Planets on the Edge

One of the Vedic Astrology conundrums is how to read a planet that is in between two signs, i.e., in the last degree of one or the first degree of the next sign. The middle of a sign is considered the strongest placement for manifesting the energy of that sign; likewise the very beginning and end of a sign are considered weak. A planet located at the junction of two signs has a foot in two different worlds, and is denied full expression in either. The planet is literally 'moving' from one part of the cosmos to another; it is in transition, and thus at a disadvantage. There is a special term used for this condition, called 'Sandhi'.Since Vedic Astrology uses the 'equal house' system, where the borders of the sign correspond to the borders of a house, the sandhi planet also becomes a problem from the standpoint of analyzing which house (area of life) the planet is operating in. Since the planet is not distinctly contained in a particular house, it creates confusion in determining the functional nature of its energies. This confusion is then further spread to the other houses in the chart that the planet controls by virtue of its rulership of the signs in those houses, as well as determining which houses it is aspecting.The techniques available in Vedic Astrology can really split hairs. There are advanced methods used to determine more exactly which part of life a planet that 'sits on the fence' will lean towards. The more obvious method is to analyze your life experience. For instance, if Saturn sits between your 10th and 11th houses, do you have more trouble with your career (10th house) or your friends (11th house)? If Mars sits between your 3rd and 4th houses, do you fight more with your sibling or neighbor (3rd house) or your mother (4th house)? The answer will show which house the planet is having more influence on.If you have a sandhi planet in your Vedic Birth Chart, you have to be wary of its weakness. A weak planet is not able to follow through on its promise. Generally, you have to work harder to understand and bring out its potential for you: the planet works in mysterious ways, it is not dependable, and can become a source of trouble. The confusion of the planetary energies can sometimes be helped through the use of the appropriate gem, thus strengthening the planet's ability to manifest.
Similarly, when planets up in the Heavens are changing signs by transit, it is also considered unfavorable for activities that require that planet's energies. I.E., don't get married when Venus is changing signs; don't start construction when Saturn is changing signs. For the faster-moving planets (Mars, Mercury, Venus) this period lasts merely a day or so. For slower-moving planets (Jupiter and Saturn) the transition can stretch out for a week. Generally, it is not a good time for initiating new projects when any planet is sandhi, because the Vedic Birthchart of that endeavor would have a weakness that will plague it for its entire life.I like to think of a planet caught at the juncture of signs as a Threshold Planet, the idea being that the planet is about to enter its new home. The nature of a Threshold as a transition between two worlds implies transcendence. This brings us to the most preferred use of the sandhi times of a planet's journey: Spiritual Practice. The ancient texts recommend no important work be done when planets are sandhi, rather, one should spend time in prayer and meditation. Similarly, a Threshold planet in your birth chart forces you to engage in contemplating what it represents, to confront its confusion, and ultimately help to bring that planet more completely into its new home (house) in your life.