Vedic Astrology (Jyotish)

with Tamiko Fischer

Of Unique Astrological Significance This Month

February 2012

Monday, February 13th-Thursday, February 16th
These days –and most especially Tuesday, February 14th- stand out as a window of especially low-energy or potentially edgy days this month- something to keep in sight when it comes to making Valentines’ Day plans. The gathering of shaky influences includes: the Moon nearing and placed in its ‘debilitation’ sign of sidereal Scorpio where this sensitive luminary gives especially unsteady effects (maximum debilitation occurs on February 14th, PST). Also in effect are the inauspicious eighth and ninth waning lunar days, as well as the Moon successively conjunct (in the same sign as) Saturn and malefic Rahu (the Moon’s North Node).
Additionally, today’s potentially confrontational star Vishakha Nakshatra occurring on a Tuesday forms a combination that is believed to encourage the experience of loss.
All things considered, the familiar support of good friends might be kinder or more reliable company than that mysterious dream date on this Valentine’s Day.

On Monday, February 13th, the Sun enters sidereal Aquarius: major new beginnings are traditionally avoided on days of solar ingress.

Saturday February 18th-Sunday February 19th
These days are noteworthy as two of the more all-around favorable days this month. Encouraging influences include the Moon being relatively free of malefic influence. The fixed-natured star Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra occurring on Saturday encourages activities of long-term practical nature, especially those that bring greater stability and perhaps new responsibility.
The moveable-natured star Shravana Nakshatra forms a combination for accomplishment when it occurs on Sunday. This star is symbolized as an ear, and naturally supports activities that involve inspired communication and education, a love of ancient knowledge and heightened listening.

Sunday, February 26th
This day is also stands out as one of the more generally favorable days this month. A convergence of uplifting factors includes the Moon conjunct (together with) benefic and uplifting Jupiter on the very favorable fifth waxing lunar day. The energizing Ashwini Nakshatra (a star symbolized as a horse) forms a combination for accomplishment when it occurs on a Sunday. Ashwini’s swift quality is most naturally fitting for activities characterized by lightness and quickness, such as travel or sports. It is also considered a good influence for healing activities such as receiving body work or taking medicines.
Since February 2nd, Venus has been in excellent sign-placement in sidereal Pisces, its sign of ‘exaltation’ where this planet becomes especially strong. In 27 degrees of Pisces, Venus reaches it point of maximum exaltation today.

Also of unique significance in February 2012:
In North America, the night of Sunday, February 19th into the morning of the 20th marks Maha Shivaratri, the major festival day of Lord Shiva, the Supreme Yogi deity who is worshipped through all night meditation and chanting vigils. On this night the Divine favors the ardent spiritual seeker, where it is customarily believed that Shiva’s auspicious boons are especially granted to those who manage to stay awake all night, absorbed in unwavering spiritual practice.
Maha Shivaratri falls yearly on the dark-fortnight of the lunar month of Magha when the Moon is in the waning 14th lunar day, forming a small crescent-shaped ‘Shiva Moon’. Om Namah Shivaya!