A dangerous combination in the sign of the king
In this podcast episode, I talk about Mars and Ketu, which will be within one degree of each other on July 21 and come into exact conjunction on July 23. This marks the culmination of a volatile, fiery energy that’s been building since both planets entered sidereal Leo: Ketu on May 18, and Mars on June 6.
What happens when Mars and Ketu come together?
Mars is the planet of will, war, and force, and driven by confrontation. Ketu is symbolized as a body without head: it represents action without thinking, impulse without awareness. There’s no perception, no conscious planning; only the push to act and burn through karmic residue.
In Vedic astrology, this quality is called tamasic. This doesn’t just mean dull or heavy, it means blind, unconscious, disconnected from ego or reason. That’s why Ketu is linked to liberation, but also confusion and loss.
Both Mars and Ketu are Agni tattva (fire element) planets. They are hot, sharp, and intense. But when they come together, they do not illuminate. Instead, they create combustion.
The disturbing intensity of Piśāca yoga
In traditional teachings, this pairing, especially in a fire sign, is called Piśāca yoga, a condition in which buried karmic rage surfaces violently. The word Sanskrit word Piśāca refers to disturbing spiritual entities: forces that disturb the clarity of the mind. Mars gives the heat to spark these feelings.
What this can mean is rage rising with no clear cause, the sensation of being overtaken by an old karmic imprint, or being “possessed” by old pain. Mars gives the muscle, Ketu adds flame to the fire, but offers no direction.
There is a reason we say “to lose one’s head” in the context of falling into a rage, and this combination is the embodiment of such energy.
The context: Mars and Ketu in Leo, the seat of power
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, which signifies the king. This is the sign of rulers and those in positions of authority and leadership.
Since Mars and Ketu entered this sign, we’ve seen a spike in volatile, unpredictable behavior on the world stage: Political leaders lashing out; conflicts escalating; power plays driven not by diplomacy, but by irrational impulse.
Mars comes off a long stay in Cancer
Mars spent much of this year and last moving through Cancer. Mars in Cancer, its debilitation sign, does not act with clarity or strength. It lashes out emotionally, often in defense, but lacks the power or precision to sustain conflict.
In Leo, that fire found form. This is anger that can strike, and does so in a visible, often performative way. Ketu’s presence only amplifies that impulsivity and blinds it.
What to expect at the peak the geopolitical stage
As Mars and Ketu draw toward each other, peaking July 21–23, we may see:
military strikes or escalations of war
sudden government decisions or upheavals
unpredictable or erratic behavior from leaders
violent protests, accidents, or impulsive destruction
personal blowups over pride, power, or control
In other words, more of the same we’ve already experienced since Mars moved out of Cancer in early June, with the potential for an explosive, karmically-charge surprise.
What this transit means for you personally
As I’ve stated before, it’s important not to overestimate the impact of transits on you personally. Transits speak more of the cosmic weather, which plays out more clearly in the collective in most cases than in our personal lives.
However, you may feel this transit more intensely if you:
have Leo ascendant in the sidereal zodiac, or Leo on one of your Kendra houses (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th)
have any planets in Leo between 20° and 25° of Leo
If this is the case, watch for:
rage that feels out of proportion
the impulse to say something harsh you can’t take back
pressure to make rash or final decisions
old feelings of wounded pride resurfacing
sudden and intense conflict with authority figures (e.g., boss, parents, father, government, etc.)
Here are some general tips on getting through this challenging astro weather, especially if you do feel yourself being locked in to its effects.
How to work with this transit
avoid risky, highly charged environments and large crowds around July 21–23
cool the body and nervous system; some verbs that may help include vetiver, rose, sandalwood, tulsi
focus on meditation and mantra that helps you stay grounded
limit exposure to triggering media, especially violent or sensational content
pause before reacting, even if the urge feels overwhelming
Relief is on the horizon
The exact conjunction passes on July 23, and Mars exits Leo on July 28, entering sidereal Virgo.
While the karmic ripple may continue, the most dangerous, aggressive window will begin to cool soon after the 23rd, with a more analytical quality entering as Mars shifts into Mercury-ruled Virgo.
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle or book a consultation, swing by here.
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