A Perfect Storm: How Astrology Explains Last Week's Global and Personal Turmoil
South Korea declared martial law, France erupted into chaos, Hawk Tuah girl ‘allegedly’ scams her fans and social media platform X seemed to implode under the weight of its own volatility.
It’s safe to say this past week has been one one to remember (or maybe forget!). Syria collapsed, South Korea declared martial law, France erupted into chaos, Biden pardoned his son, a healthcare CEO was assasinated, Hawk Tuah girl ‘allegedly’ scams her fans and social media platform X seemed to implode under the weight of its own volatility. On a personal level, many of us have experienced setbacks, from contracts falling through to strained relationships.
A T-Square That Shook the Collective
At the heart of this turbulent week was an intense T-square—a challenging aspect between three planets—featuring Mercury and Jupiter, both retrograde in each other's domicile signs (Sagittarius and Gemini), apexing at Saturn in Pisces. This was a recipe for miscommunication, overblown reactions, and structural strain.
Mercury retrograde alone is infamous for causing tech glitches, travel delays, and breakdowns in communication. Add Jupiter’s retrograde to the mix, amplifying misunderstandings and promising more than it can deliver, and you have a recipe for widespread tension. Saturn in Pisces, the apex of the T-square, demanded reality checks, but in a way that feels foggy and confusing.
How It Played Out in Global Politics
The ongoing collapse of Syria aligns closely with this week’s challenging astrological influences. The T-square, involving Mercury, Jupiter retrograde, and apexing at Saturn, symbolises breakdowns in communication, governance, and institutional structures, all of which are evident in Syria’s current crisis. Mars retrograde in Leo, combined with the Venus-Pluto conjunction, aligns with themes of dominance, power struggles, control, leadership challenges, and territorial disputes. Additionally, Neptune stationing direct on 7th December briefly lifted the veil on Syria’s ongoing conflict, bringing its devastating realities into sharper focus on the global stage.
In South Korea, the declaration of martial law reflects Mars’ dominance in Leo, a sign where Mars exerts control and asserts authority. However, with Mars’ begining it’s retrograde motion on 7th December, suggests that such actions may face resistance or require reevaluation in the coming months. Tensions that seem explosive or unclear now could simmer quietly during Mars retrograde, only to flare up again when Mars moves forward in February 2025.
France’s chaos, marked by protests and political turmoil, can also be tied to Mars retrograde. President Emmanuel Macron’s natal chart reveals he was born with Mars retrograde in his 7th house (relationships and known adversaries). This transit, occurring in the same sign as his natal Mars, has intensified public scrutiny of his engagment with political adversaries and partnerships. Additionally, this weekend's Venus-Pluto conjunction, which crossed Macron’s Ascendant, has amplified issues surrounding power struggles, adversaries, and partnerships.
In the US, President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, added another layer of intensity to the week’s events. The T-square, combined with Mars in Leo's potential for power struggles and misuse of authority, fueled heated debates and amplified the controversy online.
The United Health Assassination
The assassination of United Healthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson, connects directly to the T-square’s energy. Mercury, which rules Virgo (linked to health), and Jupiter, which rules Pisces (connected to healthcare institutions), were both in opposing forces. Saturn, represents authority and accountability and highlights growing pressure on healthcare systems to answer for their actions. The retrogrades made the situation even more uncertain and chaotic, pointing to deeper problems in the healthcare industry that need to be addressed.
Hawk Tuah and the Bitcoin Scam
The Hawk Tuah girls' 'alleged’ bitcoin scam adds another dimension to this chaotic week. This scandal, involving deception, greed, and misplaced trust reflects the dark side of the weekends Venus-Pluto’s conjunction, where hidden motives in financial and interpersonal dealings came to light with the lifting of the Neptune veil.
Social Media in Meltdown
Social media platform X turned into a battleground this week, thanks to the chaotic energy of Mercury retrograde, which often sparks miscommunication, and Jupiter’s tendency to amplify issues. Heightened emotions, misunderstandings, and ego clashes fueled by Mars in Leo transformed online spaces into arenas for venting frustrations and escalating tensions. The combination of these astrological influences created the ideal breeding ground for conflicts to erupt and spread across digital platforms.
Personal Lives Under Fire
For many, this week brought challenges closer to home. Contracts fell through, projects stalled, and relationships faced strain. These disruptions were hallmarks of the Mercury-Jupiter-Saturn T-square, forcing us to confront unrealistic expectations and poorly communicated plans.
Adding to the pressure was a Venus-Pluto conjunction over the weekend. This alignment brought intensity to matters of love, money, and values. Relationships were tested, and deeper issues came to light. Financial markets, beauty trends and even agricultural discussions—such as the ongoing debate around Bovaer additives in dairy cattle feed—felt the weight of Venus-Pluto’s energy.
The Road Ahead
Thankfully, we've passed the worst of Mercury retrograde. While there might still be some lingering tech issues and travel delays, the chaos is behind us.
The Saturn-Jupiter square will continue to impact the wider world, especially in areas of growth and limitations. Saturn represents responsibility and structure, while Jupiter is about growth and freedom.
Mars retrograde will also keep influencing both global events and personal situations, shaping how we move forward in the coming weeks.
Mars Retrograde: A Period of Planning
Mars retrograde, which lasts until late February 2025, marks a time when outward aggression turns inward. Leaders may use this period to strategise, and conflicts simmering in the background could explode when Mars resumes forward motion.
Business’, for instance, might notice slowed momentum in their ventures, requiring patience and recalibration. Expect frustrations, but also opportunities to reflect and plan strategically.
What It Means for You
In relationships, Venus-Pluto’s lingering effects remind us to address underlying issues rather than sweeping them under the rug. Whether in love, business, or personal values, we are being urged to face uncomfortable truths and emerge stronger.
With the continued Saturn-Jupiter square you may feel torn between wanting to take risks and grow, and being held back by rules and responsibilities. This creates tension between pushing ahead and staying grounded.
During this Mars retrograde, you might feel your own frustrations turning inward. This is a time for reflection, not impulsive action. Avoid making rash decisions and instead focus on long-term strategies.
This week may have felt like a perfect storm, but astrology shows us that these periods of chaos are also times of growth. While the current transits have brought their share of challenges, they also offer lessons in patience, planning, and perseverance. As Mars retraces its steps, take this opportunity to recalibrate, knowing that clarity and forward motion await us in the months ahead.
Caroline, an Astrologer and Mentor based in the Scottish Highlands, draws on the collective wisdom of astrologers throughout history to inspire her work, expressing gratitude for their outstanding contributions to the field. She offers personalised 1:1 astrology sessions exploring birth charts, emotional insights, career guidance, and relationships, tailoring each session to her clients' unique needs with her background in education and expertise in neurodiversity. To learn more about exploring your natal chart visit
https://saturnseminary.setmore.com