Mars Transit in Uttara Ashadha

Uttara Ashadha is the Sun's nakshatra. The Vishvadevas, the universal gods, are its deities, and an elephant's tusk and the planks of a bed are its symbols. The first pada lies in Sagittarius and the other three in Capricorn, where Mars is exalted. Mars counts the Sun a friend, and the stay moves from a friend's sign into the sign of Mars's greatest strength.

Mars stays around seventeen days. Uttara Ashadha is the later victory, the one that lasts because it was built on dharma, and endurance, leadership, righteous conduct and the patient defeat of obstacles are its themes. Mars does not rush here. Effort goes into something that will stand after the person has gone.

The thighs are the body area in the first pada, the knees and bones in the rest. Stubbornness is the hazard, since the elephant's tusk does not bend, and disputes with authority arise when a person is right and refuses to say it gently.

During the Sagittarius pada, Libra, Cancer and Aquarius Moons have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh. Once Mars enters Capricorn, those houses pass to Scorpio, Leo and Pisces. Phaladeepika gives these three as Mars's favourable transit places, read from the Moon and from the lagna. Capricorn Moons carry an exalted Mars on the self and should spend the force on work.

Libra, Cancer and Gemini Moons have Mars in the fourth, seventh and eighth for most of the stay. Their homes, partnerships and health need a steady hand.

Uttara Ashadha examines staying power, and whether a commitment survives its second week.

Honour the Vishvadevas with a portion of food set aside before each meal. Worship Hanuman on Tuesday and recite Om Angarakaya Namah at dawn. Give red lentils or copper, Parashara's dana for Mars, and keep to one task for the whole stay.