Mars Transit in Shravana

Vishnu presides over Shravana, the Moon's nakshatra in Capricorn, and its symbol is an ear or the three footprints of Vamana. Capricorn is Saturn's sign and the sign of Mars's exaltation. Mars counts the Moon a friend and Saturn neutral, so the graha is strong and at ease. Shravana is the nakshatra of hearing, and Mars is an impatient listener.

The stay is a little over two weeks. Learning, scripture, tradition, reputation and the passing on of knowledge are the themes, and Mars brings both the effort to study and the urge to interrupt. Courses are begun and teachers sought out. Arguments break out over what was said.

The ears and the knees are the body areas, and ear infections, knee injuries and damage to reputation through a hasty word are the classical warnings. Saturn's sign holds the temper down. Exalted Mars pushes against the restraint.

Scorpio, Leo and Pisces Moons and lagnas have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh, the houses Phaladeepika names as favourable. They gain through study and through competition. Capricorn Moons carry the exalted graha on the self and accomplish much quickly. Libra, Cancer and Gemini Moons, with Mars in the fourth, seventh and eighth, should keep the peace at home.

Mars in Shravana shows how a person listens. Vishnu measured the three worlds in three steps, and Shravana asks whether a person can hear a whole thing before acting on it, with Mars making the gap between hearing and reacting easy to see. A sadhana of silence for a fixed hour each day suits the stay.

Honour Vishnu with Om Namo Narayanaya, or by listening to a reading of the Gita, and worship Hanuman on Tuesday. Recite Om Angarakaya Namah and give red lentils or copper, Mars's dana. Each day of the transit, hear one person out fully without replying.