Date Posted: June 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 (July 23 – Aug 15) 

On July 23, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in Cancer. It will stay retrograde until Aug 15 in Cancer. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Cancer means more frustrating periods for spiritual leaders, healers, reformers, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and for those who are emotional in nature. This is the time not to start a new project or venture, but rather reflect on what’s been done so far and settle down.  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.

Mars-Rahu conjunction and Mars-Ketu opposition (July 7 – 10)

During these four days in July Mars conjuncts Rahu and opposes Ketu.  Typically Mar’s conjunction and opposition with lunar nodes are very unfavorable and unfortunate in general.  For those who have such oppositions or conjunctions in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need be very careful about the matters indicated by the respective houses in their birth chart.  Probably the best thing to do is to lay low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of new risk.  

On the world scene, during these four days both natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives, and perhaps a demise of an international level political leader, are likely.

Mars-Saturn square (July 29 – Aug 2)

Mars-Saturn square, for no apparent reason, changes a perfectly normal and healthy situation in to 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 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.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold quincunx (May 26 – Sept 12)

On an individual level, if in your birth chart Neptune is in quincunx with Uranus, and if either of these planets is currently influencing your life via your current progressive chart, then you are very likely to be affected by this unique configuration..  Depending on the strength of these planets and houses they occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a sudden and totally new and a very unique experience in that particular field. Be ready to embrace this powerful and spontaneous experience. Some of the likely scenarios are unexpected move (change of residence), unexpected job change (or change of surrounding at work place), unexpected severe depression, and frustration.  

At a collective level, the manifestation of Neptune-Uranus ninefold quincunx will reflect in sudden change (negative) in relationship between USA and Russia (and countries of former Soviet Union).

Saturn-Ketu ninefold conjunction (Saturn-Rahu opposition) (July 7 – 10)

When Saturn-Ketu ninefold conjunction occurs, it’s not favorable period for those who have such conjunction or squares in their birth charts. In addition, if the lunar node Rahu (or Ketu), or Saturn is affecting your life via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in the areas which are affected by these planets as shown in your natal chart.  Such people should avoid taking any kind of risk at any cost during this period.  Such conjunction can make things difficult for you and make you feel miserable. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  Avoid any new ventures and postpone the matters that require you to make a crucial decision till this period is passed. 

On a collective level, Russia, China and to some extent, Europe may experience social or political turmoil during this period. Also, for the Republic Party in the United States and for republicans including President Bush, it may prove to be prudent to stay on guard during this period.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold opposition (July 17 – 20)

Whenever Saturn-Uranus ninefold opposition occurs it’s not a good period for those who have such opposition or square in their birth charts. In addition, if the planet Uranus or Saturn is affecting your life via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in the areas which are affected by these planets as shown in your natal chart.  Such people should avoid taking any kind of risk at any cost during this period.  One of the important characteristics of such opposition is “sudden” occurrence of an unwanted event. Such opposition can make things so miserable and difficult for you.  Avoid any new ventures and postpone the matters that you want to begin till this period is passed. 

On a collective level, the United States of America, Russia or China may experience social or political turmoil at home as well as tensions rising among them. 

Pluto-Saturn ninefold opposition (July 30 – August 3)

For those who have a conjunction, square, or opposition of Pluto and Saturn in their birth charts, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a setback or turmoil in their lives.  Such opposition can become a very strong force to destroy the current setting of your lifestyle and transform it to a totally new setting which may or may not be desirable depending on the strength and positive influence of these planets in the natal chart. In any event it’s going to be an irreversible situation.

On the collective level, expect the outbreak of violence and terrorist activities, natural as well as man-made calamities, and to some extent, war-like climate in some parts of the world. Tension between Israelis and Palestinians is likely to escalate again at a new level. A few eastern European countries, Russia, and China may experience political or social turmoil.

Pluto’s temporary return to the sidereal zodiac sign Scorpio (May 28 – Nov 28)

One of the important planetary events of this year is the transit of the modern planet Pluto from the sidereal zodiac sign Scorpio to Sagittarius. It first occurs on January 28. Pluto stays in Sagittarius till May 28, and then with its retrograde motion returns to Scorpio and stays in Scorpio till November 28. After November 28, 2005 it will remain in Sagittarius for the following 14 to15 years (till February 2020).  Although it’s going to be in Sagittarius for only about 4 months before it returns to Scorpio, Pluto being the planet of transformation will certainly affect the matters related to Sagittarius in a big way. The drastic changes in our collective moral and religious perceptions are certainly going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before by Pluto’s transit in Sagittarius. This era (next 15 years) will be remembered as the period of religious revolution.  The way we have been used to deal with religions will no longer be our norms.  Although it’s very likely that some of the world religions will either become obsolete or transformed into other forms the religious or moral codes will be greatly influenced by our collective spiritual experiences. And in that sense a subtle but most effective transformation of world religions during this unique era of 15 years is likely to take us to a level where the norms solely based on spiritual experiences will dictate and guide our lives with new level of understanding. 

During its temporary return to Scorpio (May 28 – Nov 28) the natural as well as man-made disasters will be on rise, the Palestine-Israel region will lot more of violence and terrorism.  The insurgency in Iraq will escalate, and in general, the world becomes more anxiety-stricken.  

On individual level for those who have Scorpio ninefold ascendant should become careful and prepare for a period of a potential turmoil, especially if Pluto is a dominant planet in your birth charts.