JYOTISH TRENDS, JULY 2018

JYOTISH TRENDS, JULY 2018 (Times are for Arizona. Pacific time is same as Arizona, Mountain time is one hour later than AZ, Central time is 2 hours later and Eastern time is 3 hours later). Lunar high points (affects emotions positively): Full Moon in Capricorn from July 26 at 10:45 AM until July 27 at 1:19 PM. In this position Mars and Ketu will be conjunct with Moon, creating intense but inward tendency for emotions and thinking. Moon in own sign of Cancer: July 13 from 1:12 AM until July 15 at 12:58 AM. In this position Moon is conjunct Rahu. It will be also aspect of by Mars. This ushers in a tendency for more need for emotional freedom and tendency for a bit of emotional intensity. Moon will be exalted position in Taurus from July 9 at 12:01 AM until July 11 at 1:31 AM. It will be aspected by Ketu which lends an inward energy to Moon and emotions. Lunar low points (emotions are more sensitive): New Moon in Gemini: July 11 from 11:31 PM until July 12 at 7:47 PM. In this position Moon is aspected by Saturn, lending a Vata or restless anxious tendency to the mind and emotions. Moon is in its debilitation/ subdued position in Scorpio constellation: July 21 from 3:46 PM until July 24 at 2:58 AM. In this position the Moon is at its ebb and is aspected by Rahu. Rahu aspecting is lending a tendency of restless intensity wanting to investigate deeper knowledge and secrets, which can be associated with transformative experience. People with Taurus or Scorpio rising signs (or Moon/Sun here) may feel this more. Moon in Sagittarius from July 24 at 2:58 AM until July 26 at 3:42 PM. In this position it is also conjunct Saturn lending a perfectionistic Saturn vata or anxious energy yet adventuresome quality of Jupiter to emotions. Moon in Gemini from July 11 at 1:31 AM until July 13 at 1:12 AM. In this position Moon is aspected by Saturn. This lends Vata or anxious tendency to emotions. I. DAYS OF SHIVA (Almighty Father) Good for Deep Meditation & Prayer: July 11 from 3:03 AM until July 12 at 12:12 AM July 25 from 8:15 AM until July 26 at 10:45 AM II. DAYS OF SKANDA (ARCHANGEL MICHAEL) for Victory and energy to overcome negativity: July 17 from 3:48 AM until July 18 at 2:06 AM III. DAYS OF GANESH for removing obstacles and success in action: July 15 from 9:04 AM until July 16 at 6:10 AM July 30 from 8:12 PM until Aug. 1at 5:42 AM IV. DAYS OF VISHNU for harmony, balance, dharma and good relationships: July 9 from 11 AM until July 9 at 8:56 AM July 22 from2:17 AM until July 23 at 3:53 AM

V. DAYS OF DURGA (Mother Divine) for removing difficulties and overcoming fear: July 6 from 12:52 PM until July 7 at 12:20 PM July 20 from 12:48 AM until July 21 at 1:13 AM PLANETARY Sankranti- Points of Transcendence when planets switch constellations Sun moves into the constellation Cancer July 16 from 9:55 AM until August 16 at 6:20 PM. This shifts the National and individual focus from communication issues to compassion and healing. It also puts emphasis on nurturing. This will especially affect people with Leo and Cancer rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs). Please also note however that Sun's fiery energy will combine with Rahu in sign of emotions together with exalted Mars aspect to create more vata pitta tendency (fiery intense emotion). This could bring a more intensity in individual and national emotions and thinking. Mars continues to stay in the constellation of Capricorn but went retrograde on June 26. It will only go direct again Aug. 27 staying for this whole time in Capricorn conjunct Ketu. This is a very intense place for Mars energy to be, especially as Ketu has similarity to Mars energy and will affect more people with the Rising sign, Moon or Sun in Capricorn (or also conversely relationships for people with Cancer rising, or Sun/ Moon in this sign). Mars being retrograde also creates inward tendency of restructuring of activities associated with Mars energy such as real estate, sports, surgery, welding etc. this also can affect people with Aries and Scorpio rising (or Sun/Moon in these signs). Mercury stays in Cancer constellation till September 2. This emphasizes use of intellect for family oriented and healing purposes--more compassionate and nurturing in approach. The change to Cancer constellation in July particularly affects people with Cancer, Gemini and Virgo ascendants (or Moon/Sun in those signs). Venus moves into Virgo constellation on July 31 at 11:55 PM and stays there until September 1 at 10:55 AM. This is its weakest or most inward position for the year. It may increase challenges in relationships and also may create tendency for jealousy. Artistic projects may take a more intellectual bent at this time. Taurus, Libra, and Virgo rising signs (or Sun/Moon in those signs) particularly will feel this influence, as well as Pisces rising signs. Rahu is in the constellation Cancer and stays there until May 6, 2019 at 9:02 PM. This may bring in some tendency for requiring more emotional freedom and space. On a National level it could bring in some need for independence, even from countries which we regard as our allies. This position of Rahu may affect more people who are Cancer, Capricorn, and Sagittarius rising (or Sun /Moon in these signs). For Capricorn and Sagittarius rising signs it brings in some need for separation or independence in relationships. Ketu is in the constellation Capricorn and stays there till May 6, 2019 at 9:02 PM. This position brings a spiritual inwardness to the sign Capricorn which most represents self-sufficiency and practicality. It also brings tendency for nonattachment and letting go in the area of relationships for people who are Cancer rising. This position of Ketu may be felt more by Capricorn, Cancer and Gemini rising signs (or Moon or Sun in such position). OTHER PLANETARY POSITIONS Jupiter stays in Libra constellation. This position brings tendency to want to use knowledge and finances (Jupiter represents banking industry) for improving inter-personal relations. This position will affect people with Sagittarius and Pisces rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs). It could bring greater Divine wisdom blessings for people with Libra rising (or Sun/Moon in these signs), and new relations with teachers or men particularly for Aries rising (or Sun/Moon in these signs) The position of Jupiter in Libra may for the USA bring in some Divine support of knowledge or dharma to financial and internal affairs. It also emphasizes issues of law for the country.

Jupiter stays retrograde this month till July 10. This brings in reevaluation of financial and legal matters on both individual and national level. This position may affect energy and vitality especially for people with Sagittarius and Pisces rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs). Going retrograde brings more inward less energy quality for such rising signs. Also matters that were in process as far as banking or court cases, legal matters, may be rethought and delayed till Jupiter goes forward again. Fortunately, Jupiter will be moving forward again relative to Earth in a just a few days and will be back to full speed in a couple weeks of its going direct again. Saturn is in the Sagittarius constellation and will stay there the next two years. In Sagittarius Saturn represents purification of dharma or higher purpose. This position will affect more profoundly people with Sagittarius, Gemini, Capricorn and Aquarius rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs). For Sagittarius and Gemini rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs it may be bringing more focus on personal needs as well as attention on relationship/ marriage. For the USA it represents purification of national expression of action as well as focus on stabilizing one's homeland. Saturn will continue to go retrograde which may indicate some possible delays and restructuring of projects basically reorganizing things. SPECIAL VEDIC HOLIDAYS (as per Arizona /Pacific time-- times in January may differ in India as they there is a time zone difference. Please note also Vedic Holidays were based on Lunar days, not Solar days): LORD SHIVA HOLIDAYS: July 5 from 12:36 PM until July 6 at 12:52 PM and July 19 from 1:05 AM until July 20 at 12:48 AM (8th Lunar day each month) celebrates the appearance of Kala Bhairava, a special aspect of Lord Shiva who appeared and cut of the fifth head of the Creator Brahma, leaving 4 heads facing different directions. The real symbolism of this is that Creation has four directions but the fifth direction is the Transcendental Pure Consciousness which belongs to Shiva ( Almighty God as Supreme Silence). On this day it is traditional for Shiva devotees to stay up all night in vigil and make offerings to Bhairava and Parvati (The Divine Feminine aspect of Almighty God) and also offer libations and oblations to their departed ancestors. Dogs are also offered treats as offerings. Shani Pradosh falls on the thirteenth lunar day in both the bright half and dark half of the Lunar cycle. This month Shani Pradosha is celebrated July 24 from 5:55 AM until July 25 at 8:15 AM as well as July 10 from 6:15 AM until July 11 at 3:03 AM. Fasting and worship of Shiva on Shani Pradosh brings freedom from restrictions, removal of obstacles and troubles, and moksha or Enlightenment. Traditionally in the Vedic Tradition one takes a vow (vrata) to do 11 or 26 such Shani Pradosh worships. Night of July 11 is Masik Shiva Ratri (Monthly Night of Shiva) during which time one honors Shiva (Almighty God). This is the Night of Shiva when it is customary to stay up all Night adoring the Supreme Being as Shiva, God as the Absolute Supreme Silent Self. It is said that on this Night the Absolute (Shiva) accepts the Creation as His own Nature--giving rise to the full awakening of Enlightenment as the Unity of Absolute and Relative. Of all the monthly Shiva Ratris, this is the holiest and yields most benefit. The real meaning of staying up all night on Shiva Ratri evening is being awake perpetually in the state of Enlightenment/ God Realization. Also during this time it is traditional to pour milk, honey, sugar ghee and other offerings over a Shiva Lingam while reciting the Yajur Veda hymns known as Rudra Pathe. It is also traditional to read excerpts from Holy Scriptures about Shiva. (See Shiva times above). July 23-27 is called Gauri Vrata. Gauri Vrata is a holiday that is particularly honored in Gujarat, India. It is a period of 5 days of fasting and worshipping Parvati. It is dedicated to Parvati (Gauri), Mother Nature, and Lord Shiva (Supreme Silent Absolute). This vow of fasting is particularly observed by single women who wish to get

married. Part of the tradition is to grow corn shoots in a small pot. Parvati and Surya the Sun are honored during each day of Gauri Vrata. During this time salt is prohibited from eating. Fruits can be eaten, and only ghee milk and wheat used for making food. On Purnimah (Full Moon day) the single ladies in India also do special puja to cows and say goodbye to Parvati. LORD VISHNU HOLIDAYS: July 9 is known as Yogini Ekadashi day. It is a day Holy to Lord Vishnu (Omnipresence of God as Love). At this time it is customary to fast and worship Vishnu. Benefits of this Ekadashi are improvement of health, especially skin disease. In the Brahma Vaivartana Purana Krishna tells the story of Yogini Ekadashi: Kubera the deva of riches was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Every day he would offer flowers of worship to Him. Hemamali his servant was in charge of bringing flowers from Lake Manasarova for Kubera s puja to Shiva. Instead of doing his duty, Hemamali decided to go be with his wife and engage in love plays with her. As a result, Kubera cursed him with leprosy. Hemamali ended up leaving his wife and court of Kubera, and wandered the Himalayas suffering terribly. Even though suffering greatly, Hemamali continued to worship Shiva throughout his ordeal. By chance he met the great sage Rishi Markendeya (one of the eight immortals of India). Rishi Markandeya saw Hemamali and felt compassion for him. He told him that if he fasted on this Ekadashi his skin would be cured and so it was that Hemamali was cured by observing strict fast on Yogini Ekadashi. (See Vishnu times) In general Ekadashis commemorates the day Lord Vishnu (God as Omnipresent Love) destroyed the demon Mura (Hence Vishnu is known as Murari). It was the female power or Shakti of Lord Vishnu that appeared to destroy the demon. Because the Shakti emerged on the 11th Lunar day, She was called Ekadashi. The Shakti in the narration of the story asked Lord Vishnu to grant the boon that whosoever worships Vishnu (and his Shakti) on the 11th Lunar day, be granted freedom from sin. July. 22 is known as Deva Shayani Ekadashi. Deva Shayani Ekadashi celebrates the time when Lord Narayana/ Vishnu and the devas or Laws of Nature are said to sleep for four months. This is related to the Dakshina Ayana or Southern course of the Sun from Cancer constellation to Capricorn Constellation. These stories may actually relate to astronomical events in ancient times. The Uttarayana is said to be the bright half of the year, and Dakshinayana is the dark half. This 6 months of dark and six months of light happens at the poles only. It is said that the Divine Beings (gods) landed on the Poles from the heavens and brought civilization to mankind. We have a bit of missing history here-- and there are indications in Vedas that the original people who chanted the Vedas came from the pole, as they described all the stars as revolving in a perfect circle around the polestar, which now only happens at the North Pole. The story illustrating the benefit of this Ekadashi was told by the Creator Brahma to Sage Narada: During the Sat Yuga there was a compassionate King named Mandhata. There was a drought in his kingdom for three years. Seeking to end the drought he contacted the Sage Angiras. The sage told the King that someone in his kingdom was not performing yagyas properly and was causing the withholding of rain. King Mandhata was advised to fast on Deva-Shayani Ekadashi together with all the people in his kingdom to end the drought. It worked and heavy rains came again. SPECIAL VEDIC BIRTHS OR HOLIDAYS Night of July 26-27 is Guru Purnimah, celebrating one's chosen Enlightenment teacher on the full Moon. This is the night where one honors the Guru, or one's spiritual teacher. Honoring the Guru on this night is said to

yield extra spiritual blessings. The essence of this celebration is for people to honor and love the Guru/spiritual teacher who brings the Divine blessings. On Guru Purnimah devotees of the Saint-Avatar Shirdi Sai Baba (b.1838-1918) have processions and celebrations in India. Shirdi Sai emphasized surrender to the Sad Guru - love, peace, truth and devotion to God. He is highly revered in India (and by devotees around the world) as embodiment of Self- Realization. Shirdi Sai lived simply and austerely in an abandoned temple/mosque in the village of Shirdi in Maharashtra, India. He united Muslim and Hindu traditions through his teachings and his example which treated all equally regardless of caste or religion. Wishing everyone a Wonderful New Year through Growth, Success and Fulfillment! May July 2018 bring you the fulfillment of your cherished desires! And the Year of 2018 bring perfection in your goals! Please note: Personal Jyotish readings are available by Dr. Herzberger to address specific issues in a person's Vedic Chart, with opportunity to balance planetary energies through yagyas (Vedic ceremonies) that he performs. Dr. Herzberger also has a team of some of the finest pundits of India (a number of whom are professors emeritus of yagya and Jyotish at Varanasi, India) that have chosen to work with him as per very specific yagya instructions. Upon request he also has done yagyas in synergy with his team. Monica, Dr. Herzberger's sister, is also available to do intuitive readings. Monica has helped people with her direct clarity of spiritual insight. She is skilled in pinpointing the nature of specific times. You might enjoy reading her Lunar Calendar for the month on her and Dr. Herzberger's website. Dr. Herzberger's website is http://www.jyotishcenter.com/. You can also read about yagya and Jyotish on this website. You can also read the Jyotish Trends for each month here. Copyright 2018 Henry G. Herzberger