Mars Transit in Pushya

Pushya is Saturn's nakshatra, with Brihaspati as its deity and a cow's udder and a lotus as its symbols. It lies in Cancer, where Mars is debilitated. Mars is neutral toward Saturn, so here the graha meets its own weakness more than any enemy. Pushya is the most auspicious nakshatra in muhurta, and Mars is uncomfortable in it.

The stay is a little over three weeks, and up to two and a half months when a retrograde falls on it. Nourishment, care of dependents, teaching and the slow growth of security are the themes. Mars wants action in a field that needs patience, so frustration builds at home, along with irritability toward those one is meant to support.

The chest, breasts and stomach are Cancer's body areas. Mars in fall brings acidity, fevers that linger, and disputes with the mother or over family property.

Taurus, Aquarius and Virgo Moons and lagnas have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh, the houses Phaladeepika names as favourable. They gain through steady effort. Cancer Moons carry a weak Mars on the self and tire easily. Aries, Capricorn and Sagittarius Moons, with Mars in the fourth, seventh and eighth, should watch the home and the marriage.

The transit shows a person's relation to dependence, and whether care can be accepted and given without resentment. Where the birth chart has the Moon in a kendra, the tradition reads neecha bhanga, and the period becomes more useful.

Honour Brihaspati on Thursday with yellow cloth and turmeric, and Hanuman on Tuesday. Japa of Om Angarakaya Namah cools the fall of Mars in Cancer. Give red lentils or copper, Parashara's dana for Mars, and feed the hungry, which serves Pushya's own nature. Start no quarrel in the family during these weeks.