Mars and Saturn in Scorpio

The conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Scorpio has just begun. This is one of the most significant events in Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, for 2016.  As the two great malefics in Vedic astrology, Mars and Saturn together is akin to driving with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brakes simultaneously. With a Mars and Saturn conjunction, fire and ice collide. Historically, Mars and Saturn together have produced global conflict, political tension, and natural disasters.

Mars (or Mangal) is the hot planet of aggression, ambition, competition, action, and conflict.  Saturn (or Shani) is the cold planet of obstruction, challenges, delays, discipline, responsibility, and adversity.  Mars represents your siblings and Saturn denotes your subordinates.  The battle is waging in the intense, deep sign of Scorpio.  Scorpio can represent transformation through crisis.  Secrets  and inner tensions are likely to surface at a high price.

Mars rules the sign of Scorpio. In Jyotish, a planet at home in its own sign is said to protect the matters related to whatever Scorpio signifies in your individual chart. (This depends on your rising sign in Vedic astrology.)  However, Mars is very destabilized by having solitudinous Saturn as its roommate.  Mars likes to be daring; Saturn is cautious.  Mars likes to be in charge. Saturn doesn’t want to be told what to do.  Mars is impulsive; Saturn is strategic.  Typically, Mars only occupies a sign for six weeks.  However, this time it has a seven month stay at home.

Mars and Saturn are both “bhumy karakas” or significators of  “earthy” matters and  property, so those could be adversely impacted as the planets grow closer.  As this pairing is taking place in watery, but hidden Scorpio, there is the potential for underwater eruptions and disasters.

Additionally, Mars and Saturn signify technology.  There can be breakthrough innovations, intermixed with struggles. It’s an ideal time for research and there are likely to be medical breakthroughs, as Scorpio signifies chronic health issues.

Mars and Saturn create a determination to get things done. “It’s my way or the highway.”  There’s a drive to accomplish things on your time frame and only as you see fit.  This can literally wear you and others out trying to meet the deadline of having it done “by yesterday”.  The result could be long-term health problems.

Dealing with Mars and Saturn in Scorpio

Here are some strategies to handle Mars and Saturn in Scorpio:

– Resist the temptation to think you are right about everything
– Be open to multiple viewpoints
– Don’t push your agenda too strongly
– Realize that others may have something valuable to contribute
– Set realistic timelines
– Do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion
– Be vigilant about your health
– Ideally avoid confrontation, but if you must engage, pick your battles
– Select a middle path rather than an extreme
– Be judicious in your choice of words and activities
– Worship Hanuman and Ganesh, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays (days ruled by Mars and Saturn)

As Mars and Saturn represent the blood and muscle tissue, respectively, in Ayurveda, you’ll feel a greater urge to be active during this time. Be careful of injuries which can result from recklessness. Spend time communing with the earth. Pushing yourself relentlessly can push Pitta (Mars) and Vata (Saturn) out of balance.  Take Ayurvedic tonics to support the circulatory system and ease fatigued muscles.  Planting and gardening are also ways to pacify tension during at this time.

The Mars and Saturn conjunction lasts from February 20 through September 17, 2016. There will be a brief period when Mars moves into Libra during its retrogression cycle. The two planets will be closest together on August 24.  On an individual level, those in a Mars or Saturn planetary cycle will be most impacted.  You also want to see what house of the zodiac Scorpio represents in your Vedic astrology chart. This can be a very intense period. More details will be posted on my Facebook page.   An individual astrology reading can help you determine what the impact may be of Mars and Saturn in Scorpio.