The Sun will transiting the sidereal sign of Aquarius from February 13th to March 14th. The Aditya for the month is called Tvaṣṭṛ or simply Tvaṣṭā. He is the celestial architect blessed with supreme intelligence to create all things (Rig Veda I.95.2), he is the greatest innovator and is highly skilled. He is the maker of divine implements for both devas (divine) and asuras (demonic forces), hence a diplomat. Tvaṣṭā is the deity ruling the Chitra nakṣatra which falls between Virgo and Libra and bridges the qualities of perfection with practicality. From the mythological lores, Tvaṣṭā is most known for his ambivalent attitude to Indra, the King of the heavens or in other words authority. In Tvaṣṭā there is an inherent struggle for recognition and independence lurking beneath the surface.
The sage travelling with Tvaṣṭā this month in the chariot is Jamadagni. He is a sapta rishi and descended from the lineage following order of – Brahmā, Bhṛgu, Cyavana, Aurva, Ṛcīka and Jamadagni. He is said to have married Renuka and had four sons, the most famous of them was Paraśurāma who went on a rampage killing all the kṣatriyas (ruling class) to avenge the death of his father. Jamdangni himself is said to be born from kṣatriya radiance. This was as the result of his mother and grandmother (who was a Queen) exchanging the sacred porridge to be partaken by them to get pregnant. Yama (the god of death) tested him for his anger in which he succeeded. However, once when his wife Renuka was distracted with amorous thoughts, he punished her asking his sons to kill her. Surya had blessed Jamdagni with righteousness, and one has to remember that extreme righteousness leaves very little room for compassion.
In a similar vein to Tvaṣṭā’s struggle with authority, Saturn in Aquarius is looking to unseat Aries (its 3rd aspect) the place of royalty. In the UK, the Royals – House of Windsor have been recently sadly, thrown in turmoil with a spate of bad news. Saturn is in mulatrikona (in office) in Aquarius, the intentions may be noble, and he is just going about his tasks. Saturn represents democracy; therefore, it is in interest to bring down nepotism and abuse of power that includes restrictive trade practices. It is naturally befitting that this year is one of elections in the world. According to the Time magazine globally, more voters than ever in history will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union)—representing a combined population of about 49% of the people in the world. We had many scandals unearthed in the past year in UK both in political and corporate sphere. The corporate executives and the power bearers in organisations (whatever be the nature of organisation) are today’s kṣatriyas. They strategize and battle for power and fame using various methods to overcome internal and external competition. When leadership is weak or narcissistic, organisations end up with self-serving people who are more adept at upward managing that leads to toxicity. Nevertheless, the leaders who think for the collective good will be supported by Saturn.
Transits
Sun joins Saturn in Aquarius. Saturn and Mercury are combust throughout the month. The graha mālika or garland yoga in the sky involving 6 houses the previous month has now become tighter squeezing the planets into 4 houses from Capricorn to Aries. I had written last month that there could be extreme competition and horse-trading in politics in organisations in the forthcoming months and a compromise will be necessary. Venus is at the beginning of this formation in Capricorn while Jupiter in the Aries is at the end, as both planets are benefic results should be auspicious, at least until Venus crosses Mars and enters Aquarius. In such a formation of planets in four houses which is called a Kedāra Yoga, Mercury or communication becomes the key to resolving issues. This formation will end mid-March when Mars leaves Capricorn. It may be worthwhile reflecting on how this pattern falls in individual horoscopes to become aware of its maximum impact in our lives. For example, if the planets cover the houses from the 10th to the ascendant, events may lead us to focus more on getting things done at work leaving very little time for personal matters.
Mercury tries to flee the Capricorn into Aquarius on the 20th February away from the warring energy of Mars and Venus in Capricorn. Mars and Venus will be in a war between 20th February and 24th February. The assigned victor is Venus, not only because it is the brighter one, but also the one with more resources at hand (read longitude), albeit Mars is exalted with more focus and skill (declination and latitude). The battle happens in Śravaṇa nakṣatra governed by Viṣṇu , hence the issues will be about responsibility, accountability, care and sustenance. Śravaṇa is also about hearing; it may pay to keep our hearing honed. There might be a need for exemplary management over competence.
Planets – Mercury, Sun and Saturn will be in Śatabhiṣa nakṣatra from the 23rd February and get very close (within one degree) on the 27th February setting the stage for another battle, this time between Saturn and Mercury. The battle can give way to a compromise as Saturn win’s initially gives over to Mercury on the 28th. This is a day for deep introspection and reflection as Saturn is in deep combustion as it is conjunct with Sun all day. Śatabhiṣa is about healing, the ruling deity of this nakṣatra is Varuṇa, the one who imposes the moral code. The combination of Sun and Saturn symbolises a Pitra dosha – challenges that manifest when we are not recipient of the blessings of our ancestors making our children suffer too. Sun is elitist while Saturn represents the masses. The purposes of the two when aligned, leads to collective good. Development of countries usually happens when the elite and those in power align their objectives for the collective good.
Mercury debilitates as it enters Pisces on the 7th of March to join Rahu who should feel exalted in the presence of Mercury, allowing the space for diplomacy. The very same day Venus moves to Aquarius to join Sun and Saturn.
Festivals
Vasanta Panchami falls on February 13th (tithi starts at 9.13 GMT) when the Goddess of learning and fine arts is worshipped. We will observe Maha Śiva Ratri on the 8th of March, the night of the 14th tithi in the dark half of the lunar month of Magha to honour Śiva. Worship of Lord Śiva should help in overcoming darkness that rests within us in the form of fear, anxiety and ignorance.
Let us to pray to Tvaṣṭā that all the leaders of countries and organisations promote collective good, and choose diplomacy over wars so that we can attain peace.
ॐ घृणि: त्वष्टादित्य
om ghṛṇi tvaṣṭāditya🙏🏼
Here is a peace prayer we could chant for good governance
ॐ स्वस्ति प्रजाभ्यः परिपालयन्ताम्
न्यायेन मार्गेण महीं महीशाः ।
गोब्राह्मणेभ्यश्शुभमस्तु नित्यम्
लोकास्समस्तास्सुखिनो भवन्तु ।।
May there be prosperity to the subjects, the rulers protecting the world in a lawful manner; may the cows and brāhmanas have auspiciousness eternally, may all the people be prosperous, may the rains shower in the proper season, may the earth be prosperous with the abundant crops; may the country be free from distress, may the brāhmaṇas (intellectuals) be fearless
.