Cosmic Connections: Astrology and Yoga Forecast by Mehtab October 2009 The practice of Yoga and Astrology (Jyotish) has been linked together for hundreds of years. In this column we will look at the month ahead astrologically and see what we can learn about our yoga practices, life choices, and how to align and connect ourselves to the cosmic cycles. This monthly column uses the science of Vedic Astrology (which has different methods of reckoning the position of the planets than Western astrology) as it gives the best results for people on a yogic or spiritual journey.

Moon Phases

October 4th - Full Moon
The Full Moon to New Moon phase (October 4-17) is a good time to complete projects, reap the rewards of efforts from the previous two weeks, drop bad habits and relationships, fast to lose weight, and wind down and just relax more as we approach the last few days before the New Moon.

October 18th - New Moon
The New Moon to the Full Moon phase (October 18-November 2) is a good time for new beginnings, starting new projects or relationships, build and increase our vitality and strength, create health supporting habits, start a new yoga practice, and bring our efforts and visions to a climax by the beginning of next month.

October 29th - The 11th Day of the New Moon
The 11th day after the New Moon is very good for both healing work and engaging in spiritual activities and meditation. It is also on a Thursday, the most favorable day of the week for spiritual learning. Get yourself to a yoga class, pick up an inspiring book, or have a spirited discussion with your teacher.

Sun Cycle

October 17th - Sun enters the Vedic sign of Libra

Right before the Sun enters a new sign, it is good to delay major decisions as things are up in the air while the energy is changing. In this case, October 16th is a good day to wait and see. The 16th is Friday so weekend plans made that day may be subject to change or unexpected outcomes.

Adding to the general indecision around the middle of the month is the Sun being in the double-sided sign of Libra. It may seem that later in the month you may go back and forth on major decisions. You will have increased clarity about seeing both sides of an issue, relationship, or opportunity while at the same time having an increased challenge about finally making up your mind. Just realize that until you decide one way or the other, you have the worst of both worlds, not the best.

In other words, meditate, calm the breath and mind, listen closely to your heart and decide!

Health Issues

Everybody is going to increase their focus on health this month and it will be a major concern for all over the next 2 ½ years. Why?

Saturn is now in the sign of Virgo or health after being in Leo for the previous 2 ½ years (and creating challenges there as Saturn does so well!).

In Virgo, the heavy karmic issues of Saturn now revolve around health, healing, and service. Popularly, this is demonstrated in the public consciousness with the current health care debate.

Do not let the political maneuvers distract you from the real lesson here. Saturn wants you to take care of your own health. You need a personal healthcare program and you need to start now.

Health issues ignored now will not be looked kindly upon by the heavy lessons Saturn brings to all areas of life. Discipline is what Saturn offers and we all need to exercise very honest discipline in this area of our lives now.

Start a new yoga routine, an exercise practice, and better way of nurturing yourself. Do not stop or give up. Cultivate perseverance and patience along with discipline (the three great lessons of Saturn) and you will be fine.

Avoiding the changes to bring on a healthier lifestyle will have more consequences later. Saturn has spoken!

Community

The other major issue of Saturn in Virgo is service. Saturn represents selfless service, or karma yoga, in the horoscope. Virgo is also the sign of service. So it's also time to get a little more involved in how we serve those around us. Remember Saturn is slow and steady, so no need to throw yourself into a round of volunteering that you may later neglect. Better to take it one step at a time. Help one person. Do something once a week without expectation of the reward it may bring. See yourself as someone who can be of service in some way.

Karma Cops

The other major astrological event this month is the movement of the two Vedic planets Rahu and Ketu toward the new signs of Gemini and Sagittarius on October 28th. Over the following several days, there may be a sense of a major karmic shift in your life. Ketu represents past karma and Rahu indicates future karma. Depending on where these planets are in your birth chart, you will sense an underlying reordering of priorities and interests that will last for the next 18 months. For some of us, this change will bring a sense of relief while others will hear the hand of karma knocking on the door.

Just for fun(!), see if any past life issues or lessons come around for you on October 9th. This can be an unexpected or challenging day for some of us with a conjunction between Ketu and Mars. Exercise even more caution around accidents (and particularly around issues of fire).

Just like any month, October brings some challenges but when you are aware, focused, and present in your true self, all will be well. Remember Saturn and keep your commitments to yourself.

Coming in January: Take a course in the Foundations of Vedic Astrology with Mehtab!