As I outlined in 2024 Annual predictions, in April buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of unpredictability, especially in the political realm, with the United States taking center stage. It’s going to be a very significant and eventful month from the world instability, chaotic environment, political turmoil and full of surprises standpoint.

The month begins with Mercury turning retrograde. Mercury’s retrograde journey from April 2 to 26 sets the stage for a slew of challenges, from communication breakdowns and unexpected delays to frustrations, missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores. It’s wise to tread carefully when it comes to signing agreements or dealing with financial matters during this time.

The next key date is April 8^th when a total solar eclipse sweeps through the skies of the entire North American continent providing a spectacular celestial display stretching from Mexico to Canada.  The totality of this eclipse can be seen over a narrow band of about 100 miles width zooming over Mexico, Dallas, Missouri, Cleveland, Buffalo, northern New England and Nova scotia skies.

This cosmic event is very strong and intense since the Sun and Moon will be within 3 to 4 degrees from Rahu, the ascending lunar node in the sidereal zodiac sign Pisces. Consequently, according to Vedic astrology, this eclipse suggests a period of turbulence and uncertainty, particularly for individuals with sidereal Pisces rising or Moon signs. The aftermath of this cosmic event may bring about a challenging phase for the American continent, lasting for the following four to six weeks.

Then comes once in about 14 year planetary event of Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in sidereal Aries. While Jupiter deals with outward and material things, Uranus’s energy results in events that are very sudden and with tremendous power and intensity. This period can be very challenging if any one of these planets are currently active in your transit chart.  However, overcoming these hurdles can lead to profound self-discovery and growth. On the world scene, world religions are likely to be challenged with earthshaking ideas that they must attend to. Leaders who embrace openness and adaptability are poised to lead the transformation, while others may fade into obscurity.

As April draws to a close, Jupiter enters Taurus, heralding a year of material expansion and prosperity. Yet, this period of growth may be short-lived, as Uranus gears up to enter Taurus in May, signaling potential economic upheaval, particularly for the United States. Stay tuned for further insights in the coming months as the cosmic dance continues with Uranus’s entry in sidereal Taurus towards the end of May.

Retrograde Mercury (April 2-26) 

On April 2, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aries. It remains retrograde in Aries until April 10, and then with its continued retrograde motion it returns to the preceding sign Pisces. It stays in Pisces till it becomes direct on April 26.

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 military personnel, politicians, business leaders, and leaders in general.  On the other hand, the retrograde Mercury in Pisces means more challenging periods for nurses, hospital personnel, social reformers, priests, charity organizations, fishermen, cruises, 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 active, 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 currently transiting through in your transit chart.

Total Solar Eclipse (April 8)

A total solar eclipse occurs on April 8 approximately during the hours of 16:00 – 21:00 GMT. The partial eclipse begins at 15:42 GMT; then the total eclipse begins at 16:38 GMT culminating into Greatest at about 18:18 GMT.  The longest duration of totality is about 4 ½ minutes and it occurs in Mexico.  The total eclipse will be visible in the entire North American continent from Mexico to Canada.

This eclipse is very strong and intense since the Sun and Moon will be within 3 to 4 degrees from Rahu, the ascending node in the sidereal zodiac sign Pisces. Consequently this eclipse, according to Vedic astrology, is likely to be unfavorable for those who have sidereal Pisces rising or Pisces as moon sign. 

For those who have the lunar nodes in conjunction with either Sun or Moon in their natal charts might want to be extra careful. Take extra precaution.

On world scene, the next 4 to 6 weeks following the eclipse, the continent of North America might experience very challenging period.

Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in sidereal Aries (April 15-26)

While Jupiter deals with outward and material things, Uranus’s energy results in events that are very sudden and with tremendous power and intensity.

Jupiter-Uranus conjunction occurs once (actually it can be 2-3 times with in a year’s period due to their retrograde motions) in about 14 years. If you have such conjunction in your birth chart and if you have any one of these two planets is active in your Gochar (transit) chart then you are certainly going to experience an extreme transformation (irreversible change) in your beliefs and moral values that you have been attached to. This period is challenging and of transformation.  If you overcome the challenge it’s time for marching ahead with a quantum step in the process of your own self-discovery (or evolution). 

On the world scene, world religions are likely to be challenged with earthshaking ideas that they must attend to. Those religious leaders, who are willing to be open minded and ready to listen and act on new and fresh ideas, are the ones that going to be responsible to transform our religious world to a new level. Others will fade away with time. 

Jupiter’s entry in Sidereal Taurus– a year of material expansion!

On April 30, 2024 Jupiter leaves sidereal Aries and enters the next zodiac sign, Taurus.  Jupiter’s transit from one zodiac sign to the next occurs, on average, once a year. Taurus being a fixed and earth sign ruled by Venus, Jupiter in Taurus has a tendency to enhance material prosperity of those who have well placed and connected Venus and Jupiter in their birth charts. The transit of Jupiter in the earth (material) sign Taurus is always positive from material expansion and prosperity standpoint. It must be noted that for an individual person, despite Jupiter’s positive influence on world material prosperity, effects of other planets in that individual’s birth chart should be taken into account to assess the net result or effect.

At a collective level, Jupiter’s transit in Taurus means: the influence of entrepreneurs, money keepers (banks, brokerage houses, financial institutes, etc.,) will shape the future direction of our world and human evolution through not only the material expansion, but also through philosophical and spiritual debates. In general, the Taurus Jupiter is known to be very favorable for world material and wealth expansion. So from that perspective expect some positive economic changes during this period and welcome the Jupiter’s entry in Taurus.

On an individual level, for those who have dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and have Taurus, Aries, Capricorn, Scorpio, Virgo, or Cancer as their natal ninefold (Navamansa) ascendant are likely to experience a very positive twelve months beginning May 1.

Neptune in sidereal Pisces

Pisces being a water and mutable sign ruled by Jupiter some of its significant characteristics are: Divine, fruitful, fertile, emotional, honest, outspoken, religious, spiritual, nonviolent, polite, modest, moody, affectionate, hermit, psychic, water, compassion, love, heart connection, non-verbal communication and introvert. These qualities complement very well with qualities of Neptune that include: spiritual, intuitive, divine, psychic, magical, highly emotional, moody, clairvoyant, inspiration, imaginative, love, compassionate and mystical. 

As a result, a subtle and slow change in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions has certainly been going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before. This era (next 11 years or so) will be remembered as the period of spiritual inspiration and transformation. Interestingly, this era also complements well with the era of Pluto’s transit in sidereal Capricorn (a sign ruled by spiritual Saturn) that runs in parallel during the same time. The way we have been used to deal with religions will no longer be our norms.  Our moral codes will be greatly influenced by our collective spiritual experiences. And in that sense a subtle but most effective transformation of world morality during this unique era of the next 11 years is likely to take us to a level where the norms solely based on spiritual experiences will dictate and guide our lives with new level of understanding.  

Pisces, being the sign for poets, musicians, singers, monks, religious leaders, spiritual leaders, nurses, nuns, social workers, caregivers, saints, psychics, actors, sailors and ship captains, these respective fields will go through significant transformations. And these transformations will be reflected in the new norms of morality and ethics, expansion of our collective psychic abilities and mystical experiences keeping in line with steady progress in our ability to directly perceive truth. Also, creativity in areas of music will likely complement our spiritual progress. 

In scientific and technological areas, a lot of drastic changes and emerging new ideas coupled with mystical experiences will find their way into innovations and discoveries.  However, it will be the first time the scientific and technological research will be more focused in areas that will bridge the gap between the science and morality. The likely areas of research will be in spiritual healing, and life-force related activities, looking for ways to tap new sources of energy without disturbing global climate (recent news about the possibility of harnessing energy from nuclear fission and minimizing the usage of fossil fuels will very likely be materialized in next 11 years). The return to the holistic and Ayurvedic practices and alternate medicines are also very likely. The availability of inexpensive generic drugs for those who cannot afford the expensive brand name drugs is becoming reality. A new wave of philosophers and philanthropist with their new perspectives on living, in general, will certainly transform our world in next 11 years with a new level of understanding of life.

However with Rahu’s (the north lunar node) transit in sidereal Pisces, for next 12 months, the Neptune’s positive energy is going to be countered by Rahu and gets stalled as new challenges emerge that must be dealt.  In that sense, for a short term Neptune’s downside is likely to become more significant than normal. As a result, the religious leaders and social reformers may tend to form cults and spread cult like activities, rise in organized religion scandals, deceptive activities under the disguise of promise of spiritual experiences are likely to be on rise in certain parts of the world.  The scandals of the secretive collaboration between the medical doctors and pharmaceutical industries will continue to be exposed.  The increase usage of mind altering drugs, disregard for social and to some extent moral responsibility, rise in mental disorders, and losing the touch with reality are some of the likely symptoms of the negative side of Neptune. One of the prominent fall-outs of the Piscean Neptune will be a significant decline of authoritarian regime’s influence around the world.  However, with Rahu’s transit in Pisces, Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes may temporarily get upper hand for next 12 months or so as Rahu’s energy counters Neptune’s energy creating a favorable period for authoritarian regime.

On individual level for those who have water sign (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) as their ascendant in their natal ninefold (Navamansh) chart should get ready for a brand new and long lasting (11 years) cycle of change, especially a very pronounced cycle for those who have Neptune as a dominant planet in their birth charts. The changes that might occur would be very subtle and would deal with new or renewed interest in spirituality, openness, psychic abilities to perceive truth, divine experiences, transformed perceptions and beliefs, and the way of living.  

Russian-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas war and senseless killings

The intensity of Russian-Ukraine war has been steady at a remarkable speed with both sides incurring severe human tolls and destruction of wealth. The war continues with Ukraine slightly losing more ground. Going forward, due to Rahu’s transit in Pisces, the Russian president Putin, although for a short term, is likely to become successful in expanding the war and his control in dealing with the uprising in Russia. However, until the Russian president Putin loses his grip and becomes powerless this war is not going to end and so will be killings of innocent civilians.

For Israel-Hamas war, it seems that it has been losing its momentum and continues to temporarily subside. However, it’s a perpetual conflict that is likely to be around for a long time unless until there’s a spiritual awakening in that region of the world that transcends religion based conflict.

President Biden’s challenges in April

For President Biden, April provides him with a picture of mix energy. While some challenges persist, overall, the month appears reasonably favorable from a political standpoint.

From Pluto’s energy standpoint, during April his popularity is likely to rise. Success is poised to rise accompanied by recognition. His outlook remains optimistic.

As for Venus, until April 6, it presents challenges. The President may grapple with campaign-related stress and potential legal matters. It’s a period that demands resilience and strategic handling.

From the Sun’s energy point of view, until April 13, Sun’s transit remains favorable assuring political success, rise in popularity and acknowledgement. However, post- April 13, health concerns and potential friction with cabinet members may arise.

After April 6, the energies of Uranus and Neptune come into play. Uranus empowers President Biden to successfully confront challenges, fostering political achievements. Yet, Neptune’s influence introduces an element of deception and confusion, necessitating discernment.

In summary, April presents a dynamic interplay of energies. Despite the mix, the overall political landscape remains reasonably favorable for President Biden

Global Insights……..

The important challenging planetary configurations for April include:  Pluto-Neptune (April 13 – May 6) and Neptune-Rahu (April 14-21) ninefold quincunxes; Saturn-Rahu/Ketu (April14-17) ninefold squares; Saturn-Mars (April 9-11), Neptune-Mars (April 28-30) conjunctions.

The energy of the Pluto-Neptune ninefold quincunx, occurring from April 13 to May 6, could potentially become responsible for an outbreak of violence and terrorist activities in regions such as Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Specifically, countries like Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine may be affected. Additionally, there is a likelihood of both natural and man-made calamities during this period. Some East-European countries, Russia, and China might also experience political and social turmoil.

The energy of the Neptune-Rahu ninefold quincunx, occurring from April 14-21, could potentially become responsible for economic turmoil in Russia and China. Covert activities around the world may gain new momentum (although Neptune’s secretive nature might keep us in the dark) concerning terrorism and other international conflicts.”

The manifestation of the energy of the Saturn-Rahu/Ketu ninefold squares, occurring from April 14 to April 17, may be reflected in barbaric activities worldwide, which are likely to increase. Terrorists could be successful in creating confusion and chaos. Social turmoil in Europe and Russia is also likely. Religious activities might get stalled for no apparent reason.

The energy of the Saturn-Mars conjunction, occurring from April 9 to April 11, may potentially lead to a short-term but highly intense friction between India and Pakistan. The likelihood of terrorism and violence, particularly in the Israel-Palestine area, is expected to rise. Additionally, there is a real possibility of an undesirable event and significant occurrences of both natural and man-made calamities during this period.

The energy of the Neptune-Mars conjunction, occurring from April 28 to April 30, may potentially lead to a peak in covert activities. Notably, both China and Russia are likely to experience drastic changes in the political arena, which will significantly influence the psyche of these nations at a deeper level.

The important auspicious planetary configurations for April include: Uranus-Saturn (April 4-15), Neptune-Uranus (April 10 – May 7), Neptune-Saturn (April 10-18) and Pluto-Uranus (April 19 – May 1) ninefold trines; Pluto-Rahu (April 9-19) ninefold sextile and Uranus-Jupiter (April 15-26) conjunction.

The energy of the Uranus-Saturn ninefold trine, occurring from April 4 to April 15, may bring a positive period for religious activities worldwide. Additionally, this is an opportune time for the USA to make extraordinary progress in enhancing its image both internationally and domestically.

The manifestation of the Neptune-Uranus ninefold trine, occurring from April 10 to May 7, may be reflected in a wonderful period for collective spiritual growth, technological discoveries, and inventions. Expect some new and important technological breakthroughs during this month. For the United States, in general, it’s going to be a remarkable and very successful period.

The Neptune-Saturn ninefold trine, occurring from April 10 to April 18, may contribute to a better period for Russia and China. Moreover, most technological areas, especially in the medical field, are likely to make significant progress through inventions and discoveries. Spiritual and religious activities are also likely to impart positive energy, creating a very healthy atmosphere around us.

The energy of the Pluto-Uranus ninefold trine, occurring from April 19 to May 1, may be reflected in an extraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions. Expect some new and important technological breakthroughs during this month. For the United States, in general, this month is going to be remarkable and successful.

The Pluto-Rahu ninefold sextile, occurring from April 9 to April 19, may be responsible for excellent progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.

Finally, the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction, which occurs once in about 14 years (from April 15 to April 26), will likely bring challenges and earthshaking ideas in the world of religions. Religious leaders who are open-minded and willing to listen and act on new and fresh ideas will be responsible for transforming our religious world to a new level. Others may fade away with time.

The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are:  The United States, Ukraine, Russia, China, Middle-East and India-Pakistan region.

Natural and Man-made Calamities……..

The natural calamities like extreme weather conditions, wildfires, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow storms, air crashes as well as manmade accidents are likely to occur almost through the entire month, more specifically, during April 14-21.

Earthquakes: Based on a new Earthquake prediction model (the work is still in progress), the earthquake(s) of magnitude 6.9 or higher, if occur, are likely to occur on following dates and Times and possible locations: Earthquake Predictions 2024.  Please note that these hourly predictions refer to the Universal time (GMT).

While man-made calamities may manifest themselves in terrorism, unrest, violence, accidents, and air crashes, the natural calamities are likely to include extreme weather conditions such as severe cold winters, and equally intensive droughts, hurricanes or typhoons, thunderstorms, earthquakes and fires