Dear Friend,

This last weekend was absolutely fascinating with the annual conference of the Academy of Astrology hosted by astrologer Rod Chang. I truly enjoyed the talks by fellow colleagues. My topic was Cycles of Power: Great Conjunctions and the Shifting World Order based on Medieval Perso-Arabic astrology. I initially intended to prepare for a one hour talk, yet I ended up writing a 12000-word paper which I later shaped into a lecture. I presented the pattern of civilisational waves depicting the global order through the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction cycles and the response was encouraging. I will be offering a workshop on this subject because the research material lends itself to a longer and more detailed session. If you are interested, please look out for an announcement in the first quarter of 2026.

My diploma program for batch two has also begun and we have already completed three classes. I am really enjoying connecting with this group and, more importantly, the learning that each session brings is invaluable. I am beginning to understand the full meaning of the idea that we learn while we teach. The friends in batch two are widely read and brilliant, just as my batch one friends are, and it is my honour to be collaborating with all these wonderful minds.

In the batch one class on Saturday, while discussing the significations of the 10th house, there was a moment when I said that it was not fully clear to me why Acharya Kalidasa mentioned wrestling and horse riding as 10th house topics. One of the friends in the program, astrologer Tiana Milani (known as Saturnia on social media), offered a thoughtful insight. She suggested that both activities require strong use of the thighs, which belong to the 10th house. It was such an intelligent observation and it had not crossed my mind even when I was preparing the material. I was genuinely delighted and felt fortunate to have such perceptive and openly brilliant friends studying with me. Learning truly never ends!

Please note that there was no good election for week and therefore, there is no The Chosen Moment section. Based on the sky, I will include in the next letter. Also, apologies for delay in this letter. I actually got it ready to be scheduled for Sunday delivery, but I noticed that there were some issues with my DKIM and it would hurt the delivery. Therefore, I decided to wait to send this letter. Next letter will drop to your inbox on Saturday night or Sunday morning depending on where you live.

My friend, Joli Knott and I will be hosting an interesting LIVE bonus episode for our podcast show The Joli-Aswin Show and we will announce it during this week. We will be taking direct questions from the audience, but more details will be published over the course of this week/weekend. This coming week is hectic but also exciting as I am going to be delivering a talk for the OPA and also getting ready to publish the Winter Solstice issue of The APAI Chronycle.

With this, let us jump into the astrological commentary.

As promised, I'm on schedule to release the Saturn in Pisces guide, valid through May 2027, and I'll make it available in three weeks so you can enter 2026 with greater confidence and clarity.

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Breaking Free

Rahu in Sathabhisha

The period towards the end of the year is characterised by Rahu’s entry into Sathabhisha Nakshatra. Sathabhisha is associated with Varuna and is symbolised by 100 physicians. The symbolism naturally brings in the idea of healing, not only physical healing but also the inner work that becomes unavoidable when Saturn is already in direct motion. Challenges or unresolved issues in society might come to prominence and someone will rise to address them. Societies constantly move between problems and solutions, yet people do not always rise at the same time. There are specific windows when individuals step forward for collective transformation and this is one such window.

Rahu in Sathabhisha indicates a deeper understanding that something needs to change. We begin to drop our resistance to change. Before Rahu leaves Aquarius, many of us will find ourselves embracing new realities especially those related to technical or futuristic matters that can serve us in meaningful ways. Being open to change and embracing the future remains the key point here.

This shift helps us channel our time and energy in the right direction and resolve issues with greater clarity. Mars entered Sagittarius on December 6, 2025 and this transit fuels enthusiasm and readiness for anything new and exciting. Desire increases with the upcoming sextile of Mars and Rahu and this needs to be used wisely so that we end the year on an optimistic note.

One important point to remember with Rahu in Sathabhisha is not to form attachment to the problem or to anyone who appears during this period. Attachment can easily turn into indulgence and slow us down. With Mars in Sagittarius, slowing down is not even on the list. This is why it is essential to keep emotions in check and continue doing what supports progress without getting pulled into situations that drain strength.

With Rahu in Sathabhisha in Aquarius and Venus squaring Rahu in Scorpio and Ketu in Leo, this is not the time to enter dependent relationships. People who are alone or who recently ended a relationship might feel psychologically vulnerable and may attract someone who also feels vulnerable. What seems like a perfect match might eventually become a burden. As mentioned in the Venus in Scorpio video, it is best to postpone relationship decisions until early next year.

For now, do not pay attention to anything that disturbs your peace or progress. Keep moving forward with courage and conviction.

YouTube - Rahu in Sathabhisha

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If you feel called to receive astrological insight before the year begins, or if you simply wish to stay aligned with what the planetary movements are indicating, I am open for personal consultation sessions. I have few more slots open for December 2025.

Book A Session

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Inward Glance

Epictetus' Discourses: A Retelling

Book I, Chapter 6, 1.6.17 to 1.6.22

Epictetus explains that every creature has a nature suited to a particular purpose. Some creatures are designed simply to use things. Their lives revolve around instinct and basic needs. In their case, use alone is enough for them to reach their end. But when a creature has been given the capacity to understand and reason, that capacity must be used if the creature is to fulfil its true role.

He says that God created some animals to be eaten, some to provide milk, some to give wool, some to carry burdens, and so on. These creatures do not need to understand the deeper meaning of their lives. They only need to perform the tasks their nature allows. A cow does not need to grasp the idea of agriculture. A sheep does not need to reflect on the purpose of wool. They serve simply by being what they are.

But humans are different. We were brought into the world not only to use things but to look at the world with understanding. We are meant to look upon nature and feel a sense of appreciation. In other words, contemplation is part of our nature and design. This is exactly what separates us from the animals. Our purpose does not end with eating, sleeping, working, or reproducing. Those are shared with every other living thing.

Epictetus says it is inexcusable for someone born with the ability to see and appreciate the divine order to live as if that ability does not exist. A human being should begin where an animal ends. We should live a life of reflection, gratitude, and awareness. If we fail to use our mind to understand the world and our place in it, we have fallen beneath our own nature.

He then adds a sharp and beautiful reminder. People travel far to admire great works of art, such as the statues and temples of Olympia. They consider it a shame to die without seeing them. Yet the works of God are everywhere, far greater than any human creation. We pass by them daily, often without a second look. If we really understood who we are and what we have been given, we would never overlook them. The universe is filled with meaning, but we must choose to notice it.

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If you appreciate my work and feel called to support it, whether once or on a regular basis, you’re welcome to do so through my Ko-fi page. Reading these letters, watching my videos, and engaging with what I share already means a lot to me. But if you wish to go a step further, your support is always received with gratitude.

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Until Next Letter,

Love,

Aswin