We love this article from our resident astrology expert, Calodagh McCumiskey, in which she outlines the beauty of new beginnings, from an astrological perspective. The planets constantly present us with invitations to begin anew. This article appeared in our Spring 2020 issue.
Doors in the sky
Planetary invitations for new beginnings
by Calodagh Mc Cumiskey
‘Every morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.’ – Buddha
Your Vedic astrology chart is a map of your potential. The positions and relative placements of the 9 planets in the 12 signs, 12 houses and 27 constellations, show your character and the challenges, opportunities and growth potential you have in this life. They also give insights into your passions, drives and purpose.
The ‘dashas’, or planetary periods, show the timings of when the potential can be unlocked and realised. The nine planets which rule the nine dashas include the seven classical planets, plus the north node, Rahu, and south node, Ketu, of the Moon. The transits of the planets in today’s sky give further insights.
While there are general seasons in nature that we are all subject to, the planetary periods you are going through, based on your unique time of birth and chart, show what seasons you are going through in your life and where the spotlight is. Some of us may be going through storms in specific life areas – like health, relationships, finances, while for others the weather is fine and there are plenty of opportunities for worldly success.
Generally, a new moon is the start of a new lunar cycle and symbolises ‘new beginnings’ and a fresh start. You can use the energy of a new moon to commit to goals, or start a new project. It is also a good time for reflection and mid-course correction. If you want to benefit from the natural lunar energy to boost your momentum, write down what you want and focus on these goals while the new moon is in the sky. Full moons are associated with spiritual completion and harvest.
While we cannot always control what is happening – ‘the weather’ in our life – we can control our response to it. An understanding of the planetary periods in your chart is like an accurate weather forecast! When you know the weather, you can dress and plan accordingly.
There are so many new beginnings open to each and every one of us. Each day, month or year, every planetary transit, and, more powerfully, each dasha period, has the potential to grow the seeds we plant fruitfully. Each one is a doorway, but what we make of these opportunities is what ultimately determines the outcome.
“Fate and free will are equally powerful forces but I consider free will to be more important as it is your free will that determines your fate.” Ved Vyasa (legendary author of the Mahabharata, Vedas and Puranas)
We can commit to what we start and give it 100 percent. Or, we can allow doubt, or the shadows of the past, to hold us back and thereby limit our growth.
There are no shortage of opportunities for new beginnings in life. An insight into astrology and your chart gives you a powerful understanding of the bigger doorways with most promise and the greatest challenges.
Calodagh McCumiskey is the director of Spiritual Earth in Rocklands, Co. Wexford.
