Skywatch for May

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MAY 2006

Reports of violence in April confirm the intensity of the Aries eclipse that occurred on March 29, with violence and deaths in Iraq at an all-time high and reports of terrorism at similarly record high levels. A client of mine who works at a mental hospital reports that admissions in April were the highest in the 75-year history of the hospital. Many of us are experiencing a new level of intensity in our personal lives as well and this may correlate to the conjunction of transiting Pluto to the Galactic Center that is approaching throughout the year (see article).

Pluto tends to ramp up the intensity of anything that it comes into contact with, and it is difficult to know the astrological effect, if any, the Galactic Center has upon us. The noted astrologer Charles Harvey wrote that just as the astrological Sun denotes our purpose or mission on earth, the G.C. relates to the higher purpose of mankind. It's possible that the alignment of Pluto with the Galactic Center is realigning the entire solar system to its higher purpose, and individually we will be affected to the degree that our charts correlate to the 26 degree point of Sagittarius.

But now, let's see what is coming up in May:

During the first week of May, we find Mars, Jupiter and Uranus lining up to create a Grand Trine in the water element. The Jupiter/Uranus trine will be exact on May 4, and Mars joins in on May 6. Grand Trines occur when three planets form 120 degree angles to each other, creating a large triangle. Trines have an easy, flowing energy - they facilitate processes and create a comfortable dynamic. For this reason they were long considered "good" or favorable aspects as opposed to the "hard angle" (90 degree and 180 degree) aspects which were considered "bad" or unfavorable. However, we can get lost in trines - the danger is in becoming so comfortable that there is no energy available to us. However, this Grand Trine involves Mars (aggression and drive) in family-loving Cancer, which will add a dynamic component because of the fiery nature of Mars, even in the emotional sign of Cancer. In water, the Grand Trine indicates a free flow of emotions and an ability to tune in and be receptive to others. Water is empathic, flowing, compassionate.

The Uranus/Jupiter trine brings together the two planets that are most concerned with liberation. Jupiter represents expansion, opportunity, and the expression of shared beliefs such as theology and philosophy. Uranus instigates a break from conventional and mundane reality, representing innovation, radical change, and unusual behavior and beliefs such as astrology. Jupiter in aspect with Uranus brings about a break (Uranus) from conventional morality (Jupiter), an expansive (Jupiter) sense of freedom (Uranus) to follow one's own destiny and path. This Uranus/Jupiter cycle began in December and we are currently in the second phase of the cycle, which will conclude in August.

Venus (relationships) enters energetic Aries on May 3 and begins to move into a trine to Saturn in Leo which will be exact on May 7. Saturn adds stability and security to Venus, cementing commitment and adding a level of responsibility that Venus in Aries is not normally accustomed to. In the fiery signs Venus tends more to be somewhat self-oriented, but this will be toned down by the watery Grand Trine that will soften all of our hard edges for the first 10 days or so of the month. Mercury (communication) in Aries trines Pluto (intensity and secrets) during the first few days of the month, opening up communication pathways that encourage greater openness between people.

Mercury leaves Aries for the fixed and earthy sign of Taurus on May 5, and intellectual positions (Mercury) become more entrenched and less negotiable (Taurus). Two days later Mercury squares restrictive Saturn, causing a bit of negativity to enter the picture. However, the trine of Mars to Jupiter and Uranus (see above) is exact this same day which will add energy (Mars), opportunity (Jupiter) and surprise (Uranus) to all situations, offering new ways to resolve old problems.

May 11-12 will continue to expand our thinking as Mercury joins the dance of Jupiter and Uranus by opposing Jupiter and sextiling Uranus. Mercury brings us into the mental realm, and during this time we are able to veritably download new information without knowing or really caring from whence it comes. Our awareness is opening like the lens of a camera, and as it opens we are able to see and understand in a completely new way.

All of this leads up to the Full Moon in Scorpio on May 13 at 2:51 am EST. Scorpio of course is the sign of power, passion and emotional intensity. Scorpio can be secretive and mysterious, and the Moon has its own mystery. The Full Moon occurs when the solar conscious principle of the Sun opposes the lunar mystery of the Moon, and the Full Moon is often when the Moon is at its full power. Adding additional mystery is the square of misty Neptune to both the Sun and the Moon (forming a T-square to the Sun/Moon opposition that forms the Full Moon). In a hard angle aspect like the square, Neptune creates fantasy and illusion and enhances that which is hidden. This Full Moon will call on us to probe beyond the mysteries that we use to shield ourselves from a truer reality. By diving fearlessly (Scorpio) through the veil of deception, we will gain new clarity and understanding.

The next day, Mercury makes a sextile (60 degree harmonious aspect) to fiery Mars, helping to sharpen the point of our mental focus. This energetic aspect is followed the following day (May 15) by a square of Mercury to Neptune, which adds fog to our thinking. The combination of these two events could create a sense of frustration, especially since Mercury in Taurus can be inflexible and unable to quickly move from one mental framework to another. This aspect will make analytical thinking somewhat difficult but is a better time for creativity and imagination. Mercury's entry into Gemini on May 19 will help to unblock any places that become stuck in mid-month as a result of the Neptune effect.

Chiron turns retrograde on May 15 and begins to move more quickly towards the second stage of the opposition with Saturn. When retrograde, Chiron's effects are felt more intensely and more personally, and we will begin to see more evidence of pain and stress that seeks the release of Chiron's healing effects.

Venus makes a sextile (harmonious) aspect to Neptune on the 20th, adding a spiritual and compassionate (Neptune) component to our interactions with others for a day or two until it is squared by Mars on May 23. Venus is soft and yielding, and when it is stressed by a hard angle aspect from pushy Mars it can become resistant and make relationships of all kinds rather uncomfortable. In addition, there can be conflict between the desire of Venus to connect and the desire of Mars to break free. Any disruptions that occur during this 2-3 day period will be transformed on May 25 when Venus makes a trine to powerful Pluto and the next day with Mercury squaring Uranus and forcing a new way (Uranus) to consider past events (Mercury).

Neptune turns retrograde on May 22, and until the end of October we will be faced more personally with Neptunian concerns of spirituality and illusion. Under Neptune's more direct influence we are more aware of the subtle energies that form the underpinning of life in the material world. Neptune is often involved in health issues and we may find ourselves dealing with mysterious illnesses.

The New Moon in Gemini occurs May 27 at 1:25 am est. New Moons are times of beginnings, and in Gemini they are times of change. Gemini craves new experiences, and the New Moon in Gemini lends itself to beginning new projects and engaging in exciting new endeavors. This New Moon is sextile the stabilizing force of Saturn, which lends discipline and structure to the airy nature of Mercury-ruled Gemini. It's a good time for beginning new goals (Saturn) and planning (Saturn) for new opportunities to learn and create new ideas (Gemini). The solar conscious principle is fused with the lunar instincts now, and the subconscious can link more easily to the conscious mind. The New Moon is followed the next day by a trine of Mercury to Saturn, reinforcing the connection between the mental pursuits of Mercury and Gemini with the solid structural support of Saturn.

The Jupiter/Uranus trine offers a free ride to a world where life is full of new opportunities if we choose to make the trip. This is an opportunity to let go of patterns of living our life that have become stale and sour, and to gain a new trust and faith in letting go to the miracles that life has to offer.

May 2006 {Month}