The month of December promises to be a pivotal month of 2024 from an astrological perspective, marked by significant planetary events. Mars turning retrograde in sidereal Cancer on December 7 is a key highlight. Retrograde periods often signify a weakening of a planet’s positive influences. For Mars, a planet symbolizing independence, energy, ego, and impulsivity, this shift can manifest as challenging situations emerging with remarkable speed.

At a collective level, Mars retrograde is likely to heighten political tensions, particularly among developed nations. Destruction of wealth due to natural disasters such as fires, flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes may become more prevalent, along with man-made crises including political unrest and social turmoil. An increase in terrorist activities and an escalation in conflicts, especially between Israel and Palestine, could also occur. Furthermore, covert operations between nations might rise, exacerbating geopolitical instability. In the United States, as the presidential inauguration approaches in January, Mars retrograde is expected to intensify political drama, adding to the already sensational developments in the political arena.

In addition, an important astrological alignment during this period is the opposition of retrograde Cancer Mars to Capricorn Pluto from December 26 through January 11. This alignment may further intensify conflicts, particularly in the Ukraine-Russia war and the tensions between Israel and Iran. It also carries the risk of sudden disruptions and heightened instability, adding to the challenges of the retrograde period.

Mercury retrograde in sidereal Scorpio continues until December 16, prolonging familiar challenges such as miscommunications, delays, unexpected obstacles, and heightened anxiety. This retrograde period demands patience and adaptability, requiring individuals to carefully manage their routines and maintain flexibility to navigate potential disruptions.

Uranus’s ingress into sidereal Taurus since May 31, 2024, has already contributed to turbulence in U.S. politics. Key events reflecting Uranus’s influence include rising concerns over President Biden’s leadership and his decision not to run for re-election. The political landscape has been further shaped by two unsuccessful assassination attempts on former President Trump, Vice President Harris’s emergence as the Democratic nominee, and the stunning return of former President Trump as president-elect. Uranus, known for symbolizing change and unpredictability, has clearly left its mark on these transformative developments.

Another significant astrological event in December is the Jupiter-Saturn square, which takes place between December 20 and 29. This challenging aspect often impacts individuals with it in their natal charts, manifesting as emotional struggles, such as a loss of motivation, feelings of insecurity, and a general sense of unhappiness. Existential challenges, including difficulty finding direction in life and maintaining faith, may also surface. However, this period offers an opportunity for self-discovery, pushing individuals to draw on inner strength and resilience to navigate these trials.

From a national perspective, the Jupiter-Saturn square has historically posed challenges for the United States, particularly in the political realm. It could result in intense friction between Democrats and Republicans, as well as between President-elect Trump and key political figures on both sides. While the likelihood is remote, this period could also bring about national emergencies or tragedies, further testing the nation’s resolve during this transformative time.

Despite the turbulent astrological landscape, these alignments also present opportunities for growth and adaptability. They urge both individuals and nations to embrace resilience, navigate uncertainties, and emerge stronger from this period of transformation.

Retrograde Mercury (Nov 26 – Dec 16) 

On November 26, Mercury entered its retrograde phase in sidereal Scorpio, where it will remain until it turns direct on December 16. Retrograde Mercury is commonly associated with periods of heightened anxiety, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and setbacks in daily routines. This phase often calls for patience and adaptability to manage the disruptions that arise.

When Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio, the challenges can be particularly pronounced for individuals and sectors connected to Scorpio’s domain. Those in the military, prisons (including wardens), pharmaceutical industries, athletic professions, and even people involved in secrecy, covert operations, or political activities may experience heightened frustration and setbacks. This period is ill-suited for launching new projects or ventures, as it favors introspection and reassessment. Instead, it provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on past actions, tie up loose ends, and complete unfinished tasks, such as cleaning out a closet or tackling chores that have been postponed due to lack of time.

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.

On a collective level, Mars retrograde is expected to intensify political tensions, particularly among developed nations. Events such as the destruction of wealth due to natural disasters—fires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes—may become more frequent, along with man-made accidents like political unrest and social turmoil. Additionally, there may be a sharp rise in terrorist activities, escalating conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and heightened covert operations between nations. Given that the U.S. presidential inauguration occurs in the third week of January, the retrograde Mars is likely to inject heightened drama and intensity into the political landscape, contributing to a sensational and potentially turbulent period.

This retrograde phase underscores the need for caution, reflection, and resilience to navigate the challenges and uncertainties it presents.

Saturn-Jupiter Square (December 20 -29)

The Jupiter-Saturn square is anticipated to be particularly challenging for individuals with this aspect in their natal charts. This alignment often manifests as a loss of motivation, feelings of insecurity, a sense of lacking direction in life, general unhappiness, and difficulty maintaining faith in higher powers or spiritual beliefs. It is a period that tests personal resilience, urging individuals to confront their limitations and find ways to rise above them. From a self-discovery perspective, this challenging phase provides an opportunity for growth, requiring individuals to draw upon their inner strength and perseverance to navigate life’s difficulties.

For those with a Jupiter-Saturn square in their birth chart, especially if either of these planets is currently active in their Gochar (transit) chart, this period requires a shift in perspective. It is crucial to remain steadfast in ongoing commitments and avoid initiating new ventures. Reflecting on past experiences—moments of self-doubt, feelings of unfairness, or familial discord—may offer valuable insights as these emotions are likely to resurface. Strengthening faith and maintaining perseverance will be essential tools to overcome the difficulties of this period.

On a collective level, this square could bring challenges to religious institutions worldwide. Traditional moral values may come under scrutiny, and controversies may arise, making it harder for religious authorities to fulfill their roles and keep their followers content. The period is likely to test established norms, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity.

In the United States, aspects like the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, opposition, and square have historically been linked to significant political challenges. This square may exacerbate political friction, particularly between Democrats and Republicans, as well as between President-elect Trump and key figures in both parties. While remote, the possibility of circumstances spiraling beyond the control of the U.S. government cannot be ruled out. This period may even bring the risk of a national tragedy, underscoring the profound impact of this astrological alignment on both personal and collective levels.

Retrograde Jupiter (Oct 9 – Feb 4) 

Jupiter entered retrograde motion on October 9 in sidereal Taurus and will remain so until February 4. If Jupiter is actively influencing your Gochar (transit) chart, you may notice a temporary deceleration in material progress. During this period, achieving desired outcomes may require increased effort and energy, as results that typically come more effortlessly when Jupiter is direct might now demand greater persistence.

For individuals with a ninefold natal ascendant in Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Aries, the retrograde period is unlikely to have a significant impact on material progress.

On a global scale, particularly in religious and spiritual domains, the conjunction of retrograde Jupiter with Uranus in sidereal Taurus could usher in a phase of “confusion” or uncertainty, causing a slower pace of developments. Additionally, this alignment may reflect a period of sluggish growth for the world economy.

Retrograde Uranus returns to sidereal Aries (December 18 – March 16)

On December 16, 2024 with its retrograde motion Uranus returns to sidereal Aries. Then after transiting through Aries until March 16, 2024, Uranus finally reenters Taurus and will stay in Taurus for next seven years or so.  

Although it’s going to be in Aries for a short while (till March 16, 2025) before it returns to Taurus, Uranus being the planet of change will certainly affect the matters related to Aries in a big way. 

Aries being the fire and cardinal sign, which is very suitable for independent, ambitious, energetic, impulsive and crazy Uranus, the changes in world political landscape is going to be tremendously influenced by Uranus’s transit in Aries. The people who are most affected by this transit are military personnel, business leaders and political leaders.  In scientific and technological areas expect a lot of drastic changes and emerging new ideas will find their way into innovations and discoveries.  The scientific and technological growth rate will rise at a very rapid pace.  A new wave of world political and corporation leaders with their new perspectives on world order will certainly transform our world in next 6-7 years to a new level to which we must adjust to. 

On individual level for those who have Aries ninefold ascendant should get ready for a change, especially a very pronounced short cycle if Uranus is a dominant planet in their birth charts. The changes that might occur would be sudden and would deal with pretty much all aspects of life including marriage, profession, surroundings, common perceptions and beliefs, and the way of living

For the US presidential inauguration in January 2025, the timing of the retrograde Uranus’s brief return to Aries from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025, may introduce political chaos and instability, delaying the inauguration process and potentially impacting the outcome.

Post-US Presidential Election Comment

Based on my interpretation/analysis of natal and transit charts of both Donald Trump and kamala Harris, I anticipated a narrow victory for Vice President Kamala Harris. However, this outcome did not materialize. In hindsight, I realized my interpretation overlooked a key factor: historically, individuals who transitioned from vice president to president, such as George H. W. Bush and Joe Biden, were two-term vice presidents before ascending to the presidency. Kamala Harris, by contrast, is a one-term vice president.

A deeper analysis highlights significant astrological patterns. George H. W. Bush won against Michael Dukakis partly because George H Bush’s chart did not feature a Uranus-Rahu conjunction, whereas he later lost to Bill Clinton, who did possess this powerful conjunction. Similarly, another vice president, Al Gore, lost an extremely close race to George W. Bush, who also had the Uranus-Rahu conjunction in his chart. Joe Biden succeeded against Donald Trump, as Trump’s natal Uranus-Rahu conjunction was undermined by a detrimental Sun-Rahu conjunction.

Looking ahead, the brief return of Uranus to Aries from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025, could herald a period of political chaos and instability. This transit may disrupt the inauguration process and could potentially influence the eventual political outcome.

Russian-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas/Hezbollah war and senseless killings

According to 2020 predictions, “This era of Pluto in sidereal Capricorn (spanning the next 19 to 20 years) will be remembered as a time of material destruction and transformation into a new, different way of living that aligns with human evolution.“

Recent escalations in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as Hamas and Israel, seem to be part of this material destruction, driven by Pluto’s transformative influence in sidereal Capricorn.

Additionally, with billions of dollars in aid from the United States, Ukraine has made strategic gains in its conflict with Russia, reclaiming territories in western Russia. However, the war’s intensity not going to fade but continues to persist, resulting in substantial human casualties and economic devastation.

The influence of Rahu’s transit through Pisces, which began roughly twelve months ago, poses challenges for Neptune. This dynamic may temporarily allow President Putin to retain some control in the war over the next six months, managing internal dissent and maintaining his position. Until his influence weakens, the conflict, along with civilian casualties, is unlikely to subside.

In the Israel-Hamas and Hezbollah-Israel conflict, violence remains particularly intense in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel. In addition, recent direct conflict between Iran and Israel is likely to further escalate. Gaza is facing severe shortages of essential supplies, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis. While short-term developments may offer temporary relief, this conflict is expected to continue unless a profound spiritual awakening transcends religious divisions and leads to reconciliation in the region.

Global Insights……..

The important challenging planetary configurations for December include: Saturn-Rahu (Nov 30 – Dec 7) and Uranus-Jupiter (Dec 23-30) ninefold oppositions; Pluto-Neptune (Nov 28 – Dec 26) and Neptune-Uranus (Dec 15-31) ninefold quincunxes; Saturn-Jupiter (Dec 20-29) square; and Uranus-Saturn (Dec 19-25) ninefold square.

The Saturn-Rahu (Nov 30 – Dec 7) ninefold opposition may become responsible for social or political unrest in countries like Russia or China. In the United States, it may also be a turbulent time for the Republican Party, where caution and prudence might be warranted during this phase.

The energy of the Uranus-Jupiter (Dec 23-30) ninefold opposition may become cause for challenges world religions are likely to face.  Religious leaders who are open-minded and willing to listen and act on fresh concepts will be instrumental in transforming our religious landscape to a new level. Those who resist change may gradually lose relevance over time.

The manifestation of the energy of Pluto-Neptune (Nov 28 – Dec 26) ninefold quincunx might become cause for an outbreak of violence and terrorist activities, particularly, in Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, with Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, and the Palestinian regions being the most affected. Additionally, both natural and man-made disasters are likely. Some Eastern European countries, Ukraine, Russia, and China may also experience political and social upheaval during this period.

The energy of the Neptune-Uranus (Dec 15-31) ninefold quincunx may signal a sudden deterioration in the relationship between the USA and Russia.  Additionally, advancements in science and technology—especially those involving innovations, inventions, and discoveries—could experience stagnation or setbacks during this period.

The Saturn-Jupiter (Dec 20-29) square may become responsible for difficulties world religious leaders might face in carrying out their activities, with more controversies arise that test traditional moral values. Religious authorities may struggle to keep people content amidst these challenges.

The manifestation of energy of the Uranus-Saturn (Dec 19-25) ninefold square may be reflected in domestic turmoil in the United States, Russia or China, with tensions potentially escalating between them.

The important auspicious planetary configurations for December include Neptune-Saturn (Dec 16-27) ninefold trine; Pluto-Rahu (Dec 25 – Jan 17) sextile and Pluto-Uranus (Dec 13-24) ninefold sextile.

The auspicious energy of Neptune-Saturn (Dec 16-27) ninefold trine may be reflected in a favorable period for Russia and China. Additionally, advancements in technology, especially in the medical field, are expected to make significant progress through new inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and religious activities will likely foster a positive energy, contributing to a healthy and uplifting environment worldwide.

The Pluto-Rahu (Dec 25 – Jan 17) sextile may become responsible for 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 energy of the Pluto-Uranus (Dec 13-24) ninefold sextile maybe reflected in an extraordinary period for technological advancements, with significant breakthroughs and discoveries likely to emerge. For the United States, in particular, this phase promises to be remarkable and highly successful.

The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are:  the United States, Ukraine, Russia, China, and Middle-East–especially 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 December 1-26.

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