Mars will be in Debilitation from 5th October 2009 to 26th May 2010.

This will be due to the retrogression of Mars in Cancer. The normal stay of Mars in a sign or around 40 days. But, every two years Mars goes retrograde and therefore it stays in one or two signs for more than its usual period of stay in a sign. Its last prolonged transit was in Gemini. This year it is in Cancer.

India, as such, is very much affected by each transit of Mars in Cancer. India's horoscope has a Taurus ascendant and the third house, where the sign of Cancer lies, holds Sun, Moon,  Venus, Saturn and Mercury. The third house, also called the house of struggles and war, is already quite active and Mars makes it highly charged whenever it transits over these five planets.

Already we have been getting news about Chinese army's incursions along various sectors on Indo-China border. Interestingly, when the 1962 Indo-China war took place Mars was transiting in Cancer. That war was characterized by a passive and defensive attitude by Indian government and leaders. Instead of taking timely actions and being on the offensive Indian army was forced to be on defensive and was asked to retreat by the political leaders in India.

This year too, the Indian government and defense leadership are not acknowledging incursions by the Chinese army. They have adopted a head-in-sand attitude instead of facing the problem head on. Such cowardly behaviour will increase and India will lose much territory and reputation when Mars travels in Cancer.

When Mars is weak it creates lack of boldness, courage and valour in the hearts of people. Panic increases and patience decreases. Looking at the economic scenario of the world and the increasing cost of living coupled with scarcity of resources and employment, this transit is going to prove quite disastrous for both India and the world.

Such a transit of Mars in Cancer took place between October 1977 to June 1978. That was the time when Indira Gandhi's government lost popular vote and a coalition government was elected instead in India. Many multinational companies including Coca Cola were asked to stop their operations in India. The economic growth declined and India suffered a big setback.

Let us see what this similar transit of Mars does for India. All that can be said is that if we are not cautious and patient then we stand to lose a lot. 

Jyotish Biz