Mars Dasha in the U.S.A. June 2008

VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL CHART FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
JULY 4, 1776, 18:30  E.S.T. (James Kelleher Time Rectification),  
PHILADELPHIA, PA       Lahiri Ayanamsha:  20o 43’57”

INTRODUCTION:  

     There’s a tried and true saying: “history tends to repeat itself.”   With that in mind, consider the Vimshottari mahadasa cycle of a given  country.  In the case of a country in existence over 120 years, the  astrologer has the interesting opportunity to review the  historical  events that occurred during any previous mahadasha period. This  historical research provides an empirical basis for understanding the  type of events likely to manifest under a similar mahadasha.

      In contrast, when analyzing an individual’s birth chart, employing  Vimshottari mahadasha, the person will usually not live to experience  all 120 years of the complete planetary cycle series.  So, the only  historical avenues available for studying individual’s charts relate to  the previous sub-period bhuktis or pratyantaras (3rd level).
 

     The  United States of America (U.S.) is in transition as of this  writing  (June 2008).   The U.S. is ending the ten year Moon mahadasha  and preparing to enter the next major cycle, that of Mars, which lasts  for seven years. For the U.S., Mars mahadasha begins on 9/30/2008 and  ends on 9/30/2015, when employing J. Kelleher’s U.S. birth time  rectification.  As with all mahadasha periods, there are also nine  sub-periods, or bhuktis that run proportionately within the seven year  span allotted for the Mars cycle.  These sub-periods modify the results  of Mars and allow for specific predictions during those shorter time  frames, across the seven years.

    Just as every individual has  an astrological chart dictated by the actual birth date, birth time and  birth place, so too does each country of the world.  Determining the  actual time that the country “took birth” is a daunting task and must be  rectified using factual historical events.  Several years ago, James  Kelleher (personal communication) took on the task of researching  historical events, which correlate precisely with the timing of the  planetary cycles that the U.S. has followed.   His thorough chart  rectification correlates very closely with these historical events and  the natal chart itself fits the life and times of the U.S. quite well.   For this reason, I use the same chart when making predictions and for  evaluating the general climate/trends within the U.S.

    The  following essay assesses the condition of Mars in the U.S. chart,  outlines the historical events that occurred during the last U.S. Mars  mahadasha, and finally offers several predictions for events likely      to manifest during the next seven years under Mars mahadasha.

MARS ASSESSMENT IN THE U.S.A. ASTROLOGICAL CHART:

     First and foremost, it is critical to understand the nature of Mars.    Mars is the commander of the planetary cabinet.  The significations of  Mars include: ambition, motivation, energy, aggression, swift/decisive  action, wars, military, debates, competition, challenges, arguments,  protests, independence, courage, physical strength, sports, surgery,  blood (red blood cells, hemoglobin), muscles, cutting, sharp  instruments, mechanical equipment, engineering, biotechnology, land,  property, fire, heat, explosions, volcanoes, earthquakes, chemicals,  toxins, pharmaceutical agents, metals (gold & copper), and rules  over hot places and the south direction.  

    At its highest,  octave, Mars is the planet that gets things done, achieves goals, is  fearless, courageous, fights for justice and the higher good, is strong,  precise, innovative and accomplished.   When functioning at its lower  level, Mars is hasty, overly aggressive, impatient, foolish, lacking a  long-term perspective, and is overly selfish.

    These different  manifestations of Mars are amply described by Gary Gomes (1999), where  the spiritual side of Mars is explored.  The Hindu incarnations of Mars  are clearly explained through understanding Skanda (Shiva’s younger  son), Narasimha and Hanuman (featured in the classic Indian text, the  Ramayana).  Gomes describes the higher expression of Mars in terms of  destroying (inner and outer) demons, ignorance and injustices.   He  further makes the interesting point that Mars’ manifestation as a  “spiritual” planet occurs when Mars functions intelligently, with  determination and dedication, but also with complete detachment.   

     At this level, Mars offers self-control, perseverance and pointed  directness to accomplish anything.   Sometimes destruction is necessary  to get rid of a “tumor” that may eventually kill its host.  In this  sense, Mars functions with a specific purpose, completely detached from  the opinions (good/bad), judgments and desires of others.

    The  big question is whether the U.S. will respond to Mars mahadasa by  slaying demons and cleaning things up, or will the U.S. act out of  impulse and frustration?

    Simply stated, during Mars  mahadasha, the significations listed above will be magnified and thrive  (for better or worse) in the U.S.  However, there are specific  modifications that must be considered based on the condition of Mars in  the U.S. chart, as follows:

(1) MARS RESIDES IN GEMINI AT ZERO DEGREES 40 MINUTES.

     Any planet at zero degrees in a chart is rendered weak.  In this  situation, Mars at zero degrees is in an unfriendly sign where it is not  particularly strengthened.  Planets within the 0-2 degree range  generally do not have the strength to exert great power and influence.   Early degree planets require a boost to get them moving, and support  from other planets to be effective.  However, this Mars receives  strength from Jupiter and Venus, so it is not completely void of  support.  Mars is also a functional benefic from Sagittarius lagna, so  it is a planet that can potentially allow for gains and advancement to  some degree.  However, from the vantage point of Chandra lagna, Surya  lagna & Arudha lagna, Mars has a malefic influence.

    In  Gemini, Mars is posited in a “dual” air sign, which is known for  discussion, communication, indecisiveness, inconsistency and analysis  rather than action.  This is completely antithetical to Mars’ basic  nature, which is one of ambition, aggressiveness and taking quick,  decisive action.  Gemini is symbolized by “entwined” lovers and Mars in  both the 7th house (relationships) and in Gemini (twins) alludes to  “entwinement” with other countries (partners) during the mahadasha of  Mars.

    The constellation Gemini is also associated with  information processing, telecommunications, writing, education,  mathematics, astrology, computer software and air travel.  Mars will  fuel these areas.  

(2) MARS RECEIVES THE ASPECT OF SATURN & MARS RESIDES IN THE SIGN RULED BY MERCURY (DISPOSITOR).

     Other significant afflictions to this Mars include the distant aspect  it receives from Saturn and its dispositorship by a weak, afflicted  Mercury.   In this case, Mercury (rules Gemini) is in the 8th house  afflicted by Rahu and in a Papa kartari yoga.  These factors weaken  Mercury a great deal, which therefore weakens Mars.

(3)  MARS IS LOCATED IN THE 7TH HOUSE. MARS IS CONJUNCT WITH VENUS, JUPITER  AND THE SUN, RESPECTIVELY.  MARS FORMS A RAJA YOGA WITH JUPITER.   MARS  IS IN VARGOTTAMAMSA IN SEVERAL VARGA CHARTS.

    Mars  placement in the 7th house puts a strong emphasis on relationships  during the mahadasa. In the case of a “country’s chart,” the country’s  association with other countries (partnerships) is indicated by the 7th  house.  Weak Mars in the 7th house also indicates the type of “partner”  the U.S. is likely to attract (one that is undependable,  aggressive,  self-serving, and unreliable.)  The fact that 7th house Mars is in  Mrigashira nakshatra emphasizes that U.S. partnerships will very likely  be based on “searching” for commodities related to food and energy (See  more about Mrigahsira below).   It’s worthy to note that Mars is in  vargottamamsa  (also in Gemini in the Dasamsa 5th house and in several  other varga charts discussed later), which confers some strength in  those areas defined by the individual varga charts.  

    On the  positive side, Mars forms a Raja yoga with Jupiter.  Mars is supported  and strengthened by associating with Jupiter and Venus.  Mars forms  Dhana yogas (wealth-producing) with Venus (11th ruler) and with the Sun  (9th ruler).  These yogas involving Jupiter promote growth in real  estate and property during Mars/Jupiter.  Short-term financial  improvements are more likely to occur in Mars/Jupiter, Mars/Venus and  Mars/Sun periods, respectively.

(4) WHILE MARS IS A  NATURAL MALEFIC PLANET, IT ALSO RETAINS FUNCTIONAL BENEFIC STATUS AS  RULER OF THE TRINAL 5TH HOUSE. MARS IS IN THE 5TH HOUSE FROM THE MOON,  1ST HOUSE FROM THE SUN & IN THE 10TH HOUSE FROM ARUDHA LAGNA  (VIRGO).

    Since Mars serves as a functional benefic  planet for Sagittarius lagna, Mars will confer “some” benefits during  its cycle.  Mars resides in kendra and  trikona houses from the vantage  points of the Ascendant, Moon, Sun and Arudha Lagnas.  This confers  strength and indicates Mars’ ability to gain some level of achievement,  gains and success during its seven year cycle (according to the  interests, terms and strength of Mars).

(5)  MARS RESIDES IN MRIGASHIRA NAKSHATRA, IN THE 1ST DREKKANA OF GEMINI.

     It’s interesting to examine the deeper significance of the nakshatra  and drekkana in which a planet is placed.  Mars is in the nakshatra of  Mrigashira, symbolized by a “deer’s head.”  Deer constantly search for  food and they are agile, fast-moving animals, easily frightened, tend to  have a sweet disposition and they have a defined hierarchy amongst  themselves.  Note that their favorite food is corn and corn has recently  turned into a huge commodity due to its use in ethanol production.    The demand for corn is currently outstripping the supply due to  weather-related difficulties, and the price for corn has risen upwards  of 300% in one year!   This trend will continue well into Mars mahadasa.

     Mrigashira is also associated with the following qualities/domains:  learning, curiosity, inquisitiveness, impulsiveness, the desire for  fulfillment, to weave or create clothing (new ideas), to gain lordship  over the plants (agriculture), to assist animals, to travel, roads,  transportation, vehicles, and healing/medicine (Kelleher, James, 2006).

     The diety associated with Mrigashira is “Soma” (Chandra or the Moon).   Soma is considered to be an advanced sage who confers gains, wealth,  healing (medical cures), food, knowledge and fulfillment.  

     Mrigashira energy prompts searching for fulfillment and meeting  desires.  If the desires are healthy, then the results will be  beneficial. However, if the desires are harmful then negative  consequences result.

    The first drekkana of Gemini (ayudha  “weapons” drekkana) depicts a woman with her hands raised, who is  beautiful, past puberty, lustful, does not have any children and who  loves needlework.  She has adorned her body with ornaments (Varahamihira  (translation, 1977) (Kelleher, James, 2006).

    The emphasis on  women’s advancement, dissatisfaction/protests, independence, sharp  instruments, weaving new concepts and ideas together, creativity and  innovation are indicated by Mars posited in this drekkana.  When  combined with other elements of the U.S. chart, these significations  will manifest during certain Mars sub-periods.

SUMMARY OF MARS CONDITION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE U.S.A.:

     Synthesis of the above factors, reveal that Mars has several sides of  expression. On one hand, Mars is rendered weak, while on the other hand,  Mars has the support from its association with beneficial planets and  strengthening yogas.  Therefore, we can anticipate mixed results, with  setbacks and gains throughout the seven years.  

    Innovative  ideas and inventions will be “seeded” in the areas of: transportation  (highways), vehicles, biotechnology (stem-cell), pharmaceutical agents,  medical  instrumentation (lasers, cyberknife), new synthetic blood  products, blood-based diagnostic tests,  fabrics/textiles, “organic”  building materials, agriculture methods, communications,  defense/military/security, and new sources for energy will be widely  sought throughout the next seven years.

    However, several of  these novel ideas and inventions may not be viable until the following  mahadasha of Rahu, mainly due to the weak condition of Mars.  Research  and development will flourish during the next seven years in the U.S.,  especially in the domains mentioned above.

    Problems with  other countries will simmer due to difficult partnerships created over  the next seven years.   However, the likelihood of getting into a new  war is slim because Mars is rendered weak in this chart.  The U.S. is  more likely to retreat from war, due to significant economic and  domestic problems.   Yet, the military is likely to grow and defense  programs are likely to expand.  Women will likely take on more prominent  roles in several spheres, and are likely to become more influential.   Inflation is likely to increase due to commodity, food and energy  expenditures.  There will be a major economic downturn (with some  intermittent bright spots) and problems with banks, bad loans, real  estate and property will continue for several years to come.  

HISTORICAL CORRELATION OF EVENTS DURING MARS MAHADASA

     The correlation of historical events from the last Mars cycle provides  insight into what might be anticipated over the next seven years. The  events listed below parallel the situation already brewing in the U.S.  in 2008.    The major themes place a strong focus on: agriculture,  environment, farming, import/export, inflation, taxes, currency issues,  gold/silver, economic and real estate problems, land expansion, growing  anger/impatience with the government, labor issues, immigration issues,  inventions and women’s rights.   It’s interesting to note that the U.S.  did not engage in war during the last Mars mahadasa.

The last  Mars cycle commenced 120 years ago, and ran from Sept. 1888 – Sept.  1895  (7 years total).   Examination of major events during that period  follows:

1. 1888:  National Geographic Society was founded.  (Mars/Mars)
   
2. 1888:   23rd President Benjamin Harrison was elected (Republican) for 1 term.   He had a vigorous foreign policy, established the Sherman Antitrust act  (to     protect trade and commerce, break-up of monopolies), advanced  the McKinley tariff on imports, removed tariffs on sugar, & advanced  a treaty to annex Hawaii (did not hold).   (Mars/Mars)
   
3. 1889:  Creation of the first agriculture cabinet post. (Mars/Rahu)
   
4. 1889:  Major flood in Jonestown, Pennsylvania.      (Mars/Rahu)
   
5. 1889: North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Washington become states. (Mars/Rahu)
   
6. 1890:  Yosemite National Park established. (Mars/Jupiter)
   
7. 1890:  Idaho and Wyoming become states. (Mars/Jupiter)
   
8. 1890: Women’s suffrage movement (League of women voters) founded.    (Mars/Jupiter)
   
9. 1890:  Wounded Knee Indian massacre (land grab).  (Mars/Jupiter)
   
10. 1890: Creation of Sherman Silver Purchase Act by President Harrison.     (Mars/Jupiter)
    
11. 1891:  Efforts to perfect the American Automobile, but patents not granted until 1895.  (Mars/Saturn)
    
12. 1891:  Zipper invented.  Thomas Edison patents motion picture machine.  Invention of Basketball   (Mars/Saturn)
    
13. 1891:  International Copyright Act passed by congress to halt piracy of books. (Mars/Saturn)
    
14. 1891:   Major labor uprisings, minors strike in Tennessee. Georgia becomes the  first state to segregate immigrant passengers on streetcars.      (Mars/Saturn)
    
15. 1892: General Electric Company founded.   (Mars/Mercury)
    
16. 1892:  Sierra Club founded.         (Mars/Mercury)
    
17. 1893:   Financial Panic of 1893! This period was marked by a serious economic  depression, banks crashed, stock market plunged, railroad bubble burst,  run on gold, the dollar fell, spike in the unemployment rate and  mortgage failures. (Mars/Ketu)
    
18. 1893:  Grover Cleveland elected 24th president (2nd non-consecutive term,  Democrat).  His birth data indicate he was Gemini rising with  Mercury/Venus in the 9th house.  Known for his independence, liberalism,  opposition to: imperialism, taxes, inflationary policies, subsidies,  and promotion of the gold standard.  (Mars/Venus)
    
19. 1894:   Pullman strike (railroad labor strike). Coxey’s army (protest of  unemployed workers).  Economic depression continues.     (Mars/Sun-Mars/Moon)
    
20. 1895:  Movement west in search for gold.  (Mars/Moon into Rahu)

 VIMSHOTTARI MAHADASHA SUB-PERIODS OF MARS (7 YEARS): 

MARS/MARS     09/30/2008  -   02/26/2009
MARS/RAHU    02/26/2009  -   03/17/2010
MARS/JUPITER    03/17/2010  -   02/21/2011
MARS/SATURN    02/21/2011  -   03/31/2012
MARS/MERCURY    03/31/2012  -   03/29/2013
MARS/KETU        03/29/2013  -   08/25/2013
MARS/VENUS    08/25/2013  -   10/25/2014
MARS/SUN        10/25/2014  -   03/02/2015
MARS/MOON    03/02/2015  -   10/01/2015

PREDICTIONS FOR THE U.S.A. UNDER MARS MAHADASA

Consideration  of Mars’ innate condition in the U.S. chart, historical events during  the last mahadasa of Mars and assessment of the sub-period planets allow  for specific predictions for the U.S. between 9-30-08 and 9-30-2015.   Astrological commentary and basis for each prediction follows:

(1)     Economics:  Overall, there will be significant problems with the U.S.  economy, except during the Mars/Jupiter period  (3/17/2010 –  02/21/2011), and Mars/Sun (10/25/2014 – 3/2/2015).  The problems stem  from inflationary pressures related to commodities (food), housing and  energy costs.  There is likely to be an overhaul of the tax code and  possibly a completely new federal tax system put into place.    Inflationary pressures increase until Mars/Ketu (3/29/2013 – 8/25/2013),  when a major stock market crash and economic downturn are indicated.   This correlates with the previous Panic of 1893.  Banks will come under  increased scrutiny and have serious problems (from bad loans), leading  to the downturn.  Farmers and commodity-based (oil) companies are likely  to lose subsidies.  More housing and business foreclosures are expected  in that phase. Mars/Saturn (2/21/2011-3/29/2013) is also a problematic  time for the U.S.

    Mars will yield some financial  strength for the U.S. in Jupiter bhukti due to the Raja yoga and Dhana  yogas that are formed in the Rasi from both the lagna and Chandra lagna.  Jupiter is conjunct Mars and aspects the Moon, conferring strength.  In  the Hora* (finance) varga, notice that Jupiter is in the 2nd house from  the lagna and Mars.  Jupiter forms a  Dhana yoga in the 2nd house.   From the Moon in the Hora varga, Jupiter is in the 10th house with the  9th ruler, the Sun, forming a Raja yoga.  Jupiter in Uttara Phalguni in  the Hora  is a wealth-inducing nakshatra.  Jupiter is very strong in the  Charturtamsa (property) varga, forming Hamsa yoga in the 10th house  aspecting Mars in the 4th house (critical house for this varga),  creating a Dhana yoga.  Saturn holds back Jupiter in all vargas  described, so “enormous gains” are not expected.

    During  Mars/Saturn, both are natural malefic planets and Saturn aspects Mars  (as well as Jupiter, Venus and the Sun).  Mars and Saturn are in a 6/8  relationship in the Hora which is detrimental for finances.  Saturn is  in the 8th house and Mars aspects Saturn.  Saturn also aspects the Moon  in the Hora, which is troublesome and indicates significant worries  about money in the U.S.  The U.S. could have more debts and expenses  during this period, presumably due to energy, defense and security  spending. Cutbacks will be prominent and widespread.

    Under  Mars/Ketu, it is the nature of Ketu to create loss and to force the  entity to detach.  Ketu is in the 2nd house of the Rasi (finance) and is  in a 6/8 relationship with Mars.  Ketu is disposited by Saturn, which  harms Mars.  In the Hora, Ketu is in the first drekkana of Scorpio of  the 4th house, which depicts a woman with serpents coiled around her  feet and she is displaced from her home.  This sarpa drekkana evokes the  image of loss of control and support, as well as worries about meeting  basic shelter and security needs.   The 4th house placement of Ketu in  the Hora underscores that the financial loss is derived from the housing  sector.

    Improvement during Mars/Sun can be seen in the Rasi  as the Sun (fortunate 9th lord) forms both Raja yoga and Dhana yoga with  Mars. Jupiter is conjunct both planets in the 7th house.  The Sun in  Punarvasu nakshatra evokes wealth.  In the Navamsa, the Sun is exalted  in Aries (the sign ruled by Mars), in the fortunate 11th house of gains  and success, while aspecting Mars itself.  Gains may come through trade  with several countries, as revealed through the Navamsa.

    In  the Hora, the Sun is in the critical 2nd house of the finance varga,  second from Mars and the lagna.  The Sun rules the 1st house forming a  Dhana yoga in the 2nd house, conjunct benefic Jupiter.  The Sun is in  the second drekkana of Virgo, which depicts a dark man with a bow in one  hand and a pen in the other, counting profits and expenditure.  This  drekkana is a wealth-inducing, weapons drekkana  which suggests gains  (& expenditures) coming from defense, security, and through  pharmaceutical/biotechnological agents.  This Sun sub-period may be a  boon for research and development.

(2) Import/Export:   Industries involved with import/export will grow and thrive under Mars  mahadasa.  Companies with international ties will perform much better  than those that are dependent on the U.S. alone.  Agriculture, all types  of energy (especially wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear and natural  gas), aeronautics, military/defense, transportation, biomedical  diagnostics and biotechnology will become larger industries and perform  well.  
 

*Hora varga is calculated using Parivritti Dwaya method.

     Trade agreements with other countries will be crucial for the next  administration.   Companies that are competitive, multidimensional, lean  and mean will perform best.  The soft, meek and mild companies will be  run over.  The periods of Mars/Rahu (2/26/2009 – 3/17/2010) and  Mars/Mercury (3/31/2012 – 3/29/2013) will be strong for U.S. companies  to expand overseas.  

    During Mars/Rahu, the nature of Rahu is  to magnify the energy of Mars and create strong, compulsive desires and  behaviors. Rahu is in the 8th house in the Rasi, 2nd from Mars which  denotes money coming from the partner.  In this case, the partner is a  foreigner, also indicated by Rahu.  Rahu is with the 7th ruler, Mercury  and Mars is in the sign of Mercury in the 7th house.  Thus, intensive  foreign investment, business partnerships and expansion out of the U.S.  are indicated.  Rahu’s conjunction with Mercury will fuel the interest  in business.  In the Dasmasa, Rahu is in the 7th house, disposited by  the Sun which resides in the 12th house, reemphasizing business  partnerships with foreigners.  

    Since both Mercury and Rahu  reside in Pushya nakshatra, which refers to “nourishment,” in  combination with Mars in Mrigashira, agricultural expansion is promoted  during these sub-periods.

    Mercury is in the 8th house (2nd  from the 7th), denoting the partner’s income.  Mercury is the planet of  commerce, business, communication, and import/export.  In the Dasamsa,  Mercury is in the 4th house in Aswini nakshatra which indicates  traveling for business.   The Aswini Kumars were known as the twin  physicians to the gods who possessed effective cures and healing  ability. They traveled to dispense their medical acumen.  During  Mars/Mercury, the U.S. may export innovative pharmaceutical agents,  biotechnology and diagnostic tests.  Mars in Ardra in the Dasamsa 5th  house underscores the development of sharp surgical instruments, toxins  and pharmaceutical agents.

    Mars/Venus promises some  improvement in the financial situation in the U.S., but also the  dissolving of a partnership with another country.  Note that Venus forms  a Dhana yoga with Mars, promoting prosperity.  Venus is conjunct Mars  in the 1st house of the Hora, suggesting a prominent financial event  will take place during Venus’ bhukti.  Venus is in Uttara phalguni in  the Hora, a wealth-producing nakshatra.  However, in the Navamsa, Venus  is in the 8th house, aspected by Mars, suggesting a change or separation  from a partnership.  Venus in Ardra nakshatra of the Rasi chart  suggests that Mars/Venus will be period of upheaval, dissatisfaction and  change in the country.

(3)    Property/Real Estate:   During Mars/Jupiter and Mars/Saturn, The U.S. is likely to try to  increase its territorial jurisdiction.  Since there are no land masses  to annex as new states, this time around, the U.S. is likely to go after  land and sea rights to search for minerals, metals, oil and natural  gas. Drilling off the Gulf of Mexico, and other southern locations are  highly probable under Mars (rules the south).   The period of  Mars/Jupiter will see improvement and expansion in real estate  throughout the country.

In addition to comments  mentioned under (1) above, Saturn is in the 4th house from Mars in the  Rasi and aspects the 4th house from the 10th. In the Charturtamsa  Mars  is in the 4th house.  Since both Mars and Saturn are malefics, the land  obtained may be forcefully taken (witness the Indian land grab in  1890-91).  During Mars/Jupiter, land expansion and real estate growth  are indicated for the reasons indicated in (1) above.  Also, Mars is the  karkaka for property/land, and Mars is in Mrigashira nakshatra  (seeking) land (4th house placement).  During this period, the desire is  to attain additional energy resources, so the land sought will be for  this purpose.  Saturn rules oil and petroleum products, so under  Mars/Saturn expect expansion of drilling and exploration for natural gas  and oil.  

(4)    Protests, uprisings, strikes, and  demonstrations will proliferate. The public will become more vocal about  their desires for higher wages, labor issues, loss of jobs to overseas  markets, inflation (cost-of-living), immigration policy, environmental  issues related to energy, pollution, global warming, and human rights.    Mars/Ketu and  Mars/Saturn are prominent periods for these situations.

     Mars is naturally the planet of protests, debates and arguments.  Mars  in Mrigashira desires to help animals, plants and the environment. But,  Mars is weak at zero degrees (and afflicted by Saturn), and won’t have  the power to overcome strong economic forces. The first drekkana of  Gemini depicts a woman with her hands raised (protesting).  Ketu is a  planet of dissatisfaction with the status quo, and promotes  demonstrations and protests.   Together, they are a formidable pair.   Ketu is in Shravana nakshatra which refers to taking steps required to  “get the demons out of heaven and put back in their rightful place”  (intention of protestors).   
 

    Recall, in the Hora varga,  Ketu is in the first sarpa drekkana of Scorpio, which depicts a woman  separated from her home with serpents coiled around her feet (feeling  powerless).  This refers to immigrants who feel displaced.   So, the  protests are likely to be over economic problems (job loss/wages) which  are likely to be linked to illegal immigration (scapegoat for this  issue). Ketu in the Rasi chart is in the 2nd house (money) and is 8th  from Mars.  Similarly, a backlash against immigrants occurred in 1891  (Mars/Saturn).
 

(5)    Earthquakes, volcanic  eruptions, wild fires, drought and airborne accidents are more likely  throughout Mars mahadasha.  Extreme high temperatures and global warming  accelerates.  Flooding, hurricanes, and windstorms will occur when  transiting Mars is debilitated.
 

    Mars is the  karaka for such eruptions, heat, fires and high temperatures. Mars in an  air sign promotes airborne accidents if afflicted. Mars receives the  aspect of Saturn.  Mars/Rahu, Mars/Saturn, Mars/Ketu and Mars/Venus are  the most likely periods for these weather-related effects to be  ubiquitous.  Flooding may accelerate when transiting Mars is in its  debilitated sign of Cancer (water sign) (from Oct. 2009 - May 2010;  Sept.- Oct 2011, and Aug.- Sept. 2013).  These periods will likely bring  strong storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes in vulnerable locations.  Note  during Mars/Venus (8/2013 – 10/2014) Venus is in Ardra, a nakshatra  symbolized by the teardrop, and is associated with hurricanes,  thunderstorms, and flooding. Rudra (god of storms) is the diety ruling  Ardra.

(6)    Introduction of innovative automobiles,  energy-efficient vehicles, and consolidation of automobile and airline  companies continues.  Blueprints will abound, but functional vehicles  with radically new technologies won’t be widely available until the end  of Mars mahadasha and into Rahu.
 

(7)    Expansion of  biotechnology, diagnostics, surgical techniques, medical devices and  pharmaceutical agents.  New synthetic blood products are produced.   Resurgence in stem-cell technology.  Expansion of plant-derivatives  (herbs) for medicine and health.   Expect the introduction of new  medical instruments and applications for them (cyberknife, laser, high  temperature technology).

(8)    Strong emphasis  on national park renewal, forests, trees, animal protections and  agriculture.  The use of “green” organic building materials will expand  in construction.  Separately, health insurance and health care  administration will be a major priority (Mars/Saturn).     

     Saturn will transit through Virgo between Sept. 2009 - Nov. 2011.   During that time, Mars/Rahu, Mars/Jupiter and Mars/Saturn periods will  be in force.  This combination will force change and improvements in  environmental policies and in health care, including health insurance.  Virgo rules health care, hygiene and environmental concerns. Mars/Saturn  period is particularly prominent for concrete changes in health care  and the implementation of a new insurance program.

(9)    Legislation to combat internet piracy will come into law during Mars/Mercury.    
 

(10)     The U.S. will retreat from war.  However, the threat of terrorism  continues. This threat will fuel the interest and growth of defense and  military technologies.  There will be plenty of internal “wars” within  the U.S. Alliances with other countries will increase to fight  terrorism.  

    While Mars is the planet that rules  war, Mars at zero degrees of Gemini, afflicted by Saturn does not  promote courage and war.   There were no wars during the past Mars  mahadasa.   

FINAL COMMENT:

     The examination of historical events during the previous Mars  mahadasa, can be quite revealing and useful for assisting with  prediction.   While 2008 is not the same as 1888, planetary energies  (and for that matter, human nature), have not changed very much.   Technology and modern conveniences have advanced enormously since that  time, however.  Perhaps, the U.S. will rise to the challenge of this  next Mars mahadasa and perform more like Hanuman, fighting for justice,  using intelligent action coupled with willpower and discipline to  dissolve ignorance?   

    Mars at its higher expression confers  motivation, courage, conviction, and the desire to achieve excellence.   Mars is the power behind the thrown that gets ideas put into motion.  Mars is naturally independent and does not negotiate.  Productivity and  swift action are primary.  However, it will be important to direct the  Mars energy properly, with intelligence, to make lasting improvements.   Mars can express itself at higher or lower octaves, depending on the  quality of human energy behind it.

    During any mahadasa  transition, it is important to observe the empirical events that take  place at that time.   Events during September and early October 2008  will be quite revealing and provide clues as to just how the next seven  years will unravel in the U.S.!   Monitor this time frame closely.

References:

• Gomes, Gary (1999). The Spiritual Impact of Mars, ACVA Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2.
  
• Kelleher, James (lectures, personal communication).  U.S.A. birth time rectification.
  
• Kelleher, James (2006).  Path of Light (Vols. 1 & 2), Ahimsa Press, San Francisco, CA.
  
• Varahamihira (transl. by Usha & Shashi) (1977).  Brihat Jataka, Sagar Publications, New Delhi, India.