YEAR-AHEAD HOROSCOPES 2015

Contact me through www.astrovedas.com for your 

personal/ Skype reading for 2015

Vedic Overview of 2015.

Saturn is in Scorpio for all of 2015, bringing the issues of that intense sign to the fore. Scorpio is Watery and Mars-ruled, making a complex brew of mystery, transformation, sex and war. We can expect all these issues to be refined and purged: you will have to go more slowly than you want and there is a push-pull feeling of the affairs of the Scorpio house in your chart. 'Make haste slowly', as the Alchemists say.

Saturn will also remain in Anuradha until December 27th 2015, a Saturn-ruled nakshatra in a Mars-ruled zodiac sign. Anuradha's deity is Mitra, who symbolizes the ability to form and maintain working or political alliances. There are connotations of peace after war, making truces, or a supportive relationship with an end goal. Saturn transiting here will test these issues, meaning we have to work harder at our diplomacy and establish new ground rules. We do not make peace with our friends, but with our enemies: some supportive unions may come to an end, or at least be transformed radically. 

Finding arrangements with people who share our common or political affiliations, or those we no longer see eye-to-eye with. This may bring a sudden change or awakening. We may find ourselves either on diplomatic overtime to keep the peace, or else looking for new friendships because we can't compromise. The house where Scorpio sits in your chart will tell you a lot about the specifics. 

 Mars transits will also be important with Saturn in Scorpio, and Mars is strong in Aries from March 24th to May 4th. This is a period to forge ahead and take chances, and personal transformation will come more easily. Yet this coincides with Saturn's retrograde period from 14th March to 1st August (and the Sun's exaltation from April 15th - May 16th), so there may be a 'driving with the brakes on' feeling. While you may wish to start a heroic, dragon-slaying quest, there will also be a desire to consolidate and tie off loose ends. Saturn retreats back to 4 Scorpio, so events from the end of 2014 will likely reappear in the news.

May 2015 sees the UK General Election, and the Saturn-Anuradha co-operation theme will be shown, especially if - as seems likely - there is another Coalition government. The rise of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) means the issue of unity within diversity will also dominate 2015, and Jupiter in Cancer will play to the patriotic vote.  This same energy will be evident aftermath of the Scottish Independence Referendum. Scotland voted narrowly to stay within the United Kingdom in 2014, though the repercussions of the election reverberate still. How much autonomy will Scotland have, what does Devo Max actually look like? 

Jupiter remains in exaltation in Cancer until July 14th - good news, and doubles all round. Jupiter represents knowledge, spirituality, prosperity and Dharma, and the Cancer house in your Jyotish chart will be boosted. In the sign of the home, Jupiter will also intensify the debate over Independence and national autonomy, as well as religious freedom. As world consciousness rises, the issue of national self-determination becomes ever more prevalent. Boundaries are coming down, while national and regional characteristics are becoming more pronounced.

'The world will become a beautiful mosaic of differences'.

The trine from Jupiter to Saturn will lighten the impact of the Scorpio/Anuradha energy. Jupiter is a sattvic influence, though in the serpentine Ashlesha nakshatra, it will also affect sex and psychology, a double-whammy of sorts. There could be high-profile sex scandals, or in our personal lives coming to terms with the energies we are putting out. Ashlesha also relates to drugs and pharmaceuticals, so we might see the anti-Monsanto movement gathering momentum, [though this is possibly wishful thinking on this author's part]. Let's also wish for positive treatment of diseases like AIDS, or Ebola (remember that?). 

Jupiter will be in its Gandanta portion from 1st July to 3rd August, the borderland between two signs and nakshatras. Classically, this represents a spiritual knot to be untied and an outstanding matter that must be addressed. Factors relating to emotional or financial security that have remained hidden may have their lids blown off, laying bare that which has simmered underneath. Events at this time may reflect the previous Jupiter Gandanta period at from November 3rd 2014 - January 12th 2015, where a karmic boundary was crossed. A hallmark of fate is where a recurring, seemingly innocuous event proves important and we are given a subtle but searching test. 

By July 14th, Jupiter moves into Leo and the affairs of the Leo house in your chart are lifted. This will be felt especially from 18th August to 18th September, with the Sun in its home sign. This is a time to shine, to show your confidence and authority, though you will still have to earn your stripes. The Jupiter-Saturn aspects are reversed, with Jupiter receiving rather than giving a glance to Saturn: no showboating here. We might see governments rowing back from changes they made in the first half of the year: liberal concessions give way to a conservative clampdown. 

Jupiter represents the father, husband and guru, so we might see change in outlook towards these roles, or secrets about teachers or paternal figures being unearthed. The fig-leaf of Jupiter trine Saturn is removed and replaced with Saturn square Jupiter. In the UK, celebrities have recently been convicted for historic sexual offences, and the same scrutiny is now being applied in the US to father figures like Bill Cosby, for one. Sexual mores of the past are being judged by today's standards and it is no defence to say "it was the 1970s/80s, so hey". 

Jupiter in Magha nakshatra has a special connection with royalty, and the Saturn aspect to it has a flavour of lèse-majesté. National leaders will need to be vigilant, and we may see revolutionary and anti-monarchist movements, motivated partly by the difference between public and private morality. This will be a reality check for any grandiose behaviour, both personally and in public life, and we will all have to up our game. This can be excellent if we are overly inclined to trust in providence, but the advice is: take advantage of the first half of 2015 and get into a good place.

The nodes, Rahu and Ketu transit across the Virgo/Pisces axis, bringing eclipses around those signs. The 'Vedic New Year' Moon on 20th March is a solar eclipse, followed by the lunar eclipse at Full Moon Hanuman Jayanti on 4th April. The corresponding eclipses happen in September on the 13th (Solar) and 28th (Lunar). Needless to say, the Virgo and Pisces houses in your chart will be affected, bringing sudden change and simply a different way of doing things. 

------------

WESTERN ASTROLOGY

From a Western perspective, March 2015 sees the final Uranus-Pluto square in a series of seven since 2012. Noticed a few changes? This is an era-defining aspect and the tumult we have experienced with conservative v. radical, state v. street, online v. bricks & mortar, will finally fit into historical perspective. It's been emotional. 

This is a reflection of the 1930s Depression-era astrological energy and also the revolutions of the 1960s. The 60s generation born with a Uranus-Pluto opposition are now in power, and today's social forces will guide us towards greater personal freedom, with more focus on leisure and self-actualization. We are becoming more spiritual.

Venus retrograde between July 25th and September 6th is a once-in-twenty-months event that shows us a different side of our partners. It probably won't cause major changes to your relationship by itself, but it will make you think and work harder. Love is a flower that needs watering! Venus is conjunct Jupiter and square Saturn close to its retrograde point, which gives food for thought. Your partner won't put up with any grandstanding (neither will you) and somebody may issue an ultimatum. 

Mercury retrogrades: 
21st January to 11th Feb
19th May to 11th June 
17th September 9th October

Of these, the middle period May-June 2015 in Gemini may provide the biggest challenge. Still, Mercury retro offers opportunities too, so be on the lookout for a second bite at the cherry. 

CAPRICORN
2015 is a story of staying in control versus giving yourself freedom. Part of you wants personal power and to build your career, but another side of you needs to break out and be an original. Authority figures demand commitment, but you prefer to do your own thing in your own style. Sometimes you can do both, but this year you must have a personal revolution. You might shock a few people who thought they knew you.

Capricorns birthdays around 1^st - 6^th January especially are having control issues with the boss or boyfriend. You love a challenge and don’t mind aiming at an ambition that takes time to achieve. After August 10^th you may be thinking about studying, or travel plans. Your mind turns to bigger questions and an new idea makes you want to investigate further. You might meet new people from a completely different background, or in a foreign country.

 October puts the focus on your home, especially at the big Eclipse on the 8^th. Think carefully about any sudden changes at this point, and wait at least one week before acting on an impulse. An inspirational book gives you new ideas, and your beliefs about the world change. Forget old disappointments, and don’t waste time reflecting on the past or comparing yourself with other people. An ambition that has not worked out was not right for you, and you are meant for something better. How you feel as a person is all that matters. 

March 17^th – May 12^th is a good time to be positive and meet somebody new. You look good and feel confident, and the right kind of company surrounds you. A new romance starts on a fun level and it is easy to enjoy yourself.

June 25^th – August 9^th sees passion in your relationships, and things work smoothly when you keep busy. Arguments flare at home and work, but you have a passionate reconciliation to look forward to.  

The Capricorn Full Moon on July 2^nd is like your second birthday. Make an extra effort on this day, throw a party and for sure you will be the centre of attention.

An old face returns from the past or a pattern in your relationships arises again, as if by fate. Either this, or you are drawn to somebody completely outside your usual type. It feels as if you both have lessons to learn from each other, but don’t go too far down a romantic path that is not meant for you. Resist the temptation to act too quickly.

AQUARIUS

The Aquarius New Moon on January 20^th gives you a new start – target this date for an important ambition and a light a fire underneath a plan that didn’t come together before. This is the real start of your New Year. You also have the chance to reflect on your plans by February 18^th. An idea that you thought was going to be the perfect answer to your image and ambitions might not have worked out. So at this date, you start again – and this time you win.

You discover who your real soul mates are, and feel less obsessed with pure career matters than in connecting with people over a shared interest and making the world a better place. Your lesson this year lies in joining in with a group, but not being defined by it. As an Aquarian, you pride yourself on being an individual at all times.

Look out also for sudden changes in your local area – you don't have to go far to find excitement close to home. Between January 13^th and February 20^th you may be making some impulse purchases, or spending money simply for its own sake. An artistic project may need some new tools or an investment of money to get it going.

Partnerships of all kinds work well up to mid-August and you open up to people without fear. Past hurts are put behind you and you start looking forward to meeting somebody new. A partner may become a kind of ‘guru’ figure with a special message and you share a journey of exploration. Good advice comes also from a friend or a professional counselor. After September, you may benefit from somebody else’s money or property. You might consider starting a small business.You are inclined to enjoy yourself rather than being very disciplined, but keep yourself in check, especially with the diet plan!

This is a good year getting on to a higher romantic level. Opportunities come, especially in the first half of the year and you are interested in anyone who has wide experience, an education and who has done a lot of travelling. You also need someone to make you laugh. The Aquarian Full Moon on July 31st is your time.

November and December see you striking a great balance between action and compromise. You can find somebody who hits all the right notes.

PISCES

Pisceans (especially birthdays from February 25^th to 2^nd March) see the world in terms of colours and imagination this year, with an artistic sense that goes by pure instinct. You operate on this level most of the time, of course, but with whispery Neptune going through your sign all year, your Piscean qualities are magnified. You are even more empathic, more artistic and psychic. If you know something intuitively about a friend or a future situation, the chances are you are right. Still, it is good to talk about your feelings and to put them in some kind of perspective.

You know deep down what you want from life and love, but there may be times this year when it seems you cannot have it. The world seems tough and you long for an escape, so make sure you either have a good holiday, or else surround yourself with art and beauty. Maybe both! You may be sucked into a romantic ‘rescue drama’ , where a guy with personal problems just needs someone to love them. Save yourself the trouble and find somebody who meets you halfway.

Until August you may have luck in a mundane job that helps you find the career you are really looking for. It may not be the dream position straightaway, but it helps you position yourself where a new opportunity comes. From August to the end of the year, relationships take on a more in-depth side. The Pisces Full Moon on August 29th is a high-spot.

January and February see you looking good and being very active and energetic. Venus, planet of love is in your sign from January 28^th to February 21^st and you may spend a lot of time on your look, or no time at all, but either way you turn heads simply by walking into a room. Somebody from the past may return into your life at this point, or you call an ex for support, or more?

By the end of the year (November – December), the different sides of you clash. There is a sharp contrast between what is demanded of you at work and how you are in private. You are very soft and imaginative, and love art and movies and beautiful things, but you must forget all this while you climb the career ladder. 

ARIES

A revolution is going on at home, at work and in your image. You embrace a wilder, freer look and refuse any limitations which seemed necessary only recently. Uranus, planet of rebellion, breaks your chains to the past and you love to confound everyone’s expectations, even people who thought you were safe and predictable! You will run into resistance, people who refuse to change, but you demand freedom at all costs. Aries birthdays 3^rd-10^th April feel this impulse especially.

At the same time, you make smart decisions and bring big changes in gradually and thoroughly. You plan for the long term and bosses are in tune with your ambitions – take advantage. The first half of the year especially - until August -  sees you thinking on a grand scale and winning out over those people who think you are only dreaming. Be careful with your indulgence – partying is good, but it leaves a legacy on your waistline. 

You will be restless and hard to pin down for anyone close to you. The second half of 2015 however, finds you in more practical mode, and an opportunity comes for you to provide a service. A temporary job gets you over a hurdle and you develop a new skill.

February 21^st – April 1^st is a great time for love and fun. You look great and know how to enjoy yourself. What you want is in tune with the moment and you can be spontaneous and lucky. April 18^th brings in a new start, and the Aries Full Moon/lunar eclipse on September 28^th is a turning point for your image. Roll with the changes and leave the past behind at this point.

November is a good time for partnerships, if a little feisty, where you find someone who is all charm. Take the initiative in true Aries style, and make sure you and your lover keep busy.

TAURUS

A period of testing comes to a close in 2015 and you move on more secure in your ambitions. If you have felt abandoned by your boss or close partner, and relationships have been hard work, then you have lots to look forward to. Shake off your tiredness and redefine your world based on success in a subject close to your heart. Some of the old relationship issues return between mid-June and mid-September, but you should find obstacles slowly melting away.

March 17^th-April 12^th is a good time for love and good looks. You feel like having fun and attract attention without trying. April 1^st to May 12^th is also your time of year, when you are energetic and fully focused. Take on a challenge at this time and prove you can make it on your own terms. This is also an excellent period to keep fit and whip yourself into shape.

Venus, your ruler is retrograde between July 25th and September 6th - this will show you an unexpected side of somebody close. You have reserves of willpower and don’t shy away from deep-down issues in relationship. By the end of the year your image may have changed radically, but you achieve it in a way that seems perfectly easy and natural.

May 18^th is a turning point and a perfect time to audition a new look or ambition. A message from the past inspires a different approach to life and you make peace with an old desire.

By the end of the year, you replace careful steps with a more adventurous approach. You are doing well creatively and having fun takes on a life of its own. Jupiter, planet of expansion, gives you big ideas and you have the practical nous to turn them into reality. The Taurus Full Moon on October 27^th is like your unofficial birthday.

GEMINI

Long-term partnerships change around this year and you look at love more seriously. Someone comes into your life as if by fate and together you make a statement of your relationship. You might be attracted to an older, influential person. Changes come at work too, and if colleagues block your ambitions you look around for something more rewarding. Pace yourself and don’t work too hard – a relaxing holiday is a must, even when you think you can’t afford the time. 

What you want at the end of 2015 won't be the same as you aimed for at the beginning. Through times when it seems forces are stacked against you, you discover your true gift and a sense of achievement.

April 12^th – May 7^th is a great time to dress up and look great. You accept an invitation you might otherwise ignore and are a perfect flirt when someone shows interest. May 12^th to June 24^th sees you acting on your plans, and while you may clash with people close to you, nobody is left in any doubt about your ambition.

June 16th is a key moment in the year where you move on with a new image and attitude. People find you more assertive at this point and are drawn to somebody who knows what they want.

August onwards puts the focus on your home life and there is a balance to strike with your big ambitions. September especially sees you appreciating personal security, though you are aiming for a glamorous career in the arts or media. Follow your heart, even when the role seems impractical or impossible. Take good advice in mid-September especially, when a job offer seems too good to be true.

Be nice to yourself and you close the year on a high, with a combination of energy and smart planning. The Gemini Full Moon on November 25^th is a day to mark in your diary.

CANCER

You are moving on from a period of stability and enjoy your new-found status. Deep partnerships are in order and you break down the boundaries between you and somebody close. Power and control issues arise, both romantically and in business. Somebody is trying to keep the upper hand and they hide behind a secret. It may involve a complete restart, breaking down how you relate to each other and starting again. Focus on yourself, however: you can't control what other people think or do.

You also embrace a new career and public image, something very different. It may take a shock to break you out of your old routine, but you are ready for the challenge. You demand freedom at work, either independence in your given role, or else a total break and running your own business. 

January and February see love and flirtation. You might meet somebody on holiday, or hit a close emotional level very quickly. January 5^th’s Full Moon is a perfect start to the year and January 21^st sees somebody return from the past.

May 8^th – June 6^th sees good times, though you have to balance your social life with your work. The people you hang out with after hours are very different to your office friends. You create two different looks to suit both sides of your life.

The Cancer New Moon on July 16^th is a fresh start and you prepare to reconsider a romantic proposal. You see a new side of somebody, though it has been there all the time.

Brothers and sisters may play a part in your success later in the year. The eclipse on September 28^th sees a triumph in your work that sets you free afterwards. November and December see you focusing on home life, an area close to your heart. You have fantastic imagination and dream up a stunning new interior.

LEO

2015 sees a great period of expansion, with big ambitions and solid gains. Jupiter, planet of good fortune, is in your sign until August 11^th and even if nothing exciting happens, you feel good inside. You have faith in the future and people like your positive outlook. Plan ahead and you make smart choices, backed up by people in authority. The success of your efforts will be known later in the year, but well begun is half done.

At the same time you free yourself of old limitations and show everyone your quirky interests and image. You bring in the new smoothly and easily, and an independent idea allows you to be yourself without compromising. Be bold!

Your love life stops and starts in January and you may try again with somebody more than once. Leo Full Moon on February 3^rd is time to party and you will know what is in your heart by February 18^th. Generally this year, you strike a chord with anyone who is ready to go against the flow.

Venus, planet of love, has an extended stay in your sign between June 6^th and October 8^th. This is an important phase for your romantic affairs where you discover what you want – and what you don’t want. Hang out in different circles, but don’t rush into an affair, and learn to see the whole person.

October is an important month for your money – you are earning it and spending it just as quickly. See if you can revive an old outfit or put an old phone or computer back into service. Keep faith in your plans at the end of the year. There is a clash between your imagination and the demands of your job and relationship, but in reality you can have both.

VIRGO

Your home life is top priority this year and you are looking to find a secure base. This may mean moving more than once, or dealing with issues before you can put down roots.  Where you live may clash with your work and you have to find a compromise solution. The boss puts pressure on you to perform and you have to work harder just to keep up.

Your luck hits home by mid-August, however. Challenges at the start of the year become a source of strength, and energy you put into your ambitions comes back double-bubble. Think big, and optimistic vision you have now is close to your real truth. 

February is important for your love life and you do lots with two people - sharing is a joy. Leave major decisions until after February 12^th and ask a friend to advise you. The Virgo Full Moon on March 5th is your time to shine.

You are in romantic mood through the whole year and there is a compromise between your identity and the other people in your life. You are tempted to ‘rescue’ somebody who has problems and you think just needs a bit of love. Be careful of spending time and energy on a  partner who gives big promises but is just a pretender.

You are full of vigour and energy in October and deal with obstacles that have held you back. You are also having fun and October 17^th is a glittering romantic occasion. This is a perfect time to create a new image that nobody can copy.

LIBRA

Relationships are a big thing for you as a Libran, and this year you see changes. You want freedom and excitement with someone completely different, and you don’t mind springing a few surprises. If your relationship has become samey or predictable you will make a sudden move, even when your partner suspects nothing. 

Changes at home also make their presence felt and you are in a battle of wills with the people you live with. You can transform the place you are living, yet you may have to argue with family members to get there. Yet you are also making good decisions, balancing experiments with the real world.

February 20^th – April 1^st is a time for romantic adventures and making clear what you want from a partner. You are good company and dress to attract attention, and March 4^th and also the Libra Full Moon April 4^th are stand-out lucky dates.

May sees good chemistry with your boss and you make a good impression at work. Still, you demand to do things your own way. Your social circle also proves important in 2015 and you discover something new about an old friend. You rethink your friendship through July 25th to September 6th, and relating to somebody differently teaches you something new about yourself.

November 9^th – December 5^th sees people taking notice of you, even when you don’t try. You are full of natural charm and don’t realize the impact you are making. Your energy is on a high until the end of the year and nobody can stand in your way.

SCORPIO

You leave big lessons behind you this year and feel a weight has been taken off your shoulders. How nice that everything isn't down to you anymore. Move forwards with your new-found experience and remember what life was like before everything got so serious. Mid-June to mid-September brings reminders of past duties and unfinished business at work, but after this, life is forward all the way.

Be ambitious up to mid-August, and there is the prospect of travel through your career. Your relationship with people at the office is good and somebody important wants to help you. Writing, legal matters, publishing and teaching especially are all looking good.

Security is on your mind and you discover a lot about how to make your money go further. Don’t go crazy with your spending, but buy the best when you have to.  The Scorpio Full Moon on May 4^th is a time to celebrate.

March 17^th to April 1^st sees you teaming up with people, finding new love, or simply expanding your social life. You create romantic ripples, though there is romantic competition when you and a friend are both interested in the same person.

Take advantage of your artistic gifts all year and you create a magical image all of your own. Art, music and dance all add spice to your life, and you also find a special rapport with young people. September sees a tempting offer from a friend, but make sure your answer is based on the facts.

November 11^th sees a fresh start for your plans, and Venus in your sign through mid-December finds you feeling more attractive than ever.

SAGITTARIUS

This is the time when you start making your big plans work. Saturn, planet of ambition, sorts out reality from fantasy, in love, work and travel. Keep your spirits up at all times and realize it may take longer to make your dreams come true. Still, pace yourself and have a holiday somewhere sunny, even when the demands and deadlines pile up.

You mostly go by the conventional route this year, working steadily. But you can also break out of your usual style and prove you are ready for adventure. A radical new image comes together easily and you are a fashion leader without even trying. Taking a lifestyle risk proves safer than sticking to what you know, and you don’t need to gamble.

Up to mid-August you are in a typical Sagittarius, freedom loving space. Prospects for travel and mind-expansion open up and your love of study introduces you to new faces. From August 11^th to the end of the year, you are lucky at work and promotion arrives.

April 12^th to May 8^th is a good time for love and you find somebody wanting to get close to you. You like anybody smart who can make you laugh, and even a romantic argument finds a good conclusion. June 2^nd is the Sagittarius Full Moon, a perfect day to be the centre of attention. Your plans are accepted easily on this day, so take the lead.

November and December see a contrast between fantasy and reality. December 11^th brings a new start and you know what to work for and what to leave behind.