Solar Phases

21 May 2010 - 21 June

SUN IN GEMINI
On the 21st of May, the Sun will enter Gemini at around 03h34 GMT. Gemini qualities include youthfulness, curiosity, mental abilities, talkativeness and a tendency to juggle multiple projects or interests at any one time. Intellectual and commercial pursuits are favoured now, as are all forms of communication, including writing, speaking, teaching and learning. In business affairs, May favours marketing, PR, journalism and other media-related pursuits. Debates and political sparring are also well-starred – just as well, with an election scheduled this month!  

This solar cycle will most positively affect those with air or fire Sun, Ascendants or Moons, especially those in Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Lunar Phases

14  May 2010

NEW MOON IN TAURUS
The New Moon in Taurus at 01h04 GMT on the 14^th of May is a good time to introduce new measures to consolidate personal finances and safeguard personal security. This is a sort of emotional and physical 'new year' for the sign of b, indicating the perfect time to embark on a new exercise regime or nutritional programme. It is also a good period to let go of old habits, routines or emotional baggage that no longer serve you.

 

According to the Moonwise Calendar, this lunar phase is ruled by the hawthorn tree. Avia Venifica describes this Celtic tree  as representing the union of opposites, balance and duality. This is embodied in the many paradoxes bound up within the tree itself - one hand, it displays beautiful white blossoms around May in the northern hemisphere. yet, nestled amongst these beautiful flowers are large, spiny thorns. whilst the hawthorn is known to have excellent curative abilities, often being used as a tonic for the heart within the herbal tradition of the west, in Celtic mythology, it was considered bad luck to bring freshly-cut hawthorn branches into the home because they gave off a smell similar to decaying flesh, thus we see its life-giving properties juxtaposed with associations of death and dying.

This New Moon will be most positively affect those with an earth or water-based Sun, Ascendant or Moon, especially those in Taurus or Capricorn, Virgo, Pisces, Cancer, and to some extent, Scorpio.

 

27 May
FULL MOON IN SAGITTARIUS

On the 27^th of May (23h07 GMT), a Full Moon in Sagittarius is likely to see you reaching for the stars in spiritual matters, whilst also bringing to fruition matters related to higher education, culture, publishing, foreign travel and the law. Emotions are likely to be amplified now, so beware of hysterical or melodramatic outbursts, as well as slightly over-the-top reactions to situations. On a positive note, people are likely to feel optimistic, adventurous and philosophical around this time. This full moon also favours animals, sports and matters related to cars and motoring.
 

This Full Moon will most positively affect those with fire or air Suns, Ascendants or Moons, especially those in Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Libra, and to some extent, Gemini.

 

Planetary Events, Stellar Phases & Energy Shifts

During May, Venus will continue to grow in brightness, appearing just after sunset in the western skies as the Evening Star until September. She will be visible near to the crescent moon around midmonth, just after the lunar crescent re-appears from its dark or new moon phase on the 14th. For a brief time, and from certain geographic locations, Venus will also be seen to be 'occulted' by the Moon - that is, the Moon will pass in front of it in a sort of 'mini eclipse'. On the 26th of May, Mercury will reach its furthest (25° west) point from the sun (i.e. its point of greatest western elongation) in the eastern morning sky. By this time, it will once again appear to be travelling clockwise after a period of apparent 'retrograde' or anti-clockwise motion.

 

For more planetary and stellar highlights in May, visit The Night Sky website by Ian Morrison of the University of Manchester, " This 'retrograde motion' is because the Earth has been overtaking Mars on the 'inside track'."

 

3 May
MERCURY IN TAURUS TRINE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
The month begins with a positive, transformative aspect between Mercury and Pluto in earth signs. During this time, you may find yourself enjoying intuitive insights about natural processes, or perhaps changing the way you view the natural world after a spooky or strange experience with a planet or animal. This transit also augurs well for business deals and strategies, especially if they involve large corporations or have a political aspect to them. Tax matters are likely to go well now too, possibly even resulting in a rebate, so be sure to get some expert advice from an accountant or independent financial advisor. Efforts directed towards self-improvement, especially those involving changing conscious thought-processes, such as NLP, or going on a leadership course, are likely to reap dramatic results. 

 

Zodiac signs most likely to benefit from this planetary position include: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, and to some extent Cancer and Scorpio.

 

4 May
SUN IN TAURUS SQUARE MARS IN LEO
Today, the two most ego-driven 'planets' in the astrological pantheon square up for a bit of a showdown in fixed signs. This is likely to mean plenty of confrontational and good old-fashioned macho behaviour from some quarters. Bosses are likely to be either stubborn to agree to requests for favours or else less than eager to share the credit with their staff. Both attitudes are not likely to win friends and influence people, so if you are an employee, you may want to take the long view rather than plump for short-term gains. Accidents and physical confrontations are also possible now, so where possible avoid sharp objects, guns or machinery, especially if you work in the theatre or agriculture. Physical over-exertion and energy draining power struggles are also likely to lead to exhaustion, illness or burn-out, so try to pace yourself in whatever you do today.

 

Zodiac signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the fixed signs: Taurus, Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius and to some extent Aries, Virgo, Capricorn, and  Sagittarius.

 

7 May
VENUS IN GEMINI SEXTILE MARS IN LEO
The sparks are likely to fly today, but this time, in a good way. Venus, in flirtatious Gemini, sidles up to impressive and playful Mars in Leo, setting the scene for plenty of fun, social banter and maybe even a little romance! Given that this aspect takes place on a Friday, you have every reason to look forward to having a particularly good time if you are hitting the town tonight. Nights out are likely to revolve around glittering social events, or get-together packed with plenty of thrills and excitement. On the work front, creative collaborations related to media or fashion events and cultural activities are well-starred now. Anyone looking for a good day to change their hairstyle or undergo a make-over would be wise to pick this day  - your newly unveiled look is likely to knock people's socks off. Healing therapies combining light, words, thought and colour are all likely to be particularly effective now.

 

Signs most likely to positively benefit from this planetary position include: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Aquarius, Gemini, and, to some extent, Taurus and Libra.

 

11 May
MERCURY STATIONS IN TAURUS
To the relief of many, Mercury stands still in the sky today before returning to forward motion tomorrow, thus ending what has been a rather eventful three-week retrograde period. It is unlikely to be a coincidence that, just as Mercury was slowing before turning retrograde in the earth sign of Taurus last month, a volcano eruption in Iceland began to cause travel chaos on almost every continent…Now farm equipment, land bridges, overland transport should begin to function normally again. The real estate and banking sectors should also see a return to normal levels of trading. Overall, you can expect to see an end to delays and misunderstandings in communications and travel plans, as an improvement in the efficiency of computers and other forms of telecommunications. Thought processes should also become clearer now.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this event include: Gemini, Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn and Scorpio.

 

17 May

VENUS IN GEMINI SQUARE JUPITER IN PISCES
This is likely to be a difficult day for relationships of all kind, as Venus and Jupiter square up for a squabble. Since this aspect takes place in mutable signs, it is unlikely to cause major waves - in fact, you can expect sulks, laziness and damp squibs, rather than big blow-ups and broken hearts now. Unrealistic or grandiose plans are likely to be jettisoned at this time. You may find yourself encountering opinionated people who are full of hot air and big promises, none of which are likely to materialise. Provided you don't take anyone too seriously now, you will come out the other end of today fairly unscathed. Overindulgence of all kinds is another feature of this aspect to watch out for - this may not be a good day to stock up on chocolate or wine if you are trying to cut back - you won't have any restraint or willpower to resist temptation now. Lack of productivity, misplaced sympathy and overly sentimental behaviour are also common under this transit - you have been warned!

 

Those born under the signs of Gemini, Pisces, Libra and Virgo are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Taurus  and Sagittarius may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

18 May
SUN IN TAURUS SEXTILE JUPITER IN PISCES
Expect to experience increased support from male superiors and benefactors if you are trying to further your personal projects or goals at this time, especially if these involve a cultural, educational, legal or religious element or a charity or institution. Leadership efforts directed toward banking, economics, agriculture, real estate and the beauty industries are also likely to succeed now. Publishing projects, lectures and seminars focused on the areas of spirituality, photography, film, death, palliative care, assisted suicide, drug treatments or medicines and fiction works in the fantasy genre are also well-starred. This is also an excellent time to handle important legal matters and broker financial deals. Overseas travel, especially to mountainous and coastal regions, will be especially pleasurable at this time, as will contact with foreign people or food as well as other religious or spiritual traditions.    

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

 

VENUS IN GEMINI SQUARE SATURN IN VIRGO
Despite the positive Sun-Jupiter aspect today, matters concerning writing, editing or intellectual pursuits are not well-favoured at this time, especially if the success of your endeavour depends upon the support or co-operation of a boss, official or authority figure that is exacting, critical, petty or a stickler for rules and regulations. This is because of a Venus-Saturn square in mutable signs, causing tension between the urge to be frivolous, flirtatious and light-hearted, on one hand, and the need to sort out the details in admin or business matters that may have been bugging you for a some time. This aspect, which takes place early on a Tuesday morning, may also lead to social or romantic disappointments, with partners suddenly going all cold and stiff on you, perhaps over e-mail or on the phone. However, all may not be as it seems - your loved one could be busy and not able to talk freely, so don't jump to conclusions. Sometimes this transit can result in coldness or lack of sympathy from father figures, bosses, mentors or advisors. Whatever the case, it seems that you may need to take the feelings of others into consideration before simply doing as you please or saying whatever you like. Balance work and play, fun and responsibility, and you'll avoid the potential pitfalls of this time.

 

The signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the mutable signs including: Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius, as well as Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

VENUS IN GEMINI TRINE NEPTUNE IN AQUARIUS
In spite of the Venus-Saturn square, it seems that this evening still holds the potential to turn into a rather dreamy, romantic affair. If you have a date planned, it could end like a scene from a romantic movie, filled with serendipitous events and heart-warming surprises. Now, isn't that worth getting all dressed up for?! This exciting and rather stimulating aspect is also likely to result in surprise announcements from friends, as well as the possibility of a sudden windfall. At this time, you can expect to exude added glamour, sparkle or personal magnetism, qualities which could get you noticed by a model scout or talent-spotter - so if your TV or acting career takes off now, remember: you read about it here first! An urge for personal freedom or independence is also characteristic of this combination, especially from a creative or romantic point of view. This combination is good for sorting out the technical aspects of photography or film projects, so if you have a complicated scene to shoot, this the day to get in the lighting person or technical adviser. This is also a good day for sudden flashes of intuitive insight.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the air signs including: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, as well as Taurus, Pisces, Aries, Sagittarius and Capricorn.

 

19 May
VENUS IN GEMINI SQUARE URANUS IN PISCES
Venus, planet of love, sex and money will be at odds with zany and wilful Uranus, currently in the last degrees of Pisces. At this time, try to avoid extravagant displays of generosity towards friends or large donations to a charity or institution because impulsive spending could lead to financial embarrassment now. Gushing statements about a partner in public could lead to their sudden disappearance from the scene, especially if you were seeing each other on casual terms or if your partner hates public displays of affection.  Unexpected social gaffes, fleeting but unsustainable romantic encounters, and impractical, inconsiderate or irresponsible behaviour from loved ones are all possible under this transit, so it is just as well that it is of short duration. Resist the urge to do or say things on a whim, leave your credit card at home and you should be fine...

 

The signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the mutable signs including: Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius, as well as Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

 

SUN IN TAURUS TRINE SATURN IN VIRGO
A great day to make progress in personal goals, income, security and finances. Projects involving a more masculine energetic approach are more likely to succeed now, thanks to all the positive Sun aspects taking place during this period. Approaching a superior or authority figure for assistance at this time is likely to provide you with the right support to complete an important piece of work or close a real estate or finance deal. Given that this trine takes place in earth signs, you could make a lot of progress if you work hard and apply yourself, both personally and professionally. An increase in personal responsibility or the assumption of a leadership role is also likely now, which could mean a promotion is in the offing. Putting creative ideas into practice or trying to manifest a personal vision or dream is also likely to meet with success at this time.

 

The signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the mutable signs including: Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius, as well as Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

 

SUN IN TAURUS SQUARE NEPTUNE IN AQUARIUS

Today it is the turn of the Sun to take issue with poor old Neptune in Aquarius. You may need to guard against self-deception or deception by others now, especially when it comes to scientific projects, IT systems or financial arrangements. Try not to be too stubborn when dealing with friends, charities or groups, although it is possible that one of the above could let you down or act a little flaky at this time. Secret love affairs are another possibility now, although you'd be wise to guard yourself against deception from a lover now. Unwanted pregnancies are also another possibility. Bosses or superiors may also suddenly slap you down, especially if you start to display an inflated sense of self-importance, although they could be equally susceptible to delusions of grandeur today. Try to remain as fair, practical, detached and realistic as you can now, and you should avoid any major problems.

 

Zodiac signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the fixed signs: Taurus, Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius and to some extent Pisces and Libra.

 

MERCURY IN TAURUS TRINE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
This is the second pass of the transformative aspect we experienced at the beginning of the month, the reason being that Mercury is now retracing its steps through the tropical zodiac as it resumes forward motion. If you didn't get things right the first time round, this return pass gives you another chance to make whatever changes are necessary now, so grab the opportunity with both hands. This is a good time to assess whether psychological growth or financial progress has been made since the 3rd or whether a different approach is required to get the results you need. Mental, psychological or verbal transformations seem to be the major theme at this time, as are all the other areas I mentioned in the previous entry, so if you are not sure, go back and have another look.Zodiac signs most likely to benefit from this planetary position include: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, and to some extent Cancer and Scorpio.

 

20 May
VENUS INGRESS INTO CANCER
Today Venus changes signs, shifting from fickle and curious Gemini to nurturing and needy Cancer. This transit is likely to increase the desire for comfort and reassurance within relationships. During this period, expect people to want soothing, and to value home comforts and spending time with close friends and family. The urge to cook and entertain your nearest and dearest within the confines of your home is another way that this transit could manifest. Loved ones may need 'babying' now too, although the person needing reassurance could equally be you. This is an excellent time for family-oriented activities, home decorating and water-based pursuits such as swimming or a visit to the coast or seaside.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

 

SUN IN TAURUS SEXTILE URANUS IN PISCES

Whilst Venus may well have had it in for Uranus recently, the Sun appears to want to be chums, as this aspect indicates. The result: enhanced creativity in your manner of self-expression, as well as in your approach to solving problems or furthering personal goals. Friends could also be a source of inspiration now. They may even introduce you to a person or opportunity that could be very good for your professional development, reputation or status. This is a great time for inventors, architects and engineers, as well as artists and designers because creativity and original ideas will flow easily and quickly now. This is also a good time for unusual or exciting social activities, so be sure to accept any invitations, however zany or last-minute they may be  - you could find yourself pleasantly surprised...

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

 

23 May
JUPITER IN PISCES IN OPPOSITION TO SATURN IN VIRGO
Today is not the best day for making progress in personal goals, or matters related to income, security and finances. Jupiter, in illusory and nebulous Pisces, is now likely to bring a lack of clarity to matters at exactly the time when there is a need for clarity and caution, especially in areas where you are planning some form of expansion, such as a new area of business, registering for a new course or setting up shop in a new country or region. Saturn, in exacting and critical Virgo, is likely to block any attempts by your more optimistic or overly confident side to take silly risks or use questionable tactics to advance your personal or professional agenda. This opposition is therefore likely to result in poor timing in business decisions, stiff competition in the market from competitors, as well as a lack of support from superiors, authority figures or institutions, all of whom you may need on your side in order to make your plans official or obtain sanction from in order to operate legitimately. Thus, expect to encounter red tape, legal difficulties or financial problems at this time if you try to extend yourself too far, too quickly. Conflicts could also arise between your priorities - an event that could force to make adjustments or sacrifices in order to rectify your work-life balance. My advice: only take calculated risks, double check that you aren't being unrealistic, and stick to the rules now - any shortcuts are likely to backfire on you now.

 

The signs most likely to be affected by this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.