Overview
The transit of Saturn in sidereal Aquarius is a significant planetary event that continues to dominate astrological discussions in 2023. According to the 2023 annual predictions, the transformational process initiated by Saturn and Pluto could have a downside, as some of the leading social media and internet-related companies may face closure and be replaced by new ones.
This prediction was discussed in detail in the past few months and was highlighted in the article “Beginning of upheaval in Social Media Industries”. The article further stated that prominent companies in the industry, such as Fox media network, may be affected by this transformation process.
Recent news regarding Fox and CNN cable news companies seems to align with this prediction. The exits of Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon from the cable news landscape on Monday marked the end of an era for their industry, which has been characterized as the most combative and partisan since Ted Turner introduced the concept of 24-hour news to television over 40 years ago.
Currently, Mercury is retrograde in sidereal Aries, and it will remain so until May 15, when it becomes direct. This retrograde phase is often associated with communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missed deadlines, and unforeseen obstacles. People may also experience anxieties and disappointments in their daily chores during this time.
On the other hand, one of the significant planetary events of 2023 is Jupiter’s transit in sidereal Aries. As Aries is a fire and cardinal sign ruled by Mars, Jupiter’s energy will act as an advisor to world leaders in various fields of life. This transit is expected to bring justice and morality to the world, and it is not surprising to see supreme courts making headlines every day. Aries Jupiter deals with world politics, leadership, material expansion, and creating new norms in philosophy, judiciary system, social justice, morality, and religion.
Another significant planetary event of 2023 is Neptune’s transit in Pisces, as highlighted in the previous discussion. The ongoing Ukraine-Russia war continues to take countless lives and cause material destruction.
Lastly, the Jupiter-Rahu conjunction in Aries, which intensifies within three degrees between May 17 and June 9, 2023, may result in a severe religious or morality crisis and shift in world power.
Beginning of upheaval in Social Media Industries
Could the social media industry be facing an upheaval? Saturn’s return to sidereal Aquarius on January 17 suggests that this is a possibility. Saturn will remain in Aquarius until March 29, 2025, and during this time, its energy will be strongly reflected in scientific research related to information technology and artificial intelligence. This will bring people together at an unprecedented rate, leading to a new level of understanding and spiritual growth.
As a result, the world will be shaped by philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders (not religious leaders), and peace-makers with greater clarity and purpose. However, some prominent social media, news media, and internet-related companies (such as Fox media network) may face closure and be replaced by new companies as part of Saturn/Pluto’s transformation process.
Individuals with Saturn in Aquarius, also known as a Saturn return, in their natal charts may have already experienced Saturn’s transformative energy. This can lead to drastic changes in their lives, mostly at the mental and psychological levels. Despite the potential for frustration during this period, it could be an exciting time for those who have dominant Saturn in their birth chart and have Aries, Taurus, Virgo, and Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant. They may experience personal growth and transformation during this time.
Retrograde Mercury
As of April 21, the planet Mercury has become retrograde in sidereal Aries and will remain so until it becomes direct on May 15. Retrograde Mercury is often associated with anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and disappointment in daily chores.
Furthermore, retrograde Mercury in Aries may result in frustrating periods for people in power, military personnel, soldiers, money managers, reformers, and leaders. This is not a favorable time to start new projects or ventures, but rather a period for reflection on what has been done so far. It is also a good time to tackle tasks that have been postponed due to a lack of time, such as cleaning out a closet or doing other chores.
If Mercury is a dominant planet in your birth chart and currently your active planet, you are more likely to experience pronounced effects of retrograde Mercury during this period, particularly in matters related to the house it is transiting in your Gochar (transit) chart. However, those who have Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, Virgo, Cancer, or Gemini as their ninefold ascendant are least likely to be affected during this period.
Justice and Morality
Jupiter’s transit into the sidereal zodiac sign Aries on April 21 is significant. Aries, being a cardinal and fire sign ruled by Mars, will be influenced by Jupiter’s energy. Jupiter is expected to play the role of an advisor to world leaders in almost every area of life, making it an exciting time filled with justice and morality for the entire world. Aries Jupiter deals with world politics, leadership, material expansion, creating new norms in philosophy, the judiciary system, social justice, morality, and religion.
Jupiter will remain in Aries until May 1, 2024, and its influence will tend to enhance the power and leadership of those who have well-placed and well-connected Mars and Jupiter in their birth charts, while others may experience a decrease in power. While in Aries, Jupiter’s positive influence will enable some factions and individuals to gain more power and authority in their respective fields. However, the influence of other planets must be considered to assess the net effect.
Jupiter’s conjunction with the north lunar node Rahu within three degrees between May 17 and June 9, 2023, in Aries is noteworthy. This may lead to a severe religious or morality crisis and a shift in world power. The current religious and morality-based norms will be challenged by the new forces of human evolution, and world politics may experience an unprecedented crisis. Nevertheless, contemporary philosophers, social reformers, and those who have the power to influence people with their unique talents will enjoy this period to its fullest.
On an individual level, 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 positive period beginning April 21.
Opportunity for Spiritual Transformation
The Jupiter-Pluto square is a significant planetary event, particularly for those who deal with religion, religious institutes, and academic institutions. This square occurs approximately once every forty months and lasts for around eleven months. However, it will be within a degree of intensity between May 4-21, making it a particularly intense time.
The square will create religious and academic challenges as the planet Pluto, with its tremendous energy, has the power to transform these fields irreversibly to a new level or setting with a new set of norms. If Jupiter and Pluto are in square in your birth chart, or if either of these planets’ energy is currently active for you via your transit chart, you are likely to face new challenges in your life. Depending on the houses these planets occupy in your birth chart, you are likely to have a completely new and challenging experience in that particular field. However, if you succeed in accepting this new challenge, you could receive great rewards.
On a collective level, religious, academic, and social fields are very likely to see changes in their respective fields. While the initial reaction to change may appear confusing and perhaps chaotic, a majority of us are likely to embrace this new wave of change and enjoy it. This period offers an opportunity for spiritual transformation, and we should be ready to face and embrace the challenges that come with it.
Religious Upheaval
The Rahu-Jupiter conjunction occurs about once every seven years and is expected to be within three degrees of intensity from May 17 to June 9, making it a very intensive period. While this conjunction is likely to temporarily favor orthodox and ultra-conservative religious authorities, it also has the potential to sow the seeds of self-destruction for those authorities (Guru Chandal Yog). As a result, some sort of religious upheaval or conflict is likely to surface during this period, and fake religious leaders are likely to take advantage of people’s vulnerability by playing with their emotions and beliefs.
Individuals with favorable Rahu-Jupiter aspects in their birth charts are likely to see positive changes occurring in their lives during this period. However, those with lunar nodes squaring Jupiter may face some rough times.
On a collective level, the Rahu-Jupiter conjunction’s influence on religion may slow down social progress, humanitarian efforts, and charity work. Morality, in general, is likely to take a backseat during this period. Nevertheless, we should remain vigilant and resist the allure of false religious leaders who may take advantage of vulnerable people. Instead, we should strive to uphold true values and principles and work towards positive change in our communities.
Global Insights
The important challenging possibilities for May include:
May 1-21: An outbreak(s) of violence and terrorist activities in Russia, Ukraine and in the Middle east region, especially in Syria, Iran, Israel and Palestine region. Also, the occurrences of natural as well as man-made calamities are real possibilities during this period. Russia and China may experience political as well as social turmoil.
May 1-14: Religious leaders likely to face serious challenges due to domination and spread of non-traditional way of living.
May 13-19: 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.
May 14-21: Irreversible changes in religious, moral and spiritual worlds. The changes are likely to be very subtle but strong and we may not see or feel them until after quite some time.
May 19-21: Likelihood of disastrous events and both natural and man-made calamities all around the world.
May 24-26: Natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives.
May 24-30: We might witness noticeable changes in world of religions affecting our norms of morality and living.
May 26 – June 4: A transformation of political strategy to bring a change in the current political agenda, and foreign policy matters of the USA as the planet Pluto with its tremendous energy has a power of irreversibly transforming the field of politics to a new level or setting with a new set of norms. Expect some serious issues that the Biden administration could get tangled with.
The important auspicious possibilities for April include:
April 28 – May 10: An excellent period for economy. In addition, this period is great for progress in technical fields (new innovations and discoveries) and religious reconciliation.
May 21 – June 12: An expansion of religious activities with new vigor and energy. Conservatives in the United States 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.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: Russia, Ukraine and China, United States, the Middle East Region and Europe.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Mars-Pluto Opposition (May 19-22)
This short period of 3 to 4 days is likely to be very frustrating for those who have Mars-Pluto opposition, conjunction or square in their natal charts. Typically, this opposition is very unfavorable. Unexpected problems are likely to occur with astonishing speed and without any notice. For those who have such opposition or conjunction in their birth chart, and if they have any one of these planets active through their current Gochar (transit) charts need to be on guard. Stay very low key, not make any new commitment, and avoid taking any sort of new risk. Also, experiences like a sudden incident of fire, or an accident involving explosive material are likely.
Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile (May 21– June 12)
Uranus-Saturn ninefold sextile is going to be favorable for you if these planets are favorably placed in your natal chart. Expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions, and improved prestige in professional and social fields. The idea 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 the ride.
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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