StarZone: May 2016
With so many planets retrograde at the moment we’re feeling frustrated because we aren’t able to move forward.
Mars and Saturn retrograde are internalizing many anger issues that will come out when the planets begin moving forward. Mars retrograde internalizes anger issues so the anger builds and becomes more intense. It will be necessary to clearly define boundaries, to work with what is realistic, to know our limitations and take responsibility.
The month begins optimistically as the Sun makes a positive trine to Jupiter on the 3rd and another trine on the 7th to Pluto. The energy is expansive and abundant.
The Taurus New Moon on Friday, May 6, under-scores the same theme of luck and power with another trine to Jupiter that adds energy to new beginnings in the world of what you value. This will be the third Supermoon of the year and makes the first part of the week a great time to kick-start new goals relating to projects, relationships, and business ventures.
Jupiter goes direct on the 9th allowing some luck out the bag. The area of life ruled by the house where Jupiter stations direct may see an upsurge in activity or advancement but don’t expect everything to happen immediately. Mercury will join the Sun in a transit called an "occultation" which occurs about 13-14 times a century. This transit will be visible in the eastern part of North America, so if you live in that area, be sure to check your local listings for viewing times. The last occultation was in 2009, and the next one will be in 2019. Because this special Sun-Mercury alignment is also an inferior conjunction in Taurus, this is a good day to spend time reflecting on the parts of your life that you value most. Mercury is still busy on Thursday, May 12, when it trines Pluto and deepens our thought processes. Then on Friday the 13th, it merges with Venus to become the most charming star of the week.
The general focus gets lighter on Friday, May 20, when the Sun moves into Gemini, a cerebral sign that highlights siblings, sales, and social media. The first contact of the newly minted Gemini Sun is on Saturday, May 21, at the Sagittarius Full Moon. Relationship tensions may come to a head, especially if there is an issue of believing or believing in a partner or loved one.
Mars also plays a big role in this Full moon. Usually when the Moon and Mars gang up on the Sun, it could mean war, but Mars is retrograde and most of the antagonisms will be internalized. It's time to start looking ahead again on Sunday, May 22, because that's the end of the three-week Mercury retrograde period.
Venus gets things going with a sign change on Tuesday, May 24, by moving out of Taurus and into the flirty and talkative energy field of Gemini. This social butterfly transit seeks pleasant exchanges. for the next four weeks.
The mood shifts on Thursday, May 26, with the second difficult square of the year between Jupiter and Saturn. The last time they met, Jupiter was retrograde and Saturn was direct, but this time Jupiter is direct and Saturn is retrograde. Unfortunately, the switch doesn't make the square any easier and is still an obstacle to moving forward. On the other hand, this is the second time this year that this square has provided an opportunity to reach a balance point between our commitments (Saturn) and our vision (Jupiter). On the surface, these planets seem as though they are completely at odds. Jupiter is a far-seeing visionary, Saturn is a realist who demands structure and commitment. In truth, each has something to offer the other. Now that we have reached the final square between the two, it’s likely that you will have found your own personal solution to the tensions experienced in your own life and now have a clearer idea of which opportunities are best for you in the long run rather than trying to keep every avenue open.
On Friday, May 27, Mars backs up into Scorpio, where it will remain for the last four weeks of the retrograde cycle. Mars is strong in Scorpio, and although the retrograde significantly weakens the power of its stinger, the scorpion has been known to strike when least expected. Mars is on home turf but it’s possible that old and deeply buried anger may come to the surface now for examination. Intimate relationships too may come under fire if there have been grumblings of discontent. Essentially, Mars in Scorpio is gunning for the truth but this entails a courageous journey into the deeper aspects of self. By confronting fears now, you will be more prepared for the exciting, innovative journey Mars takes when he re-enters Sagittarius after the retrograde period is over.