Date Posted: October 31, 2005

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 (Nov 14 – Dec 4) 

On November 14, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Scorpio. It will stay retrograde until December 4 in Scorpio. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio means more frustrating periods for risk takers, explorers, entrepreneurs, military personnel. This is the time not to start a new project or venture, but rather reflect on what’s been done so far.  Also, this is the best time to cleanup that closet and do other chores that you have been postponing due to lack of time.

In addition, 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 pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period with respect to matters signified by the house it’s transiting in your progressive chart.

Retrograde Mars (October 2 – December 10)

From the planetary influence standpoint, one of the major events in October is the retrograde Mars which on average occurs once every two years.  On October 2, Mars becomes retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Aries and stays retrograde till December 10 in Aries. 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 and not well placed 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 very likely. Other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate and of course increased covert activities among developed nations.

Retrograde Saturn (November 22 – April 6, 2006)

Saturn becomes retrograde on November 22 and is going to stay retrograde till April 6, 2006.  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 slower 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.

Mars-Neptune Square (Nov 5 – 10)

During these five days in November Mars-Neptune form a close square (with in a degree). Typically this square is very unfavorable and unfortunate for those who have such square in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle. Be extra careful during this period. The best thing to do is to lay low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of risk.  

On the world scene, expect some sudden outbreak of an undesirable happening, a strong possibility of both natural and man-made calamities. The countries that are most likely to be affected during these three days would be Pakistan, Russia, and China.

Mars-Saturn square (Nov 15 – 23)

Mars-Saturn square, for no apparent reason, changes a perfectly normal and healthy situation in to the one with a lot of tension and friction with new challenges. For those who have such square in their birth charts, and if any one of these planets are influencing them through the current progressive cycles certainly need to be on guard. If you must involve in an unwanted situation, be extra careful and try to minimize the damage. Experiences like fire burns, rape, accidents, loss of precious things, and monetary disasters are real possibilities.

On the world scene, a short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan is very likely. Terrorism and violence, especially in Iraq and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreak of an undesirable happening, and occurrences of both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.

Saturn-Rahu trine (Saturn-Ketu sextile)  (Nov 5 – April 14, 2006)

Saturn-Rahu trine is usually favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Saturn.  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 your desired goals 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.

Pluto’s  return to the sidereal zodiac sign Sagittarius (Nov 28)

One of the important planetary events of this year is the transit of the modern planet Pluto from the sidereal zodiac sign Scorpio to Sagittarius. It first occurred on January 28. Pluto stayed in Sagittarius till May 28, and then with its retrograde motion returned to Scorpio and will stay in Scorpio till November 28. After November 28, 2005 it will remain in Sagittarius for the following 14 to15 years (till February 2020).  Pluto, being the planet of transformation, will certainly affect the matters related to Sagittarius in a big way. The drastic changes in our collective moral and religious perceptions are certainly going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before by Pluto’s transit in Sagittarius. This era (next 15 years) will be remembered as the period of religious revolution.  The way we have been used to deal with religions will no longer be our norms.  Although it’s very likely that some of the world religions will either become obsolete or transformed into other forms the religious or moral codes will be greatly influenced by our collective spiritual experiences. And in that sense a subtle but most effective transformation of world religions during this unique era of 15 years is likely to take us to a level where the norms solely based on spiritual experiences will dictate and guide our lives with new level of understanding. 

On individual level for those who have Sagittarius ninefold ascendant or Moon in Sagittarius are over the next 15 years likely to experience a slow but a very profound transformation of their psyche. It is also the period where such individuals are likely to question first time about lot of things that they had been used to and will deviate from traditional approach to find answers they have been seeking for.