Planetarycycles

Caroline Eastwood

ASTROLOGY

Planetary Cycles May 2008

The sun in Taurus support us to nurture our creativity

The sun completed its cycle through Aries, entering Taurus, the sign of the bull, on April 19. A powerful, yet receptive earth sign, Taurus brings the grounded quality needed to contain and direct the fiery energy that Aries releases at the Spring Equinox. Aries initiates new impulses, ideas and inspiration leaving Taurus to provide the knowledge and resources to put the new ideas into practical application. Venus ruled Taurus is creative and nurturing. If you were born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Taurus, you are dependable, practical, and sensual, but may also be stubborn and possessive. Taurus has the persistence needed to bring thoughts and ideas into practical expression in the material world.

Planetary aspects call for clarity, simplicity and balance

The month of May begins with the planet of communication, Mercury, in a tense aspect to Saturn, which asks us to be very clear and precise in our communications, especially in the first week. The month also begins with Venus in Taurus forming a very favorable grand triangle with Saturn and Pluto, all in earth signs. Grand triangles promote harmony and flow in the exchange of energy between planets, making it easy for us to access and apply their respective gifts. Lasting through the first week of May, this aspect helps us find balance in our lives through getting clear about what is truly needed and what may be extraneous, transforming our relationship with our culture, and helping us to find pleasure in simple things.

The new moon ushers in creative opportunities

We have a new moon in Taurus on May 5, initiating a new, four-week cycle of activity and highlighting great opportunities for growth and expansion in our work, business or professional life. From May 1 through 10, of the planet of action, Mars aligns favorably with the planet of innovation, Uranus, sparking new ideas and generating positive opportunities. Uranus brings change, but it does so by raising the vibration, stimulating ideas that open us to universal awareness, and Mars finds activities to help manifest the vision. Use your time during the first part of the month to gather inspiration, ground your new ideas and visions, and get projects launched.

Jupiter supports consolidation and development of new plans

The planet of opportunity, Jupiter, currently in Capricorn, turns retrograde (apparent backwards motion) on May 9. While Jupiter is retrograde, from May 9 until September 8, we do well to consolidate and nurture our new plans and projects rather than trying to launch new endeavors. To use this time wisely, take everything that you have been envisioning and working on creating since the beginning of the year, and decide which ideas or projects have the highest priority, then commit your energy to developing them over the next four months.

The full moon brings improvements and enhances relationships

On May 19, we have a full moon in Scorpio, opposite the sun in Taurus, and in a dynamic aspect with the taskmaster, Saturn. This set of energies prompts us to analyze what we have recently created, discover where improvements are needed, and implement necessary course-corrections. Despite the tension inherent in this aspect, the full moon also brings wonderful romantic energy and continues to provide innovative ideas and opportunities for positive enhancement. The sun completes its journey through Taurus on May 20, entering the sign of the twins, Gemini. Bringing playful and high-spirited energy, Gemini prompts us to play, socialize and use our creativity. Mercury, the ruling planet of Gemini, forms a very harmonious aspect with Neptune, bringing creative inspiration and spiritual renewal in the last part of May. However, on May 26, Mercury turns retrograde, cautioning us to slow down on any new creations and focus on completing tasks, communications, and projects on hand.

Best Days

“Best Days” is a new feature of my monthly Planetary Cycles column. Here, I outline the very best days of the month to start new projects or relationships, acquire new clients, launch a creative project, apply for a new job, list your house for sale, and generally start anything new.
Best Days for May (for PST): May 1, May 4, 5, and 6, and May 7 until 6:30 pm, and finally, May 12 after 12 pm. From May 13 forward, results may still be good to average, but it is best to work on things that have already been established. Also, the following days: ( but, remember, Mercury is retrograde, beginning May 26, so avoid making new contracts, launching enterprises, or starting any important relationships) These days are great for enhancing, improving, and growing any aspects of your business life or relationships that have already been established: May 28, and May 30.

	The new moon on May 5 emphasizes your finances, bringing new opportunities for growth that will ignite a more substantial flow of money and other resources to help you accomplish your new goals. New work and health routines are important in helping you to improve your performance. Spiritual insights bring realizations about new ways you can manage your energy for attaining goals, which should be helpful in general, but especially as the last week of May brings a review of your style and manner of communicating.
	Your birthday month brings a new moon in your sign on May 5, highlighting your self-image, which goes up a notch as you find new applications for your creativity and attune to your higher spiritual guidance. Early in the month you have innovative ideas that inspire you to envision new future plans. Some aspects of communication may be difficult during the first week of May, go with your heart and try not to over-analyze. In the last week, you will be reviewing your financial strategy and processes.
	The career changes that you have implemented in the past have brought improvements to your performance and sparked new creativity that has begun to produce some recognition. The new moon on May 5 brings blessings this month that seem to come from out of the blue, but actually have been orchestrated by your higher self and spirit guides. You get the funding or backing that you need, but you may also find that communication with family members is a bit strained; resolve this at the end of the month by reviewing your part in creating confusion, and clear it up.
	The first week of the month finds you very busy with what can feel like more activities than you have the time to meet. The new moon on May 5 highlights friendships and group-related activities; this is a great month for networking, meeting new friends, and perhaps finding or rekindling romance. Something from the past will need to be resolved, especially in the last week of May; be very clear in your communications involving old, unresolved issues.
	Your work or career is emphasized this month with the May 5 new moon bringing opportunities for growth and expansion. The needed resources get provided and, especially early in the month, you find creative ways to accomplish your goals. Toward the latter part of the month, you will be re-working some of your future plans, and you may need to renegotiate certain agreements.
	Saturn in your sign has forced a hard look at how you are conducting many aspects of your life, but also encourages new insights and fresh ideas. The new moon on May 5 brings emphasis to your religious or philosophical beliefs and spiritual practices and you become inspired from the support of your strong connection to Spirit. During the last week of May, you review your career or business practices, and may find the need to bring refinement to some aspect so your work.
	The May 5 new moon highlights deep, intimate relationships and may stimulate discussion about how energy and resources are best shared or distributed. Communicating deeper feelings will release past misunderstandings, freeing you to fully enjoy the love you share. Positive changes in your health habits will result in increased energy for exercise and more enthusiasm for your work. The last week of May brings a review of your religious or philosophical beliefs.
	Partnerships and love relationships are emphasized following the new moon on May 5. Communication flows easily and you seem to be on the same wave-length when it comes to your vision and goals. Your creative energy is ignited, and ideas flow easily. There could be some disagreement, and certainly, there needs to be discussion over shared resources, especially toward the last week of May as you enter a review of responsibilities and mutually held resources..
	The new moon early this month highlights your diet and health, prompting you to make positive changes in some of your daily routines, including your work habits. Planetary energies bring positive focus to your career and finances, helping you produce good results in the first part of May. The nature and value of some of your most pivotal relationships undergo review at the end of the month.
	Adventures in education or long-distance travel are on the horizon for you early this month. The new moon on May 5 brings expansive new ideas that highlight fun, pleasure, and creativity, make some room in your life to delve into projects that have been in your heart for some time. During the last week of the month, you begin a three-week period of review of your daily work habits and routines, including dietary and health concerns.
	The May 5 new moon highlights your home and family life, and may bring an opportunity to improve your property, or somehow enhance your living situation. This month, spend time in reflection upon all the gifts and blessings that you enjoy. Gratitude brings more of everything that you appreciate. In the last week of May, and into the first half of June, creative projects or plans with children may undergo some review.
	Early May brings resolution to lingering issues in partnerships, opening the door for improved communications and alignment with future goals. Follow your highest vision and enjoy making expansive plans; be certain, however, that your plans are rooted in connection to your higher purpose. Agreements concerning home and family life may take longer, but a review coming at the end of the month will shed light on what is needed.