Mars Transit in Hasta

Hasta is the Moon's nakshatra, ruled by Savitr, with a hand as its symbol. It lies in Virgo, the sign of Mercury, whom Mars counts an enemy. Mars counts the Moon a friend. Its ease with the lord offsets the sign's resistance, and the result is skill under pressure.

Mars stays around three and a half weeks, and almost three months when a retrograde loop falls here. Craft, handiwork, healing by touch, trade and cleverness are Hasta's themes. Mars puts the hands to work. Surgery, repair, carpentry, cooking and any skilled labour gain force.

The hands themselves are at risk. So are the intestines, and cuts, burns and strain from overwork are the common complaints, especially where the work runs late. In Mercury's sign Mars's anger turns into criticism, and Virgo's fault-finding grows sharp.

Cancer, Aries and Scorpio Moons and lagnas, with Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh, gain through skilled work and win disputes. Virgo Moons feel Mars on the self and should not take on more work than the stay allows. Gemini, Pisces and Aquarius Moons, with Mars in the fourth, seventh and eighth, should take care at home and in health.

Mars in Hasta shows what a person makes with effort. Precision is rewarded here and haste costs, and a person watching their own work these weeks sees whether they rush or dawdle.

Offer arghya to the Sun as Savitr in the morning, and worship Hanuman on Tuesday. Om Angarakaya Namah before work, and a dana of red lentils or copper, are Parashara's remedies for Mars. Make something with your hands each day of the stay.