Remember that you may also consult the reading for the zodiac sign of your Moon and ascendant.
So for example, if your Sun is in Libra, your Moon is in Sagittarius and your Ascendant is in Virgo, then the Libra, Sagittarius and Virgo readings listed here may all have a special relevance for you. To discover the sign of your Moon and ascendant, you can cast your sidereal chart using the free calculator at astro.comThe approaching Rahu-Pluto conjunction is the focus this week as it receives supporting aspects from Venus and Mars. Rahu, as the North Node of the Moon is called in Vedic astrology, is an planet of desire, especially involving material things, and embodies the notion of transgression and the breaking of boundaries. Transgression can have positive connotations such as novelty or improvement as we might find in the realm of research which seeks to find a new and more efficient solution to an old problem. In that sense, Rahu symbolizes that which lies outside of the status quo or the mainstream. Rahu is innovative and likes unconventional approaches. If you desire more money or status in your life, then that can also be understood in terms of Rahu, since you must break free of your current situation in order to improve your status.
But all planets have a dark side and Rahu is no exception. When Rahu’s materialistic impulses are left unchecked, it can easily morph into wanting things for their own sake no matter the cost. At its worst, Rahu’s more malefic side involves distortion or deception that is used in satisfy our desires. While this narrow strategy may be yield rewards in the short term, it produces pain and regret in the long run.
Rahu’s conjunction with power-seeking Pluto here definitely highlights the notion of wanting or desiring a particular situation. Since Pluto symbolizes power and our capacity to get what we want, it is sometimes associated with change and transformation at the most fundamental level. On a large scale, it can represent forces that are connected with the social change. Perhaps it’s no surprise that this week’s US midterm elections are being held at a time of a Rahu-Pluto conjunction. The Republicans are expected to replace the Democrats in the House of Representatives, if not the Senate, so that seems very much in keeping with a drive for transforming society according the collective will. Many Americans are unhappy with the direction of the country and are seeking to exert (Rahu) their collective power (Pluto) and make a fundamental change, presumably away from "big government".
At an individual level, we may experience this energy in terms of clarifying what it is we want out of life in general, or out of specific situations and relationships. If you have been uncertain about your goals, this may be a good time to review them. Both Rahu and Pluto can have harsh edges to them, so it is important not to become overly selfish or instrumental in one’s thinking. Of course, we all have desires and preferences in terms of the things and people we like, but there is a risk in this conjunction of pushing too hard or being too blunt with the people around us. Take the opportunity to make your feelings known, but do it in a respectful way that is mindful of others.
Aries (Apr 13 – May 14) As Mars moves into aspect with Rahu and Pluto early in the week, you may be feeling restless as you attempt to change some nagging elements of your life. There’s nothing wrong with this impulse but try to remember that changing people isn’t the same thing as changing a light bulb. Relationships are in focus towards the end of the week, with flirtation just a smile away. Your best efforts to help someone in need will be successful.
Taurus (May 15 – June 14) Mars may dominate your early week so this could lead to one of two situations: either you speak with a refreshing candor that garners new-found respect or your insensitivity causes embarrassment that goes viral on Youtube. Good thing you have a choice. Resisting the urge to point out the faults of others will win new allies who will respect your discretion. Later in the week social situations bring out the best in you as you discover once again that friendship cures all ills.
Gemini (June 15 – July 14) According to writer Hunter S. Thompson, "when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." The start of the week may see some weirdness enter your life that you will be forced to react to. There’s no need for professionalism here, but you may want take things one step at a time. This will not only allow to you manage the unpredictable eddies of life, but it will also help you get something out of the experience. Wisdom will not be far away, so by the end of the week, you may well have it all figured out.
Cancer (July 15- Aug 14) Are dreams just the random electric pulses of our resting minds or do they have some kind of meaning? You may gain a new perspective on this question this week as the realm of the mystical and the hidden assumes a more energetic reality. It may be that you may actually find a brilliant but completely bizarre solution to a problem you’ve been grappling with for some time. The end of the week will be a wonderful opportunity to share you ideas and experiences in a comfortable surrounding.
Leo (Aug 15 – Sep 15) They say that happiness resides in the journey rather than in the reaching the goal. Whether that is simply a nice-sounding sop to all those who never actually reach their goal, there is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the journey this week. As you bask in the glow of your own creativity and initiative, take time to reflect on how important and cool it is that you are making your own choices and following your own path. Friday’s New Moon will punctuate your efforts and you may even see some early benefits.
Virgo (Sep 16-Oct 15) As your ruling planet, Mercury, approaches the welcoming rays of Jupiter this week, there is a genuine opportunity for progress. Your boost in recognition and overall contentment here is perhaps Jupiter’s Halloween treat for you, Virgo. The "trick" is that it may be borne out of some unexpected situations, especially early in the week. Success is more likely if you are quick on your feet and you can negotiate the curves that lifethrows at you.
Libra (Oct 16-Nov 14) Everybody loves Libra this week. Friday’s New Moon takes place in your sign so you might want to wear some sunglasses lest the glare of the spotlights blind you. Your personal charm is on full display and may even be enough to win over bosses and other people who may occupy positions of authority. Don’t mistake any strange or irrational behaviour for hostility. Sometimes pressure gets the worst of all of us, so a little sympathy on your part will go a long way. Besides, you’re a Libra. You can smooth over anything.
Scorpio (Nov 15 – Dec 14) "Where there’s a will, there’s way." Very true for you this week, Scorpio, as all that Rahu-Pluto energy can be channeled to move mountains, or heaven and Earth or may other mythological entity for that matter. But try to be mindful of the fine line between asserting yourself and just being pushy. If someone doesn’t quite see things the way you do, don’t ignore them. Take the time to lay out the world as you see it and invite them in for a while. As a mode of interaction this week, quiet and gentle may have a special currency.
Sagittarius (Dec 15 – Jan 13) I would not be surprised if you found yourself compulsively listening to Bowie’s "Changes" this week. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, changes signs this week as it makes a brief entry into Aquarius. This may reflect a shift in the way you think about yourself, and you may even entertain some fairly radical Coupland-esque notions of the new you. After all, Rahu does conjoin Pluto in Sagittarius, so you may shift into self-reno mode here. It’s definitely a line of thinking worth pursuing but don’t overdo it. Coupland writes fiction, not biographies.
Capricorn (Jan 14 – Feb 12) Even though Capricorns are known for their hands-on approach to things, you may find it difficult to resist the desire to escape or explore hidden realms this week. In true goat-like fashion, you are more likely to find a practical use for the time you spend in seclusion, either through bodily rejuvenation or bringing those would-be spiritual insights to bear on problems that have hitherto refused explanation. Knowledge may be its own reward, but this is a good time to have more tangible expectations.
Aquarius (Feb 13 – Mar 12) Somebody up there likes you, Aquarius. This may be a time when you do your best impression of the teacher’s pet as bosses shower you with accolades and free trips to Bahamas. It may be that some of those offbeat (but not crazy — there’s a difference) ideas you’ve been coming up with have finally yielded real dividends. Just try to make sure not to be ‘too clever by half’ or embark on a course of action that is merely a means to an end.
Pisces (Mar 13-Apr 12) With Jupiter slipping back into Aquarius this week, you may feel the need to take a breather and regroup, perhaps in a way that takes you far, far away from the intrigues of the office. The risk here is that by avoiding your responsibilities you may actually make things more difficult when you decide to re-engage with the world. If your workplace increasingly resembles a zoo during a zookeepers strike, withdraw to a neutral corner but stay in the game. The time will soon come when you can fix what is wrong.