Cosmic Connections: Astrological Forecast by Mehtab January 2010 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.

Highlights
January 15 - A Solar Eclipse and Mercury goes direct!

Moon
New Moon in Capricorn - January 15, 1:11 am
Full Moon in Leo - January 31, 12:17 am

Sun
Enters Capricorn January 14

Venus
Enters Capricorn January 14

Saturn
Goes retrograde January 13

This month:
A lot of cosmic commotion and confluence in the middle of the month. The two days of January 14th and 15th bring major planetary changes and these would be good times to hang tight, meditate, hold off on any major decisions, and then prepare for a new adventure and changes.

The leading news is of course the Solar Eclipse on January 15th in the Vedic sign of Capricorn. By itself, this alone would initiate changes over the next 6 months or so. If you are curious in what areas of your life this will be felt the strongest, look at your Vedic Astrology birth chart (or consult your astrologer) and see where Capricorn is.

In general, Capricorn rules over the house of career as well as the knees, so let’s all take care of knees in yoga classes and be prepared for possible changes in our jobs or what we are known for. Folks with their Sun or Moon in Capricorn (or Capricorn rising) will also get a good charge of the Solar Eclipse energy (remember we are talking about your Vedic Sun sign, not Western). This is not a time for worry or concern, but more an opportunity to use change for deep transformation.

Along with the Eclipse, Saturn the planet of past karma goes retrograde a couple days before which generally indicates things from the past to be dealt with and an opportunity to fulfill some karmic responsibilities that may have been shrugged off in the past.

Venus is somewhat weakened around these days, so give caution to initiating affairs of the heart at this time or inappropriately dealing with a past karmic relationship.

And Mercury also comes to a standstill at this same time (before moving forward and out of retrograde on the 15th) so communication and travel nay be affected.

The good news for this same time period is that our friend Jupiter is riding high in Aquarius which marks the beginning of the Kumbha Mela festival, the largest and holiest celebration and gathering in the world in India. It occurs only every 12 years and the time is most opportune for spiritual purification and receiving blessings.

On January 14th and 15th, these are the first two days of the Kumbha Mela that are for bathing in the holy rivers and purifying our karmas. Coincidentally, at the time of an Eclipse, it is also very auspicious to be in or bathing in water. If you have ever wanted to plunge into Barton Springs in the winter, it looks like January 15th might be the best time in several hundred years! If that is too much, then roll out the holy hot tub and chant OM at the stars.

If you miss the 14th and 15th, January 20th and 30th are also the other holy bathing days of the Kumba Mela this month, so take a bath then already if you need one or not!

And did I mention Mercury stops being retrograde on the 15th? Finally you can move ahead with your contracts, electronic purchases, important communications, and all Mercurial endeavors. Don’t be surprised if things that went awry over the previous three weeks now straighten themselves out and move forward!

A little later in the month, Mercury begins to conjunct with Rahu, a planet in Vedic astrology that can bring some disturbances. This will likely show up in some mental unrest and nameless fears starting around the end of this month. The best thing for a disturbed Mercury-Rahu relationship is mantra, the yoga of sound. Almost any mantra practice will benefit you at this time, but if you do not have a mantra then try this one just for Mercury. It will strengthen the mind and remove hidden fears:

OM Bhudhaya Namaha

Even 11 repetitions when you are feeling slightly disturbed will give benefits.

Next Month (February) – Sun and Jupiter have their long awaited conjunction in Aquarius plus more favorable times for a bath!

Starting This Month: Take a course in the Foundations of Vedic Astrology with Mehtab! Learn the basics and deepen your appreciation of your own personal birth chart. This is a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to the magic and mystery of Jyotish, or Eastern astrology as practiced by the Yogis of India. Suitable for all levels, from beginners to serious students who wish to prepare for certification as a Vedic Astrologer. Classes Begin January 16th!

Click here for another article on astrology and yoga by Mehtab.