(30 June 2024)  This week we will see how powerful the Saturn retrograde station is.  Saturn turned retrograde yesterday (June 29) at 25 Aquarius (sidereally, of course) and so begins its four-month backward journey in the sky.  The reversal of Saturn’s apparent direction can symbolize a review and revisions of society’s foundations and traditions.  These may include a closer examination of political, legal and religious institutions which could come under increased scrutiny.  It may not be stretch to link it with some of the current political changes as assumptions about social stability and social hierarchy are questioned.  President Joe Biden’s shaky debate performance was met with widespread disbelief as it suddenly became clear that his cognitive decline has been hidden from the public for years by self-interested elites.  Fundamental political changes in France, the UK and Canada could also be due in part from this Saturn retrograde effect, although Jupiter is also part of the equation as we will see.

The undermining of the reassuring permanence of Saturn may be somewhat more significant at this time since it aligns with Mars.  This Saturn-Mars aspect is exact on Friday, July 5 and could coincide with more fallout as the Saturn influence on Mars may create open conflict and strife.  At an individual level, the Saturn-Mars aspect could benefit situations involving hard work and intense focus.  The Saturn-Mars influence suggests this is a good week to get down to work and do what is necessary to move projects forward.  With Mars strong in its own sign of Aries, there could be rewards for those who can channel the assertiveness of Aries to work more seamlessly with the tenacity and determination supplied by Saturn.  A focused application of effort could therefore bring success under this transit.  Leisure activities may be more of a difficult fit this week, as carefree relaxation may be in shorter supply.  A working vacation may be a better application given the current planetary energies.

As I previously noted, the ongoing Ketu-Jupiter alignment is another reason why political parties and their ideologies may under coming under pressure at this time. Ketu’s disruptive influence is directed towards philosophy and knowledge which belong to Jupiter’s portfolio.  When Jupiter is afflicted by malefics such as Ketu, dominant political assumptions come under greater criticism and as incumbent parties become vulnerable to defeat.  This is another reason why France has rejected Macron’s centrism and for the right wing National Rally, and why the UK Labour party is on the verge a huge win, completely eviscerating the Conservative party.  In Canada, the knives have come out for Trudeau and his Liberals after suffering a stinging by-election loss in an otherwise safe seat.  As in the US with Biden, there is a growing calls for Trudeau’s resignation from both the media and within his own party.

The theme of governments and leaders under stress is also visible in the karaka lagna approach.  This week will have an otherwise benefic triple conjunction of the Sun, Moon and Venus in late Gemini. This is actually an excellent placement for any kind of work involving creativity, communication and even transportation.  When unafflicted, Gemini manifests as quick thinking and brilliant problem solving.  The inclusion of Venus in the mix suggests these solutions may have a pleasing aesthetic quality.  But if we look at the 10th house from Gemini, we see that Pisces contains Rahu, along with Neptune and Chiron.  Rahu in the 10th house signals change or, at least, unorthodox leadership.  Incumbents are being defeated under this placement as people seek new approaches in governance.  Moreover, since Rahu is in Pisces, the condition of its dispositor, Jupiter, assumes a special importance. But with Jupiter aspected by the erasing nature of Ketu, it means that leaders are more likely to be rebuked, replaced and rejected.

We can expect more of the same later in the summer when Saturn forms a square alignment with Jupiter in August (exact Aug 19).  The affliction of Jupiter by Saturn suggests that dominant political and religious ideologies will be subject to further criticism and possible electoral rejection.  This bodes poorly for Biden’s chances at the Democratic convention (Aug 22), if he lasts that long.  It also means there could be other political parties around the world that could be weakened or toppled in the coming weeks and months.