On December 26th, 2023, Mars will enter 29.12 degrees of Scorpio in the Nakshatra Jyestha. This portion of the sky is known as gandanta in Vedic Astrology. Ganda means knot, and anta means ending. There are three gandanta points in the zodiac. These points align precisely where a water sign ends and a fire sign begins. This alignment goes even further and perfectly lies between the end of a Mercury-ruled Nakshatra and the beginning of a Ketu-ruled Nakshatra. Very soon, Mars will begin its journey through this unsettling area of the cosmos. While in the watery sign of Scorpio, there is an intense un-doing of the emotional sheath. Mars represents our strength and courage, and traveling through this karmic know will present opportunities for profound inner growth and change, but it will take work. The transition to fire from water is sudden, abrupt, and unforgiving. The key here is to accept the change. Don't fight it. Flow like water, even when there is a fire ahead.
This transit, though brief, can have lasting effects. On December 27th, Mars enters Sagittarius and remains gandanta for a day. The impact of gandanta in Sagittarius in Mula Nakshatra is slightly different from Scorpio's deep, dark waters. Acceptance of change May require confronting past material and earthly attachments before the soul can fully transform. This process, unique to each individual, can be challenging to navigate. However, the transit of Mars through gandanta, despite the potential for intense emotional upheaval, also provides a unique opportunity for profound spiritual growth and transformation.
Once Mars reaches 0 degrees 49 minutes of Sagittarius, it will no longer be gandanta. This transit occurs on December 28th, around 4 pm CST. At that time, Mars will enter a powerful ruler exchange with Jupiter in Aries. Concurrently, they will be in a positive and supportive 5/9 relationship.
Let's delve into the energy we can expect during this time. In astrology, Mars and Jupiter, along with their signs, are friendly to each other and can be powerful when their energies are combined. This mutual exchange, known as parivartana yoga in Vedic astrology, will influence each other's house while providing supportive energies. Mars, representing action, strength, and courage, will bring these qualities into the realm of spirituality and knowledge, represented by Sagittarius. Meanwhile, our beliefs, hopes, and personal growth, represented by Jupiter, will be empowered by Aries's fiery, action-oriented nature. This combination of energies suggests a time of dynamic spiritual and personal growth.
Mars in Sagittarius will be 9th from Jupiter in Aries, placing these two Grahas in an easy-going 5/9 relationship. This energy will be most potent during the exact conjunction on January 12th, 2024, 5:37 am CST, when Mars in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aries are at 11 degrees 39 minutes in an exact 5/9 aspect. This conjunction takes place on a Thursday, ruled by Jupiter.
Mars will be in the 4th pada of Mula, Cancer. Mars is debilitated here. There can be fights for the wrong cause or physical and spiritual weakness. Depending on where Sagittarius lands in your chart will determine the area of life that this karma plays out. If this is in your 4th house, it will be in the realm of your home or associations with your mother. If this occurs in your 10th house, it will happen around your career or how you practice your beliefs.
Five houses away, Jupiter will be in the 4th pada of Ashwini, Cancer. Jupiter is exalted in this pada and will have the powerful wisdom needed to continue guiding the soul toward higher vibrations despite the debilitated nature of Mars during this conjunction. Careful considerations are needed to avoid making rash or misguided choices during this brief transit; a weakened Mars will bring friction and tension instead of strength and courage when it is needed to overcome.
This transit in the sky presents a fascinating and profound journey that Mars is set to embark upon, transitioning through the gandanta points of Scorpio and Sagittarius and encountering a pivotal exchange with Jupiter in Aries. The intensity of this transit, combined with the potential for karmic challenges and spiritual transformation, urges individuals to navigate this period with mindfulness and readiness for inner growth. The parivartana yoga between Mars and Jupiter further emphasizes the potential for dynamic spiritual and personal development. The conjunction's specific timing and astrological influences offer a unique opportunity to better understand our inner workings and the world around us.
As you prepare to navigate the celestial energies of 2024, consider delving into the other transits happening this year with my free report of all the significant transits happening in 2024. You'll also have a chance to sign up for my newsletter as I document these transits in the sky as I experience them personally and observe them in others.
