Date Posted: March 31, 2004
Although it’s very difficult to predict the influence of planets on a given individual without referring to his or her birth chart the following is intended only as a general guideline. For confirmation, however, you must refer to your birth chart. Based on the assessment of planetary strengths or weaknesses in your birth chart, placement of planets in your current progressive regular and ninefold charts, and the current operating planetary cycles the following may or may not be applicable.
Retrograde Mercury (April 7 – 30)
On April 7, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in Aries. With its retrograde motion it will return to Pisces on April 23, and will stay retrograde until April 30. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. Retrograde Mercury in Aries means more frustrating periods for leaders, explorers, entrepreneurs, military personnel and for people with type A personality. This is the time not to start a new project or venture, but rather reflect on what’s been done so far. Also, this is the best time to cleanup that closet and do other chores that you have been postponing due to lack of time.
In addition, if you have dominating Mercury in your birth chart, and if your current planetary cycle provides the results of Mercury then you are more likely to experience the pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period.
A partial Solar Eclipse (April 19)
A partial solar eclipse occurs on April 19 approximately during the hours of 12:30 to 14:30 GMT. This eclipse will be visible in the eastern part of North America, South America, Europe, Eastern Asia, and Africa.
This eclipse is not significant since the Sun and Moon will be away about 12-13 degrees from Rahu, the Northern or ascending node in the sidereal zodiac sign Aries. Consequently this eclipse, being weak, is likely to be somewhat unfavorable for those who have sidereal Aries rising or Aries as moon sign.
For those who have the lunar nodes in conjunction with either Sun, Moon may need to be a bit on caution side. It may not be a good day! Take extra precaution and avoid any sort of outdoor activity requiring you to get out of house.
Retrograde Pluto (March 24 – Aug 31)
Pluto became retrograde on March 24 and it will stay retrograde until August 31, 2004 in the sidereal zodiac Scorpio. For those who have a well placed Pluto in birth charts and if Pluto’s period is currently in operation, such people are likely to feel the deceleration in their progress. Remember it’s only temporary! Need to put more energy in to whatever you do to achieve what you need to achieve.
On the world scene, violence and terrorism is likely to accelerate and peace process will certainly take back stage. The world economy may experience a choppy growth.
Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition (March 14 – April 10)
On an individual level, if in your birth chart Neptune opposes or conjuncts Uranus, and if either of these planets is currently influencing your life via your current progressive chart, then you are very likely to be affected by this unique configuration.. Depending on the strength of these planets and houses they occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a sudden and a totally new and a very unique experience in that particular field. Be ready to embrace this powerful and spontaneous experience. Some of the likely scenarios are: unexpected move (change of residence), unexpected job change (or change of surrounding at work place), meeting a person who is going to influence your life in a very dramatic fashion, unexpected financial windfall, unexpected severe depression, finding your center that you were always wanting to, etc.
At a collective level, the manifestation of Neptune-Uranus ninefold opposition will reflect in sudden change (either positive and negative) in relationship between USA and Russia (and countries of former Soviet Union), magnificent advances in science and technology through innovations, inventions, and discoveries.
Pluto-Rahu ninefold opposition (and Pluto-Ketu conjunction) (April 8-23)
Unless Pluto and lunar nodes are favorably placed in your birth chart, such opposition or squares between Pluto and lunar nodes, in general, means drastic changes (transformations) pertaining to aspects of your life described by the houses they belong to. Usually such transformations are accompanied with severe pains if lunar node Rahu (or Ketu), and/or Pluto is affecting your life via your current progressive chart. In my opinion, best way to deal with this situation is to (which is not easy to do) accept the inevitable change, and move on with your life. There’s no point in brooding over it, and not letting your past go. Just believe that on long term basis, such changes are good for you.
On a collective level, an eruption of new waves of violence attacking US interests abroad and interests of allied nations of Iraq war. Violence in the form of suicidal bombings or alike are likely in Iraq and Palestine-Israel area and perhaps also in Kashmir region. Due to Pluto’s transformation process towards the end of this period , the resulting changes are likely to become irreversible. In addition, world religions in general, and religious leaders in particular, may experience themselves having to go through crisis that demand changes. In other words, the orthodox religious leaders may come under social and moral pressures to change the way they handle their responsibilities.
Neptune-Ketu ninefold trine (Apr 16-24)
For those who have well placed Neptune, and if she is in trine with any of the two lunar nodes, and are presently being influenced by any of these planets (Neptune, Rahu, or Ketu) through their current operating cycles, are likely to experience a very positive period. Rise in self confident, strong intuitive power, and in general feeling great about everything around are some of the symptoms that you are likely to enjoy.
Collectively on global scene, this period is very positive for Russia and China. Also, most of the technological areas are likely to make significant progress via inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and religious activities are likely to impart positive energy and create a very healthy atmosphere around us.
Pluto-Uranus ninefold sextile (April 7-19)
Uranus-Pluto sextile is going to be very favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts. Expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields. The ideas that you always wanted to pursue but somehow could never get started….now is the time to follow that dream. You will distinctly notice and feel the positive energy flowing through you during this period. It’s time to jump in and enjoy this period.
On a collective level, this is an extraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions. Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this month.
Uranus-Rahu ninefold trine (Uranus-Ketu ninefold sextile) (April 11-17)
Uranus-Rahu trine is going to be very favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Uranus. If such placing is connected to the first house, second house, ninth house, tenth house, or eleventh house then expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields. The ideas that you always wanted to pursue but somehow could never get started….now is the time to follow that dream. You will distinctly notice and feel the positive energy flowing through you during this period. It’s time to jump in and enjoy this period.
Retrograde Jupiter (Jan 4 – May 4)
Jupiter, which became retrograde on January 4, will stay retrograde until May 4, 2004 in the sidereal zodiac Leo. For those who have a well placed Jupiter in their birth charts and if Jupiter’s period is currently in operation, such people are likely to feel the deceleration in their progress. Remember it’s only temporary! Need to put more energy in to whatever you do to achieve what you need to achieve.
On the world scene, particularly in the political world, “confusion” will dominate and things are likely to get worse or move at much slower rate. The world economy may experience a slower growth. Philanthropist, social reformers, philosophers and like are likely to find difficulty in carrying out their work.