Seasonal astrology - Feb/March 2018

Today is February 8, 2018. This letter is composed in Boulder, Colorado, USA.

One week ago today (Jan 31) we experienced a partial lunar eclipse in the sign of Cancer. Depending on your natal chart, the few days before and after this celestial alignment may have lit you up with inspiration and clarity or plunged you into the dark depths of self-inquiry.

The veil is thin during an eclipse; it is a time when cosmic portals crack open. This can be an opportunity or a crisis. In either case, we must be very careful what exactly we invite through that portal.

The universal remedy for such moments is meditation and prayer. Listen to the lessons coming through then chant mantras for protection, to purify your subtle surroundings and activate the most benevolent potential of the transformative energies now available.

One week from now, on February 15, we will feel the second half of this cycle, with a partial solar eclipse in the sign of Aquarius. This is, in many ways, a counterpoint to the total solar eclipse that sliced across the United States on August 21, 2017. That event occurred in the early degrees of Leo, the results of which can be seen in the #metoo movement, as men in power (kings) have found their influence eclipsed by the feminine principle.

This eclipse takes place in Aquarius, the opposite of Leo. This shifts the focus from the "kings" onto the people. Abuse of power has led to the downfall of many formerly mighty individuals; this month we'll see how well the masses know how to wield their power in response. Be careful out there, as it could be a time of backlash, when people in power fear the loss of that power and therefore make efforts to suppress and oppress the population.

Will the people recognize and act on their profound power? Or will they submit to brash, reactive and ultimately empty intimidation tactics?

Aquarius themes (humility, humanitarianism, self-sacrifice) will dominate the next six weeks. Venus left Capricorn for the sign of the water-bearer on February 5, and the Sun and Mercury will follow on February 12 and 14, respectively. The Moon joins these three planets for three days, including the day of the solar eclipse (Feb 15-17).

This is a good time to cultivate a positive self-image; to build yourself up; to activate your influential potential and not be cowed by authoritarian fear-mongering. People are basically good; don't let anyone scare you into believing in and thereby empowering evil.

In March, the planets march into Pisces one by one: Venus on the 1st; Mercury on the 3rd; Sun on the 14th. Venus is exalted here, while Mercury is debilitated. Now is a time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, but be careful not to get swept away by it. Do one thing at a time. Chew your food carefully. Acknowledge the divinity of others before you speak.

March 7 is a day to be especially cautious as Mars moves into Sagittarius. A fiery planet in a fire sign invites explosive energies. Saturn is still there, so this might be a potent moment to take action on your big-picture projects. If you're feeling inspired, then make moves, but be sure you're moving in the direction of your highest priorities and inspiration and not taking an impulsive detour.

March 10 may be a good day to maintain silence. By all means, exercise and meditate but you're likely to feel all fired up with the Moon hemmed between Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius. This is not a comfortable place for the mind to be, caught between burning, moment-to-moment desires and long-term aspirations. For today, just observe, watch the fluctuations of the mind and do nothing. It is unwise to set fire to a library to stay warm for one night.

The next edition of the newsletter will arrive on the Spring equinox, March 20, 2018.

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David McConaghay is a former four-sport athlete who discovered yoga as a means to bring ease to an overburdened body-mind complex. He will graduate in May 2018 from the four-year Doctor of Ayurveda program at Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula. He holds an Associate's degree in Vedic Astrology and is pursuing a Doctorate in Divinity from the University of Metaphysical Sciences. In addition to extensive training in the Sivananda yoga tradition, David has a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from the George Washington University. His work and play is collected at VedaDave.com.

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