July 2003 Astrology Column

Vedic Sun Signs is going to be modern, yet traditional, practical yet philosophical. I will write about emotional, spiritual, esoteric, financial, relationships, love and more.

My monthly astrological guidance is going to take into account the many challenges we face in the 21st century.

Your Vedic Sun Sign is different from the western one. It's astronomically precise and the forecasts are more focused. I will be including a special planetary watch for the good and bad days of the month- enjoy the good days and learn to manage the bad ones. I am also using the Sanskrit names for the Sun signs and the planets. All indications are from the position of Surya, the Sun at birth. Surya is the most important planet as it reflects your soul and its desires. Surya's relationship to other planets tells of the present experiences, both the positive and the negative.

The Vedic Suns Signs

Sun Signs Dates

1. Mesha April 14 to May 15

2. Vrishibha May 15 to June 15

3. Mithuna June 15 to July 16

4. Karka July 16 to August 17

5. Simha August 17 to September 17

6. Kanya September 17 to October 17

7. Tula October 17 to November 16

8. Vrishchika November 16 to December 16

9. Dhanus December 16 to January 14

10. Makara January 14 to February 13

11. Kumbha February 13 to March 14

12. Mina March 14 to April 14

Vedic Sun Signs

1. Mesha - April 14 to May 15

Planetary Ruler: Mangal, Meaning: Ram, Attitude: adventurous, Lucky Gem: Coral

Positive traits: Warm, loving, courageous, active, physical, dynamic, original, independent, pioneering, forceful, adventurous, sporty, confident, heroic and open.

Negative traits: arrogant, dominating, abrasive, philistine, fickle, quick tempered, restless, rash, impatient, stubborn, aggressive, violent and selfish.

2. Vrishibha May 15 to June 15

Planetary Ruler: Shukra, Meanings: The best, eminent, a male animal, Attitude: prudent, Lucky Gem: Diamond

Positive Traits: Creative, lucky, nurturing, sensual, practical, potent, hard working, committed, trustworthy, reliable, strong willed, lovers of luxury and good food, musical, cautious and prudent.

Negative Traits: lazy, possessive, jealous, nervy, stressful, dogmatic, obstinate, boring and rigid.

3. Mithuna- June 15 to July 16

Planetary Ruler: Buddha, Meanings: a couple, junction point, cohabiting, union. Attitude: Inquiring, Lucky Gem: Emerald

Positive Traits: intellectual, quick of mind, idealistic, thinkers, witty, adaptable, youthful, creative, progressive, active, knowledgeable, analytical

Negative Traits: deceptive, eternally dissatisfied, changeable, lack of stability and peace of mind, fickle, obsessed about relationships - sexual and others, overly materialistic, impressionable, nervous.

4. Karka- July 16 to August 17

Planetary Ruler: Soma, Meaning: white, good, excellent, crab, root of the lotus, a thorn, Attitude: Caring, Lucky Gem: Pearl

Positive Traits: pure, intuitive thinker, mysterious, secretive, emotional, possessive, very adaptable,

Teachers, philosophers, friendly, dynamic and forward-looking, self-reliant, intelligent, perceptive, imaginative, hospitable, psychic, family orientated, house proud, creative etc.

Negative Traits: changeable, fickle, hypersensitive, lacking confidence, secretive, overly emotional, irrational, cold, vindictive.

5. Simha- August 17 to September 17

Planetary Ruler: Surya, Meaning: the Best, Lion, Attitude: Warm, Lucky Gem: Ruby

Positive Traits: Idealistic, powerful, individualistic, virile, leaders, independent, loyal, reliable, protective, energetic, dynamic, positive, creative, ambitious, courageous, enthusiastic, broadminded, and tolerant.

Negative traits: rigid, egoistic, selfish, pompous, lazy, snobbish, arrogant and self- opinionated.

6. Kanya - September 17 to October 17

Planetary Ruler: Buddha, Meaning: an unmarried girl or daughter, virgin, Attitude: Analytical, Lucky Gem: Emerald

Positive Traits: Pure, idealist, practical, perfectionist, incorruptible, analytical, meticulous, quick-witted, modest, prudent, economical, diplomatic, cautious and methodical.

Negative Traits: discontented, overtly materialistic, super-critical, agitated, anxious, fussy, finicky, critical, nervous and hypochondriacs.

7. Tula - October 17 to November 16

Planetary Ruler: Shukra, Meaning: to balance, weigh, measure. Attitude: Charming, Lucky Gem: Diamond

Positive Traits: Harmonious, diplomatic, thinkers, social, freedom loving, charming, easy going, romantic, intelligent, impartial, level- headed, artistic, idealists, creative.

Negative traits: indecisive, changeable, flirtatious, impractical, uncaring, judgmental, and easily influenced.

8. Vrishchika - November 16 to December 16

Planetary Ruler: Mangal and Ketu, Meaning: to cut, to tear, to wound and the Scorpion. Attitude: Intense, Lucky Gem: Coral and Cat's Eye

Positive Traits: spiritual courage, leadership, occult power, mystical, knowledgeable, great teachers, mysterious, passionate, committed, imaginative, sensual, romantic, generous, loyal and intelligent.

Negative Traits: Selfish, stubborn, extreme rigidity, possessive, secretive, jealous, vengeful, cruel, obsessive, inflexible and self-destructive.

9. Dhanus - December 16 to January 14

Planetary Ruler: Brihaspati, Meaning: the bow, the archer, Attitude: Generous, Lucky Gem: Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire)

Positive Traits: spiritual, divine, idealistic, puritan, philosopher, warrior, flexible, humane, dynamic, optimistic, jovial, generous, expansive, orthodox, enterprising, active, philosophical.

Negative traits: fundamentalist, callous, careless, restless, indecisive, over- expansive, risk takers and tactless.

10. Makara- January 14 to February 13

Planetary Ruler: Shani, Meaning: Crocodile, hands folded together, Attitude: Responsible,

Lucky Gem: Sapphire

Positive Traits: self- sacrificing, ascetic, materialistic yet spiritual, austere, leaders, practical, determined, ambitious, careful, prudent, hard working, reliable, workaholics, careful and disciplined.

Negative Traits: workaholics, miserable, depressive, miserly, cunning, lazy and rigid.

11. Kumbha - February 13 to March 14

Planetary Ruler: Shani and Rahu, Meaning: a pitcher, the ability to control prana (life breath)- a yogic practice. Attitude: whimsical, Lucky Gem: Sapphire and Hessonite

Positive Traits: realist, intuitive, Ability to control their negative nature, humanitarian, independent, friendly, talkative, original, workaholics, persevering, eccentric, inventive and rational.

Negative traits: unpredictable, dogmatic, controlling, rebellious, tactless, fundamentalists, and blinkered.

12. Mina - March 14 to April 14

Planetary Ruler: Brihaspati, Meaning: Fish, Attitude: Perceptive, Lucky Gem: Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire).

Positive Traits: Spiritual, idealists, compassionate, religious, orthodox, learned, teachers, intuitive, receptive, psychic, mystical, adaptable and artistic.

Negative traits: superstitious, indecisive, unrealistic, impressionable, timid, nervous and weak- willed.

Vedic Sun Signs

Komilla Sutton

July 2003

Planet Watch

13th -Guru Purnima - Full Moon in Dhanus, very auspicious- honour your Guru.

29th -Mangal turns retrograde in Kumbha. Watch for sudden anger and aggression. Avoid taking risks, travel carefully.

30th -Brihaspati moves into Simha. Super year ahead for Mesha, Simha, and Dhanus

MESHA (April 14-May15) A profitable month, make the most of it and improve your finances. Thinking of closing one chapter in life and starting a new one. The time is not ripe as yet. Mangal turns retrograde on July 29, so be careful.

VRISHABHA (May 15-June 15) Busy, Busy, Busy. Too much time on other people's problems, too little time on yourself. Learn to say no. Restructuring is the key word- re-plan your diet, your finances, your responsibilities.

MITHUNA (June 15-July 16) Stressful times. A tough Shani transit for the next two years will be testing you and this month other planets are also piling on the pressure. Learn to delegate and practice patience.

KARKATA (July 16 to Aug 17) The auspicious planet Brihaspati is shining its beneficence on you. Enjoy its pleasures but watch your expenses. Full Moon on July 13 in your area of healing, can help ease the pain of last year's disappointments.

SIMHA (August 17-September 17) The aggressive Mangal in disturbing your relationships. Avoid arguments, stay calm. The month ends on a high note. The magnificent Brihaspati comes into your sun sign on July 30 promising a fabulous year ahead.

KANYA (September 17 to October 17) Four planets are activating your career positively, but adding to your stress as well. Pace yourself, avoid burnout around July 5. You can get a lucky break regarding money. Children can be demanding.

TULA (October 17 to November 16) A great time for learning - plan for higher education or practice the art of self-improvement. Projects can be delayed around July 8, be patient, it will all turn out for the better. Ambitions get fulfilled after July 24.

VRISHCHIKA (November 16- December 16) Arguments at home can mar this month if you are not careful. Anger management is the key for the next three months to finding peace. Yoga, meditation, a more philosophical view on life, helps you cope.

DHANUS (December 16- January 14) The difficult Shani is creating turbulence in your relationships, making you face complex love issues. Try to stay detached. There are no easy answers till Brihaspati shines its good fortune from July 30.

MAKAR (January 14- February 13) If single, this is a good month to meet the love of your life. Make time for relationships otherwise you can lose a good opportunity for love. Watch your health as you may be burning candles at both ends.

KUMBHA (February 13- March 14) Mangal's long transit in your sign can make you dynamic or angry- take your pick. Use this extra vibrancy productively or you'll feel frustrated. Burn away the negativity and make the changes you have been promising yourself.

MINA (March 14- April 14) Wonderful month - creative, happy and lucky. Do not neglect any small domestic problems- a stitch in time, saves nine. Your planetary ruler Brihaspati is on the move on July 30, highlighting work, responsibility and health.

Vedic Planetary Transits for July 2003

Lahiri Ayanamsha, Sidereal Zodiac
(All times are for GMT, London, UK)

10th 14:47 GMT Buddha (Mercury) ingress into Cancer

13th 19:21 GMT Full Moon 27 degrees 4' Dhanus (Sagittarius), Purva Ashadha nakshatra. Guru Purnima- a very auspicious day celebrated in honour of the Guru.

16th 22:43 GMT Surya, the Sun's ingress (Sankranti) into Karka (Cancer).

24th 07:29 GMT Buddha (Mercury) ingress into Simha (Leo)

29th 6:52 GMT New Moon 11 Degrees 51' Karka (Cancer), Pushya Nakshatra

29th 7:38 GMT Mangal (Mars) turns retrograde at 16 degrees 14' Kumbha (Aquarius)

30th 7:27 GMT Guru (Jupiter) ingress into Simha (Leo). Guru leaves its exaltation sign. Guru's transit in Simha is not always considered an easy transit. Watch how it unfolds.