might bring a different expression of the same purpose, the more significant change in the external environment would come with Gemini Nārāyaṇa Daśā in January 2027.
I had pointed out that the Yama Yoga involving the 3rd, 4th and 5th houses can sometimes be modified by strong influences operating from either side. In Zelensky’s horoscope, I identified the Jupiter-Mercury exchange as providing that mechanism, becoming activated with the onset of Gemini Nārāyaṇa Daśā. At the time, I suggested that this might coincide with increased US involvement, peace negotiations, or even Zelensky leaving Ukraine for the United States, marking a significant shift in the course of the conflict.
Why revisit this chart now?
The solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 falls in Āśleṣā, directly activating Zelensky’s natal Moon, which is the Lagna lord, Ātmakāraka and the very planet that forms the basis of his Kevala Yogada.
Given the Moon’s central role in this chart, I regard this eclipse as a harbinger of a significant turning point. Eclipse effects typically unfold across a six-month window, and looking at his natal Moon’s degree, I would say the months following the eclipse are extremely critical. For Zelensky, matters relating to leadership, public standing and judgement may undergo profound change. This period assumes even greater significance in light of the February 2027 solar eclipse, which falls on Ukraine’s natal Moon in Dhaniṣṭhā. By eclipse reckoning, this makes the very same six-month period leading up to February 2027 critical for the nation itself.
The external environment surrounding Ukraine has begun to shift. A number of political and diplomatic developments suggest that conditions are becoming more fluid. These developments are precisely why I find myself revisiting the analysis I presented in 2024, when I identified the onset of Gemini Nārāyaṇa Daśā in early January as the period most likely to bring a significant shift in the external environment.
For those interested, this discussion it appears at approximately 1:13–1:17 in the BAVA conference recording.