Hi Everyone

Happy May Day! May promises to be a little quieter than March or April. However, it begins with an intense Full Moon and the second Mercury retrograde for this year starts this month. Let’s take them in order.

Full Moon: Sunday, May 3^rd

This Full Moon occurs at 11:42 pm EDT at 13⁰ Scorpio. Full Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are on opposites sides of the zodiac from one another – called, fittingly, an opposition. Oppositions generally present us with something (or someone) that is present within us, but that we don’t want to recognize or “own.” Taurus, where the Sun is, is an earth sign that processes information through the five senses and is said to be the most stubborn sign of the zodiac. It has a tendency to be complacent, and seeks stability and comfort. Ruled by Venus, Taureans respond to beauty, most especially of Mother Earth, and like things that are pleasing to the senses. (Think chocolate, bubble bath, massages. . . ) Scorpio, on the other hand, is a water sign and focuses on a deep, intense understanding of what is around him/her, transformation, and the uncanny ability to see below the surface of everything – including you, which can be rather unnerving. It is a sign of power and when the Moon is in Scorpio, emotions and feelings tend to be very intense and deep. We will also tend to hold on to these emotions/feelings longer than is perhaps good for us or helpful.

What makes this Full Moon so powerful is this opposition is squared (read: growth opportunity, shift in perspective) by Jupiter who’s running around in Leo. This is a called a t-square, because it makes a big T in the chart. Leo is a fire sign and is questing for the divine child within by going through a deep-seated sense of unworthiness. Leo, Taurus and Scorpio are all fixed signs. Fixed signs have the reputation of being stubborn – stuck in wherever they are. However, their spiritual task is focus and persistence. Fixed energy is what holds an idea (cardinal energy) long enough to manifest. Without it, nothing would take form. The “solution” to this T-square lies with the fourth fixed sign, Aquarius, the sign of the recognition that we are all equal and that we need to work together. Aquarius, in its highest expression, reminds us of who we really are. There is a second T-Square operating as well. Mercury will be opposed Saturn (in Sagittarius) and square Neptune (in Pisces). This T-Square provides additional impetus to augment our understanding and compassion of ourselves and each other. The “solution” to this T-Square lies in the sign of integration and harvest of self, Virgo.

New Moon: Monday, May 18^th          

The Taurus New Moon occurs at midnight at 26⁰. This new beginning occurs hours before Mercury stations retrograde, and once again it is near the end of the sign. Taurus is the sign of the builder and in its highest expression – detachment. Coupled with Mercury stationing retrograde (see below) this is a time to look at what we’re attached to – especially thoughts and behavior patterns – that have come to the end of their usefulness to us.

 Mercury Retrograde: Monday, May 18^th

When he changes direction at 1:26 p.m. EDT, Mercury will be at 13⁰ Gemini and will retrograde until June 11 when he will be at 4⁰ Gemini. Because of its retrograde motion, Mercury will be in the sign it rules until July 8, an extremely long transit. I believe that this retrograde period and the three squares that Mercury will make to Neptune (May 9, May 28 and June 23) provide an opportunity for us to re-group, re-think and re-order our priorities, old thought patterns, and to integrate some of the powerful astrological energies that we’ve experienced in March and April. Between the retrograde motion of Mercury and the fixed energy of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, we’ll have a chance to slow down a little bit and make substantive changes in how we view our world and how we operate in it.

 Sun Enters Gemini: Thursday, May 21 at 4:45 a.m.

The Sun joins the Gemini team with Mercury and Mars. Communication will be emphasized, but things can feel a little scattered as well.

Have a wonderful May!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret