It is not uncommon to see two or more planets very close together in a chart. It is called an astrological conjunction. A conjunction brings about a significant interaction of the involved planets’ energies. The effects can be malefic or benefic, depending on the nature of the planets involved.

Due to current events, I will be discussing the dynamics of a conjunction with regards to the planets of Mars and Saturn as they will be conjunct in the next few months of 2002. This conjunction is universal to our whole planet. All nations, cultures, and individuals will feel the effects of this conjunction. The magnitude, intensity, and variance of these effects will differ relative to a nation or individual’s chart.

Mars and Saturn are said to be in conjunction when they are in the same house, especially when they’re close to one another. They influence each other. For example, in this case of Mars-Saturn conjunction, Mars is a planet of energy, aggressiveness, anger, conflicts, dispute, and agitation. Whereas, Saturn is the planet of suffering, trouble, delays, obstacles and obstructions. Such influences of the planets are tempered by the sign in which they are located.These are further tempered by the sign in which they are situated. For example, Mars in Aries has a different nature that Mars in Taurus. Similarly, the Saturn is also influenced by the sign in which it belongs.

When such a combination exists in a chart, it is generally considered destructive But there are always elements of positive influence that manifest. While you are aware of the destructive nature of this planetary configuration, I can list some of the benefits that it can bring:

1. This combination enhances the ability to think, and brings logic, diplomacy and strategy which will help anybody to survive.
2. The combination increases the person’s ability to take challenges and does not allow them to feel defeated. Therefore, it makes the person rise to the occasion and fight it out and not get a sense of defeat, even when defeated. The Spirit becomes optimistic.
3. While it gives tremendous experience in dealing with life, by making the person go through all kinds of difficult experiences, these very experiences enable the person to rise above the circumstances and become successful.
4. Things which are difficult to change can be changed. It is because of this planetary combination that people or countries can make radical changes which would otherwise take ages. These changes ultimately bring progress.
5. These planets remove laziness and promote action and busy-ness.
6. This planetary connection promotes hard work, which is always good.
7. Mars, when aspecting the Saturn, gives power to Saturn. The power of Mars is energy and action. It makes people awaken to the challenges of life and become action oriented.
8. People who have a restricted boundary of thinking and who are afraid to go beyond these limitations created by themselves, when under pressure of the Mars Saturn conjunction, are forced to break the barriers and go beyond.

Apart from the Saturn Mars conjunction, similar types of results can also be expected, when Saturn and Mars are in mutual reception or in opposition. Meaning they are aspecting each other but in another way. The results of the Saturn Mars conjunction or aspects are different for different rising signs therefore one has to make adjustment in understanding their influences. When the Saturn Mars conjunction or aspects exist in an individual’s natal chart, the impending transit carries the dominant influence for those individuals; no matter what house or sign they are in transit. If the conjunction is not present in the natal chart, when they are just transiting in the sky, they may not make much impact especially when the Dasha Bhuktis are favorable in the individual chart. But in the case of countries or nations, the results may be viewed differently.

On April 5^th, Mars enters the sign of Taurus. Saturn is already transiting Taurus. Mars will stay in Taurus until May 19^th 2002.  Taurus is ruled by Venus, which is a benevolent planet. It also rules the second house of the zodiac. Taurus is represented by the bull. So the planets, when they transit this sign, are influenced by the qualities of the bull. It is also influenced by the nature of the second house, which is the house of wealth and happiness. In this case, since two malefics are transiting Taurus, it affects the wealth and happiness of the people concerned. Generally this affects most people, but specifically people whose transits are negative (for example if you are a Taurus rising).

To view the chart of this celestial event, please click here

In addition to that, the current transit of  Saturn is also suffering from another major setback which increases its malefic tendencies. It is suffering from what is known as Rohini Shakata Bheda; Saturn passing through Taurus at a specific angle. At some point in the future we will be explaining this phenomenon, as it is an article in itself! This transit of Saturn in Taurus with its position in Rohini Shakata Bheda is unique and will only happen in the same sign in about another 30 or 60 years as case may be. In the past, this conjunction associated itself with war events like the First and Second World War as well as the Vietnam War.

This unique transit of Saturn is going to be difficult from many points of view. One can see acts of sabotage, fire, accident, war-like tendencies, natural disasters, etc. One can see this in the months of April, May, June and July, in many countries of the world. This will also tend to affect economic progress. Therefore, this is not a good time for investment activity. There could be bearish tendencies in many different industries. It is a time for caution.

It will be interesting to note that in the month of May and June there are many planets coming together like Mars, Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Rahu, Moon and Sun. Naturally when this many planets are together with malefics like Mars, Saturn and Rahu, no doubt you can anticipate some fireworks.

Added to this is a major solar eclipse on June 10^th which intensifies the malefic nature of this combination. The results arising out of this eclipse could be anticipated anytime between June to December 2002. Generally the eclipses are bad. Indications are for politics, politicians, and countries, when the eclipse is taking place in unfavorable houses for those countries and those politicians. It will also affect individuals especially those whose Sun, Moon, rising sign, etc, are either in Taurus or Scorpio. This eclipse is also considered bad for the environment because during the eclipse, there is an increase carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen (the life-giving force) thereby weakening the immune system of those people who are already affected by weak immune systems.

So therefore it would be appropriate for people to be careful about their health, not to be in a hurry, avoid accidents, cautious about risky investments, and travel only when it is necessary. Most of all, watch your immune system.

Ultimately, all these planetary conjunctions are a challenge to our strength and therefore that is the beginning of gaining a handle on our lives to rise above and face better times ahead. Unless we are challenged by the circumstances of life and thereby gain experience, we cannot learn to live with confidence and ease.

-Chakrapani Ullal

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