Saturn Retrogrades from Dec 31 to 17 May 2009

There are several important planetary influences shaping our journey in 2009. The most significant would be Saturn turning retrograde from 31 December 2008 to 17 May 2009.

Saturn, In Indian mythology is the lord of justice, therefore his turning retrograde is probably the least pleasant influence around. Saturn is a hard-nosed; no-nonsense disciplinarian himself. He teaches us about responsibility and claiming our authority in the world, a class many of us would rather skip. Needless to say, this kind of discipline and skill is very useful later, even though the cycle itself is rough to get through.

Therefore, during its backward movement there will be further slow down in the normal rate of activity so that better methods and strategies can be developed. He tends to bring a lot of depression to the person being tested. He/she would face losses, delay or denials in new projects and health problems. It can also affect peace of mind and make a person emotionally unstable. We need to be careful during January 25-28 (new moon and eclipse) February 15- 22-25, March 3- 7-15- 20-30 and April 1, 5-8,9,10 & 17-30, May 15 -30 2009...

Saturn is associated with iron and steel (including engineering, basic service & labor, poverty, suffering, difficulties), the stuff bullets, swords and spears are made of. Mars may be the lord of war or the commander in chief, but Saturn is what causes the war and executes it. this indicates there might be conflicts, agitations and lots of resentment.

Jupiter, the planet of good luck , opportunities, and contacts with the world at large is transiting in its debilitated (weakest point) sign indicating divine grace would be difficult to come by, which may result in more financial problem, job losses, religious fanaticism and conflict of interests among nations, specially those who's fortune's are under his direct control. As i mentioned in my earlier article (Jupiter moves to Capricorn) Jupiter in the debilitation sign indicates lot of worry and hurdles for the natives who are in-genuine and dishonest . Some of them have already been exposed and some more may face the music in the days to come.

Therefore, as India strategies further plan of action to deal with increased threat of terrorism, it will be prudent to also take these astrological factors into consideration.

India is passing through Venus -Ketu phase ( July 2008 to sept 2009). Ketu is considered to be a faceless planet indicating frustrations, sudden & hidden gains or losses depending upon its placements. Currently Rahu is transiting in opposition to India's moon sign (Rashi) in Capricorn while Ketu is in Cancer, India's Rashi and 3rd house since May 6, 2008 and ever since India has been hurt hard by increased activities of terrorism.

Therefor due to unfavorable planetary influence India may not get any major headways as long ketu phase is operating. (We can expect better results after September 2009 as India will go through Sun Maha Dasa for six years) Therefore, it is not surprising to see Pakistan using war "hysteria" to deflect attention away from the fact that 26/11 terror attack on India was carried out by the terrorist groups operating from its soil. Instead of shutting down terror camps , the country seems to be playing a game of fire with India.

But we must not get compulsive as we demand stern action against those guilty; we shuld remember one should not play with fire when standing on fuel. So, it will be prudent fo Indian leadership to choose its words very carefully. Wrong speech, misinterpretation and misunderstanding can lead to destruction. Planets indicate due to aggressive talk war clouds may loom large in the subcontinent in the days to come . Sun, Mars and Mercury are transiting in India's 8th house ( signifies obstacles and hidden gains or losses ), India will find it difficult to get any major headways in its efforts. as i said above, Saturn also signifies basic service & labor industry, these areas might get adversely affected due to its backward movement.

Venus India’s ascendant lord will be in apposition to Saturn in January 2009. Venus signifies mundane needs such as love & sex, luxury, comforts, diamond, transportation (Vehicles/cars) and money. The influence suggests these area's may get affected. Financial situation may turn too negative . It may bring complaints, harsh criticism, and shortfalls. No solution would come about without a penalty or price to pay. Venus will move to Pieces, its most powerful point on January 28, 2009. This transition indicates India may achieve something historical if other planets are also influence favorably. My sense is God has his own way of giving and taking and Planets are under his direct control, therefore, i think they will surly support us in times of such a huge crisis!!

With Mercury also in backward motion in January 2009, flaws are likely; bad speeches and mistakes are more commonplace. Mercury retrograde disrupts the thinking mind, communications, the ability to come to agreements with others, decision making, etc It's best not to make important decisions while the swift planet is moving backwards, and all plans should be reviewed later to find the gaping holes in logic that often creep in.

On Jan 27, Mars will move to its exaltation point in Capricorn and join Sun, Jupiter, and Rahu during new moon phase. Mercury and Mars are sure to bring plenty of aggressive talk and action, suggesting a change or heading towards a new direction. Mars is considered commander in chief of the army in Vedic astrology; it will surely bestow courage and power to people involved in adventure, sports, armed and security forces during his stay in this sign. Mars also rules over number 9 in numerology and nine in 2009 being the number ruled by him surly indicates lots of troubles ahead for humanity. Mars will be in apposition to Saturn from 7 March 2009 onwards for about 45 days, will add fuel to fire as Sun will also be in apposition to Saturn from mid February 2009., Indicative of further sudden troubles between unfriendly counties, management and employees, father and son, siblings, specially those will be affected the most who have been already in conflict.

So, we need to be careful of unforeseen tragic events unfolding in the near future. India needs to be extra careful after 14 January 2009, especially on 25-26^th January as new moon falls on our 60^th Republic day this time. Planetary chart doesn’t look good during that time.

Planets indicate economic and financial (stock markets) situation may improve quite a bit around April - May 2009. Over all major improvements may come after September 2009.

During these troubled times its helpful to have deep faith on God. Reciting Mahamrityunjay mantra 1,25,000 times, reciting Lord Hanuman Chalisan or visiting Hanuman temples will help a lot in warding off the malefic effects.

Coming back to to Saturn, In Indian mythology, He is the estranged son of Surya (Sun). He is considered the opposite of Sun in many ways. Sun represents light, Saturn represents darkness. Sun is representative of kings and leadership in the society. On the other hand, Saturn represents poverty and the stark reality of the masses. Sunlight is the basis of all life on earth. Saturn is associated with obstruction and hindrance and ultimately, death. No wonder Saturn and Sun are exalted and debilitated in rashis (Zodiacs) exactly opposite each other- In Aries and Libra respectively.