Date Posted: April 30, 2014

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 (March 2 – May 20)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events for the next 2-3 months is the retrograde Mars, and on average it occurs once every two years.  On March 2, Mars becomes retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Libra, via it’s retrograde motion it goes back in Virgo on March 26, and stays retrograde in Virgo till May 20. 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 charts 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, during this retrograde Mars period, artists, entertainers, judges, musicians, engineers, designers, accountants and business people 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. Due to the presence of Rahu and Saturn in Libra, other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate between Israelis and Palestinians, and of course increased covert activities among nations.

Retrograde Saturn (March 3 – July 21)

Saturn became retrograde on March 3 and is going to stay retrograde till July 21, 2014 in sidereal Libra.  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-Uranus square (April 4 – May 6)

On an individual level, if in your birth chart Pluto makes a square 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 square.  Depending on the houses these planets occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a sudden and a totally new and a very unpleasant experience in that particular field. Be ready to face this unwanted experience. Stay alert and try not to start a new venture that requires taking risk. It’s like you are on a business trip or company assignment and you are immediately called off or caught in a situation that you find very difficult if not impossible to get out. 

At a collective level, the Pluto-Uranus square could bring a unique change in the way the current US administration deals with other nations with respect to its war against terrorism agenda and other international issues, and also with its domestic matters. There will be a transformation of a political strategy that is likely to become responsible for a change in the current political agenda and foreign policy matters of the Obama administration as the planet Pluto with its tremendous energy has a power of irreversibly transforming the field of politics to a new level or setting with a new set of norms. Expect some serious issues that the Obama administration could get tangled with.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold quincunx (April 28 – May 3)

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 (April 30 – May 6)

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-Ketu ninefold trine (Uranus-Rahu ninefold sextile)  (May 3-8)

Uranus-Ketu ninefold trine is going to be very favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Uranus.  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 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.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold trine (May 5-14)

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-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold square(s) (May 7-15)

Neptune-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 extra careful. The best thing to do is not make any new commitment, and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk. Remember you never suspected a close friend, and then you suddenly find out that he or she secretly doing things behind your back to hurt you….well something similar is likely to happen….be careful!

On a collective level, secret activities all around the world are likely to accelerate including political covert activities. Social confusion and chaos in countries like Russia and China is a good possibility.

Saturn-Jupiter trine (May 20-27)

Jupiter-Saturn trine is favorable for those who have such trine in their natal charts.  A proper balance between the optimism and conservatism will protect you from becoming over optimistic (or aggressive) as well as over protective.  If you have such trine in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the current progressive cycle then you are likely to enjoy this period with full vigor and success as it would seem to come to you naturally. So enjoy! 

On a collective level, religions around the world will enjoy their activities with positive experiences.  People will likely to be convinced with the importance of moral values and will have no difficulty in maintaining their religious faith. 

Uranus-Saturn ninefold trine (May 26-31)

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.