HYMN TO THE PLANETS* by Vyasa I worship the Sun, who has the luster of a red hibiscus flower, who has the power of perception, of great effulgence, the dispeller of darkness, who destroys all sins, the maker of the day.   I worship the Moon, who has the color of yogurt, seashell or snow, who arose from the ocean of milk, whom Shiva wears as a crest jewel on his head.   I worship Mars, born from the womb of the Earth, who has the beautiful brilliance of lightning, the Divine youth who carries a spear in his hand.   I worship Mercury, dark like the priyangu flower, who has an unequalled form, the intelligent son of the Moon, endowed with a gentle nature.   I worship Jupiter, the teacher of the Gods and the seers, who has the luster of gold, endowed with wisdom, the ruler of the three worlds.   I worship Venus, with the beautiful luster of a snowy mountain, who is the supreme teacher of the demons, who explains all the scriptures.   I worship Saturn, dark blue in color, who is born before the God of death, the son of the Sun and shadow.   I worship Rahu, with only half a body, great in valor, who oppresses the Sun and Moon, who was born from the womb of a lion.   I worship Ketu, whose head is the stars and planets, who has the dark luster of a palasha flower, who is fierce and terrible in nature. ------------------------------- *Taken from Astrology of the Seers: A Guide to Vedic Hindu Astrology, by David Frawley.

JYOTISH TRENDS (Vedic Astrology) FEBRUARY 2012 By Dr. Henry Herzberger ((Times are for Mountain time -- Adjust 1 hour earlier for Pacific time; 1 hour later for Central time and 2 hours later for Eastern Time))   Lunar high points (affects emotions positively): Exalted (outward ) Moon in Taurus from Feb.28 at 10:38 am to March 1st. Full Moon in its own sign from Feb.6 at 4:16 pm to Feb. 7 at 2:53 pm. Moon in own sign of Cancer from Feb.6 at 2:19 am to Feb.8 at 2 am. Moon in Capricorn aspecting own sign from Feb. 19 at 3:48 am till Feb. 21 at 3:24 am. There is more inward tendency of emotions and mind due to Ketu aspect on the Moon.   Lunar low points (emotions are more sensitive): Fallen Moon/inward Moon in Scorpio: Feb. 14 from 10:03 am to Feb. 16 at 4:46 pm. (extra vata/anxious and intense/fiery energy due to Mars aspect on Moon as well as its being conjunct with Rahu). New Moon starting 3:21 pm on February 20. This will last till Feb. 21 at 3:34 pm.    Additional intense days: Moon in Leo conjunct Mars (generates more pitta or fiery energy in emotions) from Feb.8 at 2:00 am to Feb.10 at 8:22 am. Moon in Libra conjunct Saturn (more vata influence --anxious energy) from Feb. 12 at 6:19 am till Feb. 14 at 10:03 am. Moon in Aquarius is aspected by Mars from Feb. 21 at 3:24 am till Feb. 23 at 5:26 pm (generates more intensity in emotion).   I. DAYS OF SHIVA --- for Transcendental experience of Deep Meditation & Prayer: February 5 from 5:03 pm to Feb. 6 at 4:16 pm. February 19 from 3:34 pm till February 20 at 3:21 pm. II. DAYS OF SKANDA (ARCHANGEL MICHAEL)---for Victory and energy to overcome negativity: February 12 from 3:26 am to February 13 at 1:08 am February 26 from 11:52 pm to Feb. 28 at 2:33 am III. DAYS OF GANESH --- for removing obstacles and success in action: February 10 from 8:22 am to February 11 at 5:53 am February 24 from 7:08 pm to Feb. 25 at 9:20 pm  IV. DAYS OF VISHNU --- for harmony, balance, dharma and good relationships:  February 16 from 6:07 pm to 4:59 pm next day V. DAYS OF DURGA (Mother Divine) --- for removing difficulties and overcoming fear: February 14 from 9:08 pm to Feb. 15 at 7:30 pm   PLANETARY Sankranti----Points of Transcendence when planets switch constellations Sun moves into Aquarius on February 13 at 3:15 am. This shifts the National and individual focus to scientific and humanitarian programs for betterment of humanity. It brings in a more universal equality of spirit to awareness. This will especially affect people with Aquarius and Leo rising signs (or Sun/Moon in these signs). Mercury moves into Aquarius on Feb. 11. This emphasizes use of intellect for scientific and humanitarian problem solving in social programs. This position in February particularly affects people with Aquarius, Gemini and Virgo ascendants (or Moon/Sun in those signs).  Mercury will be combust (close to Sun) until Feb. 25. This intensifies pitta (fiery energy) in one's nervous system till then.  Venus moved into its exalted position in Pisces starting Feb. 3. This position improves all relationships and favors a more harmonious outlook. It also is excellent for artistic endeavors. This will have more of an influence on people who are Libra, Taurus and Pisces rising (or Sun/Moon) in those signs. Mars will stay in Leo all of February, increasing leadership energy to work on more expansive/public projects. For Virgo, Leo, and Aquarius rising signs it could create more intensity in relationships. Also Mars from this position aspects Venus most of the month, bringing more passion in relationships for everyone.   OTHER PLANETARY POSITIONS Jupiter is in Aries, its own constellation moving. It favors starting new projects utilizing new knowledge. This may be good for business, stock market, and banking and positively affects people with Aries, Libra, Sagittarius and Pisces rising (or Sun / Moon in these signs). All of February Saturn will stay in Libra, its sign of maximum energy known as exaltation position. This increases conservative trends and brings in energy of partnership and solidarity in relationships both individual and national. It also will affect the savings/finances of the U.S. chart, bringing in more conservation and restructuring of financial system.  From Feb. 8-June 26 Saturn will be retrograde which creates a need to reorganize and restructure one's activities. After June 26 projects and activities will have more momentum to manifest, crystallize and move forward. This will affect Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant persons more, as well as Libra and Aries rising signs (or with Sun/Moon in those signs).  Rahu continuing in Scorpio will emphasize expansion of inner spiritual knowledge and expansion of sacred healing and inner wisdom in society.  Ketu being in Taurus will bring less attachment to materiality for the world. For those with Taurus rising birth signs, Rahu in 7th house brings in need for more space in relationships.  For Scorpio rising signs Rahu in first house makes for more restlessness and opening of crown chakra---while with Ketu in 7th house less attachments in relationships will come up. Less attachment can mean also deeper spiritual connection.   SPECIAL VEDIC HOLIDAYS On Feb. 5 is celebration of Vishwakarma Jayanti. Vishwakarma is the Architect of the Universe -- a name in the Litany of God the Creator. This is a good day to create plans and designs. Feb. 7 is celebration of Guru Ravidas Jayanti in the Sikh tradition. Guru Ravidas was a 15th Century Saint whose mission was to affirm that anyone can worship God, no matter what their caste or background is. His poetic works are incorporated in the scripture Guru Granth Sahib. Feb. 20 marks the celebration of Maha-Shivaratri. 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. The real meaning of staying up all night on this evening is being awake perpetually in the state of Enlightenment/ God Realization.     Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year of Growth, Success and Fulfillment! 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 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 and Monica's website is 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 2012 Henry G. Herzberger