Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree on May 27. When they came together 2016, it was dubbed ‘the year of rebellion’. While 2016 shook up leaders with its conjunction in Leo, their 2023 conjunction is all about war in Aries. Thankfully, Jupiter is not staying too close to the Rahu for too long, and Saturn looks on, containing the issues. Jupiter and Rahu are opposite in every which way. Jupiter is righteousness; Rahu, a ‘rebel without a cause’. Jupiter is order. Rahu is chaos. Jupiter is the glue that binds everything. Rahu breaks things apart. Jupiter is life. Rahu can show disrespect for life. At the very least, it transforms laws, policies, and norms when conjunct Jupiter. Mars is moving into Cancer on May 10, as Jupiter and Rahu come together in its sign, Aries. Mars in Cancer is potentially more reactive. It can either show a cowering from the threats that are possible, or a recklessness that leads to more problems. Its opposition to Pluto, exact May 21, is more likely to show the latter. The Full Moon in Libra on May 5 is also a partial lunar eclipse, resolving some of the conflict since the solar eclipse on Apr 20; reflecting a need to find more compromise and negotiation. The Full Moon is a time to find balance between Aries and Libra; between self and other, war and peace. Yet any potential for peace is eclipsed and further complicated by a breakdown of communication while Mercury continues to retrograde until May 15. Venus transits Gemini from May 2 to May 30. This is usually a fun time, despite the bigger changes and war-like situations occurring elsewhere. Venus in Gemini is a good time for travel and social life. But, as Mercury continues its retrograde, none of these activities are straight forward. The power of the Sun in exaltation in Aries until May 13 is what can make or break a deal, as and when confident leaders do the right thing. Yet this powerful Sun is also eclipsing the Moon, which is looking for some way to negotiate. Changing circumstances may dictate otherwise, as the Aries drive for power overcomes the Libra impulse to negotiate. Join me on Sunday Apr 30 from 7 pm to 8 pm BST for a discussion about these transits. Here is your exclusive link to join the zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82997046797 Meeting ID: 829 9704 6797 Passcode: 383385 Pluto stations Retrograde May 1 Pluto stations at 6 degrees of Sidereal Capricorn, which is the first degree of Tropical Aquarius. Astrologers using the Tropical zodiac are speaking about a new tech era because of Pluto in Aquarius, while 'Siderealists' are looking at Saturn in Aquarius. Pluto in Sidereal Capricorn continues to dismantle the current systems while all of this takes place, of course. We don't start something new without dismantling the old. It's going to take some time. Pluto stations at the degree at which it was back in 1776, during U.S. independence. Its first ever return to this degree, in April/May this year and throughout 2024, shows the big changes in systems of power and control, in the economic model, and its impact on the dollar and global markets. Pluto's retrograde points to a reassessment; its slow station at this degree is a reminder that small changes creep up on us and lead to bigger changes over time. Personally, we can use this time to reassess the changes that have already occurred in our lives, before going back over them to make sure we drop what we must to move forward. We cannot move forward completely until we have removed everything that needs to go. This process is going to take until 2040, by which time Pluto will enter Sidereal Aquarius. For now, we must continue dismantling the old order and ways of doing things. Pluto's station is also the time Mercury conjoins the Sun by degree, the halfway point in Mercury's retrograde in Aries, in a square to Pluto in Capricorn. This highlights the conflict we all have as individuals trying to make our way in a system that continues to fall apart. With the Moon reaching Libra for the Full Moon in a few days in a square to Pluto, opposite a powerful Sun in Aries, we must find a way to compromise; with ourselves and with others. Venus in Gemini May 2 - 30 Venus may be moving out of its own sign Taurus, but it is quite happy to host a party or two in Gemini. After the sensual enjoyments of Taurus have brought us to our senses, we can share the fruits of those experiences with others in Gemini. Venus in Gemini is curious and open to engaging with others in a more pleasant way. Venus enjoys the back and forth, the many options, the interactions, the intercourse. Sometimes it can get too caught up in the exchange, of course, preferring a lengthy discussion. Yet Mercury's own exchange with Mars until May 10 brings the quick-witted humour. It may, however, bring a sharp word here or there, too. As Venus joins Mars in Gemini, which continues to exchange with Mercury in Aries, there is a lot of passion to negotiate that could get out of hand - at least until May 10, once Mars moves into Cancer. And there may be many a misunderstanding any kind of interaction until Mercury has stationed direct in Aries by May 15. Before any of that, we have the eclipse in Libra on May 5, conjunct Ketu. Communication and negotiation is at a critical point before we make it beyond the eclipses and Mercury's retrograde in May. A sweet word here or there is not at all insignificant when a single word itself can ignite an already volatile situation. Play nice! Full Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) - Partial Lunar Eclipse May 5 The Full Moon and lunar eclipse in Libra brings some resolution to what has been instigated for the solar eclipse in Aries. This is a time to find more balance in our lives, and in our relationships; a time to compromise, to reflect on the power and dominance of a powerful Sun in Aries. While the New Moon in Aries and solar eclipse saw Jupiter come to the end of its transit in Pisces, this lunar eclipse has a different focus. Jupiter's transit is always important during an eclipse, as it points the way forward. Although Jupiter has been in transition, highlighting this even more transitory period, we can still look to Jupiter for guidance. Look to the position of Jupiter in Pisces for the bigger themes to come, what you are developing, and bring that with you into Aries, for the next stage of growth. Generally, this means by the end of these eclipses we will let go of something (Pisces) to start something new (Aries). We just need to find a balance with others in doing so. The Moon is eclipsed at 20 degrees of sidereal Libra, with the Sun continuing its transit in Aries, so any kind of solar dominance may overshadow the negotiation that is possible. While this is not such good news in terms of fighting, especially as Ketu, 'the remover', creates the eclipse in Libra, the sign of peace, we can personally find a more considered approach. This eclipse can temporarily disturb the balance. Despite the commonly-held belief that Libra is all about peace, it's also sometimes about rocking the boat to find peace again. Whatever happens on the world stage, we can always find a more positive expression of the eclipses, channeling them into more spiritual pursuits. That's really a fancy way of saying that eclipses are a better time to go within. Although the Full Moons are generally a more social time, an eclipsed Moon within the social Libra is likely to bring some interesting social dynamics. Whether you stay in or go out, find the time to find some resolution - with yourself and others, letting go of any sense of judgment. The Moon eclipsed by Ketu can be hypercritical of others. A better approach would be to cut out whatever relationships are no longer appropriate, without being critical of someone who is just being themselves as usual. This eclipse, like any eclipse, is asking us to change. And when we do, our relationships change, too. If you have any planets, your rising, Moon, or Sun, in Libra, especially around 20 degrees., then this eclipse is more impactful for you. Yet we all have Libra somewhere, which is where we could all do with letting go of something or someone. Some relationships can actually deepen when we let go of preconceived ideas we have about others. When we change how we look at someone or some situation, it naturally changes before our eyes. This is a more positive expression of a Ketu eclipse. The resolution that is possible is reflected in the lunar mansion, Svātī, where the Full Moon phase occurs. The exact Full Moon itself moves into the very first degree of Viśākhā. As is the case with eclipses, it brings many things to light, including some things we may prefer remain hidden. An example of this is yet another Covid variant of interest, appropriately enough called Arcturus, named after the brightest star in the constellation of, yes, you guessed it, Svātī! As the Moon enters the following lunar mansion, Viśākhā, it changes its quality and focus. Lunar eclipses changes things more immediately as well. Take the time on May 5 to be still with the changing emotional landscape. As the Moon enters Viśākhā, we can dedicate ourselves to our chosen path - or the path that has been chosen for us. We can focus on what is important, and not get blown to the four corners, as it often the case with Svatī. Viśākhā asks us to pick a path, to pick a side, and then stick to it. This then, brings us from Libra into Scorpio, as Viśākhā bridges both signs, highlighting the more devoted, and obsessive, qualities of relationships in Libra/Scorpio. Yet Viśākhā may just as easily show a lack of direction and indecision, and is probably what most people think of when they think of Libra and the weighing scales of this particular lunar mansion. We must weigh everything up, of course, but we must also, at some point, choose. For timing of the eclipse in your locale, click here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2023-may-5 Mars in Cancer May 10 - Jun 30 Let's start with the good news about Mars in Cancer, shall we?! Although Mars is debilitated in Cancer, it is no longer 'out of bounds' as it enters the sign. This means Mars is not as erratic and out of control as it has been for the past few months. Mars comes back 'into the fold', back under control, in May. Mars in Cancer is at least a good time to protect ourselves, even if we end up overdoing the impulse and overreact to perceived threats. The problems with debilitated, or exalted, planets is they are more extreme in one way or the other. Mars in Cancer can show someone hiding away and not dealing with what they know they need to. Or someone may overcompensate because of a sense of lack, pushing harder than is necessary. Mars is about strength and courage. Cancer is about care and protection. They can, and do, help each other. In fact, Mars is said to be the most powerful planet for Cancerians. Yet this works better for Cancer than it does for Mars itself. Cancerians can feel more energized because of this transit, but Aries and Scorpio individuals may feel more downbeat, and could do with a break. Aries and Scorpio must be mindful of overdoing it, pushing harder if they feel under par. Cancer is all about how we feel. Yet when feelings override what we should be doing, we can create more problems than are necessary. This has even made it into counselling speak, a Cancerian domain, when therapists question whether we 'should' (!) use "I should" statements. We may not always feel like it, but we all know what we should, or shouldn't, be doing most of the time. We may, however, overcompensate for the sense of lack and jump into something without considering feelings; others' or our own. Added to the complexity of this time is Pluto's opposition to Mars, exact May 21. This adds more power struggles, and more power, as Pluto begins its inner search, its retrograde, in Capricorn. There are bigger changes and worldly themes of power struggles in the world at large, changes that are likely to instill a need to protect ourselves and loved ones all the more while Mars is in Cancer. Mars looks at Capricorn and wishes it was as detached as Pluto seems to be, but most likely because it doesn't feel so. Mars is having to deal with thoughts and emotions it would prefer not to in Cancer. If you're feeling less energy and courage to do something, you're likely to want to make the changes that are necessary despite how you are feeling. And when changes take place we hadn't planned for; when things seem out of control on some level, we may stomp our feet when we don't seem to get our way. This is one of the pitfalls of a debilitated Mars. Take a step back from doing too much at this time, but do show up and do the necessary. And yes, sometimes, burying our heads under the duvet is what's needed - until we are ready to reemerge with more energy and purpose. Remember that courage is not limitless. Know how far to push yourself, and when to quit, preserving your energy for your next battle. Read a more in-depth article about Mars in Cancer here: www.timelineastrology.com/mars-in-cancer.html Mercury stations Direct May 15 Mercury stations by mid-month in Aries, as Jupiter transits the recent solar eclipse degree. Some things are likely to come to light at this time. Be still, so you can discern truth from fiction. You should feel the anticipation as Mercury stations, maybe even a 'lightbulb moment'. Mercury's stations generally feel more excitable and anticipatory, as things begin to open up ahead. This is likely even more the case as it stations in Aries, even if Mars is now in Cancer and running out of fuel. While we may not all have the energy that's needed to do what we must, we can at least plan our next move during Mercury's station. This is a time to slowly venture forward, precisely because of it doing so in the sign of speed. It's also a time to be open to being wrong about something, and to learn from recent mistakes and setbacks. Yet we must also be mindful of deceiving ourselves or being deceived (deliberately or not) by others. That's because as Mercury stations, Rahu is close by, with Jupiter moving towards an exact conjunction with Rahu by May 27. Mercury doesn't move past the point at which it began to move back until we're into June, so there's no rush to make decisions at this time - unless there is, in which case, it's best to keep an open mind about outcomes. There are likely many confusing, even disturbing, details emerging at this time. Take it all in, digest it, and go deeper within, accessing a deeper intelligence and knowing, as reflected in the planet of wisdom, Jupiter. As the saying goes, "Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens." Sun in Taurus May 13 - Jun 13 The Sun makes its yearly trip to Taurus by mid-month and although it is still in the shadow of Rahu in Aries, we can at least enjoy the shade! Sun in Taurus is a time for most of us to enjoy being outdoors, connecting to nature and the natural world. It's a time to 'bloom where we are planted' and be happy with what we have. All we have to be happy about is all we need to be happy! Yet the Sun in Taurus is somewhat overshadowed by Rahu in Aries and the ongoing war and strife around the world, which is likely expressed in some shady dealings at this time. When combined with Jupiter's conjunction with Rahu, it may show potentially ill-conceived ideas and deals that do not have everyone's best interest at heart. Yet the Sun in Taurus can be fun, despite global affairs. Actually, we may just want to let our hair down and enjoy whatever is going on in the world at large. Just be mindful if something appears too good to be true, it may indeed be. We may not see the repercussions of this in May, but what happens in May is likely to lead to a major repercussions later in the year. For now, enjoy where you are, and who you are with. New Moon in Taurus (Kṛttikā) May 19 The New Moon in Kṛttikā is an exalted Moon. And while I would usually portray this as a very positive thing - and it is - there is also the situation with Rahu meeting with Jupiter as it overshadows the Sun during the 'dark Moon' in Taurus. What is happening now is likely to lack clarity. Yet the New Moon is a time to move within and set intentions, whatever is being presented on the outside. As within, so without. Look at what is going on in the world as a reflection of what is going on inside. The good news is that this exalted Moon is sandwiched between Jupiter and Venus, a more positive configuration we can certainly enjoy. During the New Moon, Venus is placed in Gemini, so there's plenty to enjoy with others. Without Venus, life would be unbearably dull. But it offers us something more important: Venus and the Moon, and the sign Taurus, bring us to our senses. Sensual enjoyment is a quick way to be present, enjoying people and things that make us feel more secure. There will always be uncertainty in the world, and there will always be a need to go within using the senses as a doorway, to wake us up to the moment, the only thing we ever need. The exalted New Moon in Taurus is a time to go within and find more comfort with uncertainty. By doing so, we can live with a sense of certainty, and enjoy ourselves, too. We can remove what is not helpful for our mental health, including bombarding the senses with things that don't help. We can feed our minds positive impressions, including natural settings and foods, which bring stability to the mind. Kṛttikā's symbol, the lunar mansion the New Moon occurs in, is s blade, highlighting the need to cut it out - whatever it is that does you no good. Many times, it's not what we do, but what we know we shouldn't (there's that word again!), that causes problems. If you can cut those negative thoughts out, while also thinking positively, you're onto a winner! But to do so, you must be open to uncertainty, just as the Moon in Taurus must acknowledge the opposite Scorpio. The more uncertainty we can handle, the more we can feel good, having dealt with our demons, and the less we grab unhelpful things to help us cope. A new life awaits us when we are done with things that no longer support us. Self-care and support is important to keep in mind this May. Jupiter-Rahu Conjunction May 27 Jupiter conjoins the North Node Rahu using the mean calculation on May 27. The true node calculation sees them meet on Jun 2. This is called Guru Cāṇḍāla Yoga in Vedic astrology. Guru is the 'darkness destroyer', while Cāṇḍāla is the 'outcast', the darkness itself. When these opposite qualities meet, it can be quite a complex mix to figure out. You may get a sense of something to be true, but which is not. Or you may sense what is true and ignore it as fake. You may get the wrong advice based on your own faulty beliefs, as everyone you meet during such a conjunction confirms your biases. You may not be able to tell when a hunch is correct or not. The advice is to wait until the shadows pass to make a decision. Yet I've seen enough charts of those with this combination to know it can show a sort of 'intuition on steroids', but that the person may not trust their instincts. And indeed, maybe they shouldn't! I would delay any important decisions until this conjunction has passed in June. The purity of Jupiter is at least somewhat sullied by the shadows of Rahu. Although Jupiter is a good remedy for the shadows, when it conjoins Rahu, it itself becomes overshadowed and unable to remedy the situation. When they are together in a wide orb of influence, not at the same degree, Jupiter can give Rahu a boost, but Rahu lowers the tone of Jupiter. In this case, the Sun is seen as the remedy to save Jupiter from the shadowy realms of Rahu. As Freedom Cole writes about in his book, Science of Light Vol. 2, "they [the Sun and Jupiter] watch out for each other." When we think about the astronomy of our star and the planet Jupiter, they are the two biggest bodies in our solar system by far. It's less of the Sun alone creating the gravitational pull for the planets, but a combination of the Sun and Jupiter, what is known as the barycenter. The conjunction of Jupiter and Rahu is one reason I predicted the death of many leading celebrities and public figures this year. Jupiter is Jivatman. It represents life itself. The last time they came together in 2016, in the sign of celebrity, Leo, we saw an inordinate number of very prominent figures die. Thankfully, Jupiter and Rahu will only meet once this year, unlike in 2016, when they transiting alongside each other for months. We will get over this conjunction as we did the last, and quickly, but it leaves its mark forever more, too. Think about how 2016 changes the world. By the time Jupiter clears the shadows in Aries, it will have begun to settle into the sign, a sign it does better in than Rahu. Rahu shows the shadow side of Aries and Mars, while Jupiter brings more clarity and light. Rahu will leave Aries by the end of October this year, leaving Jupiter in Aries to instill a better sense of what is appropriate, although Rahu and Saturn continue to influence Jupiter due to their sight (aspect). At least Jupiter moves out of the more intense shadows. Until then, go within the find the truth, but keep an open mind about what you find. - Wishing you the best of what the month has to offer.
Om Tat Sat |