Date Posted: March 31, 2010

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 18 – May 12) 

On April18, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aries. It will stay retrograde until May 12 in Aries. 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 risk takers, explorers, entrepreneurs, military personnel. This is the time not to start a new project or a 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 with respect to matters signified by the house it’s transiting in your progressive chart.

Retrograde Saturn (January 14 – May 31)

Saturn became retrograde on January 14, and it is going to stay retrograde till May 31.  For those who have a well placed Saturn in their birth charts and if Saturn’s period is currently in operation, then they are likely to experience slow progress. Best way to deal with retrograde Saturn is to put more energy in to whatever you do to work towards your goal.

On the world scene, generally, the projects that deal with expansion are likely to either stay on hold or experience sluggish progress.  In religious world, things are likely to move at frustratingly slow rate.  In the political arena what may seem like progress will turn out to be a disaster.

Neptune-Uranus ninefold square (April 1 – 24)

On an individual level, if in your birth chart Neptune squares 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 ninefold square..  Depending on the strength of these planets and houses they occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a totally new challenge in that particular field signified by the house they occupy in your natal chart. Be ready to face this powerful and spontaneous challenge. 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 or loss, unexpected severe depression,  etc.  

At a collective level, the manifestation of Neptune-Uranus ninefold square will reflect in sudden change (either positive and negative) in relationship between USA and Russia (and countries of former Soviet Union) and magnificent advances in science and technology through innovations, inventions, and discoveries.

Mars-Pluto Quincunx (April 7-12)

This six-day period is likely to be very frustrating for those who have Mars-Pluto opposition, quincunx, square, or conjunction in their natal charts. Typically this quincunx is very unfavorable from the point of view of facing situations that are beyond our control. Unexpected problems are likely to occur with astonishing speed and without any notice.  For those who have such quincunx, opposition or conjunction in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets influencing them through the current progressive cycle need to be on guard. Stay very low key, do not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of risk. Also, experiences like a sudden incident of fire, or an accident involving explosive material are very possible. 

On the world scene, sudden outbreak of an undesirable happening,  possibilities of both natural and man-made calamities are likely. The countries that are most likely to be affected during this period will be: the United States of America, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel.

Uranus-Saturn opposition (April 17 – May 7)

This is the fourth leg of the opposition. The first leg began in September of 2008.  It is not good for those who have such opposition or square in their birth charts. In addition, if the planet Uranus or Saturn is affecting your life via your current progressive chart, then you might want to consider taking extra precautions in the areas which are affected by these planets as shown in your natal chart.  Such people should avoid taking any kind of risk at any cost during this period.  Such opposition can make things so miserable and difficult for you that most likely you are not going to forget them in your entire life. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  Avoid any new ventures and postpone the matters that you want to begin till this period is passed. 

On a collective level, the United States of America, Russia or China may experience social or political turmoil at home as well as tensions rising among them. 

Neptune-Saturn quincunx (April 18 – July 10)

If you have Neptune-Saturn quincunx in your birth chart, and if your current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets then you are likely to experience a subtle but serious financial or social setback or an unpleasant secret will be revealed to you. If you are planning to take a long distance (overseas) trip during this period, be extra careful for nasty surprises, or even being stranded in places you never dream of. You may experience situations totally beyond your control.

On collective level, covert activities will be on rise. Possibilities of natural as well as man-made calamities are very likely during this period. Places like Russia and China are likely to experience political and social turmoil. Non-democratic countries are likely to see shift of power from one faction (or dictator) to another. Religious activities around the world will likely to appear more secretive than open. 

Saturn-Rahu ninefold trine (Saturn-Ketu ninefold sextile)  (April 1 – May 19)

Saturn-Rahu ninefold trine is usually favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Saturn.  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 your desired goals 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.

Uranus-Ketu ninefold trine (Uranus-Rahu ninefold sextile)  (April 24 – 30)

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.