Date Posted: December 31, 2024
The month of January 2025 begins with the retrograde sidereal Cancer Mars opposing Capricorn Pluto, an alignment that intensifies conflicts and disruptions. This opposition, which persists within three degrees until January 11, is expected to exacerbate the Ukraine-Russia war and heighten tensions between Israel and Iran. This celestial alignment amplifies the potential for sudden disruptions and heightened instability, creating additional challenges during the retrograde period.
The retrograde Cancer Mars is likely to inflame political tensions, particularly among developed nations. The period may also see increased destruction of wealth due to natural disasters such as fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, alongside man-made crises including political unrest and social turmoil. Terrorist activities could rise, and the escalation of conflicts, especially between Israel and Palestine, is a significant concern. Additionally, covert operations between nations may gain momentum, further destabilizing geopolitical conditions. In the United States, the approaching presidential inauguration in January is expected to see intensified political drama, with Mars retrograde fueling sensational developments in the political sphere.
Another major astrological event in January is the Neptune-Rahu conjunction, which occurs within three degrees from January 17 to March 28. This challenging aspect often brings instability and sudden changes for individuals with this alignment in their natal charts, manifesting as frustrating and unfortunate experiences. During this time, it is advisable to avoid new commitments and maintain a low-profile approach.
At a collective level, covert activities worldwide may escalate under the influence of this conjunction. Neptune’s secretive nature may obscure the full extent of these activities, particularly regarding terrorism and international conflicts. From the perspective of the Ukraine-Russia war, Neptune’s transit in sidereal Pisces does not favor authoritarian regimes. However, Rahu’s concurrent transit in Pisces counters Neptune’s energy, temporarily stalling the decline of authoritarian influence. This planetary combination may intensify the Ukraine-Russia conflict. By the end of May 2025, as Rahu exits sidereal Pisces, its energy will no longer counteract Neptune’s influence. Consequently, Russian President Putin’s grip and influence on the Ukraine-Russia war may begin to wane.
Finally, Uranus’s brief transit in Aries from December 19, 2024, to March 16, 2025, is poised to bring significant changes. Uranus, the planet of transformation, finds a fitting match in Aries, a fiery and cardinal sign characterized by independence, ambition, energy, and impulsiveness. This short transit is expected to dramatically influence the global political landscape. For the U.S. presidential inauguration in January 2025, Uranus’s retrograde return to Aries may introduce political chaos and instability. This could delay the inauguration process and potentially impact its outcome, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already turbulent period.
Retrograde Mars (Dec 7 – Feb 24)
From an astrological perspective, the retrograde motion of Mars is one of the significant planetary events of 2024, occurring towards the end of the year. On December 7, Mars begins its retrograde journey in sidereal Cancer. This retrograde period will continue as Mars moves back into Gemini on January 21, 2025, where it will remain retrograde until February 24, 2025, before turning direct. Mars will then reenter Cancer on April 1, 2025. Typically, Mars retrogrades approximately once every two years, lasting for about eight to ten weeks.
Astrologically, when a planet turns retrograde, the positive energy it offers begins to diminish. In the case of Mars, a planet associated with independence, energy, ego, and impulsivity, this shift can create sudden challenges that arise with remarkable speed. Those with a poorly placed or predominant Mars in their birth charts, particularly if Mars is active in their Gochar (transit) chart, are likely to experience setbacks professionally and personally. These individuals may encounter frustrating circumstances, face repeated efforts to achieve success, or deal with unexpected and unfortunate events.
During the period from December 7, 2024, to January 21, 2025, Mars retrograde in the water sign Cancer is expected to be particularly unfavorable for individuals with Cancer, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aries as their rising sign or ninefold ascendant. For those with Mars actively influencing their Gochar chart, this phase may be intense and frustrating. The best approach during this period is to stay low-key, avoid making emotional decisions, and exercise caution when taking risks. Hospital workers, psychologists, psychoanalysts, doctors providing mental care, pregnant and nursing women, social reformers, and caregivers may find this time especially challenging.
From January 21, 2025, to February 24, 2025, retrograde Mars will transit through Gemini. As an air sign ruled by Mercury, Gemini emphasizes intellectual energy over physical power. Mars in Gemini blends materialistic pursuits (Mars being a material planet) with intellectual endeavors (Gemini’s domain under Mercury), leading to significant fluctuations in both knowledge and material outcomes. This period is likely to bring tremendous ups and downs globally, with pronounced impacts on research and academic institutions, diplomats, space technology, and industries related to communication, such as cell phones, the internet, social media, and information technology.
This retrograde phase underscores the need for caution, reflection, and resilience to navigate the challenges and uncertainties it presents.
Neptune-Rahu conjunction (Jan 17 – Mar 28)
Authoritarian regimes under fire
This period marks one of the most challenging astrological aspects, featuring a conjunction between spiritual and humanitarian Neptune in Pisces and the ruthless, explosive north lunar node, Rahu, in Pisces—a particularly unfavorable sign for Rahu. These opposing energies are often associated with turbulence, especially where humanitarian values clash with authoritarian forces, as reflected in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Neptune’s transit through sidereal Pisces generally undermines authoritarian regimes. However, Rahu’s presence in Pisces counters Neptune’s influence, temporarily bolstering authoritarian powers. This dynamic may create a period favorable to authoritarian rule, even as the close conjunction between Neptune and Rahu (January 17 – March 28) is likely to intensify tensions and conflicts, particularly in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Looking ahead, by May 20, 2025, Rahu will exit sidereal Pisces, removing its counteractive influence on Neptune. This shift is expected to weaken the grip of authoritarian leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially diminishing his influence in the Ukraine-Russia war.
On an individual level, if Neptune and Rahu (or Neptune and Ketu) are poorly placed in your natal chart–especially in connection with the sixth, eighth, or twelfth house—and one of these planets is active in your current transit (Gochar) chart, you may experience instability and sudden changes in your surroundings. These changes could feel frustrating or unfortunate. During this time, it is advisable to avoid new commitments and adopt a low-profile approach.
Retrograde Jupiter (Oct 9 – Feb 4)
Jupiter entered retrograde motion on October 9 in sidereal Taurus and will remain retrograde until February 4. If Jupiter is actively influencing your Gochar (transit) chart, you may experience a temporary slowdown in material progress. Achieving desired outcomes during this period may require increased effort and persistence, as results that typically manifest with ease when Jupiter is direct might now demand greater energy and determination.
For individuals with a ninefold natal ascendant in Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Aries, this retrograde phase is unlikely to significantly impact material progress.
Retrograde Uranus returns to sidereal Aries (December 18 – March 16)
On December 16, 2024, Uranus, in retrograde motion, will return to sidereal Aries. After transiting through Aries until March 16, 2025, Uranus will reenter Taurus, where it will remain for approximately seven years.
Although its stay in Aries is brief, Uranus, the planet of change, will leave a significant impact on Aries-related matters. Aries, a fiery and cardinal sign, complements Uranus’s independent, ambitious, energetic, impulsive, and often unpredictable nature. This alignment is expected to have profound effects on the global political landscape.
Key groups influenced by this transit include military personnel, business leaders, and political figures. In scientific and technological fields, expect groundbreaking innovations and discoveries as the pace of progress accelerates dramatically. A surge in scientific and technological growth will likely coincide with the rise of a new wave of political and corporate leaders who bring transformative perspectives to global affairs, reshaping the world order, albeit temporarily.
For individuals with Aries as their ninefold ascendant, significant changes are on the horizon, particularly if Uranus holds prominence in their natal charts. These changes may manifest suddenly and impact multiple aspects of life, including marriage, profession, environment, perceptions, beliefs, and lifestyle. This short yet intense cycle calls for adaptability and readiness to embrace transformation.
Global Insights……..
The important challenging planetary configurations for January include: Pluto-Mars (Jan 1-5) opposition; Saturn-Rahu (Jan 1-5) ninefold quincunx; Pluto-Jupiter (Jan 16-24) ninefold square; and Neptune-Rahu (Jan 17 – Mar 28) conjunction.
The Pluto-Mars (Jan 1-5) opposition may become responsible for worldwide natural and man-made disasters and warlike climate in countries that include Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Israel, and the United States.
The energy of the Saturn-Rahu (Jan 1-5) ninefold quincunx maybe reflected in social or political turmoil in Russia and/or China. Also, in the United State for the Republican Party and republicans it may prove to be prudent to stay on guard during this period.
The energy of the Pluto-Jupiter (Jan 16-24) ninefold square may become a cause for changes in religious and academic and to some extent social fields. Initial reaction to the changes might appear to be a bit confusing and perhaps chaotic, but a majority of us are going to embrace this new wave of changes and are very likely to enjoy them.
The manifestation of the energy of Neptune-Rahu (Jan 17 – Mar 28) conjunction may be reflected in social as well as economic turmoil in Russia and China. Covert activities around the world may find a new momentum (but because of Neptune’s secretive character we may never know) with regard to Ukraine-Russia war and other international conflicts.
The important auspicious planetary configurations for January include Uranus-Saturn (Jan 21-26) and Uranus-Rahu (Jan 24 – Feb 5) ninefold trines; Pluto-Rahu (Dec 25 – Jan 17) sextile and Neptune-Jupiter (Jan 25 – Mar 6) ninefold sextile.
The energy of the Uranus-Saturn (Jan 21-26) ninefold trine may be reflected in a conducive period for religious activities worldwide. Moreover, this period presents an opportune moment for the USA to make remarkable strides in enhancing her image both on the international stage and domestically.
The Uranus-Rahu (Jan 24 – Feb 5) ninefold trine is likely to be responsible for reconciliation between the democrats and republicans resulting in a successful bipartisan effort in solving some key issues concerning national security. Additionally, it’s a good period for technological breakthroughs in information and artificial intelligence areas.
The energy of the Pluto-Rahu (Dec 25 – Jan 17) sextile may be reflected in a promising time for the economy, with potential advancements in technical fields through new innovations and discoveries. Additionally, it may be a favorable period for religious reconciliation and harmony.
The manifestation of the Neptune-Jupiter (Jan 25 – Mar 6) ninefold sextile is likely to be responsible for new and inspiring changes in religious, academic, and social fields.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: the United States, Ukraine, Russia, China, and Middle-East–especially Syria, Iran, Lebanon and the Palestinian-Israel region.
Natural and Man-made Calamities……..
The natural calamities like extreme weather conditions, wildfires, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow storms, air crashes as well as manmade accidents are likely to occur during during January 1-5 and 16-24.
Earthquakes:Based on a new Earthquake prediction model (the work is still in progress), the earthquake(s) of magnitude 6.9 or higher, if occur, are likely to occur on following dates and Times and possible locations: Earthquake Predictions 2024. Please note that these hourly predictions refer to the Universal time (GMT).
While man-made calamities may manifest themselves in terrorism, unrest, violence, accidents, and air crashes, the natural calamities are likely to include extreme weather conditions such as severe cold winters, and equally intensive droughts, hurricanes or typhoons, thunderstorms, earthquakes and fires