Each month, the Sun and Moon participate in our local and immediate experiences. The Sun shines its light through a particular facet of the crystal of reality for a month; the Moon, one every 2.5 days. As their energies of light and dark intertwine, we have the lunar cycle that reveals something more than we knew before, and so we respond; we choose new pathways through our ongoing situations, and we act decisively to incorporate them into our lives. (If we don’t act, we let them go, and do not integrate them.)
All of this happens in a larger context, that of the slower-moving bodies in our solar system, we could say from Jupiter outward. From Jupiter inward, Mercury, Venus, and Mars help us create our stories about connection, love, and action, mediating between the immediate and the long-term.
In April, we looked through the Aries facet, filling ourselves with a sense of who we are and what’s most important for us now, in light of the transformation that all Earth’s inhabitants are experiencing. We are now making sense of events that have occurred since last May, and finding the correct response from deep inside to align with what we now know, by grace of Venus and Jupiter.
At the same time, we are embarking on a new journey of awakening, thanks to Uranus and its new cycle. Pluto is taking us into the deep to dig for buried treasure. Since its retrograde commenced on April 12, we at least know what we hope to find.
As we enter May, we’re still assimilating new insights that have come from Saturn as it reached the halfway culmination/full point in its yearly cycle. This heightened our awareness of the value and effectiveness of the social-emotional structures we have been building since early October. Saturn in Scorpio is about finding a place where our needs can be met, in society and in our personal life.
These Saturnian matters were felt more deeply and subtly because they were raised in our consciousness simultaneously with the Full Moon (Lunar) Eclipse of April 25. With two more eclipses to go in May, we are in mid-passage in a process that is reshaping our values in light of changes in our material-physical circumstances.
So May’s lunations are not your ordinary events. They will not take us through a straightforward experience-expression of Taurean energies from all angles, but into deeper thematic concepts of what we value and why we value it—probably inducing a long-term shift in our perspective.
Our yearly cycle of healing that started in late February (Neptune and Chiron) is still unfolding, and we still have time to shape it to our liking. Meanwhile, our yearly success cycle (Jupiter) is winding down. This is a good time to look back at what has been accomplished in the past year, to fuel the fires of the new cycle when it arrives on June 19.
The current Mercury cycle started on a strong note of healing in Pisces on March 4, establishing a theme of deep self-recovering and soul-retrieval. The possibilities are endless. We only get 3-1/2 months to do our work here, and there’s so much to do! Whether it’s recovering the intelligence lost in all those unfiled papers, healing the body of distracting pain, or re-integrating forgotten parts of Self/Soul, we have reached the halfway point—the “Full Mercury” (Superior Conjunction)—as of May 11. This is (just as with the Full Venus on March 28) an opposition of Earth and Mercury, with the Sun in between. It gives us maximum perspective and therefore a culmination of insight that facilitates clear understanding and communication. After May 11, we’ll use our new clarity to facilitate our healing process with more confidence and an end goal in sight.
We are still engaged in the Zone of Harmony, where the slow-moving planets are now at 5 to 11 degrees. We should not forget the opportunities that we can create by being present to every moment and building on the openings we see, however small they are. By approaching all that comes our way with reverence and gratitude, we maximize the benefits. Even though events won’t always look like something we want in our experience, they awaken us to greater possibilities. By sharing our feelings and intentions with others, we discover that we are not alone in wanting love, connection, and safety. By pooling our focus and energy with others, we can empower the process of bringing our dreams into form.
(Except as otherwise noted, all interpretations in this astrological forecast are based on a natural chart, using the beginning of Aries as the ascendant, and times listed are Pacific Daylight Time (UTC–7).
A “Void Moon” or “Void of Course Moon” (or “VOC moon” for short) makes no significant aspects until it enters the next sign. Its void period is thought to be a poor time for starting new projects or making concerted effort toward existing plans.
According to William Lilly, the Moon in Cancer (Moon’s rulership), Taurus (Moon’s exaltation), Sagittarius and Pisces (signs ruled by Jupiter, the Great Benefic) “performeth somewhat.” Lee Lehmann reports that she has tested this, and “you can take it to the bank.” Another way of putting how this works in an astrological forecast is that, when an action is taken during the void period in one of these signs, you get “unanswered success.” That is, the lack of planetary action prevents your action from being denied.
Daily Success Guide Astrological Forecast, May 2013
Wednesday May 1
We are fully grounded once Mercury enters Taurus at 8:37 am (11:37 am ET), the last planet to leave Aries on this round. Now our thoughts are more concrete and oriented toward stability and results. The Sun leads us toward practical solutions to ongoing dilemmas as it trines Pluto. The Moon spends the night in late Capricorn, entering a brief void-of-course period from 7:07 am PT, until it enters objective Aquarius at 7:20 am.
Thursday May 2
What’s next? What are we going to do with the insights of the past week? We begin to see this from another perspective, but it may be too early to have a clear way forward. The Last Quarter Moon at 4:14 am PT/12°13′ Aquarius/Taurus (7:14 am ET) reveals new facets of the situation that will lead to a resolution to a situation that is still unfolding. There is an opportunity for healing an old, deep wound by taking small steps so that a reaction is not triggered. Look for opportunities to communicate or otherwise connect to make the most of the coming week.
The Moon is in Aquarius throughout the day to bring a breath of impartiality to our understanding. It goes void of course at 9:24 pm with a focus on the distinction between what sustains us versus what attracts us, lasting until midday tomorrow.
In the chart cast for Washington DC, the President is in the spotlight, making an effective case for laws and policies that reflect the will of the people. Congress is in its frequent state of the politics of distraction, while the Senate holds the line on extreme measures.
The Last Quarter Moon is represented by the Sabian Symbols: “a barometer” (13 Aquarius) and “a porter carrying a mountain of heavy baggage” (13 Taurus). We may feel like we’re carrying a huge burden whose load may never be lightened. However, we reached this point because we had a vision and knew we could manage the load. Our current experience may seem high-pressure; we can find ways to relieve it by varying our focus and activities.
Friday May 3
The Moon is void of course until 11:25 am (2:25 pm ET), when it goes into imaginative Pisces, taking us into the dream world where our future is imagined into being. Mercury helps us with the process as it sextiles Neptune. We see new possibilities for fulfilling our dreams that can be used to create a plan.
Saturday May 4
The Moon transits mid Pisces and the planets that engage us in significant activity, bringing forward a can-do attitude and the determination to do what is needed to reach our goals. There are no obstacles to our ascent today if we are willing to put in the effort.
Sunday May 5
Our thoughts have run deep and serious over the past few days, as Mercury has reached towards its opposition to Saturn. Today this energy peaks, and with it our insights into what we need to say and do to increase our chances of success. Mars helps us see the real deal and act on it as it trines Pluto. The Moon goes void of course in Pisces at 9:00 am (12 noon ET) on a harmonious note, and all actions today will bear fruit. At 6:03 pm, the Moon enters energizing Aries.
Monday May 6
Give yourself some extra, unfilled time to go with the flow today, as the Moon livens things up with contacts to Uranus and Pluto. Mercury trines Pluto to augment our effectiveness in capitalizing on what comes our way.
Tuesday May 7
As the New Moon (Solar) Eclipse approaches, we feel a closer connection to those tied to us by spiritual bonds, and a need to strengthen those bonds. This comes through healing, as a Mercury-Mars-Chiron triple interaction takes place that carries us back to situations that re-emerged in February-March. The Moon’s early contact with Jupiter opens the door to enterprise, but you’ll have to be the judge how to use the day’s energy, as the Moon is void from 5:40 am (8:40 am ET) until tomorrow morning.
Wednesday May 8
At 3:09 am (6:09 am ET), the Moon enters tactile Taurus, showing us what steps we need to take next to bring our dreams closer to reality via contacts with Neptune and Saturn.
Thursday May 9
At 8:03 am (11:03 am ET), Venus enters Gemini, setting a lighter more verbal tone for our connections and sources of abundance. The Moon in Taurus meets with the Sun and Mercury by both longitude (sign degree) and declination (distance North-South) to bring a strong,”triple eclipse.” For the Sun, it is an annular (ring-like) Solar Eclipse, also the New Moon at 5:28 pm/19°31′ Taurus that starts the new lunar cycle.
This is the news of this eclipse, that it occurs just before the Full Mercury, Mercury’s Superior Conjunction to the Sun. This seeds the lunar cycle with an emphasis on perspective, insight, and communication. With the eclipse in Taurus, we will be thinking about how this works in the world, especially how it impacts our resources and fulfills our desires—what we place the most value on. On the deeper level of the eclipse process, value, especially our self-worth, will be the dominant theme. The more we value ourselves, the easier it is to establish stable, trust-filled relationships and attract abundance our way.
Security needs will be a factor in our experience, and new ventures may seem too risky. If the placements in Taurus help us to find ways to reduce risk without quashing our adventures into the unknown altogether, we are making the most of this energy. With Venus now fast approaching Jupiter, we will feel that life is full of promise in some area, even if others are more challenged.
At 5:28 pm (8:28 pm ET), the time of the eclipse, the Moon enters its void period, although in Taurus it is still productive. This lasts until tomorrow mid-afternoon.
In the chart cast for Washington DC, this eclipse places emphasis on the condition of the nation’s workforce, its health(care), and productivity. There’s a feeling that the health of the nation is being undermined at its core, and this is understood with a crystal clarity that must exist to motivate the needed changes. These changes will be launched successfully with this eclipse. It is a large task that will take many months to achieve. The President will keep pointing to the need and the way to solve the problem, but he must have the cooperation of many others to achieve the goal.
The Sun and Moon are both at 20 Taurus, represented by the Sabian Symbol, “Wisps of clouds, like wings, are streaming across the sky.” If we allow our ideals to inform our values, we will be able to soar to the fulfillment of our dreams and goals.
Friday May 10
At 2:21 pm (5:21 pm ET), the Moon enters talkative Gemini, connecting with Venus for a happy hour filled with extra fun. It’s a great time to party, or just enjoy the quiet pleasures of life.
Saturday May 11
We experience the culmination of our insight and understanding as Mercury finally reaches the exact Superior Conjunction with the Sun at 2:10 pm/ 21°19′ Taurus (5:10 pm ET), the culmination of the Mercury cycle (a “Full” Mercury). With the Moon in Mercury-ruled Gemini, all systems are go for connecting heart and head, creating the opportunity for breakthrough in relationship.
Sunday May 12
The Moon’s sojourn in Gemini reaches its height with an early conjunction to Jupiter, setting a tone of special celebration and gratitude for our Mother’s Day events. The void-of-course Moon that starts after this contact at 6:32 am (9:32 am ET) is the perfect context for social events and relaxation. There is a deeper level of connecting and karmic release happening today, but it will operate on background, without a need to be addressed directly, as Mars conjoins the South Node.
Monday May 13
At 2:57 am PT (5:57 am ET), the Moon goes into Cancer, enhancing our psychic sensitivity and creating a Water Grand Trine over the afternoon to sweeten the mood and strengthen our instincts, if not our productivity. The level of confusion we feel about our relationships peaks today, as Venus squares Neptune. If this leads us to shed light on what’s happening at a deeper level, it will lead to true healing of old wounds.
Tuesday May 14
With Venus contacting the outer-planetary cluster around 10°, we have the perfect recipe for emotional release as the Moon in Cancer hooks up with the Great Revealers Uranus and Pluto. Venus quincunxes Saturn, bringing forward awkward situations that have to be understood before trust can be built any further. This may be a day more for gaining awareness than for making that vital connection.
Wednesday May 15
At 5:14 am (8:14 am ET), the Moon is void of course in Cancer, until 3:38 pm with its movement into ebullient Leo. We feel the strength of inner connectivity with others during this time, and it is possible to send and receive messages across the psychic wireless during the Cancer void period. Mercury enters Gemini, one of its signs of strength and rulership, at 1:41 pm, livening up the mix and making it easier to rise above emotion and make connections with others, especially through talk.
Thursday May 16
As we start our day, the Moon in Leo brings forward the obstacles that we must face down in order to grow, principally self-doubt. Keeping that in mind, we can open to new opportunities that help us work things out, the benefit of harmonies with Venus and Uranus.
Friday May 17
The Moon makes its waxing square to the Sun, the First Quarter Moon at 9:35 pm PT/27°25′ Leo/Taurus (12:35 am Saturday May 18 ET), setting the energies for the coming week. This furthers the processes started on the New Moon, and since it is also an eclipse cycle, what happens this week carries more significance than usual. At this time, we’re focused on what it is that prevents us moving forward. It’s time to remove those obstacles and create some magic. What we put forward now takes on the power of the waxing Moon and is likely to be successful, so plan well. The lunation is the final contact before the Moon’s void period that starts at 9:35 pm.
At the time of this lunation (May 18 ET), the energy of the nation is focused on security needs. Many will seek distraction through sports and entertainment, but meaningful business ventures will be launched at this time as well. One of the President’s landmark policies is being brought forward. It will be a long haul to enactment, but it is both needed and will succeed, contributing substantially to the nation’s well being.
The First Quarter Moon’s Sabian Symbols are: “many little birds chirping on the limb of a large tree” (28 Leo/the Moon), and “A woman in middle life stands in rapt sudden realization of forgotten charms, in unexpected recovery of romance” (28 Taurus/the Sun). It’s never too late to find happiness. As long as we draw breath, we can experience joy and create a new fulfilling reality with each inhale and exhale.
Saturday May 18
Mercury moves into the Zone of Harmony from an awkward angle, reactivating the process that came forward when Venus moved into this zone on the 10th. Mercury brings mental awareness that triggers a productive analytic process as the Moon moves into Virgo at 2:33 am (5:33 am ET). Again, we may feel chagrined about an awkward situation, but with the Moon in rational Virgo, we can connect the dots more easily and clear the air if the opportunity arises. Venus supports our process if we use the energy of the unexpected as she sextiles Uranus, although a quincunx to Pluto suggests that today’s events are just a step toward complete resolution.
Sunday May 19
As the Moon makes its way through mid-Virgo, it reaches the zone of challenge that was established last May-June and gives us a chance to see it from a new perspective and find a new level of resolution with others. This is about our relationships, especially those that are most important to us. If we make the effort, good outcomes are ensured.
Monday May 20
The pressure cooker has built up its maximum pressure, as Uranus makes its third of seven squares to Pluto at 11°14′ Aries/Capricorn. Although there is much more to come, we are feeling it today as a deep background impulse in a particular direction that will be played out as the fast-moving planets make contact in the coming weeks.
The Moon’s void period in Virgo commences at 9:48 am for a brief time of assimilation. Fears may surface, especially after the Moon enters Libra at 10:07 am PT (1:07 am May 21 ET), but this only means that the doorway to the depths of our own personal Pandora’s box is flung open. Don’t be fooled into thinking they are any more real than they were prior to today. Let them pass.
Venus helps us open a wound that may have been festering in our relationships, offering a channel for release of tension.
At 2:10 pm, the Sun enters Gemini to emphasize the vital importance of our connections with others, the most fruitful source of our current success. Mercury rushes in, making the connections that bring understanding of how to find our way out of any difficult circumstances we find ourselves in. It will take hard work and persistent faith in ourselves, but we will succeed.
Tuesday May 21
Releases of old mental energies and the healing of misunderstandings are highlighted today as Mercury squares Chiron. This is magnified by harmonious contacts by the Moon over the course of the day, after taking us deep into the unconscious through early links to Pluto and Uranus. We start to see our circumstances from a different angle, leading to easy and beneficial expression, although the pain of release may also be involved.
Wednesday May 22
At 0:35 am (3:35 am ET), the Moon goes void of its course in Libra, giving us a morning to integrate the intensity of recent experiences. Then it’s on to the next adventure when she enters deep-thinking Scorpio at 1:55 pm. The day is graced with harmonies, especially welcomed in the midst of so much transformation.
Thursday May 23
As the next eclipse, on the Full Moon, approaches, we get an overnight dose of what it all means with lunar contacts to Saturn and Pluto. The day is open to our individual choices and completions, as there are no further contacts until tomorrow.
Friday May 24
The Moon reaches Mars to bring forward our urge to take action, but it may be best left until after we have seen the whole picture, since this is the start of the Moon’s void in Scorpio, at 6:55 am (9:55 am ET). We move back into active mode at 2:49 pm when she makes her way into truth-seeking Sagittarius. The second Lunar Eclipse in this set occurs at 9:25 pm PT/4°08′ Sagittarius/Gemini. This is the final eclipse in this very long series in Gemini and Sagittarius, which began on December 21, 2010. What has changed for you since then, and what remains to be accomplished?
This Full Moon Eclipse carries the energy of resolution as Mercury conjoins Venus, to finally catch up with her after losing touch during the February-March Mercury retrograde. This reconnects us in harmonious ways with those from whom we have been estranged, permitting karmic clearing and the healing of ancestral wounds. However, what happens now is only a hint of the benefits that are yet to come. With an applying square to Neptune, it is best to allow our thoughts and feelings to mature before taking direct action.
In the US as well, the pump is primed for good outcomes with initiatives that have been blocked, as key players find ways to communicate and agree on blocked initiatives. With the specter of violence hanging over the population, there is a strong drive toward changes that make it more difficult to take such aggressive actions.
The Sabian Symbols for the degrees of the Full Moon Eclipse are: “an old owl perched high up in a tree” (5 Sagittarius/the Moon); and “A radical magazine or publication, asking for action, displays a sensational front page.” Wisdom expressed can be used by others to foster awareness, and it is those who have an overview from a distance that often have the perspective that matters at this time. When we allow ourselves to step away from the immediate story, the truth emerges.
Saturday May 25
Continuing in Sagittarius, the Moon resonates with Uranus and Venus over the day to awaken us to what we really feel towards others—who stands out and why.
Sunday May 26
The rich perspective that we can gain from the Moon in Sagittarius needs assimilation, and we get the time to do just that as the Moon enters its void of course period at 3:22 am (6:22 am ET), lasting until 2:28 pm PT.
We are motivated to get a clearer picture of what’s happening as the Sun squares Neptune, opening us to a period of accelerated interaction with subtle energies until Neptune commences its retrograde on June 7. Coming on the heels of three eclipses, and especially embedded in the most recent eclipse, this opens us to a deeper experience of our spiritual essence, the reality from which all truth and meaning flow. At 2:28 pm (5:28 pm ET), the Moon enters Capricorn to show us the big picture and broader purpose behind events.
Monday May 27
The Moon is still in Capricorn, bringing us another set of contacts to Pluto and Uranus. This makes for an intense morning—a good time to have no scheduled activities, so we are free to roll with the energies.
The Sun quincunxes Saturn today, increasing our awareness of situations that we have the power to resolve but have not yet addressed. These may not have been foremost in our minds, but they will stand in the way as we try to move forward unless they are addressed. It could get lost in the drama, but Mercury conjoins Jupiter, which means that agreements and reconciliations over long-standing issues are possible now.
Tuesday May 28
Relationship harmony is especially favored today as Venus conjoins Jupiter, and our moods won’t get in the way, as the Moon is void of course from 11:40 am (2:40 pm ET) with some leftover good energy from a trine to Mars. At 2:48 pm, the Moon’s movement into Aquarius lifts us above our emotional attachments.
Wednesday May 29
The Moon travels the mid-degrees of Aquarius, getting past the sticky energies overnight to find balance with the Sun and Uranus to smooth the flow of the day.
Thursday May 30
The day is chock full of lunar contacts as the Moon in Aquarius reaches the planets in the latter degrees of Gemini. It forms activating and beneficial trines that allow what has been bottled up to pour forth in a flow of words. This is a great day to communicate, even though a deeper issue may surface as a result. The Moon gives us a break from new developments when it enters its brief void period at 4:57 pm (7:57 pm ET), lasting until its entry into Pisces at 5:30 pm.
Friday May 31
Two planets change signs today before we rise: At 0:07 am (3:07 am ET), Mercury enters Cancer, and Mars enters Gemini, moving us away from the Earthy pragmatic and security-oriented concerns of Taurus. Now we feel more and talk more, a stronger release of energy that emphasizes balance and connection between head and heart. These form the context for the Last Quarter Moon, the final word on the eclipses we’ve been working with since April 25. The Last Quarter Moon passes over us at 11:58 am/10°28 Pisces-Gemini, activating our process of healing spiritual wounds, those from our karmic-ancestral past. Many planets vibrate near the same degree at this time, meaning that we can now see the connection between several situations that seemed separate. By applying the same understanding, perspective, and wisdom to each of them, a solution is at hand.
In the chart of the lunation cast for Washington DC, the emphasis is on the safety of the nation. There may be a perceived threat from a foreign power or aggressive actions elsewhere that raise awareness, which magnifies people’s sense of vulnerability. This offers the opportunity to understand the source of the threat, but also to react in fear until we can see beyond.
The Sabian Symbols for this lunation are: “men traveling a narrow path, seeking illumination” (11 Pisces/the Moon); and “Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience” (11 Gemini/the Sun). Both speak to the urge to travel to places of greater openness and freedom, with new potentials, a foundation for creative expression and self-discovery. We have come through a huge passage that began with the triple conjunction (Venus-Sun-Uranus) on March 28, and ends with the New Moon at the end of the coming week. It’s time to look forward, letting go of the past. It’s not that the past won’t come back to our awareness, but it doesn’t need to haunt us. By casting our eyes into the new inner landscape, we can find the illumination that awaits us through the opportunities we create in the coming months and years.
For more than 20 years, Terry Lamb (M.A. Linguistics, UC San Diego; C.A. NCGR, EEMCP) has been helping people to understand how cycles and energies work and interact in their lives. She augments her astrological acumen with energy medicine, Yijing (Chinese Book of Change), cosmology, psychology, and a broad range of health and spiritual studies.
Terry is among the nation’s most knowledgeable, insightful, and engaging astrologers. With pragmatic optimism and compassion, Terry’s approach has helped clients and students find their own way to “walk among the stars”. She is dedicated to using astrology as a way to create our future and free ourselves from “fate”. She goes along with Abraham Lincoln, who said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Her unique approach to astrology can be learned through her home study and apprenticeship programs (contact her directly).
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