June astrology; Pluto re-enters Capricorn

 

This month Pluto leaves Aquarius and returns to Capricorn for the rest of the year. Neptune and Saturn turn retrograde, Venus enters Leo and Mercury leaves Taurus for Leo. The Sun enters Cancer, and we have a full Moon in the sign of Sagittarius, and a New Moon in Gemini. Now, the details.

Pluto returns to Capricorn

Pluto is the planet of the collective and influences us on both a global and personal level depending on what it is doing in your personal chart. Since March 23^rd, Pluto has been in the sign of Aquarius and we have seen many changes in our lives and on the global stage. Pluto will re-enter Capricorn June 12th until January 21^st, 2024 when it will enter Aquarius for the 2^nd time.

Pluto in Capricorn is about top heavy patriarchal systems of government, and Plutocrats as we have seen for a number of years now. Capricorn rules big business, governments, power and control. Pluto in Capricorn has been a difficult transit for many since it began in 2008. Pluto in Sagittarius (1996-2008) was ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and Pluto in Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of restriction so you can see the stark difference between these two signs.

In total we will experience two more periods of Pluto/Capricorn; June-December 2023 and finally September-November 2024 which will be the last pass of Pluto in this sign (Capricorn) for 248 years.

Pluto in Aquarius is ruled by Saturn but also unpredictable Uranus. Aquarius is about the people and Capricorn is about the Plutocrats so we can expect many things to clash and fade from the old into something new over the next several years and this will occur on a global level. The last time Pluto entered Aquarius we saw both the American and French Revolutions and the people demanding freedom from what they saw as repressive governments.

On November 20^th, 2024 when Pluto finally enters Aquarius for the next 20 years we will truly be entering into a new world where the people will demand to not only be heard, but demand their needs are met on any number of subjects. This does not mean everything will simply fall into place because it never does. We have to fight for our freedoms but this time, the people will win. While astrologers differ on the ‘Age of Aquarius,’ Pluto in Aquarius will take us there literally, metaphorically or however you want to look at it..

In the meantime, we can expect to go back to the concerns of December 2022-March of 2023 as Pluto retrogrades from 29- 27 degrees of Capricorn. Late September-October when Pluto is at 27 degrees we will experience one last pass of the Pluto return in the US chart so we can expect this to be an extremely intense time in the US.

Full Moon in Sagittarius

June 3^rd-4^th, we will have a full moon in the sign of Sagittarius at 13 degrees. Sagittarius is the natural ruler of the 9^th house which rules courts, laws, travel and education. The planetary ruler of Sagittarius is Jupiter, the planet of gain and expansion. Most Sagittarius full moons are on the positive side, but of course it depends on what it hits in your personal chart. Now is a time to expand your thinking and approach things with an open mind.

Mercury conjuncts Uranus at 20 degrees of Taurus. A transit like this is typically associated with unexpected news or unexpected change of some kind. You could feel nervous and jittery, have problems with communication or at best feel exhilarated. Mercury-Uranus transits can also coincide with new ideas and approaches to things. You may get a brilliant idea and if you do write it down since ideas come and go quickly with an aspect like this. Expect a great deal of talk and conversation with ideas that may change quickly.

This moon forms a t-square with the Sun and Saturn. A Sun-moon opposition occurs on every full moon, amping up our emotions and often creating conflict. Moon-Saturn aspects lean toward feeling drained, tired, and somewhat on the depressive side for some, but fortunately this occurs with a wide orb.

June 5^th, Venus opposes Pluto so this becomes part of the full moon energy. Venus-Pluto aspects are typically related to finance, money and our emotions along with personal and collective values. This aspect is prone toward obsessive feelings, and some relationships will end at this time if they are tottering on the edge. Pluto tends to reveal things and goes beneath the surface when it comes to emotions and feelings. This aspect can bring up old, buried and traumatic feelings from the past. It can also bring back old lovers and relate to arguments, domestic abuse at worst, and we may hear of scandals. Collectively, our values will be put to the test.

Lastly, use care if you are on the road at this time since an aspect like this (Mercury-Uranus) tends to create distractions or erratic driving so be aware of this especially if you are driving.

Venus enters Leo; Summer of love?

June 5^th, Venus leaves Cancer to enter fun loving Leo where it will remain for the next 4 months due to its retrograde in July. The ‘shadow period’ of retrograde Venus starts on June 12^th because Venus will retrograde on July 23^rd.

When Venus transits through Leo our thoughts turn to love, desire, passion and fun. Leo loves to indulge, eat, drink, buy beautiful things, socialize and be merry! The best and highest manifestation of Venus in Leo is childlike joy, fun and happiness along with mutual respect for yourself and others.

When Shakespeare wrote “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts,” he must have surely been thinking of Venus in Leo.

Leo is entertaining, bold and dramatic and many will play out their dramas in real life between now and October. We will experience a great deal of acting out and people will speak their minds, hopes, desires and needs in a bigger way.  Some will come across as flashier and make large gestures toward those they are romantically or physically attracted to. Now is the time to take a chance and extend the excitement of summer and the possibility of summer romance just a little longer.

With Venus in Leo love, affection and attraction are all center stage. Even those who are normally shy come out of their shells a little more at this time. Leo can make us feel love is grand, and isn’t this what most of us are really looking for?

The downside of Venus- Leo occurs when things go sideways in love or someone doesn’t feel as though they are being treated with enough deference. The green eyed monster can make an appearance if things don’t go just right, or if enough attention isn’t being paid to the significant other.  Personal drama can be extreme, over-stated or egotistical, and actions or even conversations can occur simply for the dramatic effect they will cause. Leo does not like to be turned down or criticized and can take great offence when this occurs, or simply walk away never to be heard from again.

Venus joins Mars in the same sign and when these two team up sparks can really fly. Venus and Mars are the two planets of love and when they are together opportunities exist to meet someone special. Mars will remain in the same sign until July 9^th, so make the most of this.

This combination could really work well for Leo, Aries in particular and Sagittarius. It is not limited to these signs however and can aspect other planets in your chart if favorable. This may be the most fun loving and exciting time of the year so enjoy!

Mercury enters Gemini

Mercury enters Gemini June 11-27^th. Gemini is all about communication and thought, and it is an Air sign ruled by Mercury. Mercury is considered ‘at home,’ in this sign, meaning Mercury works well in Gemini. Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo.

This will be a significant energy shift from grounded Mercury in Taurus. Gemini is about free flowing thought, communication, and weighing out different ideas and patterns of thinking. Mercury-Gemini may seem scattered at times, but that is because Gemini likes to take in so much information and is not interested in details like Mercury in Virgo is.

Air signs and Gemini are intellectual as opposed to emotional so communication may seem lacking in emotion, and more centered around facts, concepts and ideas. To some, this may come across as cold but Mercury in this sign is more concerned with facts and ideas as opposed to emotion. Emotionally driven thinking will come when Mercury enters Cancer.

We will see much communication and many new ideas flowing for the next 3 weeks.

Mental energy will be abundant while Mercury is in Gemini and you may need to find positive ways to direct it. You may find that you say whatever comes to your mind without thinking. If you can control this tendency, Mercury in Gemini should be a delightful time, full of mental energy and big ideas. Gemini is known for inspiring others and uncovering little nuggets of wisdom and that can move us forward in a positive direction.

Saturn retrogrades

June 17^th, Saturn turns retrograde until November 4^th, when it will turn direct again at 0 degrees of Pisces.

Saturn is retrograde about 5 months every year and this is part of the normal cycle. Saturn's retrograde can be a pivotal time when many changes occur, especially if it is hitting something in your personal chart.

When you experience a Saturn transit, you generally get three passes and the retrograde pass is always the most challenging. Hard Saturn transits are associated with delays, slowdowns, endings and various difficulties depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart. During its retrograde you may have to work harder to get what you want.

As Saturn deals with our structures in life we may be concerned with basic security issues while Saturn is retrograde both individually and collectively. Retrograde Saturn is a period where some things may slow down a bit and like any retrograde planet is time to reconsider and sometimes back up to take a good luck at what we are working on and where we are going in life. During this 5 month period we may receive new information about something significant or find a solution to a problem that has been plaguing us which is the benefit of the retrograde. Retrograde Saturn is a time of working out issues especially in terms of business but could include any area of life depending on where it is in your chart. During the retrograde period we often work through challenging issues so that when it turns direct we can approach things head on, minus any ongoing problems. This is a time of doing the hard work to accomplish what you want, and at times it can bring personal and spiritual growth as a result of dealing with hard to solve problems.

A New Moon June 18th

This month’s New Moon falls at 26 degrees in the sign of Gemini. Gemini is ruled by Mercury the planet of communication. Gemini is all about all things Mercury; communication, information travel, thinking , young people and commerce.

Both the Sun and the New Moon square Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. This can confuse matters and leave you tired or drained. Neptune transits are not the time to make important decisions and at times this can be melancholy energy or it can be creative for some. You could experience vivid dreams.

A New Moon like this is typically associated with unusual water related weather patterns.

Mercury enters Cancer

June 27^th, Mercury enters the second sign of the month; Cancer. Mercurial energy will change from fact oriented Gemini to the most emotional and sensitive of signs, and our communication will become much more emotionally driven.  Those who are born with Mercury in Cancer are typically able to sway others through their ability to emotionally inspire, convince or speak to another’s emotions.

When Mercury is in Cancer we intuit our feelings and conversation much more than during other times. The keyword for Mercury in Cancer is “I feel” as opposed to “I think.” Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the luminary that governs our inner emotions so while Mercury is in Cancer, it is in the Moon’s natural sign. During this time we will be more concerned with our emotional life and the emotions as well being of family members and those closest to us.

The emotionality of Mercury in Cancer will be something we will need to watch as this can lead to extreme emotional displays, reactions, and feelings that can get deeply hurt. The key with Mercury in this sign is to learn to think things through rather than react spontaneously and emotionally to what is said.

We may be concerned over issues regarding home and family members as well as our own emotional lives as we will delve deeply into what is working and what is not working in our inner lives and relationships with those closest to us.

Thoughts of the past and trips down memory lane may be common as Cancer is typically drawn to the past. Sometimes, Cancer never lets go of the past, but relives it many times, depending on what occurred. Mercury in Cancer is learning to let go of the past, especially if it was difficult and painful.

Otherwise, this is a beautiful time to get your head aligned with your heart and in touch with your true feelings.

Jupiter sextiles Saturn

Jupiter sextiles Saturn the week of June 18^th, and this transit is exact on June 19^th.Thes positive energies of this aspect however, will play out both before and after the aspect is exact.

Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and Saturn rules our structure, responsibilities and slow growth through hard work. The two planets don't meet up often and when they do great things can occur.

Between now and then you may see many projects come together, situations complete, or you could even see some long held dream find a concrete solution.

You can expect that educational, business and career opportunities can present themselves, and progress in long range goals can occur. Some things may reach a conclusion and be finalized.

You could feel a greater sense of responsibility, integrity and responsibility at this time, and you may find these qualities to be important in your dealings with others.

Since Saturn rules the Democratic Party and Jupiter the Republican Party we could see some type of bipartisan activity at this time in the US.

The Sun enters Cancer

June 21^st the Sun enters Cancer and the summer solstice occurs at 10:58AM, EDT. This marks the longest day of the year in the Western Hemisphere.

Cancer rules the 4^th house of home and family and its ruling planet is the Moon which governs women and our emotional lives.  The Cancer season is all about families, family get-togethers and family vacations. The United States is a Cancer country with the Sun falling at 13 degrees of Cancer, hence the ‘birthday’ of the United States on July 4.

Whatever your age, this marks the start of the short 3 month season of warm beaches, outdoor events and gatherings, sunshine and romantic summer nights.

The Cancer season is all about getting in touch with what we really need on an inner level to feel happy and secure. 

Look for a huge energetic shift as the Sun in Cancer is much more about our feelings and what really lies in our hearts as opposed to our intellect and ideas when it was in Gemini. Cancer is the most sensitive sign in the zodiac, and like the Moon, feelings are always shifting and changing. The Moon changes signs every 2 and a half days and those born under Cancer are dramatically affected by the changes. The moon represents our instincts and feelings that are not bound up in logic or reason.

Cancer is part of the water element and not only are water signs more sensitive and emotional than others they are typically in touch for their deepest feelings and inner psyche. Cancer can come across as moodier than others but they are also intuitive and perceptive.  Cancer is a caring and giving sign typically, and you may find yourself feeling more protective and comforting toward loved ones during this time, or spending time with a friend over a cup of coffee talking about their concerns. 

Cancer can come across as having a hard edge at times, but you have to remember that the crab is protected by a hard shell to fend off predators. Sometimes Cancer can put up a wall to protect themselves. To get to the innermost feelings of a Cancer, trust has to be built and they seldom read like an open book unless you have earned their trust.

Cancer does not let others close until they feel a sense of trust toward the other person so don’t be surprised if some seem to back off a bit this month. In the end however, if you really connect there is no sign more loyal and protective than the crab, and their intuition about what is happening is generally spot on.

Neptune turns retrograde

The planet ruling psychic ability, religion, compassion, creativity and spirituality turns stationary retrograde June 30^th-December 6th. Neptune is typically retrograde about half of the time and this is part of the natural cycle of life.

Neptune’s retrograde will bring about more acute sensitivity on an inner level and we may be able to pick up on those things we don't perceive when Neptune is direct. We are more likely to be listening to our own inner voice during this time and creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may be increased along with any interest we have in spirituality. When Neptune retrogrades we can often have some profound inner awakenings.

Retrograde planets internalize our feelings and especially with Neptune we focus more on those things we cannot see than the ones we can. It is time to focus on the more ethereal matters as opposed to the material ones.

Neptune retrograde is often a good time for any type of creative work. If this is the case, breathe in the enhanced creativity over these next 6 months and then release the results to the world toward the end of the year. Compassionate and charitable causes can take up time and come to our attention during Neptune’s retrograde as well. We often see compassion play out in a grand scale on the world stage during these times.

If transiting Neptune aspects a personal planet in your chart when it retrogrades we tend to become more self deluding, depressed, or overly idealistic. Others may deceive us as well if we are not alert and think with our feet on the ground. It is important to be as grounded as possible if you are experiencing a hard Neptune transit. Neptune transits can go on for several years and if ever your feet need to be planted on firm soil it is now if you have such an aspect. If this is the case you will have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces) at 23-26 degrees.

Hard Neptune transits often coincide with over idealized relationships, or relationships with those who are really not available or married to others. We may feel we have met our soul mate or the most perfect partner in the world to wake up and find things were not as we had believed which leads to discouragement, depression and disenchantment. Often when Neptune retrogrades we find out that our dreams are not based on reality and this generally occurs during the retrograde of a harsh transit in our charts. This can not only affect relationships but many other areas of our lives depending on what area of the chart Neptune is transiting.

Human life involves all of the experiences we have and the internalization of them which is what the retrograde motion of Neptune implies. Having thoroughly thought through and refined our thoughts about our personal experiences, we will then incorporate any new information or corrections and release this knowledge into the world when Neptune turns direct again.

Other transits of interest:

June 2^nd, Venus trines Neptune-This is pleasant and creative. Dreams may be vivid.

June 11^th, Venus squares Jupiter-This aspect does not lean toward feeling very ambitious and you may prefer to spend the day relaxing if possible. While it can be tiring it is not negative in nature, and for some it brings a pleasurable day.

June 15^th, Mercury squares Saturn-This leans toward feeling tired, negative and at best serious. Many important things can be discussed with this aspect.

June 17^th, Venus sextiles Mercury. This is a pleasant aspect and leans toward positive feelings about relationships and money. A good transit for expressing feelings.

June 18^th, the Sun squares Neptune-This is prone to feeling confused and disoriented. This is not a good day for making important decisions as you may not have all of the facts. If something seems too good to be true…it probably is.

June 25^th, Mercury squares Neptune-Another aspect prone toward confusion, misinformation and at worst lies. Neptune rules water and water related weather conditions. This is not a day to make important decisions.

June 26^th, Mars squares Uranus-This is potentially an explosive aspect on the world stage and our lives and prone toward unexpected events.

June 28^th , The Sun trines Saturn. This is a serious day, prone toward serious activities and accomplishment.

June 29^th, Mercury trines Saturn. This is another aspect for accomplishment and getting things done.

June 30^th, the Sun conjuncts Mercury and this combination is generally considered willful. Egos may come into the picture today so be aware of who and what you communicate.

 

 

 

Jupiter enters Taurus and the powerful t-square of May

 

May 16^th, Jupiter enters Taurus at 1:20PM, EDT for the first time since June 2011. It will remain in this sign until May 25^th, 2024 when it will move into Gemini.

Taurus is one of the most laid back signs and it is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, money and values. Jupiter expands whatever it touches so in this case the focus will be on money and finance, love, relationships and values both on a personal and collective level.

During Jupiter’s tour through Aries, the theme was ‘to initiate.’ During Jupiter’s cycle through Taurus the theme will be to bring the things we initiated into the physical world and material world.

Since Venus will be the star of the show for the next year, now is the time to recognize your own values and make use of them. This means who and how you spend your time with, what you really want, and where you are going.

Jupiter in Taurus should represent an increase in money for some, depending on what it is doing in your personal chart. If you are a Libra or Aries ascendant you should see an increase financially unless there is something else blocking this in your chart. Jupiter in this sign will work well for Earth signs in particular (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). If you are a Taurus, this is a once every twelve year transit so go back to 2011 and think about how it benefited you then. Of course, all of the other planets come into play as well, but most people would remember something somewhat positive.

2011 Jupiter in Taurus; a look back

When Jupiter was last in Taurus we were starting to recover from ‘The Great recession,” of 2007-09. While the consequences of 2008 had major long term affects, the economy was picking up to some degree, although it took many years and some individuals never completely recovered.

There was of course the second “Black Monday’ on August 8^th, 2011 when global and US stocks crashed following the previous Friday night downgrade of the US credit rating by Standard and Poor’s from AAA to AA. This was aided and abetted by Uranus’s square to Pluto which meant that a financial shakeup was bond to occur at or around that time. Fortunately, we do not have an aspect like that today.

The debt ceiling crisis that year started as a political debate over increasing the statutory limit of US federal government borrowing also known as the debt ceiling. In the run up to the crisis, the United States had approached and actually passed this limit. Since the US Treasury has no authority to issue or incur debt beyond the debt ceiling set by Congress and, failure to reach an agreement between the necessary members of the government to raise the debt ceiling meant that certain debts wouldn’t be paid and this affected the government's ability to borrow at low cost, due to perception of increased risk in loaning money to the US government.

Does all of this sound familiar? Well, it should with the standoff currently in Congress over the debt ceiling. Will our politicians remember what happened in 2011 and learn from it? Considering the current Congress and political climate it’s hard to say, but we can hope, and it remains to be seen what will happen and whether or not we will be plunged into another crisis for blatant political reasons and theatre. The previous credit downgrade lasted 3 years until March of 2014 when it was upgraded back to AAA. Clearly, there are consequences for inaction and political grandstanding and none of it benefits the people.

Jupiter in the US chart

It is no coincidence that on May 1^st, First Republic Bank was seized by the FDIC in 8 states and sold. We may see more information about banks, farming, climate problems and Earth related issues. We could at best see new farming and food production methods.

Jupiter in Taurus will sextile Venus, Jupiter and the Sun in the US chart all before fall and again toward the latter part of the year into next year and this can only be positive and productive in terms of benefitting the US financially.

Jupiter will retrograde September 3^rd-December 31^st as it does every year. Since Jupiter in Taurus is directly connected to finance and money we may experience things situations this time that tend to slow down the flow of money.

These positive Jupiter aspects will occur again at the end of this year and into early spring of 2024.

Jupiter squares Pluto

Jupiter expands whatever it touches for better or worse. When Jupiter enters Taurus it immediately enters a square with Pluto that will be powerful well into the month of June but the peak day of this aspect is May 17

Jupiter-Pluto transits can indicate religious, moral and other types of power plays among individuals, coercive tactics and fanatical belief systems. Personal philosophies may become evident and come into question. This transit is indicative of impatience along with arrogance and pride and with the possibility of neglecting small but very important details. Since Jupiter is in the sign ruling the second house, money will certainly be a theme.

Some individuals may try and reform those around them while neglecting their own personal development and be convinced they are right in many matters. In other words, power struggles are a major possibility. Sometimes with transits like this situations reach conclusions and matters end or come together. This is an important period in many ways. At times a transit like this works to bring together a certain project or bring a certain project to its conclusion.

There will be increased needs in the world to recognize various collective problems and concerns. Reform will likely become a theme, but there will be clashes over reform and what it means. There may also be an issue with knowing who or what is capable of discerning and implementing reform as opposed to individuals who view themselves as demigods who hold all the answers. This transit creates the necessity of the highest level of ethical performance which may not come about easily and people can be swayed and mislead by powerful and manipulative messages both on the world stage and in our personal lives. Jupiter-Pluto aspects also tend to deal with terrorism on a worldwide scale.

Mars enters Leo and the powerful May t-square

Mars is the planet that rules our action, passions, war, sex, and ability to assert ourselves in astrology. Mars moves from emotional Cancer to Leo May 20^th-July 10^th.

At this time Mars will oppose Pluto and square Jupiter. When Mars enters the picture, this creates a t-square which combines the energies of all three planets. Mars opposing Pluto is a volatile transit that is sometimes connected to arguments, unyielding attitudes and at worst violence. Mars square Jupiter leans toward things becoming blown out of proportion on some level. It is important to not be reactionary during this time and let the energies level out before making and significant decisions about your life. Staying calm will be the key. Sometimes under Mars-Pluto old buried issues come up and must be dealt with and Pluto leans toward obsessive behaviors.

The peak of this powerful aspect will be from May 20^th-24^th.

There is little doubt this aspect will play out in significant terms on the world stage and issues will be global. At the time of this aspect we can expect issues concerning money, ideological and political conflicts, and Mars-Pluto holds the potential for violence. Taurus is an earth sign which means earth related disasters are possible including earthquakes. It is important to be aware of the volatility of this aspect and leave contentious problems, issues and reactionary behaviors on the back seat until this powerful aspect passes.

 

May 2023; Jupiter enters Taurus and a powerful lunar eclipse!

 

Happy May Day!

This month Mercury continues it’s retrograde in the sign Taurus until May 14^th when it turns direct. Jupiter, the planet of luck and gain along with the Sun will also move into the sign ruling money, love and values as well. Taurus is a rich and sensual sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love and money and with Jupiter in this sign everyone will see increases somewhere, depending on what it does in your chart. Venus will move from Gemini into Cancer and Mars will leave Cancer for fun loving Leo. We will experience a powerful lunar eclipse in Scorpio and a New Moon in Taurus. Now, the details.

 Mercury is retrograde

The Messenger of the Gods, otherwise known as Mercury, the planet ruling communication of all kinds turned retrograde April 21^st through May 15^th.

Retrograde Mercury is not part of a cosmic plan to upset delay or screw things up. Rather, this is part of the natural cycle intended to be a time of reflecting and re-doing things that need our attention. Even though it can be maddening at times, if you keep this perspective you can make the most of this three week cycle that occurs 3-4 times a year. Relax as much as you can and focus on finishing up projects or fixing what needs to be fixed and you can make good use of this time.

At times information you need to proceed forward may be revealed on retrograde Mercury. This period is also associated with the past, people from the past, and even business ventures related to the past. Old clients may come back along with old friends and in rare instances old lovers. Of course, exes are usually exes for a reason, but not every case. You may enjoy many lovely trips down memory lane over this next three week period.

Mercury turns stationary direct May 15-18. Great! Mercury is direct, but not so fast. The stationary direct phase over the next few days is when energies can change again. This means you may receive new information or your plans can change once again before the cycle is complete so it is important to be aware of this phase which is as important as the retrograde.

Pluto retrogrades

May 1^st, Pluto turns retrograde as it does every year at 0 degrees of Aquarius. Pluto deals with the things that lie hidden in our subconscious mind, and it also rules the collective. It won’t turn direct again until October 11^th, at 27 degrees of Capricorn.

Pluto retrogrades from 0 degrees of Aquarius back to 29 degrees of Capricorn on June 12^th. It will remain in Capricorn until January 21^st when it moves back into Aquarius once again.

When Pluto turns retrograde it can mark a turning point if it is aspecting something in your chart, and it is generally indicative of significant world events, especially when Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16^th and begins its square to Pluto

Issues relating to money, joint finances, investments, lawsuits, partnerships and sex will become more internalized during this period allowing us to look at things from a different viewpoint. Pluto is about making deep change over time that can alter our lives in significant ways. One way of looking at Pluto’s retrograde is the discovery of that which is no longer working, which will become obvious during the retrograde period. Pluto wants to uncover things and bring them from the darkness and into the light so positive change may occur ultimately; This works on a collective as well as personal level. Pluto is about fixing all things that are worn out or have outlived their purpose in your life, or been left to decay. This can include projects, relationships, ideas and even real estate to name only a few. Pluto tears down to rebuild in a stronger way.

As Pluto retrogrades we are being given an opportunity to delve into the deepest parts of our subconscious mind to understand how we really feel, and what we would like to change.

When Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn June 10^th, we will be confronted with the same types of issues we were dealing with in March before it entered Aquarius. Pluto in Capricorn is harsh and deals with Plutocrats as we have seen over the last number of years. Pluto in Aquarius is also ruled by Saturn (like Capricorn) but its co-ruler is Uranus, the planet of unpredictability, and Aquarius rules the 11^th house of the collective. When Pluto is in Aquarius the people will make their voices heard and known.  At 29 degrees of Capricorn, Pluto is considered to be at a ‘critical degree.’ Some astrologers consider this a ‘fated degree,’ that is a point of no return when things have gone too far to turn back.

Lunar eclipse in Scorpio

This month’s full moon falls on May 5^th, and it is a lunar eclipse at 16 degrees of Scorpio. Scorpio rules the 8^th house of change and transformation, debt and other people’s money, sex and taxes.

Scorpio is the most intense sign of the zodiac, ruled by Mars and Pluto. The Moon (eclipse) opposes Uranus creating a completely unpredictable and changeable energy, along with the Sun conjunct Uranus which is exact on May 9th. We can expect unexpected events to occur both in our lives and on the world stage in the few days leading up to the eclipse and after. This will affect Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius more than others along with those who have fixed planets around 15-17 degrees.

Relationships will be fraught with confusion and problems over the next few days and some may be prone to compulsive behavior, obsessions or seeing things as all or nothing (which is unadvisable). Since Mercury is retrograde and eclipses block the light you may not know all of the facts.

With Pluto involved (Scorpio’s ruler) some will dwell on loss, or experience some type of loss at this time, or heavy deep seated emotions may surface. Alternatively, you could feel restless and as though your mind is all over the board with so much energy swirling around at this time. Some will want to break free from negative relationships or other situations that are repressive.

This will be a heavy news period full of unexpected events and confusion with retrograde Mercury so now is the time to think clearly and remain calm. This is not a good time to poke the bear, as they say. With Mercury and the sun in Taurus, the potential exists for Earth related issues to surface, such as as earthquake or some other type of extreme weather.

When Mercury is retrograde sometimes events connected to the eclipse are delayed, usually by a few days. The energies of this eclipse however will be very powerful for the next 30 days at least.

One last note; On May 4^th, Venus squares Neptune and this becomes part of the eclipse energy. Venus-Neptune transits are fine for daydreaming as long as you don’t take it too seriously. This can indicate romantic interludes along with confusion and revelations but make sure you know who you are dealing with is this is the case, as it sometimes denotes swindlers of all types. This is not the best day for money matters, investments or anything of the like, and confusion is some area is not only a possibility-it is likely.

This eclipse is likely to coincide with a volatile few days in the world and we could see some changes in the financial markets around this time as well. Caution is advised on a powerful and unpredictable eclipse like this one. The energies of this eclipse will play out all week and into the following week.

Venus enters Cancer

Venus, the planet of love, values and money leaves busy and inquisitive Gemini for Cancer May 7^th-. Venus in Cancer is a huge energetic change but a pleasant sign for the planet ruling love. This will bring deeper emotions to the surface and cause us all to think more about our emotional ties and commitments. Cancer is the nurturer of the zodiac and always there when a friend or loved one needs her. She is also one of the most intuitive and sensitive signs of the zodiac so don’t be surprised if you feel more tuned in to your feelings and those of others, and find yourself feeling more of a desire to comfort and be comforted by those you love.

We will all be a bit more emotional with Venus in this sign and may feel deeper empathy and compassion for those around us and the world in general. As Cancer is such a sensitive sign we may have to be careful about taking slights to heart, and they may be harder to let go of as Cancer has a long and clear memory.

Venus-Cancer is not interested in casual flings and will have a greater desire for long term relationships and all of the security that typically comes with this type of relationship. Cancer is about home, family, relationships and security, both financial and otherwise.

While Venus is in Cancer you may develop relationships at work as Cancer is a Cardinal sign or a mover and a shaker and a born leader. You may lean toward more emotional decisions regarding your finances, investments, work projects and other important areas of life as Cancer is best described by the words, “I feel.”

You may also feel far more nostalgic over these three weeks and indulge in pleasant memories of the past, as Cancer has their own personal fountain of memories, good or bad. Retrograde Mercury in Taurus will help us along this path as well, thinking about or in some cases running into those we have known and loved. You may feel a deep urge to connect with someone you knew long ago. If you feel strongly about it, there is nothing like connecting with those from our own past and catching up on how life has treated you and them. Make the most of this as it won’t last long as in short order both Venus and Mars will beckon us toward bright lights and hot summer nights and all of this will fade into the past for another year.

Jupiter enters Taurus

May 16^th, Jupiter enters Taurus for the first time since June 2011. It will remain in this sign until May 25^th, 2024 when it will move into Gemini.

Taurus is one of the most laid back signs and it is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, money and values. Jupiter expands whatever it touches so in this case the focus will be on money and finance, love and relationships and values both on a personal and collective level.

During Jupiter’s tour through Aries, the theme was ‘to initiate.’ During Jupiter’s cycle through Taurus the theme will be to bring the things we initiated into the physical world and material world.

Since Venus will be the star of the show for the next year, now is the time to recognize your own values and make use of them. This means who and how you spend your time with, what you really want, and where you are going.

Jupiter in Taurus should represent an increase in money for some, depending on what it is doing in your personal chart. If you are a Libra or Aries ascendant you should see an increase financially unless there is something else blocking this in your chart. Jupiter in this sign will work well for Earth signs in particular (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces). If you are a Taurus, this is a once every twelve year transit so go back to 2011 and think about how it benefited you then. Of course, all of the other planets come into play as well, but most people would remember something somewhat positive.

2011 Jupiter in Taurus; a look back

When Jupiter was last in Taurus we were starting to recover from ‘The Great recession,” of 2007-09. While the consequences of 2008 had major long term affects, the economy was picking up to some degree, although it took many years and some individuals never completely recovered.

There was of course the second “Black Monday’ on August 8^th, 2011 when global and US stocks crashed following the previous Friday night downgrade of the US credit rating by Standard and Poor’s from AAA to AA. This was aided and abetted by Uranus’s square to Pluto which meant that a financial shakeup was bond to occur at or around that time. Fortunately, we do not have an aspect like that today.

The debt ceiling crisis that year started as a political debate over increasing the statutory limit of US federal government borrowing also known as the debt ceiling. In the run up to the crisis, the United States had approached and actually passed this limit. Since the US Treasury has no authority to issue or incur debt beyond the debt ceiling set by Congress and, failure to reach an agreement between the necessary members of the government to raise the debt ceiling meant that certain debts wouldn’t be paid and this affected the government's ability to borrow at low cost, due to perception of increased risk in loaning money to the US government.

Does all of this sound familiar? Well, it should with the standoff currently in Congress over the debt ceiling. Will our politicians remember what happened in 2011 and learn from it? Considering the current Congress and political climate it seems doubtful, but we can hope, and it remains to be seen what will happen and whether or not we will be plunged into another crisis for blatant political reasons and political theatre. The previous credit downgrade lasted until March of 2014 when it was upgraded back to AAA. Clearly, there are consequences for inaction and political grandstanding and none of it benefits the people.

It is no coincidence that on May 1^st, First Republic Bank was seized by the FDIC in 8 states and sold.

Jupiter squares Pluto

Jupiter expands whatever it touches for better or worse. When Jupiter enters Taurus it immediately enters a square with Pluto that will be powerful well into the month of June.

Jupiter-Pluto transits can indicate religious, moral and other types of power plays among individuals, coercive tactics and fanatical belief systems. Personal philosophies may become evident and come into question. This transit is indicative of impatience along with arrogance and pride and with the possibility of neglecting small but very important details. Since Jupiter is in the sign ruling the second house, money will certainly be a theme during this time.

Some individuals may try and reform those around them while neglecting their own personal development and be convinced they are right in many matters. In other words, power struggles are a major possibility. Sometimes with transits like this situations reach conclusions and matters end or come together. This is an important period in many ways.

There will be increased needs in the world to recognize various collective problems and concerns. Reform will likely become a theme, but there will be clashes over reform and what it means. There may also be an issue with knowing who or what is capable of discerning and implementing reform as opposed to individuals who view themselves as demigods who hold all the answers. This transit creates the necessity of the highest level of ethical performance which may not come about easily and people can be swayed and mislead by powerful and manipulative messages both on the world stage and in our personal lives. Jupiter-Pluto aspects also tend to deal with terrorism on a worldwide scale.

Mars enters Leo

Mars is the planet that rules our action, passions, war, sex, and ability to assert ourselves in astrology. Mars moves from emotional Cancer to fun loving Leo May 20^th-July 10^th.

Leo is ruled by the Sun which represents our vital core as well as our ego, and has domain over the fifth house of love, entertainment and children, and over the next 8 weeks we will be more outgoing, optimistic and geared toward seeking pleasure.

While Mars in Cancer has been a sensitive and emotional Water sign, Mars in Leo is a Fire sign full of energy and confidence, and in some cases pride. Expect a major shift in direction and energy.

While Mars is in this sign we will seek pleasure, fun and companionship and be in a mood to socialize more and seek attention. Expect to be drawn to attractive clothes, jewelry and other things that make you stand out in the crowd as Mars/Leo can be quite flamboyant. Mars in Leo is no wallflower, and even those who are normally shy may come out of their shell more during this aspect of Mars. Mars/Leo likes to be dramatic and expressive as well as fun loving, creative and passionate. Mars in this sign is typically passionate about the things they do and in some cases can exhibit bravery if the situation calls for it.

Mars in Leo creates a personal need and desire to shine and be recognized. Leo knows fun is a necessary part of life so expect to spend more time socializing and making the most of the warm summer days coming up.

Leo is well known as a sign that is associated with artists, performers and royalty. The downside of Leo is pride, stubbornness and overconfidence. Leo has a tendency to over dramatize at times and they like their ego stroked. If Leo feels they are not getting enough attention, or being treated they way they feel they deserve to be treated they can get highly offended. Leo’s purr can turn to a roar in a split second and like the Lion that represents them, they retreat back to the jungle. Leo seldom if ever forgets a slight.

If you can watch these tendencies Mars in Leo can be can be an exciting, wonderful time, filled with fun, energy and confidence.

The powerful May t-square

On May 20^th, Mars enters Leo, and will oppose Pluto and square Jupiter. When Mars enters the picture, this creates a t-square which combines the energies of all three planets. Mars opposing Pluto is a volatile transit that is sometimes connected to arguments, unyielding attitudes and at worst violence. Mars square Jupiter leans toward things becoming blown out of proportion on some level. It is important to not be reactionary during this time and let the energies level out before making and significant decisions about your life. Staying calm will be the key at this time. Sometimes under Mars-Pluto old buried issues come up and must be dealt with and Pluto leans toward obsessive behaviors.

The peak of this powerful aspect will be from May 16^th-26^th.

There is little doubt this aspect will play out in significant terms on the world stage and issues will be global. At the time of this aspect we can expect issues concerning money, ideological political conflicts, and Mars-Pluto holds the potential for violence. Taurus is an earth sign which means earth related disasters are possible including earthquakes. It is important to be aware of the volatility of this aspect and leave contentious problems, issues and reactionary behaviors on the back seat until this powerful aspect passes.

New Moon in Taurus May 19th

This month’s New moon falls at 28 degrees in the sign ruled by Venus.Love, money and values will be front and center at this time. This Moon becomes part of a grand trine, which is a positive aspect linking together the Moon, Mars and Neptune. This aspect leans toward compassion, intuition and action with the three planets involved. At the same time this Moon conjuncts Algol, the malefic fixed star that is known for destruction and harsh actions on the world stage.

May 21^st the Sun enters Gemini

May 21^st-June 21^st.  the Sun enters Gemini and the Gemini season is on!. Gemini is the mutable sign of spring when the weather begins to change and shift toward summer. Like the weather, we too are under the influence of a mutable sign which means we are more changeable at this time than others. We may change our minds, and even direction during the next four weeks sometimes more than once.

 If the Taurus season is about being grounded and luxuriating in sensuality and connectedness with the earth, The Gemini season is more intellectual, loquacious, upbeat, free spirited and open to change. 

Gemini is an intellectual Air sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, travel, young people and pets. The Gemini season will inspire social activity, conversation, new ideas and a focus of our energies outwardly and into the world.

Air signs are typically full of ideas and plans and while the Sun is in Gemini our energies will be directed much more toward others. Air signs have plenty of mental energy that can sometimes seem to move at the speed of light, activities and communication pick up and you may feel that ideas come so rapidly you can hardly remember everything. This will be especially true while Mercury retrogrades in Gemini.

Gemini is observant of the world and all surroundings. At times this sign can be considered ‘airheaded’ or duplicitous but much of the time this can be attributed to the fact that Gemini is changeable and always looking for the better solution and all sides of the problem. Gemini can often take a neutral approach to problems as they search for a logical as opposed to emotional answer. Never underestimate Gemini’s remarkable ability to see all sides of an equation.

Sometimes this energy can seem unpredictable and restless. You may find your time is split in many different directions and your curiosity piqued on different levels. Enjoy the natural curiosity and desire to interact with others during the Gemini season. Engaging with the world can be a rewarding experience especially given the past years with Covid.

Use this time to express all sides of yourself and enjoy things that are a little offbeat rest assured, it won’t be boring!