All human beings have a natural instinct to wish for well-being in the present and future. Many look to astrology to determine the unfolding of something unknown. The planetary positions discussed here obey the sidereal zodiac followed in Vedic astrology. For the year 2016, the sidereal zodiac position of planets requires the deduction of nearly 24˚5’ from tropical zodiac positions.

Prominent Astrological Influences in 2016

As the year 2016 opens, Saturn continues to be in direct motion in Scorpio. It moves into retrograde motion from March 26 to August 13, 2016. Thereafter, it is in direct motion. An equally important planet, Jupiter, turns retrograde on January 9 in Leo. It has a direct motion on May 10 to move to the next sign, Virgo, on August 11, where it continues its passage in direct motion.

Rahu, the north node of the Moon, is in Virgo when 2016 begins and enters Leo on May 31, remaining there for the rest of the year. Ketu, the south node of the Moon, passes, as usual, at 180˚ from Rahu in the sign opposite Rahu. Here, the signs are Pisces and Aquarius.