Jupiter squares Saturn: Paddling upstream:ideas, practicality,money, freedom

Jupiter is square Saturn, and this transit will be exact May 23-31. The effects of this powerful transit however will be felt before and after the exact square.

This transit might be compared to trying to paddling a canoe upstream or trying to drive with the brakes on. While Jupiter is the planet of expansion, Saturn represents restriction and delays, and this is a collision of these two principals.

Money issues may come to the surface, or depending on what is in your chart you may feel the restriction coming from some other area of life, depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart. For some, relationships may end at this time, but only if they are not working out already. Any relationship can be affected but if the partnership is basically sound it should withstand the stress.

Many things may slow down during this time, or you may lack inner conviction, or your timing can be off.  It is important to consider these factors. You could be dealing with situations and people from the past.

This transit can represent legal, financial and business problems,  and there could be a lack of support, especially if this aspects your natal chart. There could be issues with higher education, moral issues, or indifference. Frustration may build up to the point where something has to give and change occurs at this point. You may have to limit spending on entertainment.

For some this might represent a culmination of business affairs of some type, but Saturn can delay, and restrict.  

There could be added responsibilities and pressures in your job during this period, or you could make some kind of change in your job or work, as this is not all negative. If you are working on a financial deal of some type it may come together at this time, or you will receive evidence that it wont pan out-one way or the other. It could coincide with some type of long awaited opportunity, if the rest of your chart supports this. If you are working on a job offer or real estate deal for example, it may come through, or if the fit is wrong it may not pan out. Some people may withdraw socially, from responsibilities, or in some other way.

Saturn and Jupiter squared each other last August (2015) and we saw the devaluation of the Chinese currency, the normalization of US relations with Cuba, and the economic turmoil in Greece.  

As Saturn is in Sagittarius this shows conflict ideas, concepts and religion,  and Jupiter in Virgo shows issues around work and practical matters either directly or indirectly. For example, many political ideas are floating around at this time, but which ones are realistic, responsible and real?

There has been a major outbreak of the food containment listeria, and we could see more of this on a larger basis, or some other disease could surface.

The Jupiter-Saturn square is actually part of a bigger transit that rules the skies this summer called a t-square, that involves Neptune as well.

Jupiter-Saturn is one of the ten Major planetary cycles. This cycle goes from conjunction to conjunction, and the last cycle began in May of 2000, in Taurus, the natural ruler of the second house of earned income, possessions and money.  Since that time we have seen massive changes in the financial world. In June of 2006, it was in a square to Saturn at 9 degrees, Scorpio/Leo and at this time many analysts were pointing to a bubble in the housing market that would become the crash of 2008. Another square occurred in October of that year at 23 degrees. In 2011, (March) Jupiter opposed Saturn at 14 Libra-Aries, and it was at this point that Greece was feeling the debt crisis and the International Monetary Fund was  signing off billions of Euros to Ireland Portugal and  Italy. Greece  agreed to extreme austerity measures once again on the eve of the Jupiter-Saturn square of 2015, driven by Germany, and this situation will be played out between now and when the next conjunction occurs in 2020, when we will begin this cycle again in Capricorn.

The Jupiter-Saturn cycle has been considered of greatest importance in shaping history and these two planets have been called the 'chronocrators of the ages.' Nicholas Champion wrote, "There cycle can be considered the ground base of human development, which makes the interaction between perception of human ideas, potentialities, possibilities and their manifestation in the concrete material world. As noted under the interpretation of the conjunction this pair has a great deal to do with the development and evolution of social structures and a sense of corporate national identity. Barbault makes a compelling case for the dominance of this cycle in the unfoldment of European history so that each phase of this cycle appears to mark out a relatively clear pattern of development year after year."

This transit brings change in the world and some of it can be very positive as in the normalization of relations and raising of the US flag once again in Cuba, which the US has had no relations with for nearly 50 years!  

Many important events will occur during this cycle and we will see major clashes between political parties at this time, question what is real and what is lies or smoke and mirrors, and the potential of violence  around the globe. Terrorist situations could be  likely.  All in all many situations will be re-accessed that include political alliances, foreign relations, laws, and finances but most importantly ideas.

Your Mother, Your Moon-the astrology

Your life is represented by your personal astrological chart-it is the blueprint of your life. All situations current and past, early beginnings and even your parents show up in your personal natal chart.

The parents are represented by the fourth and tenth houses-the fourth house is the Father and the tenth house is the Mother. 

Astrologers can glean a great deal about your early beginnings by looking at these houses and their planetary rulers.

The Moon in a natal chart represents the emotions, the home, and shows us the Mother as well, and how we perceived her. In a man's chart it also shows the wife, or future wife.  Since the Moon represents the support system that you first experienced after birth, it describes the Mother.

No chart is the same and the Moon can make many different aspects with other planets. For example:

Moon-Pluto transits can indicate an intense if not controlling 

relationship with Mother.

Moon-Neptune transits can represent a confused image of Mother, or she could have had substance problems, experienced mental illness, or even been creative or psychic.

Moon-Uranus transits can show an erratic or very unusual Mother, or show unexpected and sudden events.

Moon-Saturn transits can show a loyal and duty bound, or overly serious Mother, or coldness/lack in the relationship, or loss.

Moon-Jupiter transits can show a kind, loving or permissive Mother interested in justice and fairness.

Moon-Mars transits can show an angry, disruptive, aggravating Mother, or in some cases accidental death of some type.

Moon-Venus transits can show a Mother that is kind, loving and generous or beautiful.

Moon-Mercury transits can show an intellectual, talkative or young acting Mother, or one that irritates and swings between emotional and rational.

The above are some of the combinations astrologers can see connected with the Moon but often more than one planet aspects the Moon, and it also depends on the sign and where it falls in your chart. To get a clear description of your Mother, all aspects involved must be taken into consideration.

Your Moon can fall in one of 12 signs and this also describes your Mother in brief:

Moon in Aries-the Moon in Aries shows a strong Mother, who could have been overbearing at times. She may not have always agreed with your plans and you could have considered her selfish sometimes. She would have been assertive and willing to make hard decisions.

Moon in Taurus-Your Mother probably placed value in comfort and practical details. She may have like fine things and good value for the money. You may have considered her overly practical at times or stubborn. Once she made up her mind, the decision was typically final. Usually, she would have been considered kind, but held strong opinions.

Moon in Gemini-You Mother was light, somewhat intellectual in her approach and seldom boring. She could have liked gossip. She in all likelihood, did not live a restrictive existence, and was open to new ideas and thoughts. You may have seen her as a continual source of information and she encouraged your inquisitive mind. She may have been like a friend.

Moon in Cancer-Your Mother could have experienced a great deal of emotional upheaval in her own life, but she would have been nurturing when she was not in emotional pain herself, and you likely have deep emotional connections. You may feel a sense of duty and obligation to be there for her, and she you. She would have strong opinions as to how you would have been/were raised and the past was important to her.

Moon in Leo-Your Mother would be a bold presence in your life one way or another. She is not someone who held back on her feelings, and could be very dramatic at times. She was/is no wallflower.

Moon in Virgo-You would have experienced your Mother as down to earth and practical, and she could be critical at times, and you could be critical of her, or analyze her every action. But, at the end of the day, she got the job done and raised you to do the same.

Moon in Libra-Fairness and justice would be part of life with a Libra Moon (Mother.) You may feel you have to make sure you keep the peace, and this would be an important part of your relationship. She may have liked beautiful things, and significant relationships would have been important to her.

Moon in Scorpio-Your Mother would have been a passionate women, sometimes very private. You may see her as stubborn, intense and controlling or manipulative at times. You could view her as being very emotional, intense, and as you too are often private, the intensity can sometimes seem overbearing.

Moon in Sagittarius-Freedom would be a theme with your Mother-you or her. Fairness and justice may have been a theme. You may have seen her as less mature than other Mothers appeared, she could have seemed flighty or not as warm as you would have liked. Always fun loving though.

Moon in Capricorn-As Capricorn is ruled by Saturn your Mother may have seemed cold at times. She was all business, one way or another, she could have experienced a difficult life in some way, have been overly stern or controlling, and put work before pleasure. She was there for practical support, planning, and was/is security oriented.

Moon in Aquarius-Your relationship with your Mother could have been a bit distant or even detached. She was more intellectual than emotional and you probably didn't feel like burdening her with your problems. She may have relied on you more so than other Mother's and she may have wanted her space, or it seemed so at times. You probably matured early.

Moon in Pisces-She may have had to overcome many difficulties and had an inner emotional strength not all people were aware of, and she made sacrifices. At times she may have seemed lost in her own world, and you may have felt lost in yours as a result. She may have had a deep seated faith of some kind that inspired her, or she may have been highly intuitive.

In memory of Joan Hurley Peake October, 3, 1924-May 21,1998, and all the other Mothers and daughters and sons that will not be able to celebrate Mother's Day together.

New Moon in Taurus and Grand trine: relax and lighten up!

The New moon (along with the Sun) falls at 16 degrees of Taurus, peaking at 3:29PM, EST May 6th. Taurus is an earth sign and the natural ruler of the second house of money, income and possessions.

Earth signs are typically calm, and this Moon (along with the Sun and Mercury) make a grand trine which is an easy, harmonious alignment. The planets involved are Jupiter (gain and expansion), Pluto (power) and the Sun and Moon (emotions-well-being).

Mercury will form another grand trine with the same planets the latter part of the following week, and Venus will also be part of a grand trine next week as well.

All in all, things may calm down to a degree with these aspects, unless you are a mid degree (13-17 degrees) fixed sign--that is Scorpio, Leo or Aquarius, (or have planets in your natal chart in these signs and degrees) and if this is the case things will be a little more stressful, but you will still receive some planetary help.

As Mercury (and Mars) are retrograde events connected to the New Moon may be delayed, or Mercury in a good angle can still bring chaos even when retrograde.  And of course, the mutable t-square of the summer continues on.

May 2016: Five planets retrograde, the magic of stillness

May will be a pivotal month as the T-square between Jupiter, Neptune and Saturn becomes exact and extends throughout June. In all actuality the energies of this t-square will be with us for the next five months and it is worth your time to click on the above link and read about this aspect, especially if you have planets in your chart in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces.

A T-square is a potent transit that combines the energies of all three planets. Jupiter rules money, men and expansion to name a few. Saturn shows us where our limits and limitations are and Neptune dissolves, transcends, and often clouds the pictures. These energies do not combine easily and many things will shift in our lives as this transit will reveal  some things previously unknown if it hasn't already.

Most people are dealing with some kind of problem at this time. If nothing else, there may be a nagging sense of fear, doubt and lack of clarity as to where we are going. Some people have experienced loss of relationships or other situations that lead to sadness and a lack of clarity about the future. For others there is an underlying sense of anger and frustration, without a clear path being revealed at this time.

And yet, this is not all bad. Some things will be uncovered that need to be, both lies and untruths, or you could experience a sense that you should have known something that you didn't. Things will be slower and take longer to accomplish. Be careful what you believe, and yet we have to continue to believe. It's a thin line to walk and this energy will be with us until fall.  We have to live each day and find good in it. Let go of those things that show themselves to be false, make peace with the rest, and know that all things serve a purpose.

At the time of this post five planets are retrograde. This is an unusual occurrence to have half of the planets astrologers look at in retrograde. Mercury turned retrograde in Taurus, April 29, and goes direct on May 22.  Of course retrograde Mercury slows things down, reveals previously unknown information, and can deal with broken equipment and other situations that need to be fixed. In Taurus, communication may be slow, but once decisions are made they are final. This is the time to re-access and re-do, not move forward.

Many people don't like things slowed down, but it is in your benefit to re-access/review rather than start new projects and be filled with frustration. There is magic is the stillness and slowdown of activity if you take the time to reflect and remember that which you thought you had forgotten long ago.

Retrograde Mars deals with our energy level, and can also slow things down. People can become prone to accidents, frustration and anger, sometimes because things aren't moving quickly. This is not the time to start a fight with anyone as you may be the loser. Neither is it the time to have elective surgery or start a business. As Mars rules men, they may seem to go retrograde. Mars retrogrades through Sagittarius (9th house of ideas) and into Scorpio again on May 28, where it will remain for the next several months. Scorpio is more intense and deals with 8th house matters-sex, death, taxes and other people's  money along with deep transformation on many levels. Mars will be in one of these two signs until late September.

Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter are also retrograde, and it may seem in some ways things are at a standstill for a while. As I write this post, the energy seems like this to me. Not that things aren't happening and people aren't calling, but the world seems still, peaceful, and reflective. Some things may return from your past whether it is people, situations, or another way of thinking that you have long since forgotten. Of course in our modern world we can't just stop, life keeps moving. But, all in all, this is the time to re-access, re-do, go back and finish what you started, (a great time to do taxes if you filed an extension).  

Much will happen on an inner level, and you can plan for the future and correct things that need to be corrected. Retrograde planets are karmic in nature. In other words, the results of many things will play out during this period as they are supposed to play out, good or bad. Many situations will come to a conclusion, and while things may seem slow, there is a lot going on underneath. It's like watching a flower grow. It starts as a seed and nothing happens for a long time, and then one day there is the bloom.

Jupiter squares Saturn May-23-31 and this is another major transit in the world and our personal lives. While Jupiter rules expansion, Saturn shows us restriction and herein lies the clash. You could feel repressed, or in some way slowed down. This is an important transit, especially if it aspects your personal chart. Things can end on this transit or some things may come together and complete, especially relating to business, job opportunities, and finance, real estate dealings and matters of this kind.

Now, let's look at the transits!

May 1, the Sun sextiles Neptune-positive, good for creativity and creative ideas and psychics. You may experience intuitive insights and vivid dreams.

May 3, the Sun trines Jupiter-overall positive, and easy flow and great for financial matters, dealings with foreign people.

May 6-New Moon at 16 degrees of Taurus, peaking at 3:29PM, EST. Taurus is the true sign of spring and things that begin anew. With all the retrograde planets, it may be more of a time of reflection or beginning old things anew. As this moon conjuncts Venus this is a positive time for romance and social activities, and as it trines Pluto it could be positive for overcoming negative emotional habits, improving domestic conditions, and can infer great determination. Enjoy!

May 7-the Sun trines Pluto, and this can confer courage and determination and the will to accomplish.

May 8, Venus sextiles Neptune-romance could be in the air, and a love of beautiful things. This is intuitive and very pleasant.

Also, the Sun conjuncts Mercury making things a little willful, or some could come from an ego standpoint. Be careful driving and watch your communication, especially as Mercury is retrograde.

May 8, Jupiter turns stationary direct! Situations, projects, money, and sometimes even relationships of all types may start to move forward now especially if this aspects your personal chart.

Jupiter has been retrograde since January 8.  Each year the largest planet in our solar system retrogrades for about 4 months. During this time growth can occur in an inner or more spiritual level.

The period a planet turns stationary direct is generally a very significant and this will be the most precipitous time for implementing (but not yet acting on) long term plans and goals. The first week or two is especially important, and Jupiter is in a stationary retrograde period until it begins to move forward on June 1, when it will pick up speed and the positive Jupiter vibrations will be strong and positive for all of us.

May 10, Venus trines Jupiter-Only so many of these positive transits occur each year and this is great, for love, money, your social life and anything else you want to accomplish today.

May 12, Mercury trines Pluto-positive for communication (which will not be shallow) and getting to the bottom of any situation. This could bring up feelings from the past, and the depths of your subconscious.

May 13, Mercury conjuncts Venus-Great for love, communication and people may seem more affectionate. Good for business as well. Also, Venus trines Pluto making feelings and expression deeper. The potential is a great day.

May 20, the Sun enters Gemini. This is the mutable sign of spring when weather can become more like summer.

May 21, this month's full moon occurs at 1 degree of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion and has domain over the 9th house of travel, ideas and world view.

Sagittarius is a fire sign and this moon conjuncts Mars. Moon-Mars transits can be energetic but watch for accidents.  As the Moon rules women and our emotions, both can be in turmoil. Both the Moon and Mars oppose the Sun both today and the 22nd, and the potential exists for arguments, accidents, burnout, anger and upset. Some situations may end in a blaze of anger if you are not aware.

This is a volatile and explosive full moon, and emotions can turn negative on a dime. As retrograde Mercury squares Jupiter, we could misspeak or someone else could. Make sure you have your facts straight and don't be sloppy in your thinking. Communications can be blown totally out of proportion.

My advice is to strive for harmony, and if there is any chance of conflict, now is not the time to instigate it unless you are prepared for an explosive outcome.

May 22, the Sun opposes Mars-this is a volatile transit and many people may be operating off their ego this day.

May 22, Mercury turns stationary direct at 14 degrees of Sagittarius, and will remain in this position until May 22. The stationary direct period is where changes often occur once again, and while Mercury may be direct it is best to wait until after the 22nd, to begin new action.

May 24, Venus enters Gemini. Love energy changes once again and becomes more intellectual than physical as it was in Taurus. Venus in Gemini does not like to be bored!

Also, Venus opposes Mars, and this is indicative of trouble through the sexes. As this falls within a few days of the full moon, this transit could be somewhat explosive and indicative of breakups if your relationship is troubled. Upsets, jealousies and incompatibility will be common.

May 26, Jupiter squares Saturn, exact.

May 27, Mars reenters Scorpio for the 2nd time this year where it will remain until early August. The 29th degree of any planet is considered critical and it will remain here for the next three days. Mars in Scorpio will re-ignite deep feelings, good or bad, and put our focus on 8th house matters-money, taxes and debt, sex, death (literally or metaphorically) and is considered the most intense of signs.

May 30, Mercury trines Pluto for the third and final time. This is indicative of deep feelings and communication where a great deal can be revealed.