Sun in Gandanta ~ A journey between extremes

The Sun, ruler of soul and self-expression, is in the Gandanta zone between Cancer and Leo and Ashlesha and Magha from August 13th to 20th 2025.

Gandata means ‘knot-end’ where you find an obstacle to overcome, and the Sun’s usual ego-oriented style can’t get its natural power and authority across. This double-border area extends on either side of zodiac signs and nakshatras and may see a period of instability where your plans fall in between two extremes. The transition from water to fire signs makes symbolic steam, so expect to work a little harder and perhaps have to adjust before getting your intention pushed through.

This transit also begins immediately after Mercury’s retrograde phase, so you may still be reacting to information coming to you a second time, and have a decision to make. The last pada of Ashlesha, from August 13th-17th, emphasizes protectiveness and instinct, where you have a radar-like ability to zoom in on people’s thoughts and feelings. Check your intuition with a trusted source, however, as the Gandanta energy can be unfocused and undermining, and any defensive attitude on your part can be easily misunderstood.

Ashlesha’s Shakti ‘To Inject Venom’, may also find you in a toxic situation where you have to take steps to shield yourself. By August 17th, the Sun shifts to its home sign, and in Grand Magha, you want to be more relaxed and expansive. Sun’s conjunction with mystical Ketu in Leo, however, takes some adjustment, and it is as well to road-test any escapist plan for travel, career, or self-development, before putting them into action.