Bomb blasts in Mumbai; train accidents; stampede at the Kumbh Mela; health problems to leading sportsmen and athletes; and political upheavals in Uttar Pradesh. Is there a common thread in all of these? Are all these in any way connected to Mars?

On August 27, Mars and Earth were approximately 56 million kilometres apart -- closer than they had ever been in the past 60,000 years. The occasion turned into a media circus, and earthlings flocked to observatories all around the world to see the red planet.

Who and what is Mars?

Mars is the planet of action and aggression. The mythological god of war is notable for its striking red appearance, which is due to heavy deposits of iron, the metal it has long been said to 'rule'.

The red colour reflects the characteristics of the planet -- heat, energy and danger. Like fire, it is hot and dry; burning, activating, inflaming passions and arousing emotions. Mars at its best makes a person a go-getter, an achiever, brave and courageous. At its worse it creates mass destruction, intense danger and conflict.

What it indicates and rules

It rules physical energy and efforts. Its placement in your chart expresses the strength and direction of the physical force that drives our ego.

Mars also triggers our life force, survival instincts, mental endeavours and communicative skills.

It stands for male relationships and associations, risk-taking inclinations, and the physical challenges one is likely to encounter. Well-placed, Mars endows powerful energy and an indomitable will to succeed, but when poorly placed it can mean accidents, injuries and violence.

Mars and its effects on India 

Mars is transiting from July 29 to December 6 in the sign of Aquarius and it is retrograde. A planet when retrograde shows its negative personality. But the Mars in Aquarius is being aspected by Jupiter from Leo hence the benefit Jupiter aspects to a large extent will curtail the mischievous tendencies of the planet. This does not affect individuals as much as it affects the larger mass of humanity. Though some individuals who have a strong Mars in their horoscope or their moonsign is Aries, Scorpio or Aquarius and whose number is 9 can find some aberrations in general behaviour patterns.

For India, the ascendant is Taurus and Rahu is transiting through it, which makes the country prone to sudden and unexpected developments. Aquarius is the tenth house in which Mars is posited now. Since the tenth house is a Kendra and one of the most powerful houses, Mars will give rise to bloodshed, strife, defence-related scandals, accidents, political upheavals and some imbalances till September 25. Troublemakers will be fired by a negative zeal to create more mischief. India needs to be cautious, as there may be trouble brewing at the borders. The southern part of the country, ruled by Mars, should be kept under check, as there may be a rise in terrorist activities there.

Defence personnel are most prone to the effects of Mars. Those in arms and ammunition factories, ordnance depots and sports will also need to be on their toes.

Remedy

There is a need for vigilance, tightening of law and order situation and putting the military on alert.

This is not the time to react, but remain alert. The negative effects of Mars can be curtailed by holding yagnas for peace and sadbuddhi (good intellect).

Individuals who are Mars-ruled and have felt some kind of adverse effects on their life should recite Hanuman Chalisa. Everyone can pray to Ganpati and Hanuman for protection and wisdom.

Manisha Rathore is a Mumbai-based astrologer