In the month of June we’re going to experience a continuation of the Sarpa Yoga caused by Rahu, Ketu, Mars and Saturn, which have now been added to by the Sun as well. The presence of these five malefics in quadrants to each other will likely accelerate some tensions in the world-wide political field, and as Mars and the Sun now aspect each other it is likely military action will occur. The nature of this military action may well be viewed as more positive though, due to the presence of benefics such as Venus and Jupiter, both well placed and both working to save us from the sarpa yoga of the 5 malefics. Venus’ strength in its own sign of Taurus opposite Saturn and Mars will give stability to some regions due to the familiarity of Venus and Saturn, two planets which have a beneficial relation to one another. In our personal lives this could mean we have been able to “reclaim some territory” in our lives, and gain a deeper understanding of our boundaries and the conflicts we engage in. In the world-wide theater there will likely be some important military victories that bring some stability back to disturbed regions.

Relationships will be an important theme this month for two reasons; the most obvious being that the lunar month begins with a conjunction of the Moon and Venus in Taurus, rendering both planets very strong and benefic. The more obscure reason is Rahu’s residence in the nakshatra Purvabhadra, a nakshatra ruled by Venus the lord of love and whose image is the bedchamber. Due to Rahu’s eagerness to bring forth hidden problems into the light of day, it is likely many lovers will find themselves confronted by thoughts-not-said, the kinds of thoughts which need to aired out by the winds (or gusts!) of honesty. Consequently this month will either be a testing ground to strengthen, or a battle ground to finish such relationships. Even if there are no serious complaints or issues, we could all use more honesty in our relations with one another, and the astrological environment of this month gives a good ground for such honesty and open discussions. The strength of Venus will be able to steer most of this work towards a happy ending.

As for the new lunar month, June 5th issues in a powerful Venusian influence through our lives, the Moon and Venus being exalted and in ownership respectively in Taurus. The nakshatra of the lunar month is Rohini, a nakshatra filled with ecstasy and absorption into one’s affairs, a fitting nakshatra for the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where millions of people around the world will dedicate themselves towards absorption in their spiritual and religious path. For those who are spiritually inclined it is a good time for personal retreat and spiritual practice, but for those not so inclined the nakshatra Rohini alongside such a strong Venus and Moon can lead to extremism in belief and excess in material affairs.

June 11th and 12th the Moon will be transiting over the Jupiter-Rahu combination in the sign of Leo. Though in a natal chart the aspect of the Moon on Jupiter is always advantageous, in transits the Moon serves more as an initiator of astrological combinations in the sky at that moment. Despite the gajakeshari yoga formed from the transit, which will prove good for any children born at this time, for most of us the transit of the Moon in the 11th and 12th will activate the Jupiter-Rahu combination, which could escalate the tensions mentioned above in worldly affairs and especially government situations. Jupiter-Rahu in Leo is a revolutionary combination, so demonstrations and revolts are possible in parts of the world being severely effected by this combination (Middle East and some places in South America). On a personal level there could be problems with authorities, taxes, or something involving the government. Since Jupiter is ultimately a benefic planet in a friendly sign, I am inclined to say that any such situations will end well, or at least put you in a better place than you were before.

Horoscopes for Ascendants

Aries: A lot of hard work and/or exhaustion marked the previous month, and the beginning of this month may be no different. There could also be some issues in relationships. But that will clear up in a few days when Mars ends its retrograde motion, eventually moving into its own sign Scorpio by the 13th. Saturn’s extended stay in the 8th house can exhaust you and age you substantially due to overwork. A temporary reprieve is expected while Mars stays a while in its own sign later in the month, rejuvenating you the best it can. It is possible to have children during the entire stay of Jupiter and Rahu in the 5th house, which still has some months left to it, due to the karmic nature of Rahu and the association of Jupiter with children. Aside from children, these planets in the 5th house have an even stronger ability to give inspiration and new ideas, entrepreneurship and innovation, especially when taken into account with the transiting Mercury over the ascendant at the beginning of the month.

Taurus: Taurus ascendants continue to be in the midst of a lengthy sarpa yoga being caused by Saturn, Rahu and Ketu occupations of the kendras. The Sun adds to the malefic nature of this combination, but Venus transiting over the ascendant lessens the blow substantially and gives Taurus ascendants some much-needed room to breath until June 13th when Venus leaves Taurus and enters into Gemini. Luckily a few days later the Sun will leave Taurus as well and relieve the extra malefic influence on the sarpa yoga. By the 15th, Venus and the Sun will both be in the 2nd house of Gemini, a great combination for traveling to see family members and loved ones. It should also help improve financial situations. The movement of Mars back into Scorpio could cause relationship issues, and/or an intense and short-lived fling. Instead of putting that energy into relationships, for which Mars is usually malefic, it would be wiser to spend it on a new project or business venture, for which Mars in the 7th can be quite good! Ketu/Rahu in the 10/4th houses can continue to cause strains in the major areas of life; your body, your happiness, your relationships and your job. Ketu in the 10th can make you feel uncertain of your future and your purpose, while Rahu in the 4th can make you self destructive to your own happiness. Clinging to Jupiter (elders, wise men, priests, religion) will help to pacify these obstacles. Offerings to Guru-Graha should be done.

Gemini: A strong Venus in the 12th with the Sun can lead to travel of long distances, which usually means a plane-trip in modern interpretations. The 12th especially indicates international travel. Ketu in the 9th makes one unsure of their beliefs and philosophies, and can also cause interruptions in higher education. Rahu and Jupiter in the 3rd can result in estrangement from friends. The movement of Venus into the ascendant later in the month can cause issues with your vehicle, or personal loss in finances, maybe due to a medical expenditure. Saturn and Mars in the 6th can give strength due to the raja yogas created from 2 malefics in a malefic house (vipreeta raja yoga), and this can result in a lot of exertion and work, which can likely result in a better situation long-term in terms of work and finances. But if you are of a quarrelsome nature, then malefics in the 6th can lead to fights and fallouts with others. The Sun in the ascendant can give a strong sense of confidence, so use that to overcome your obstacles, but rememeber that the Sun is also the chief proponent of the Dharma in vedic literature, so if you do something make sure to do it the right way and resolve any conflicts ethically and responsibly.

Cancer: The 8th/2nd Ketu/Rahu placement will continue to make health a concern and change the dynamic of the family and/or your wealth. Venus strong in the 11th at the beginning of the month bodes well for finances, but as Venus moves into Gemini expect expenditures on legal fees, business expenses, accountants or attorneys. In the latter half of the month the influence of Mars should usher in productivity. The continued presence of Saturn in the 5th is good for spiritual retreat, living simply, but also indicates intellectual work.

Leo: Catching the brunt of the Jupiter-Rahu combo for yet another month, the positive use of this energy will result in innovation and new ways of thinking, and can also bring some serious changes to your life. The negative way to use this combination is to clash with authorities and government, unless you feel it is necessary to do so. Saturn and Mars in the 4th house is bitter sweet. Mars is a powerful planet for Leo ascendants and can bring blessings to the arena of the 4th house, which happens to be its own sign. But the Lord of War (Mars) is not really cut out for the House of Happiness and Home (4th house)! It could be a good time for any house renovations or restoration projects, any manual work that needs to get done, and also a good time to get motivated about changes you need to make in your life for the sake of your happiness and sanity. The continued presence of Saturn in the 4th can make the mind dull and depressed, and give one a feeling of isolation. remember its just a transit! Don’t let your hopes get dashed against the rocks. All Saturn in the 4th house really wants you to do is find deeper meanings in life and developed a discipline way of living. Eat better, sleep better, think better, work towards a better job, improve your home, etc. The strong Venus in the 10th house bodes well for car salesmen, doctors, perhaps even attorneys with the later presence of Mercury in the 10th. Either way, Venus can give a renewed passion for your work, which will reward you. With Ketu in the 7th house it is generally best to stay away from relationships for now.

Virgo: The temporary residence in the first fortnight of Venus in the 9th house, strong in its own sign, bodes well for Virgos. Due to the conjunction of Venus and the Sun this is an excellent time for repairing any burnt bridges your may have between yourself and male family members, especially the father. If you have been estranged from your father then try giving him a call (fathers day is coming up anyways!), or don’t be surprised if he calls you. Rahu and Jupiter in the 12th may cause travel, perhaps to taboo places due to the nature of Rahu. It is possible that a loved one on the mother’s side of the family (maternal grandparents) may pass away during this transit which began some time ago and will continue on for a few more months.  Either way it’s a good reason to visit your family and connect with some of the elders in the family who you are normally too busy to spend time with. The Saturn/Mars combination in the 3rd house may cause strife with some siblings or a close group of friends. Note that the Sun and Venus in the 9th can also give a promotion or pay-raise since strong planets with the Sun can elevate a person’s standing and reputation.

Libra: The transit of Mercury over the 7th house at the beginning of the month is good for quick travels or business related travels, also for making new business partners or visiting extended family. Saturn and Mars in the 2nd house will give mixed results. Saturn is a great planet for Venus ascendants, but is unhappy in Scorpio and doesn’t give raja yoga in the 2nd house, the result is that even though Saturn has likely helped you build a new life and a stronger foundation to your life over this last year, its weakness and occasional retrogrades can make you unaware of this, or feel like you have no support or foundation. The transit of Mars over Scorpio in its own sign is good for working towards establishing a better basis of wealth. Financial planning and working on a business structure is a great way to take opportunity of this. The ascendant lord’s transit through the 8th is good for working on your health and doing any diet you feel would be good for you at this time. The sun’s transit through the 8th could make you feel tired or weak, likely due to the self-work and business work. Rahu/Jupiter in the 11th makes money big on your mind, especially coming up with new ways to make money. Unfortunately this is not Libra’s strongest field of expertise, so it would be a good idea to work with someone who is good at business planning to take advantage of the combination in the 11th. Ketu in the 5th weakens some of the raja yogas in the chart, so it can make you feel overwhelmed or like you don’t have the strength to do everything you want to do. The best use of time this month is to work on building up the body and restoring your health so that you have more energy to work on some of the longer-lasting transits that are geared towards career and finance.

Scorpio: It is an interesting time to be a Scorpio! The quadrants are filled with 5 natural malefics and two strong natural benefics. The ascendant lord Mars transiting over the ascendant strengthens the body and gives more energy for undertaking new endeavors, but its retrograde motion can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. Likewise the presence of Saturn makes one work a lot, but its retrograde motion makes one feel stuck as though not much progress is being made or there is no clear way forward. A strong Venus in the 7th is good for relationship work, but also good for travel either for fun or for business. A possible business partner could come into your life. Ketu and Rahu in the 4th/10th houses can cause stress and anxiety, and just a lot of work, but for those who can stay above the stress it can give a feeling of detachment and equipoise and inspire you towards your career. The Rahu/Jupiter combination in the 10th is great for new business ideas or career paths, and you should work towards setting up a good business plan. On the 18th the ascendant lord regresses back into Libra, and this is going to cause some issues. There is a risk of personal injury, but also of injury towards a sibling, or some manner of accident that results in financial loss, such as an at-fault car accident. Such regresses are the most dangerous for the first few days, so prayers to Ganesh to alleviate obstacles and protect from Mars would be a good idea from the 17th-19th or 20th at least.

Sagittarius: The prolonged presence of Saturn in the 12th can deplete wealth and make you feel unstable in life, uncertain of your actions. Mars’ occupation in the 12th doesn’t help this, and can result in relationship troubles due to the temporary kuja dosha caused by Mars. Ketu/Rahu in the 3rd/9th can cause problems with your social circle and obstacles to your spiritual path. Rahu’s effect on Jupiter can make you rebel against authority, especially in religious or spiritual life. The remedy to this is to cling to your spiritual guides, elders or people who have guided you in life and follow their advice, for once Rahu leaves the 9th you will wish you had not burned those bridges. Spending time with family can help alleviate the effects of Saturn in the 12th. Venus strong in the 6th at the beginning of the month alongside the Sun can result in a lot of work, but also in relationship tensions. the strength of Venus may indicate that whatever the result of those tensions, you end up in a better place ultimately. The transit of Venus in the 7th may bring a lost lover back into your life, but this person may just be an extra source of stress on you, a burden that you have to support and take care of to an unreasonable level. The native is advised to exercise restraint in relationships this month, and not jump headlong into relationship decisions (whether to start one or end one). A tough month! But is a great time to work on yourself, develop discipline and self-restraint, and cultivate self-reflection. Ketu in the 3rd is a great time for learning meditation if you have never tried, as it gives skill in spiritual practice. Sun in the 7th can give clarity of purpose in your direction in life, contrary to the effects of Saturn in the 12th.

Capricorn: The Ketu/Rahu axis being the 2nd and 8th houses can have a detrimental effect on health and wealth, as well as on family matters depending on your natal chart. Saturn in the 11th can give a good steady job, or give income through machine work, manual labor, agriculture, or similarly saturnine endeavors.  Jupiter and Rahu in the 8th can agitate longstanding health issues, or give a longstanding health issue, so education and discipline about health and diet is a good idea throughout this year. The strong Venus in the 5th house gives a lot of support to the chart for endeavors in education, creativity, philosophy and is an especially good time to take control of your health. For couples trying to conceive a child, the strong 5th house with Venus will make conception easier. Mars in the 11th may have brought an additional source of income into your life, but it will likely leave again due to the regress of Mars into Libra in the middle of the month. This could cause drama in the workplace as well, or an obstacle in your job. If you have children, the presence of the Sun and Venus in the 5th is a good time to take a little vacation with them or do something meaningful with them.

Aquarius: As with Taurus, Leo and Scorpio ascendants, Aquarius natives will be impacted more by the powerful planetary combinations in the quadrants. 5 natural malefics and 2 natural benefics in the quadrants at the beginning of the month can activate a lot of karmas for good or bad and lead to substantial changes in your life situation. Ketu over the ascendant can cause health issues or fatigue, but also a feeling of discontent or even depression. For those on the spiritual path the energy of Ketu can be very positive for spiritual practice and initiation throughout most of the year. Rahu and Jupiter in the 7th can lead to a new phase in the life of a relationship, or a powerful new relationship, but Rahu will still likely cause obstructions in this regards, so speak your mind and don’t let your relationship move faster than you are comfortable with. A powerful and benefic Venus in the 4th house will be auspicious for your living situation. It is a good time to improve your living situation by moving to a new place, or doing some work on your current house. Its also a decent time to get a new vehicle if that has been on your mind lately. Saturn in the 10th will make you work a lot, and this may be exaggerated by the presence of Mars there this month. The ascendant lord Saturn is transiting through Jyeshta, a nakshatra associated with Indra the King of the Gods and the planet Mercury, whose image is the victory banner. Overall it is an auspicious nakshatra for the ascendant lord, bringing good karma to fruition that you have been working for, despite some stress due to the retrograde motion of Saturn and it’s negative effect on your job or sense of purpose. Once Saturn goes forward again this will dissipate and Jyeshta can bring many blessings to your living situation and give a certainty about your life that you have been lacking, including a likely promotion at work. Indra is the king of the gods after all.

Pisces: The ascendant lord Jupiter in the 6th gives energy and ambition, but its conjunction with Rahu is putting people in the way of your success. Use Mercury in the 3rd to negotiate a way out of these obstacles instead of trying to pummel everyone to fall in line. Ketu in the 12th gives excellent energy for spiritual practice, pilgrimage, and retreat. For those more worldly oriented, ketu will likely cause stress to loans and financial burdens. Mars in the 9th has been giving motivation and direction in your personal life philosophies, but its current retrograde motion is testing some of your beliefs. The regress of Mars into Libra on the 18th doesn’t bode well for your health, so making offerings to Ganesha to alleviate obstacles is recommended in this case. Despite some set backs from the retrograde Mars, the month looks good overall. A strong 3rd house may lead to new social engagements or skill in a new art-form. Jupiter is in Purva Phalguni, a nakshatra associated with rest and pleasure, so relax your workload, spend more time with a loved one, and gather resources for new work in the future.