Date Posted: January 31, 2013

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.  

Pluto-Saturn sextile (Dec 9 – March 24)

If through your current progressive chart influence of either Pluto or Saturn is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to Saturn in your natal chart expect a very favorable time during this period. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspects. For example if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in a relationship, or business partnership, or success in capturing the audience if you deal with masses. If eleventh house is involved it may financially prove to be a very rewarding period.

On a collective level, this is a good period for European and Russian economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold sextile (Jan 3 – Feb 16)

Uranus-Neptune ninefold sextile is going to be very favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  Expect some sort of spiritual awakening, monetary gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  The idea that you always wanted to pursue a non-material goal 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 spiritual period.

On a collective level, this is an extraordinary time for collective spiritual growth, technological discoveries and inventions.  Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this month. For the United States, in general, it’s going to be a remarkable and very successful period.

Uranus-Jupiter sextile (Jan 24 – March 3)

This auspicious sextile is good for all world religions as well as for people who are engaged in activities that help us expand morally, socially as well as materially.  

For those who have well placed Jupiter and Uranus in their birth chart (conjunction, trine, sextile, opposition) are likely to experience very positive time during this period.  People involved in the religious activities are likely experience a sudden boost in their daily activities, and religious authorities are going to be well recognized by societies.

On a collective level, religious, academic, and social fields are very likely to enjoy the new and positive changes occurring in their respective fields.

Neptune-Rahu ninefold opposition and Neptune-Ketu ninefold conjunction (Jan 27 – Feb 2)

For those, who have poor placing of Neptune-Rahu (or Neptune Ketu) by being especially in the sixth, eighth, and the twelfth house of their birth chart and current operating cycles are influenced by at least one of these planets, are likely to experience instability in their daily routine caused due to sudden change in their activities and surroundings.  Such experiences might turn out to be very unfortunate and frustrating.  It would certainly be wise not to commit to anything new during this one week period and stay low key.

On the collective level, social as well as economic turmoil in Russia and China can not be ruled out.  Eastern Europeans are also likely to be negatively influenced by this planetary configuration.  Covert activities around the world may find a new momentum (but because of Neptune’s secretive character we may never know) with regard to terrorism and other international conflicts.

Neptune-Mars conjunction (Feb 3-4)

This short 2-day period may turn out to be deadly for those who have unfavorable placing of Mars with respect to Neptune in their natal charts.  Expect subtle but very strong and negative forces working against you that surely would bring you misfortune. Stay low key and avoid taking any unwanted or unnecessary risk.  For those who have well placed Neptune-Mars configurations in their birth charts would likely to be rewarded with fame and good times.

On a collective level, covert activities will be at their peak. China and Russia are likely to experience some very drastic changes in the political arena which will influence the psyche of those nation at a deeper level.

Saturn-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold square(s) (Feb 6-14)

Saturn-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold squares are going to be devastating for those who have such squares in their natal charts.  Anything that you attempt will be failed or will result in agonizing and frustrating experience. This is not the time to take any risk.  If you have such squares in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the current progressive cycle then you need be extra careful. The best thing to do is not make any new commitment, and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk.   

On a collective level, barbaric activities all around the world are likely to increase. Terrorists are likely to be successful in creating confusion and chaos. Social turmoil in Europe and Russia is likely. Religious activities could get stalled for no apparent reason.

Mars-Saturn quincunx (Feb 14-16)

Mars-Saturn quincunx can be responsible for a situation of tension and friction. For those who have such quincunx in their birth charts, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycles certainly need to be careful in dealing with the surroundings around them. Perhaps simply lay back and do nothing.  If you must involve in an unwanted but unavoidable 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 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.

Pluto-Rahu and Pluto-Ketu ninefold squares (Feb 16-24)

The ninefold squares of Pluto with the lunar nodes are generally have tendencies to destroy the present setting of life and transform it in to a totally new one. Those who have better placed lunar nodes and their connections with Pluto, are likely to adapt well to this new change and move to their next level of evolution, while others are likely to struggle and may find the change unbearable. Perhaps the best way to deal with this situation is to stay alert and be extremely cautious in dealing with your surroundings that affect you. Avoid taking any new risk during this period.  And probably be prepared for situations that are going to get worse before they get better with new direction in life. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  Avoid any new ventures and postpone the matters that you wanted to begin till this period is passed. 

On a collective level, a new wave of renewed violence in Iraq, Israel and Palestinians, as well as outbreak of terrorism around the world during these days are real possibilities.

Retrograde Mercury (Feb 23 – March 18) 

On Feb 23, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aquarius. It will stay retrograde until March 18 in Aquarius. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Aquarius means more frustrating periods for academics, people who deal with all forms of communications, teachers, mentors and philosophers. This is the time not to start a new project or a 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.

Uranus-Rahu ninefold quincunx  (Feb 28 – March 5)

If in your birth chart Uranus is in the direct quincunx 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 and be prepared for unwanted surprises and obstacles.  This quincunx 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 is likely to run into some very difficult period. Also, USA and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.