by Nina Bouska
Nina Bouska and Maya del Mar became dedicated astrology students together about 40 years ago, and have met regularly with others from their first class ever since. While Maya went on to pursue astrology as a career, Nina still calls herself "an avid student" who does readings only for friends and family. We think she is far too modest. We are delighted to welcome Nina Bouska to the Daykeeper family.
This free version of the forecast is posted on the site every Monday. Don't want to wait? Get the whole month at once as a Premium Subscriber.Susan
INTRODUCTION
By all astrological precepts, May is shaping up to be a memorable month. Two powerful t-squares persist through the first half of the month, buttressed by a handful of lesser ones as the month wears on. T-squares are generally thought to be extremely stressful aspects, bringing together the obvious effects of opposition and the challenging nature of the squares to each end. In reading all astrological forecasts, remember to hold the concepts of these long-lasting outer planet aspects in mind. They can hasten, delay or override daily aspects.
The Saturn-Neptune opposition has been in effect since the middle of last year and will continue to influence our lives through most of this year. It is significantly activated this month. The charts of the Full Moon, the Last Quarter Moon and the New Moon all feature troublesome t-squares with the Sun and/or the Moon triggering the characteristics of this opposition. Its effects encompass a wide range of possibilities, in every case winnowing down to the need to productively incorporate highly disparate qualities into our behavior. Saturn represents the long view of experience, the tried-and-true, self-discipline and limitations. Neptune epitomizes our efforts to make our worldview seem rosier than it may actually be, to hope for more and better. Neptunes vaguely seen aspirations are commonly expressed in the arts and in daydreams, escapism and fantasies. Saturns no-nonsense determination exhibits itself in structural considerations and rules. Blending the two is never easy.
British astrologer Penny Thornton says,
The conjunctions and oppositions of Saturn and Neptune play a huge part in the evolution of wars (often their endings), the fall of governments and the demise of leaders and rulers.
Jessica Murray has wrought a fine overview of other inclinations of this ongoing dichotomy in last months Daykeeper.
The conjunction of Mars to Uranus is strongly in effect. Respected astrologer Robert Hand says
No other transit is more conducive to sudden upsets, rash behavior and surprising incidents.
Mars is always in favor of definitive actionnow! Uranus epitomizes no holding back, charge into the future, me first and the devil be damned. On a personal level, beware of rash action. On a societal level, be forewarned. And the two are square to Jupiterif we havent seen the effects of this dramatic pattern in the past week, surely we will soon.
Jupiter exactly squares Uranus for the second time of three (it does it again late September, early October). A perceptive though anonymous astrologer, posted merely as the know-it-all astrologer, sums it up:
Unexpected, seemingly random and sometimes chaotic events will be woven together with incredible opportunities and good fortune. Uranus loves change and Jupiter loves growth.
Venus opposes Pluto, usually a brief transit that in itself can mean littlean intense moment in our romantic life or a short-term budgetary crisis. This month, however, they pull the Mars-Uranus partnership into the act, adding a compulsive urgency to act on the desiresgood, bad or indifferentthat plague us.
And to cap it all, In the U.S. we have a Blue Moon. There are two Full Moons this month, one on May 2, another on the May 31. Compared to the other important moon-phase charts this month, the Blue Moon chart is blessedly benign. But Sun-Moon form a grand cross with the Nodes the karmic points in any chartsuggesting that by the end of the month, well have learned some very important lessons.
The U.S. chart, which has experienced enough stress with Pluto transiting the first house, now has Jupiter square and Uranus opposing its directed Pluto. However it plays out, I suspect that May 2007 will prove to be among the most uncomfortable periods of George Bushs troubled tenure, and equally disagreeable for many in his regime.
(Except as otherwise noted, all interpretations here are based on a natural chart, using the beginning of Aries as the ascendant, and times listed are Pacific Daylight Time.
A Void of Course Moon 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.)
TUESDAY, MAY 1. May Day rings in on a Void of Course Moon, catching only the end of the void period on the east coast. The void period begins with an exact sextile to Pluto at 1:07 am Pacific Daylight Time. Moon moves into Scorpio at 3:41 am, but makes no further exact aspects throughout the day. We can nonetheless call on two cooperative liaisons: Venus and Neptune, conspiring to blend values and ideals in creative waysand Jupiter and Saturn, two heavies who can work wonders when they put their skills together in a pragmatic combination of optimism and restraint.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2. Moon becomes exactly Full at 3:09 am, shortly after she opposes Mercury. Its a good day for analyzing our feelings, a great time for journal work. If youve been in sync with the Moon cycle, youve been tidying up your surroundings since the last New Moon. This intense Scorpio Moon can dig into sensitive issues and longings that have been buried for years. Find time today, probably best this evening, to air them out, discard most and put some luster back into the ones that still seem to have relevance. A caveat: its mostly a do-it-yourself project. Dont try to rope anyone else into helping just now, and be especially careful to avoid guilt trips and jealousy jags. In serious discussions with others, remember that your emotional attachments (or those of others) could outweigh rational reasoning, and be prepared to make allowances.
Setting the Full Moon chart in Washington DC puts Moon in Scorpio opposing Sun-Mercury in Taurus squarely across the middle, with the Moon on the descendant, emphasizing the peoples discontent with their leadership. Saturn is widely squared to both, a stern teacher demanding discipline and strict observation of acknowledged rules the most significant of four powerful t-squares in this chart, this one mobilizing the areas of national identity, homeland security and our nations interactions with others. The same houses will be activated by an even more powerful t-square at the time of the Last Quarter Moon next week.
The volatile Mars-Uranus conjunction squares Venus, and forms t-squares with both Jupiter-Vesta and Pluto. These stressful aspects amplify concerns about our substance and financial well-being, as well as multinational corporations and our international debt, with the burden falling on Congress. The first t-square hints at surprises related to public investments. The other may be more violent and/or more morbid, with Pluto and its connotations of death located in the eighth, the house of mortality, mourning and assassinations.
By evening, Moon squares the Saturn-Neptune opposition, bringing the drama of this long-lasting aspect into high focus again for the next several days, a plotline that will be repeated with the Last Quarter Moon and New Moon. Whatever the details, personally or nationally, the need is to create an alliance between hard facts and cherished ambitions, however pie-in-the-sky they may be. Generally its the ambitions that must be modified, or at least the timelines for achieving them. We can look to other aspects in our attempt to discern which potentials are most apt to be activated now. Moons trine to Mars-Uranus adds weight to the t-cross it forms with Venus and Jupiter. Guard against impulsively overextending yourself, or be prepared for arguments revolving around budgets and extravagance. Nationally, it suggests escalated hassles over the costs of aggression; there may be definitive news about the budget for the Iraq war.
A persistent quincunx between the Mars-Uranus conjunction and Saturn calls for adjustment and innovation in dealing with heavy responsibilities. You may need to analyze whether all the responsibilities youve assumed are truly yours or truly necessary. Nationally, the military may show even less support for the policies currently being pursued.
The strength of Mercury, conjunct Sun and almost exactly on the ascendant, is a hopeful note. We may learn more now about just what kinds of advanced technology and extraordinary methods were anticipated in the call for a surge in troops. There may be public outcry about the many permanent military bases and the massive embassy being constructed in Iraq. In personal imbroglios, meaningful communication offers a way out.
The Sabian symbol for 12 Scorpio: An official embassy ball: Group consciousness as it flowers at the highest level in cultural interchanges between representatives of the elite of the ruling class.
What is evoked, says Dane Rudhyar, in his Astrological Mandala, is the value of meeting other people at the highest possible level of cultural interplay . . . an essential feature in the development of rhythmic give-and-take in order to achieve global peace.
Moon goes void on an enervating square to Neptune at 11:43 pm Pacific time.
THURSDAY MAY 3. For most of us, the day starts with a Void of Course Moon, and after moving into Sagittarius at 3:48 pm, she makes no traditional aspects until Saturday. Nonetheless, midday Moon moves into a quincunx with Venus, exacerbating all difficulties with values and financial issues, along with matters of appropriate appearances. What looks good or bad could usurp more important dialogue. Worries about expenditures continue and each of us may encounter image problems today. Our nation may especially experience a further fall from grace in the eyes of the world. Or, hopefully, since aspects are known to operate on either end of the scale of possibilities, perhaps we can do something to redeem a damaged reputation.
FRIDAY, MAY 4. Another day with no traditional aspects, which as a general rule augurs a relatively quiet day. But Sun is exactly sesquiquadrate Pluto. This minor aspect, a square and a half, has been known to exert some powerful effects, and in this case could nudge Plutos incessant call for change. The awareness of the need has been growing, as Pluto strives to utilize all the understanding and adventurous impulse of Sagittarius before it leaves the sign late this year. (Could it be that even our prez is finally hearing the call?)
If you personally have been toying with the idea of making a major change in your lifestyle, study the situation carefully today. It may be time to go for it. With Jupiter retrograde, the chances of overstepping bounds are lessened.
SATURDAY, MAY 5. El Cinco de Mayo is rife with aspects. Therell be celebrations, for sure. And some important decisions. Before many of us are out of bed, Moon hooks up with Mercury, Uranus, Saturn and Jupiter. Caution to the winds, I gotta be me. We should at the very least be able to count on some exhilarating dreams. Our mental abilities take a self-oriented stand early in the day, and were soon ready to start working on making at least one of our dreams or visions become a realityor at least begin to lay sensible plans for doing so. We know its not an overnight objective, and that we have to commit to the long haul. Still, were reminded again of the obstacles by late afternoon. After a relatively short-lived hit of negativity, we rebound to enjoy our visionary plotting. By the time Moon meets up with Pluto and goes void in the middle of the night (11:45 pm PDT), we all should know a great deal more about what we really and truly want, and what we can do about that.
SUNDAY, MAY 6. Go with the flow today. Moon slides into Capricorn at 2:21 am, assuming a results-oriented rationality and a determination to achieve. The alliance of Jupiter and Saturn thats been building for months becomes exact for the second time today and remains in full force for another month or so. The effects of these two energies can add substance to our schemingand dont for a minute think that scheming is necessarily negative. A schematic is a blueprint, a detailed, well-organized plan. Jupiter encourages far-reaching vision and the ability to grasp every opportunity; Saturn recognizes limitations and restrictions. Working together, they can accomplish wonders.
Venus has been building an opposition to Pluto for a week or so, bringing a compulsive drive toward satisfying our most insistent desires. It too becomes exact late today, and since Venus still squares Mars, we may make some concerted effort to actualize our wishes particularly those that relate to our home life and security. Or, we may simply go for it in satisfying a sweet tooth.
MONDAY, MAY 7. The Venus-Pluto opposition dominates todays chart. Could this be an indication that a woman will be announced winner of yesterdays presidential election in France? The odds arent bad. If so, it might prove an influence on next years U.S. elections. In any case, the new leadership will mean a significant change, affecting international politics. Which astrologers predicted, before Chirac announced his decision not to run again, when Pluto transited Saturn in 2004.
Mars is square that opposition, still carrying the rebellious influence of its recent conjunction with Uranus, which could bring about some belligerence. On a personal level, this aspect might make things a bit intense in your love life, or point out your extravagant attention to other kinds of personal desires. Remember that its a short-lived transit.
TUESDAY, MAY 8. Venus moved into Cancer just after midnight and minutes later, at 12:34 am, Moon goes void on a sextile to Mars, perhaps signaling action-packed dreaming.
By mid-morning, 10:48 am, Moon glides into Aquarius. Sun sextiles Uranus, giving us opportunity to remove or at least lighten up some restrictions that have been frustrating our forward progress. It may be that youll acquire or learn to use some new-to-you technological goodie that will prove quite useful. Sun also develops a quincunx to Jupiter, which could make you question your ability to master this marvel, so along with being patient and persistent, you may want to look for a mentor.
Since in a national chart, Sun is symbolic of our leader, we may expect another example of an off-the-wall proclamation or espousal of a bizarre self-righteous position, once again related to the nations security needs.
TUESDAY,
MAY 8. Venus moved
into Cancer just after midnight and minutes later, at 12:34
am, Moon goes void on a sextile to Mars, perhaps signaling
action-packed dreaming.
By mid-morning, 10:48 am,
Moon glides into Aquarius. Sun sextiles Uranus, giving us opportunity
to remove or at least lighten up some restrictions that have
been frustrating our forward progress. It may be that you'll
acquire or learn to use some new-to-you technological goodie
that will prove quite useful. Sun also develops a quincunx
to Jupiter, which could make you question your ability to master
this marvel, so along with being patient and persistent, you
may want to look for a mentor.
Since in a national chart,
Sun is symbolic of our leader, we may expect another example
of an off-the-wall proclamation or espousal of a bizarre self-righteous
position, once again related to the nation's security needs.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 9 and THURSDAY, MAY 10. Wednesday
starts off as one of those “nose to the grindstone days” and
doesn't lighten up much
as the day goes on. Energy may be low and there's just too much to be done.
New responsibilities are quite apt to be added to the list. Taking the time
to check all plans of action and get better organized can help.
This is a peak time for
issues that have been building for more than a year, so stay alert.
The Last Quarter
Moon, exact at 9:27
pm PDT (12:27 am Thursday
in Washington DC) finds
Moon conjuncting Neptune,
further heightening
the tension of its
opposition to Saturn—with
Sun forming a t-square
to that opposition,
a provocative pattern
that will hold for
several days. We can
expect during this
time period to get
rather obvious examples
of the meaning of that
opposition, in our
personal lives and
in the greater world.
In all instances, it
calls for concerted
effort to blend the
feuding insistencies
of the real and the
imagined.
In a chart set for
Washington DC at the
time of the Quarter
Moon, Saturn is located
in the house of wars
and treaties, enemies
and alliances, bringing
responsibility to the fore.
Neptune sits across
the chart in the all-important
first house, signifying
the self, the personality,
the image—and it tends to blur focus and self-awareness.
Sun harasses both, asserting
its ego demands, from the
fourth house of security, family values and cherished traditions. This
t-square is activated again, even more potently, in the New Moon chart
of May 16. It is not surprising
that the chart of our president shows his contemporary ascendant
conjunct his Neptune, and the delusional qualities of his pronouncements
could be even more apparent at this time.
At the same time, the t-square
of Mars, Venus and Pluto remains in force. In the Washington
chart, this activates the houses of secrets and conspiracies,
of monetary and social values and of the military as well as
the health industry and political coalitions. Our economy needs
serious attention, a revision of budgetary priorities and an
overhaul of the ways our tax moneys are spent by the lights
in the Pentagon. In your own life, be sure you're being upfront
with yourself about your checkbook and your physical well-being.
Moon goes Void of Course
on its exact meeting with Neptune at 2:27 pm PDT Thursday.
This emotional but abstruse combo resonates strongly for awhile
as she moves on into Pisces at 4:32. By evening, the square
of Jupiter and Uranus becomes exact for the second time, again
accentuating desires to be free of restrictions and making
overconfidence likely, again underwriting those who would strike
out against the system.
The good news is that all
the action is contained
within that beneficent
trine of Jupiter and Saturn—Jupiter
looking for the best possible
outcome in every incident,
Saturn keeping an eye on
the logistics that can
make things work.
The Sabian symbol for
20° Aquarius: A large white dove bearing a
message. The answer of spiritual agencies to thorough, sustained and victorious
individual efforts.
Rudhyar writes, “Every spiritual step a man takes in
his development is the result of a victory over forces of inertia
and destruction . . . the white dove always signifies peace.” In
all conscience, I could not predict “peace” on
a general level, but we
can believe that, well
used, these aspects could at least lead to major gains in that
direction.
FRIDAY,
MAY 11. Mercury comes
back to its home in Gemini so, while thinking may be somewhat
less stubbornly insistent on immediately tangible results,
at least some of the brain-fog disperses. Late tonight Moon
eclipses Uranus, so we may start the morrow feeling strongly
underwhelmed and overly emotional.
SATURDAY,
MAY 12. It's
a relatively quiet day, pulling
together the odds and ends,
picking up the pieces, taking
time out to rejuvenate. Late
afternoon brings a small surge
of energy but it lasts only
about an hour. Then Moon goes
void on a square to Pluto at
4:53 pm and we're antsy again,
trying to figure it all out.
In interactions with others,
take care not to be manipulative,
or manipulated. At 7:19, Moon
moves into Aries.
Moon makes an exact quincunx
with Saturn, adding energy to a Uranus-Saturn quincunx that
will last well into next month. This nagging aspect heightens
the tensions between the demands of individual recognition
and the established structures of society. It first became
exact in the midst of the accusations following Hurricane Katrina
as victimized citizens sought help from government agencies.
It made its second contact at the time of the Korean nuclear
hullabaloo, which saw a tiny nation seeking international recognition
finally reduced to shooting at its own people. It made its
final exact juncture at the end of July 2006, at the height
of the Hezbollah-Israeli crisis in which a democratically elected
leadership that lacks the approval of the U.S. was provoked
into retaliation against a U.S. ally. Then the planets' retrograde
periods diminished its potency. It regained strength from mid-March
as Saturn's motion slowed and turned direct April
19, its stationary period marked by horrific bloodshed.
Today marks its closest contact until 2012, less than half-degree
from exact.
SUNDAY,
MAY 13. Happy Mother's
Day. Moon's early morning
square to Venus is a happy aspect for such an occasion—pleasant, sociable,
eager to please. Sadly, it could easily be overshadowed by Mars exactly square
to Pluto, a tension-laden
aspect that can sense power struggles even where they don't exist, or create
them just to keep the adrenaline going. It could elicit another crux in international
warfare. At home, we're
all apt to encounter challenges to our ego energies, and we all should be careful
that we don't trigger someone's rage. If you notice the temper rising is
your own, find some constructive,
challenging work —preferably
physical labor—and amaze yourself with how much you
accomplish. Or let off
steam in some aerobic
activity. Around bedtime,
Moon trines Jupiter,
which lightens up the
atmosphere.
MONDAY,
MAY 14. Patience
and persistence are on your
team again as Moon trines Saturn
to start the day. It's
a day for “learning by
doing,” and
you may come up with
such good results you'll feel
inclined to take the course
and find how it's really supposed
to be done. You feel confident
in your ability to deal with
whatever comes, and an unusually
strong note of sympathy and
caring makes you a joy to be
around. Someone may even declare
you “absolutely
psychic” because you're so swift at picking up what
others are feeling today.
Moon goes Void of Course on its trine to Pluto at 5:24 pm.
In the couple of hours before she goes into Taurus at 7:48,
you may want to ruminate on some of the “secrets” you've
stumbled across today.
MONDAY,
MAY 14
Patience and
persistence are on your team again as Moon trines Saturn
to start the day. It's a day for “learning by doing,” and
you may come up with such good results you'll feel inclined
to take the course and find how it's really supposed to be
done. You feel confident in your ability to deal with whatever
comes, and an unusually strong note of sympathy and caring
makes you a joy to be around. Someone may even declare you “absolutely
psychic” because you're so swift at picking up what
others are feeling today. Moon goes Void of Course on its
trine to Pluto at 5:24 pm. In the couple of hours before
she goes into Taurus at 7:48, you may want to ruminate on
some of the “secrets” you've stumbled across
today.
TUESDAY,
MAY 15
Mars gains
renewed muscle as it moves into its home sign of Aries at
7:06 am. As the symbol of energy in all its manifest forms,
Mars is never at its best in Pisces, the most passive of
signs. Since April
6, Martian assertiveness has felt a bit like trying to
wrestle in a boxcar filled with cotton. It's hard to get
a foothold. But look out now, on home ground Mars' impulse
is to take action, start fresh, get things done, with no
hanging back to deliberate on methodology. We've got a little
over a month of that ahead.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 16
Moon is Void
of Course much of the day, going void with the New Moon conjunction
to the Sun, entering Gemini seven hours and seven minutes
later.
The New Moon, exact
in Washington DC at
3:27 pm, at 25°33
Taurus, reinforces
the patterns that coalesced
with the Full Moon
two weeks ago, and
all of the effects
suggested there still
hold. Sun-Moon together
serve as focal point
for the Saturn-Neptune
opposition; Sun will
hold the pattern for
several days, a period
that holds the potential
of being a turning
point.
Positioned exactly on the
cusp of the ninth house, the duo heads into understanding and
codifying the strengthening drive toward change that has accumulated
through the previous month's transits. The two Lights, acting
together, transmit powerful energy to rejuvenate Saturn in
its weakened position in Leo, where its strong morals and ethics
all too often get short shrift, and to add spunk to Neptune,
solidifying his usually nebulous notions of the humanitarian
ideals that surround him in Aquarius—urging each of us
to take a personal stand in favor of individual rights for
all.
We can use this aspect
to firm up the self-discipline that has probably been flaccid
the past couple of years, and to reaffirm our commitments to
honor the life of our planet by not squandering her resources.
The dynamic duo projects across the chart to the cusp of the
third, to prompt us to pull our own strong values into our
daily lives.
The corollary t-square
in this chart finds the forming opposition of Mercury and Jupiter
squared by Uranus. A time for big plans or gratifying progress
in long-term projects, with a caution to pay attention to details
and avoid overdoing anything. And don't be too hasty. New information
may come in more quickly than it can be assimilated, so be
sure you have a good filing system. Speaking before thinking
is common; tact is called for in many instances; and it's probably
a good time to seek legal advice if you see any need for it.
Travel may be disrupted, and patience is demanded when it's
in short supply. Some far-out ideas may have merit that will
take a while to see, but if they concern finances they're more
likely to be as dependable as gambling. And we all know the
odds of coming out ahead when gambling are pretty slim.
It's not difficult at all
to apply the above to our legislators as well as to our personal
lives. The power of this aspect is reflected from the sixth
house (health, employment, the military, civil servants) to
the twelfth of insurrections and “closet cleaning,” drawing
on everything we've taken for granted and all we've learned
from experience.
The Jupiter-Saturn trine
again contains the action, offering a foundation for positive
results.
The Sabian symbol for 26° Taurus: A Spanish gallant serenades his
beloved. The ritualization of individual desires. Rudhyar notes: It reveals
the individual human being making use of his personal status to find fulfillment
and a sense of social identity.
THURSDAY,
MAY 17. A rather
quiet day. Moon conjuncts Mercury and later opposes Jupiter, adding
its memories and intuitive
input to the t-square from Uranus described above. Sun maintains the Saturn-Neptune
t-square for another day or two, stretching the opportunities for
encompassing empathy
in setting rules and realism is pursuing dreams.
FRIDAY,
MAY 18. Moon
opposes Jupiter to start the
day. That opposition sits sextile
to the ongoing Saturn-Neptune
aspect, so once again we have
a chart dominated by
a Mystic Rectangle. I don't
know why it's called Mystic
but, always containing two
oppositions, two sextiles and
two trines of the same polarity,
it is interesting. This time
it's a masculine pattern, linking
fire and air, calling for immediate
decisions and direct action.
Moon trines Neptune in this
configuration, bolstering empathy,
sympathy and creativity. Moon
goes void on its opposition
to Pluto at 5:57, and may carry
nagging codas from the
subconscious or intensify dealings
with others even after it goes
into Cancer at 8:38.
SATURDAY,
MAY 19. Mercury
starts moving in to continue
the Mystic Rectangle for the
coming week. The Cancer Moon
squares Mars, and we just want
to snuggle, nestling and nurturing
and ignoring the world. The
impulse is strengthened when
she meets up with Venus this
evening and we may have the
opportunity. But, Sun forms
a quincunx to Pluto, again
adding substance to the worrisome
Jupiter-Uranus quincunx. International
crises and governmental snafus
seem unceasing. Mercury's opposition
to Jupiter becomes exact late
tonight, so there may be big
news tomorrow. Or you just
may have to force yourself
to pay attention to details.
SUNDAY,
MAY 20. It's
a dreamy or dreamlike day,
as both Moon and Venus are
happily linked to Uranus and
Neptune. It may become adventurous.
Or it could be pretty romantic,
if you're careful to check
a trigger temper. Or you could
just drift about in a fog.
Whether you find it in your
life or a movie, it's a day
for inventive imaginings, a
real boon for the artistic.
At the least, it's an enjoyable
interlude with little lasting
effect.
MONDAY,
MAY 21. There's
an eleven-minute predawn void
period (12:46 to 12:57 am)
before Moon goes into Leo.
Then Sun moves into Gemini
at 3:12 am. Newness is
in the air. The Rectangle persists.
A Finger of God yod appears
as both Sun and Moon are exactly
five signs' distance
from Pluto, pulling the big
guy's power down to fortify
foundations and efforts to
build solid beginnings. We're
enthused by the prospects of
achieving something worthwhile.
Venus provides support
with a similar aspect to Jupiter,
which can help with gathering
and managing the resources
to do the job well. Mercury
is the kicker, linked to Uranus
to offer grand and extraordinary
ideas and suggestions, which
may or may not be feasible.
Don't make any hasty decisions
without double-checking
the facts.
TUESDAY,
MAY 22. We're
feeling expansive but cautious,
a wise way to pursue almost
any course of action. Otherwise,
the day continues the ideas
and efforts set in motion yesterday.
We're in an upbeat mode most
of the day, enjoying the unusual
events and activity, but by
late afternoon the mood
becomes more somber and our
enthusiasm wanes. Maybe we're
just tired.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 23. Moon's
Void of Course early today,
from 6:08 am until she enters
Virgo at 9:26 am. The First
Quarter Moon at 2°21 Virgo
is exact at 2:02 pm PDT.
Relocating the chart
to Washington DC puts
Moon newly into the eleventh
house, representing Congress
in this type of astrology
and long-term hopes and
goals in all astrology.
Moon is considered to
represent the mood of
the public, so it appears
that our legislators
are paying attention.
Sun, symbol of government
leadership and national
identity, is newly into
the eighth house of major
changes and transformations,
which is also known as
the locus of far-flung
financial interests and
of the “death of
things held dear.” Venus sits as mediator exactly halfway
between them (I can't help
seeing this as Nancy Pelosi),
harassed by a challenging inconjunct (another name for quincunx)
from Jupiter-Supreme Court judges? Attorney general? Religious
right?
On a personal level, we'll
need to stand firm with our own values and beliefs, insisting
on rational explanations of actions and motivations that seem
undependable, and to be open to modifying our stand if the
information received warrants such a change. Some of what we
hear may not be to our liking, some may not be kindly phrased,
but we are challenged to give it an objective hearing, careful
analysis and judicious appraisal. Growth is not possible without
persistent change and evolution in what we consider to be most
important.
I rarely pay much attention
to the asteroids and points, but when one is located in an
exceptionally powerful position or aspect, it seems advisable.
Here we have two.
Ceres, the great Mother,
our caretaker, sits two degrees from the Descendant, the Point
of Others. The well-being of others should be a primary concern
now. What have we as a nation done to take care of the people
whose homes, infrastructure, lives we have decimated by our
reckless war? How can we do more to take care of the 20+ percent
of American children who live in poverty? How can we more attentive
parents and partners, neighbors and friends?
Lilith, the Dark Moon,
is exactly exact on the
Ascendant, a mere 10 minutes
past the Point of Self.
I'll quote Joëlle de Gravelaine in "Lilith
und das Loslassen", Astrologie Heute Nr. 23:
During
my years of astrological
practice, I have come
to use the Dark Moon
in all my chart analyses,
as a complement to
interpreting the Moon.
The Dark Moon describes
our relationship to
the absolute, to sacrifice
as such, and shows
how we let go. In transit,
the Dark Moon indicates
some form of castration
or frustration, frequently
in the areas of desire,
a powerlessness of
the psyche, or a general
inhibition. On the
other hand, it shows
where we question ourselves,
our lives, our jobs,
and our beliefs. I
feel this is important,
since it gives us the
opportunity to "let
go" of something.
The Dark Moon shows
where we can let the
Whole flow into ourselves,
without putting an "I" in
the way, without putting
up a wall in the form
of ego. At the same
time, it doesn't indicate
passivity—on
the contrary—it
symbolizes the firm
will to be open and
trusting, to let the
Greater World flow
through one, relying
entirely on the great
laws of the universe,
on that which we name
God. To prepare us
for this opening, the
Dark Moon creates a
necessary void.
The Sabian
symbol for 3° Virgo: Two guardian angels. Invisible
help and protection in times of crisis. It is a time to
adhere strongly to one's faith, be it only faith that the
sun will come up tomorrow, that spring will follow winter.
Rudhyar says, “Man
is surrounded by spirit as fish by water. . . . By being
aware of the presence and sustaining power a man may avoid
the desperate feeling of aloneness and alienation.”
THURSDAY,
MAY 24. Mercury
in his own house, Neptune in
his, work together to bring
inspiration, supported by the
long-lasting cooperative moods
of Jupiter and Saturn. It may
take a few days for the ideas
they generate to coalesce into
a clearly seen concept, but
by Sunday it may seem positively
transformative. Neptune turns
retrograde at 6:10 pm, giving
us opportunity (through the
end of October), to review,
renew and refine the things
we have been hoping to do to
make our lives more agreeable.
This is a great period for
dreamwork or journaling to
distill random thoughts into
cohesive patterns that
can be made useful. The downside
is that, if you're fighting
any kind of addictive behavior,
you may have to be even
more conscientious and purposeful
over the next few months.
Moon and Mars try to work
out their differences today, prompting us to be nonjudgmental
and less concerned about others' opinions. Keep your cool late
this evening when Moon is directly in Uranus' sightline.
FRIDAY,
MAY 25. Jupiter is
square to the Moon-Uranus
opposition. Allowing an 8° orb,
Jupiter is also opposing
Mercury, forming a Grand Square—a
volatile aspect. Flare-ups
are highly likely, on
an individual basis, in business situations and in international relations.
No one can tolerate any kinds of restriction today, claims can become grandiose,
disagreements can seem a matter of pure contrariness. The Mystic Rectangle
remains, Venus and Neptune
(the sentimental female and the artist) trying to placate; Saturn and Pluto
(the boss and the power behind the scenes) trying to discipline or take
control to ease the tensions.
Moon goes void on square
to Pluto at 5:43 this evening, amplifying the emotional nature
of this setup to an almost surreal degree before she moves
on into Libra at 9:16.
SATURDAY,
MAY 26. Not the best
planetary setting for
a holiday weekend. It may take some doing to keep sociable outings sociable.
Yesterday's patterns continue to influence most of the day. The effects are
milder, but the grumbling continues. By late afternoon, when Moon
opposes Mars, things
could get a bit childish and emotionally based relationships may suffer. A
female who knows all too well how to push your buttons may do so, or the perpetrator
may be you yourself.
Kindly vibes in the sky aim for pulling the punches, but it doesn't really
ease up until morning. It might be a good day to spend a lot of time by yourself,
searching for the real
causes of all the discomfort.
SUNDAY,
MAY 27. Moon
and Jupiter start the day calling
for compromise, setting the
stage for good results from
Mercury's confrontation with
Pluto at 8:12 am. This may
mean you've uncovered the motivations
behind all the histrionics.
On the other hand, it could
mean compulsive adherence to
one singular point of view
in spite of all reason. In
either case, it should be better
by dinnertime. Overall, today's
is the least stressful chart
so far this month.
MONDAY,
MAY 28. Ah! “Easy
aspects" today. Moon is void from 9:17 am, carrying
the cooperative communication
vibes of her trines to
Mercury and Neptune,
into her move into Scorpio
at 10:11. Mars is setting
up a second Grand Trine
with Jupiter and Saturn that will hold through the first
half of next month. We've mentioned the beneficial potential
of the synergy of these two, but adding the energy planet
should make all that even more meaningful.
Mercury moves into Cancer
at 5:56 this evening.
TUESDAY,
MAY 29. That
Grand Trine is amplified by Moon's sextile
to Mars, allowing you to take the initiative with others' assent. Mercury
is still opposing Pluto —in the words
of Robert Hand, “A good time for getting to the bottom of any
problem.” It's still trine both Moon and Neptune, which helps
with both listening and being heard and tosses
a strong measure of intuition into the process.
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 30. Moon
is trine Uranus overnight, so you may
wake up with some innovative insights.
Moon's early squares to Saturn and Neptune may make it hard to get
up and get going. She soon pulls Venus into a second Grand Trine, at
10:11 am, to make this a pretty pleasant day. Since the void period
lasts until bedtime, 10:07 p.m., it's best to stick to “finishing up” rather
than starting new projects if you want
this to be a productive day.
THURSDAY,
MAY 31. Our
Full Moon, at 10°12 Sagittarius at 9:04 pm in Washington DC, is
acknowledged as a “Blue Moon” because it is the second
Full Moon in this calendar month, not
because it will look blue (unless we've
had a major volcanic eruption). Because
of time zones, in Europe the moon is full tomorrow, and this year's
Blue Moon will occur June 30. In New Zealand, July is the Blue Moon
month.
The meaning of the “once in a blue moon” phrase refers to something so rare as to be virtually impossible. Astronomically, blue moons occur roughly every three years. It's rather interesting that the definition of Blue Moon currently used was established by mistake in 1946, when an article in Sky & Telescope magazine misquoted the Farmer's Almanac and the error was perpetuated by several sources. The error has frequently been corrected, but since it is easier to understand than earlier meanings, it has stuck with us. Before 1946, the term appeared to refer to a fourth Full Moon that fell in any one of the seasons defined by the solstices and equinoxes. A definition that seems reasonable, but hasn't been thoroughly researched, says it occurs when a second Full Moons falls in the same zodiacal sign in one year— that
would be the second Cancer Full Moon
in December of this year.
In any case, it makes little difference in astrological interpretation: a Blue Moon influences much the same as any other Full Moon. In Vedic traditions, because blue is the color of Krishna's skin, it's thought to be an important time, especially potent for prayer and meditation.
This Full Moon chart is dominated by the continuing helpful Grand Trine, doubled by Moon's contact with Jupiter. Here we see positive assertive energy used with courage and confidence; a sober realistic point of view used with patience, persistence and foresight; and reserve strength and vigor. Saturn is beginning to form a trine also with Pluto, pulling in the ability to be more effective by probing beyond surface appearance.
Jupiter is starting to pull in the expertise of his favorite daughter, Pallas, signifying smart, strong, shrewd and powerful women. Demetra George says of Pallas,
“She represents the force of nature that brings new life into being, the raw energy that underlies aliveness. As her father's daughter, she executes his will, using that force for the good of society. Administering justice, she is able to discern the truth amid tumultuous emotions. Healing illness, she diverts the life force back into the proper channels. As a weaver and potter, she uses cleverness and dexterity to turn raw materials into useful objects.”
The Sun-Moon opposition also squares the Moon's Nodes, the “karmic points,” putting the Virgo-Pisces axis into high focus. One astrological theory sees the nodes as a vertical axis, with the North Node as the highest point of the chart. This would indicate discriminating use of our accumulated skills to achieve spiritual wholeness, and an ability to rely on intuition and approach our problems with creativity.
The DC Full Moon chart nearly mimics the wheel of the U.S. Sibly chart, with 19° Sag rising (as opposed to 12°), with the Sun-Moon opposition in the sixth and twelfth, the nodes in the third and ninth— mutable houses, mutable signs in all cases, surely symptomatic of transition from one state of being to another.
The Sabian symbol for 11° Gemini: Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience. The power and joy of new beginnings. Rudhyar defines the newly opened lands as “any as yet unexperienced field of potential activity—material, mental, emotional or supernatural.”
The symbol for 11° Sagittarius: In the left section of an archaic temple, a lamp burns in a container shaped like a human body. The value of the return to the body advocated by modern thinkers in order to balance the stress on intellectuality and objective consciousness. Rudhyar says this refers to “the process of deconditioning a consciousness that has become prisoner of intellectual concepts with total reliance on quantitative values, objectivity and conformity to the official patterns of our culture”—and obvious encouragement to heed your intuition and go with your gut.
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