Date Posted: February 28, 2010

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 (December 21 – March 10)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events during the winter of 2009/2010 is the retrograde Mars which, on average, occurs once every two years.  On December 21, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Cancer, and will stay retrograde till March 10 in Cancer. 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 their 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, and in general, you may end up in having a very frustrating experience.  In particular, mothers, people who are very sensitive and emotional, philanthropists and social workers, and like are likely to be more affected than others.

At a collective level, expect upheaval in political and religious worlds.  Financial markets will become extremely volatile.  Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities or man made accidents are also very likely. Other possibilities include a  positive shift in spiritual world, outbreak of war or war like atmosphere in Afghanistan-Pakistan-India region. 

Retrograde Saturn (January 14 – May 31)

Saturn became retrograde on January 14, and it is going to stay retrograde till May 31.  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.

Pluto-Rahu ninefold trine (and Pluto-Ketu sextile) (Feb 26-Mar 6)

If through your current progressive chart influence of either Pluto or lunar node is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to lunar nodes in your natal chart expect a very favorable time. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspect. For example, if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in relationship area, 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 economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold trine (March 3-7)

This is a very good period for those who have Uranus-Saturn trine in their natal charts, and one of these two planets are operating though the current cycle.  Depending on the houses involved expect some real positive development in your life.

On a collective level, this is a good period for religious activities all around the world.  Also, this is a great time for the USA to make some extraordinary progress in enhancing her image both internationally and domestically.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold trine (March 10-17)

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 likely to be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspect. 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-Rahu ninefold conjunction and Neptune-Ketu opposition (March 18-24)

If you have a poor placing of Neptune-Rahu (or Neptune-Ketu) by being especially in the sixth, eighth, and the twelfth house in your birth chart, and have current operating cycles influenced by one of these planets,  then you are likely to experience instability caused due to sudden changes in activities and surroundings around you.  Such experiences might turn out to be very unfortunate and frustrating.  It would certainly be wise not to commit to anything new during this 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 European countries 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.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold quincunx (March 28 – April 1)

When Saturn-Uranus ninefold quincunx occurs, it is not good for you if you have such quincunx or square in your birth chart. 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.  You should avoid taking any kind of risk at any cost during this period.  Such quincunx can make things very miserable and difficult for you. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  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. 

Neptune-Saturn ninefold trine (March 24-29)

If you have a well placed Neptune in your birth chart, and is in trine with Saturn, and if you are presently being influenced by any of these planets (Neptune or Saturn) through their current operating cycles, then you are likely to experience a very positive period in the areas signified by the houses these planets occupy in your birth chart. Strong intuitive power, very positive environment, and in general, feeling great about yourself and everything around you are some of the symptoms that you are likely to enjoy.

Collectively on a global scene, this period is very positive for Russia and China. In addition, most of the technological areas (especially biotech) are likely to make significant progress via inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and religious activities are likely to impart positive energy, creating a very healthy atmosphere around us.

Uranus-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold square(s) (March 24-29)

Uranus-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold squares are going to be very unfavorable for those who have such squares in their natal charts.  Expect sudden loss of money, power, demotions at work place and/or tarnished reputation in professional and social fields. 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 very careful. The best thing to do is not to make any new commitment, and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk. Remember the time when you felt financially very secured, happy with family, and suddenly the landscape turned against you and everything disappears. Well, if not exactly this way but something like this has a good potential to happen (again) …be careful!

On a collective level, United States and particularly the President Obama and his administration should take extra precaution in dealing with foreign matters. Terrorist activities are very likely to occur in the United States besides the volatile region of the Middle-East (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel and Palestine).