Astrological Trends May 16 - 22, 2011

Astrological Trends for May 16-22

A subdued and introspective start to the day is likely on Monday, May 16th, when the moon in the secretive fixed water sign of Scorpio forms a mild semi-sextile to Saturn in Libra. This minor aspect may enhance a short interlude of revealing intimacy between lovers. I see the energy of today represented by an image of two people attired in proper fencing outfits enjoying a finely-executed duel. Method and precision is your primary motivation. On the emotional level, you are adjusting to the release of strong fiery Aries energy and integrating the more grounded earthiness of Taurus, as Venus and Mercury settle into the sensual sign of the Bull. In the early evening, Mars in the fixed earth sign of steady Taurus makes a favorable trine to Pluto in responsible Capricorn. As the week unfolds, Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, and Venus, the planet of pleasure and affection, will also trine Pluto. This potent aspect pattern is an alchemy of realization. All the planning and new beginnings of the past Aries transits are giving way to concrete and material things in your life. You don't mind putting forth extra effort this week because you can easily see the finish line and the prize that awaits you there. Pat yourself on the back for making it through some trying times. The season and the planets are a bit mellower now than they have been as of late. Compliment others, share your bounty, and lift people up in whatever way you can. Neptune and Chiron, loosely conjunct in the mutable, gentle water sign of Pisces, are sextile to Mars, Mercury, and Venus in Taurus, increasing kindness, creativity, hope, an appreciation of beauty, and the flow of healing and nurturing energy. The more gratitude you can express now, the greater the blessings this energy can flow to you and through you to other people. Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries is engaged all week with the Taurus trio of planets and also Neptune and Chiron through supportive semi-sextile aspects. This dynamic encourages us all to work at changing things for the better for everyone, to open our hearts more, and to become more tolerant and forgiving of human weaknesses. The Taurus sun is semi-sextile Jupiter in Aries, supporting positive and practical growth. Saturn continues its transit of the cardinal air sign of Libra, reminding you to walk your talk in all your relationships. The full moon tension begins to build today. It has been my experience that a Scorpio full moon is a lot like an extreme low tide on the emotional level. All kinds of stuff that hides in the deeps is exposed. You will want to check your own natal chart to see what house, or area of life, this full moon will affect.

Tread softly on Tuesday, May 17th. The full moon in the fixed water sign of intense Scorpio spawns a trio of challenging aspects that can make the morning emotionally challenging. A quincunx between the moon and Jupiter in Aries can make people arrogant and selfish. A square between the moon and Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces can make people irrational and overly sensitive. An opposition between the moon and the sun in Taurus can make everyone stubborn and reluctant to let go of attachments. Not a good time for a business meeting! Take the phone off the hook, sleep in, and avoid eye contact in public. Watch out for road rage and crazy drivers, too. By lunchtime, the stubborn aspect fades and the moon leaves touchy Scorpio to enter the jovial mutable fire sign of Sagittarius. Whew, thank goodness! It's safe to be social again, but there is still some sensitivity in the air, so keep teasing or jokes to a minimum. Later this evening, the Sagittarius moon forms a quincunx to the conjunction of Venus, Mercury, and Mars in Taurus and also a favorable trine to Uranus in Aries. Blow off steam through physical activity outdoors. A hike or bike ride to explore a new area is the perfect way to unwind and release the tension of the day.

If apologies are in order for any emotional outbursts the planets may have triggered yesterday, the sextile between the moon in genial Sagittarius and socially correct Saturn in Libra makes the morning of Wednesday, May 18th, the best time to seek or bestow forgiveness. The moon is merry and lighthearted today and free from any challenging aspects for the remainder of the day. After all the depth and intensity of the last two days, enjoy the slightly shallow "face value" energy. Under the influence of a Sagittarius moon, everyone is your friend and no one examines emotions too deeply. From dawn until dusk, the predominant energy pattern is the work-loving trine between Pluto in Capricorn and Mars, Venus, and Mercury in Taurus. Keep on keeping on and whistle while you work. The evening is perfect for recreation, sports, hobbies, or dating.

On Thursday, May 19th, the moon in the last degrees of enthusiastic Sagittarius makes a quincunx to the sun in the last degrees of Taurus at the same time that the sun forms a challenging square to Neptune in Pisces. Just as you are ready to launch something or get in under the wire with a project, that square could throw a monkey wrench into the works. It may be the kind of red tape that seems to serve no purpose that trips you up, or a sudden withdrawal of funds or support that you had been promised. You may scramble a bit making new arrangements or adjustments in order to stay on course. The moon in Sagittarius sextile to Neptune in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn sextile to Chiron in Pisces indicate that angels or other means of support can be called upon to pull you through if you seek wider and further or call on a Higher force. The lesson in the square may be that you must learn when and how to ask for assistance. When the moon enters the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn and joins Pluto this evening, the quincunx between the moon and the sun fades and all that remains is the fantastic trine of moon/Pluto and Venus/Mercury/Mars in Taurus. Capricorn says "I use" and Taurus says "I have." Today can mark the achievement of a material goal, such as buying a car or a house, or an emotional goal, such as graduating from school with a degree.

An uptight, slightly critical energy is present on the morning of Friday, May 20th, when the moon conjunct controlling Pluto in Capricorn forms a difficult square to politically correct Saturn in Libra. It may be "dress down" Friday, but if you want to make a favorable impression today, you may want to go with the pinstripes and power tie. "Old school" and who you know shouldn't matter more than your accomplishments, but today, they do. Be mindful of tradition and established foundations as you work today, and like the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it." After dinner, the square fades and the moon loses some emotional intensity as it moves away from Pluto. There are no more major aspects to the Capricorn moon, but the elemental resonance between the Capricorn earthy moon and Venus/Mars/Mercury in sensual, earthy Taurus brings out the physical and sexual side of the old Sea Goat. This evening is a wonderful time for the kind of romance and intimate encounter that makes you feel grateful to be in a physical body. If you and a lover can find a private place in nature (camping, anyone?) for your tryst, you will amplify the sensuality and satisfaction the planets are promising.

The magic words of "please" and "thank you" can truly work magic on Saturday, May 21st, when Mercury conjunct Venus and Mars in material-minded Taurus forms a supportive trine to Saturn in relationship-minded Libra. The moon is still in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn this morning. Mercury/Venus/Mars in Taurus are still trine to Pluto in Capricorn and sextile to Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces. Pluto in Capricorn is also sextile to Neptune conjunct Chiron. So, what does all this astrologese mean? Ask, believe, receive! Decree a thing and it is given to you! This is a mighty manifesting day. Besides being a day of receiving, it can be a wonderful day of giving. If you see a need you can fill, do not hesitate to do so. Doesn't it feel good to be needed? Absolutely everyone can feel full of purpose today and nothing seems wasted or futile. The aspects today help you see the Grand Scheme and the harmony in life. A square which develops this afternoon between Jupiter in Aries and the moon in Capricorn may make you question the ease and simplicity of your manifestations. "Is that all there is to it? Can it really be that simple?" you may wonder. Don't stop the forward motion by looking too long at what's behind you. The answer is yes. As long as it is for your highest good and nothing in you opposes it, your intentions will manifest. This evening, when the sun enters the childlike, imaginative, and playful mutable air sign of Gemini and forms a supportive trine to the moon in Capricorn, you may want to gather friends for a Master Mind circle so you can share and deliberately direct the full power of the planetary manifesting potential. When the sun in Gemini forms a sextile to Uranus in Aries this evening, manifestations can be spontaneous and instantaneous, such as thinking of someone you haven't spoken with in a long time and, immediately, they call.

Emotional rebellion or a resistance to following methods and order is possible on Sunday, May 22nd. The moon is now in the fixed intellectual air sign of Aquarius and it forms a challenging square to Mercury/Venus/Mars in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. You are tempted to resist following the herd and if you stay with the group, you are likely to annoy people or they will annoy you. It may be best to do your own thing, if that is possible, but based on the other aspects today, I doubt a solitary day is in the forecast because Aquarius rules groups, friends, and organizations. Although both Aquarius and Taurus are fixed and friendly signs, Taurus is s-l-o-w and Aquarius is "who did it and ran?" which is why this square is particularly infuriating when people gather in groups. As long as you aren't attempting synchronized swimming, marching band exercises, or three-legged races, there should be no major disasters. A trine that develops this afternoon between the Aquarius moon and Saturn in Libra adds a good degree of patience and politeness, which can offset the potential problems of the square. It is possible that you are attending a group celebration, such as a school graduation or religious confirmation or baptism ceremony, where you are required to dress up and put up with an eclectic mix of people. Saturn in Libra quincunx Mars/Venus/Mercury in Taurus supports having ceremonies or rites of passage that honor a person as they move onto another level of maturity. Do your best to be polite and enjoy the unique character traits of family and friends while you plan your escape and look forward to the moment you can kick off the high heels or undo the tie. Such is life!