THE LONDON PROJECT

The closest Mars has ever been to us in living history was in August 2003 when it came to within 35 million miles. Scientists say this is the nearest the planet has been to Earth in over 60,000 years so we truly are living in exciting times!

The proximity of the red planet to ours made mid-2003 the perfect time to launch the Beagle and NASA space probes as it would have less distance to travel than usual. Many believe that this time around, it might cause an increase in the number of UFO sightings made because of the way the planet will seem to hover in the sky, seemingly stationary, and because it will be much brighter than usual.

So what astrological effect might this have? Back in 2003 some astrologers attributed the record summer temperatures we experienced in Europe to it, so it will be interesting to see if the weather is warmer than usual around this time.

Mars is also the planet associated with conflict and aggression so if any wars or hostilities occur at this time, perhaps it might be a side effect. It would certainly have made the effect of any transits with other planets stronger and perhaps meant that it would dominate in the planetary hierarchy for a while. Astrologically, though it is said to be retrograde (i.e. moving backwards) which supposedly weakens its effect, so this is a bit of a conundrum?

The term retrograde comes from the Latin words retro, meaning ‘backward’, and gradus, which means ‘step’. Most planets normally appear to be moving counter clockwise from east to west in relation to the background of the stars across the night sky. However, occasionally the earth’s orbit overtakes that of the outer planets, including Mars, making them appear to be moving backwards, from west to east. This is known as retrogradation and is purely an optical illusion. However, most astrologers believe that this weakens the energies of a planet and thereby inhibits any potential influence it may exert during this period.

Currently Mars is in the constellation of Taurus, where it will remain until February 2006. Mars is known for initiating action, making people more assertive and courageous, and for energising situations. Paired with Taurus, which traditionally governs material possessions, property, money as well as the qualities of stability, patience and sensuality one, would expect this to be a time of feverish acquisition, especially with regard to objects of beauty such as artwork, a rise in property speculation and increased hedonism. Given that it is retrograde, though, Mars is more likely to have the opposite effect - progress will slow down and there will be no immediate gratification for avaricious buyers or impatient lovers. The lesson to learn is one of patience. Instead, use the time to review plans and strategise your next move. Mars goes forward again on the 11^th of December so it isn’t too long to wait now!

Another interesting thing to consider is that Mars, one of London’s ruling planets, will be paying a visit to the sixth house of work and health in the London chart, which may explain why legislation regarding smoking is being dragged out and delayed and why there is currently so much debate around the salaries of civil servants. Mars is also currently passing very close to the sun in London’s progressed chart which may mean that the Mars-Sun opposition on the 7^th of November is particularly explosive for the city, especially regarding the NHS, health and employment legislation and workers in general – perhaps another strike is afoot? With Mercury also retrograde in Sagittarius, ruling foreign travel, from the 14^th of November, there is a big likelihood that these could be air or rail strikes. The Eurostar might be one to look at, as are the ongoing industrial disputes at Heathrow.

Mars will also be making a planetary transit with London’s natal Jupiter which could highlight issues around cultural and religious diversity, race relations and foreign trade. The current European Union summit taking place at Hampton Court springs to mind, though with Mars retrograding, I wonder if talks will go smoothly.

Mars and Saturn are also due for a clash of wills around the 18^th of November which may mean ongoing disputes, bitter rivalries or war-related matters may flare up. It seems there is a likelihood of power struggles, especially related to loans, borrowed money, and taxes so Gordon Brown, watch out! It could also point to conflicts around work and health, so once again, not a great day for the NHS or industrial relations.