Moon Movements: Moon in Taurus and Bharaṇī

...and Mercury's move into Leo

Just like the moon pulls the tides, it also affects the mood of each and every moment. In this series, we delve into the daily movements of the moon, exploring its influence through the lens of traditional Western astrology and Vedic astrology.

As is always the case, how you experience the moon’s energy will vary depending on your natal chart. This post should therefore be read as a guide to the general mood of the day.

Astro Details for July 11, 2023

Times listed in my location in Berlin, Germany (Central European Time Zone). To convert to your time zone, click here.

• Moon in Taurus at 1:55 am

• Moon sextile Saturn in Pisces at 2:11 pm

• Moon conjunct Jupiter in Taurus at 10:04 pm

What this means

Gracing the skies on July 11, 2023, the Moon in Taurus brings forth a steady and stable nature. Taurus is an earth sign, as well as the Moon’s sign of exaltation, which helps bring out qualities of groundedness, practicality, and sensual enjoyment.

The Moon in Taurus signifies a time of emotional stability and a strong need for security and comfort. You may find themselves seeking stability in their relationships and surroundings, and feel a deep connection to the natural world. This placement fosters a sense of perseverance and determination, allowing for the steady pursuit of goals and the grounding of emotional energy.

The Moon sextile Saturn in Pisces combines the emotional sensitivity of the Moon with the practicality and discipline of Saturn. This aspect encourages us to balance our emotional needs with a sense of responsibility and structure. It promotes a focused and methodical approach to our emotions, allowing us to navigate challenges with resilience and maturity.

The Moon conjunct Jupiter in Taurus brings forth a harmonious blend of emotions and expansion. This conjunction amplifies our optimism and generosity, nurturing a sense of abundance and a belief in our own potential. It encourages us to embrace growth opportunities, manifest our desires, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

Mercury Moves into Leo

In a shift of planetary energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, moves from Cancer to Leo. Mercury represents our thought processes, communication style, and analytical abilities. As it enters Leo, the fiery sign of creativity and self-expression, it brings forth a dynamic and confident energy to our thoughts and expressions.

This transition invites us to infuse passion and creativity into our communication. It encourages bold self-expression, the sharing of heartfelt ideas, and the exploration of our unique talents and interests. Mercury in Leo inspires us to communicate with confidence, authenticity, and a touch of dramatic flair. However, it is essential to be mindful of potential negative traits, such as being overly self-centered, seeking attention, or being prone to dramatic exaggeration.

Today's Moon in Jyotish

In the realm of Jyotish, the moon finds itself traversing the Nakshatras Aśvinī and Bharaṇī on July 11, 2023, with the shift occurring at approximately 3:30 pm.

Aśvinī Nakshatra represents the celestial horsemen and is associated with healing and initiation. It embodies the qualities of swiftness, courage, and innovation. Aśvinī is ruled by the divine twins, the Aśvinī Kumāra. The ruling deity is the Ashvini Kumaras, the celestial physicians. The sounds associated with Aśvinī are "Chu," "Che," "Cho," and the tree linked to it is the Palash tree. While Aśvinī encourages courageous action and healing, it may also manifest as impulsiveness or a tendency to rush into situations without adequate thought or consideration.

Bharaṇī Nakshatra represents transformation. In fact, the deity associated with Bharaṇī is Yama, the god of death and transformation. The sounds associated with Bharaṇī are "Lee," "Lu," "Le," and the tree linked to it is the Amla tree. This energy lends itself to transformative experiences, upholding standards and rules and putting people in their place.

A shift in energy

With the switch from Aśvinī to Bharaṇī Nakshatra on July 11, 2023, we experience a shift in energy from Laghu (light) to Ugra (fierce) qualities. This transition brings forth a more intense and challenging energy, emphasizing the need for courage and transformation. While Aśvinī encouraged bold initiatives and innovation, Bharaṇī calls for resilience and the willingness to confront that which needs to be confronted – both externally and internally.

The Tithi (Moon’s phase) is currently in K9. According to traditional sources, this Tithi is “good for electrical work, destroying enemies, weaponry, poison, fire, removing obstacles and combat, but not good for auspicious activities.” With the combination of Bharaṇī Nakshatra, this means today is a good day to stand your ground, call a spade a spade and face challenges and injustices head on.

Harness the energy of the day to say “no!” and “enough!” to that which must end.