May 2019: Major life changes

For the second month this year Saturn and Pluto will remain close together giving us a glimpse into what this powerful conjunction will bring when it is exact in January of 2020. This is harsh energy indicative of change in the world and our lives.

This transit occurred three times in the past century: 1982 (Libra), 1947 (Leo) and 1914-15 (Gemini and Cancer). This cycle occurs every 32-28 years in history, and brings major  geo-political and personal changes.

Pluto transforms and Saturn restricts and as these planets are in Capricorn many will experience job and work changes but it is not limited to this area. 

What will change in your life depends on where this transit falls in your personal chart and those most affected will have Cardinal planets (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) at 20-24 degrees.

Restriction or limitation can force you to work hard to change something that has outlived its time and purpose in your life and it may be time to build a new foundation for future prosperity or success in some area. Therefore for many this is a time of hard work and patience and determination may be needed. The seeds of change are being planted now and this is the best time to take stock and accept the inevitable as to what must change. If you ignore that which has become obvious things may become more difficult late this year or next. Listen to your own intuition and advice. This is the time for well thought out change in the areas of your life that are no longer working.

Planets in retrograde

May is a month to reconsider the issues and projects on the table so far this year, as Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn are all retrograde this month.

-Jupiter retrograde in Sagittarius asks that we tone down the natural optimism of the sign and focus on what we can really accomplish in any given area, rather than just shooting for the moon. This is not negative but rather akin to driving down a long road and reaching a fork at the end of the road. You must choose one path or another, which will it be?

Money may go out faster than it comes in, and in some cases putting the brakes on spending or finances if necessary can only lead to future stability. For some, education and travel may be front and center in terms of accomplishment and the next move up.

Saturn began its annual retrograde on April 29, and it will remain in its retrograde period until September 18.

-As Saturn is the planet of structure, discipline and responsibility we can consider this a learning period. Saturn retrograde is a time when issues can be processed and sorted out. Just how responsible and realistic about your goals you have been in the past can be a question Saturn asks during its retrograde period. Now is the time to do the real work to move forward.

-Retrograde Pluto is a time when change occurs in lawsuits, major financial matters and many things turn inward for resolution.

Both Saturn and Pluto (in Capricorn) are about re-rooting yourself in what is enduring, permanent and harmonious with nature.

Retrograde Saturn can delay, and cause procrastination, and its retrograde affect tends toward pessimism and indecision, especially if it aspects something in your personal chart.

April New Moon

The New Moon falls on May 5, at 14 degrees of Taurus. Taurus is a rich, laid back sign connected with the earth, and spring, and its ruling planet is Venus. As the moon and Sun trine Neptune there should be a pleasant influence, and its sextile to Saturn and Pluto should lend stability, humility and patience. This moon will be good for creative and spiritual pursuits. Finances and possessions may come into focus as Taurus is the natural ruler of the 2nd house of money/income.

Mars opposes Jupiter and things can get blown out of proportion, but this 

transit can give courage, self confidence and appeal. The downside would be conceit, greed, and over promotion of personal desires, or ever extending yourself in some way. Look to hear news regarding courts, the law, foreign people and situations and publishing.

The intense Scorpio full moon

The full Moon falls at 27 degrees of Scorpio on May 18. Scorpio rules the 8th house of sex, money, other people's money, debt and change and transformation. This Moon will intensify feelings which will become deep and superficial answers and relationships will not suffice.

A full moon in Scorpio can leave you spellbound in some way, or it can be a time of walking away from spells that need to be broken and left behind. A Scorpio full moon illuminates that which holds the psyche, or it can be a time of dissolving those holds.

This Moon opposes the Sun and Mercury, amping up emotions and communications. Young people, children and pets can be of concern at this time.

Venus is conjunct Uranus, and this is a day for new and exciting ventures. Alternatively it can be a day of plans gone awry, or changed for some reason.

Venus-Uranus can indicate sudden and exciting friendships, but Uranus is unpredictable in its nature and some relationships may suddenly end.

New people that are met under this transit may or may not have longevity no matter how well you get along. Only time will determine whether or not the relationship will last.

The New and Full moons fall on the 2nd/8th house axis of money versus other people's money, merging with earth itself or another, and transformation of that which already exists. Taurus and Scorpio are fixed signs that crave security and stability over change, and yet this Scorpio moon can be a time of intense transformation.

Love Forecast for May

Venus, the planet of love is in Aries until April 15. Venus here is in Mars sign so and love is ardent and sometimes impulsive. Venus in Aries does not like boredom and routine and cherishes freedom and independence above all else. Venus in Aries likes the chase. If you were born with Venus in Aries you need challenge and creativity. This placement will work well for fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) as well as Gemini and Aquarius.

May 15, love energies change as Venus enters Taurus. Taurus is ruled by Venus who is at home here. Venus in Taurus means we live more through our senses at this time and our appetite for pleasure can increase. Taurus likes quality:  good restaurants, beautiful clothes and all the finer things in life. We are prone to look for stability in relationships and things that last. Love and physical expressions can become more tangible. This will work well for Water and earth signs.

Mars rules men and is the other planet associated with love and romance.

Mars remains in Gemini through May 15, when it enters Cancer.

With Mars in Gemini the way to the heart is through the head. Mars here like conversation, intellectual stimulation, and sometimes one partner is not always enough to satisfy. Maintaining focus can be a problem as Mars energy here can tend to be scattered, but it is quick and diverse. Most of all, now is the time to have something to talk about and Mars in this sign can't stand to be bored.

When Mars moves into Cancer, love energy takes a turn toward being more nurturing. Love can be softer, more caring and activities can be centered around the home. Goals and plans at this time can be subject to mood swings, and what our mood is at the moment. Cancer energy is typically more prone to a desire to commit than Gemini.

Other significant transits in May:

Mercury, the planet of communication takes front and center as we begin the month. While it is traveling through Aries, speech may become more direct, bolder and forceful if not aggressive. It is up to us to use discretion in communicating with others so we don't come across as being rash and impulsive. At this time Mercury sets off the Saturn-Pluto conjunction and we can expect to see major events in the world.

May 1, Mercury squares Saturn This is tiring and can be indicative of negative thinking and communication. Used wisely you can logically reach many decisions. As it sextiles Mars at the same time this gives us some planetary help in terms of communicating with others.

May 2, Mercury squares Pluto. This is indicative of obsessive thinking, or you may have a thought that is hard to let go of at this time. You could be searching for an answer trying to uncover facts but this transit is prone to arguments and disagreements. By the early morning hours Mercury will trine Jupiter, and this will represent much more positive and optimistic thinking.

May 7, Venus squares Saturn. This is not the transit for social gatherings or love, unless it is deeply bound in duty or responsibility. You may feel lonely and focused on negative relationship issues.

May 8, Mercury conjuncts Uranus. This is indicative of impulsive speech and communication, unexpected news and blurting out secrets. It can be accident prone so watch traveling.

Also the Sun sextiles Neptune. This is prone to spiritual and creative or humanitarian thoughts and ventures.

May 9, Venus trines Jupiter. This is positive for business, social affairs and love. Generally very upbeat and positive.

May 11, Sun trines Saturn. Positive for work and getting things done.

May 13, Sun trines Pluto. Positive for working with groups, getting to the bottom of any matter.

May 14, Venus sextiles Mars. Good for business, social activities, amps up interest in sex and romance.

May 15, Mercury sextiles Neptune. Creative, inspirational, and good for intuition.

May 16, Mercury trines Saturn. Good for the facts, a long look at reality, but not in a negative way.

May 18, Mercury trines Pluto. Good for group activities, finding answers, deep expression of feelings.

Also Venus conjuncts Uranus. This is a day to try something different and break from routine.

May 21, The Sun and Mercury enter Gemini. The Sun conjunct Mercury can be prone to willful behavior and egos can get out of control.

May 29, Mercury squares Neptune. This is prone to confusion, deception, tiredness and dreams may be vivid.

May 30, Venus sextiles Neptune. Great for any form of creativity, social interaction and spiritual pursuits.

Also, Mercury opposes Jupiter. Generally positive but conversations may be blown out of proportion.

Mars squares Neptune: Deception

Mars is square Neptune and this transit will be exact in the morning hours of April 27th.

Mars/Neptune transits are generally tiring, and can create a cloud of doubt and confusion. While Mars rules action and ego, its square to Neptune produces confused action, ego denying situations (or low self esteem) and it can be hard to follow a straight course. Neptune is escapist, dreamy, spiritual and creative, and Mars is action oriented. There is a clash between these two energies.

This can be productive of creative and spiritual efforts however, and compassion can be given or received.

Neptune rules things that are secret and hidden, and as Mars makes contact, things can be revealed that were previously unknown.

We can be prone to self delusion as well as being deluded by other people, of just lack of clarity regarding the issues.

Inner tensions can be present at this time that can become overwhelming if we allow ourselves to become overly susceptible to this energy. Things may not be what they appear. Glamour, gossip and intrigues could be front and center in your life, but generally unproductive of anything positive.

This aspect is susceptible to drugs and alcohol and those tendencies may manifest themselves if they are present in an individual. Drug or food allergies can manifest, and this energy is sensitive to chemicals of all types.

This transit is prone to uncovering secrets, scandals, and untruths. We could see or hear of issues with gas, gasses and water. We can hear news of weather-related situations, lies, unclear situations, religion, and same sex relationships.

This is not the week to take everyone at their word or face value, sign contracts or be involved in serious money transactions. Even at its best, there can be confusion over communication. What is left unsaid can often become the source of the problem.

Pluto retrogrades: Reconsidering our options

Pluto turns retrograde April 24, at 23 degrees of Capricorn.  It will remain retrograde until October 3, when it turns direct at 20 degrees of Capricorn.

This  is a significant change, especially if you have Cardinal planets-Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn at 22-24 degrees. If so, changes can occur at this time, depending on what else is in your chart.

Many issues relating to joint monies and investments, partnerships and sex will begin to be internalized during this period allowing us to look at things from a different viewpoint. Pluto is about making deep change that goes beneath the surface. One way of looking at this is destruction of that which is no longer working, which will now become obvious. Pluto wants to uncover things and bring them from the darkness or hidden realm and into the light.

Certain issues involving power or power structures may appear to lose steam during this time, but they are not really going away, they are just going under the surface, where activity is still occurring that can be significant when Pluto turns direct again. In a sense we are backing up, to reconsider ideas and information.

When Pluto turns direct again long term issues of this type (power issues) will surface again both in our personal lives and the world. But, as Pluto retrogrades we have the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective and effect a transformative change.

As Saturn retrogrades within the week, this will have a significant affect on world events, as we mull things over the next few months. This will especially be apparent in the US as Pluto turns retrograde conjunct Mercury in the US Natal chart. Mercury rules reports, the written word, communications, and young people, which is where the collective focus will be.

Sun squares Uranus: Sudden twists and turns

The Sun enters Taurus in the morning hours of April 20,  and will conjunct Uranus 2 degrees Monday, April 22. The energies of this transit have begun at the time of this post.

Sun-Uranus transits can be upbeat and positive, indicative of change or unexpected change, or a day to try something different.

Change is a theme and it can happen quickly or unexpectedly. The day could be exciting in some way or you may not feel like conforming with the regular system or rules and seek out freedom and new experiences. This is a day to go with the flow, and the more rigid you are the more difficult the day could become. Uranus transits often signify a desire for 'freedom at any cost.' At times intuition may seem significantly enhanced and you could become more self-aware. Ideas may come to you quickly and unexpectedly.

The other side of this transit can manifest as nervousness and irritability, restlessness, and unexpected, unavoidable change.

Some people may want to take a gamble with this transit, but the influence of Uranus can an unexpected take a turn in many different directions and there is no guarantee of success.

This transit will pay out in the world in terms of sudden, shocking events or news. Taurus is the natural ruler of the second house of money and finance and we could hear news of financial markets or other situations involving money and finance. It's planetary ruler is Venus, which rules love, values, social events, art and music, women and it along with Jupiter are the planets of finance/money.

Uranus is associated with aircraft, lightening, cutting edge technologies, broadcast technology, TV,  earthquakes and earth changes, coups, accidents, revolts, explosions and explosive situations

Full Moon in Libra: Should I stay or should I go, Part11

This month's full moon falls at 29 degrees of Libra on April 19, with the lunar peak at 7:12 AM, EST. We will feel this energy in the days before the moon reaches its peak.

This is the second month in a row the full Moon has fallen in the sign of Libra. Libra rules the 7th house of marriage, partnerships, courts and those considered 'open enemies.' It is not often two full moons fall in the same sign two months in a row. Last month the full moon fell at 0 degrees of Libra, and this month it is the final degree or 29 degrees of Libra. Planets at 0 degrees can mean you are starting a new cycle, and planets at 29 degrees can relate to endings. And yet, 0 and 29 are respectively the beginning and end of the same circle and issues that began last month can re-occur at this time.

This moon opposes Uranus and this can be experienced as a need for excitement, change or freedom. The Moon rules women and our emotional lives, home and family, and we could experience some type of jolt, shock or surprise. Uranus transits are associated with shocking incidents, freedom, cutting edge technologies, change, electricity and explosions, coups, and unexpected incidents and situations. The focus of this moon will be relationships and issues or imbalances within relationships. You or someone else could seem unpredictable and subject to sudden change. This is not limited to romantic relationships.

Some relationships may end, but there would be other factors to indicate this besides the full moon. Emotional reactions and sudden impulsive actions can lead to upsets and separations. On the other end, Uranus-Venus (Moon in Libra) transits can lead to sudden and unexpected infatuation as well, so do not assume the worst. It could be positive as Uranus is so unpredictable.

As the full Moon opposes the Sun at 29 degrees of Mars ruled Aries, tempers can flare and emotions can get out of control. A cool head and patience are qualities that should take front and center at this time. Act in haste and you may come to regret it after this energy passes.

The 29th degree is considered the anaretic degree. There can be problems with decision making at this time, and it is considered a critical degree prone to urgent matters and crisis situations.

The moon also squares Pluto and Saturn which are currently conjunct at 20-23 degrees of Capricorn. This will 'set off' this powerful conjunction which will relate to significant events in the world and our lives giving us yet one more glimpse into what we can expect when when these two planets meet up in January 2020. Moon-Pluto transits relate to deep seated emotional issues that can involve obsessive feelings,  money, finances, sex, change and transformation. Moon-Saturn can relate to responsibilities and obligations, endings and it can manifest as feeling world weary or heavy.

Moon opposing Uranus will stir up the emotions of the general population as surprises and shocking incidents play out in our lives and around the world. This could manifest as negative or positive and it is likely there will be both.  In the United States (Sibly chart) this powerful Moon falls in the 11th house of the collective (it also rules Congress) and squares natal Pluto and Mercury, setting off a t-square in the US chart, which shows stress in the population. Many things will be revealed this week, relating to power and the abuse of power. We will hear about issues that involve the media, and financial and monetary issues could be revealed as well. We could see situations where young people are prominent. There is no doubt this will relate to the Muller report and the collective reaction, but it is not limited to this.

Uranus transits often relate to  earthquakes, earth changes or disasters, aircraft, rebellions, and sudden change and unpredictable events such as the massive fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The destruction of such a structure is a loss to the world, but in true Uranus (unexpected) fashion, news outlets are reporting that at least 350 million dollars have already been raised in just several days to repair the damage, and this can only be a productive and positive event moving forward.

The sun squares Pluto: obsessions and power struggles/Julian Assange

The Sun squares Pluto in the early morning hours of April 13, so this energy will be felt strongly the day before. As this transit approaches on Friday afternoon the Moon also opposes Pluto and this can cause power struggles, obsessions, and it can also relate to abuse of power in the world and our personal lives.

This can be a difficult transit fraught with struggles and arguments if you aren't careful. You may be prone toward getting into useless battles or even debates, which brings up the old adage, 'chose your battles carefully.' It could be difficult to find common ground.

This can stir up ambition, aggravation and the bullies in the world who will make themselves known.

You may not be in the mood for superficiality, as Pluto transit go beneath the surface and are satisfied with nothing less.

There could be issues over joint finances or money matters, sex, obsessiveness or control. Pluto rules the dark side of emotions and at times, actions. There will be those who try and force their will on others, or treat others harshly, and this may necessitate the need for courage and strength.

Used wisely (with this transit) you can accomplish a great deal and make changes by bringing things out in the open, but you must take a careful, diplomatic and well thought out approach. If there are conflicts however, realize the other party may not be so diplomatic. If this is the case, my advice is to wait for this energy to pass over the next 24-48 hours.

This transit will play out in the world as described above and you can bet the media will be involved. It will be a day of conflict on many levels.

It is no surprise Julian Assange has been arrested by British police at this time as the Sun-Pluto square falls on his natal Mercury, ruling the written word. Look for much more to come in this case.

(Julian Assange DOB 7-3-71, 2:05PM, Townsville, Queensland)

Jupiter retrogrades and a Cardinal square

Jupiter turns retrograde at 24 degrees of Sagittarius April 10, at 1:00 PM, EST. It will remain retrograde until August 11, when it turns direct at 14 degrees of Sagittarius.

On the same day, we have a Cardinal square in the sky as the Sun squares Saturn at 20 degrees of Aries-Capricorn. Additionally, Venus conjuncts Neptune at 17 degrees of Pisces. This is quite a planetary line up for one day!

Jupiter is at home in Sagittarius as it is in its ruling sign, making it the most expansive of any Jupiter placement. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and gain and wherever Jupiter moves through your chart is where you can expect gain.

Jupiter retrograde is a time of philosophic or spiritual reflection during its 4 month retrograde, and issues concerning growth could become front and center. As Jupiter retrogrades economic growth could slow down, overall.  Any cracks in the economy or your personal financial picture will show itself during this time.

You may have been working at accomplishing something big, or becoming bigger or better at what you do with no real structure or plan for getting there.

Jupiter retrograde will be the time to step back and look at the bigger picture and how you will approach things. It does not necessarily mean loss, but is more akin to working smartly and directing your actions along the most profitable and fortuitous lines.

Many things can be affected by a Jupiter retrograde. In addition to money and finances Jupiter rules courts/judiciaries, (world view/political viewpoints),  lawyers, foreigners,  and foreign  places, education,  religion, medicine, and younger men. All of these things can shift in some way as the planet of expansion retrogrades, and we will see these matters play out in the world and our personal lives.

As Jupiter retrogrades we will step back, collectively and personally to look at the big picture and determine if we are on course, or if changes should be made.

Jupiter retrogrades conjunct the fixed star Lesath which will bring out the qualities of what this star represents. Lesath is said to be of the nature of Mercury and Mars and it can bring about desperation, immorality and malevolence. It is said by ancients to be connected with acid poisons. We can expect to see this play out on the world stage, and it is advisable to avoid the above mentioned behaviors.

The Sun squares Saturn April 10, at 20 degrees of Aries/Capricorn. This is a powerful cardinal square affecting those born with cardinal planets (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) at 19-21 degrees over the next several days.

This transit brings about low energy, lack of creativity and ability to put plans into action at this time. This can be negative and depressing and create a level of fear, uncertainty and depression in some cases. Expect to see authority questioned, challenges to the status quo and some things may end at this time.

Venus conjuncts Neptune at 16 degrees of Pisces and it can be creative but it is important to understand your thoughts at this time may not be realistic or based on facts. This can bring inspiration to spiritually minded individuals and artistic efforts but it is important not to believe everything you see and hear in your personal life or in the world over the next few days. Dreams may be vivid at this time as well as intuition.

New Moon in Aries: A force to be reckoned with

This month's new moon falls at 15 degrees of Aries in the early morning hours of April 5. This is the first new moon of spring and quite powerful. In some respects it may feel more like a full moon.

Aries rules the first house of self and self-interests. It is a Cardinal sign which means it leads and takes action. Aries is not known for letting grass grow under its feet. The companion full moon on April 19, falls at the last degree of Libra so self interests versus partnerships and relationships will be a theme over the next several weeks.

Saturn is conjunct Pluto at 20-23 degrees of Capricorn and the new moon will square these planets. Squares bring obstacles, and you have to work harder to accomplish, but it doesn't mean failure. We could see major events in the US and in the world during this time.

Moon-Saturn deals with responsibilities and you could feel tired or discouraged. Moon-Pluto can bring up deep seated psychological issues, issues with women or issues about sex, money or abuse of power.

The Sun conjunct moon can invigorate but it can also amp up our emotions, good or bad. The next several weeks can be a precipitous time to begin new projects.