Mercury Retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā

Mercury Retrograde

March 15th - April 7th

Artwork: Unknown

Budha Graha (Mercury) stations retrograde on March 15th in the Vedic lunar mansion of Uttara Bhādrapadā उत्तरभद्रपदा (sidereal Pisces), the Warrior Star—punctuating a passage of deep reflection, reimagination, and renewal.

Budha (Mercury), fourth among the navagrahas (nine planets), the embodiment of rajo-guṇa (the mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (earth element), is revered as the radiant son of Chandra (the Moon), known for his golden eyes and tireless energy. He is also connected to Mahāvidyā Tripura Sundarī, who embodies supreme beauty, clarity, and the power of refined discernment.

Mercury bestows discernment and is the karaka (significator) of intellect, skill, talent, eloquent speech, the nervous system, storytelling, the student, negotiation, and neutrality. Just as Viṣṇu takes birth age after age to reestablish dharma and restore balance, mercury retrograde invites us to return to the center of our wheel

This powerful asterism resides at the heart of the last water sign, in a mokṣa bhāva (house of liberation), ruled by ākāśa tattva (ether element) and Ahirbudhnya (Serpent of the Deep). As the seat of Mahā Lakṣmī, this nakṣatra is deeply connected to the fertility of both earth and sky, dreamtime, the excavation of the unconscious, and the harmonization of universal mind. Here, we are beckoned to uncover hidden wisdom through humility, experience, and self-sacrifice—a śakti that is both transformative and karmic.

With Budha in Uttara Bhādrapadā conjunct Śukra (Venus) and Rāhu, rajo-guṇa is amplified, along with a heightened sense of protection. What is it that you are seeking to protect? A position you have claimed or wish to claim? A sense of personal justice? Or perhaps, your connection to source?

Mahāvidyā Śrī Lalitā Tripurā Sundarī | Kapoor Galleries Inc. wrote: Mandi, style of Sajnu, circa 1810

This transit embodies the dual current of existence, urging us to reconcile the spiritual and material realms. As Mercury retraces its path through the deep waters of Uttara Bhādrapadā, we encounter the mystical serpent—a force that strips away illusion, purges material toxins, and refines perception. This is a time when logic softens into intuition, and clarity arises not through analysis, but through surrender.

It is a period of intellectual purification, where communication is tested and refined—not for speed, but for depth. Unresolved matters from the past—especially those placed on the back burner—may resurface, seeking resolution through contemplation rather than reaction. Through introspection and surrender, the trials of this transit can lead not to confusion, but to spiritual illumination and ultimate liberation.

We are stepping powerfully into a new timeline—go inward to catch the memo of this time. Some karmas are requesting completion, release, and unraveling. How can you return to the center of your wheel and step into greater balance and neutrality?

Pay close attention if you have major planets—your Sūrya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), or Lagna (rising sign)—in Uttara Bhādrapadā, as this cycle may bring a lasting effect, especially with the New Moon Solar Eclipse occurring in this constellation on March 29th. Also, take note if you are currently running a daśā (major planetary period) or antara-daśā (sub-period) of Śani (Saturn).

For a more detailed look at what this means for you personally, I offer one-on-one consultations, which you can book directly at Jyotish Consultations

All My Relations

ॐ श्री मात्रे नमः | ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः

Venus Retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā: The Warrior Star

Venus Retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā

Artwork: Pinterest | Edit by @turiyacollection

March 1st - April 11th

Today, Venus retrogrades (vakrī वक्री) in the Vedic lunar mansion of Uttara Bhādrapadā (sidereal Pisces) उत्तरभद्रपदा, the Warrior Star. This mystical asterism is connected to the fertility of both earth and sky, the realm of dreamtime, and the excavation of the unconscious. It harmonizes universal mind, beckoning us to uncover hidden wisdom through humility, experience, and self-sacrifice—an energy that is transformative and karmic.

Śukra Graha, the revered planet of devotion, divine love, justice, restoration, relationships, and virility, is one of the three Jñāna Kārakas (significators of knowledge) and the Kāraka of union (yoga) and transportation.

In this retrograde through Uttara Bhādrapadā, Venus invites us to reflect on our emotional patterns and relationships, urging us to examine whether they align with our highest self. It is a time to reassess, reimagine, and review our connection to love, provisions, creativity, and self-worth.

The retrograde cycle offers us a sacred pause, encouraging us to consider how we might balance our lives by harmonizing the internal and external worlds. As Śukra transits this deeply transformative space, it becomes a moment to ask: Are the connections we are nurturing authentic, or are we simply repeating old patterns from the past?

Guru Śukrācārya, the holder of Sanjīvinī Vidyā, possessed the sacred wisdom to revive the dead. This knowledge aligns with the synodic cycle of Venus, which spans 584 days. Venus follows a rhythm of life, death, and rebirth: it is visible on the eastern horizon at sunrise for 263 days (symbolizing birth), disappears for 50 days (symbolizing death), and reappears as the evening star on the western horizon for another 263 days (resurrection/regeneration), only to disappear again for 8 days before the cycle repeats.

As Venus prepares to relinquish its reign as the evening star, we enter a rite of passage, confronting and healing old shadows and wounds. This transition, known as the inferior conjunction, occurs when Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun, disappearing from view for approximately 8 days. It then reemerges as the morning star, marking a symbolic rebirth.

Venus will be last visible as the evening star on March 19th. After this, it will disappear until March 23rd, when it enters its inferior conjunction and remains invisible for 8 days. The planet will then reappear as the morning star on March 26th. This pivotal transition mirrors the process of death and rebirth, offering us an invitation to reflect on our own cycles of transformation.

Venus follows a distinct rhythm, retrograding every eighteen months as part of an eight-year cycle. Reflecting on the lessons of the last Venus retrograde in 2017, we are invited to revisit themes from that time, particularly concerning relationships, creative projects, and emotional healing. Much like its celestial dance in 2017, this retrograde prompts us to assess whether our relational dynamics and emotional patterns have truly evolved since then.

On February 27th, Mercury entered Pisces, where it is debilitated—a position that can present as confusion, miscommunication, and difficulty maintaining clarity of thought. Adding complexity, Mercury will conjunct Venus retrograde on March 2nd, amplifying the need for introspection in matters of love, communication, and creativity. This alignment calls us to look inward, particularly regarding past relationships and unspoken thoughts that need to be aired or healed.

On March 15th, Mercury will also turn retrograde, amplifying the energies of reflection, review, and rethinking—especially around how we express ourselves emotionally and intellectually. This upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle, lasting until April 4th, will further invite us to slow down, reevaluate communication, and revisit unresolved issues from the past. A more detailed blog post on this will follow soon.

Artwork; Pinterest

Śukrācārya, as the Guru of the Āsuras, was known for his protection of his people. He is also associated with Paraśurāma, the sixth incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu. Paraśurāma's story is among the most violent of the incarnations, as he wielded an axe against the Kṣatriyas (warrior/political class) to rebuild a better society.

Pay close attention to where you draw lines between "your people" and others—and what you are willing to do to obtain and maintain your position or seat. Notice the actions that arise from a sense of injustice, particularly if fueled by vengeance or a desire for retribution.

Śukra's narrative is often linked to blindness or arrogance, reflecting a misalignment between one’s self-perception and the views of others. This can manifest as seeing oneself as either superior or inferior, diverging from reality.

Śukra Graha is the enjoyer—the one who delights in all sensory experiences: music, good company, fine food, mantra, and meditation. Venus imparts wisdom through experience, calling for complete absorption. He is the Samādhi maker, invoking unity with the divine at his highest octave.

This is beautifully exemplified in the story of MahāLakṣmī, who resides in Viṣṇu’s heart, as well as in the lives of saints born with Śukra in Pisces in their charts—embodiments of supreme devotion and the boundless grace of divine love.

As we navigate the deep waters of this transit, the energies associated with Śukra’s karakas will be amplified, requiring thoughtful self-reflection and a container for introspection. Pay close attention if you have major planets, your moon, or your Lagna (rising sign) in Pisces, or if you are currently running a cycle of Venus or Saturn.

This Venus retrograde in Uttara Bhādrapadā invites us to explore the depths of our relationships and creative pursuits, unraveling karmic patterns and allowing us to emerge transformed. Use this time wisely, for it is through wisdom, experience, and self-reflection that we can find clarity and renewal.

All My Relations | ॐ शुं शुक्राय नमः

Brene brown // “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage. A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor.”

Venus Retrograde Key Dates and Transitions

• January 28th: Venus enters Pisces

• February 1st: Venus enters Uttarabhadrapada (Pisces)

• March 1/2: Venus Retrogrades in Uttarabhadrapada (Pisces)

• April 12/13: Venus Stations Direct in Purvabharapada (Pisces)

• May 31st: Venus enters Aries

These dates mark the transition of Venus from an evening star to a morning star.

• Last visible as an evening star: March 19, 2025

• Inferior conjunction (invisible): March 23, 2025

• First visible as a morning star: March 26, 2025

Mercury Retrograde in Jyeṣṭhā: The Elder Star

MERCURY RETROGRADE IN JYEṢṬHĀ

Artwork: Painting; gouache on watermarked paper. Indra, cheif of the gods and the gauardian of the east, on his elephant Airavata, Trichinopoly. ca 1825 | Unknown 

Mercury comes to a standstill and retrogrades in the constellation of Jyeṣṭhā (ज्येष्ठा), the Elder Star, on November 25/26th. This constellation, situated at the pinnacle of material success, is symbolized by a protective amulet. Jyeṣṭhā awakens the power to conquer the subconscious, urging us to claim our seat and reflect on our commitments and relationship with responsibility.

Mercury embodies rajoguṇa (the mode of passion) and pṛthvī tattva (the earth element). Revered as the radiant son of the Moon (Chandra), Mercury is the bestower of discernment and the karaka (significator) of intellect, eloquent speech, the nervous system, communication, the student, skill, neutrality, and balance.

During this retrograde, Mercury will traverse the gaṇḍānta point (the karmic knot between water and fire) three times over the next month. There can be moments of feeling like you’re drowning or as if you’re experiencing a washing machine effect. This position holds immense power. Use this cycle with courage and wisdom, as the window for reflection, reassessment, renewal, and reimagination is brief yet potent.

This current lunation cycle has brought forth the need to preserve energy and purify that which has become stagnant or no longer contributes to growth. Since November 15th, we have been distilling the powerful teachings awakened during Saturn’s four-and-a-half-month retrograde. Now, we are invited to tend even more deeply to the inward path.

There’s a calling towards an ascension — to claim and become stationed in the seat of oneself. We’re being asked to tend to the renewal and protection of our nervous system and of our spinal region, a rejuvenation and energizing of our vital fluids in order to attain favor and align with the ineffable force that nourishes a seed to sprout and eventually blossom. We’re asking this intelligence, the one that decides fate, to protect us from distraction through the 9 gates (of the body) and to aid in the maintenance of our seat. Slow down. Step onto the inward path.

Jyeṣṭhā prospers through the right use of natural law and invites us to embrace spiritual practices, mindful movement (yoga, martial arts, tai chi, qi gong), occult knowledge, intuition, and prayer (mantra). These tools ground us and provide stability amidst change. Growth may feel uncomfortable, and emotions may run high. Observe the unfolding story with patience, neither resisting nor clinging to what is moving through.

Mercury begins its retrograde journey at the potent gaṇḍānta point, retraces its steps through Anurādhā, the Star of Success, and turns direct on December 15th. This retrograde invites us to unravel the threads of misalignment, allowing purification to ripple through the mind and heart. It is a call to peel back layers of distraction, over-commitment, or misdirection that cloud clarity. As Mercury traverses the karmic knots of gaṇḍānta, it beckons us to refine inner and outer dialogues, clearing pathways for deeper discernment.

What truths are ready to emerge as you revisit old commitments? What sacred boundaries must be reclaimed or fortified to nurture your highest aspirations? This is a moment to align intention with action, to clarify where your devotion lies, and to ensure your choices reflect the grounded responsibility of Jyeṣṭhā’s wisdom.

Be mindful of potential communication challenges, misunderstandings, and delays in creative projects. Revisit past decisions and reevaluate your relationship with responsibility with patience and care. Allow extra time while traveling, be thorough, and triple-check information to prevent errors or misinterpretations. Above all, be kind and gentle with yourself and others during this reflective period.

All My Relations

ॐ नमो नारायणाय | Om Namo Nārāyanāya

“The desire to know your own soul will end all other desires.” - Rūmī رومی 

New Moon in Punarvasu: The Star of Renewal

Amāvásyā

The sun and moon align for July’s dark moon on today at 20:32 (Spain) 11:32am PST in the Vedic lunar mansion of Punarvasu पुनर्वसु, (sidereal Cancer), the Star of Renewal. This nakshatra is symbolized by a quiver of arrows, holds the power to bestow prosperity and represents the light that returns after a storm. 

There is a feeling in the air that energy and resources are now at your command. A sense of hope around creating lasting stability and a new beginning is forged around how we nurture and take care of ourselves. An initiation of the heart steps forward as Venus stations retrograde and provokes interpersonal shadow work. 

The pulse for this month encourages integration of wisdom through experience and revitalization of mind, family, and security. Arrows are associated with movement and encourage us to strive, or move towards our objective. An opportunity for up-leveling is available. These particular arrows are thought to be magical, once released and the objective has been obtained, they circle back around. Just like that, this renewal of energy brings with it hope for a second chance and leaves the impression of a positive transformation from darkness to light.

You may be feeling a little restless, as if you’re taking two steps forward and four steps back and thirsty to move to the next phase. Just like nature appears to be more refreshed and harmonious after a storm, this new moon brings with it a breath of fresh air — a renewal of sorts. You may feel called to amp your energy up to the next level. If you choose to pick up the pace, know that it’s easy to lose perspective and awareness when gaining momentum.

Stay one pointed with your focus on your priorities. Release that which is distracting you from your desired destination and make sure you’re ready to commit fully to whatever you’re choosing. Move one step at a time, and keep your action steps and goals to yourself. Stay present, expand your awareness, and keep the big picture perspective. Don’t compromise your long term visions for the quickening of your current process. Stabilize into your purpose, ground your emotions and tend towards family and relationship healing.

As we continue to move through a collective course correction, matters of the heart step front and center. A new tune plays as Shukra (Venus), the planet of union, creativity, love, and affection, retrogrades in the constellation of Magha (sidereal Cancer) July 22nd through September 3rd. Do your best to stay open and as a witness to what is coming forward to be learned and healed around relationship. Track a little deeper and take your time to navigate matters of the heart.

With the New Moon, many set their intentions for the month. Contrary to popular belief, did you know that the most ideal time to set intentions is 24 hours AFTER the new moon? That's when the energy has begun to build up more momentum. What self care practices are you looking to commit to with this powerful energy of renewal?

Adhika-māsa

Today marks the beginning of a special month in the Hindu calendar that occurs approximately every three years, known as Adhika-māsa or Purushottam māsa. This intercalary month holds great significance as it serves to reconcile and equalize the difference between the lunar and solar calendars.

In a typical Hindu lunar calendar, twelve months are calculated based on the phases of the moon, known as tithis, spanning approximately 354 days. This is referred to as the synodic year. On the other hand, the modern solar year is around 365 days long due to Earth's orbit around the sun. Have you ever considered that the sun moves one degree per day and that there is 360 degrees in a circle? (for more information, check out my article on the difference between Vedic and Western astrology and the 360-day solar year).

This additional month carries a unique spiritual significance and is considered prosperous, offering us an opportunity to deepen our spiritual practices. According to legend, it is believed that any recalibration to oneself is amplified during this auspicious month. Aligning with the new moon in Purnarvasu (Cancer), it becomes a beautiful month to focus on self-care, calibration, nourishment, and attuning with our spiritual sādhanā (practices).

To book a private consultation and talk about what the current planetary alignment means for YOU please visit Vedic Astrology Consultations. All my relations

Toko-pa-Turner // “To be baffled and obstructed is what engages creativity. This is the practice of poets, dreamers, and artists alike: to show up at the frontiers of uncertainty where we are met by ten thousand things. We practice there, on the verge, amateur and unprepared, at being friendly - or at least willing - towards the discomforts of our confusions. As Rumi says, ‘Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment!’