Date Posted: March 31, 2023
It’s Retrograde Mercury time! On April 21, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aries. It will stay retrograde in Virgo all the time until it becomes direct on May 15. Typically retrograde Mercury means anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missing deadlines, unforeseen obstacles and disappointment in daily chores.
Jupiter’s transit in Aries on April 21 is one of the major planetary events for April. Aries being a fire and cardinal sign ruled by friendly Mars, Jupiter’s energy will be responsible in playing the role of an advisor to the leaders of the worlds in almost every area of life. Therefore, for the entire world, in general, it’s going to be an exciting time filled with justice and morality as Jupiter’s energy makes difference. Aries Jupiter deals with world politics, world leaderships, material expansion, creating new norms in philosophy, judiciary system, social justice, morality, and religion.
Neptune’s transit in Pisces continues to be a major planetary story for 2023 as it was outlined in detail below. A subtle and slow change in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions has been certainly going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before. This era (next 14 years) will be remembered as the period of spiritual inspiration and transformation.
And finally, although Jupiter-Rahu conjunction in Aries that occurs more intensely within three degrees during May 17 – June 9, 2023, a glimpse of what to come later may occur during the last week of April, a possibility of a severe religious or morality crisis as well as shift in world power.
Retrograde Mercury (April 21 – May 15)
On April 21, the planet Mercury becomes retrograde in sidereal Aries. It will stay retrograde in Virgo all the time until it becomes direct on May 15. 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 people in power, military personnel, soldiers, money managers, reformers and leaders. This is not a good time 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 as your active planet, then you are more likely to experience pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period with respect to matters signified by the house it’s currently transiting through in your Gochar (transit) chart. However, for those who have Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, Virgo, Cancer or Gemini as their ninefold ascendant are least likely to be affected during this period.
Jupiter’s transit in the sidereal zodiac sign Aries (April 21)
On April 21, Jupiter leaves sidereal Pisces and enters the next zodiac sign, Aries. Jupiter’s transit from one zodiac sign to the next occurs, on average, once a year. Aries being a fire and cardinal sign ruled by friendly Mars, Jupiter’s energy will be responsible in playing the role of an advisor to the leaders of the worlds in almost every area of life. Therefore, for the entire world, in general, it’s going to be an exciting time filled with justice and morality as Jupiter’s energy makes difference. Aries Jupiter deals with world politics, world leaderships, material expansion, creating new norms in philosophy, judiciary system, social justice, morality, and religion.
Jupiter stays in Aries until May 1, 2024. While in Aries, being a cardinal and fire sign ruled by Mars, Jupiter in Aries has a tendency to enhance power and leadership of those who have well placed and well connected Mars and Jupiter in their birth charts while others likely to experience their power diminish. In general, transit of Jupiter in Aries is positive. For one thing, some of the factions around the world as well as individuals are likely to gain more power and authority in their respective fields. (It must be noted that despite Jupiter’s positive influence on power and authority, influence of other planets should be taken into consideration to assess the net effect). In addition, the influence of contemporary lead philosophers and social reformers on society will shape the future direction of our human evolution through the philosophical and social debates.
Since Jupiter will be in conjunction within three degrees with the north lunar node Rahu during May 17 – June 9, 2023 in Aries, the possibilities of a severe religious or morality crisis as well as shift in world power are very likely. Certainly the way we have the religious and morality based norms today will be challenged by the new forces of human evolution. And the world politics and a shift in balance of power will exhibit unprecedented crisis. The contemporary philosophers, social reformers and all those who have power to influence people with their unique intelligence based talents will enjoy this period to its fullest.
On individual levels, for those who have dominant Jupiter in their birth charts and have Pisces (money), Sagittarius (romance, creativity), Libra (marriage), Virgo (money), Leo(luck), Gemini (friends, recognition and money) as their natal ninefold ascendant are likely to experience a very positive period beginning April 21.
Neptune’s reentry in sidereal Pisces (Feb 15)
After being retrograde, Neptune returned to Pisces on February 15 and continues to transit through Pisces for the following 14 years (till mid 2036). Neptune being the spiritual planets of our solar system that deal more with heart than mind, it will certainly affect the matters related to Pisces in a significant way.
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 is certainly going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before. This era (next 14 years) 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 14 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 14 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. Thanks to Mark Cuban and Amazon who are already filling up the prescriptions at almost no cost for many. A new wave of philosophers and philanthropist with their new perspectives on living, in general, will certainly transform our world in next 14 years with a new level of understanding of life.
On the downside, 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. Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes will continue to lose their hold as they face the forces of our collective spiritual transformation.
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 (14 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.
Saturn’s return to sidereal Aquarius (Jan 17)
On January 17, Saturn returned to the sidereal Aquarius and will stay in Aquarius until March 29, 2025.
What does Saturn in the sidereal Aquarius mean?
Aquarius being the air (intelligence) and fixed (perseverance) sign, Saturn’s energy will likely be strongly reflected in the scientific research that deal with information technology which help us collectively bring us together at a phenomenal rate leading to a new level of understanding of this world as a part of the process of our spiritual growth.
Thus, philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders (not religious leaders) and peace-makers will shape our world with better clarity and purpose.
On the downside, some of the prominent social media and internet related companies (would Fox media network be one of them?) likely to go under and replaced with new companies as a part of Saturn/Pluto’s transformation process.
Those who have Saturn in Aquarius (Saturn return) in their natal charts have already been experiencing Saturn’s energy as their lives transformed to a new settings due to a drastic change (mostly) at mental and psychological levels. In my opinion, despite a painful period of frustration due to unexpected drastic changes in life, it’s going to be an exciting period for those who have dominant Saturn in their birth chart and have Aries, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant.
Russian-Ukraine war and senseless killings
While the intensity of Russian-Ukraine war may seem to be diminishing, this war is very likely to continue on and off for a long time. In addition to the on the ground fighting, It is likely to continue more intensely in Cyber-space. 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.
President Biden’s challenges in April
For President Biden, April looks to be unfavorable and politically frustrating.
As it was pointed out in the past several months, according to his current Dasa in Vedic astrology, he has been in a Saturn’s major cycle of 19 years since September 8, 2022. This is a major cycle shift, and since then it has been slowly but certainly reflected in his achievements as a commander in chief. In a long term, things will look to be slowly falling in place for him.
In my opinion, it is because in his natal chart, the Taurus Saturn rules the third and the fourth house, and occupies the 7th house. It sextiles Pluto within three degrees, a very favorable aspect, especially when Pluto being in the Nakshatra (constellation) ruled by Saturn becomes a very important and active planet for him for the next 19 years. During the next 17-18 years the transiting Pluto will be in the 4th house of his transit chart, thus making it an extremely powerful planet of politics for him going forward.
As for this month, with Saturn’s major, intermediate cycle and Mercury’s sub-cycle, the planets that fall in the constellations ruled by Saturn and Mercury become active, and they are: Pluto, Venus and Sun and Mercury.
Presently the transiting Pluto is going to be in the 4thhouse, and in the 5th house of his ninefold transit chart. Despite being nonstop challenged by his adversaries, he still will slowly continue to pave his way by figuring out the political solutions and effectively govern the country.
As for Venus, after April 6, it’s going to be challenging for him as he will be struggling to deal with apparent setbacks and disappointment in carrying out his agenda. In addition, especially during the second half of the month, he might want to be careful with people surrounding him, especially females.
From the Sun’s energy point of view, until April 15, he can expect a successful period with recognition, fame and happiness. But after that he may have to deal with some minor health issues and stress.
The energy of Mercury seems to make him exhaustive and frustrated for the entire month as he will be unsuccessfully dealing with his adversaries.
Thus, in summary, April looks to be unfavorable and politically frustrating for him.
Global Insights……..
The important challenging planetary configurations for April include: Saturn-Rahu (April 17-21) ninefold opposition.
The energy of the Saturn-Rahu (April 17-21) ninefold opposition may become responsible for social or political unrest in Russia and/or China. Also, in the United State for the Republican Party and republicans it may prove to be prudent to stay on guard during this period.
The important auspicious planetary configurations for April include Pluto-Uranus (March 21 – April 9), Uranus-Rahu (April 17-22), Pluto-Rahu (April 28 – May 10) ninefold trines, Saturn-Rahu (April 12-26) sextile, Pluto-Saturn (April 6-12) and Uranus-Saturn (April 9 – May 1) ninefold sextiles.
The manifestation of energy of the Pluto-Uranus (March 21 – April 9) ninefold trine maybe reflected in an extraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions. Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this second half of the month. For the United States, in particular, this period is going to be remarkable and successful one.
The energy of the Uranus-Rahu (April 17-22) and Pluto-Rahu (April 28 – May 10) ninefold trines may become responsible for an excellent period for economy. In addition, this period is great for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.
The Saturn-Rahu (April 12-26) sextile is likely to become responsible for a favorable period for European economy. The Republican Party and republicans may also find themselves at a better place in politics.
The manifestation of energy of the Pluto-Saturn (April 6-12) and Uranus-Saturn (April 9 – May 1) ninefold sextiles maybe reflected in expansion of religious activities all around the world with new vigor and energy as well as progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries. Conservatives will find ways to compromise with liberals on sticky issues. Democrats and Republicans will agree on more matters than the ones they disagree. This is a good time to get those lingering bills passed in U.S. Congress and Senates. China and Russia are likely to experience some mild setbacks in their foreign policies, especially the ones that deal with the United States.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: The United States, Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China.
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 during April 17-23.
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 2023. 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