Mars/Saturn Conjunction

by Chakrapani Ullal

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: This combination enhances the ability to think, and brings logic, diplomacy and strategy which will help anybody to survive. 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. 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. 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. These planets remove laziness and promote action and busy-ness. This planetary connection promotes hard work, which is always good. 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. 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.