Date Posted: February 28, 2014

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 (March 2 – May 20)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events for the next 2-3 months is the retrograde Mars, and on average it occurs once every two years.  On March 2, Mars becomes retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Libra, via it’s retrograde motion it goes back in Virgo on March 26, and stays retrograde in Virgo till May 20. 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 charts 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, during this retrograde Mars period, artists, entertainers, judges, musicians, engineers, designers, accountants and business people 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. Due to the presence of Rahu and Saturn in Libra, 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.

Retrograde Saturn (March 3 – July 21)

Saturn became retrograde on March 3 and is going to stay retrograde till July 21, 2014 in sidereal Libra.  For those who have a well placed Saturn in their birth charts and if Saturn’s period is currently in operation, then they are likely to experience slow progress. Best way to deal with retrograde Saturn is to put more energy in to whatever you do to work towards your goal.

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.

Uranus-Jupiter square (Feb 14 – April 30)

While Jupiter deals with outward and material things Uranus’s influence on us is very sudden with intensity. Jupiter-Uranus square occurs once (actually 2-3 times with in a year’s period due to their retrograde motions) in about 8-9 years. If you have such square in your birth chart, and if you have any one of these two planets influencing you through your current progressive cycle then you are certainly going to experience a extreme transformation (irreversible change) in your beliefs and moral values that you have been attached to. This period is challenging.  If you overcome the challenge it’s time for marching ahead with a quantum step in the process of self discovery (or evolution). 

On the world scene, world religions are likely to be challenged with earthshaking ideas that they must attend to. Those religious leaders, who are willing to be open minded and ready to listen and act on new and fresh ideas, are the ones that going to be responsible to transform our religious world to a new level. Others are going to fade away with time. 

Pluto-Saturn ninefold square (Feb 24 – March 19)

If in your birth chart Pluto makes a square with Saturn, and if either of these planets is currently influencing your life via your current progressive chart, then you want to consider taking extra precaution in dealing with money matters, people at work, especially with your adversaries. In general, this is the time to stay low key and not be aggressive. Be cautious and alert as much as possible.  Do not trust anybody during this period. 

On a collective level, Russia is likely to face with some serious challenges and perhaps sudden changes.  To some extent China is also going to have a similar experience.

Uranus-Rahu ninefold conjunction (and Uranus/Ketu opposition)  (March 2-7)

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, relationship between USA and Russia and/or  that between USA and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.

Rahu-Jupiter (and Ketu-Jupiter) ninefold square(s) (March 8-16)

Jupiter-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold squares are going to be very unfavorable for those who have such squares in their natal charts.  Insecure feeling, loss of direction in life, general unhappiness, difficulty in keeping the faith in God are some of the symptoms of these squares.  If you have such squares in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through the current progressive cycle then you need to look at the things with a different attitude. The best thing to do is to stay the course of present action without making any new commitment. Remember the time when you felt the life is not fair and not worth living, very unsure to yourself, and unhappy with family.. Well, that’s how you going to feel this time. Keep your faith strong!

On a collective level, religions around the world will find difficulty in carrying out their activities and in general, keeping people happy. Loss of a well known religious figurehead is likely.

Pluto-Ketu ninefold trine (and Pluto-Rahu sextile) (March 16 – 25)

If through your current progressive chart influence of either Pluto or lunar node is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to lunar nodes in your natal chart expect a very favorable time. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspect. For example, if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in relationship area, 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 economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.

Neptune-Saturn ninefold quincunx (March 22-30)

If you have Neptune-Saturn quincunx in your birth chart, and if your current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets then you are likely to experience a subtle but serious financial or social setback or an unpleasant secret will be revealed to you. If you are planning to take a long distance (overseas) trip during this period, be extra careful for nasty surprises, or even being stranded in places you never dream of. You may experience situations totally beyond your control.

On collective level, covert activities will be on rise. Possibilities of natural as well as man-made calamities are very likely during this period. Places like Russia and China are likely to experience political and social turmoil. Non-democratic countries are likely to see shift of power from one faction (or dictator) to another. Religious activities around the world will likely to appear more secretive than open. 

Saturn-Rahu ninefold quincunx (March 23 – April 21)

The Saturn-Rahu quincunx is not good for those who have this quincunx in their birth charts. In addition, if the lunar node Rahu (or Ketu), or Saturn is affecting you via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in areas affected by these planets as indicated by your natal chart.  The affected people should avoid taking any kind of risk at any cost during this period.  Such quincunx 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 unrest. Also, in the United State for the Republic Party and republicans it may prove to be prudent to stay on guard during this period.

Neptune-Ketu  ninefold trine (Neptune-Rahu sextile) (March 26 – April 2)

For those who have well placed Neptune, and if she is in trine with any of the two lunar nodes, and are presently being influenced by any of these planets (Neptune, Rahu, or Ketu) through their current operating cycles, are likely to experience a very positive period. Rise in self confidence, feeling empowered, strong intuitive power, and in general feeling great about everything around are some of the symptoms that you are likely to enjoy.

Collectively on global scene, this period is very positive for Russia and China. Also, most of the technological areas are likely to make significant progress via inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and religious activities are likely to impart positive energy and create a very healthy atmosphere around us.