Astrology of Joy

Newsletter 25/AUGUST/2025 Women Warriors

Written by

David

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Astrology Monday! Women Warriors: Are you one? ☺️
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This Week’s Focus

Women Warriors
Ordinary women who become extraordinary
Issue 34 Volume 8          25 August 2025
This week’s focus: Zitkala-Ša, Lakota for ‘Red Bird’ — author, editor, translator, musician, educator, and political activist; photographed in 1898 at the age of 22 in full Lakota dress.

I feel a keen sympathy that all are akin. The racial lines, which once were bitterly real, now serve nothing more than marking out a living mosaic of human beings.
― Zitkála-Šá, American Indian Stories (1921)

Born four months before the Great Sioux War of 1876 which saw the defeat of General George Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn, Zitkala-Ša, Lakota for Red Bird, was a product of two worlds, a Lakota mother and a euro-American father, but she excelled in both. 

Her autobiography, American Indian Stories (1921), powerfully contrasts the freedom of her early life on the Yankton Sioux reservation with the oppressive “iron routine” of the boarding schools she was forced to attend at the age of 8 by the US government.  A dark stain on American history, tens of thousands of Native American children in the late 19th and early 20th century were separated from their families and sent to hundreds of boarding schools across America to be educated in white culture. Richard Henry Pratt, founder of a school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania that became the model for most schools in America, gave meaning to the adage, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” when he self-righteously proclaimed, “Kill the Indian. Save the man.“

For Zitkala-Ša, a pivotal moment in her life occurred when she was forced to have her long hair cut. “I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit“. In her culture, short hair was worn by mourners and cowards, making the act a deep personal and cultural violation. This moment symbolised the broader assault on her identity, where she felt uprooted like a tree: “Like a slender tree, I had been uprooted from my mother, nature, and God. I was shorn of my branches, which had waved in sympathy and love for home and friends.“

Contrary to the aim of the programme, however, the federal government’s attempt at cultural erasure made many Native American children more resolute in keeping their traditions alive. Clandestine groups formed and intimate friendships were established that would provide the basis for activism later on. For Zitkala-Ša, this was the beginning of using her white education to fight not only for Native American rights, but to acquaint the white world with Native American culture.

During her education, she fell in love with music and became a classical violinist. Later, she co-composed the first Native American opera which premiered in 1913. Zitkala-Ša became a prominent voice against the assimilationist policies of the U.S. government through her writings published in national magazines like Atlantic Monthly and Harper’s Monthly. She was also among the first to bring traditional Native American stories to a widespread white, English-speaking audience. In 1926, she co-founded the National Council of American Indians (NCAI) with her husband, Raymond Talefase Bonnin (also half Lakota/half European), serving as its president until her death in 1938, tirelessly advocating for Native American voting rights even after the federal Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted citizenship to all Native Americans.

Her legacy is recognised through the American Women Quarters Program, which features her likeness on a quarter released in 2024, depicting her in traditional Yankton Sioux dress with a book and a stylised Sun, symbolising her opera. She died in Washington, D.C., on January 26, 1938, at the age of 61, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. She is remembered as one of the most influential Native American activists of the 20th century, whose work significantly advanced the cause of Native American rights, cultural preservation, and political recognition.
Astrology Monday:
Just the facts, please! 
An American icon from 60s television, hard-boiled detective Joe Friday always insists on “just the facts”.

This week’s no-nonsense forecast:
Worldly fulfilment
Saturn/Neptune conjunction: Both retrograde in Aries for the first time since the 1700s! This is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get on track. These planets are giving you joyful permission to change direction towards what is more authentic and fulfilling. 

Venus trine Saturn and Neptune: Venus’s love of beauty and romance relaxes Saturn’s penchant for renunciation and denial. Venus and Neptune create a “maya (illusion) yoga” so relationships can become dreamy and surreal, but may not have depth. While this is an amazing opportunity for creative expression, use Saturn’s objectivity to keep relationships grounded.

Uranus trine Pluto: Unexpected situations supports group endeavours and your capacity to know where you fit in.

Mars square Jupiter: Beginning September 1 and continuing thru next week, Mars energises Jupiter’s capacity for undertaking good works creating opportunity for success. Square aspects can indicate challenges, so make sure your ambitions are pure and for the good of all.

Venus opposite Pluto: Oppositions can also be challenging. Pluto transforms through friction and when Venus is around, transformation can be initiated through love affairs or giving in to comfort, convenience, and pleasure. Not a problem as long as you look for the teaching.

Spiritual possibility
Saturn/Neptune conjunction: This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is urging you to chart a new course in your spiritual life. Perhaps it’s in the way you approach your practices. Maybe it is in your schedule. It can also mean you embrace a whole new path. Don’t sleep through this. This is a chance to add fuel to your spiritual fire.

Venus trine Saturn and Neptune: Venus supports Bhakti (devotion) in your spiritual practice while the Neptune element makes it possible to experience other dimensions and realms. Guess what? Bhakti is one of the doors that lead to mystical experience, i.e., experiences rooted in your ethereal body. Are you game?

Uranus trine Pluto: Unexpected situations and meetings become opportunities to know what talent or resource you can offer the world.

Mars square Jupiter: Beginning September 1 and continuing thru next week, Mars is the fuel you need to fire up your spiritual quest. Gurus, teachers, and mentors can help you make a jump.

Venus opposite Pluto: A wonderful chance to fall in love — with yourself! Do something you’re good at.

Ongoing
Uranus in Gemini!
Uranus is in Gemini thru 8 November, giving us a preview of the next seven years beginning 26 April, 2026. Uranus is is your authentic nature crying to be freed. If you are struggling, it simply means you are not honouring your authenticity. You are living a lie and Uranus wants to put an end to your falsehoods and pretence. Let it show you the way.

Jupiter in Cancer
Jupiter in Cancer is an opportunity to find fulfilment through service, creativity, and abundance when you seek to act upon your highest intentions. Keep your Jupiter pointed high. Jupiter can become distracted and very ordinary if you allow it to serve your passions and your need for comfort and pleasure. Nothing wrong with these as long as they don’t take the lead.
There are two kinds of people: those who make things happen, and those who enjoy it when it happens well, and complain when it does not.
Sadhguru, yogi, mystic, named one of India’s 50 most influential people, noted for environmental initiatives like Rally for Rivers and Save Soil

Impeccability begins with a single act that has to be deliberate, precise and sustained. If that act is repeated long enough, one acquires a sense of unbending intent which can be applied to anything else. If that is accomplished the road is clear. One thing will lead to another until the warrior realises (their) full potential.
Don Juan, Yaqui “man of knowledge”, teacher/guru of Carlos Castaneda who wrote about his experiences in The Teachings of Don Juan: a Yaqui Way of Knowledge (1968)

Dear wonderful neighbour and fellow traveller;

When you hear the words “woman warrior”, do you think of a woman dressed in fatigues and lugging an M141 rocket launcher? Maybe you are a fan of Wonder Woman or perhaps you are more historically inclined, so your mind conjures an image of Boudica, the queen of the Iceni tribe of ancient Britain, who led a failed uprising against the Roman Empire in AD 60… Isn’t it interesting how woman + warrior makes us think in terms of war, a markedly masculine affair? 🤔

Case study: Zitkala-Ša
Torn from her mother and the land she loved to be “civilised” by the US government, 8-yr old, Zitkala-Ša had a choice to either embody the warrior spirit that was part of her heritage, or abandon it. Most of us would not have blamed her if she had simply accepted the new world into which she was thrust and turned her back on her Native American culture. For Zitkala-Ša, however, the warrior within her faced the challenge head-on. At some point early on, she decided to make use of the new culture while keeping one hand firmly on her family heritage.

Examining her astrology (22/Feb/1876, South Dakota; time unknown), we find a woman who suffered the loss of a mother’s love in childhood, a loss that, without understanding, would have deeply affected her throughout her life. The Moon’s influence on Saturn in Aquarius indicates an attempt to fulfil emotional needs through that which is not karmically possible. Make no mistake; this is a challenging conjunction to be born under and can cause one to express their emotions in unhealthy ways because of deep-rooted, unresolved trauma. The Moon is the mother and Saturn the karmic separator. Indeed, this also underscores the passages in her autobiography which paint the mother as a pained soul from being forced to leave their native land and watch her uncle and cousin die from fever on the long trip to the new reservation. 

Just as problematic, Saturn influences the Moon revealing how she experienced numerous occasions when she was not provided what she needed. In fact, not only was there no possibility of getting what she needed as a child, there was likely some kind of abuse given instead. Without a doubt, she suffered some kind of mistreatment during her school years to at least some degree. The result of this was likely a tendency to not trust life to provide what she needed. The only defence for one is a gradual hardening of the emotional nature. Unless one is a warrior. Zitkala-Ša, it turns out, was a warrior.

So what in her horoscope represents Zitkala-Ša, the warrior? A few prominent attributes stand out. Saturn in its own house (Aquarius) is someone who can persevere, endure, and withstand hardship. It doesn’t mean they won’t get knocked down, that they won’t feel the pain and anguish of life, but they won’t stay down. Moreover, Saturn in Aquarius, 12th from the Sun, indicates a strong spiritual, but not religious, connection. Though Christian dogma was forced upon Zitkala-Ša, she simply refused to embrace it.

A wee child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their (Christian) dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is Paganism, then at present, at least, I am a Pagan. ― Zitkala-Ša, 1902 essay Why I Am A Pagan

What was the source of her inner resilience and defiance? The Sun. Her Sun is off the charts in terms of sheer power. In the chart image above, notice the yellow bar graph in the upper right. This is one representation in Vedic astrology of how well a planet is able to do what it needs to do. It’s not the only indicator, but a very useful one. For her, the Sun by far is the tallest yellow bar and dominates her chart. The Sun is the sense of Self, our authentic nature seeking to express itself. It is masculine, and when weak, we go through life unsure of what we need to do or even can do. When strong, however, we can move mountains simply through the vitality we hold within.

What’s more, Zitkala-Ša has a friendly Rahu (North node) which expands the power of the Sun exponentially. There was no way this woman’s spirit would be corralled or denied no matter the outer circumstances. It is not a coincidence that the opera she composed which played in New York was called The Sun Dance Opera about a profound spiritual Lakota ritual, the Sun Dance. The Sun, too, is prominently displayed on the 2024 US quarter bearing her likeness. 

Of course, a strong sense of self by itself does not reveal someone who can bring good to the world. A healthy Jupiter is required and this shows up for her as Jupiter in Sagittarius, it’s home. Jupiter from this position has a strong influence on the Sun and ensures that her strong sense of self, for the most part, would be lead towards beneficial outcomes by her sincere desire to make the world a better place for all. In this case, she wanted to see Native Americans be accepted as full American citizens with all the rights and privileges that come with American citizenship. Unlike the Sun which is not harmed by any planet, her Jupiter would at times challenge her to “stay the course” as both Venus and Mercury, enemies of Jupiter, can indicate becoming distracted with material rewards and external recognition.

Like everyone who takes birth, Zitkala-Ša had her own burden to carry. A warrior is not someone who has no baggage; rather, the warrior is the one who faces what he or she must. Yaqui shaman don Juan said to Carlos Castaneda:

To be a warrior is not a simple matter of wishing to be one. It is rather an endless struggle that will go on to the very last moment of our lives. Nobody is born a warrior, in exactly the same way that nobody is born an average man. We make ourselves into one or the other.

I’ve presented Zitkala-Ša here not as an example of an extraordinary human being, but of an ordinary human being who rose to the occasion. Like her, our astrology shows past life trial and tribulations, incomprehensible traumas that we carry to this day, but also like her, our astrology reveals the potential of our strength and inner fortitude. We are all warriors. We only need tap into our warrior spirit.

Coming Soon: Astro-Coaching
Sometimes to move forward in life, we need help. Old patterns can trap us behind castle walls, recycling the same thoughts that lead nowhere. We believe we are in control, but often we’ve locked ourselves into a self-made prison… and feel we’ve lost the key.

But the truth is, the key is closer than you think. With the right guidance, you can find it, unlock the door, and step into the freedom to live the life you dream.

To address our aspirations, many of us benefit from having someone personally help us navigate the road to success. That’s where coaching comes in. The right coach helps you reconnect with your authentic self, so you can make decisions from clarity, not fear; from power, not weakness. From that space, you can begin to carve your unique path with ease and confidence.

Last year, I asked: what if a Vedic Astrologer and a Transformational Coach teamed up? As a professional astrologer, I can easily see your walls, but I lack the time and inclination to personally guide you step-by-step over those walls. A coach, on the other hand, is trained and experienced to guide you up that ladder, one rung at a time.

At the end of last year, I successfully partnered with an accomplished Transformational Coach I have known for years to offer selected clients not only astrological insight, but also a practical, personally guided approach to achieving their personal, professional, and spiritual goals. Together, we successfully introduced Astro-Coaching — a programme that helps you align the strengths and talents indicated in your horoscope with real-world, practical action, so you can break old cycles and build lasting momentum. As I have witnessed over the years, many of you fall back into old thoughts and patterns and struggle to make progress. This is when having a personal coach in tune with the intricacies of your horoscope can mean the difference between continuing to struggle and making real progress.

And so it was that Astro-Coaching was born. 🤗

If a new path or shift in direction has been whispering to you, this is the time to claim what you want, release what no longer serves you, and step boldly into what is calling. 

Full details of the programme and cost will be revealed in the weeks ahead. At first, we will only take on a limited number of clients. If you are interested, drop me a line and I’ll put you on the “Interested” list. No obligation. Just possibility.

 🤗

David 🔆
Coming Soon! Astro-Coaching!
Sometimes to move ahead, we need a little help from our friends — and astrologers and coaches. To help you out, I have teamed up with a certified Transformational Coach to offer you Astro-Coaching. Unlike other astrologers who “coach” but are not trained coaches, this is a strategic offering that gives you the best of both worlds, Vedic astrology and Transformational Coaching. Stay tuned!

Astrology Monday

Weekly Planning Forecast

Virgo Sun…
23 August — 22 September

The Sun in Virgo highlights an important attribute of the Virgo nature: it’s a sign that indicates the building of something wonderful for the benefit of human beings, whether in thought or in deed. If you have the Sun in Virgo in your birth chart or Mercury, Saturn, or Rahu, you have an abundance of this attribute. Indeed, it is deeply ingrained in who you are and can serve you well when you recognise its worth.

Virgo relates to the physical world and the things we attempt and accomplish in the outer world in order to find fulfilment: education degrees, job, career, house, car, etc. Spouse and family come in the next sign, Libra. Though our search for happiness in the outer world ultimately leaves us unfulfilled, as it should, it is a necessary part of the journey we human beings take from material to spiritual. 

Sun in Aditya Tvashta…
Fun Fact: Zodiac comes from the Greek zodiakos (kyklos) which literally means “circle of little animals” and reveals how astrological knowledge was shared between the cultures of Greece and India beginning in the time of Alexander the Great.

Before the arrival of the Greeks, the ‘zodiac’ used in India was a 360 degree circle based upon the Sun’s movement (Adityas). The Aditya corresponding to Virgo is Tvashta which relates to the chariot maker. This highlights the nature of Tvashta as the sign that relates to building something that allows human beings to have an easier and more comfortable existence, to “move” from one aspect of life to another. 😊
 
Moon Planner
Has the Moon got you hurried and harried?

No worries! The Moon represents the feminine and your capacity to receive and recognise the resources you have available to fulfil your emotional needs.  Too often, we get distracted with what is not ours and miss out on the available opportunity, experiencing disappointment and disillusionment, or worse, we become like my hairy friend, Monsieur Lou Garou. 🤭

This week
Moon conjunct Mars in Libra, Tuesday, 25 — 27 August
When the Moon and Mars get together in Libra, the relationship focus of Libra gets activated. If you have a friendly Mars (Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces), then you will tend to do what is necessary in your relationships and there will be positive outcomes. If you have an unfriendly Mars (Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius), then there is a tendency to put your needs before duty and create challenging situations. You have been warned. 😄 ☺️
Important dates (2025 — 2026)
2025
JUL 14 — 8 NOV: Uranus in Gemini! Revolution brings innovation. Bend, but don’t break.
JUL 14 — AUG 31 Saturn retrograde in Aries: with Neptune can bring redirection
AUG 6 — SEP 22: Mars in Libra: right action in relationship brings bounty.
SEP 1 thru 28 NOV: Saturn retrograde in Pisces; great time to review long range plans.
Now thru 2026 and beyond
Now thru JUL 26 2026: Rahu in Pisces: Loss of boundaries; excessive empathy; heightened creative expression and imagination.
Now thru JUN 30, 2026: Jupiter exalted in Cancer: Heart-centred approach brings rewards when emotions are tied to your good intention and not selfish gain.
SEP 1 2025 — FEB 13 2026: Saturn in Pisces: Tendency towards fear-based decisions; loss of boundaries; strong creative ideas
FEB 14 2026— APR 12 2028: Saturn in Aries: Weakening foundation; supports taking calculated risks. Prudence is fine; obsessively cautious denies needed change.
Hero’s Journey
The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know. ~ Joseph Campbell, 
True gurus are those who have reached the highest expression of human potential and help us find the way. I most often quote Sadhguru and highlight his practices and events simply because he is arguably the most publicly available guru today. Initially, his mission on Earth was to install the Dhyanalinga, an energy form not seen for over 2000 years, but something wonderful happened after his body recovered from the enormous energy drain of such a profound process: he decided to stick around to touch the lives of as many as possible… 😉
Upcoming “don’t miss” hatha yoga programmes offered across Europe (incl Glasgow):

Free and low cost programmes and discounts…
Miracle of Mind! FREE Meditation App!

Recent science shows that even a short amount of time is enough to spark positive neuro-physical changes in your brain. Stick with it, and these quick sessions build up, boosting your mental resilience and overall happiness.

Launched by Sadhguru this past Mahashivratri, Miracle of Mind is a free app to download that empowers you through a daily 7 minute meditation. For more information, follow this link.

 
Consultations
*** 20% paid for referrals astrologyofjoy.com/special-offer

What is the Astrology of Joy? It’s a tool for finding your bliss and living a joyful life. It’s a gentle “push” to get you back on the right track. Based upon the time-honoured system of astrology practiced in India for thousands of years, Astrology of Joy is inspired by David’s four decades living in ashrams, seeking truth, and learning from enlightened beings who taught, “You are more than a body and a mind. You are That!” 
 

New! Astro Chat
£45/hr… This reading is an open-ended discussion with me that works best as either a follow-up or a general exploration of any current issues in your life. Designed for the budget conscious or anyone seeking a review of their current astrological trends and trajectories. Audio file included.

In-depth consultations… the following readings are comprehensive and detailed and include 2 to 3 hours of pre-session analysis of your astrology charts before we meet.

Natal in-depth overview: perfect for new clients or as a comprehensive review
£199 new clients/£169 returning clients… 2hr online reading. Includes personal eBook and session audio file.
 
Varshaphala (6-month Solar return): 
£169 new clients/ £129 returning clients… 2hr online reading. Includes personal eBook and session audio file.

Specialised Consultations:
£129… 2hr online reading on one of the following (below). Includes session audio file. Optional: £29 add on eBook.
  • Relationship/Compatibility
  • Career/Finances
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Relocation (analyse up to 3 locations)
  • Spiritual Development
  • In-depth examination of any area of your choosing.

Rahu/Ketu Elemental Reading
£99… 2hr online reading. Includes session audio file. Optional: £29 add on eBook.
 
Muhurta Consultation
Auspicious date determination for wedding, baby planning, business start up, medical procedures, home purchase, etc.
 £79 for three month analysis. Months do not need to be successive.

Financial Hardship? It is my vision to make Vedic astrology available to all those who are willing to take steps towards their wellbeing. If you are eager to use Vedic astrology to make your life into a better reflection of who you really are, but financial resources are a genuine barrier, please contact me about your situation.

For more information, visit astrologyofjoy.com/consultations.


AstrologyOfJoy.com
About David: Personally certified by Dr. David Frawley, author and founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, David has been a professional astrologer for over 30 years. David learned the art and science of Indian astrology while a ten-year resident in the ashram of a realised spiritual master. David guides clients throughout the world on achieving everyday fulfilment in their spiritual and personal goals, relationships, and wellbeing.

David served as editor of Isha Yoga’s European newsletter for two years, was Vice President of the Rosia Montana Cultural Foundation in Romania, and has a Masters in Archaeology (with Distinction), studying the challenges and issues facing contemporary society from the archaeological perspective. He also wrote and published a parent-child picture book with his brother, Steve (illustrator), about the life of Adiyogi, the first yogi. He currently resides in Burntisland, Scotland, where he serves on the board of the Burntisland Harbour Access Trust helping maintain public access to the historically significant harbour.
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