Date Posted: November 30, 2005

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 Mercury (Nov 14 – Dec 4) 

On November 14, the planet Mercury became retrograde in sidereal Scorpio. It will stay retrograde until December 4 in Scorpio. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio means more frustrating periods for risk takers, explorers, entrepreneurs, military personnel. 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 with respect to matters signified by the house it’s transiting in your progressive chart.

Retrograde Mars (October 2 – December 10)

On October 2, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Aries and will stay retrograde till December 10 in Aries. 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 and not a well placed Mars in your 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 before you get it right, or you may have to deal with unfortunate and totally unexpected circumstances, and in general, you may end up 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 political tensions building among developed nations.  Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities or man made accidents are also very likely. Other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate and of course increased covert activities among developed nations.

Retrograde Saturn (November 22 – April 6, 2006)

Saturn has been retrograde since November 22 and is going to stay retrograde till April 6, 2006.  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 slower 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.

Retrograde Venus (Dec 24 – Feb 2)

On December 24, the planet Venus turns retrograde in its motion in sidereal zodiac sign Capricorn. Venus becomes retrograde about once every 19 months, and stays retrograde for about six weeks.  In general, a retrograde Venus means a very challenging period for women, marriages, home life, lovers, entertainment industries.  Expect the divorce rates to peak, fighting between spouses to intensify, and delays, frustrations, and misunderstandings to take a center-stage in domestic matters. If you have a dominating Venus in your birth chart, and if your current planetary cycle influences your life via Venus then you are more likely to experience the effects of the retrograde Venus till February 2. The entrepreneurs,  industrial leaders, managers, politicians, and in general people with power and control may find themselves in a miserable situation during this retrograde Venus period, especially if they are currently being influenced by Venus through their current progressive cycles.

Saturn-Rahu trine (Saturn-Ketu sextile)  (Nov 5 – April 14, 2006)

Saturn-Rahu trine 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.

Saturn-Jupiter Square (Dec 13 – 21)

Jupiter-Saturn square is going to be unfavorable for those who have such square in their natal charts.  Loss of motivation, insecure feeling, loss of direction in life, general unhappiness, difficulty in keeping faith in God are some of the symptoms of this square. This is like a test period, a period that can be viewed as a real positive period from self discovery standpoint since it will require you to bring best out of you to deal with situations around you.  If you have such square in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the current progressive cycle then you need to look at the things with a different attitude and perspective. The best thing to do is to stay the course of present action without making new commitment. Remember the time when you felt the life is not fair and not worth living, very unsure of yourself, and unhappy with family.. Well, that’s how you going to feel this time. Keep your faith strong!

On a collective level, religions around the world will find difficulty in carrying out their activities.More controversies that test traditional moral values are likely to occur, and in general, religious authorities will have difficulty in keeping people happy.

Mars-Saturn square (Dec 23 – 31)

Mars-Saturn square, for no apparent reason, changes a perfectly normal and healthy situation into the one with a lot of tension and friction with new challenges. For those who have such square in their birth charts, and if any one of these planets are influencing them through the current progressive cycles certainly need to be on guard. 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 Iraq and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreak of an undesirable happening, and occurrences of both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.