Date Posted: September 30, 2001 

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 (Oct 2 – Oct 23) 

On October 2, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in its motion and will appear moving backward in the sky. On October 12, the retrograde Mercury will transit from the sidereal zodiac sign Libra to Virgo. It will stay retrograde until October 23. Typically retrograde Mercury means unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and disappointment in daily chores.  

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 Saturn (September 27 – February 3)

Saturn will continue to be retrograde during October.  For those who have well placed Saturn in their birth charts and if Saturn’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, 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.

Neptune-Pluto ninefold trine (Sept 10 – Oct 8)

Neptune-Pluto trine 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, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will have upper hand over the liberals, China and Russia are likely to see positive developments occurring in the social and economical fields.

Uranus-Rahu/Ketu ninefold squares (Sept 9 – Oct 11)

The time when lunar nodes form ninefold squares with Uranus expect some nasty and unfavorable things to happen for those who have such squares or oppositions in their birth charts. In addition, if the planet Uranus or Rahu (or Ketu) 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 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, and the western part of Europe may experience social or political instability at home as well as tensions rising among them. 

Pluto-Saturn opposition (with one degree orb: October 21-November 12) and

Pluto-Saturn ninefold opposition (October 28 – November 4)

Pluto-Saturn direct opposition occurs on average about once every 35-36 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, square, or opposition of Pluto and Saturn in their horoscopes, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a severe setback or turmoil in their lives.  Such opposition can become a very strong force to destroy the current setting of your lifestyle and transform it to a totally new setting which may or may not be desirable depending on the strength and positive influence of these planets in the natal chart. In any event it’s going to be an irreversible situation.

On the collective level, expect the outbreak of violence and terrorist activities, natural as well as man-made calamities, and to some extent, war-like climate in some parts of the world. Tension between Israelis and Palestinians is likely to escalate again at a new level. A few eastern European countries, Russia, and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile (Oct 17 – Oct 31)

Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile is going to be 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. However don’t neglect your family during this busy time. 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, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will find ways to compromise with liberals on sticky issues. Democrats and Republicans will agree on more matters than the ones they disagree.  This is a good time to get those lingering bills passed in U.S. Congress and Senates. China and Russia are likely to experience some mild setbacks in their foreign policies, especially the one that deals with the United States.