Let us just say it straight: the vibes are off this weekend. But not in a hide under the bed kind of way,  it is more like the universe is looking at your travel calendar and whispering, ‘maybe not this weekend.’ The internet’s all jittery about July 26-28, 2025, being a deadly time to travel. But is it really so? The short answer is yes-ish. But for a longer answer, let us dive in, because the cosmos have a lot to say.

Mars Meets Ketu in Leo 

First up, Mars is in conjunction with Ketu in Leo (a fire sign known for drama and bold moves). Mars rules travel, physical energy, and decisions that involve action. On the other hand, Ketu is like a wildcard. It cuts, detaches, and operates without a GPS. Put them together and you get:

• Sudden detours or accidents

• Mechanical problems (hello, car trouble)

• Aggression or impulsive decisions

• Disrupted logistics and plans

This combination is chaotic, karmic, and has the kind of energy where you miss a flight and it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Astrologically, this is not fatal, but it is quite unpredictable. Especially if you are planning to travel this weekend, think twice before you fire up your car.

Moon joins the chaos

By July 27 and 28, the Moon joins Mars and Ketu. It means that you will be feeling the physical risk. The Moon rules our emotions, instincts, and inner world, and when it joins Mars and Ketu, expect:

• Snappy tempers

• Emotional turbulence

• Group anxiety or mob mentality

• A tendency to act from feeling, not logic

Even the most sorted traveller might lose their cool when the Uber guy cancels or the flight gate changes again. The takeaway: this weekend is not for rushing or reacting.

Mercury Retrograde + Combust

We are also in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde, and the worst part is that Mercury is also in combustion, meaning it is too close to the Sun to operate properly. This hits:

• Travel coordination

• Tech and electronics

• Maps, communication, apps

• Last-minute changes or missed calls

It means that you should not rely too much on your phone, your email, or even your own memory. Mercury is not trying to sabotage you; it just needs a nap. If you have to travel, print the ticket, screenshot the map, and leave a margin for mistakes. This is not the universe trying to mess with you; it is asking you to slow down.

Six planets retrograde

As if this all was not enough, we have got six planets in retrograde: Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, Rahu, and Ketu. This does not scream ‘disaster,’ but it does suggest:

• Internal reflection

• System slowdowns

• Delayed responses from the universe

This energy is more ‘Are you sure about this?’ than ‘Don’t do it.’ If your gut says no to that road trip, listen to it.

What should you actually do?

So, first of all, let us not panic. Astrology is not fear-mongering. It’s like a weather forecast: if it says it might rain, take an umbrella. Here is your astrological umbrella for July 26-28:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially long-distance or one with complex logistics

• If you must go, triple-check routes, bookings, and documents

• Build in time buffers so Mercury’s mess doesn’t derail you

• Avoid emotionally charged places, crowds, protests, and drama zones

• Don’t act on impulse. Pause before replying, posting, or pressing send

And if you are staying home, good for you. Use this time to reset, detox, journal, and maybe… not argue with your cousin on social media.

Protective Mantras for stability and clarity

Not everyone can cancel their plans this weekend. If you are moving through this cosmic fog, here are some mantras to keep you centred:

Guru Dattatreya Mantra (for karmic clarity and inner guidance):

Om Dram Dattatreyaya Namaha

Bagalamukhi Mantra (for protection from negativity and enemies):

Play daily for strength before stepping out

Shani Chalisa or Shani Grah Mantra (for Saturn’s karma-cleansing energy):

Stabilises you when things feel heavy or blocked

Gayatri Mantra (for clarity, peace, and light):

The perfect antidote to Mercury retrograde chaos

Navgrah Chalisa (for aligning all planetary energies):

Balances you when six planets are retrograde

Repeat these daily from now until the end of July, even just 11 times. Put on headphones, chant along and breathe.

This weekend, the sky is not out to get you, but it is telling a very specific story. This is a time to pause, double-check, reflect, and protect your energy. Travel only if you must, but only with your eyes wide open and your intuition on.

Ask Agastyaa. Let AstroSure.ai help you travel with wisdom, not worry