Date Posted: July 30, 2003

Although it’s very difficult to predict the influence of planets on a given individual without referring to his or her birth chart the following is intended only as a general guideline.  For confirmation, however, you must refer to your birth chart. Based on the assessment of planetary strengths or weaknesses in your birth chart, placement of planets in your current progressive regular and ninefold charts, and the current operating planetary cycles the following may or may not be applicable.  

Retrograde Mars (July 29 – Sept 27)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events of August is the retrograde Mars which on average occurs once every two years.  On July 29, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Aquarius, and it is going to stay retrograde till September 27. Astrologically speaking, what does the retrograde Mars mean? And what can we expect from the retrograde Mars?

In general, when a planet turns retrograde, the positive energy offered by that planet is expected to slowly diminish.  In case of Mars, being a planet of total independence, high ego, and less maturity usually make things worse with incredible speed. 

For those of you who have predominant Mars in their birth chart and if it’s influencing you through the current progressive chart, then you are very likely to experience a sudden setback in your professional as well as in other activities.  You may have to repeat things over many times to get it right, or you may have to deal with unfortunate and totally unexpected circumstances, and in general, you may end up in having a very frustrating experience.  In particular, engineers, designers, construction workers, people who work in military, leaders, managers and like are likely to be more affected than others.

At a collective level, expect a political tension building among developed nations.  Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities or man made accidents are also likely. Other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate between Israelis and Palestinians, and of course increased covert activities among nations.

Retrograde Mercury (Aug 29 – Sept 20) 

On Aug 29, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in Virgo. It will return to Leo on Sept 5 and will stay retrograde Leo until Sept 20. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Virgo means unfavorable period for businessmen, white-collar workers, banking industry, diplomats and ambassadors. Retrograde Mercury in Leo means more frustrating periods for leaders, explorers, entrepreneurs, military personnel and for people with type A personality. This is the time not to start a new project or venture, but rather reflect on what’s been done so far.  Also, this is the best time to cleanup that closet and do other chores that you have been postponing due to lack of time.

In addition, if you have dominating Mercury in your birth chart, and if your current planetary cycle provides the results of Mercury then you are more likely to experience the pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period.

Jupiter’s transit in the sidereal zodiac sign Leo (July 29)

On July 29, Jupiter is leaving (sidereal) Cancer and entering the next zodiac sign, Leo.  Jupiter’s transit from one zodiac sign to the next occurs, on average, once a year. Leo  being a fixed and fire sign ruled by Sun, Jupiter in Leo has a tendency to enhance power of those who have well placed and connected Sun and Jupiter in their birth charts while others likely to experience their power or influence on others diminished. In general, transit of Jupiter in Leo is not positive.  For one thing material prosperity around the worlds is likely to be diminished. (It must be noted that despite Jupiter’s negative influence on world material prosperity, effects of other planets should be taken into account to assess the net result or effect). New crisis or challenges are likely to be awaiting in the fields of religion and academics. The influence of contemporary philosophers on society is likely to be reduced in shaping the future direction of our social evolution through the philosophical and metaphysical debates. In general, the Leo Jupiter is known to test our resiliency and faith in ourselves and bring out the best in us. So from that perspective be prepared for new challenges that would help us understand more about ourselves and welcome the Jupiter’s entry in Leo.

On individual levels, for those who have dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and have Cancer, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius, or Aries as their natal ninefold ascendant are likely to experience a very positive twelve month period beginning July 29.

Uranus-Jupiter opposition (Aug 26 – Sept 2)

Uranus being a planet of change and very unorthodox in nature, its opposition to auspicious planet Jupiter will certainly take us through an experience where our values and morality are challenged.  For one thing, religious authorities (pretty much all around the world and especially in the United States) will likely to face new challenges that will force them to rethink and reposition their current stand on lot of social issues that are connected to morality. In my opinion, in a long run, this period could be viewed and proved to be one of the important periods in history of our human evolution.

Since Jupiter is a planet of expansion (both material and spiritual) and Uranus being planet of uncertainty and change, events that would be of extreme in nature (either very positive or very negative) in either material or spiritual world (or both) are likely to occur during this period of their opposition.

For those who have well placed Jupiter and Uranus in their birth chart (conjunction, trine, sextile, opposition) are likely to experience very positive period.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition (May 31 – Aug 17)

Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition occurs on average about once every 8-9 years, although the year it occurs, it may occur at 2-3 separate occasions due to retrograde motion of these planets. For those who have conjunction or opposition of Neptune and Uranus in their birth charts, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a challenging period that would demand a total change in the surrounding you are currently in. Unless these planets are favorably placed in your charts such ninefold opposition is likely to bring a total change in your current setting of your lifestyle and transform it to a totally new setting which may be very painful and undesirable for a short term. In any event it’s going to be an irreversible change. Be prepared to embrace this change with open mind and positive attitude.

On the collective level a situation between the United States and Russia is likely to develop that will manifest itself into an event or happening of cause of concern to each other.  Natural as well as man-made calamities are likely including terrorism.  Russia and/or China may experience some kind of political or social turmoil.

Mars-Pluto ninefold conjunction (Aug 19-22)

These three days in August are likely to be very frustrating for some of us. Typically this conjunction is very unfavorable. Unexpected problems are likely to occur with astonishing speed and without any notice.  For those who have such opposition or conjunction in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need to be on guard. Stay very low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of risk. Also, experiences like a sudden incident of fire, or an accident involving explosive material are very possible. 

On the world scene, expect some sudden outbreak of an undesirable happening,  possibly an outbreak of either natural or man-made calamity. The countries that are most likely to be affected during these four days would be the United States of America, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Israel.

Mars-Saturn ninefold conjunction (Aug 11-14)

Mars-Saturn ninefold conjunction, for no apparent reason, changes a perfectly normal and healthy situation in to the one with a lot of tension and friction. For those who have such conjunction in their birth charts, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycles certainly need to be on guard. Simply lay back and do nothing.  If you must involve in an unwanted situation, be extra careful and try to minimize the damage. Experiences like fire burns, rape, accidents, loss of precious things, and monetary disasters are real possibilities.

On the world scene, a short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan is very likely. Terrorism and violence, especially in Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreak of an undesirable happening, and strong occurrences of both natural and man-made calamities are real possibilities.

Mars-Rahu ninefold conjunction (Mars-Ketu opposition) (Aug 28-Sept 2)

During Aug 28-Sept 2 period Mars and Rahu make ninefold conjunction (and Mars and Ketu ninefold opposition). Typically these configurations are very unfavorable and unfortunate in general.  For those who have these conjunctions or oppositions in their birth charts and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need be careful. The best thing to do is to lay low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of risk.  

On the world scene, both natural and man-made calamities are likely causing destruction and loss of lives during these five days.