Venus Transit in Purva Ashadha

Purva Ashadha, the middle third of Sagittarius, is Venus's second own nakshatra. Apas, the waters, are its deities, and its symbol is a fan or a winnowing basket. Jupiter, lord of the sign, is neutral to Venus in Parashara's table, so Venus in its own nakshatra and a neutral sign is strong and a little too sure of itself.

The name means the early victory. Venus here persuades through beauty, charm and a talent for the right word at the right time, and water, ships, beverages, the arts of the voice and the winning of a contest bring gain. The stay is around eleven days. A retrograde loop once kept Venus here for about eight weeks.

Purva Ashadha is ugra in muhurta and is not counted fit for a wedding. It suits a debate, a claim pressed with confidence, and purification by water. Pride is the risk. The winnowing basket separates the grain, and a relationship or a purchase that is only chaff is shown to be so.

From the Moon, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Libra, Virgo, Leo, Taurus, Aries, Aquarius and Capricorn Moons receive Venus in Phaladeepika's favourable houses and win with grace. Cancer, Gemini and Pisces Moons have it in the sixth, seventh and tenth and should not press a partner or a superior. The lagna is read by the same count.

What comes into view is the taste of one's own victories. Winning here without feeling much says something about where pleasure really lies.

Water is the remedy. Bathe before japa, offer water at a river or a well, and say Om Shukraya Namah, with rice or curd given on Friday. Lakshmi rose from the waters, and here she is honoured by giving to someone who has lost.