Timeline Astrology

The current Venus retrograde in Pisces acts as if debilitated, sending the stock market 'crashing'. What's up ahead seems even more interesting, as Mars joins the south node in sidereal Leo, respecting Saturn and Neptune in Pisces come June/July.

Based on the historical correlations, a Mars-Ketu conjunction raises a red flag for market instability. While this alone doesn’t guarantee a crash, it has historically coincided with major downturns: 1929, 1987, 1992, 2000, 2018, 2020, and 2021.

Further ahead, Saturn meets with Uranus and Ketu in Taurus by 2030, when we may see even bigger economic challenges and changes. Once Jupiter returns to Capricorn, where Pluto awaits, in 2032, if the economy hasn’t had a complete overhaul by then, it may have no choice but to change drastically at this point.​

Jupiter in Cancer by the end of 2025 is not as hopeful as it may appear. It only makes it to the first degree of the sign and then retrogrades back from its opposition to Pluto in Capricorn, which continues to dismantle the current 'world order'.

Whatever is initiated in 2025, we're only getting a peak into what is possible.

Join Gary O'Toole in conversation with the planets. Explore the depths of Vedic astrology, uncovering the hidden rhythms of time through sidereal transits. Tune in for insightful discussions on celestial cycles and their influence on our lives.

A total lunar eclipse occurs on March 14, followed by a partial solar eclipse on March 29, coinciding with the New Moon and the New Lunar Year.

With so much already happening, you might think a couple of eclipses won’t make much difference. Wrong! Eclipses bring major shifts, though their effects aren’t always immediate. Changes may be triggered before the eclipse, months later, or in ways we don’t anticipate—adding to their ‘fated’ feel.

As a result, March is a chaotic month. While you may not feel the turbulence personally, the world is undergoing intense change. Keep an open mind, and delay major decisions—you’ll likely face delays anyway, so you might as well embrace them.

If you make a choice and later have to backtrack—especially with Mercury and Venus retrograde—don’t be too hard on yourself. Eclipses create urgency, making us feel we must act to escape uncertainty.

This solar eclipse falls in Uttara Phalguni, ruled by Aryaman, the deity of agreements and commitments. But eclipses distort what they touch, so expect challenges in international treaties and personal commitments alike.

March ushers in significant change as planets gather in Pisces, culminating in a solar eclipse during the Lunar New Year by the end of the month. This period is transformative—while many shifts will be positive, they may first require letting go of what no longer serves us.Venus retrogrades from 2 March, complicating matters despite an extended period of exaltation. In retrograde, Venus can feel weakened, making it harder to maintain balance. We may find ourselves critiquing what we once accepted. On 12 March, the Sun aligns with Saturn, followed by a total lunar eclipse in Leo on 14 March. This marks a shift in leadership, paving the way for Ketu’s entry into Leo by late May. As Ketu conjoins Mars this summer, expect bold leadership moves and heightened intensity.Between the eclipses, Mercury retrogrades near Venus, creating further disruptions. Venus struggles to support a faltering Mercury, mirroring our challenges in expressing ideals practically. The mood may dip as we are forced to clarify or abandon impractical visions.The Sun meets Rahu on 18 March and Neptune on 20 March before closing the month with a partial solar eclipse on 29 March, setting the tone for the year ahead. This eclipse coincides with the Lunar New Year, Viśvāvasu, meaning “beneficial to all”—a hopeful sign despite the upheaval.In the background, Uranus enters Taurus on 18 March after nearly a decade in Aries, signalling major disruptions in the global economy and trade. Notably, President Trump launched new trade wars as Uranus stationed direct at Aries’ final degree—Aries represents war, while Taurus governs what we trade. Over the next seven years, Uranus will challenge what we once considered stable.Adding to the instability, Saturn enters Pisces for the first time in nearly 30 years, ushering in an era of truth and resilience testing. Many established structures may dissolve over the next three years before Saturn moves into Aries in 2027-2028.The world order is shifting dramatically. To navigate personal and collective changes, adjust your mindset and expectations. While Venus in Pisces inspires creative solutions to problems, Saturn in Pisces urges us to get real.We can make those dreams tangible or leave them behind for good.

The Moon aligns with the Sun in Aquarius, within the lunar mansion Śatabhiṣāj, which means "100 healers" or "100 demons." This duality reflects Aquarius’ complexity, embodying seemingly contradictory forces. At its core, the empty circle symbol represents a truth beyond ordinary perception.

Ruled by Varuna, the god of the sea, Śatabhiṣāj is linked to secrecy, the hidden realms, and cosmic enlightenment. In contrast to Leo, it is often called the "dark sun," emphasizing vision and awareness. As the Sun and Moon transit this sign, new insights may emerge, revealing what was previously unseen.

This New Moon may initially feel unsettling, but embracing reality—symbolized by its conjunction with Saturn—can help ground you in what’s true. It’s a time for mental and physical purification, as Aquarius governs thought processes that may be unsettled. While Rahu rules every New Moon, this one strongly resonates with the "dark lord," intensifying its themes.

With an eclipse season ahead—including a total lunar and solar eclipse—this period may carry heavy or dark undertones. However, it also offers an opportunity for transformation, turning darkness into light. The night before the dark Moon phase is Maha Shivaratri, a powerful time for introspection. Observing this through fasting, quiet reflection, or a new perspective can help you cultivate stillness at this time of great change.

Another month brings a Full Moon at the final degree of its sign—this time in sidereal Cancer and within the lunar mansion Āśleṣā. This phase highlights endings, resolutions, and the potential for extremes in weather and our emotional landscape.

Āśleṣā, meaning "embrace," reflects Cancer’s natural tendency for attachment. Ruled by a serpent and symbolized by a coiled snake, it evokes themes of hidden realms and occult knowledge. Once its grip is released, it holds immense spiritual and healing power. Problems begin when we get stuck.

Mercury, representing the intellect, is linked to this lunar mansion and often clings to certain thoughts and feelings, disrupting the natural flow. With Mercury ingressing Aquarius now also, you might fixate on specific ideas and lose perspective. While Āśleṣā can temporarily bind us, we eventually learn to let go of thoughts and connections that no longer serve us.

During this Full Moon in Cancer, as the Sun ingresses Aquarius, you may face issues related to attachment. Capricorn and Aquarius encourage a more detached approach, suggesting that setting healthy boundaries and recognizing where your mind tends to get stuck can help restore equilibrium.

As the Moon shifts into Leo, creating a space between attachment and detachment, you’re offered room to open up and find stillness—especially important during this Full Moon phase.

Mars, Saturn, and the Lunar Nodes rule Scorpio and Aquarius in tradition and Pluto and Uranus in modern times. These signs embody all the ‘malefics’ we wish to transcend, so we can envision a better future.

The latest podcast explores these signs' inner and outer journeys, including how they can get us caught in loops of time; as we are eager to progress (Aquarius) and create utopias, we inadvertently create dystopias (Scorpio).

The month begins with a Venus-Rahu-Neptune conjunction in Pisces, setting the stage for major shake-ups in March, when Mercury, Saturn, the Sun, and Moon join them for a once-in-a-lifetime alignment. Many things come to an end, leading to new ways of being in an ever-changing world.

Yet, the Venus-Rahu-Neptune conjunctions may bring delusion or a more grounded perspective. It all depends on where you are situated (dasha).

Despite a turbulent start to 2025, these transits symbolize hope for a brighter future as we move past initial challenges.

Venus is exalted for the next four months. Though it’s overshadowed by Rahu and diffuse because of Neptune, we can use the blurry outlines to dream up a new reality. However, it can lead to much confusion about right and true. And if you don’t know what’s true, you’re unlikely to do what’s right.

No matter; it won't be long before Saturn joins them and tells us what is real.

Jupiter is turning direct in early February, clarifying our aspirations and boosting optimism. Venus and Jupiter also exchange signs, a powerful combination of the two most benevolent planets in the heavens that bodes well for peace—at least in the short term.

Though Mars remains retrograde in Gemini until February 24, influencing Pluto in Capricorn puts more pressure on leaders to reveal what they’ve been hiding. The release of hostages in Israel and Gaza is an obvious example of how these transits are playing out.

By February 9, Mercury aligns with the Sun, offering sharper focus and opportunities to resolve earlier frustrations.

Mid-February sees the Sun and Mercury enter Aquarius, bringing a wake-up call as they meet Saturn. A Sun-Saturn conjunction encourages us to reassess our goals but may also challenge us to stick with them, fueling doubt about our capabilities. Leaders around the world are likely feeling the pressure at this stage.

As the month concludes, Mercury meets Saturn before entering Pisces. Fantasies may overshadow reality after an initial sense of realism, leading to unrealistic expectations and confusion. The Mercury-Venus-Rahu-Neptune alignment could further blur reality and overwhelm the mind.

Thankfully, Mars turns direct in Gemini and offers relief, helping us reorganize our thoughts and prepare for the next stage and challenge.

All planets are moving forward by the end of the month and until Venus begins its retrograde in Pisces by the beginning of March.

Everything is moving forward in some way. We must clarify what is possible, whatever dreams may come.

By the end of the month, the Moon aligns with the Sun in sidereal Capricorn and the lunar mansion Śravaṇa, marking the true start of the New Year.

New Moons symbolize fresh beginnings. Unlike the idealistic energy of Sagittarius, a Capricorn New Moon focuses on practicality and taking action, even if it feels challenging.

Mercury and Pluto shape this New Moon and the month ahead, while Mars in Gemini watches with frustration at the slow progress. Though Mars appreciates Capricorn's no-nonsense attitude, Gemini’s indecisiveness complicates matters.

After January’s initial optimism, reality sets in. Some goals may prove unattainable, but this shift encourages working with what’s possible. It’s a time to adapt and succeed through practicality—a "make-do" Moon offering plenty of resources.

Śravaṇa, meaning "listening," emphasizes the importance of connecting to wisdom, whether from others or within. Its symbol, the ear, reminds us to pause and tune in after the noise of the New Year fades.

Be still, listen, and then follow what is true and real.

I take a look at the upcoming gathering of planets in Sidereal Pisces next year, with an emphasis on the Saturn-Neptune and Saturn-Raahu conjunctions.