Mars Transit in Uttara Bhadrapada

Ahirbudhnya, the serpent of the deep, presides over Uttara Bhadrapada, Saturn's nakshatra, and the back legs of a funeral cot are its symbol. It lies in Pisces, Jupiter's sign. Mars counts Saturn neutral and Jupiter a friend, and the discipline of the lord joins the wisdom of the sign.

The stay is about seventeen days. Depth, patience, seclusion, the control of anger and the slow force that brings rain are the themes, and Mars works below the surface. Long projects advance without noise. A practice of yoga or the martial arts deepens, and effort goes into foundations no one will see.

The feet, the lymph and sleep are the body areas of Pisces, with cold and swelling in the feet as the common complaints. Anger sinks in this nakshatra. A grudge held here can last a long time.

• Capricorn, Libra and Taurus Moons and lagnas have Mars in the third, sixth and eleventh, Phaladeepika's favourable houses, and gain through quiet persistence.
• Pisces Moons carry the graha on the self and need more sleep than they take.
• Sagittarius and Virgo Moons have Mars in the fourth and seventh, where home and marriage feel a slow pressure.
• Leo Moons meet Mars in the eighth and should keep the feet dry and the accounts in order.

Force held in reserve is Uttara Bhadrapada's subject. The serpent of the deep lies still until needed, and Mars tests whether the person can wait without going cold, and whether their patience is real.

Honour Ahirbudhnya by sitting still for a fixed time each day, and light a sesame oil lamp on Saturday for Saturn, the lord. Worship Hanuman on Tuesday, recite Om Angarakaya Namah, and give red lentils or copper, the dana for Mars. The transit rewards anyone who can keep a plan for seventeen days without announcing it.