Mars Transit in Chitra

Chitra is Mars's own nakshatra. Tvashtar, also called Vishvakarma, architect of the gods, is its deity, and a bright jewel its symbol. The first two padas lie in Virgo and the last two in Libra. Mars is at home in the nakshatra. In the Virgo padas it sits in the sign of Mercury, whom Mars counts an enemy, and in the Libra padas it meets Venus, neutral to Mars and neutral in return.

The stay is about three weeks. Chitra builds and designs, and architecture, engineering, surgery, jewellery, weapons and anything that needs a plan carried out with precision belong here. In its own nakshatra Mars gives drive and skill together. Brothers and colleagues become useful allies.

The intestines and the kidneys are the body areas across the two signs. Vanity about one's work is the moral hazard. Once Mars is in Libra, effort turns to partnership, and a quarrel may arise over credit for what was built.

• In the Virgo padas, Cancer, Aries and Scorpio Moons and lagnas have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh, Phaladeepika's favourable houses.
• In the Libra padas, those houses pass to Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius.
• Virgo and Libra Moons carry Mars on the self in turn and should keep the temper cool.
• Gemini, Pisces and Aquarius Moons in Virgo's padas, and Cancer, Aries and Pisces in Libra's padas, should watch the fourth, seventh and eighth.

A person's relation to their own craft comes to the surface. Mars in Chitra shows whether skill is used to serve or to impress, a difference felt more in the mind than seen from outside.

Honour Vishvakarma by keeping your tools clean and your workplace in order. Hanuman on Tuesday, japa of Om Angarakaya Namah and Parashara's dana of red lentils or copper serve Mars. Finish what is begun before showing it.