Overview
The Saturn-Neptune conjunction in sidereal Pisces continues to be the dominating planetary event for the month of July.
While this period is likely to be emotionally and psychologically challenging on a personal level, it is far more devastating and deadly at the collective level. The ongoing wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East are expected to further accelerate, creating increased instability, upheaval, and destruction in those regions.
What’s particularly significant is that Neptune and Saturn turn retrograde on July 5 and July 13, respectively. This retrograde motion is expected to further stall progress and prolong the chaotic atmosphere in the affected war zones—at least until the end of September.
Additionally, the secretive nature of Saturn, when combined with Neptune’s capacity for deception, is likely to trigger covert operations at an astonishing pace across the globe—especially involving nations such as the United States, Russia, China, Israel, and countries in the Middle East. The full scope of these operations may remain unknown for a long time, possibly not becoming evident until well after their intended outcomes have unfolded.
Furthermore, environments such as war zones, hospitals, prisons, asylums, secluded places, sanatoriums, and assisted living facilities are expected to face profound psychological and emotional challenges. These settings are likely to undergo painful and/or deceptive experiences under the influence of this conjunction.
Recent global developments already reflect these astrological shifts, reinforcing themes of instability, deception, upheaval, and unpredictability. The ongoing legal and political turmoil surrounding Donald Trump mirrors the deceptive and ambiguous nature of the Saturn-Neptune conjunction.
On a more positive note, both Saturn and Neptune resonate deeply with the spiritual water sign Pisces. In this placement, Saturn’s wisdom merges with Neptune’s ideal of universal love and compassion, setting the stage for harmonious spiritual evolution. Philosophers, philanthropists, social reformers, and spiritually driven scientists and entrepreneurs are likely to emerge as key influencers, shaping a more compassionate and mindful global landscape.
Despite the current turmoil, the long-term alignments of Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto suggest that these material and societal challenges are part of a broader evolutionary process. These transformative shifts could redefine leadership, governance, and financial systems for decades to come — marking the beginning of a profound global metamorphosis.
Finally, it is important to note that Mercury turns retrograde on July 18 in sidereal Cancer. Individuals with Cancer, Taurus, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, or Leo as their ninefold ascendant or Moon sign are likely to experience heightened anxiety, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, or disappointments in their daily routines.
Retrograde Mercury (July 18 – August 11)
On July 18, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Cancer. It will stay retrograde in Cancer until it becomes direct on August 11.
Typically, retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores.
Retrograde Mercury in Cancer means frustrating periods for children, mothers, caregivers, psychologists, hospital nurses, dairy farmers, charities and non-profit organizations.
This is not a good time to start a new project or venture but rather reflect on what’s been done so far. Also, this is the best time to clean up that closet and do other chores that you have been postponing due to lack of time.
In addition, if you have dominating Mercury in your birth chart and if Mercury is currently as your active planet, then you are more likely to experience the pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period with respect to matters signified by the house it’s currently transiting through in your Gochar (transit) chart.
Retrograde Saturn (July 13 – Nov 28)
Saturn becomes retrograde on July 13 and will remain retrograde until November 28. If Saturn is well-placed in your birth chart and currently active in your transit chart you are likely to experience slower progress rather than setbacks. The best way to deal with retrograde Saturn is to put more energy and focus into whatever you’re doing to work steadily toward your goals.
However, if Saturn is not well-placed in your birth chart and is currently active in your transit chart, this period is likely to be particularly challenging—especially in the areas of life signified by the house Saturn occupies in your birth chart.
On the global stage, projects involving expansion are generally expected to either be put on hold or experience sluggish progress. In the religious world, developments are likely to proceed at a frustratingly slow pace. In the political arena, what initially appears to be progress may eventually turn out to be a misstep or even a disaster.
Saturn-Neptune Conjunction (May 4 – Oct 5)
Just about five weeks after entering sidereal Pisces (March 28, 2025), Saturn comes within three degrees of Neptune, forming a close conjunction. Because both are slow-moving planets, and with both becoming retrograde in the following months, this conjunction will last until October 5, 2025. Furthermore, the most intensive phase of this conjunction—when they are within one degree of each other—will occur between June 10 and August 23.
Both Saturn and Neptune are well-aligned with the spiritual water sign Pisces, where Saturn’s wisdom merges with Neptune’s ideal of universal love and compassion. This alignment suggests the potential for a harmonious spiritual evolution. Philosophers, philanthropists, social reformers, and spiritually driven scientists and entrepreneurs are likely to emerge as key influencers, shaping a more compassionate and mindful global landscape.
On a global level, regarding capitalistic and communistic societies, Saturn, with its traditional and conservative worldview, aligns more closely with capitalist structures. In contrast, Neptune’s idealistic and compassionate nature inspired Karl Marx’s vision of a pure and ideal society—later known as communism. However, in practice, communism has struggled to thrive due to the unrealistic expectation that everyone behaves according to Neptune’s idealistic standards. Instead, it often morphs into authoritarian regimes ruled by power-hungry dictators who concentrate power in the hands of a few. This is precisely the negative side of Neptune’s energy, which tends to manifest when Neptune is in detrimental signs such as fire or earth signs.
However, when Neptune is in its most favorable sign, Pisces, authoritarian regimes come under tremendous pressure. Neptune in Pisces strongly counters authoritarian principles. At the material level, Saturn’s structured and grounded energy challenges Neptune’s free-spirited ideals, underscoring the ongoing friction between capitalism and communism—especially in its current authoritarian forms.
As previously mentioned, until the end of May, the north lunar node Rahu was in the unfavorable sign of Pisces, counteracting Neptune’s positive energy. With Rahu’s departure from Pisces, Russian President Vladimir Putin may begin to see his grip on power gradually weaken, especially under mounting pressures from war and internal unrest. Now, with Saturn entering Pisces and forming a close conjunction with Neptune, global conflict is likely to escalate further—particularly in nations already embroiled in war or experiencing high geopolitical tension. Specifically, the Ukraine-Russia conflict may intensify and enter a more volatile phase.
On an individual level, this conjunction could prove challenging for those with poorly placed Saturn and Neptune in their natal charts. The severity of the challenges will depend on the zodiac signs and houses these planets occupy. It is expected to be an emotionally and psychologically difficult period, particularly for those involved in hospitals, prisons, asylums, secluded places, sanatoriums, and assisted living facilities, where more painful or deceptive experiences may occur. On the other hand, if Saturn and Neptune are favorably placed in one’s natal chart, this period could mark a deeply rewarding spiritual journey and transformative experiences.
Rahu Enters Sidereal Aquarius (May 23, 2025)
On May 23, the north lunar node, Rahu, with its characteristic backward motion, leaves sidereal Pisces and enters sidereal Aquarius. Correspondingly, the south lunar node, Ketu, moves from Virgo into Leo. Rahu will remain in Aquarius for just over eighteen months, until December 7, 2026.
Aquarius is an air and fixed sign ruled by Saturn. While Rahu generally thrives in air signs due to their intellectual and expansive qualities, Saturn’s rulership presents complications. Rahu and Saturn are traditionally considered unfriendly, which may restrict Rahu’s ability to fully express its energy. Furthermore, Aquarius being a fixed sign limits Rahu’s tendency to disperse energy across multiple directions, often causing tension or stagnation.
On the global stage, Rahu’s transit through Aquarius is likely to escalate conflicts between nations already embroiled in war or high geopolitical tension. In particular, the Ukraine-Russia conflict may intensify and enter a more volatile phase. As previously noted, Neptune’s ongoing transit through sidereal Pisces—a water sign unfriendly to authoritarianism—undermines autocratic regimes. With Rahu’s departure from Pisces, Russian President Vladimir Putin may begin to see his grip on power gradually weaken, especially under the mounting pressures of war and internal unrest.
Individually, this transit holds promise for those with a favorably placed Rahu in their natal charts—especially if their ninefold (Navamansh) ascendant is Aries, Taurus, Virgo, or Sagittarius. These individuals are likely to experience noticeable progress and success in areas of life indicated by Rahu in their charts, such as career, relationships, finances, or personal growth.
In summary, Rahu’s entry into Aquarius signals a transformative period both globally and individually—marked by intensified global tensions but also potential for personal advancement, depending on one’s chart.
Global Insights…
June 10 – Aug 23: Worldwide rise in covert activities and natural as well as man-made calamities are very likely. Places like Russia and China are likely to experience political and social turmoil. Non-democratic countries are likely to see a shift of power from one faction (or dictator) to another. Religious activities around the world will likely appear more secretive than open.
June 28 – July 6: Barbaric activities all around the world are likely to increase. Terrorists are likely to be successful in creating confusion and chaos. Social turmoil in China and Russia is likely. Religious activities could get stalled for no apparent reason.
July 21-23: Natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives, and perhaps a demise of an international level political leader is likely.
July 1 – Oct 7: Terrorism is likely to be under control, potentially even dismantling major terrorist cells through covert operations. Furthermore, this period may turn out to be positive for China and to a lesser extent for Russia. Expect positive breakthroughs in the fields of medicine, high technology, and biotechnology on the technological front.
July 11 – Aug 12: Good for European economies. Expect progress in technical fields, including new innovations and discoveries. Additionally, more opportunities are likely for religious reconciliation during this time.
July 27 – Aug 25: Religious activities are expected to grow with renewed vigor and energy. Conservatives and liberals may find common ground on contentious issues, and Democrats and Republicans are likely to agree on more matters than they disagree. This could be a favorable time for passing lingering bills in the U.S. Congress and Senate. However, China and Russia might face mild setbacks in their foreign policies, particularly in their dealings with the United States.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: the Ukraine, Russia, United States, China, and Middle East–especially Iran, the Palestinian-Israel region and Syria.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Uranus-Rahu (and Ketu) ninefold square(s) (July 21-27)
Uranus-Rahu and Uranus-Ketu ninefold squares are going to be unfavorable for those who have such squares in their natal charts. Sudden loss of money and power, demotions at workplace and/or tarnished reputation in professional and social fields are some of the symptoms of these squares. If you have these squares in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is being active through your Gochar (transit) chart, then they need be very careful. The best thing to do is not to make any new commitment and totally avoid taking any business or monetary risk. Remember the time when you felt financially secured and happy with family, and then suddenly the landscape turned against you and everything disappeared. Well, if not exactly the same way but something like this has a good potential to happen (again) …be careful!
Pluto-Saturn sextile (July 11 – August 12)
If either Pluto or Saturn is active in your transit chart and Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to Saturn in your natal chart, anticipate a highly favorable period ahead. Positive events will likely be related to the affairs signified by the houses occupied or aspected by these planets. For instance, if the seventh house is involved, expect new and positive developments in relationships, business partnerships, or success in captivating audiences if you deal with the masses. If the eleventh house is involved, it may prove to be a financially rewarding period.
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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