Mars Transit in Mrigashira

Mrigashira is Mars's own nakshatra. Soma is its deity and a deer's head its symbol. The first two padas lie in Taurus and the last two in Gemini, so Mars moves from Venus's sign into Mercury's. Venus is neutral to Mars and Mars counts Mercury an enemy, which makes the second half of the stay harder than the first.

The stay lasts close to three weeks. In its own nakshatra Mars gives a clear sense of what to pursue, and Mrigashira is the searcher, with Soma adding a taste for pleasure and novelty. Travel, research, hunting for property and the restless changing of plans all belong here.

In Taurus the effort is practical, with money and land at its centre. In Gemini it turns to speech, writing and the nerves, and arguments multiply. Watch the shoulders, arms and throat.

From the Moon, Pisces, Sagittarius and Cancer benefit during the Taurus padas, having Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh. Aries, Capricorn and Leo take those houses once Mars enters Gemini. These are Phaladeepika's favourable houses for Mars, read from the Moon and from the lagna. Taurus and Gemini Moons feel Mars on the self and should keep the pace even.

The transit shows the quality of a person's seeking, and whether the search has a purpose or is an escape from stillness. The mind's wandering is easy to observe now, which makes it a good period for a sadhana of attention.

Worship Hanuman on Tuesday, recite Om Angarakaya Namah, and offer water to the Moon for Soma's steadiness. Parashara's dana of red lentils or copper suits the transit, and a fixed daily routine gives the search a direction.