(23 February 2022) To no one’s surprise, Russia is now on the verge of invading Ukraine.  After recognizing the independence of the pro-Russian border provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, President Vladimir Putin is likely to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine within the next few days, if not hours.  Despite Ukraine having broken off diplomatic ties with Russia and called up its reservists, Putin appears to be unmoved by the threat the Western financial and trade sanctions.

In a post dated February 9, I suggested that based on the afflictions in the Ukraine horoscope the situation was likely to worsen in late February (Feb 28-Mar 2).  At that time, the Venus-Mars conjunction aligned with the Mercury-Jupiter conjunction and suggested conflict and frustrating events.  That prediction looks likely to be off the mark here, however, as Putin seems likely to strike sooner.  Of course, the main event is likely to remain the approaching Saturn conjunction with Ukraine’s natal Moon in early April.  The conjunction will be within range for much of March and will likely coincide with increasing stress and sadness for the Ukrainian people.

The Russia horoscope (Aug 8 1991, 7.45 pm) places the current Venus-Mars conjunction (27-28 Sagittarius) in an exact square with the 4/10th house axis.  This is therefore a time of high tension as the combined energies of Venus (harmony) and Mars (action) are likely to resonate at the national level.  Transiting Jupiter (18 Aquarius) is well-placed here as it is approaching alignments with the Ascendant (20 Cancer), the Moon (20 Sagittarius) and even the Sun (22 Scorpio) and Mercury (22 Scorpio).  Since Jupiter is benefic and symbolizes wealth and expansion, the Russian actions are likely to be successful, at least in the near term.

If the invasion takes place here in late February, Russia should see some tangible results for its efforts by early March.  The March 5 Sun-Jupiter conjunction (20 Aquarius) conjoins its 8th house and thereby resonates with its Ascendant.  This is 8th house combination carries a symbolism of sudden gains, such as those made through invasion.

However, the time around March 10 (+/- 2 days) looks more tense for Russia as Venus and Mars conjoin with the natal Saturn.  This could be a time of a setback, possibly related to relations with other countries since Saturn is in the 7th house of partners and clients.  Sanctions may begin to bite at this time.

As in the Ukraine chart, the early April period could prove decisive since the Mars-Saturn conjunction (28 Capricorn) is due to align exactly with the 10th house cusp (MC).   While this conjunction is likely to be a negative influence on Ukraine since it conjoins its Moon, it looks more positive for Russia since it will form a powerful sextile (60 degree) aspect to the 10th house representing goals and status.

Even though both Mars and Saturn are malefic planets, we should note that they will be part of a larger alignment including Rahu, Jupiter and Neptune.  Taken together, the influence of these planets on the MC suggests a major Russian achievement, such as ending the conflict after territorial gains and/or wrestling concessions from the West.  To be continued.

Weekly Market Forecast

Stocks have largely declined in recent days as investors have sought out safe havens ahead of the uncertain consequences from a likely war between Russia and Ukraine. The decline reflects the tension from the ongoing Venus-Mars conjunction as well as some of the patterns outlined in Monday’s Weekly Transits post including the latitude parallels and the conjunction with the Pluto node.

Unfortunately, the planet outlook seems unlikely to improve much in the near term.  More downside is very possible this week as the velocities of Venus and Mars are exactly equal (44′ 33″/day) on Thursday.  Even next week should see further volatility as Venus and Mars align with disruptive Rahu and then conjoin Pluto on Wednesday, March 2.

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