The sun will move into the sign of Cancer on July 16th and will remain in the sign until 16th of August. Sun in the sign of Cancer is represented Varuṇa Aditya who is the ruler of Oceans. Varuṇa is amongst the oldest Gods, and is upholder or enforcer of natural order (Ṛta) of the universe. He grants boons and is the giver of wishes to all who desire them from him, but this is a double-edged sword. He also carries a noose, that drags the souls back into the earth – particularly those that are ensnared in maya and samsara symbolic of re-birth due to attachment and desires. Cancer is the natural 4th sign in the Zodiac that represents the mind. Sage Paraśara calls this house ‘bandhu’ – meaning close friends and family, those who are in our inner circle and can bind us with attachment. That is why the 4th house is also called as “narka” loosely translated as hell and is representative of darkness. It may well be noted that a planet in the 4th from any house can bind us w.r.t. to its matters.
Transits
Sun moves into the compassionate sign Cancer to join Mercury on the 16th July and soon after Mercury turns retrograde on the 18th July and meets the Sun in retrograde motion on the 1st of August. The move back towards the Sun facilitates a consultation or reflection between the businessmen and leaders. The combination of Sun and Mercury gives dexterity and in the sign of Cancer makes the intellect a bit emotional or intuitive.
Fixed signs will be facing challenging circumstances with 3 malefics in quadrants sarpa yoga) of Mars/Ketu in Leo and Rahu in Aquarius, however the presence of Venus in Taurus in Mālavya yoga of prosperity mitigates it until Venus moves into Gemini on 26th of July. Mars has been moving towards Ketu for the past 4 weeks and will meet Ketu on the 22nd July in the nakshatra of Pūrvaphālguni, a nakshatra of relationships and enjoyment lorded by Bhaga. The combination of Mars and Ketu is one that unleashes enemy and revenge and result is explosive with unforeseen events. Mars leaves Leo on 28th July for Virgo, finally breaking the kala sarpa yoga (binding events) that formed in the sky since Saturn moved into Aquarius earlier this year in March.
Mars in Virgo is the navamsa level exaltation that brings with it the energy of warriors. Mars will be in opposition to a retrograde Saturn in Pisces bringing a destructive energy (yama yoga) to dual signs until 13th September. The placement of Saturn in opposition to Mars also creates an “unmada” – potential for madness or obsessive behaviour for the sign of Pisces (both from ascendant and Moon) as both the planet are in marana sthana (death like circumstances/energy). The presence of Jupiter and Venus in Gemini will mitigate the effects of negativity and increase calm. The conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in Gemini can lead to expansion of material desires and enjoyment. It should be noted that the actual Jupiter and Venus conjunction takes place in Ardra Nakshatra on 13th August. Ardra lorded by Rudra is known for tears and transformation.
Festivals
The holy period of Cāturmāsa- a period of four months, beginning on Shukla Paksha ekadashi tithi in the month of Ashadha is already underway (started on July 6th) and will end in Shukla Paksha ekadashi and end on Nov 1st in the month of Kartik. This is a period for introspection, penance, austerities, study of scriptures and personal rituals like bathing in holy rivers. Lord Vishnu is supposed to be in Yoga nidra at this time. In the ancient times, this was the only time the sanyasis (monks) are allowed to stay in one place and under a roof.
Naga Panchami is observed on July 29th where the nagas (serpents ) are worshipped traditionally and particularly so if one has nodal affliction or sarpa yoga in the horoscope. Married women fast and pray for prosperity and longevity of married life to Vara Lakshmi on the Friday 8th August in the South of India. Harmony between siblings is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan on the 9th August . The same day the Yajur Veda Brahmins families from the South of India recite the Gayatri mantra and change the sacred thread worn by them.
May we implore Varuṇa to reign our restlessness to gain equanimity and engage with our higher minds.
ॐ घृणिः वरुणादित्य
om ghṛṇiḥ varuṇāditya 🙏