We’ve been talking for months about the historic Saturn-Pluto opposition making its last pass in May. Indeed it does, on May 26. But it does not go gentle into that good night.

Strict Saturn in Gemini opposing transformative Pluto in Sagittarius has been in effect since the end of last July. This is an aspect of extreme structural realignment which occurs about every 35 years. The last time it occurred was in 1965-66, the time before that in 1931. Those were both times of extreme social change. And here we are again. (See May's lead article.)

Dealing with Saturn or Pluto separately involves work. Dealing with them together involves much work, extreme labor. We are under the gun, as we see and feel all over the world. We all have been facing major challenges these last nine months.

We can think of ourselves as gestating a baby. And now the baby is due to be born. It’s born with lots of bells and ribbons, in the form of abundant transits and conjunctions in Gemini, as well as with summer eclipses to complete the birth process.

May is a very busy, and a super-significant month.

Gemini is the featured player, onstage in her infinite variety. But Pluto in Sagittarius is the puppetmaster, pulling Gemini’s strings. We can, in fact, literally see the planets in Gemini, marching up the evening sky, and sinking, one by one, under the night horizon. Picture Pluto opposite them, hidden from view, sending its vibes to Mars, to Venus, and finally to Saturn, to finish this particular evolutionary process in grand style.

Mars and Venus, TOGETHER in Gemini, strike the special keynote for this grand Saturn-Pluto finale.

Mars and Venus together are the Lovers, the Passion Pair. Venus is attracted, and Mars does something about it. This is the combination that runs all creative endeavors. We choose what we love, Venus, and then we use our energy to manifest it, Mars.

This Mars-Venus creative cycle which begins now, on May 10, will last until the next Mars-Venus conjunction, which will occur in Scorpio in December 2004.

Gemini is an air sign. Air signs connect things and inter-relate them. Air signs love to think about things and discuss them. Ideas are their forte. Gemini’s particular job is to communicate, to spread the news. Information and communication will be special themes now, in May, as well as for the next few years.

Air itself and anything which travels through it—e.g., wind, air pollution, airborne organisms, chemicals, and air travel will also be featured. Coming eclipses from now through November 2003 will be catalysts for shifts in the Gemini-Sagittarius polarity.

Mars-Venus is passionate and exuberant about its desires. Gemini is light, airy, and versatile—the dancer. All in all, a fun combination. But not now. And not for the rest of this two-and-a-half-year cycle.

Saturn and Pluto are intimately entwined with this dancing pair for the entire month, and they will assure that the dance is serious, focused, and extremely intense. Gemini-Sagittarius is the mental polarity, and thus mental control is the key here—focused control with Saturn, hypnotic control and obsession with Pluto. Remote control of everything, including people, minds, and weapons, receives a huge boost now. Pluto adds secrecy to the process. Gemini’s perceptions of information will be distorted by the Saturn-Pluto combination.

Indeed, information is the key to effectiveness in our current world, and this is the month that there is a huge step-up in the hijacking of information by the plutocracy—Pluto—and government—Saturn.

One way this is happening now, in April, is through the Israelis’ systematic destruction of all governing institutions and records, and even many homes and their locations, in Palestine. This is an attempt to destroy Palestinian memory and identity. People are even prevented from claiming, identifying, and burying corpses of their dear ones, many of whom are irreparably covered with rubble.

Our first basic challenge in May is developing our own mental control, and finding ways to maintain it.

Suggestions begin with eliminating TV, newspapers, and popular periodicals. Take time to just contemplate and think about things.

Next, work with Crystal’s meditations, or your own spiritual practice.

Then, find alternative sources of information, and begin to evaluate all information. Your heart is your best guide. May is a fabulous month for research, and you can get a good start now. The Worldwide Web is a fine source.

Our second basic challenge in May is to make appropriate connections—connections which will be truly effective in helping us achieve our goals. We may need to be strong and persistent to reach those who can help us, as well as courageous in the face of intimidation.

Connections which are especially helpful and relevant now are those with our neighbors, and with community groups which are working towards ideals which we hold. The links established through these local groups can reach through all social levels and around the world.

Our job in May—and June as well—is beginning to establish clear mental channels, truly relevant sources for information, and connections which empower us. Mercury retrograde this month can help us to tune out the corporate propaganda, and tune into ourselves.

By 2004, the time of the next Mars-Venus conjunction and the next presidential election in the U.S., we can be clear about where earth’s and humanity’s best interests lie—or we can be totally in thrall to corporate propaganda.

This combination of planets—Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Pluto—can also be employed in an impulsive lunge for power and control, regardless of the consequences. Gemini is an amoral sign; simply connecting is its job. This can be a harsh combination—expressed particularly through language, Gemini’s forte, and propaganda, Sagittarius’ forte.

There are, however, apt to be consequences. Sagittarius is a sign of law, and it is likely that the meaning and role of international law will receive a huge push through the backlash aroused by Bush and Sharon’s wanton disregard of it.

Gemini Henry Kissinger, part of Bush’s inner council, may be an early victim of that backlash..

The U.S. has Mars in Gemini. On May 15, Mars will return to its home place in the U.S. chart to begin a new two-year cycle in how the U.S. applies its energy and its aggression. The Pluto and Saturn influences will accompany this cycle, and we can know that U.S. energy output will be harsh. Venus accompanying it tells us that the U.S. will grab for what it wants—no holds barred.

We are now in the Taurus energy field, and Taurus is the Bull. Taurus protects its property at all costs. It does not give. Stubbornness adds to the month’s mix, and can result in arguments and verbal abuse, which often lead to physical conflict.

May is the garden month, and Taurus is the gardener. Taurus’ tools now are harsh and disciplinary. Taurus is also productive, and I picture the rigors and dangers of an assembly-line meat-packing plant as a metaphor for May.

Technology is featured in May, particularly originating in the U.S. Be alert for the introduction of technology, or laws, which inhibit the free flow of information.

Neptune is also strong this month—again and again! Neptune connects with oil, addiction, denial and delusion. But Neptune is also involved in our highest visions and greatest inspirations. It is the Cosmic Channel.

Through events this month, we have a special opportunity to tune into cosmic truth. Let us try to turn down the static, and open our receiving channels to truth and enlightenment.

Note: A VOC Moon period is when the Moon is making no further major planetary aspects before it changes signs. Moon and its aspects are strongly associated with our everyday behavior, and without those aspects to direct our course, we are left much more free to pursue our own ends in our own way. It is like you’re driving down the freeway and find the road signs removed for awhile. On the one hand, plans may go awry, you may miss your exit; on the other hand, inner work is greatly favored as those external "instructions" are reduced. Times used are EST, because the overall influences for the United States are centered in Washington DC.		Click on a date to jump to the calendar entry for that day:
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Yesterday Mercury entered Gemini to hit the ground running as it joined Venus, Mars, Saturn, and Vesta. Today expectations are high—even the sky is not the limit. Put your need for fantasy into a cool Mayday celebration which honors the beauty, fertility, and nurturance of the earth. Structure and foundation is the day’s focus. What are the real earth structures, economic structures, and governmental structures that nourish us?

This is a turning-point day in world affairs, particularly related to the Bush-Cheney team and its destructive energy policies and its destructive missile shield project. Enron, Palestine, and Afghanistan may also be in the news. Essentially, the U.S. faces a crisis in protecting its investments—and they are not telling the straight story to the public.

Today’s subjects come up again on May 18, when Mercury is retrograde and we are encouraged to review events.

Moon is in serious Capricorn today. This is good for business endeavors, but somehow there is a new twist to the story before Moon goes VOC at 1:16 p.m. EDT. Moon remains VOC until midnight Friday.

THURSDAY MAY 2

Moon is VOC in Capricorn for the entire day. Capricorn is the most goal-oriented sign, and the relative aimlessness of VOC Moon can feel frustrating. Accept it. Chill out and go with the flow.

FRIDAY MAY 3

Moon is in Aquarius, with great social aspects. Open to new ideas, and enjoy discussing them with others. Some of those ideas may involve social action. Today is the Orthodox Good Friday, and Sunday is the Orthodox Easter. I remember with pleasure the gorgeous rich red eggs everywhere in Greece during this season. Tonight is excellent for appreciating a special video or movie. Lay off the stimulants today, because the early morning hours of tomorrow are very busy in the sky. Sleep may be difficult at best.

SATURDAY MAY 4

This day begins, around midnight in the U.S., with Mars conjunct Saturn—the beginning of the month’s parade of difficult energy. Mars conjunct Saturn is known for its tendency to harshness and cruelty. Ebertin says about this combination, "The tendency to get hurt or injured, mostly destructive or pernicious forms of energy." Saturn is where our deepest fears lie, and fear as a guide to Mars action can be singularly misguided. In Gemini it can be expressed by saying cruel or purposely provocative things. It conjoins the descendant of the U.S. chart, and for the U.S. is expressed in the context of partnerships.

Shortly afterwards, at 3:16 a.m. EDT, we have Last Quarter Moon at 14 Aquarius.

This is another of the many Neptunian moons of the last year and a half. (Is that all? It seems like years.) During that time, some of the Neptunian visions of the Bush administration have become clear. They include (1) control of the world’s oil, (2) control of the other resources of the world, (3) military command of space and thereby of the world’s people, and (4) handover of the U.S. government to corporate rule, with a focus on defense industries. (How many of you remember Pres. Eisenhower’s warning to the American people in his farewell address—"Watch out for the power of the military-industrial complex"?)

With this Moon, we can expect the Bush administration to take another step on this road. Oil and technology remain the central issues. Perhaps Mars-Saturn means a new military attack in order to test new war and weapons technology. Again, in the chart for Washington, the truth of the situation is hidden from view.

In Washington, Mars-Saturn is the foundation of the situation, with Pluto high above, beaming power and intensity on the Capitol. On the other side of the world, in central Asia, the Mars-Saturn combo is displayed to the world, and a plutonian need for power and control is the inner motivation.

Taurus, the sun’s sign, and Aquarius, the moon’s sign, are both fixed signs. They’re both stubborn. They both fight for their own particular power. Taurus fights for its land, and Aquarius for its idea and ideals. This is last quarter, and something needs to be released. What will it be? It won’t be easy.

In general, this Moon means releasing the comfort of familiarity for something new, something in keeping with the Aries new start which we made three weeks ago. For the Palestinians it is releasing their infrastructure and, in many cases, their homes and lives, for their ideals.

In general, aspects today help to move the action—whatever it may be—briskly along. This afternoon is excellent for a harmonious group gathering.

The Sabian Symbol for 14 Aquarius is:

"A TRAIN ENTERING A TUNNEL. A picture of what can be achieved by a combination of social, cultural, and personal techniques. It implies the possibility of shortening the length of time needed for progress by cutting through obstacles and delays. The Keyword is PENETRATION."

SUNDAY MAY 5

It’s Cinco de Mayo, and we awaken this morning ready for the revolution. Protest has been building during the last two days, with the penetrating Mars-Saturn conjunction combined with the Aquarius moon. Moon goes VOC at 8:46 a.m. EDT, and enters Pisces at 11:46 a.m. The Aquarius and Pisces moons of this weekend support concern with large social issues, and feelings of common humanity. They encourage a spiritual approach to life. During this last quarter moon, we are more able to let go of extra baggage. Perhaps our personal vision—Aries—is now being subsumed into a larger cause.

MONDAY MAY 6

Moon is in flowing Pisces today, with many challenging aspects to the feisty planets in Gemini, plus Pluto in Sagittarius. Our process of joining the stream of humanity continues. Warning: don’t do it through television. We are especially susceptible now to being drawn into its hypnotic illusions.

All during this Last Quarter Moon week we are in the process of attaching our personal desires and personal initiative (Venus and Mars) to the great historical Saturn-Pluto opposition. How do we fit our lives into the great social changes now occurring? How do we use our creativity in the emerging new world? What do we need to leave behind?

TUESDAY MAY 7

Moon is VOC in Pisces for the entire day. We are sensitive and receptive. We may want to spend time alone, some of it simply contemplating our priorities. A few days ago Mars joined Saturn to give it a push towards its goals. Today Venus joins Saturn to add values, grace, and artistry to the process. This is, in fact, a grounding time for artists. Venus is also about money, and with Saturn, there may be fears in economic spheres.

Business, government, and all systems will undergo strange twists and turns beginning today, and lasting through May 24. These situations will find some resolution on June 20.

WEDNESDAY MAY 8

Today moon is in Aries, sign of the Warrior. And the warrior planet, Mars, is fully armed and ready to fight. Mars just got its direction from Saturn a few days ago, and today shows its courage by opposing—or allying with—powerful Pluto. The U.S. will throw lots of weight around today—all over the world. And there may be blowback from such issues as global warming, destructive energy policies, Japan’s economy, IMF policies, Sharon’s butchery, and AIDS in Africa. Maintaining U.S. credibility in the face of Bush’s destructive policies is becoming more and more difficult.

Mars opposition Pluto is a defiant energy. Harness it to do hard and difficult work. The West Coast is particularly subject to today’s stress.

THURSDAY MAY 9

Moon continues in enthusiastic Aries, with aspects which support our activities, whatever they may be. We will approach them with intensity, for this is an intense week. We’re still in the throes of the obsessive Mars-Pluto opposition, and today we add Venus to the mix. Venus with Pluto means intense, compulsive pursuit of desire. Sometimes it takes the form of greed. Money and power are the big deals now. Venus also tones down the naked aggression of Mars. With Venus, compromise may be possible.

Middle Gemini and middle Sagittarius are the zodiac areas most affected during this entire month. This is the Ascendant-Descendant axis of the U.S. chart, which refers to how we see self, and how we see and relate to others. Powerhouse Pluto, with its need for control, is on the side of self, as it traverses the U.S. Ascendant now.

FRIDAY MAY 10

Moon goes VOC at 9:47 a.m., and enters Taurus at 12:32 p.m. We begin to prepare for the New Moon in fertile Taurus on May 12.

Venus and Mars join today at 19 Gemini. This conjunction seeds a powerful new creative cycle, which ushers in a new Age of Information. Several things show its special significance.

1. The conjunction conjoins the North Node of the Moon, giving it a connection to destiny for the whole of humankind.
   
   
2. Venus and Mars have each, within the past week, intimately conferred with both Saturn and Pluto. They each come into this conjunction, then, with Saturn’s focus and Pluto’s power. There will be no stopping this combo.
   
   
3. This Mars-Venus cycle is the longest one that I have noted, lasting until November 2004.
   
   
4. The Solar Eclipse of June 10, 2002, conjoins the conjunction. Solar Eclipse degrees are sensitized and activated for many years.

An additional relevant feature is that 19 Gemini is the degree of GW’s own Uranus, as well as his North Node. He is Destiny’s child of the time, and it is his genius that leads us into this new age.

Gemini tends to be superficial. Its job is connecting, and there are always a million connections waiting to be made. However, the Saturn-Pluto influence gives focus, depth, and endurance to this Gemini pair.

Gemini always deals with duality—a pair, the twins. And dualities are featured now. Venus and Mars themselves make one pair. Finding the unity behind duality is Gemini’s real job. Here we have Venus-Mars creativity used in the service of communication.

An example, for instance, is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We can look at it, and see that we have two options. One of them is to seriously exacerbate the conflict, and the other is to make a big effort to find a solution which is fair and workable. The pieces for reconciliation are all there, and we have a special opportunity now to put them together.

Compassion is a necessary requirement, and that too is strong now. Mother Ceres in Pisces today challenges conservative Vesta, who sees those outside of the clan as "outsiders."

Sun and Moon both in Taurus provide stability now, as well as supporting the harmonizing Venus side of our Mars-Venus pair. Sun and Moon in Taurus can be stubborn, and can further divide, rather than unify.

This major conjunction occurs at the very end of a moon cycle, and it means we can let go of some old ways. It is an Aries moon cycle, and the opportunity is to release old ways of handling conflict.

Bask in Taurus tonight. Savor a delicious dinner, with flowers and candlelight. Whatever you have, appreciate it, and thank the goddess for her abundance.

SATURDAY MAY 11

Enjoy the garden today—or appreciate nature in some way. This is a day for kicking back and enjoying life. One issue that could arise is fairness in relationships.

SUNDAY MAY 12

New cycles tend to begin at new moons. Well, today we have a timely New Moon in Taurus to kick off the Venus-Mars cycle. New Moon occurs at 22 Taurus at 6:45 a.m. EDT, just after sunrise.

New Moon in Taurus is about claiming our territory, stabilizing it, maintaining it, and making it productive. It is through Taurus that the Lady of the Garden makes the earth flower. Whatever our garden, energy this coming month calls for us to nurture it.

Taurus stability characterizes the Sun’s energy field now. However, kaleidoscopic Gemini planets dominate the skies.

The Holy Land is an obvious example of this situation. In the first place, "land," a specific spot, is a Taurus thing. In the second place, Israel’s birthday in 1948 shows a Taurus Sun. Israel displays Taurean qualities of not only hanging on to its land and making the desert bloom, but of expanding its territory, as shown by the "settlements."

We have two peoples, the Twins, trying to share a Taurus country and we have two stubborn leaders, each of them with a Taurus moon.

The Gemini challenge is here in spades. Not only must we find a unity backing this duality, but we must do it in the face of the most possessive, stable, stubborn, and determined of signs.

Taurus is the "this is mine" sign, and Gemini is the "let’s relate" sign.

The Holy Land is the crucible for demonstrating the problems, as well as the possible solutions, of integrating the energies of this vital new Mars-Venus cycle.

We are all working with these energies now. In the midst of great choice and change, how do we hold fast to our centers and grow our gardens? What are the dualities in our lives? How do we make choices which are inclusive of the bigger picture?

Gemini presents pathways for both lower and higher selves. How do we know that we are listening to our higher selves? Where do we find nourishment for our higher self? How do we maintain and grow it? Taurus can be a great nurturer. In the midst of Gemini’s myriad options, we need to know what and how we are nurturing.

This Taurus Moon cycle presents us with a big responsibility, in our personal and collective lives, now and for the future. Correct choice is the key to use it well.

This is Mother’s Day, a fitting symbol. Mothering combines stable nurturing, Taurus, with raising children, who are Geminian.

The Sabian Symbol for 22 Taurus is:

"WHITE DOVE FLYING OVER TROUBLED WATERS. The spiritual inspiration that comes to the individual in the overcoming of crisis. Here we see a symbol of guidance, and the dove flying over troubled waters reminds one of the story of Noah and the Ark. Noah met his and humankind’s crisis courageously and in complete obedience to God’s promptings. The test completed, he received the dove’s message. It is a message from the Holy Spirit announcing a new Dispensation. This symbolic scene can be applied to personal crises resulting from emotional upheavals or from the irruption of unconscious forces into the consciousness—if the crisis has been faced in the right spirit. REWARD TO THE FAITHFUL."

This New Moon covers all of the world’s continents. So does the Mars-Venus-Pluto-Saturn complex, along with Mercury, the messenger.

MONDAY MAY 13

Yesterday we experienced deliberate Taurus. By today moon has moved into lively Gemini, and begins to zip around the six other special points in Gemini, stimulating the Gemini parts of this New Moon equation.

For the last week, Neptune has been sending inspiration and vision to Mercury. Today Neptune turns retrograde, still with its strong Mercury link. And in two days, Mercury turns retrograde, also with the Neptune link.

Neptune, during its five months retrograde, will be revisioning. Mercury, during its three weeks retrograde, will be rethinking those visions.

The heavens are unstable during the next three days—the retrogrades plus three occultations by Moon tomorrow.

The travel advisory is "risky" during these days. Also—Neptune rules gasses and chemicals. Mercury could put them into motion in the air.

This day is excellent for original mental work, especially writing.

Jupiter conjoined U.S. Sun indicates expansion of the empire. Vesta enters Cancer to show that racial divisiveness could be featured.

Look at the western sky just after sunset. You might see Moon just left of faint Mercury, heading for Saturn, Mars, and Venus. By sunset tomorrow, it has caught up with Venus.

TUESDAY MAY 14

Our Gemini lineup is tight in the early evening sky. Gemini moon always indicates activity and connections, and today there is special activity. One by one, Moon occults, or eclipses, Saturn, Mars and Venus, giving power and new dimension to those planets. The Mars-Venus conjunction of May 10 is really not finished until tonight’s eclipse by the Moon. Moon adds a big exclamation point to this special conjunction.

Notice your inner and outer worlds these days.

Ceres now enters Aries, where she will support and encourage assertiveness for the next few weeks.

WEDNESDAY MAY 15

Moon enters Cancer, and our concerns are for safety and security. Home and family assume prime importance. The threat of terrorism will play well today.

Mercury turns retrograde in Gemini. It travels retrograde in early Gemini until June 8, when it turns direct. Today will show us some of the subject matter for our minds to ponder during the next three weeks. Institutional breakdown is the general subject matter.

Another Mercury retrograde topic is U.S. willfulness and aggression, as Mercury slowly sweeps the U.S. Uranus at 9 Gemini. Mercury returns to this spot at Summer Solstice.

Today we have the U.S. Mars return. This is the start of a new two-year cycle in the U.S. use of energy. It occurs within a security-seeking Taurus-Cancer energy field, a Ceres freshly into challenger Aries, and a Mercury rethinking its Neptunian visions.

Jupiter is moving over the U.S. Sun during these last few days. This makes the nation feel optimistic and hopeful. However, there is a danger of over-reaching and over-expecting. This begins a 12-year cycle of U.S. expansion. Jupiter and Mars together are the quintessential warrior. They speak of military expansion.

It’s significant that both of these cycles begin with a retrograde Mercury. The U.S. July 4 chart also has a Mercury retrograde. Mercury retrograde can make for living in the past rather than in the present.

Sun now conjoins Algol, the demon fixed star. This star also joins Sharon’s moon, Israel’s sun, and is close to Arafat’s moon.

This evening we may be able to see the new moon climb up beside bright Jupiter low in the western sky.

Today is Israel’s birthday.

THURSDAY MAY 16

Moon continues in sensitive, emotional Cancer. Protect and nurture yourself. This is a quiet, inward day.

FRIDAY MAY 17

Moon goes VOC at 7:27 a.m. EDT. There are no more aspects until tomorrow, and this is a good day to catch up on things, especially home chores, and be ready for a dynamite weekend. Moon enters dramatic Leo at 1:52 p.m. Extrovert energy picks up, and tonight we will want to have fun.

SATURDAY MAY 18

Intense creative activity is featured today. Success comes through endeavors that are pleasurable, and yet serious and purposeful. The future calls, and we are preparing ourselves for our own new world. This day relates to May 1. The military may be featured, for this is Armed Forces Day. Neptune continues to dominate the U.S. skies, and we may find ourselves carried away.

SUNDAY MAY 19

We continue to bask in the warmth of sunny Leo, enjoying both ourselves and others. We are confident, outspoken, assertive, and ready to make a move to secure our territory.

First Quarter Moon at 29 Leo occurs at 3:42 p.m. EDT. We have here a unique circumstance: This Leo Moon-Taurus Sun is the same combination which occurred a month ago (April 20), at the Aries moon cycle First Quarter. Fixed sign squares, such as this one, mean conflict between power centers. A month ago there were big peace rallies in the U.S.

However, we are now in a Taurus cycle, and the conflict will revolve around money and territory. Perhaps the hugely unbalanced U.S. military expenditure at the expense of unmet social needs will be challenged. Perhaps there will be a focus on the great and growing income gaps in the nation and in the world. Perhaps another nation will fall thanks to IMF policies.

Money will surely be central. This Quarter Moon conjoins the August 21, 1998 Solar Eclipse, which brought in the beginning of the recession in the U.S. It also conjoins the August 2001 Leo New Moon, which featured the Bush depletion of the national treasury and the energy companies’ depletion of the California treasury. Public needs, both in the nation and in California, are now suffering due to lack of funds.

The August 2001 Leo Moon cycle also catalyzed the September 11 attack. At first quarters we move into action. What will the action be now? Taurus is concerned with values, and Leo wants to be in charge. Which values do we subscribe to? And are we willing to take charge of expressing them ourselves?

There will be surprises, and perhaps shocks, with this moon. Our lives will change much during the next three weeks—the remainder of the Taurus Moon cycle.
This is a restless, yearning day, and the Sabian Symbol fits well.

The Sabian Symbol for 29 Leo is:

"A MERMAID EMERGES FROM THE OCEAN WAVES READY FOR REBIRTH IN A HUMAN FORM. The stage in which an intense feeling-intuition rising from the unconscious is about to take form as a conscious thought. Will the intuitive feeling fade away, reabsorbed into the unconscious, or will the inexpressible realization acquire the concreteness and expressible form of a concept or a definite motif in an art form? YEARNING FOR CONSCIOUS FORM AND SOLIDITY."

MONDAY MAY 20

This is a fine work and business day. Moon is in Virgo, and we can solve tough problems. Venus in Cancer turns our thoughts towards family, ancestors, and tending our own hearth.

TUESDAY MAY 21

Sun enters Gemini early this morning to vitalize the busy Gemini energy field. We may find ourselves rushing about, perhaps not even certain where we’re going. Allow for a strictly spontaneous day. At 12:53 p.m. Moon goes VOC, and Mercury, especially important today, is retrograde. At 8:19 p.m., Moon enters sociable Libra.

WEDNESDAY MAY 22

This is a great day, optimistic and flowing easily. Harmony reigns in talking, sharing and working with others. The arts are particularly favored.

THURSDAY MAY 23

Yesterday’s fine energy continues until Moon goes VOC at 7:39 p.m. This is a good day to make important connections, especially those involved with enhancing security. Venus and Vesta join today to begin their new annual cycle. Vesta is concerned with the "in" group—"our" people, "our" territory, "our" investments, "our" safety. With Venus, these are the things we appreciate and find ourselves attracted to. Cancer supports the focus on home, family, and ethnic group.

Mother Ceres in Aries is tied to this conjunction, and she will fight, and encourage fighting, to preserve her family. For the next year, ethnic conflict is likely.

Venus now conjoins the U.S. Venus. This means the start of a new one-year Venus cycle for the U.S., with Vesta and Ceres close companions to Venus, and challenging one another—security vs. nurturing.

Venus and Vesta both relate to money, so finances will be prominent in the picture—especially since we are still in the Taurus lunar cycle. Gemini, however, gives us options and choices. We—and events—are not as stubborn as when the sun is in Taurus. Gemini also relates to trade and commerce.

Moon enters Scorpio at 9:38 p.m., just in time to add intensity to the upcoming Saturn-Pluto opposition.

FRIDAY MAY 24

This is an emotional, dreamy, inner-oriented day. Intuition and psychic powers are greatly enhanced, especially for Pisces people. Take time to be alone, especially in nature. Water would also be soothing.

SATURDAY MAY 25

Moon continues in Scorpio, but today Scorpio’s intensity fuels rebellion. A three-day weekend will fulfill it for some. It’s Full Moon, Saturn-Pluto, and a weekend besides. Look for large mobilizations, and people in the streets. Also look for a large police presence. Scorpio is a super-determined sign, and can be ruthless.

Saturn opposes Pluto at 10:33 p.m. EDT. Saturn-Pluto is about structural re-alignment, and with this opposition we complete the core of the current process, which began at the full moon in Aquarius last August 4. The second hit was November 2, at the Taurus full moon. And now we have the completion hours before a Sagittarius Full Moon Eclipse.

The overall theme at each of these periods has been the U.S. reorienting itself in relation to the rest of the world—pushing to take complete control in an arrogant, bullying, and lack of concern for consequences manner.

This attitude has engendered huge worldwide hostility and protests..

The stance of the U.S. during these months seems to have been one that purposely encourages terrorism. Perhaps this is calculated. It provides a rationale for secrecy and for creating a totalitarian warrior state, which may in fact be the core of the Saturn-Pluto re-structuring in terms of U.S. goals.

Oppositions, like full moons, are turning points in a cycle. We can get clues about the character of a cycle by events around its inception. The Saturn-Pluto conjunction which began this cycle occurred in autumn 1982. Most notable accompanying events were President Reagan’s speech proposing Star Wars, and the brutal massacre at the Palestinian Shatila and Sabra refugee camps for which an Israeli court of inquiry found Ariel Sharon responsible.

The first square, like first quarter moon, is the first big turning point of a cycle. Saturn squared Pluto in January 1994, when NAFTA went into effect, and the Chiapas Zapatistas responded by coming out of the jungle to protest capitalist oppression.

In both of these times we see the massing of state power against the disenfranchised. And we see resistance by the disenfranchised. Now we see it again, with the United States arming and backing Israel’s barbaric occupation of Palestine, and the Palestinians resisting.

The final Saturn-Pluto square, where this tension is again highlighted, will occur in August 2010. That one will be a dilly, especially for the U.S.

This weekend’s opposition, too, will show demonstrations supporting the oppressed. It came in on a dynamic First Quarter Moon, dominated by Uranus, the Rebel, the Reformer. Uranus in Aquarius can be idealistic about working for a social order in which there is justice and respect for all. The idea of freedom from tyranny has a strong grip today.

In addition, there is strong healing energy now, especially for the U.S.

This will be an exciting and wakeful night.

SUNDAY MAY 26

Moon is in the sign of Sagittarius, the world traveler. It becomes full at 6 degrees Sag at 7:31 a.m. EDT, in the wake of the Saturn-Pluto opposition. Sagittarius Full Moon is about adding depth, perspective, and understanding to Gemini’s myriad connections.

This Full Moon is a penumbral Lunar Eclipse, in Sagittarius and Gemini, the same signs as the Saturn-Pluto opposition. Much of it is visible in the U.S. in the early morning, before sunrise, as a darkening of the moon.

In the chart set for Washington DC, most of the planets are in hidden, behind-the-scenes houses. Out front is sensitive Vesta in Cancer. She needs a lot of reassurance that she belongs, that she is safe in her family.

In the U.S. safety and security will be major themes with this Moon, along with pulling strings behind the scenes to achieve it.

This Eclipse relates to the rise of GW as henchman of corporate rule. The New Moon which underlies it occurred on November 25, 2000, when Katherine Harris certified his election, and GW declared that he was President-elect. Also on that New Moon, Pres. Fox of Mexico was inaugurated, the Zapatistas agreed to talk with the government, and Chairman Arafat put on a gun for the first time since he returned to Palestine in 1994.

The next quarter turning point, in August 2001, brings Bush withdrawing from the ABM Treaty, which has kept the world relatively secure from nuclear weapons for 30 years. At the same time the Israelis invade Palestine with tanks and armor. Bush also announces that he likes the fact that the U.S. surplus is fading away.

Eclipses open the door for change. Eclipse degrees are sensitive for a long time, both before and after the eclipse, but many relevant events and crises happen within three months of a given eclipse, most often within days or weeks. Sagittarius is a sign of politics, risk-taking, and adventurism.

This Full Moon sets through western Canada, western U.S., and Mexico. It rises through Beijing and Sri Lanka. It’s underfoot through Paris, London, and western Africa. Saturn and Pluto cover every continent in the world. In the U.S. they blanket the Mississippi River Valley. Literal structural change is certainly both potential and current there.

The Sabian Symbol for 6 Sagittarius is:

"A GAME OF CRICKET. The development of skill in group situations testing collective goals. The game teaches not only personal skill, but fairness and cooperation. Where this symbol is found, the value of making individual-will or ego-will subservient to collective cultural patterns is emphasized. GROUP SOLIDARITY."

Sports are popular in the U.S. Team spirit is essential in sports. Can we come to consider the world our team? With citizenry from all over the world in the U.S., it seems a natural.

Perhaps this grand finale to Pluto-Saturn will correspond with an event which demonstrates incontrovertibly to the majority of people in the U.S. that your pain is my pain, that your joy is my joy, that we are all in this human pot together. And that the pot is becoming fragile, and we all need to treat it with care and consciousness.

We have three eclipses within this next month. Let us see what they bring.

Again, night will be wakeful. (And so will tomorrow night.)

MONDAY MAY 27

Moon continues in philosophical Sagittarius, motivating travel and adventure on this three-day weekend. Early this morning Moon conjoins Pluto, as they both oppose Saturn. Our emotions become intimately hooked into this historic re-alignment process.

At the same time, our head is engaged, for Sun and Mercury conjoin in Gemini to begin a new 90-day cycle of consciousness and thinking style. This cycle will be subjective, emotional, and profound. It ties in with the nodes and the eclipses, and will have deep and long-lasting influence.

Mercury in Gemini is a fast and spontaneous thinker, and a glib communicator. The nervous system is amped up, and mind can go into overdrive. Pitfalls here are superficiality and deceptiveness. The potential is for Sagittarius to add depth and wisdom.

Reassurances concerning security remains the goal.

TUESDAY MAY 28

Vacation is over. We enter the work week with Moon in tend-to-business Capricorn. It may, in fact, feel like a relief after the hectic weekend. Mars enters Cancer to help us on our path to attain security. Again, it would be very fruitful to look deeply into ourselves and ask ourselves where real security lies, and how best to obtain it. Connecting with our higher self is a sure guide. Family is especially important this evening.

WEDNESDAY MAY 29

Moon is VOC in Capricorn for the entire day. Although Capricorn likes to plan, making plans and agreements with others may not work out today. Doing one’s work in a spontaneous manner is favored. Capricorn likes control, but this is a day to take things as they come.

Tonight we can get a good sleep!

THURSDAY MAY 30

Moon enters stimulating Aquarius at 9:35 a.m. EDT. Our minds and mouths become super active. We have much to communicate, and three days in which to do it.

FRIDAY MAY 31

Moon continues in catalytic Aquarius. This morning the mood is idealistic, and we may find ourselves spacing out on future possibilities. This afternoon and evening we get down to the nitty gritty of what is here, and how we can improve our circumstances, again in terms of the future.