AQUARIAN ZONE ~ Sky Watch, from the 'Eye of Rose' at AstroLink

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May Overview:

Noting the alarmingly frequency of beyond-the-usual natural occurrences, it is obvious that Mother Nature’s labour is reaching an advanced birthing state now. The catastrophe of Iceland’s volcano, along with the grounding of aviation travel (which began as Mercury in Taurus was readying for its retrograde cycle), the “Guinness record” disaster of the haemorrhaging oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, and the domino threat posed by Greece’s economic collapse; these major events mark the fourth out of five instalments of the Saturn/Uranus opposition cycle, a 2 year shake-up/wake-up call-to-task. Occurring at 45 year intervals, when the critical Saturn/Uranus cycle happens, it radically disrupts status quos, breaks down outworn systems, and breaks down the outworn reasoning of our crystallized consciousness too, this in order to accelerate major and needed change. Advanced during a relatively short span of time, the outcome of these years alters the reality base for all, producing profound and lasting effects, not only out there in the world, but inside our own worlds too. Marking the dividing line between yesterday and tomorrow, there is no turning back from this threshold, there is only moving it forward from here.

The present Saturn/Uranus cycle is nearing completion (July 26 delivers last opposition; the aspect’s stronghold will wane by the autumn), but don’t expect Mother Nature to grant a reprieve, or for the consequences of the past in catch-up to present, to lighten up anytime soon. We are only at the starting gate of so much more to come.

Before racing ahead, there is Mercury retrograde to contend with. In the slow sign of Taurus, we may find most things linger longer or progress slower than is preferred. Case in point: the clean-up for the oil rig spill, the Icelandic volcanic activity, and European economic recovery. More stretching of dollars, effort, patience, and perseverance is required on all fronts. It seems we have entered a hold up, a hold off, or a flat-line cycle. Still, while there may be limitation or loss to contend with, advantage and gain is in the mix now too. Capitalize as best you can, hold steady on the rest. Mercury holds a facilitating aspect (trine) to power duo Pluto and Ceres through the first three weeks of the month. Positively, this aspect suggests the month ahead can be one of good productivity and of well-timed action-taking, especially so once the retrograde cycle completes (past May 11.) This aspect also suggests those in power or with power can gain more control and ground, or at least that they are on an agenda to do so. Mercury retrograde in Taurus draws attention to the fact that the liabilities are costly now; to be sure, a better take-charge is absolutely essential in order to pull ourselves out of critical survival mode. We are not out of recession yet, nor have we realized the full impact of global warming.

Mercury, planet of commerce, transport, and communication will continue to hold influential sway and swing through May and June. Picking up the spin from whatever is air-born, the next two months will be a time of lively mobilization. Positively, we can take ourselves out of a stalemate. Positive links forged can strength all, a weak link can topple all. Mercury’s ripple effect is most visible in the economics and politics of the times. If you want to harness Mercury to optimum advantage, use these dates: May 3, 4, 16, 19, 27 and June 27.)

May 22 brings us to the first of the Jupiter/Saturn opposition cycle (The next oppositions occur Aug 16, 2010, and Mar 25, 2011.) Astro-economists watch this planetary pair to mark the ten-year up (inflationary) and ten-year down (deflationary) financial periods. On a personal note, if you think back to 2000, you may see that an entire chapter of your life is now at a culminating point. Are you where you want to be, or has the goal post shifted? Jupiter/Saturn brings an important time to re-prioritize in order to gain a better foothold on this next leg of the journey. On a basic level, May 11 – 22 is a time to recoup or regroup, to fix, hone, improve, clear up, prepare, finish off, organize, strategize, plant and build toward.

Past the weekend of May 22, expect the overall pace of life to accelerate and for circumstances to intensify thanks to Jupiter’s influence on Uranus. Jupiter enlarges or increases where-ever it goes. When Jupiter and Uranus team up in the sign of Pisces, potentials and opportunity is greatly expanded, high hopes ideals and idealism become a driving force too. More can open up for you than you can imagine. Of course, in the sign of Pisces, big loss (and disillusionment) is as possible as big gain. It is time to relinquish our false attachments, hopes and illusions. We can/must transcend prior ineffectiveness by exploring new potentials. Can’t seem them yet? Stand poised, keep the faith pinned on the right horse, and trust the universe to deliver.

Saturn, backtracking through Virgo since April 6, completes its retrograde tour on May 30. We are now duly served, and the time of correction is at a hand. Saturn’s tour through industrious Virgo (until July 21) suggests a productive time for project development, for clearing away, and for advancing necessary healing, and repair work – at all levels. Be reminded that the final hook-up of the Saturn and Uranus opposition cycle takes place on July 26 across a new sign axis (Libra/Aries); it may signal the beginning of the end of this cycle, but note, it marks the end of a preliminary dismantling period.

Shortly after the moon reaches full on May 27, Uranus will ingress into Aries for a first visit. Holding at 0 degrees of Aries through Aug 13, those born at the start of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, or the tail end of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius will feel the impact of this planetary shift most dynamically. Revolutionizing Uranus tenants a sign for an average of seven years; the last time Uranus was in Aries (1927 – 1935), a new reality base was being forged that would forever altered our collective consciousness. On June 6 (and continuing to Sept 8) Jupiter will advance into Aries and conjoin Uranus. The last time this duo joined forces, we experienced the revolutionary sixties, and we put a man on the moon. Nothing is small about living it now!

Jupiter expands whatever it touches, so you can expect that whatever is brewing and/or comes your way next can deliver more than you envision or anticipate. Leading up to May 22, the pressure ceiling can loom large. Past May 22, things could take a rapid shift. The risks are higher, and the potential rewards are higher too. Once both Jupiter and Uranus advance into Aries, we will see more independent initiative, more striking out or lashing out, rebellion, reactionary responses, etc. Like the late sixties, we may see more protests and movements as various groups reach their boiler points. Fire fighters and emergency response workers are likely to be in especially high demand over the summer months. On a positive note, Jupiter and Uranus together can see amazing breakthroughs in technology, science, medicine, and humanitarian efforts.

As Victoria Day and Memorial Day draws near, we may all be living for the weekend. The full moon in Sagittarius on May 27 could see plenty of us check out early on the workweek as we aim to stretch the long weekend as far as we can take it.

May 31, Neptune will station retrograde. This is a subtle influence that can go largely unnoticed, but that holds poignant impact all the same. Pay attention to light and hue, don’t undervalue or under-estimate, take nothing for granted. Whether you know it or not, the inner tuning fork is responding to the pitch of a much deeper source-point. On a health note, we can need extra protection from the elements, (especially, the sun, rapidly mutating viruses and the collective emotional climate.) Think for yourself, pump up your immune system, and please, stay away from street drugs.

Having spent the last five years in the (consciousness-raising/wake-up-call) sign of Aquarius, we now gain our first peek of Chiron in Pisces (April 21 – July 21, 2010). Progressively through 2018, Chiron in Pisces will dissolve the illusion of separateness, and will tap into that which has been living (as yet) unseen with heart, mind, body, and soul more fully. How can we not respond to the natural rhythm of the collective heartbeat, of growing moment, and of the needs of our own soul? Outwardly, inwardly, second hand, first hand, we cannot help but be profoundly impacted by all that appears in our lives.

The expectant mother concentrates her focus beyond the pain of the process to give life to the boundless potentials that lie ahead. Can we too, surrender to the promise of new life with fullness of presence and totality of being? The stars now sound an urgent and ultimate call to service, for the greater good of self, and for the greater good of all.

New Moon:May 13: 23:09 Taurus (6:04 pm)
Full Moon: May 27: 6:33 Sagittarius (4:07 pm)
May 11: Mercury in Taurus, ends retrograde (3:27 pm) 2:40 Taurus
May 19: Venus into Cancer (6:05 pm)
May 20: Sun into Gemini (8:34 pm)
May 27: Uranus into Aries (6:48 pm)
May 30: Saturn in Virgo, direct: (11:11 am) 27:49 Virgo
May 31: Neptune turns retrograde: (11:50 am)
(April 26: Saturn retro opposition Uranus: 29 Virgo/Pisces)
(April 21: Chiron in Pisces, to July 20; June 5: Chiron begins retrograde)
All times listed are PST

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^ Aries ~ March 21 to April 19

Mercury retrograde can find you at a professional, personal, or material plateau. This may be a time of coasting or just getting by, or you may be on a pause for reassessment, or you may feel stuck in wait-and-see holding pattern. While Mercury is in retrograde, you are wise to proceed slowly, to stick to what you know generates the most success or reward, and to let things shape up on their own - they will. The end of Mercury retrograde (May 11) can get the ball rolling again, but you’ll see even more fire up as the month completes. The full moon May 27 is likely to deliver something (or someone) out of the blue, or clue you into something you had not seen/known previously. Watch for news, an exceptional potential, an opportunity to travel, study, teach, perform or publish. There’s plenty more coming your way. Jupiter’s advance into Aries begins a vibrant new 12 year growth and opportunity cycle. If you have lost your mojo, it will fire up soon. Uranus in Aries can reinvent everything about your life, right down to the core of who you are. In years to come you could be surprised and amazed by yourself. Chiron’s temporary dip into Pisces (April 21 – July 20) can tip you off to the as yet, unrealized potentials that will be realized in the not too distant future.

_ Taurus ~ April 20 to May 20

Mercury retrograde may have diminished your success ratio or delayed your fresh start initiatives, but you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get back into the race and pick up the pace past May 11 (once the retrograde cycle completes.) Venus in Gemini (to May 19) suggests you are wise to diversify your interests, assets, portfolio, or repertoire, still, keep it all working under the same umbrella. Take advice from friends, colleagues, and clients, but also, listen to yourself more too. While Mercury is retrograde, it can be lucrative to concentrate on forging better in-roads with your existing contacts, to double up on savings efforts or investments (financial and relationship wise), and to reconnect with those who have been helpful to you previously. The advance of Venus into Cancer (May 19 – June 14) can find you more reliant on the support or good will of others; perhaps you’ll find that others lean on you more too. The new moon on May 13 begins a lucrative new cycle for most ambitions and undertakings (new health regimes, and appearance updates included.) May 20 – 22 can open it up for you, perhaps unexpectedly so. For the most part, it appears the stars are enhancing, but whether events translate into plus or minus, they have likely been brewing for some time. The full moon May 27 can put you at a surprise advantage, cut you loose, or bring an unexpected social or financial opportunity. The advance of Uranus (May 27) and Jupiter in Aries (June 5) can animate you in unexpected ways. This is a very creative, fertile, passionate, independent, and confidence-generating influence for your sign.

` Gemini ~ May 21 to June 21

Mercury’s retrograde tour keeps the undercurrents stirred; you may sense there is plenty a-brewing, but you may not have the full picture just yet. Simple pleasures can hold greater than usual appeal now. Enjoy more quality time to yourself or with loved ones. Withdraw from your over-active social life and devote your all to a personal project, studies, savings goals, or your health (emotional as well as physical.) The sun’s entrance into Gemini (May 20) signals the time to resurface, or to begin scouting again. May 20 - 22 can be especially busy. While it can be a good weekend to host an open house or guests, the lead-in to Victoria Day weekend could deliver added pressure or unexpected complication re home or professional matters. Be especially mindful to details or subtle hints, take extra steps or precautions. (Equipment or vehicle problems can arise too.) A change of scenery at month’s end can do you good. Whether you have planned in advance or you let the moment take you by storm, the full moon May 27 is sure to put your on the move. The advances of both Uranus and Jupiter into Aries, (Chiron in Pisces too) can see you surpass barriers, perhaps they are ones you didn’t realize had been in existence all along. Uranus and Jupiter can refresh you socially and personally, and in so doing, brightens future prospects too.

a Cancer ~ June 22 to July 22

As is typical of Mercury retrograde, over this first half of the month, you are likely to bump into people you know more often than usual. The cycle could see a replay of unfinished business, perhaps with certain friends, colleagues, or groups, or it may take you through a necessary cooling-off period. Mercury retrograde delivers an appropriate time to back out of a social network, or to go your own way rather than to involve yourself further. It’s also a good time to cut back on entertainment expenses, to pay down debt or to build toward something more significant down the road (a trip, a new computer, car, etc.) Overall, Mercury puts you in good stead with others this month, especially re professional or legal dealings. Long-term associations and agreements can be forged. You could sign a lucrative professional contract, one that sets you up for long term security. Too, should you meet up with a new romantic prospect, it could hit you as the real deal/the keeper relationship right from the get go. Venus enters Cancer May 19, and the Sun enters Gemini on May 20. Both these planetary energies help you to shine. It appears you will have more than the usual happening (or coming at you) between May 20 – 23, and through to the end of the month. The teaming of Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces, can provide exceptional opportunity and assistance, saving graces, or set you free in some unexpected way. On a cautionary note, at work or at play, it is a time to put extra safety measures in place. Don’t ignore the warning signals of your body, vehicle, or instincts. Work, health, plans, communications, travel arrangements or expectations could go haywire on the full moon May 27 (or there-about.) Keep your phone charged and stay available. The unexpected could put you on a sudden go.

b Leo ~ July 23 to Aug. 22

Are your ambitions realistic? Can you still afford to carry on? How can you unburden yourself from added material or psychological pressure? Is all that striving doing you any good? Mercury retrograde puts an added spotlight on getting more bang for your buck (literally and figuratively.) You may feel you are at a relentless plateau, but with Pluto’s driving support (especially over the first 3 weeks of May) you will find you can handle and accomplish a lot more than usual. Yes, there is great value in the act, so keep up the good work. Still, this is not a time to pile on more; as best you can, avoid over-commitment. You can suit up as Hercules for a temporary spell, but soon, freedom will be what fuels you. If you feel stuck or held up while Mercury is retrograde, know that that you certainly won’t be by month’s end. The planetary advances of Uranus (May 31) and Jupiter (June 5) into Aries can open your life in exciting and perhaps unexpected new ways. This dynamic duo sets up a wonderfully opportune summer, especially for those born July 23 – 26. Sky’s the limit!

c Virgo ~ Aug. 23 to Sept. 22

Mercury’s retrograde tour can help you to hold steady/stay consistent while you work toward getting other things off the ground. Still, you can find yourself distracted. Inklings, budding interests, or growing circumstances could feature more prominently down the road, don’t under-estimate their influence or value. Mercury retrograde (to May 11) offers a wise time to review or revise marketing, publishing or vocational strategies, to explore better options re future goals and plans. Travel, relocation, or expanding your social network can consume your attention too. Overall, this opportunity month can find you driven and accomplishing plenty. Chiron’s temporary visit to sign of Pisces (to July 20) can alert you to the plus or minus of partnership. Chiron can unveil potential where you didn’t see it before, and it can call special people or extraordinary circumstances into your life. May 22 can find you overwhelmed, perhaps by the unexpected. Don’t push what isn’t coming naturally, try to minimize your expectations, and go with the flow as it happens. Things will work out for the best when you follow this advice. The full moon May 27 can be a great getaway or play weekend, but it may also cause added strain on both the home and professional front. Of course, this can be par for the course when you are at the close a major purchase, change your address, or are taking some other big step forward.

d Libra ~ Sept. 23 to Oct. 23

Persevere now, and rest assured that you are getting somewhere, even when you think you aren’t. Even with Mercury in retrograde, you should find that family, home, and financial matters shape up fairly well this month. View any repeat of circumstances or re-visitation of issues as an opportunity to make necessary corrections and improvement. May 11 forward, the stars give you the green light to sign contracts, make commitments, confirm plans, etc. You may hold back or bide time in the first half of the month, but as Jupiter builds to the opposition with Saturn (May 22) you’ll feel growing pressure to make a move and find that you can’t wait any longer. May 22 could see you surpass a hurdle and/or work through something that has plagued you for sometime. Then again, this Canadian holiday weekend can be ideal to book yourself time off, or take a pause before you plug-in or jump-in again. When uncertainty prevails, a wait-and-see tactic will prove advantageous. More (and better) can open up for you after this weekend. In fact, the opportune full moon May 27 can expand options, bring news, visitors, or added cause to celebrate. It is a good time to get out of town and to enjoy with friends and like-minded souls. The sign advances of Uranus and Jupiter into Aries can find your attention claimed by new people and new interests. A new lifestyle is shaping up for you, and as it whisks you forward, you will learn to claim more attention for yourself, as a dynamic presence and as force to reckon with.

e Scorpio ~ Oct. 24 to Nov. 22

As is typical of Mercury retrograde, Mercury retrograde can find you crossing paths or involved with people from your professional or personal past. If you have built a good foundation, now can be time to call in a favour or two. Mercury retrograde can be well used to develop your ideas, proposals, or plans, to play catch-up, to freshen up your resume, website, etc, or to concentrate on studies. Past mid-month, and more so as the month comes to an end, is the best time to launch projects, bids, or advertising campaigns, to make announcements, and to put plans into motion. May 19 – 23 can bring you to an end-point or goal-reaching of significance. A direction forward (perhaps financial), or relationship dynamic could come clearer. Something new could open up for you. You see things progress in obvious stages; appreciate each step for what it delivers. The full moon, May 27, through end of the month is the time to play for higher stakes. It can be a time to make a major purchase, or you could see things take off for you in a big and perhaps unexpected way. Mars in Leo (through June 6) and Venus in Cancer (May 19 – June 14) continue to boost your ambitions and prospects. Chiron’s dip into Pisces also works in your favour, but you will feel more of its unfolding influence next year rather than now. The new initiatives advanced by Uranus (May 27 – Aug 13) and Jupiter (June 6 – Sept 8) into Aries deliver new life/a fresh charge to your work, studies, and health matters too.

f Sagittarius ~ Nov. 23 to Dec. 21

In facilitating alignment (trine) to Pluto, Mercury’s retrograde cycle can hold you steady and buy you more time. Use this advantage to sort out your health, work or financial priorities, to reassess your ambitions, or to give the job, product, or person a longer trial run. While Mercury in Taurus provides stability and steadiness now to May 11, progress, results, or response is likely to come slower than preferred. Once past May 11 when Mercury retrograde completes (and more so as the month advances), you should find the wait to be worth it; things can shape up/fall into place in good timing/quite conveniently and naturally. Mars, continuing in Leo through June 6, continues to benefit you with confidence, creativity, inspiration, favoured attention, and opportunity. Step by step, the week of May 16 – 22 finds you sorting out what you need to. Uranus’s advance into freshly inspired Aries on the Sagittarius full moon May 27 can launch you on your glorious way. It’s the perfect time to head off on a fiery new adventure; this is especially so for those born Nov 22, 28, 29, or Dec 16, 17. The advances of Uranus and Jupiter in Aries can find you newly single and loving it, pioneering a new enterprise, championing a new cause, or reinventing everything about yourself. The summer ahead is bound to see you and your life’s circumstances racing along.

g Capricorn ~ Dec. 22 to Jan 20

Mercury’s retrograde cycle brings a time to befriend yourself all over again. You can do this by making yourself and your comfort zone your first priority, by knowing what is reasonable for you to handle and by remembering to keep better boundaries in place. A new appreciation for yourself should not be undervalued, after all, you need to feel good about yourself first and what you have to offer if you are going to get anywhere in life. Overall you should feel you are developing a good momentum in this regard. Mercury retrograde can find you consumed with a particular project or goal. Past May 11, you should see that things shape-up quite nicely for you. In fact, May 19 – 23 can see you make good strides in professional, financial, and personal matters. Venus in Cancer (May 19 – June 14) can enhance your public favour, social life, and your love life too. The full moon May 27 can see you put the finishing touches on a work or study project, or complete a chapter of personal healing; it also sets an important next stage. The advances of Uranus (May 27 – Aug 13) and Jupiter (June 6 – Sept 8) in Aries can launch your life in a brand new direction. A new status or profile (professional, personal, financial) comes with territory.

h Aquarius ~ Jan. 21 to Feb. 18

Mercury retrograde can find you searching for ways to support yourself better. Getting a better handle on relationships (family and extended family), house or apartment hunting, and home expenses can claim your priority attention now too. You can also be more aware of the time growing ripe, or of your biological clock ticking away. Past mid month, (and especially past May 22) you should find that uncertainty or hold-ups give way and that you can see where you are going more clearly. Even though Saturn continues in Virgo to July 21, you can still make good progress in most areas. The advances of Uranus (May 27 –Aug 13) and Jupiter (June 6 – Sept 8) into Aries can get you excited about life all over again. Watch for new people, interests, ideas and activities to revitalize you. Saturn’s advance out of your financial and intimacy house (ouch, ugh), and into social Libra (July 21) should come as welcome respite/lift. The full moon on May 27 can bring a great time to enjoy a change of scenery, to party with friends, and/or to enjoy local the local entertainment.

i Pisces ~ Feb. 19 to March 20

Mercury retrograde can find you being more selective re who gets a piece of you. To May 11, cut back on the extras and devote more quality time to the things or people that matter the most. Put more effort into studies, your health, or your get ahead now; upfront efforts will net a later pay-off, both re short term and long term. Jupiter in Pisces opposition to Saturn on May 22 can bring you to a fruition point for something you started about ten years ago. This date can also signal a major dividing line between where you have been and where you are going. It can be a time when you make a decision that could re-route you in an important way. It may be a time of outgrowing of relationships and circumstances, of uprooting, relocating, or of letting go in some other major way. Suffice to say a new life is before you now. The full moon on May 27 can bring a good time to get away from the usual pressures and/or take a trip out of town. It can also elevate your professional profile, bring news, advance contractual matters, or bring pleasure in terms of a wedding, conference, or other special event to attend.