Date Posted: April 30, 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 April 18, 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.

Jupiter’s transit in the sidereal zodiac sign Pisces  (May 1)

On May 1, Jupiter leaves (sidereal) Aquarius and enters the next zodiac sign, Pisces.  Jupiter’s transit from one zodiac sign to the next occurs, on average, once a year. Pisces is ruled by Jupiter, and it’s a mutable and water sign. Jupiter in Pisces means spiritual progress and peace around the world. For those who have well placed Jupiter in their birth charts are likely prosper and will have very happy time. In general, transit of Jupiter in Pisces is extremely positive.  For one thing despite material unhappiness, people are likely to feel rejuvenated during this period. (It must be noted that despite Jupiter’s positive influence on world peace, effects of other planets should be taken into account to assess the net result or effect). In addition, the influence of contemporary religious leaders and mystics on society will shape the future direction of our social evolution through the religious and metaphysical debates. In general, the Pisces Jupiter is known to be responsible for world spiritual expansion. So from that perspective expect some positive spiritual changes during this period and welcome the Jupiter’s entry in Pisces.

On individual levels, for those who have dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and have Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Aquarius as their natal ninefold ascendant are likely to experience a very positive twelve months period beginning May 1.

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-Saturn ninefold square (May 1-8)

If you have a Neptune-Saturn square in your birth chart, and if any one of these two planets influencing you now through your current progressive chart, then during this period you might want to consider postponing your plans of expansion or any new venture, and just stay in a defensive mode.  This square has a tendency to ruin your plans in a very deceptive manner, and usually, there is very little you can do about it once the process begins.

On a collective level, countries like China and Russia may face some difficult time during this period.

Pluto-Rahu and Pluto-Ketu ninefold squares (May 1-9)

The ninefold squares of Pluto with the lunar nodes are generally have tendencies to destroy the present setting of life and transform it in to a totally new one. Those who have better placed lunar nodes and their connections with Pluto, are likely to adapt well to this new change and move to their next level of evolution, while others are likely to struggle and may find the change unbearable. Perhaps the best way to deal with this situation is to stay alert and be extremely cautious in dealing with your surroundings that affect you. Avoid taking any new risk during this period.  And probably be prepared for situations that are going to get worse before they get better with new direction in life. Staying low key is certainly the way to go.  Avoid any new ventures and postpone the matters that you wanted to begin till this period is passed. 

On a collective level, a new wave of renewed violence in Iraq, Israel and Palestinians, as well as outbreak of terrorism around the world during these days are real possibilities.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold quincunx (May 1-12 and May 26 – June 14)

For those who have quincunx, square, or opposition of Pluto and Saturn in their birth charts, and for those whose current planetary operating cycle is influenced by either of these planets are likely to experience a severe setback or turmoil in their lives.  Such quincunx can become a very strong force to destroy the current setting of your lifestyle due to misfortune or things beyond your control and transform it to a totally new life setting which may or may not be desirable depending on the strength and positive influence of these planets in the natal chart. In any event it’s going to be a irreversible event.

On a collective level, expect another outbreak of violence and terrorist activities in Middle-East, a good possibility of natural as well as man-made calamities, and to some extent, war-like climate in some part of the world. Tension between Israelis and Palestinians will remain unabated. Some of the east-European countries, Russia, and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.

Pluto-Neptune ninefold trine (May 1-18)

At a collective level, the Pluto-Neptune ninefold trine is positive in either bringing terrorism under control or even wiping out major terrorist cells through covert operation. In addition, this ninefold trine is good for Russia and to some extent for China. Also, on technological front, expect some positive breakthroughs in medical, high technology and biotechnology fields. 

On individual level, if in your birth chart Pluto is in sextile with Neptune or Pluto-Neptune form a ninefold trine, and if either of these planets is currently influencing your life via your current progressive chart, then you are very likely to be positively affected by this trine.  Depending on the houses these planets occupy in your birth chart, you are going to have a positive experience in that particular field. Enjoy this experience!

Mars-Rahu quincunx (May 4-7)

During this period Mars quincunxes Rahu.  Typically Mar’s quincunx with a lunar node is very unfavorable and unfortunate situation in general.  If you have such quincunx or opposition in your birth chart, and if you have any one of these planets influencing you through your current progressive cycle then you need be very careful about the matters indicated by the respective houses in your birth chart.  Probably the best thing to do is to lay low key, not make any new commitment and avoid taking any sort of new risk.  

On the world scene, during this period both natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives, and perhaps, a demise of an international level political leader are likely.

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.

Saturn-Jupiter opposition (May 17 – 27)

Jupiter-Saturn opposition is going to be unfavorable for those who have both the planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are unfavorably placed in their natal charts.  Frustration, loss of motivation, insecure feeling, loss of direction in life, general unhappiness are some of the symptoms of this opposition. This is like a test period. A period that can be viewed a real positive opportunity from self discovery standpoint since it will require you to bring best out of you to deal with situations around you.  If you have such opposition in your birth chart, and if any one of these planets is presently influencing you through your current progressive cycle then you need to look at the things with a different attitude. The best thing to do is to stay the course of present action without making new commitment. Remember the time when you felt the life is not fair and not worth living, very unsure of yourself, and unhappy with family.. well, that’s how you going to feel this time.

On a collective level, religions around the world will find difficulty in carrying out their activities, more controversies that test traditional moral values are likely to occur, and in general, religious authorities will have difficulty in keeping people happy.