The April 19 Solar Eclipse at the very end of Aries was potent, and Mercury turned retrograde on April 21. We have a Lunar Eclipse next week (May 5) that, frankly, looks like an emotional doozy. How are you doing? Really, I’d love to know. Send me a note or book an appointment.
WELCOME TO TAURUS SEASON TIMES 10!
The spotlight is on Taurus in May, with the North Node, Sun, Mercury, and Uranus lined up in this solid earth sign. Although the Sun moves to Gemini on May 21, Taurus remains an important part of the zodiac for all of us – especially for anyone with planets or important points in the fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo & Aquarius). Here is what’s going on in Taurus:
- Mercury turns direct May 14, but doesn’t leave Taurus until June 11
- Jupiter moves in May 16 and stays until May 2024
- Uranus keeps plowing here until July 2025
- The Moon comes through every month for about 2 ½ days, acting as a highlighter
There is a fascinating amount of activity in the middle of the sign, at 15°!
- Uranus turned direct at 15° on Jan 22
- The Sun will be at 15° Taurus for the May 5 lunar eclipse (Moon at 15° Scorpio)
- Mercury retrogrades from 15 to 5°
- Jupiter follows Mercury’s path exactly, retrograding 15-5° Taurus from Sept 4 to Dec 30!
I’ve been mulling about what this might mean. Fifteen degrees is a strong part of Taurus for the Moon, Venus & Jupiter. These planets are all associated with fertility and growth, making me optimistic. Using tarot cards, the middle part of Taurus correlates with the 6 of Pentacles.
It portrays charitable action, a wealthy person distributing coins to beggars. One ancient text describes this part of the zodiac as “the face of nobility and power, and rewarding the people”. Other sources use symbols of agricultural abundance. The theme I’ve seen is using resources to help common people.
Maybe student loan forgiveness programs will finally be implemented, or another widespread benefit to boost well-being. Just a few days ago, President Biden issued an executive order focused on increasing access to care services and supporting caregivers. I also thought about abundant rainfall in areas of drought, which brings its own issues but ultimately replenishes life.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mercury reaches the middle of its retrograde cycle on May 1, when Mercury reaches the heart of our Sun. This is an important moment when you may get insight or clarity that helps direct you. Pluto stations retrograde on the same day, so any messages or news may bring strong feelings.
The May 5 lunar eclipse at 15 Scorpio is a BIG deal. There are multiple aspects that indicate it will be emotionally intense, bringing surprising changes in the world. You’re more likely to have a personal effect if you have planets or points in the fixed signs. Social turbulence is highly likely. You’re going to notice this eclipse. It’s not a good time to start projects or try to solve interpersonal conflicts.
Right before it, we have Venus square idealistic Neptune and sextile expansive Jupiter (May 4). She moves into sensitive Cancer on May 7 and may make us extra-emotional, especially in relationship matters (romantic or friendship). If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed – even if you’re not – look for sweet release in Nature or the Arts. These aspects are an interesting fit for the 2nd weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I predict last-minute schedule changes and some unforgettable, soul-stirring performances. If crowds aren’t your thing, head to the country or the beach.
Tuesday May 9, the Sun holds its annual meeting with Uranus (19 Taurus). It’s a perfect day for brainstorming or creative self-expression. Not so perfect for accomplishing anything with other people. Everyone gets a dose of “got to be ME!” Seriously, avoid planning meetings May 4 -10 if you can. Do solo work. There are more helpful aspects for communication and sharing at the end of the week when Mercury and Venus move into a sextile with each other and trine to Saturn.
I’d like to tell you things settle down, but, not really…
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR MAY 16-24
Mercury turns direct (hurray!) on May 14, and Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16. Those are nice, but Jupiter’s first aspect in Taurus is a square to Pluto. This is another BIG deal because two outer planets are in a challenging relationship with each other. It’s a new chapter in the Jupiter-Pluto story from April 2020, and the Moon enters Taurus on May 17 to highlight it. Mars amplifies things, forming a T-square pattern with Jupiter & Pluto and a minor grand trine with Neptune and the New Moon.
Essentially, this Mars-Jupiter-Pluto combination has the potential for massive evolutionary moves. It can give you fuel for substantial achievements and increase your enthusiasm and effectiveness. At its best, it can lead to productive breakthroughs. But there is also a distinct possibility for ruthless, power-seeking behaviors and aggressive tactics. Expect big world news.
Exact dates:
May 17 Jupiter in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius (1°)
May 19 New Moon in Taurus (29°)
May 20 Mars enters Leo
May 21 Mars in Leo opposes Pluto in Aquarius (1°)
May 23 Mars in Leo square Jupiter in Taurus (1.5°)
Mark the calendar from May 16-24 to wear your safety gear, literal and metaphorical. You may have a big boost of energy or drive, and that is terrific. DO THE THINGS. Just don’t get impatient and take careless risks. Be mindful of others. Powerful urges of all kinds will abound.
REST & RECHARGE
Moving into Memorial Day weekend, you might want to relax and recharge. The Sun squares Saturn on May 28. This focuses attention on limitations, delays, and barriers. After the eclipses and the Mars-Jupiter-Pluto challenge, it could be a low-energy, melancholic time. Don’t let it get you down; there are productive, realistic, and helpful alignments in June.
We all have an obligation to daydream. We have an obligation to imagine. It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge, and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different. - Neil Gaiman
Golden Hours
A quick look at dates and times I’ve highlighted. All times are CST. Time slots of “ease” aren’t easy to find in May, but here are opportunities to keep in mind.
May 8, 8:35 pm – 10:40 pm CST
Mercury is still retrograde, and the Moon isn’t at her strongest, but if you need to tackle some issues in your private life, there is potential for negotiating practical solutions. Saturn in Pisces offers a supportive hand for compromise and boundary setting.
May 22-23, all day
Although there may be a lot of tension flying around the world, the Moon in Cancer is making some helpful aspects. Take care of yourself, your home, and your loved ones. Mars squares Jupiter around midnight (Tues 12:12 am). If you need to give a project a big boost, this is about as big as it gets. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons, and in alignment with your values. If so, go for it!
Thank You
June will be the 2nd Anniversary of Astrology with Denise and I thank you for your support, words of encouragement, reviews, and referrals.