The apparent movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti. When the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi to Makara rashi occurs, Makar Sankaranti is celebrated. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14th January every year. While the traditional Indian Calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. So while dates of all Hindu festivals keep changing as per the gregorian calendar, the date of Makar Sankranti remains constant. The day on which the sun begins its journey northwards is referred to as Makar Sankranti. (“Sankramana” means “to commence movement”). In other countries too Makar Sanaranti is celebrated under different names and in different ways. In Nepal it is known as Maghe Sankranti, in Thailand as Songkran, in Laos as Pi Ma Lao and in Myanmar as Thingyan.
Astrologically, Sun enters the house of Shani, who is the lord of Makar Rashi. Although Sun and Saturn are considered as inimical planets, in spite of any difference between each other, the Lord Sun makes it a point to meet his son on this day. This day therefore symbolizes the importance of special relationships that can start building from this date in many people’s life, especially if you are unmarried. Despite all the problems in the chart, the period in itself can bring forth an auspicious moment in your life when you can eagerly await arrival of your life partner in your life.
It is also believed that it was on this day Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terrorism of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandar Parvat. So this occasion also represents the end of negativities in the life of human beings. There is another spiritually symbolic aspect to Makara Sankranti. The 60,000 cursed son of Maharaj Sagar represent our thoughts, which become dull until this Makara Sankranti. Since Redemption of the cursed sons took place by the waters of Gangaji, brought down ‘to’ & later ‘from’ the Himalayas by the great tapasya Bhagiratha, Makar Sankranti, is also regarded as the beginning of a very auspicious phase which can remove the dullness in the career/business of individuals. This can mean a bright career/business and future.
Makar Sankranti marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. Since it is the festival of Sun God and Sun is regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom, the festival brings forth the best in you and make things happen to you. Things which have been delayed for long can start happening after Makara Sankranti. Makara Sankranti identifies a period of enlightenment, peace, prosperity and happiness. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of many auspicious events in one’s life. If you would like to know what auspicious events await you in this Makar Sankranti in 2010, you can find the answer by posing this question to me under Ask a Question service.
In the Service of Lord Ganesha and through His blessings.
Jyothish Ratna R.sakuntala
Celebrity Astrologer Ganeshaspeaks.com