© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter May 2016
May 1 has historically been a day when people throughout the world celebrate and offer thanks for the gifts Mother Nature bestows upon us. The creative energies which Aries unleashed are now manifesting in earthy Taurus where we find the Sun(symbol of our consciousness), mental Mercury and beauty-loving Venus hanging out. Her presence here is appropriate since she rules this sign which guides our relationship to the natural world and our own physicality. This requires us to be in tune with our senses, creating pleasure in our lives. Dreamy Neptune in watery Pisces(5/1) and expansive, inspiring Jupiter(5/3) kick off the month joining the Sun in an optimistic environment and encourage us to think big in forming future plans.
Here we must pause for a moment because there are major astrological influences insisting we pull ourselves together before venturing forth to implement our ideas. We have five planets going backward(retrograde) sending us the message that there is work to be done before we'll have the resources available needed for our ultimate success. They are thoughtful Mercury, aggressive Mars, expansive Jupiter(until 5/10), controlling Saturn and ruthless Pluto, requiring us to refocus our efforts at integrating their energies within ourselves.
This inner realm consists of our belief systems which we're asked to closely scrutinize. As we traverse the minefield of our chaotic environment, perceptions and values we once considered sacrosanct are dissolving. Can we Distinguish between our personal beliefs and what our conditioning dictates? Jupiter, now in earthy Virgo, representing higher education and religion, is at odds with aggressive Mars and somber Saturn, both in his home sign of Sagittarius(philosophy) and their unease is contagious.
The May 6 New Moon(new beginnings) in stable Taurus offers advice regarding how we interpret our confusion and how to move beyond it. "A symbolic battle between 'Swords and Torches'. Refusing to depend on the past, the seeker turns warrior, fighting the eternal 'Great War'." Our challenge is to channel the interval friction we feel into productive outlets, otherwise we face frustration with delays, and more.
May 9 Jupiter turns direct, as sensuous Venus takes a turn on the dance floor with other-worldly Neptune, we should bathe in their soothing ambiance. Also the Sun conjoins brainy Mercury, emphasizing the Taurus stabilizing effect. May 10, 12 and 13 we have Venus and Mercury actively engaging in earthly delights. Let's use them as role models and follow their lead.
What would delight us?
What would delight us?
May 20 the Sun enters airy, communicative Gemini and it's a new ball game. This is the sign ruled by a Mercury who is sometimes equated with the Trickster. The atmosphere lightens up and sparks are in the air. May 21 is the Full Moon(culmination) in inspirational Sagittarius. The Symbol alludes to the "Big Picture" which is appropriate for this sign. "White-capped waves display the power of the wind over the sea. The mobilization of unconscious energies under the pressure of super-personal motives." In our search we encounter unusual developments which aren't always fun but their challenges expand our horizons and present us with new life choices.
May 22 Mercury turns direct still fueling the grounding Taurus energy we need to balance our emotional reactions as delays continue to plague us. The Gemini Sun gets in a tussle with Mars since he;s ready to indulge himself in his massive curiosity and isn't interested in soul-searching. Let's strategize the means by which we can deflect Mars' frustration by keeping calm. Whether we find time alone to regroup, resort to Rescue Remedy or have another means, be kind to ourselves, it's important to defuse unwanted energy.
Lovely Venus joins the Sun in lively Gemini May 24 bringing a breath of fresh air to our attitudes toward our relationships. One note of caution, Gemini's symbol is the Twins, one human, one divine, and there's always duality in any equation involving them. There's fluidity which doesn't necessarily promise permanance but a lot of fun can be had by all. May 28 Mars slips back into watery, penetrating Scorpio, returning to territory be covered during February and March. Issues which were left dangling may now be resolved as we revisit them. Scorpio always reminds us that our instincts generate our Life Energy and understanding our viceral responses allows us to integrate them.
When our buttons are pushed, are we gentle with ourselves in investigating the source of our response?
When our buttons are pushed, are we gentle with ourselves in investigating the source of our response?
May 30 we encounter a cordial meeting between thoughtful Mercury and profound Pluto(the higher octave of Mars) which enhances our ability to understand our motivations in order to approach our authenticity. We are on the right path in embracing this goal and our mutual support makes all the difference!
Blessings!
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with a healthy thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.
