Mars continues its direct movement through Cancer.  While Mars is considered debilitated in this position, it is now moving direct which generally allows projects to move forward with less hesitation.  However, Mercury will turn retrograde in Aries (Mars’ sign) on Saturday, 4/17 which may hinder certain projects from moving forward easily. 

   Mercury is now in Aries and will retrograde between 4/17 - 5/11.  Therefore, try to complete important purchases or contracts prior to the Mercury retrograde period.  Communication mix-ups, travel delays, various mechanical breakdowns, and vehicle problems are more likely during such a transit of Mercury.  Allow some extra time for travel and check your car battery, tires and mechanicals.  The fact that Mars is in debilitation and Mercury is retrograding through a sign ruled by Mars (Aries), emphasizes the need to repair and regenerate.  This repair process may involve vehicles, property, landscape (gardens), as well as physical health improvements.  Mercury’s retrograde transit through Bharani and part of Aswini nakshatras will focus attention on cleansing, getting rid of anything that is no longer necessary in your life (material and non-material), and improving one’s physical health.    This Mercury transit is beneficial for such activities.

   The Sun moves into Aries, its strongest exalted position of the year, on 4/14 through 5/14/10.  This adds energy, vitality, drive and motivation to the atmosphere and will help to advance healing processes, creating new products, as well as athletics and pioneering projects.  However, there may be some delay or frustration in getting these desires to manifest in April due to Mercury and Mars’ weaker positions, respectively.   Still, an exalted Sun will aid in advancing projects and taking the necessary steps toward meeting one’s goals.  A strong Sun provides a burst of energy, independence and leadership capacity. 

   Venus will move into its own strong sign of Taurus on 4/20 and transit there until 5/15/10.  Venus will be strong in this position and promote real estate ventures, financial growth, the desire to make more purchases to beautify the environment, strength for animals, relationships and general happiness.  Venus gets a bit stronger in May when it transits through Rohini nakshatra, emphasizing artistic endeavors, creativity, and relationships.   Be cautious, however, of signing contracts while Mercury is retrograde (4/17 – 5/11/10), especially when pertaining to important matters, real estate or property sales.  Buyers or sellers may change their mind and create complications or delays with such transactions. 

   Jupiter continues its late transit through Aquarius and will enter its strong sign of Pisces on May 2^nd  (to be discussed in detail in the May newsletter).  The fact that the U.S. has recently entered the Mars/Jupiter period, and Jupiter is strong in the Rasi and D-4 varga chart bodes well for improvements in real estate and prosperity in general.  I believe we will witness some nice strength in this area throughout the late spring and summer months. 

   In sum, April 2010 is a good month for cleansing, reorienting your priorities, taking steps to get your life in order, attending to health improvements, repairing, performing maintenance and/or rejuvenating the home, vehicles or other mechanicals.