Date Posted: July 31, 2016

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 Saturn (March 25 – August 13)

Saturn became retrograde on March 15 in sidereal Scorpio and is going to stay retrograde till August 13, 2016.  For those who have a well placed Saturn in their birth charts and if Saturn’s period is currently in operation, then they are likely to experience slow progress. Best way to deal with retrograde Saturn is to put more energy in to whatever you do to work towards your goal.

On the world scene, generally, the projects that deal with expansion are likely to either stay on hold or experience sluggish progress.  In religious world, things are likely to move at frustratingly slow rate.  In the political arena what may seem like progress will turn out to be a disaster.

Uranus-Rahu ninefold opposition (and Uranus/Ketu conjunction)  (July 23 – Aug 3)

If in your birth chart Uranus is in the direct opposition with the lunar node Rahu, and if any one of these two planets are influencing you now via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in your professional and financial areas during this period. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  This opposition can become dangerous, and ruin your plans and bring about the unexpected disaster in every which way.  In short, during this period you have been tested. If you have very strong and positively placed lunar nodes and Uranus in your birth chart, then perhaps you need not worry.

On a collective level, the United States, and in particular, the Republic Party and republicans are likely to run into some very difficult period. Also, USA and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.

Uranus-Jupiter quincunx (August 7-16)

While Jupiter deals with outward and material things Uranus’s influence on us is very sudden with intensity. If you have such quincunx in your birth chart, and if you have any one of these two planets influencing you through your current progressive cycle then you are certainly going to experience a period of self inquiry confrontation requiring for you to very closely pay attention to your own self. Of course, it’s up to you to deal with this process courageously and spiritually transform by understanding yourself better or escape from it to have to go through the similar frustration (experience) again in future. It also means you have the opportunity to transform (irreversible change) in your beliefs and moral values that you have been attached to. This period is challenging.  If you overcome the challenge it’s time for marching ahead with a quantum step in the process of self discovery (or evolution). 

On the world scene, world religions are likely to be challenged with earthshaking ideas that they must attend to. Those religious leaders, who are willing to be open minded and ready to listen and act on new and fresh ideas, are the ones that going to be responsible to transform our religious world to a new level. Others are going to fade away with time.

Saturn-Rahu ninefold sextile (Saturn-Ketu trine)  (August 17-26)

Saturn-Rahu ninefold sextile is usually favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Saturn.  If such placing is connected to the first house, second house, ninth house, tenth house, or eleventh house then expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  The ideas that you always wanted to pursue your desired goals but somehow could never get started….now is the time to follow that dream. You will distinctly notice and feel the positive energy flowing through you during this period.  It’s time to jump in and enjoy this period

Mars-Saturn Conjunction (August 21-24)

Mars-Saturn conjunction 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, theft, 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-Neptune Square (August 23-26)

Typically this square is very unfavorable and unfortunate in general.  For those who have such square in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need be extra 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, expect some sudden outbreak of an undesirable happening and greater possibility of both natural and man-made calamities. The countries that are most likely to be affected during these three days would be Pakistan and Russia.

Neptune-Saturn square (August 24 – September 21)

If you have a Neptune-Saturn square in your birth chart, and if any one of these two planets influencing you now through your current progressive chart, then during this period you might want to consider postponing your plans of expansion or any new venture, and just stay in a defensive mode.  This square has a tendency to ruin your plans in a very deceptive manner, and usually, there is very little you can do about it once the process begins.

On a collective level, countries like China and Russia may face very difficult time during this period.  Both Neptune and Saturn are very secretive and deceptive planets.  As a result, covert activities will be on rise during this period.  Also, upheaval and revolutionary atmosphere in places like Russia and China can not be ruled out.

Mars-Rahu and Mars-Ketu Squares (August 27-30)

During these few days, Mars makes square to each of the lunar nodes. Typically these squares are very unfavorable and unfortunate in general.  For those who have these squares in their birth charts, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle, they 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 causing destruction and loss of lives during these days are likely.