Mars in Aries
On August 16th, Mars begins its transit of Aries. This is a significant transit since Aries is the sign that is ruled by Mars. In Aries, Mars is more assertive, more of a winner, more ambitious, more energetic, and more capable of accomplishing desired outcomes.
Mars will also receive the aspect of transiting Jupiter during this period, and that amplifies Mars' most positive features. With the support of Jupiter, Mars makes a person confident, successful, and energetic. Mars in Aries gives the impulse to start new endeavors, and with Jupiter's help, those endeavors tend to succeed.
Mars will be in Aries twice in the next several months. First from August 16th to October 3rd, and then, after it retrogrades back into Pisces, it will go direct, and enter Aries again on December 23rd, remaining there until February 21, 2021.
Yes, I used the "R" word. Mars will be retrograde from September 9th to November 13th. From September 9th - October 3rd it will be retrograde in Aries and from October 3rd to November 13th, it will be retrograde in Pisces. When it is retrograde it tends to become more argumentative, aggressive, and sometimes it even becomes violent. So that period should be watched for various types of aggressive events in the world. The list of likely suspects includes military conflicts, social unrest, a nasty US presidential campaign and election, and of course, intensification of the Coronavirus.
But hey, we're not gonna talk about all of that nasty stuff right now. There will be time for that in a later newsletter. For now, we are only going to talk about the first little phase of Mars in Aries from August 16th to October 3rd. And we are going to divide that period into two sections; the part when Mars is direct in Aries, and the part when Mars is retrograde in Aries. Mars direct in Aries will give some generally positive results. Mars retrograde in Aries, from September 9th to October 3rd, might produce challenges or complications.
Applying this to the Coronavirus, Mars enters Aries in Ashwini Nakshatra, the nakshatra of healing. The entire course of this initial transit, from August 6th - October 3rd, during both the direct phase and the retrograde phase, Mars will be in Ashwini. So we can look for some new, hopeful initiatives, procedures, medicines, or protocols to begin at around that time. When Mars goes retrograde, however, we might start seeing some of those procedures or protocols become less effective or more complicated than expected, or we might start to see a more pronounced sense of overwhelm in hospital intensive care facilities.
Even though this is a good transit for Mars, this period may not be the best for maintaining diplomacy and harmony on the level of global politics. Mars in Aries can sometimes be rash and impulsive, so the period could produce an aggressive and violent astrological atmosphere that promotes sudden conflicts, military or police actions by governments, natural disasters like fires, or accidents. This will be more likely during or near the retrograde part of the transit.
On the personal level Mars in Aries is a good time to get things done, begin projects and to accomplish goals. The initial part of the transit in Ashwini nakshatra is especially beneficial for getting involved in personal health care regimes such as yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong. Mars in the sign of Aries could be quite beneficial, especially during the period when it is direct. For each person, it will produce a different result, depending on which house is occupied by Mars during the transit.
Here is a brief description of how this period will affect you, based on the influence of this transit on your horoscope. Remember, we use a different zodiac in Vedic astrology, so you have to look at the birth date ranges for each of the Sun signs carefully. If you happen to know your Vedic Moon sign, Lagna (Ascendant) or Arudha Lagna, then you can read the results for those signs as well. If you happen to know all of those signs, you could potentially read the predictions given for four signs. That may seem confusing, but each of the descriptions reflects a different angle on the transit of Mars and will tend to manifest in its own way.
Vedic Sun Signs
Apr 14 - May 14 (Aries) This period may motivate you to start something new, or to take the lead in some way. It is a good time for getting more involved in exercise. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, try not to be overbearing, argumentative or bossy.
May 15 - Jun 14 (Taurus) In a normal year, this period might produce travel. In the time of Covid, most people will opt to stay home. If you do happen to travel, you might do some physical exercise like hiking during the trip. Otherwise, this is a good time for running or walking in general. During the retrograde phase, September 9 -October 3, 2020, you might benefit from yoga, stretching, tai chi, or Qigong.
Jun 15 - Jul 15 (Gemini) This is a great time for finishing things, closing deals, and for having financial gains. You can also benefit through your contacts with friends. You might also take the lead with your team or organization, even if that has to be online. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, take it easy with friends or groups, especially if any of your cohorts tends to be on the bossy side.
Jul 16 - Aug 16 (Cancer) During this period, you will become more assertive in your career or business, and you might take a stronger leadership position. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, you might find that something at work needs to be fixed or refined. That could be a project, or it could also be something technical that needs to be revamped.
Aug 17 - Sep 16 (Leo) Normally this is a good time for travel. In the pandemic times, you might travel in your mind. It also favors finances. If you are in school, even if it is online, this can help you become more involved in your studies. During the retrograde phase, September 9 -October 3, 2020 you might find that advice you receive or the advisors that give that advice may not always hit the mark. Try to avoid excessive judgement of others during this time.
Sep 17 - Oct 16 (Virgo) During this period ,you can benefit from sources of finance outside of yourself. For example, this is a good time for your partner's earnings. It is also good for earning through contracts or agreements. This period is also good for yoga and other physical therapies. You can begin constructive changes at this time. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, you can benefit from emphasizing the therapeutic physical activities, but this period is also prone to control or power issues.
Oct 17 - Nov 15 (Libra) Mars is in your seventh house, the house of marriage and partnership. This could mean that your partner, or people that you interact with one-to-one, may become more assertive, or possibly a little bossy. If you are not in a relationship, this is a time for being assertive and meeting someone. If you are already in a partnership, this is good for the ambitious energy or the physical energy of the partner. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, take it easy in relationships, contracts, or partnerships. You might find that your partner or spouse is extra bossy or a little more cranky.
Nov 16 - Dec 15 (Scorpio) Mars is transiting through your sixth house. This is a good time for being competitive, and it makes it likely that you will win in any disputes or contests. This is a great time for getting into exercise with more energy. It is also a favorable influence for getting a job, or for just becoming more fully involved in your work, if you have a job already. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, avoid conflicts and arguments and be more attentive to your physical body. In this regard, watch out for an increase of inflammation and minor problems like cuts, bruises etc.
Dec 16 - Jan 13 (Sagittarius) Mars is transiting your fifth house. This could get you to become more assertive with children. If you have kids, then your first child could become more assertive or bossy, or simply could start something new. This period is a good one for sports, exercise, and physical activity. It is good for finances and could produce romantic attractions. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, if you have kids, you might find that one of them is a little more grouchy or bossy.
Jan 14 - Feb 12 (Capricorn) Mars is moving through your fourth house, the house of real estate. This could cause you to become a little bossy around the house, or to just get busy cleaning up or improving your home. But this is also a good time for changing your residence or for purchasing property. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, you can benefit from projects that are intended to fix or improve your home.
Feb 13 - Mar 13 (Aquarius) During this period, you might find yourself becoming quite assertive in the way you communicate. This is also a period that will stimulate lots of short errands or short journeys. You might also have more contact with your siblings during this time. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, be on the lookout for people who want to argue with you, and just don't argue about anything.
Mar 14 - Apr 13 (Pisces) Mars is passing through your second house, the house of money, food, speech and family. You might find that some or all of these areas become emphasized at this time. It is definitely a good period for promoting earnings, and you might be more willing to work hard to improve your finances. During the retrograde phase, September 9 - October 3, 2020, be attentive to expenditures and avoid compulsive or impulsive spending.
James Kelleher
Author