Date Posted: June 30, 2003

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 (July 29 – Sept 27)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events of July is the retrograde Mars which on average occurs once every two years.  On July 29, Mars becomes retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Aquarius, and it stays retrograde till July September 27. 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, engineers, designers, construction workers, people who work in military, leaders, managers and like 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 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.

Jupiter’s transit in the sidereal zodiac sign Leo (July 29)

On July 29, Jupiter is leaving (sidereal) Cancer and entering the next zodiac sign, Leo.  Jupiter’s transit from one zodiac sign to the next occurs, on average, once a year. Leo  being a fixed and fire sign ruled by Sun, Jupiter in Leo has a tendency to enhance power of those who have well placed and connected Sun and Jupiter in their birth charts while others likely to experience their power or influence on others diminished. In general, transit of Jupiter in Leo is not positive.  For one thing material prosperity around the worlds is likely to be diminished. (It must be noted that despite Jupiter’s negative influence on world material prosperity, effects of other planets should be taken into account to assess the net result or effect). New crisis or challenges are likely to be awaiting in the fields of religion and academics. The influence of contemporary philosophers on society is likely to be reduced in shaping the future direction of our social evolution through the philosophical and metaphysical debates. In general, the Leo Jupiter is known to test our resiliency and faith in ourselves and bring out the best in us. So from that perspective be prepared for new challenges that would help us understand more about ourselves and welcome the Jupiter’s entry in Leo.

On individual levels, for those who have dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and have Cancer, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius, or Aries as their natal ninefold ascendant are likely to experience a very positive twelve months period beginning July 29.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition (May 31 – Aug 17)

Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition occurs on average about once every 8-9 years, although the year it occurs, it may occur at 2-3 separate occasions due to retrograde motion of these planets. For those who have conjunction or opposition of Neptune and Uranus in their birth charts, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a challenging period that would demand a total change in the surrounding you are currently in. Unless these planets are favorably placed in your charts such ninefold opposition is likely to bring a total change in your current setting of your lifestyle and transform it to a totally new setting which may be very painful and undesirable for a short term. In any event it’s going to be an irreversible change. Be prepared to embrace this change with open mind and positive attitude.

On the collective level a situation between the United States and Russia is likely to develop that will manifest itself into an event or happening of cause of concern to each other.  Natural as well as man-made calamities are likely including terrorism.  Russia and/or China may experience some kind of political or social turmoil.

Pluto-Jupiter trine (June 27- July 5)

This is an important planetary event for people who deal with religion, religious and academic institutes. This auspicious trine will become responsible for a unique progress in the field of religion and academics as the planet Pluto with its tremendous energy has a power of irreversibly transforming the field of religion and academics to a new level or setting with a new set of norms. 

In your birth chart if Jupiter and Pluto are in trine, and if either of these planets is currently influencing your life via your current progressive chart, then you are perhaps standing on the thresh-hold of a new era that’s about to begin in your life. Depending on the houses these planets occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a totally new and a very different experience in that particular field. Be ready to accept this new settings with new challenges as well as the rewards that come with them.

On a collective level, religious and academic and to some extent social fields are very likely to see changes coming in their respective fields. Initial reaction to the change might appear to be a bit confusing and perhaps chaotic, but the majority of us are going to embrace this new wave of change and are very likely to enjoy it.

Saturn-Ketu ninefold opposition (and Saturn-Rahu conjunction) (July 21-24)

The time when Saturn-Ketu ninefold opposition occurs is not good for those who have such opposition or squares in their birth charts. In addition, the lunar node Rahu (or Ketu), 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 opposition can make things so miserable and difficult for you that you are never going to forget them in your 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, Russia or China may experience social or political turmoil. Also, in the United State for the Republic Party and republicans including the republican president Bush it may prove to be prudent to stay on guard during this period.