One reason, among many, that I love the study of Jyotish is that shows a cosmic order. There are patterns and cycles which repeat and have been repeating for thousands of years. Astrologers have been recording these cycles for thousands of years.

Many astrologers are keen observers of history and will look at the past to gain insight into the present. As we approach a Presidential election this November I’ve been looking at elections which took place under similar dasas and transits. The election of 1900 took place under a Rahu dasa and the date closely matched our 2024 election. The 1900 election saw the re-election of McKinely as President and Teddy Roosevelt as Vice President. McKinely’s 2nd term lasted 6 months as he was assassinated in Buffalo, NY in September (inauguration was in March) and Teddy Roosevelt became a very consequential President. Given President Biden’s, age and apparent physical weakness, I thought there was the possibility of Kamala Harris needing to take over the Presidency. However, President Biden took matters in his own hands, and named Kamala Harris as the nominee. (The Rahu surprises never end.) The chart of VP Harris promises a consequential Presidency. As of now I’m working on a different election article.

It is August and the planets are, like the heat, increasing their energy. The New Moon takes place on Sunday, August 4th. As we know, the New Moon energy can be quiet and introspective. This New Moon will be taking place in the sign of emotional and family/relationship focused Cancer. Try to plan for a quiet time-period with loved ones during this cycle. This New Moon is free of negative aspects and it is very possible that we can carve out at least a few hours of quiet and restfulness.

The big news is that Mars is now on the march again and will be assuming a leadership role in the next few months. Currently, he’s in the sign of Taurus, and is approaching an exact conjunction with the mighty Jupiter. Jupiter and Mars are considered friends and, while Taurus is not in the “friend’s camp,” it is a strong, grounded sign which can handle hosting this conjunction. Mars will be in Taurus until August 26th when he moves into the fussy and nervous sign of Gemini. Now is the time to plan to pay attention to your nervous system, restlessness and general impatience.

Jupiter is considered the “greater benefic” and Mars, is the planet of action, military, sports and surprises. It is a good energy for the Summer Olympics as well as humor and excitement. The US chart happens to have a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in the 7th house of diplomacy. The transiting conjunction of these two planets helped to bring about the freeing of hostages. This positive conjunction will continue for a few more weeks (8/26).

Mars represents anger and Jupiter is a planet of desire. Jupiter will expand the energy of whatever planet he comes into contact with; focusing on personal wants and desires can bring about too much impatience, inflammation and anger. If we don’t stay balanced the nervous system will react negatively after 8/26.

We also have a Mercury/Venus conjunction in Leo which adds to the higher level of energy. On August 5th Mercury will start retrograding back towards the sign of Cancer. He will retrograde from 8/5 until 8/29 and reenter the sign of Cancer on 8/21. Mercury goes retrograde three times per year and can cause traffic, communication and technological difficulties. We can’t stop living but we can determine to not let ourselves get frazzled. The most problematic days are the day that Mercury moves into retrograde and the day he resumes direct motion. (8/5 and 8/29).

As we enter Leo season we enter into the domain of the Sun who is the ruler of Leo. I like to remember that the Sun is earth’s primary source of light and warmth but that the Sun does not need accolades in order to shine his light.