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American College of Vedic Astrology
The ACVA Newsletter 2026-03 (March 2026)
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| | Note from the President of ACVA
By Professor Charlotte Benson (Jyoti Devi)
President, ACVA
March 2026
Dear Friends of ACVA –
Hello again dear friends of ACVA. Hope all is well enough with you and yours, even during these unsettling times.
We are currently recovering from the recent eclipses. Please observe the current position of Rahu/Ketu in your chart and pay attention there. Eclipse activation is quite a lively experience and needs careful handling – even after the actual eclipse has passed.
Jupiter in Punarvasu nakshatra had now resumed forward motion – this is also a relief for all. Catch a glimpse, if you can, of Jupiter in the night sky before he disappears from view. This is powerful Guru darshan!
Something to also be aware of is the rare and impactful conjunction of Saturn and Neptune still close to each other in Pisces. This continues to influence all of us in some subtle but profound ways. The importance of maintaining your spiritual practice with intention might be the message here.
It is also important for me to emphasize that ACVA’s core online program has been steadily growing. ACVA offers a rare blend of flexible online learning and personalized one-on-one mentorship, making authentic Jyotisha education accessible to dedicated students worldwide. ACVA’s certification programs are unique in that they combine the flexibility of true self-paced online study with the guidance and accountability of individual mentor-based instruction. Each student is supported by a dedicated instructor who helps ensure steady progress, correct understanding of fundamentals, and thoughtful application of Jyotisha principles through assignments, feedback, and live online Q&A meetings. This model allows learners from around the world to study authentic classical Jyotisha at a rigorous standard, while still benefiting from personalized attention—culminating in ACVA’s respected Jyotisha Ratna (Level 1) and Jyotisha Prabhakara (Level 2) certifications through a structured and integrity-driven assessment process.
ACVA members and friends enjoyed a masterful webinar on the topic of Panchanga by Mr. Pratik Mehta on March 14. This very worthwhile material will be available on the ACVA website soon. Please see “Coming Attractions” to learn about our next ACVA webinar on May 9.
Simon Chokoisky is offering his excellent relationship software known as Dilaanu to friends of ACVA for 50% off. Dilaanu is the world’s most advanced compatibility algorithm. Use the discount code “acva50” for a great deal on this special relationship software.
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Professor Charlotte Benson (Jyoti Devi)
President, American College of Vedic Astrology
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ACVA Newsletter 2026 – 03 Holy Days
By Professor Juliana Swanson
ACVA Provost and Dean of Academics
Akshaya Tritiya: The Golden Day of Eternal Success
If you have anything important that you want to initiate this month, we have an abhuj muhurta (muhurat) on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Abhuj muhurtas fall on just a few of the holiest days of the Vedic calendar, and because of deep energy movements that occur on these days, which are associated with ancient legends and astrological lore, they are considered to be fully auspicious days for beginning any new important venture. “Abhuj” refers to something eternal, so the abhuj muhurtas focus on the stability and durability of anything begun on this day.
The abhuj muhurta on April 19 is called Akshay(a) Tritiya, when it is said that anything established will “turn to gold.” “Kshaya” means destruction and the “A” in front of it means “not." Together, this word means “not destructible.” So anything we initiate on Akshaya Tritiya promises gains and development over time. Thus, in Vedic electional astrology (known as Muhurta), this day is a great time for performing important deeds, beginning new projects, making important sales or purchases, establishing significant business or personal relationships, and basically, setting something significant in motion (like good intentions).
| | Akshaya Tritiya is also known as Akha Teej, the “Golden Day of Eternal Success.” It is a rare and special Vedic holy day that celebrates when Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began to write the Mahabharata, a famous historical epic. The Lights of our solar system, the Sun and Moon, also known as the King and Queen of the Planetary Kingdom, are both especially "bright" (exalted or uccha) on this day. At the same time, the waxing Moon transits in its prosperous third day (tritiya tithi). This event always occurs during the beneficent month of Vaisakha (April 17 to May 16), but the exact date changes every year. Please make sure to check your local Panchanga (calendar) for exact timings in your location. | | |
The Observatory
By Dr. Lynn Bootes, MD
ACVA Dean of Students and Registrar
registrar@acvaonline.org
Sun in Pisces/Aries Equinox March 2026 edition
Dear Readers,
The eclipse season has just passed, with the sorts of extreme weather events and tides which are the natural results of eclipses. In addition, another war has broken out with the latest attack by the USA and Israel against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, many of us have noticed an uptick in personal events involving crisis and tightly held beliefs. Such is not the inevitable nature of the grouping of planets in Aquarius: Mercury, Mars and Rahu, but these three together increase the odds. On a more positive note, there will be opportunities all month to make hard decisions and stick to principles.
Pisces is in the spotlight with the Sun in the sign from March 14 to April 14. Venus will continue its exalted position in Pisces until March 26, adding to the potential for compassion and grace. Saturn continues in 9 to 14 degrees Pisces, and the non-visible non-traditional planet Neptune at 7 to 9 degrees Pisces. Mars will join Pisces on April 3, and Mercury on April 11. There will be a real shift in the themes in the direction of strongly held emotions rather than ideas in mid-April, especially as Mercury, Mars and Saturn reach a triple conjunction April 19-20. Issues regarding ocean waters will continue to come to the surface.
The concentration of planets in these last two rashis, Aquarius and Pisces, is a wake-up call and reminder for all of us to bring our best to our lives. Not all are called to action, but whether one is in action or meditation or a combination of both, we need both principle and compassion in this life. Dramatic events sometimes call a personal to decide upon intensive study of Jyotisha as well. That is one reason that ACVA is available for students to start at any time.
Jupiter is now moving in direct motion since March 11 in the later degrees of Gemini. It remains bright and alone in the sky after sunset, and it continues to cast its rays by aspect to all the planets in Aquarius, acting as teacher and guide. Jupiter’s gifts are even more evident as Mercury enters Pisces on April 10, as the two will be in mutual reception, a Parivartana Yoga.
The world is again in the realm of Kala Sarpa Yoga for half of every month from March 20 to July 10, whenever the Moon is between Aquarius and Leo. There will continue to be unstable conditions and change at those times. In addition, whenever the Moon is in Aquarius, Pisces or Gemini between March 15 to April 20, there will be many birth charts and muhurtas involving grahas in only three signs – Sula or “Spike” Yoga – there is a predisposition to impose one’s view and act in a Mars-like fashion. We can all pause and consider before being triggered by events. We can also select muhurtas when the Moon is outside the Kala Sarpa and interacting with Jupiter or wait until after April 20 when Venus moves to Taurus.
Looking ahead, we can enjoy the arrival of Venus in its own sign Taurus April 20, just as the Sun and Moon reach their exalted positions in Aries and Taurus on Sunday April 19 and Monday April 20. Hindu wedding venues in India are already booked up for Akshaya Tritiya, but you may make use of such an auspicious date for other events promoting fertility, culture and prosperity.
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ACVA Newsletter 2026-03 – Technical article
By Wahneta Trotter
Ayurvedic Practitioner and Panchakarma Specialist
Confluences: Cleansing and Stabilizing the Elemental Sandhi of Spring
Nothing exists in isolation, because we are magnificent microcosms of a magnificent macrocosm—and that is only the beginning of our inter- and inner-connectedness. Never separate, always in relationship, we move with and respond to the great ebb and flow of the pancha mahabhutas.
These elements determine our constitutional makeup, shaping both our propensities toward imbalance and our greatest strengths and capacities. It is their constant ebbing and flowing—the eternal cycling of the bhutas—that creates our seasons, and with them, the rise and fall of each element within ourselves.
It is during seasonal transitions—the confluences of the elements—that the greatest havoc can arise. Yet these moments also hold our greatest opportunity: the chance to cultivate resilience when we navigate them with the wisdom of Ayurveda.
Seasons as Doshas
What is commonly referred to as Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, we “Ayurvedins” simply describe as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha seasons. This language more accurately reflects the elemental expression of the season and, when understood, guides us in how to live with it wisely.
The confluence of late winter and early spring is Kapha season—a meeting of Air + Ether with their elemental opposites, Earth + Water. This convergence can be particularly tumultuous because of the opposing qualities involved.
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ACVA Newsletter 2026-03 – Technical Article
By Pratik Mehta
ACVA Director of Social Media and Community Engagement
Navatārā cakra – Part 3
We looked at the Navatārā cakra in Part 1 and spoke about the first three Taras (Janma, Sampad, Vipad) in Part 2 of this Navatārā series. We will now continue our onward journey by exploring the Kṣema and Pratyak Tārās. These two Tārās have their own significance in the Navatārā scheme because the Mahadaśās of their respective planetary rulers typically fall within what most individuals would consider to be “prime time” of their life i.e. between ages 35 to 60. For most folks, this is the period when they are in the prime of health, reach the pinnacle of their multi-decade career journey and are proud parents at their children’s graduating ceremonies. Some might even become proud grandparents and stalwarts of their community championing a cause or two for the greater good.
1. Kṣema (क्षेम) Tārās
Meaning: Kṣema refers to anything and everything that gives us a certain level of comfort, peace and security. All the things, activities and people that make us feel warm and fuzzy on the inside and land us in the generally vicinity of the ‘happiness’ zone.
Significance: Most of us at some point in our educational journey have heard about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs whereby the “Father of Humanistic Psychology” Abraham Maslow proposed that human motivation is a 5-step ladder wherein we only move on to a higher rung once we are fully satisfied with everything that a lower rung in the ladder has to offer. These 5-steps / rungs from bottom to top are, Physiological (food, water, sex), Safety (security, stability), Belonging (relationships, home), Esteem (recognition, achievement) and Self-actualization (philosophy, religion, spirituality). The realm of the Kṣema Tārā covers the bottom three rungs of Maslow pyramid.
For most of us, by the time the Ksema Tārā Mahadaśā unfolds, we are well on our way to finding a place in the world and busy discovering answers to questions like, “What is my purpose in life?”, “What does success mean to me?”, “What is my life’s game plan?”. As if that were not enough, we also try to juggle additional balls of finding and settling down with our soul mate, having and raising children, buying ourselves a fancy car and a beautiful house, creating our bucket list of exotic vacations and creating our retirement nest egg.
The Tārā, its Nakṣatras and Mahadaśā ruler therefore play a pivotal role in defining how, when and where success will unfold in our life.
Interpretation: Let’s revisit President Bush’s chart that we discussed last month
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ACVA Newsletter 2026-03 – Informational Article
By Dianne Brown
Recollections of Chakrapani Ullal, Astrologer
I have been asked to share some observations about Chakrapani on the occasion of his birthday on March 29, and it is my pleasure. For those of you who do not know me, I am Dianne Brown, Chakrapani’s partner for some 35 years. We met in a reading in 1981 when he was living in Swami Muktananda’s ashram in Santa Monica. Our relationship went through several iterations through the years, and starting in the early 90’s, beyond what had become a personal relationship further morphed into my wearing several hats in his astrology practice, quietly and behind the scenes. I mention this so you will know who is speaking here and to let you know I knew Chakrapani well. Generally, I would characterize our life shared together as actively involving one another in our respective interests. We always enjoyed an easy rapport and talked about most things of note leaving me feeling comfortable offering you these thoughts about his life as an astrologer. My intention here is focused on conjuring his memory for your pleasure in remembering him, or for you to become acquainted with Chakrapani, a devoted Jyotishi with great passion for his work. For those of you who knew and loved him, I hope these shared recollections will serve to remind you of him, and give you a moment’s pause remembering how he may have touched your life.
| | Coming Attractions at ACVA | | |
1. ACVA Webinar – 11th April 2026 – Guylaine Vallée
SATURDAY 10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, Noon Central, 1pm Eastern
Topic: Integrating Astrology and Palmistry: A Case Study Approach
I am delighted to speak to an audience of astrologers. Hast Jyotish, Jyotish’s sister science—hast meaning “hands”—shares the same Vedic roots. The birth chart reveals the karmic blueprint and potential, while palmistry and follow-up handprints allow us to witness how that karma unfolds over time.
I will share the story of Patrick to illustrate how astrology and palmistry work together, presenting his Vedic chart alongside time-lapsed handprints that demonstrate the changes taking place over the years. I will highlight the importance of comparing the dominant and non-dominant hands and explore the three key components of the hand: the mounts (the planetary zones), the major and minor lines. The webinar is followed by a Q&A
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2.ACVA Webinar – 9th May 2026 – Ernst Wilhelm
SATURDAY 10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, Noon Central, 1pm Eastern
Topic: The Use of Bach Flower Remedies In Vedic Astrology
Bach Flowers are a simple and effective treatment for obtaining mental, emotional and physical well-being. They have no side effects, and there is no danger to take a flower remedy even if it is not the correct one needed. In this webinar, you will learn a simple method for recommending Bach flower remedies from the horoscope which has been tested and proven for 25 years!
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Speaker: Ernst Wilhelm
Ernst Wilhelm has been diving into classical astrology texts from India for 30 years, seeking the best of what astrology has to offer in predictive accuracy. He has extensively researched Jaimini and Parashari Astrology, and developed Kala Vedic Astrology software to facilitate further research into Vedic Astrology. Coming from a healer background, he believes that if astrology isn’t healing, it’s not worth doing. He’s convinced that the depth of human, psychological and spiritual truths known by the ancient jyotish rishis of India is beyond that found in any other system of knowledge.
Webinar Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_unEIBCmQRDq6Hnfe6wZVlg#/registration
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In gratitude,
The Leadership Team
| | American College of Vedic Astrology | | |
ACVA Leadership Team
- Prof. Charlotte Benson (Jyoti Devi) – President, ACVA’s External Relations Leader
- Dr. Sisira K. Amarasinghe, Ph.D. – ACVA Vice President, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy and Technology
- Prof. Juliana Swanson – ACVA Provost and Dean of Academics
- Dr. Lynn Bootes, M.D. – Registrar and Dean of Students
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Alan Annand – ACVA Editor-in-Chief of Publications
- Pratik Mehta – ACVA Director of Social Media and Community Engagement
ACVA Staff
- Dr. Arjuna de Silva, MBBS (ACVA LMS & IT Operations Manager)
- Sudath Mudalige (IT Administrator)
- Susheel Erramilli (Social Media and Digital Marketing Coordinator)
To contact any one of us
| | American College of Vedic Astrology Inc, 2675 W. S.R. 89A #190, Sedona, AZ 86336 | | | | |
