Using the current and future positions of the planets we are able to assess the energetic potential and hence make judgement. This astrological technique is called Transits. Transits are but one of several predictive astrology techniques, but it is one of the simplest and most accurate of the techniques. As the planets move within their elliptical orbits around the Sun they setup angular relationships (called aspects) one with another and further come into either harmonious or discordant relationship with the planetary positions within a person's or nation's astrological birth chart.

We need to remember that these planetary cycles indicate potentials and that the specific influence of these energies upon individuals and nations is dependent upon the seed matrix shown by the birth chart and the level of consciousness of the individual.

The transiting planets will activate your personal life when they make aspects to specific planets in your birth chart or will activate those areas of life shown by the houses through which the planet is moving. For example if your birth chart has Scorpio in the 7th House (Marriage/Relationship), then 2003 started off with much energy and possible strife in your relationships, due to Mars moving through Scorpio.

The following is a short overview of the significant planetary transit events of 2003:

The planet Mars:
Mars is the energiser and activator and is often the trigger of major events shown by the slow outer planets. The areas of your chart through which Mars will be moving will be the areas of your life which will be busiest and most energised.

Mars starts 2003 in the sign of Scorpio, the sign it rules and in which it is strongest.
Mars into Sagittarius 16 January 03.
Mars will move over the Ascendant of USA chart on 5 February 03, being possibly the trigger for the USA to assert the warlike qualities of Mars.
Mars into Capricorn 4 March 03, in Capricorn Mars' energies find easy expression
Mars into Aquarius 21 April 03
Mars into Pisces 16 June 03, here the Fire energy of Mars plunges into the watery depths of Pisces
The apparent movement of Mars starts to slow down and stations Retrograde 29 July 03, from this date people with Sun in the first 2 degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius and Virgo will start feeling the soul level changes being brought about by Uranus (see below) becoming more internal and deeper. The last week of August is significant from a Shamanic Astrology (the astrology of connecting with the planetary energies by direct experience in nature) perspective, in that Mars' closest approach to Earth this year happens on 28 August 03 with Mars making its closest approach (perihelion) in 300 years to the Sun on 30 August 03. The New Moon at 4 degrees of Virgo of 27 August 03 at 5:26 PM GMT provides a great opportunity to observe Mars very bright in the eastern sky (with Uranus (invisible to naked eye) right next to Mars). This New Moon is a profound opportunity for awakening and direct experience of the energies of Mars/Uranus in Pisces.
After Mars turns Direct on 27 September 03, energies move forward with renewed vigour.
After 6 months of activation of the Water element of Pisces, Mars moves into Aries on 16 December 03.

The planet Jupiter:
Jupiter expands (sometimes to excess) and usually brings benefit to those areas he touches.

Jupiter has started 2003 with Retrograde motion in the sign of Leo, reminding those with Sun in Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio and Taurus to look inwardly and consider the growth they experienced since the beginning of August last year. Jupiter Retrograde tends to bring about a period of stagnation until he turns Direct and demands we closely examine our internal moral code and how we are applying it to the matters of the House through which Jupiter is moving. Jupiter turns Direct at 8 degrees of Leo on 3 April 03 bring renewed fiery expansion.
Jupiter moves into Virgo in the morning of the 27 August 03, adding his expansive quality to the New Moon in Virgo that evening, and coming into direct opposition to Uranus, further triggering the radical change energy of Uranus!

The planet Saturn:
Saturn teaches consolidation and discipline and brings restrictions to the areas and planets he transits.

Saturn has started 2003 Retrograde in the late degrees of Gemini, turning Direct at 22 degrees Gemini on 22 February 03. While Saturn is Retrograde those with Sun in Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius are reminded to review what has ended in their lives and what was discarded and look at was unnecessarily thrown out with the bath water! The turning Direct in February is an opportunity to effectively consolidate and constructively build.

On 3 Jun 03 Saturn moves into Cancer, where he will stay until July 2005. Cancerians, Capricornians, Arians and Librans will be challenged to bring discipline and stability to their lives over this period. Saturn turns Retrograde at 13 degrees Cancer on 25 October 03.

Saturn, like Mars this year, will also reach its closest approach (perihelion) to the Sun on 26 July at nearly 4 degrees Cancer. At this time Saturn will be in trine aspect with Uranus assisting in releasing the spiritual changes.

The planet Uranus:
Uranus shakes up the status quo and brings surprising changes to the areas and planets it transits.

The big astrological event of 2003 is start of Uranus' 7 year journey through the sign of Pisces until 2011. During 2003 Uranus will be in Pisces from 10 March until 14 September and again after 30 December! The last time Uranus was in Pisces was 1919-1927. In Pisces The Great Awakener meets The Spiritual Deep. Expect profound changes in the way we psychically sense things and look for new religious and spiritual paths.

Where Uranus travels in your chart, expect the unexpected, await dramatic spiritual insights, and experience deep emotional connection! Uranus will activate the first 3 degrees of the sign of Pisces this year. On 7 June 03 Uranus turns Retrograde, bringing change at a deeper internal level.

The planet Neptune:
Neptune dissolves boundaries and inspires dreams and visions. Strange and mysterious events are the mark of Neptune.

Neptune moves from 9 degrees of Aquarius advancing only as far as 13 deg 11 when it turns Retrograde on 15 May 03. Neptune's otherworldly energy will challenge those with Sun in Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio to spiritually discern dreams from illusions. Inspired visions will come easily to Gemini and Libra.

When Jupiter opposes Neptune on 16 February and again on 3 June we all need to watch out for inflated dreams that could have little foundation in reality!

The planet Pluto:
Pluto's slow transformative journey signifies the end of a phase of life and heralds rebirth.

During 2003 Pluto will transit from 18 deg 18 Sagittarius through to 20 deg 31 Sagittarius. Pluto's Retrograde period is from 22 March 03 at 19 deg 57 Sag until 28 August 03 when he turns Direct at 17 deg 14 Sagittarius. This Retrograde period will bring transformative changes deeply with the psyche.

The New Moon of 27August, the day before Pluto turns Direct, will signify the start of a new phase, especially for challenged Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini Sun signs.

In summary:
The year 2003 is a year of deep spiritual change with a profoundly emotional tone! The Water of Pisces is stirred strongly this year culminating at the New Moon of 27 August 2003.