MAY'S ASTROLOGICAL TRENDS

by Elsbeth Prier-Diehl

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Early in May, Venus leaves the comfort zone of Pisces and enters Aries. During this time, from May 3^rd – May 29^th, you’ll have to be decidedly more assertive to get what you want – without being obnoxious to others in the process! Here, Venus is not as concerned with others as with one’s own self, which is appropriate to the sign of Aries. You might say that Venus is less forgiving in a certain sense – not so willing to be the proverbial “doormat”. Aries is, therefore, the counter point to Pisces. If you find yourself acting more assertively with others, just be sure you’re not being oblivious to their feelings and sensitivities.

            The following day, May 4^th, the Sun opposes Jupiter in the 14^th degrees of Taurus and Scorpio respectively. This opposition always occurs when Jupiter is retrograde, and happens every 13 months. This connotes the midway point of the Sun-Jupiter cycle that began when the two conjoined 10/22/05 in the 30^th degree of Libra, initiating enhanced understanding of others with regard to their relationship to you. Jupiter is typically overly-optimist, creating expectations that have no hope of coming to pass. The opposition requires us to review our expectations of others since late October, to determine whether we’ve behaved ethically with regard to them. Social morality and justice, in its true sense, is addressed by Jupiter.  If you need to redress interpersonal issues, now would be the time to do so. (I’m purposely emphasizing the less positive aspect of Jupiter, since it’s almost always overlooked – taking everyone completely by surprise.)

            Mercury moves into Taurus shortly after, on the 5^th. Mercury is moving very fast now (relative to its position with the Sun from our position on Earth), but in Taurus, may not feel as though that’s the case at all! Mercury acquires new input, new information that guides dialog and attitudes leading to decisions. That input doesn’t come quickly enough to suit Mercury’s lightning-fast movement while in Taurus. However, that input is much more grounded in material reality, giving it more relevance in practical matters. So be patient!

            On May 18^th, a new Sun-Mercury cycle begins when Mercury catches up with the Sun in the 28^th degree of Taurus. In An Astrological Mandala, Dane Rudhyar says this suggests we should open our minds “…to the possibility of always new rebeginnings. Ideally, the new beginning should imply a more mature response to the new possibility of experience.” This “new beginning” will be the essence of Mercury’s retrograde cycle in mid-Summer.

            The next day, May 19^th, Mercury moves into Gemini, where Mercury is very much “at home”. The day after, the 20^th, the Sun joins Mercury in Gemini. You’ll feel the possibility of fostering (strictly) intellectual awareness of the immediate world, and an urge “to establish connections between the self and the environment”, as Rob Hand states in Horoscope Symbols. This will not be the month to make important decisions; this is the time to gather the information you need to make those decision later. Gemini can be likened to classic “beginner’s mind”, which is so important to those “new beginnings” referred to earlier. No decision should ever be made without enough knowledge to make an informed choice. Gemini is the seeker of any/all knowledge needed to do so. So be “on-the-move” this month. Go where you need to go and do what you have to do to gain sufficient input.

            Next, Neptune goes retrograde on the 22^nd, in the 20^th degree of Aquarius. Neptune in Aquarius (1998-2011) is bringing unprecedented awareness of and sensitivity to those in our world who have been disenfranchised. The heady, idealized concepts of Aquarian humanitarianism have transcended mere rhetoric, moving us all closer to true compassion for those we’ll never meet – or violently resisting that compassion. The worst side of this is represented by the fanaticism of terrorists (Neptune in its perverted expression is fanaticism), but the best side is represented by those who are calling to account those governments that don’t do enough to assist those who are too helpless to help themselves. Most importantly, Neptune retrograde, particularly in Aquarius, is aptly described by Erin Sullivan in Retrograde Planets; “Each inversion of Neptune smoothly dislodges one from a previously certain attitude or perception…”. It’s one thing to wish the rest of the world would dislodge itself from those certain attitudes and perceptions regarding society at-large, and quite another to dislodge our own. However, that is exactly what we all need to do in the five months Neptune is retrograde.

            When Venus in Aries squares Mars in Cancer on May 23^rd, make a concerted effort to hold back your immediate, knee-jerk responses to others and first consider what outcome you really really want. Only then can you respond appropriately! This aspect doesn’t last long, but it can cause unnecessary problems if you’re not paying close attention. On the positive side, you can work though some difficult issues you’ve been sacrificing for a false sense of harmony.

            Lastly, Venus enters Taurus on the 29^th, diffusing the volatile quality of Venus-square-Mars. Venus is in home territory in Taurus, ensuring enjoyment of life’s goodness. Now is the time to pamper yourself and others. Indulge in the best your life has to offer, and let go of difficulties to the degree you can. Relax every chance you get, and create those moments if they’re not readily available. In other words, “stop and smell the roses”.

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