Vedic Astrology Update

At the beginning of the new year, Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, is a major influence as it continues its retrograde motion through its debilitated sign of Cancer. On January 3 and 4, 2025, Mars is aspected by the north node Rahu and opposed by Pluto, generating greater intensity. Later, on January 20, 2025, Mars retrogrades out of the sign of Cancer, and moves into the air sign of Gemini until April 2, 2025. Mars still remains retrograde until February 23, 2025. Venus, planet of relationships and finance, moves to its exalted sign of Pisces on January 27, 2025. While Venus transits Pisces and Jupiter travels through Taurus, a Parivartana Yoga occurs, uniting these two benefic planetary energies.

On January 3 and 4, 2025, Rahu in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn exactly aspect debilitated, retrograde Mars at 6 degrees Cancer. The period around these two dates can be quite intense, powerful, and transformative. This is a time to practice calmness and non-reactivity, and not exaggerate frustrations or create drama. Don’t make hasty decisions or amplify arguments, but instead practice equanimity and neutrality.

In general, Mars, planet of action and moving forward, does not like being held back when retrograde. Instead, use this amplified, internal Mars energy to overcome inner conflicts and frustrations. While Mars is retrograde, past memories when you felt powerless can surface in order to heal these issues now. Find positive outlets to release these deep, internal challenges, such as yoga, tai chi, body work, creative projects, and physical activities. Don’t let things get critical, which then forces you to act. Unanticipated delays can occur. Be mindful and practice self-restraint. Get plenty of rest, and be with those who love and support you.

On January 20, 2025, at 9:35 PM MST, Mars moves from its debilitated sign of Cancer and retrogrades back to the dual air sign of Gemini. Mars now in Gemini, is out of debility until April 2, 2025. However, Mars is still retrograde in Gemini until February 23, 2025 at 7:07 PM MST. Mars transiting the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini can bring a restless mind or impatience. We can also feel burnt out or exhausted by polarized news. Be careful of hurtful or angry words or communications, so think before you speak. Meditation, mantras, pranayama, journaling, or conflict resolution are positive remedies.

At the end of the month, on January 27, 2025, Venus enters its exalted sign of Pisces for an extended length of time due to going retrograde later in March 2025. Venus will be in its best sign of Pisces from January 27 until May 30, 2025. Venus in Pisces brings a big dose of idealism and compassion, as we want to see the best in our world. This can also bring a period of social connections and romance. One of the challenges of Venus in Pisces is viewing others through rose-colored glasses, so be objective with some discernment. This is a wonderful transit for heightened creativity and tapping into greater imagination and inspiration. Devotional practices are favored and we wish to increase the spiritual content in our lives. Coming from the heart with genuine kindness and compassion for others has great impact now. This is a good time to heal relationships, and let go of old, outworn behaviors and learn new, healthy ways of relating to others. However, watch for over-indulgence as Pisces energies can bring addictive tendencies as well as a lack of solid boundaries.

From January 27 until May 14, 2025, while Venus transits the Jupiter-ruled sign of Pisces, and Jupiter transits the Venus-ruled sign of Taurus, a Parivartana Yoga forms that connects these two energies. Jupiter and Venus are the two teacher planets (Jupiter is the teacher of the gods, and Venus is the teacher of the demons in Vedic mythology), so this combination brings opportunities to expand our knowledge from two different perspectives or levels of awareness. We are more open to social, economic, and humanitarian solutions. Hopefully this conjunction can bring about greater diplomacy and understanding in the world.

On January 31, 2025, Venus will conjunct Rahu, the north node, at 3 degrees Pisces. Rahu amplifies Venus energies. The Rahu influence on Venus can bring a lack of clarity or urgency in relationships or with financial/money issues. Don’t rush into things and take your time in decision-making, as Rahu can shadow our perceptions. Instead, use the amplified energies of Rahu with Venus to bring innovation and profound vision to your creative projects.

Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic Astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by the American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She taught Vedic Astrology to students in yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona from 2002 to 2020.