Between Sword and Shell
Insights into Emotional Volatility, Reaction, and Inner Strength During the Mars–Moon Opposition
Astrological Commentary
We are still about three weeks away from Mars leaving Cancer, and during this time, the Moon makes its final opposition to Mars in this sign before Mars returns to Cancer again, which might not happen for another thirty months. As a result, the week ahead may bring emotional strain or a sense of unease. While there may not be any real reason for emotional tension, a subtle undercurrent of restlessness could still emerge, especially since the Moon will be joining Saturn in Pisces where Rahu is also present. It may feel like a turbulent ride, but I hope the rest of this letter offers some insight that helps you stay in tune with the sky and find your way through any chaos that arises.
This week highlights a strong tendency to react emotionally, not always because of what is happening around us, but often because of old feelings that remain unprocessed. The Moon in Capricorn can support a methodical and grounded approach, but Mars in Cancer has the potential to interrupt that flow, possibly leading to irritation and even emotional outbursts. The deeper lesson lies in understanding that something beyond our everyday perception is unfolding. Choosing to remain quiet, rather than reacting, can help us avoid situations charged with unnecessary emotion.
There is an inner conflict that often arises in moments like these. We are conditioned to respond whenever we feel hurt or wronged. But ancient thinkers offered a different perspective, one we may find useful now. If someone is unfair or unkind to us, the best response might be to let it pass. Their actions often say more about their inner world than about us. What they do or say might arise from their own struggles, and we simply happen to be nearby. Applying this kind of wisdom in moments of emotional heat allows us to protect our peace of mind, which is more important than proving a point or retaliating.
Learning to manage our mood swings and emotional triggers this week will help us stay steady. It is not about avoiding life or retreating into silence, but about dealing with situations with maturity and insight. That is not weakness, but real strength.
The sextile between Saturn and the Moon can help us step back and observe patterns around us. If we are mindful, we might find that the next couple of days are not as difficult as they seem. The key is to avoid wasting our energy on things that do not serve us. At the same time, the Moon’s movement through Pisces has felt weighty, given the presence of Saturn and Rahu. Still, within this lies an opening. It is a chance to unlock something powerful within ourselves by engaging in spiritual practices or creating a simple inner routine that works for you. The goal is not to perform a ritual for its own sake, but to begin the process of inner cleansing and self-discovery. That is where real meaning lies.
Rahu often magnifies our experiences, so if you find yourself facing a difficult moment, try to remember that the intensity might be exaggerated. Patience is your greatest ally right now. The Moon will meet Venus toward the end of the week, and that is something to look forward to. This conjunction offers a gentle wave of ease and harmony. Even reading something uplifting, even if you do not immediately feel uplifted, can create a subtle shift within you that will bloom during the Moon-Venus conjunction.
After that, the Moon will move into a conjunction with Mercury, a blend of heart and mind. It will help you make thoughtful decisions that honour both your emotional needs and your rational judgment. Preparing yourself now will ease the transition into the lunar next phase that takes us to the last week of this month. And until then, know that I am available if you need support through a personal session.
© Aswin Subramanyan 2025
Inward Glance
Besides this week’s astrological commentary, I felt drawn to share a few thoughts inspired by the first chapter of Epictetus’ Discourses. I hope to weave in such insights regularly as part of this weekly letter, something beyond astrology, yet deeply connected to how we live and respond. If it resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Epictetus’ Discourses
Book I - Chapter-I - Essence of Chapters 1-6
Epictetus eloquently reveals a profound truth about the inherent limitations of human understanding and our natural inclinations. He notes that skills such as grammar, with its precise structure, and music, with its evocative melodies, lack the capacity for self-assessment. It’s as if a painting couldn’t judge its own composition. While grammar provides the framework for a well-structured letter, it offers no guidance on the wisdom or necessity of writing it; the choice remains a matter of judgment. Music, with its enchanting melodies and rhythmic pulse, can lead us, but the choice between song and silence ultimately rests with us.
This unique power is solely held by reason. Reason, unlike other faculties, possesses the unique ability to introspect and analyse its own processes, a capacity for self-reflection unmatched by other cognitive functions. It can question its own motives, testing its clarity and reflecting on its value, probing its very essence. More importantly, it can also evaluate the optimal timing and application of other skills, considering the context and desired outcome. This elevates reason from a mere tool to the very essence of our actions, shaping every decision and endeavour.
Epictetus encourages a mindful approach to living, prompting us to question the appropriateness and significance of our deeds, moving beyond habitual responses and innate skills. When we cultivate reason, we move beyond mere thought to a place of mindful action, where our choices reflect our understanding. This is how we move from being skilled, with a practiced hand, to being wise, with a discerning mind. Reason empowers us to make choices with intention, clarity, and moral strength; it provides a compass in a world saturated with options.