Date Posted: April 30, 2016

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 29 – May23) 

On April 29, the planet Mercury turned retrograde in sidereal Aries. It will stay retrograde in Aries until May 23. 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 managers, military personnel, politicians, leaders, administrators, head of the states, governors, mayors, etc., 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 Mercury is currently your operating planet, 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 Mars (April 18 – June 30)

On April 18, Mars turned retrograde in the sidereal zodiac sign Scorpio, via it’s retrograde motion it returns to Libra on June 18, and stays retrograde till June 30. Astrologically speaking, what does the retrograde Mars mean? And what can we expect from the retrograde Mars?

In general, when a planet turns retrograde, the positive energy offered by that planet is expected to slowly diminish.  In case of Mars, being a planet of total independence, high ego, and less maturity usually make things worse with incredible speed. 

For those of you who have predominant Mars in their birth chart and if it’s influencing you through the current progressive chart, then you are very likely to experience a sudden setback in your professional as well as in other activities.  You may have to repeat things over many times to get it right, or you may have to deal with unfortunate and totally unexpected circumstances, and in general, you may end up in having a very frustrating experience.  In particular, engineers, designers, construction workers, people who work in military, leaders, managers and like are likely to be more affected than others.

On collective level, expect a political tension building among developed nations.  Destruction of wealth due to natural calamities or man made accidents are also very likely. Other possibilities include a sudden rise in terrorist activities, escalation in a warlike climate between Israelis and Palestinians, and of course increased covert activities among nations.

Retrograde Jupiter (January 8 – May 10) 

Jupiter, which became retrograde on January 8, will stay retrograde until May 10, 2016 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 business world, “confusion” will dominate and things are likely to move at much slower rate.  The world economy may experience a slower growth.

Retrograde Saturn (March 25 – August 13)

Saturn became retrograde on March 15 in sidereal Scorpio and is going to stay retrograde till August 13, 2016.  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 conjunction (April 16 – May 7)

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.  

On collective level, the manifestation of Neptune-Uranus ninefold conjunction 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.

Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile (May 1-6)

Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile is going to be 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. However don’t neglect your family during this busy time. 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, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will find ways to compromise with liberals on sticky issues. China and Russia are likely to experience some mild setbacks in their foreign policies, especially the ones that deal with the United States.

Neptune-Saturn ninefold sextile (May 3-10)

Neptune-Saturn ninefold sextile is going to be favorable for those who have these planets favorably placed in their natal charts.  Expect a positive period that could include promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields.  Also, a subtle shift in your attitude towards looking at the things would change for better, and thus help you understand your role in life. You will distinctly notice and feel positive about yourself and possibly far more relax and content.

On a collective level, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will find ways to expand their agenda without compromising with liberals on sticky issues. Republicans will have upper hand over democrats. China and Russia are likely to experience a positive and rewarding period in handling their domestic issues as well as improving the foreign relations through better policies.

Uranus-Rahu ninefold trine (Uranus-Ketu ninefold sextile)  (May 6-12)

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.

Neptune-Rahu ninefold trine (and Neptune-Ketu ninefold sextile) (May 10-19)

Neptune-Rahu ninefold trine is going to be very auspicious and 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 collective level, religious activities all around the world are likely to expand with new vigor and energy, conservatives will have upper hand over the liberals, China and Russia are likely to see positive developments occurring in the social and economical fields.

Saturn-Jupiter square (May 16 – June 1)

Jupiter-Saturn square is going to be unfavorable for those who have such square in their natal charts.  Loss of motivation, insecure feeling, loss of direction in life, general unhappiness, difficulty in keeping the faith in God are some of the symptoms of this square. This is like a test period. A period that can be viewed a real positive 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 a square 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. Keep your faith strong!

On 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.

Pluto-Rahu trine (and Pluto-Ketu sextile) (May 18 – July 20)

If through your current progressive chart influence of either Pluto or lunar node is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to lunar nodes in your natal chart expect a very favorable time. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspect. For example, if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in relationship area, or business partnership, or success in capturing the audience if you deal with masses. If eleventh house is involved it may financially prove to be a very rewarding period. 

On collective level, this is a good period for economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.

Pluto-Saturn ninefold sextile (May 18-29)

If through your current progressive chart influence of either Pluto or Saturn is active and if Pluto is favorably positioned with respect to Saturn in your natal chart expect a very favorable time during this period. Such positive events will be related to the affairs signified by the houses these planets occupy or aspects. For example if the seventh house is involved, expect a new and positive development in a relationship, or business partnership, or success in capturing the audience if you deal with masses. If eleventh house is involved it may financially prove to be a very rewarding period.

On collective level, this is a good period for European and Russian economy. This period is also good for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.