By Debra Infante
The powerful nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, now begin their new transit through the signs of Pisces and Virgo for the next 18 months, bringing new lessons, changes, and transformation. Venus transits its own sign of Libra this month until December 24, 2023 and opposes Jupiter in Aries, a nice aspect for the end of the year. Mercury goes retrograde on December 13, 2023 until January 1, 2024, a time of reflection. Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, transits its own sign of Scorpio this month until December 27, 2023, and is challenged by aspects of Saturn and Rahu. Jupiter, goes direct on December 30, having been retrograde since September.
Recently, on November 28, 2023, the north node Rahu moved to the water sign of Pisces, while the south node Ketu shifted to the earth sign of Virgo. They will remain there until May 29, 2025. We begin to feel the effect of this major nodal transit in December. If you have your Ascendant, Moon, or Sun in either of these signs, you will experience this nodal transit in a much deeper way.
Rahu transiting the Jupiter-ruled sign of Pisces brings the desire to add more spiritual or philosophic content to one’s life. We may devote our time to humanitarian causes or have an interest in foreign travel. It is also good to be observant and discerning with finances and spending habits. Rahu transits the gandanta degree of 29 Pisces (cusp of water and fire signs) from November 28 to December 14, 2023, which presents an opportunity to let go of old concepts, false beliefs, and patterns while surrendering to our higher, spiritual wisdom.
Ketu transiting the Mercury-rules sign of Virgo can increase our intuition and sensitivity. We may feel more creative and inventive. Use your knowledge and abilities to help others. Watch for lack of focus or indecisiveness.
Venus, planet of love and healing, is now transiting its own sign of Libra since November 29, and remains there until December 24, 2023. Venus in Libra is searching for balance, harmony, and healing. Libra is a sign of relationship, and so with Venus here, we learn to connect with others in a healthy way without compromising our true values. The challenge is finding the right balance in relationships, with a fairly equal give and take.
While Venus transits Libra it will be opposed by Jupiter in Aries, which can increase our humanitarian efforts to help and uplift others. Venus and Jupiter are both Brahmin planets and natural benefics. In Vedic mythology, Jupiter is considered the teacher of the gods, while Venus taught the demons (asuras) so this aspect gives a focus on education, learning, and interest in spiritual knowledge. The exact Venus/Jupiter opposition occurs on December 9 and 10, when both planets are at 12 degrees.
Mercury, planet of communications, the intellect, and travel, goes retrograde at 14 degrees Sagittarius on December 13, 2023. It remains in retrograde motion through the end of the year until January 1, 2024. During Mercury retrograde be clear and more precise in all your communications. If traveling, allow extra time in case of a delay, and double-check travel plans. This is a good time to review this past year and is positive for meditation and deep reflection on the coming new year.
Eventually retrograde Mercury will travel through the gandanta degrees of 0 degrees Sagittarius and 29 degrees Scorpio on December 26 and 27, the same time that Mars is also transiting these same gandanta degrees going direct. Mercury and Mars will exactly meet at 0 degrees Sagittarius on December 27. With the Mercury/Mars conjunction, it is a time to watch your words and communications with others, and not provoke others in conversation. Stop and think things through.
Mars began its transit through its own sign of Scorpio on November 16, 2023, and remains there until December 27. While in Scorpio, Mars is aspected by Saturn and at times is combust the Sun, which has brought some delays, challenges, and frustrations.
On December 25, 2023 the north node Rahu in Pisces will aspect Mars exactly at 28 degrees. Then on December 26 and 27, as mentioned above, Mars transits the gandanta degrees of 29 Scorpio to 0 degrees Sagittarius (cusp of water to fire sign) and conjuncts Mercury. This period between December 25 through 27 is a time to be neutral and non-reactive. Its best to not engage in any conflicts or arguments if they come up, find common ground with others, and have the courage to do the right thing. Sometimes growth comes with a certain level of discomfort. This is a time to let go of old patterns, practice non-resistance, and express compassion and loving-kindness.
Jupiter, planet of spirituality and prosperity, goes direct at the end of the year, on the evening of December 30, 2023 at 11 degrees Aries. Jupiter has been retrograde since September 4, 2023. Finances may improve when Jupiter goes direct. Expansive Jupiter now directs its energy into the outer world, as we express gratitude and generosity with others. We feel more freedom to move forward with new plans and goals for the new year.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995 and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
