Sun will transit the sidereal sign of Sagittarius from early hours of December 15th to January 14th of 2025. When Sun is in Sagittarius, we are blessed by Aṁśumān aditya. The word aṁśumāt means radiant (Verse 10.21 of the Bhagavad Gītā). The meaning of aṁśumān is also infinite, all pervasive and splendorous (Verse 11 from the Aditya Hrdayam). In the northern hemisphere, where the bitter cold has set in, the land barren with snow, Aṁśumān brings much cheer as he is associated with the winter solstice marking the longest night after which the daylight hours will be increasing. Sagittarius is the natural ninth house of dharma and virtue, therefore he is the protector of universe, respects divinity and the sages.
The apsara (celestial nymph) travelling with aṁśumān Aditya in his chariot this month is Urvaśī. One of the meanings of Urvaśī is born from the thighs (uru), the story goes that she was born from the thighs of Vishnu. Another meaning that is more befitting is ensnaring or capturing the hearts from Uras – bosom and vaś to bring under control. She is regarded as the most beautiful of all the apsaras that reside in the celestial court of Indra. She fell in love and married King Puruvaras, a mere mortal and happily lived with him until he was tricked by the Gandharvas (celestial singers & dancers) to break the conditions of his marriage at the behest of Indra, the King of Heavens. Urvaśī left Puruvaras and returned to the Heavens. Puruvaras was heart-broken and roamed the earth until the Gandharvas taught him to become one of them so that he could reside with Urvashi. The only man known to have spurned her was the hero Arjuna from the epic Mahabharata for which he was cursed by her to lose his virility and be a eunuch for a year. Here I am reminded of the quote “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned”. And every curse has a benefit as Arjuna was able to put his eunuch-ness to use as a dancer- teacher Brihannala of Princess Uttara while hiding from the Kauravas.
Transits
The Sun moves into Sagittarius and the same day Mercury turns direct in Scorpio, which is relief for matters of communication. At this time the seven planets will be seven houses making a pattern called Vina and Vallaki yoga that is good for much felicity. It will last a few days till the Moon moves to the next sign. Nevertheless, there will be a feeling of space giving us the ability to breathe and think matters through. This month is considered the dawn of Devas (divine beings) and they are just waking up from their long sleep before the apparent change of direction in the movement of Sun. This is the best and auspicious month for taking time out for reflection and contemplation, studying scriptures, visiting temples and giving to charity. Marriages are not performed during this month.
Planets are working in pairs this month. Venus joins Saturn in Aquarius on the 28th December making Saturn stronger. This can lead to a bit of indulgence particularly as retrograde Mars has a planetary and sign aspect on Aquarius. A retrograde Mars and retrograde Jupiter in Taurus are also mutually casting a sign aspect on each other. Jupiter & Mars combination generally delivers high status and righteous action, but the retrograde nature may make delay it or make it harder to achieve. Mercury joins Sun in the sign of Sagittarius on the 4th of January conferring a Buddha Aditya yoga of dexterity and efficiency. Rahu and Ketu are in Pisces and Virgo aspecting this combination.
Festivals
The winter solstice is on Dec 21st at 9.19am marking the longest night of the year, after which the direction of Sun turns northerly and the days get longer from here. We celebrate the festival of Thiruvathira or Ardra Darshanam on January 13rd. The festival celebrates the cosmic dance of Shiva in the form of Nataraja.
Let us invoke the blessing of Aṁśumanāditya to dispel the darkness surrounding this world and infuse us with radiance.
ॐ घृणि: अंशुमनादित्य
om ghṛṇi aṁśumanāditya 🙏🏼
Picture of Surya Narayan by Ravi Varma from Baroda Library – Source Wikipedia