The year 2025 is poised to be one of the most memorable of this decade, marked by several significant planetary aspects and transits. The first half of the year is expected to be tumultuous, characterized by unprecedented events that may reshape various global and individual dynamics. In contrast, the second half of the year is likely to witness extreme volatility in financial markets, with a pronounced trend toward declining values.

The Retrograde Mars —Ukraine-Russia war escalation

On December 7, Mars turned retrograde in sidereal Cancer. With its retrograde motion, it will reenter Gemini on January 21, 2025, where it will remain retrograde until February 24, 2025, before becoming direct. It will then reenter Cancer on April 1, 2025. Typically, Mars becomes retrograde approximately once every two years and stays in this phase for about eight to ten weeks.

Astrologically, 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, amazing energy, high ego, and less maturity usually make things worse with incredible speed. 

For those of you who have poorly placed and predominant Mars in their birth chart and if it’s active in your Gochar (transit) chart, then you are very likely to experience a sudden setback in your professional as well as in other activities.  Repetition of efforts might become necessary to achieve the desired results, and unfortunate, unforeseen circumstances could arise, making the experience particularly frustrating.

During December 7, 2024 through January 21, 2025, while in the water sign Cancer, the retrograde Mars is likely to be unfavorable for those who have Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aries as a rising sign or ninefold ascendant.  This phase may feel particularly intense and frustrating, especially for those with Mars actively influencing through their Gochar (transit) charts. It is advisable to remain low-key, avoid emotional overreactions, and focus on riding out the challenges of this period. Taking risks should be approached cautiously. This period is expected to have a stronger impact on individuals in caregiving professions, such as hospital workers, psychologists, psychoanalysts, mental health providers, pregnant and nursing women, social reformers, and caregivers.

During January 21 through February 24, the retrograde Mars will be transit through Gemini. Being an air sign and ruled by Mercury, Gemini governs intellectual and communicative realms where Mars’s energy is more directly utilized by brain than physical power. During this period, the energy of Mars in Gemini is likely to manifest in areas related to both material and intellectual pursuits. Therefore, the manifestation of this energy will be reflected in both the material (Mars being the material planet) and knowledge (as Gemini is ruled by Mercury) with tremendous ups and downs that will be intensely felt by the entire world, especially by people in power at research and academic institutes, diplomats, space technology, products related to communications such as cell phones, internet services, social media and information technology. 

At a collective level, political tensions among developed nations are likely to rise. Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities such as fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, or man-made events like political unrest and social upheaval, is also expected. Additionally, there is a heightened likelihood of increased terrorist activities, an escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, intensifying tensions in the Middle East, and covert activities among developed nations. With the U.S. presidential inauguration occurring in the third week of January, the retrograde Mars is expected to exert its influence, potentially leading to sensational political drama during this time.

 Retrograde Venus (March 15 – April 13)– Challenges for Healthcare Industries

On March 15, exalted Venus turns retrograde in sidereal Pisces and remains in Pisces until it becomes direct on April 13. Venus continues its stay in Pisces until the end of May. Venus typically enters retrograde motion approximately once every 19 months.

Astrologically, a retrograde Venus in its exalted sign of Pisces (ruled by Jupiter) signals a potentially challenging period, particularly for women and caregivers working in environments such as hospitals, asylums, assisted living facilities, prisons, and ashrams, especially those in leadership roles. Additionally, business professionals involved in health insurance, healthcare facilities, and the entertainment industry may face difficulties. Individuals with a poorly placed Venus in their natal charts are more likely to encounter serious relationship challenges during this period, including intense conflicts between spouses or lovers.

The most notable feature of this 2025 Venus transit in Pisces is its simultaneous conjunction with Neptune and the north lunar node Rahu, all within three degrees. While spiritual Neptune in Pisces complements exalted Venus, offering a rare opportunity for profound spiritual growth and wisdom, the concurrent influence of Rahu disrupts this energy. Rahu’s presence counters Neptune’s spiritual harmony, leading to unexpected and possibly undesirable experiences.

The ultimate effect of this planetary alignment depends significantly on the placement of Venus, Neptune, and Rahu in the natal chart. For some, this period could bring heightened intuition and personal growth; for others, it may result in confusion, emotional upheaval, or unforeseen challenges, particularly in relationships or creative pursuits.

Neptune-Rahu conjunction (Jan 17 – Mar 28)–Authoritarian regimes under fire

This planetary conjunction marks one of the most challenging aspects between Neptune, the spiritual and humanitarian ruler of sidereal Pisces, and Rahu (the north lunar node), whose energy is ruthless and explosive. Pisces is considered the most unfavorable sign for Rahu, and these two opposing forces are believed to create turmoil, especially in situations where humanitarian values are under threat from authoritarian powers. This dynamic has been reflected in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

While Neptune’s transit in sidereal Pisces undermines authoritarian regimes, Rahu’s concurrent presence in Pisces counters Neptune’s energy, temporarily stalling the decline of authoritarian influence. As a result, this period may favor authoritarian rule. The close conjunction of these planets between January 17 and March 28, 2025, could further intensify the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, after May 20, 2025, when Rahu leaves sidereal Pisces, its influence will no longer counteract Neptune’s energy. This shift may weaken the grip of authoritarian forces, potentially leading to a decline in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence over the Ukraine-Russia war.

On an individual level, if Neptune and Rahu (or Neptune and Ketu) are poorly placed in your birth chart—particularly in connection with the sixth, eighth, or twelfth house—and one of these planets is active in your Gochar (transit) chart, you may experience instability due to sudden changes in your activities and surroundings. Such experiences might feel unfortunate and frustrating. During this period, it is advisable to avoid new commitments and adopt a low-key, cautious approach to navigate these challenges.

Uranus

After entering sidereal Taurus on May 31, 2024, Uranus remained in Taurus until December 16, 2024. However, with its retrograde motion, Uranus returned to Aries. Following its transit through Aries, Uranus will reenter Taurus on March 16, 2025, and will remain in Taurus for the next six to seven years.

Uranus in sidereal Aries till March 16, 2025–A period of political turmoil in the USA

Aries, being a fire and cardinal sign, is highly compatible with the characteristics of Uranus—independent, ambitious, energetic, impulsive, and unpredictable. Uranus’s transit through Aries is expected to significantly influence the global political landscape. Military personnel, business leaders, and political figures are likely to feel the greatest impact during this period.

In the realms of science and technology, Uranus’s transit in Aries promises drastic changes, with emerging ideas paving the way for groundbreaking innovations and discoveries. The rate of scientific and technological advancements will accelerate rapidly. A new wave of global political and corporate leaders, armed with fresh perspectives on world order, is poised to transform society, albeit for a short but impactful period.

This brief return of Uranus to Aries, from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025, coincides with the timing of the next U.S. presidential inauguration. This alignment may lead to political chaos and instability, potentially delaying the inauguration process or influencing its outcome in unexpected ways.

On an individual level, those with a ninefold Aries ascendant should prepare for significant changes, especially if Uranus is a dominant planet in their birth charts. These changes may arise suddenly and affect various aspects of life, including marriage, career, environment, personal beliefs, and lifestyle. This short yet intense period is likely to leave a lasting impression.

Uranus re-ingress Sidereal Taurus after March 16–An era of Material World Transformation and Female Dominance

Uranus, the planet of sudden and uninvited change, is poised to bring significant disruptions to matters related to Taurus. As an earth and fixed sign, Taurus will channel the energy of Uranus’s independence, ambition, impulsiveness, and unpredictability into transformative shifts in the material world. Over the next six to seven years, areas such as banking, stock markets, financial institutions, the U.S. Federal Reserve, and central banks worldwide will undergo drastic changes. Financial markets are expected to experience extreme volatility, potentially dipping into a severe but short-term depression. However, the severity may not be fully felt until May 2025, as Jupiter’s materially favorable transit through Taurus offsets some of Uranus’s disruptive effects.

One notable aspect of Uranus’s transit in Taurus is the increasing prominence of female leadership. Taurus, being a feminine sign, aligns with this shift, heralding a rise in women taking on leadership roles in both the political and financial realms. Business leaders, the wealthy, real estate magnates, and influential figures in the entertainment industry are likely to feel the most significant impact of Uranus’s energy. This period will also see groundbreaking innovations and advancements in science and technology, driving rapid discoveries. A new wave of spiritually inclined leaders in politics and corporations is expected to emerge, blending compassion and human values into their leadership styles.

The challenging side of Uranus’s transit through Taurus involves the painful transformation of material norms. The familiar structures of the material world are likely to be redefined, aligning with humanity’s spiritual growth and evolution. These changes will echo themes previously outlined in predictions tied to Capricorn Pluto’s transformative energy and Piscean Neptune’s spiritual influence.

Other manifestations of Uranus’s transit in Taurus include economic wars, cyber conflicts, currency manipulation, economic persecution, agricultural disputes, and real estate crises. Economically disadvantaged individuals may face intolerable hardships. Natural disasters such as wildfires, extreme weather events, significant earthquakes, and unbearable seasonal conditions are also expected to increase in frequency and intensity.

For individuals with a well-placed Uranus in their natal charts and a Pisces, Sagittarius, Leo, or Cancer ninefold (Navamansa) ascendant, this transit may bring a particularly positive period. These individuals are likely to experience growth and success, especially during times when Uranus is prominently active in their transit charts.

Saturn

Saturn Ingress Sidereal Pisces–A meeting of two spiritual planets in the most spiritual sign

On March 29, Saturn enters sidereal Pisces, joining Neptune, and will remain in Pisces until about June 2, 2027.

Pisces, a water and mutable sign ruled by Jupiter, embodies qualities such as spirituality, compassion, emotional depth, modesty, honesty, introversion, and a heart-centered connection. These traits align closely with Neptune’s attributes, including intuition, divine-inspiration, imagination, love, and mystical energy. Together, they form a powerful synergy, amplifying the spiritual and transformative potential of this transit.

Saturn, often regarded as the karmic planet that imparts life’s difficult lessons, also guides us toward understanding our life’s purpose and the path to self-realization. Its presence in Pisces—a sign that complements Saturn’s teaching with Neptune’s spiritual wisdom—represents a unique meeting of two spiritual planets in the most spiritually inclined sign, Pisces, ruled by Jupiter.

Over the next two and a half years, Saturn’s influence in Pisces is likely to bring significant transformations, particularly in healthcare industries, including health insurance. This period may introduce new norms that redefine how these sectors operate.

In the realm of world religions, Saturn may initially appear to counter Neptune’s free-spirited energy by emphasizing dogmatic traditions. However, as Saturn’s wisdom integrates with Neptune’s ideals of universal love, compassion, and freedom from material attachments, a harmonious spiritual evolution is expected. Philosophers, philanthropists, social reformers, and spiritually inspired scientists and entrepreneurs will emerge as key influencers, shaping a more compassionate and thoughtful global landscape.

Individuals experiencing their Saturn return in Pisces will undergo profound life changes, especially in material and psychological realms. While these changes may feel unexpected and challenging, they are also likely to be transformative, opening pathways to personal growth and self-discovery. Those with dominant Saturn placements in their natal charts and Capricorn, Cancer, Leo, or Aquarius as their ninefold (Navamansa) ascendants are likely to find this period particularly impactful, albeit demanding.

On the global political stage, Saturn in Pisces is expected to highlight authoritarian regimes, particularly in nations like Russia and China. Their influence and actions will likely dominate headlines, signaling shifts in the balance of power and the evolution of governance systems worldwide.

Saturn-Rahu Conjunction (April 8-19)—International Instability

Saturn transits into Pisces on or about March 29, 2025, and within a week, it forms a conjunction with the north lunar node Rahu, coming within a degree of alignment. By nature, Saturn and Rahu are not friendly toward one another, and Pisces, as a water sign, is inherently unsuitable for Rahu while remaining neutral for Saturn. This planetary interaction in Pisces sets the stage for significant challenges on a global scale.

The clash between Rahu’s explosive energy and Saturn’s subtle but formidable influence is likely to manifest in heightened international instability, particularly in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. This conjunction may exacerbate tensions and contribute to unpredictable outcomes in global politics.

Beyond geopolitics, sectors associated with Pisces—such as healthcare, hospitals, prisons, asylums, assisted living facilities and caregiving professions—are expected to experience significant, and often unwanted, disruptions in their daily routines. These changes could create uncertainty and challenges for those working in or relying on these services.

For individuals with Saturn and Rahu unfavorably placed in their natal charts, especially if one or both planets reside in a water sign, this period may bring personal challenges. These experiences could involve emotional or practical difficulties, requiring patience and resilience to navigate effectively.

Saturn-Neptune Conjunction (June 10 – August 23)

Intensification of Ukraine-Russia and Middle East conflicts, but Spiritually a Benediction

Saturn and Neptune are both deeply spiritual planets, and Pisces, as the most favorable spiritual sign, enhances their energies. From a spiritual perspective, this planetary alignment represents a profound blessing, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and introspection. However, from the perspective of material life, this conjunction may present significant challenges for the world.

Astrologically, both Saturn and Neptune are associated with events tied to authoritarian regimes. Consequently, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war is likely to intensify under their combined influence. Political instability in regions like Syria and the Israel-Palestine area is expected to persist, while tensions between China and the United States may escalate, particularly due to the ongoing regional conflict involving Taiwan and China.

On an individual level, those with Saturn and Neptune favorably placed in spiritual houses in their natal charts are likely to experience profound spiritual insights and blissful moments, finding solace and growth in these challenging times.

Jupiter

Jupiter’s transit in Sidereal Gemini — A year of intellectual growth

On May 14, 2025, Jupiter transitions from sidereal Taurus into Gemini, marking its annual shift between zodiac signs. Jupiter will remain in Gemini until October 17, 2025, after which it briefly enters sidereal Cancer. Due to its retrograde motion, Jupiter returns to Gemini and stays there until June 1, 2026.

Gemini, a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury, imbues Jupiter with the energy to elevate world philosophy and foster human evolution. Those with well-placed and connected Mercury and Jupiter in their birth charts are likely to experience optimism and fulfillment during this period. Academically, philanthropically, and philosophically, Jupiter in Gemini is expected to expand its influence globally. While Jupiter imparts positive psychological and philosophical energy, it is essential to consider the influence of other planets in individual natal charts to fully understand the net effect.

This transit is particularly significant for social reformers, philanthropists, philosophers, and academics, as their work will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of societal evolution. Spiritual and philosophical debates are likely to flourish, contributing to meaningful changes on a global scale. Gemini Jupiter is renowned for fostering spiritual expansion, and its presence signals a period of positive transformation in this realm. The entry of Jupiter into Gemini should be welcomed as a time of growth and enlightenment.

On an individual level, those with a dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and Taurus, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, or Aquarius as their natal ninefold ascendant can anticipate a very positive twelve-month period beginning May 14, 2025.

Pluto

As outlined in detail in the 2020 and 2021 annual predictions, one of the significant planetary events that began in 2020 was Pluto’s transit from the sidereal zodiac sign Sagittarius to Capricorn. Pluto will remain in Capricorn for another 14-15 years, concluding this transformative journey in March 2039.

This era will be marked by material destruction and a profound transformation, ushering in a new way of living that aligns more closely with human evolution. The norms of interacting with the material world will shift significantly, leading to the obsolescence or radical transformation of certain world business leaders, institutions, and companies. This period is likely to be heavily influenced by collective spiritual awakening and an enhanced understanding of the world, spurred by Pluto’s transformative power.

The year 2020 has already provided a glimpse into this transformational era. The global pandemic reshaped our norms, forcing us into isolation and transforming how we work, socialize, and prioritize our lives. Remote work, online tools, and an increased awareness of the environment have created lasting changes in our perspectives. Even as we return to more social lifestyles, we now carry a heightened consciousness about climate change, material waste, and the importance of prioritizing quality of life.

However, Pluto’s transformational growth is not without pain. This process has been accompanied by chaotic and challenging human experiences, including wars, violence, terrorism, social and political conflicts, and natural and man-made calamities. These upheavals serve as catalysts for dismantling outdated social norms and prejudices, paving the way for a collective shift in moral and spiritual understanding. The COVID-19 pandemic and the potential emergence of similar crises exemplify Capricorn Pluto’s continuous influence on material transformation.

For 2025, ninefold (Navamansh) Pluto will be transiting through Pisces, indicating that events reflecting material destruction and transformation may relate to war and financial decline. Nevertheless, this will also be a period of spiritual growth, supported by auspicious planetary aspects:

• Pluto-Neptune sextile (June 30 – October 7)
• Pluto-Saturn sextile (July 11 – August 12)
• Pluto-Uranus trine (August 12 – October 27)

These harmonious aspects between Pluto and other spiritual planets will narrow the gap between morality and materialism, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and our collective place within it.

Summary

The year 2025 is poised to be a transformative period driven by powerful planetary influences. The spontaneous energy of Uranus in sidereal Aries and Taurus, combined with the explosive dynamics of Mars, will catalyze significant change. Pluto will persist in its process of material destruction and spiritual transformation, while Neptune’s subtle yet potent influence in sidereal Pisces offers opportunities for heightened intuition and compassion. Saturn’s transitions through Aquarius and Pisces, alongside Jupiter’s favorable journeys through Taurus and Gemini, further shape this dramatic year.

Despite the turbulence, the overarching theme of 2025 continues to point to the process of our collective spiritual transformation.  Painful and disruptive events will act as catalysts for deeper understanding and evolution, fostering a necessary shift in our perception of the world, a necessary step as a part of our collective spiritual growth.

As evidence of this trend, I recently came across an article highlighting how more millennials are leaving big cities for rural life. This shift underscores a growing desire for simplicity and connection to nature, marking a step toward collective spiritual transformation. Read the article here.