Date Posted: December 31, 2000 

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, and based on the assessment of planetary strengths or weaknesses, 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.  

Mars-Neptune Square

The first three days in January are going to witness Mars-Neptune square. Typically this square is very unfavorable and unfortunate in general.  For those who have such square in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need be extra careful. The best thing to do is to lay low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of risk.  

On the world scene, expect some sudden outbreak of an undesirable happening, good possibility of both natural and man-made calamities. The countries that are most likely to be affected during the first three days of January would be China and Russia.

Sun-Rahu opposition, Sun-Ketu conjunction and Lunar Eclipse

In general, about the time Sun is in conjunction with one of the lunar nodes (other being in opposition the same time) an eclipse occur. The sun is going to be in direct opposition to Rahu (and in conjunction with Ketu) during January 4-6. The lunar eclipse is occurring on January 9. During this time expect some turmoil for those who have Sun in conjunction with one of the lunar nodes in their natal charts.  Of course, the severity of turmoil and frustration would depend on the how strong is the conjunction in their natal charts. Typical symptoms are likely to be unfortunate incident, sudden loss of money, unexpected or unimagined misfortune, extreme dangers and difficult situations.

On the world scene  expect some political changes occurring in few of the major countries. Natural calamities as well as man made accidents all around the world are likely to occur during these few days of this month. 

Saturn-Rahu and Saturn-Ketu ninefold squares (Jan 26 – Feb 3)

If you have lunar nodes in squares with Saturn in your birth chart, and if any one of these two planets influencing you now through your current progressive chart, then during January 26 – February 3 period you might want to consider taking extra precautions in your professional and financial areas. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  These squares have a tendency to 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 Saturn in your birth chart, then after a great deal of struggle you probably would come out to be a victorious and stronger from this unique experience.  But it’s no way going to be a smooth sail.

On a collective level, the Republic Party and republicans including the republican president Bush are likely to face some severe difficulties during this period. Also, Russia and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.

Pluto-Rahu and Pluto-Ketu ninefold squares (Jan 19 -28)

For those who have Pluto squaring with the lunar nodes in their birth charts, watch out!  If any one of these two nodes and the planet Pluto influencing you now through your current progressive chart your life is more likely going to take a turn, and depending on the placement and the strength of these planets in your birth chart, that turn will take you either in a positive or negative direction.  Regardless of that direction, your life is more likely to be suddenly transformed to a new level.

On a collective level, the outbreak of violence and terrorism around the world is likely. Also, natural calamities like earthquakes, severe weather conditions, natural as well as man made accidents are likely.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold conjunction (January 7 – 19)

The ninefold conjunction in the sidereal zodiac sign of Capricorn is likely to suddenly change the landscape of life for those who have such square or opposition in their birth chart, and either one of these two planets currently influencing through the ninefold progressive chart.  Depending up on the severity and positioning of these two planets in the birth chart, the results will vary.  Expect some sudden change in your journey of life followed by anxiety, perhaps hardship, and uncertainties.

On the collective level, countries like European countries, Russia and China may see  changes occurring in the area of politics and economy. 

Retrograde Saturn and Jupiter

Saturn and Jupiter will continue to be retrograde till January 25.  For those who have well placed Saturn and or Jupiter in their birth charts and if any one of these planets period is in currently in operation, such people are likely to feel the deceleration in their progress.  Remember it’s only temporary!  Need to put more energy in to whatever you do to achieve what you need to achieve.  After January 25 you are likely to see some positive changes occurring.  The things that have been stalled or bottlenecked will no longer stay that way.  However, don’t expect it to change overnight.

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.