Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

AUDIO VERSION: October 12

Hello, everyone.

A very important week ahead with Venus and Mars changing signs, Venus aspecting Saturn and Pluto, Jupiter resuming direct motion and the New Moon at week’s end.

Monday

Monday is the day to get things done with our drive and motivation (Mars) supported by hard work and discipline (Saturn).  We’ll be able to harness our energy and make progress in business and practical matters.  If you need to establish your authority about something or with someone, this is the day to do it.  It will be easily accepted today.

Tuesday

Tuesday is also a good day.  With Jupiter standing still, in anticipation of resuming its direct motion, optimism will return and the future will look brighter. 

Later, financial discipline, the gift of Venus with Saturn, supports our intention and desires (Mars) and the result is economy, diplomacy, and business agreements that consider all points of view and are beneficial to everyone.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, Venus, which rules money, creativity, and our social instincts moves into Libra, the sign she rules and loves.  She is happy!  Here is where she is at home and at her best.  Our business dealings and other relationships will become more refined and fair-minded, direct and clear. 

Thursday

On Thursday, Venus moves into a challenging relationship with Pluto in Capricorn.  Venus rules money and Pluto rules the economy as a whole, including banking and taxes.  This could go either way:  something will probably come to light regarding your financial situation, but Pluto can uncover either treasures or losses, depending on what you’ve set in motion in the past.  But don’t be afraid, because…

Goddess of Wealth, Maha Lakshmi Devi (Source:Wikipedia)

Goddess of Wealth, Maha Lakshmi Devi (Source:Wikipedia)

On Thursday we are protected by the Hindu celebration of Dhanteras.  In the word Dhanteras, “Dhan” means wealth.  During this celebration, the goddess Lakshmi, a very Venus-like goddess, is worshiped as the one who provides prosperity.  In the business community, business people purchase gold and silver to keep in their safes, as precious metals are thought to attract good luck.  So by remembering Lakshmi on this day we invite her blessings of wealth and prosperity into our lives and businesses.

The following story is an interesting legend about the origins of Dhanteras, particularly because of the Venus/Pluto contact today, as it holds images of both of these energies.

Once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage per his horoscope. On that particular day his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all her ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s bedroom and lighted innumerable lamps. She spent the night telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death, arrived in the guise of a serpent to collect the prince his eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death. [Adapted from Wikipedia]

Friday

On Friday, Mars enters the sign of Leo.  You will notice a very different energy begin to unfold:  dramatic, enthusiastic, ambitious, and passionate.  Fire in a fire sign brings tremendous vitality and courage.  Look for more on how to take advantage of this energy later in the week.

Also on Friday our essential authority (Sun) is flooded with inspiration and compassion (Neptune).  Read the posts on Neptune in Aquarius (see sidebar) and contemplate how you can take advantage of our collective desire to support each other through innovation and technology during the coming months.

Saturday/Sunday

Floating candles on Diwali day. (Source:Wikipedia)

Floating candles on Diwali day. (Source:Wikipedia)

The New Moon on Saturday night or Sunday, depending on where you live, marks the celebration of Diwali.  Diwali is celebrated religiously by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains and culturally by most other Indians. Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights” and in Hinduism is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi.  In south India, Hindus wake up well before dawn, as early as two in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate drawings in colored sand outside their homes.  It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy river Ganges.  After ritual prayers, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of darkness.  As this is a day of rejoicing, many people enjoy elaborate meals and meet with family and friends. 

Keep track of your days this week, and let me know how the energies are playing out in your life as the week unfolds.