World
China
China began the 19 year major period of Saturn September 24, 2000. Saturn is placed in the 8th house (upheavals, changes and metamorphosis) Saturn is placed in Purva Phalguni. Purva Phalguni is ruled over by the god of prosperity, Bhaga. This placement suggests transformation, change and metamorphosis for the Chinese economy during this period.
The basic Shakti of Purva Phalguni is the "power of procreativity". Saturn's placement here suggests that during its period the birth rate in China will continue to be limited by rules and regulations. The Chinese will also suffer the consequences of their past practices of preferring male children and terminating female births as a new, predominantly male generation comes of age.
Jupiter aspects Saturn from the 12th house. This gives an increasing openness to foreign trade and foreign influences during the Saturn period and will still stimulate economic activity. It will also produce eventual economic losses.
The Chinese are also passing through a sign period of Leo from 2000 to 2011. Leo is Occupied by Saturn (PK) and aspected by Venus (AMK). This indicates that the period from 2000 to 2011 will be a period which generally increases business and creates prosperity. From 2011 - 2017, however, the Cancer period will be operating. Cancer is occupied by debilitated Mars, suggesting a great deal of disharmony in international trade and politics for the Chinese. This period may also create military involvements, civil unrest, problems due to a toxic environment, and general instability in the country.
In the short term, Saturn will pass through the sign of Cancer from May of 2005 to July of 2007. Cancer is the seventh house (partnerships, agreements, contracts, negotiations, treaties and business) in the Chinese chart. This transit may create disharmony for the Chinese in business and in various areas of diplomacy. There may be territorial disputes and more emphatic boundary setting by Chinese. This transit may create some frustration to international trade as well as well.