Date Posted: December 31, 2007

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 (Nov 15 – Jan 30)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events of November through January is the retrograde Mars which, on average, occurs once every two years.  On November 15, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Gemini, and it will stay retrograde till January 30 of the next year. 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 the 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. You may end up in having a very frustrating experience.  In particular, businessmen, people in communication business and academics 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 very likely. Other possibilities include a blackout in major cities, espionage in communication area, uncovering of political covert activities and failures of diplomatic efforts between nations.

Mars-Pluto Opposition (Jan 1 – 5)

The five days period is likely to be very frustrating for those who have Mars-Pluto opposition, conjunction or square in their natal charts. Typically this opposition 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,  possibilities of both natural and man-made calamities. The countries that are most likely to be affected during this period would be the Iraq, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel, and the United States.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold trine (Nov 20 – January 1, 2008)

Uranus-Saturn ninefold trine is going to be favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  Expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  The ideas that you always wanted to pursue but somehow could never get started….now is the time to follow that dream. However don’t neglect your family during this busy time. 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.

On a collective level, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will find ways to compromise with liberals on sticky issues. Democrats and Republicans will agree on more matters than the ones they disagree.  This is a good time to get those lingering bills passed in U.S. Congress and Senates. China and Russia are likely to experience some mild setbacks in their foreign policies, especially the one that deals with the United States.

Retrograde Mercury (Jan 29 – Feb 19) 

On January 29, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aquarius. It will stay retrograde until February 19 in Aquarius (only for a couple of days) and Capricorn. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Capricorn means more frustrating periods for business people, executives, managers and people who have very high business responsibility. 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.