May 2021 Forecast

​Sun Conjunct Uranus Apr 30
The month starts with another lesson in restraint, as the Sun joins Uranus in Aries, square to Saturn in Capricorn, which continues to remind us that personal freedoms must adhere to the needs of the many. We are not going to be able to forget this conflict this year. 

Yes, of course, you may wish to ignore the restrictions, and do your own thing. The Sun-Uranus conjunction can certainly bring the need for freedom. However, Saturn will remind us of its presence when we step out of line, through some consequence. Saturn also reminds us of our connection to one another; sometimes, through a lack of physical connection, a disconnect that can cause a fear of connecting again. 

And yet we must find a way. We must find freedom somehow. The Sun is very powerful in Aries right now. While Uranus can temporary upset the rhythm, undermining our confidence in the steps we have chosen, it is a necessary step that reminds us of the delicate balance that is achievable. 

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Mercury in Taurus May 1 - 26 + Jun 2 - Jul 7
Mercury is out of bounds from May 7 to 30 as it transits Taurus, conjunct Rahu on May 11.​
We already have Mars out of bounds in Gemini, and Venus is about to go rogue, too. That's a lot of unpredictable behaviour let loose in May! 

Mercury in Taurus is supported in many ways, especially as Venus joins it, and I'm sure we will all welcome the nicer aspects. This is a better time for getting along with one another, for enjoying the great outdoors, our communities and families, we well as sensual pleasure and the arts. These activities are stabilizing for the mind, despite Rahu's inclusion, which has its own, unorthodox, agenda.

With all the planets gathering in Taurus this month, and because of the upcoming eclipse in opposite Scorpio by the end of the month, and one in Taurus in June, there are many complexities to deal with, many unforeseen circumstances and changes that are about to occur. 

Rahu distorts, exaggerates and often completely blocks the significations of the planets or the signs it transits. It's as if by overdoing it, we create a problem with supply. Rahu is greedy. Greed says that we don't have enough, which is where we end up because of it.

Think about a snake wrapping around its prey, squeezing the life out of it. If we hoard resources, it isn't just telling us we fear lack, and therefore experience lack, it actually blocks the flow.

The remedy? Give. Give. Give! Give to others what you most want. Simples. Not so easy, of course. Rahu taps into a primal part of our brain which sees everything and everyone else as a threat to our survival. Although completely inappropriate in most people's lives, the impulse is still there and one to watch. 

Mercury is helpful when it gets with Rahu, as it helps us to makes sense of this impulse, to a degree, to be able to discriminate fact from fiction. This is indeed very helpful when dealing with irrational blocks of Rahu. 

The blocks are many times psychological for Rahu, or at least it starts off that way. And because Rahu represents our shadow, we are unlikely to be aware of it. Eventually, it becomes very real. An example of a millionaire or company losing it all is a good example of Rahu in Taurus. There are always signs before the fall, usually expressed through taking too many risks, too much greed; one of the key significations of Rahu. 

This shows there are some upcoming changes to navigate with poise and understanding, in relation to enjoyments, finances and relationships, as Mercury retrogrades back through Taurus conjunct Rahu and Venus. Online dating may be on the rise. Rahu is innovative, finding ways to get what it wants. That summer holiday never looked as appealing, or scary!

The markets and economy are likely to become more volatile. Mercury will be in Taurus again in June, as it station retrograde by May 29, at the very first degree of Gemini, before backtracking through Taurus in June. This adds more time and further complexity to Taurus, and the potential for a lot of misunderstandings that get blown out of proportion, as well as questionable actions that highlight the 'low life' tendencies of Rahu. 

Despite May being a sweet spot in the year, it is also beginning a period of greater intensity, a lot of which will become more apparent by June. Therefore, it is important to make the most of May, to stop and smell the roses, as the intensity builds. 

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Venus in Taurus May 4 - 28
Venus joins Mercury in Taurus in May. Aahh, that's better. Venus has been a bit challenged of late, combust in Aries. Venus reappears in our evening skies in May, and we are thankful for it's return. This is a time we can enjoy its activities more, such as food, family, community, the arts and relationships, as well as nature and beauty. 

​While this is certainly a welcome transit, a sweet embrace to enjoy, Venus is out of bounds from May 23 to Jun 18. When planets are out of bounds they behave more erratically and unpredictably. Add to this Rahu's conjunction with Venus, exact May 18, and we have a potential storm brewing on what otherwise would have been a lovely day.

Venus is at home in Taurus, the earth-dominant sign it rules. This is a lovely transit in every sense of the word, and yet there are complexities, and much fear. Fear of being being social once again, perhaps, or that there isn't enough to go around. You can thank Rahu for that! 

As things are, we cannot rule out many people having to make do with online gatherings, or many more feeling too afraid to venture out and be with others, for fear of spreading or catching the virus. 

Rahu and Ketu rule the unseen, whether a virus or a behavior or thought we would rather keep under wraps. Rahu's conjunction with Venus will likely be expressed in many people 'going rogue' and enjoying themselves. More infections, of course, and a general sense of intense enjoyments, or less than satisfactory gatherings, must be considered within the current framework. 

​It may show some enjoying themselves despite the fear, despite the virus, finding more innovative ways to connect. 
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New Moon in Aries (Kṛttikā) May 11
The new Moon in Aries is a time to readjust and begin again. This time, it is with an intent to remove something unwanted with the help of the deity involved; that is, Agni. Agni is the fire deity which removes impurities and is one reason the Moon is exalted in its lunar mansion, Kṛttikā. When we rid our mind of negativity, we feel better. Simples.

Kṛttikā bridges two signs, Aries and Taurus. One is sharp and one is soft. Kṛttikā is both. It's like someone criticizing someone and then apologizing, or giving a critique in the form of a critique sandwich, i.e. compliment - criticism - compliment. You tell them something you like, before giving your critique, and then end with some praise. 

The Moon is particularly happy in the Taurus section of the sign, feeling more stable and content. 

Kṛttikā is all about riding our selves of something unwanted, to purify the mind, the system, whatever. But it does so in a way that is not offensive or counterproductive. If you ever thought about helping someone improve their lives, you would have realized that criticizing their current behaviour just doesn't work.

This sign is all about standing up for others who may not be able stand up for themselves, so we may see more of this theme play out for the month. This new Moon is a good one for purifying our lives and helping others to do the same. 

How do we do that? Well, think of someone in your life who is inspiring you to improve your life. Whoever it is, see them for what they are pointing to in you; that is; your ability to rid yourself of habits and things which no longer serve you. It's all about setting an example, being a beacon of light and inspiration, not just criticizing them for their lack. 

Use this new Moon to set an intention. By the time the Moon has made it in to Taurus for Akshaya Tritiya, you can then begin what you have intended. 


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Akshaya Tritiya May 14
Akshaya, the 'undiminished 3rd lunar day' is somewhat diminished due to the Sun moving signs on the same day. This is also known as Sankranti, a weak transition for the Sun, although this auspicious day is seen to cancel out any other negative indications. 

It is said that anything begun on this day will last, and is traditionally celebrated in India by buying expensive items and undertaking auspicious new beginnings. You could do the same. You could begin something you may have thought would be good for you since the new Moon in Aries a few days earlier. 

Another auspicious aspect is that Venus is in Taurus with the Moon and both are in strong positions. Rahu is also very strong, of course. This creates further complexity around any expensive purchases or plans to enjoy something, perhaps an unforeseen indication which needs to be incorporated.


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Sun in Taurus May 14 - Jun 13
The Sun makes its yearly trip to Taurus, settling down in the earth-dominant sign after its recharge in Aries. This helps us to ground all that vital energy that has been accumulated, and connect to the earth, literally. 

For most people on the planet, this comes in the form of being outside, in nature, on the grass, on the beach, charging our energy from the earth, and discharging any excessive negative energy back to the earth. This is actually the most recharging thing about being on holiday. We're usually barefoot on the sand. 

While the Sun and Venus are not the best of friends, they get along with each other for each other's purposes. The Sun enjoys giving it's energy to everyone, shining a light on all Sun worshipers, and Venus gives the Sun something nice for its light, just as leaders enjoy the fruits of being in charge. Venus enjoys the limelight, the ability to show off its bounty. But there can be too much intensity for Venus, which is more conducive to Nighttime activities. You cannot get too close to the Sun or stay in its company for too long. Stay too long under the summer Sun and you'll know exactly what I mean!

Venus might benefit from the Sun in Taurus more than the Sun, as Taurus can charge up for the year ahead. For those with Taurus rising and Moon sign, this is a great boost. 

Of course, this is not without its complications, as is the theme for May, as the Sun joins Rahu in Taurus and we approach the culmination point of the eclipse by June. This creates a need to highlight some things that have hitherto remained hidden from us, things like resources and financial considerations, which will likely go through some major changes at this time. 



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Jupiter in Śatabhiṣak May 22 - Jul 20
Jupiter enters the sign of the '100 healers' in May, and for two months, bringing with it more opportunities for healing, and more healers, possibly in the form of more treatment plans and vaccines being distributed then before. But some translate Śatabhiṣak as '100 demons', 100 diseases which require a 100 cures! We may see more mutations which require more vaccines, for example.

Śatabhiṣak is associated with Rahu, which is itself joined by the Sun in Taurus, along with Venus and Mercury, so all eyes are on the supply chains involved and the motives of those in the business of cures. 

Although Jupiter brings more possibilities to connect some dots, Rahu can disrupt the flow when it influences it. This may be through some sort of blocks to treatment plans, or insights that now evolve the conversation and approach in the coming months. Perhaps we will get further insights into the vaccines and their efficacy, and further vaccines and treatments, or an adjustment in how they are delivered and how often they are administered. 

With Jupiter aspecting Mars in Gemini, and Ārdrā​, Rahu's other lunar mansion, we may see more positive developments and more purposeful actions that move things along at a quicker pace, bringing more healing to more people.

Saturn Retrograde May 23 - Oct 11
Saturn stations every year. It's not unusual. However, Saturn is very powerful right now. You might have noticed Saturn-type themes of late. Restrictions, lockdown etc. Saturn's station means it is literally halting from our perspective, slowing things down and reassessing them, very, very slowly. 

The period from mid-May is particularly tense as Saturn stations at 19 degrees of Capricorn and Mars aspects by exact degree, forcing issues. It's as if someone driving is pushing hard on the gas, even when the road hasn't opened up ahead as yet. Accidents, or just a general sense of tension and frustration, are more likely. 

Saturn in Capricorn is a long term theme, as it continues until Jan 2023. The system is faltering. Not yet completely broken, but on its last legs. Saturn's station retrograde is a time it may buckle - whatever that system happens to be. 

It may be expressed in banking, in businesses or in governments. Wherever this is experienced in the world out there, it is also being experienced in the world in here, in our own private way, as we look to how systems control or restrict our lives and our thinking in some way. 

Look to the sign Capricorn and see what has to give, what has to be given up, or eased up on, as we find a balance between acceleration and deceleration, just as we would driving a car. The system you have thus far worked with is crashing. Make sure you are not doing the same by getting frustrated in the traffic jam.  

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​Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio (Anurādhā) May 26
I hope you made the most of the more pleasant transits up to this point, especially Venus in Taurus because the Moon moves into Scorpio for a full Moon phase and a total lunar eclipse by May 26. Thankfully, Venus is still opposite in Taurus, soothing the emotions during an intense full Moon. 

The Moon in Scorpio can be potentially problematic, but there are hidden gems and rewards. The full Moon's in Scorpio can sometimes exaggerate darker emotional landscapes, and because its an eclipsed Moon, it represents possible losses which have been looking more likely of late. 

The other potential is to go to the heart and rest there for this full Moon in Anurādhā, which is the heart of the scorpion, the soft innards of what appears hard and impenetrable from the outside. It is this lunar mansion that makes Scorpio so loyal and devoted - to whatever. Make sure you are devoted to the right thing, for you and for everyone involved, as this eclipse reveals AND obscures the elements involved.  

Emotions are running high at this point, which  can also mean feeling drowned in our thoughts and feelings. We can all tap into more positive and devoted expressions of what might otherwise go down some dark alleyways. This kind of worst-case scenario thinking, although increasing a sense of preparedness, is usually a complete and utter waste of time. In other words, those fears we have are mostly unfounded. And even if they do come to pass, when the thing you worried about happens, it is not as bad as we thought it would be usually. 

Even death, which most people spend as little time as possible contemplating, which is what actually creates the big, scary monster in our heads, is also a complete and utter release from fear. 

Remind yourself of this if you get caught up in catastrophizing for this full Moon eclipse. 
 
Click here to see timings for y our location: 
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2021-may-26

 


​Venus in Gemini May 28 - Jun 22
Venus joins Mercury in Gemini just as Mercury stations retrograde, at the very beginning of the sign. There are two sides to this, as is always the case with Gemini. One is that Venus is now out of its own sign, Taurus. That's a minus point. The other is that its out of a conjunction with Rahu. Plus point. It's still in aspect from Rahu in Taurus. Minus one. But it's going to exchange with Mercury as soon as Mercury makes it bad to Taurus by Jun 2. Plus point. This suits some signs, but not all. 

Gemini is always about weighting things up. It's all about this and that. The strength of its ruler, Mercury, is to be able to discriminate between what is fact and what is fiction. 
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Venus in Gemini, while Mercury stations retrograde, brings the potential to be unclear about what is factual, and to base this more on how we are feeling. But how we are feeling is in flux. Although Venus is in a playful mood and wishes to interact more while in Gemini, Mercury  retrograde may throw a spanner in the works. Rahu will increase the desire, but also the fear. 

When we add all this to what is already occuring in the opposite end of the zodiac, with Saturn and Pluto now stationed retrograde in Capricorn, we are likely to experienced this as a conflicted desire for roaming around. And we are either going to lash out aggressively or behave in a passive aggressive manner when are needs are not met, as soon as Mars makes into Cancer by Jun 2. 

Mars is still in Gemini until then, together with Mercury and Venus in an awkward relationship to Saturn and Pluto, while the Sun meets with Rahu by exact degree. This can show many more opportunities for engagements, fun excursions, but also many more complexities and uncertainties. 

If you are planning a trip in June, keep an open mind to possible setbacks, and enjoy whatever, or whoever, you have access to. 

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Mercury Retrograde May 29 - Jun 22
Mercury conjoins Venus by exact degree - a planetary war they have been moving in and out of for a while - as it stations retrograde at 0 degrees of Gemini. This is not unusual, of course. Mercury and Venus are never that far from each other, anyway. And while our head and hearts can sometimes battle it out while they come into conjunctions, it's usually not a particularly challenging configuration. 

What is more challenging about this conjunction is Mercury's station at the edge of two signs, as well as the subsequent retrograde back towards Rahu in Taurus. This is a lot more complex. Mercury's exchange with Venus in Gemini is helpful for some, challenging for others. It's okay for Aries and Pisces, good for Taurus, Leo, Virgo and Aquarius, and more challenging for Gemini, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Capricorn. For everyone, this is a sort of give and take situation, with someone gaining something and someone losing out. In the end, not matter who wins, if someone has to lose out for you to win, there are no winners. 

Mercury retrogrades are generally more complex, of course. They require more patience, as the mind can get a little too caught up in the details, and have to process more, making more mistakes while inundated. 

Practically, Mercury retrogrades in Taurus are not as practical as the sign would like. Things don't go as easily as we would like in this area of our lives. Misunderstandings in our relationships and with regards resources are more likely. Travel plans are so complex that unless you have packed an extra sense of humour you are likely to be stressed out, or held up.  

​The most obvious example I can think of is that delays and misunderstandings around hotel stays, purchases, supply chains and the economy. 

I will write more about this transit for next month, as this is a highly volatile period in the year. Mercury's retrograde is just one piece of a complex set up, including Mars in Cancer, opposing Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. ​


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Sun Conjunct Rahu May 31
Although the solar eclipse doesn't occur until Jun 10, the Sun's conjunction with Rahu in Taurus is a time when we are feeling the eclipse energy strongly. This means feeling uncertainty, as well as more possibilities through gaining deeper insights. 

It's exciting and unnerving, despite the stability of Taurus, or perhaps because of the need for stability. Things are being shaken up in a big way now and we need to keep our routines so as not to lose our cool, or our perspective.  

This closes the month with a lot of things shifting around as we're now in within the 'eclipse window'; a window which doesn't close until after the solar eclipse on Jun 10. Opening this window allows us to see into the dynamics involved, bringing in a breath of fresh air. But it may also be described as a gust of wind blowing through the house to unsettle and upturn everything we thought was more fixed. 

These things need to change. If they do not, they die. Change is a better death-like experience, in that we can continue, in another form. 

The upcoming solar eclipse, at 25 degrees of Taurus, has already been triggered in a big way, as Rahu and planets have transited this degree already, but the eclipse itself can bring revelations and insights. As can this Sun-Rahu conjunction.
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Venus has just moved over this degree in Taurus, while Mercury will return here by mid-June and early July. All this means is, yes, you guessed it, more change and more revelations with respect to the virus and the cure, as well as issues related to resources and supply chains. 

The upcoming eclipse is in Mṛgaśīrṣā lunar mansion, the 'star sign of searching'; a sign that is ruled by Soma, representing the cure. The eclipse will likely reveal more possibility, but also more shady moves and uncertainty.

​I will write more on the June eclipse next month.  
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As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. 

OM TAT SAT