Date Posted: February 1, 2002
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 Mercury (January 19 – February 8)
On January 19, the planet Mercury became retrograde in its motion. It will stay retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Capricorn until February 8. Typically retrograde Mercury means unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Capricorn, in general, means more frustrating periods for businesses (small businesses as well as corporations), political leaders, people in authoritative positions, and scientists among others.
In addition, for those who deal with media or journalism, academic institutions like universities and colleges, banks, as well as marketing and sales people, diplomats, advisors, counselors, are more likely to experience the negative aspect of the retrograde Mercury. Also, if you have dominating Mercury in your birth chart, and if your current planetary cycle provides the results of Mercury then you are more likely to experience the effects of retrograde Mercury during this period.
Retrograde Jupiter (Nov 3 – March 2)
Jupiter will continue to be retrograde in its motion in February. It will stay retrograde until March 2 in the sidereal zodiac Gemini. For those who have a well placed Jupiter in their birth charts and if Jupiter’s period is 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.
On the world scene, particularly in religious world, “confusion” will take the center stage and things are likely to move at frustratingly slow rate. The world economy will likely to experience a lot slower growth.
Retrograde Saturn (September 27 – February 8)
Saturn will continue to be retrograde only for about a week in February (Feb 8). For those who have a well placed Saturn in their birth charts and if Saturn’s period is currently in operation, relax! your days of frustrations are going to be over.
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.
Rahu’s entry in sidereal Taurus (and Ketu’s in sidereal Scorpio)
The lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu transit through a zodiac sign for about one and half years. Therefore, the upcoming Rahu’s entry in sidereal zodiac sign Taurus and simultaneously Ketu’s entry in sidereal zodiac sign Scorpio on February 22nd becomes an important astrological event. Generally lunar nodes dictate major events in our lives.
Depending upon their strength as evident in the birth chart their influence on individuals can be significant. Most of the famous people in all walks of life have unique placing of these lunar nodes in their birth charts or horoscopes.
For those who have Pisces, Cancer, Libra, or Aquarius as either rising sign (ascendant) in their birth charts or in their ninefold birth charts are likely to experience a very rewarding period for the next year and half. Depending on the proximity of Rahu’s position from its house cusp results will manifest accordingly.
For those who have Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, or Sagittarius, as either rising sign (ascendant) in their birth charts or in their ninefold birth charts are likely to experience difficult challenges. Of course the severity of such experiences will be proportional to the weakness of these nodes in the natal chart.
On the world scene, during the next six months or so (especially when Rahu opposes the Pluto while Ketu becomes in conjunction with Pluto) expect a lot of turmoil and violence as Israelis and Palestinians accelerate their fight against each other. Don’t be surprised if other Middle Eastern countries get involved in the conflict. As a result, the world stability will certainly be remain threatened.