Mars Transit in Ardra

Rudra presides over Ardra, Rahu is its lord, and its symbol is a teardrop. It lies in Gemini, Mercury's sign. Mars counts Mercury an enemy, and Rahu opposes Mars in the usual lists, so the graha finds no ally here. Rudra is Shiva in his fierce form, the destroyer who removes what is finished.

Mars stays about three weeks. Sudden events, storms, sharp arguments, machinery that breaks and grief held back are the themes. Effort is intense and often misdirected. Technology and electrical work fall in Ardra's field, and Mars brings both faults and repairs.

Speech is the main hazard: Gemini rules the tongue, Rahu amplifies, and Mars makes it cutting. The nerves, arms and lungs are under strain, and accidents with vehicles and electricity are the classical warnings for Mars in a Rahu nakshatra.

Aries, Capricorn and Leo Moons and lagnas have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh and turn the pressure into gains at work. Gemini Moons have Mars on the lagna and should expect a sharp, restless three weeks. Pisces, Sagittarius and Scorpio Moons, with Mars in the fourth, seventh and eighth, should take particular care.

Ardra deals in destruction, and a person's way of meeting it comes into view. Rudra removes what has decayed. Mars in Ardra tests whether the person can let it go without a fight, and grief that is acknowledged passes sooner.

Honour Rudra with the Rudram, or a simple abhisheka of Shiva on Monday. Hanuman worship on Tuesday, Om Angarakaya Namah and a dana of red lentils or copper follow Parashara's remedies for Mars. Delay any argument by a day.