Date Posted: March 31, 2012

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 (January 24 – April 14)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events of early 2012 is the retrograde Mars which on average occurs once every two years.  On January 24, Mars became retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Leo, and will stay retrograde in Leo till April 24. After becoming direct on April 14, it will stay in Leo until June 21. 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, politicians, social leaders, community organizers, construction workers, people who work in military, and managers  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. 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.

Mars-Uranus quincunx (March 27 – April 3)

Watch-out for bad news during these 6 days! Sudden and undesirable happenings are likely to occur if you have such quincunx in your birth chart.  It could be a sudden loss of money, unfortunate accident, or a bad news. Only thing I suppose you could do is be prepared and avoid taking any new risk during this period.

On a collective level, natural and man-made calamities are likely, especially in the United States of America.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold sextile (April 7-28)

Uranus-Neptune ninefold sextile is going to be very favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  Expect some sort of spiritual awakening, monetary gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  The idea that you always wanted to pursue a non-material goal 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 spiritual period.

On a collective level, this is an extraordinary time for collective spiritual growth, technological discoveries and inventions.  Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this month. For the United States, in general, it’s going to be a remarkable and very successful period.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold sextile (April 11-19)

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-Saturn ninefold sextile (April 16-22)

Neptune-Saturn ninefold sextile is going to be favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  Expect a positive period that could include promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  Also, a subtle shift in your attitude towards looking at the things would change for better, and thus help you understand your role. You will distinctly notice and feel positive about yourself and possibly far more relax and content.

On a collective level, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will find ways to expand their agenda without compromising with liberals on sticky issues. Republicans will have upper hand over democrats. China and Russia are likely to experience a positive and rewarding period in handling their domestic issues as well as improving the foreign relations through better policies.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold conjunction (April 17-21)

Saturn-Uranus ninefold conjunction is not good for those who have such conjunction, 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.  Such conjunction can make things so miserable and difficult for you that most likely you are not going to forget them in your entire life. 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. 

Pluto-Neptune ninefold quincunx (April 18-May 11)

For those who have quincunx, square, or opposition of Pluto and Neptune in their birth charts, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a subtle setback due to deceptive surroundings around you.  Such quincunx can become a very strong force in creative an illusion and as a result confusion around and with in you. It can become very difficult to stay cool, and there’s not a whole lot you can do about it except by not venturing into anything new and bear with the current situation with a grin. 

On a collective level, expect another outbreak of violence and terrorist activities in Middle east, especially in Afghanistan, Israel and Palestine region. Also, the occurrences of natural as well as man-made calamities are more likely. Some of the east-European countries, Russia, and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.

Pluto-Uranus ninefold sextile (April 18 – 29)

Uranus-Pluto ninefold sextile is going to be very favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  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.

On a collective level, this is an extraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions.  Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this period. For the United States, in general, this period is going to be remarkable and very successful.

Uranus-Rahu trine (Uranus-Ketu sextile)  (April 11 – May 9)

Uranus-Rahu 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.

Uranus-Rahu ninefold conjunction (and Uranus/Ketu opposition)  (April 28 – May 4)

If in your birth chart Uranus is in conjunction with the lunar node Rahu, and if any one of these two planets are influencing you now via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in your professional and financial areas during this period. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  This conjunction can become dangerous, and 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 strong and positively placed lunar nodes and Uranus in your birth chart, then perhaps you need not worry.

On a collective level, the United States and in particular, the Republic Party and republicans are likely to run into some very difficult period. Also, USA and Russia and USA and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.