Sun Transit in Ardra

Ardra is Rudra's nakshatra, the teardrop in Gemini, and Rahu rules it. The usual lists count Rahu, the eclipser, an enemy of the Sun, and Mercury, lord of the sign, is neutral. The Sun's entry into Ardra marks the traditional start of the rains in much of India, and in Assam the Ambubachi of Kamakhya is observed at this entry.

It stays about two weeks, near its northern limit in declination.

Rudra brings storms. Positions in government shift, a father's health or temper is tested, and the eyes suffer in the glare and the damp. Rahu magnifies whatever the Sun touches, so praise and blame both arrive out of proportion.

Ardra is tikshna, and the fortnight suits sharp work such as an investigation, a difficult conversation or a diagnosis. It does not suit ceremony. Rudra also heals, and the sharpest days often close an old grievance.

Aries, Capricorn, Virgo and Leo Moons have the Sun in the third, sixth, tenth and eleventh and gain. Gemini Moons carry it in the first, which Phaladeepika reads as fatigue and loss of standing, and Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces Moons have it in the twelfth, eighth and fourth and should guard health and the home. The lagna gives the second count.

Rahu magnifies attention and the Sun draws it. The fortnight shows what a person does with being seen.

Offer arghya to the rising Sun, and a Rudra japa or Shiva abhisheka on Monday for the deity. Give wheat or jaggery on Sunday. Keep quarrels small, and wait a day before believing the size of any news.