Astrology by Lauren

May 24th ~ 31st

I must admit this Full Moon (Friday/Saturday) is something of a poor excuse for a Lunar Eclipse.  Barely making the 17° range to the Nodes of the Moon, this one only almost qualifies.  But it does bring back shades of our former eclipses from the previous few years when North Node was still in Sagittarius.  And being perigee (the closest point in its orbit to the earth), it makes this Full Moon all that much more grand, and thus rounds up this Eclipse season in a large way.  As if Sagittarius isn’t grand enough on its own.  Sagittarius is, indeed, the sign of largesse.  

With Sagittarius ruler, Jupiter, in the air sign Gemini, one might expect large blustery winds.  But not necessarily winds quite so dangerous as we have seen this past week in Oklahoma.  This event, along with other recent events, reminds us once again of the ubiquitous background noise of the Uranus/Pluto square which can unexpectedly cut these swaths of upheaval through our mundane lives, given a window of opportunity.  And this eclipse season may have just opened this window.  These perigee Full Moons (there are two more to come this Summer), at the very least, have been associated with extra high tides known as the Perigean tides, which can exacerbate storms and tidal floods.  From an astrological view, this is considered even more likely thanks to Neptune, the lord of the Oceans, waters, and all things wet, aspecting this Lunar Eclipse on Friday/Saturday.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares. ~ Henri Nouwen

Because this Full Moon Eclipse is in Sagittarius, what we may be needing to leave behind are our expectations, or an outgrown point of view.  Full Moons are often a point of disclosure, or even revelation.   We receive news, new information, that inspires us to embark on a new adventure, a new journey of discovery, and Sagittarius unveils a whole world of information, just waiting to be explored.  However, with the Gemini/Sagittarius axis coming up against Neptune in Pisces, probably the greatest relevance in our lives will be a conflict between what we are being told, what we are seeing, and what we intuitively feel to be true.  The key is to able to just sit with that for a bit.    

With Mercury, Sun, Venus, and Jupiter in Gemini, we may begin to feel our world unravel a bit, and become less focussed, as we try to make sense of the insensible.  We are receiving conflicting messages.  The transportation world also falls under the aegis of Gemini season from roads to cars to railroads.  With the square to Neptune it’s like a GPS system that fails to work: we get lost, take wrong turns, get lost in time and space, lose our way in the land of daydreams and chaos.  Language and communications fall under Gemini. What we believe to be true, falls under Sagittarius.  Neptune in Pisces is about silence and inner realizations.  So be prepared for the meaning of messages to get lost in translation.  And sometimes we simply need to tolerate not knowing for a bit, until all is revealed.

While we are being inundated with conflicting information, it’s up to us to translate and sift out the misinformation from the truth.  To be able to discriminate between what we want to be true, and the reality.  And to tell the difference between the dialogues that we have always told ourselves and assumed to be true, and what is actually so.  This can symbolize a shift in awareness.  It can bring a realization that things are not necessarily what you had thought they were.  As a result, be open to alternatives, to new possibilities, and be willing to change your mind if need be.  

Neptune is about sacrificing the ego, the will, for something higher, for that which benefits everyone and everything.  It can bring us to our knees with loss, disillusionment, feelings of helplessness, surrender, deception, illness, confusion, intoxication and even a sense of chaos.  It can also raise us up, especially when we are willing to let go of our ego and assumptions,  and we begin to realize that which is truly most meaningful and important to us.  The good news is that Jupiter, the ruler of the Sagittarius Eclipse, and Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, are not only traveling together this week, but traveling with Venus, the planet of love, desire and happiness. This is a signature of good news, comradery, conviviality, and well wishes.  

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~ Leo Buscaglia

My niece recently shared an article from the New York Times, published in March, entitled “Your Phone vs. Your Heart”  in which the author, Barbara Fredrickson, writes about the importance of our connections with others.  This is so relevant to this Lunar Eclipse.  With more and more reliance on digital connections, there is some concern that we are not spending enough face to face time with others, and when we do, the question remains whether or not we are truly connecting.  After an experimental six-week workshop on “metta” or loving kindness, conducted by the author, in which the participants learned about developing more warmth and tenderness towards themselves and others, it was discovered that they felt both happier and more socially connected.  Ms. Fredrickson points out that not only emotionally, but physiologically, via the vagal nerve which connects the brain (Mercury in Gemini=thoughts and communications) with the heart (Venus), the more attuned to others you become, the healthier you also become, and vice versa.  So let us open both our hearts and our minds this week, in the light of the Full Moon in Sagittarius.

When you share a smile or laugh with someone face to face, a discernible synchrony emerges between you, as your gestures and biochemistries, even your respective neural firings, come to mirror each other. It’s micro-moments like these, in which a wave of good feeling rolls through two brains and bodies at once, that build your capacity to empathize as well as to improve your health.  If you don’t regularly exercise this capacity, it withers.  Lucky for us, connecting with others does good and feels good, and opportunities to do so abound. ~ Barbara L. Fredrickson

Image credit of the 6 phases of a lunar eclipse goes to Wrangel at 123rf.com photos 

Barbara L. Fredrickson is a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the author of “Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become.”

For the week of May 24th thru the 31st, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Always seek the truth, even if it is not what you had assumed.  If you truly stick by your principles and what you believe, then try putting these to the test.  Put them into practice in your daily life.  Every part of it.  Not just bits and pieces you are comfortable with.  If something is truly valid, it will stand up to even the most formidable applications in your everyday life.  If you are feeling conflicted between what you are thinking and what your heart is telling you, just allow yourself to sit with that.  The truth will reveal itself eventually.

Taurus

Taurus is all kinds of lucky this week.  Not only can you be privy to some really good news, but a transaction that you’ve been wanting to fulfill, shows some promise this week, as your ruler in business-minded Gemini meets both Mercury and Jupiter.  You may be tempted to spend on special treats that will make your life more pleasant.  Those wonderfully and serendipitous frivolous purchases may be too difficult to resist.  This is fine, provided you focus on quality, as opposed to quantity.

Gemini

Sometimes when Neptune squares critical inner planets, as it has been, and continues through the weekend, it can feel like you are drowning in tears.  Perhaps without an outlet to express it.  This is the lost voice, the lost message, the silent sigh.  But as your ruler, strong in your own sign of Gemini, dances with playful Venus and Jupiter for the duration of the week, allow some laughter, joy and spontaneity to return, as you find your voice again.  It’s like you’ve been saving up all these things that you’ve been wanting to say, and now you can finally say it, and then some.

Cancer

This Full Moon Eclipse is unveiling your inner hidden thoughts, memories and dreams, that come cascading out like a tableau.  One thing that might be revealed to you this weekend is the critical mind/body relationship that is so essential to your well-being, and how easily self-protective Cancer can be inclined to isolate themselves within their own thoughts and imaginations.  Re-read the quote by Barbara Fredrickson about sharing smiles, sharing laughter and the wonderful effects on your emotional and physical well-being they bring.  There is no finer balm than the shared laughter of Cancers.  It makes everyone smile.

Leo

This could be something of a Lost Weekend a la Ray Milland, or it could also be an opportunity to hear music, wander in a museum, or lend a compassionate ear, a kind word or give an honest compliment.  To make the most of this time, be willing to surrender your ego for just a few days, and allow yourself to simply sit with your own feelings, and listen.  Stillness beckons. As the week ensues, be more open to possibility.  Try doing things a little differently than you normally would.  Go off on a spontaneous lark, and take a few chances.  There is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered.

Virgo

This Lunar Eclipse Full Moon can make one feel as if their life is slowly unraveling, and poor Virgo, who likes everything to be in its place, will be at her wits end trying to organize the chaos.  Do allow that there are times when some things are just beyond your control.  One of your better attributes is your ability to go with the flow and adjust to changing plans, circumstances and conditions as needed.  After the weekend, this is a brilliant time for discussing any business plans, making deals, or plans for the future, as your ruler, Mercury is now strong, and able to see the whole picture.  

Libra

Libra should be feeling happy and hopeful in the wake of this Lunar Eclipse.  Remember that positive energy is infectious, so share it with others!  We’ll all be eternally grateful.  Your words have the remarkable capacity to lift others’ spirits, and the reciprocal feeling you get, will be in kind.  This is not a week to hide away in your rooms, eating bon bons as you recline on a damask lounge chair, though this would be lovely as well.  This is a week to go out into the world and socialize, be festive and jubilant, and find an excuse, any excuse to celebrate with loving kindness and good will.  

Scorpio

Joy comes through sharing, simply sharing.  This Lunar Eclipse can disclose something, not only about your own self-worth, but your inter-relationships with others as well, and how much they value you.  We all have needs that have to be fulfilled, and rarely can these needs be fulfilled without other people.  Commerce depends on reciprocity, but so does our own happiness and self-esteem.  Connecting with others “does good and feels good”.  So go out and make those connections.

Sagittarius

Look at things with a positive outlook this week.  This Lunar Eclipse comes with a bevy of mixed blessings: good news mixed with the feeling that there must be a catch somewhere... Take the good news, and leave the unknowables behind!  All will be revealed in due time.  In the mean time, if there is nothing to be done about it, just allow yourself to celebrate the good fortune that is yours, and share it with others.  Your ruler is just waiting for you to reach out, and make those connections.  So smile, laugh and share those moments.  And allow your heart to grow.    

Capricorn

Pay attention to your dreams, to your reveries.  Watch where your mind is taking you in the light of this Full Moon Eclipse.  It is revealing something to you that may be relevant to you in your everyday life.  Something that needs to be paid attention to, but you may have been ignoring.  Capricorn tends to be very pragmatic.  But in this case this is a time to pay a little attention to your feelings and your intuition as well.  If something doesn’t sit with you, or doesn’t feel quite right, maybe it deserves a little more exploration.  

Aquarius

The philosopher, mathematician and writer from the 17th century, Blaise Pascal, wrote: “Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves.”  Allow yourself to see clearly the people that you love, and be willing to share what you love with them as well.  This is a week for sharing our joys with others.  

Pisces

All that chatter and commotion could be quite distracting for Pisces, who loves her silence, and her moments of serenity.  But there are times when one needs to make concessions.  Especially if it is for the greater good.  And the world does seem to be quite social these days.  And they’re not going to leave you out of the celebrities.  Rather they are going to be visiting you, bearing gifts.  Welcome these house guests warmly, for they come with good cheer and an open heart which will raise your spirits and your outlook.  Enjoy!

May 17th ~ 24th

I read the news today oh boy

Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

And though the holes were rather small

They had to count them all

Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall.

I’d love to turn you on.

~ Lennon/McCartney

The song, A Day in the Life, by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, describes the angst, and sometimes depressing futility of modern day life. But rather than succumbing to the meaningless banality and hopelessness of our everyday lives, we are also being asked here to do something, almost anything, something meaningful, something incredible, to not just change ourselves, but something that will also maybe impact the rest of the world as well.  

As we enter Gemini Season this week, Uranus and Pluto make their 3rd square in this series of 7 squares in a 3 year period.  Gemini is the sign of the News, good news, bad news, journalism, misinformation, distracting information, conversations, what you hear, what you see, what you learn, curiosity, gossip, the desire to know, to learn, to breathe, to gasp, to wheeze.  It is the soft breeze lightly caressing your face, and the strong blustery winds blowing the hat off your head.  We are being shook out of our lethargy, being asked to pay attention, to notice, to be turned on by what we see and hear and read.  

Meanwhile, the Uranus/Pluto wave of transformation, rebellion, revolution, social activism, reformation, and freedom, is winding its way through the backdrop of our lives.  One of the primary elements at the basis of this cycle is power, the abuse of power, or the apparent inequality of power that becomes too overwhelming to ignore and is often the impetus for change.  It is also often preceded or accompanied by some sort of economic collapse or crisis that exacerbates the disparity between classes or opposing parties. Where there is oppression and austerity, there will be a desire to be free; where there is an excess of greed and power, there will be a need for adjustment; and where structures are outdated or unstable, they will crumble, fall, and need to be rebuilt.  

The law of liberty tends to abolish the reign of race over race, of faith over faith, of class over class.  It is not the realization of a political ideal; it is the discharge of a moral obligation. ~ John Dalbert

There is a new and enlightening book, The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills, in which the authors explore the dangers and consequences of critical austerity measures being applied in some Western countries in response to the prevalent economic recession.  It comes as a wake up call in the midst of our current Uranus/Pluto crisis.  A tipping point, in which we are being asked to take heed.

David Stuckler and Sanjay Basu compared countries such as Greece, that have applied strict austerity measures in order to compensate for their overwhelming debt; with countries such as Iceland, who by contrast invested in jobs programs and continued to maintain their broad social safety net as a means to stimulate their economy.  As part of its cut backs, Greece has hobbled its health care system by cutting back funds by more than 40%, virtually eliminating its HIV prevention program and rendering its psychiatric services impotent.  As a result, in an atmosphere in which 50% of its youths are unemployed, they have seen a 200% rise in HIV cases, and its suicide rate (previously one of the lowest in Western Europe) has increased by 60%.  By contrast, in Iceland, which has continued to maintain its Universal Healthcare system, and invested in job growth, they have not only avoided these public health disasters, but are now inching steadily towards economic recovery.  

So there is an opportunity here to make a lasting difference.  To set our economies on track for a happier, healthier future, as we did in the postwar period.  To get our priorities as a society right.  It’s not yet too late.  Almost, but not quite. ~ David Stuckler

It was during one of the previous Uranus/Pluto squares that Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented his New Deal, a broad social safety net which buoyed up the U.S. after the Great Depression through a series of economic programs.  In addition a public works program was established which employed millions of people.  Since that time, many of these stabilizing programs have come under attack by a cadre of conservatives, calling for greater austerity.  

Uranus/Pluto cycles are times of instability.  As a result, the fluidity of these times allows for changes to be made where they are needed.  But these require the right changes.  Changes that are informed, and take into consideration the greater good of all.  These are opportunities to not only make much needed changes in society but in our personal lives as well.  In fact, if you are due for necessary changes and resist, they may even be made for you through a series of circumstances beyond your control.  Ideally, the best path to take at this time is to pursue the ideal of creating and initiating yourself, the changes that you would like to see, both in your life and in the world at large.  

the above image of Gemini symbol is by Mettus, whose portfolio can be seen on 123rf.com

For the week of May 17th thru the 24th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

If you feel confused by what you hear, or cannot make up your mind over the weekend, don’t.  Just let it be.  Allow space, meditation and reflection to enter your busy life.  Many of you stand on the threshold of a new found independence, and sense of authenticity, which you feel you need to promote like a radical, new-born and brilliant idea, even in the face of entrenched and oppressive traditions.  You are being led to realize what those changes look like, and how they feel.  Embrace them, for these are changes whose time has come. The old order is gradually being transformed to accommodate.

Taurus

This is a week of creative ingenuity, good news, fair greetings, clarity and healing.  Meetings or alliances with brilliant or alternative individuals can prove to not only be enlightening, but creatively inspiring as well.  Be willing to step out of your usual routine this weekend, to see an art show, do some sight-seeing, or engage in some brilliant conversation.  It will feel like you just opened a window on to a whole new world of experience and possibility.  They key to healing this week, is in not comparing yourself to others and what they have, or what you don’t, but in simply accepting who you are and what you have, and finding joy in even the simplest of pleasures.

Gemini

If you perceive a conflict between what you are being told, and what you intuitively know to be true, then it warrants some sort of investigation.  We are being inundated with information right now, and it’s up to us to translate and sift our the misinformation from the truth, to discriminate between what we want to be true and reality.  Be open to alternatives and be willing to change your mind.  Creative alternatives are going to be presenting themselves after the weekend.  During the weekend, just allow yourself to be, to experience.  It is a time for introspection and silence.  Clarity and innovative and creative solutions and ideas will come after, when we begin to see that we can accomplish a great deal more in the company of others, than we can on our own.

Cancer

This is usually a time of year for peace, reflection and introspection for Cancer.  However, with all of the potential changes emerging, it can also be a period of preparation.  In the backdrop of your life, it may have been feeling like you were being forced to make some radical changes in your life.  If this were true, then realize that these are changes whose time has come.  If not, look for ways in which you can allow for greater growth, freedom and potential in your life, while discarding those things that you have been clinging to out of familiarity, but may in fact be no longer relevant.  There is a whole world of possibility out there, just waiting to unfold.


Leo

For Leo, Gemini season is a season of potential, possibility and playful communication with others.  One thing that may become evident, is that if you wish to make any significant changes in your life, some of these may be more easily accomplished with the assistance of others, or through a group, who share the same goals or ideals and aspirations that you do.  Part of that is simply networking.  But the beauty of Gemini season is in finding those particularly brilliant and inspiring individuals who just totally get you.  

Virgo

This is the time of year for Virgo to shine.  Do also be aware though that not everyone will be on the same page as you.  That’s all right, though.  This weekend is one of those times when there are more likely to be glitches in communication, or messages get lost in the mail, or things get lost in translation. These are days better spent in reverie or contemplation, as opposed to trying to get things organized.  Be aware that clarity and solutions to any existing problems will soon follow immediately after, with the best days being Sunday thru Wednesday.  From Tuesday on, practice yogic consciousness and mindfulness, realizing how words can both heal and wound.

Libra

This is a brilliant time for Libra to explore truths and get the answers to questions that help to broaden and expand your mind and its possibilities. It’s like your world is opening up like some sort of telescope, allowing you to realize a whole world exists out there for you to explore.  Open yourself up to creative possibility by being willing to step out of your usual ways of doing things.  Do something different, go somewhere new, consider alternatives.  Even just moving the furniture around, or making space in your environment, unburdening yourself of baggage you no longer need, will allow you to look at your life in a more creative and meaningful way.  

Scorpio

This is usually a time of year for adjustments any way for Scorpio.  So take a look at your life and explore the changes that you have already implemented, and those that are just waiting for the right moment to be unveiled.  For many Scorpio’s, this has been a year of deep inner changes and realizations about yourself and your environment, perhaps questioning many ideas, many things that you used to take for granted.  The world is changing in some remarkable ways, and so are you right along with it.  This will become apparent through your work, or even through your everyday conversations with others.  The best way to handle these changes right now, is to simply become as informed as you possibly can.  

Sagittarius

This time of year is often about one’s partners, or the people with whom you are closest to, Sagittarius.  Much can be learned from them, through them, and their point of view, their vision, their insight.  Perhaps more than you may wish to know.  Particularly about your past or home and family wounds that become sadly unveiled, and may even wreak confusion in their wake.  Not everyone will be able to relate to your own wounds, and your past, or even understand what these mean to you.  But realize that healing comes through simply accepting where you come from as a necessary part of your secret and personal history, while also accepting others, and where they come from as well.  

Capricorn

As we enter Gemini season, make yourself as knowledgable as you can about any health or dietary issues.  It is also a good time to consider honing up on, or perfecting some sort of skill that can be useful to you and your work and your life in some practical way.  But the big story is in the backdrop of this crazy transformation that your life is going through right now, that has both rendered the home and family environment into a strange alternate universe, while also unveiling deep truths about yourself, your personal integrity, and wanting/needing/desiring to take the reins of your life into your own hands.  Explore those things over which you do have control, as opposed to those that you simply do not, and focus on the former rather than the latter.

Aquarius

This time of year is usually a pleasant time of year for Aquarius, in which you explore those things that bring you both happiness and joy.  It is a time of year for you to rediscover and give voice to your inner child.  But the big story is in the backdrop of your life, in which you are being beckoned to consider alternative realities and truths in the light of recent disclosures and/or discoveries in your life.  If you insist on thinking that there is only one way to look at a problem, you will never find the solution.  Albert Einstein is purported to have said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Allow the shifts to take place.  They must.

Pisces

As we shift into Gemini season, at first it may feel like your world is unravelling and becoming less focused.  It feels like one is lost, taking wrong turns, lost in time and space... simply losing one’s way.  Messages get lost, some misunderstood, mis-read, misinterpreted.  Just allow things to simply be for a few days.  Know that clarity will come later.  In the mean time, just put some things up on the shelf for now.  In the backdrop of your life, Pisces is being beckoned to experience stillness, serenity and healing.  Too much commotion and chatter can be misleading and distracting.  So, in the midst of your busy life and interruptions, allow those important moments of reflection and meditation to fill your life with meaningful connections.

May 10th ~ 17th

It’s the minorities that count.  It’s the minorities that have always changed the world, by rebelling; by fighting, and then by awakening the masses. ~ Oriana Fallaci

On May 20th, Uranus in Aries will perfect its third of the seven squares its going to be making to Pluto in Capricorn.  This week, the Sun and Mercury will agitate these planets just enough to let us realize that our world is changing in some sort of remarkable way.  And so are we right along with it.  It will carry us aloft whether we are willing to ride it or not.  It will be much easier if we ride it willingly.  The changes are occurring on many levels.  We will see their effects in the mundane world, through the politics, the economic instability, climate change and the realization that structures that we have been depending on are no longer adequate.  The ways of doing things the way we have in the past, are becoming antiquated, and perhaps even self-destructive.  They must change for the sake of our own survival.

The changes in the outer world could not and would not happen if there was not an internal shift to precede it.  Think of it as an awareness.  A shift in consciousness.  A realization.  Once you attain a certain level of enlightenment there is no going back.

And here we are in the wake of a Solar Eclipse, heading for another Lunar Eclipse on the 25th.  Eclipse season is often a time of change, correction, new beginnings predicated on the realization that there is a new normal, a new paradigm.  These are shifts in the pattern of time.  Perhaps we are making a new commitment in the light of any recent revelations, changes of circumstance or endings.  It could be like renewing a vow or believing in something, believing in yourself.  

Also, as the “inner” planets and the Sun move into Gemini over the next few weeks, they will initially come up against Neptune which is slowing down for its Retrograde station in June.  The first of these inner planets to do so is Venus, which entered Gemini on Thursday and perfect its square to Neptune on Monday.  Mercury enters Gemini this coming Wednesday, and will make its approach to Neptune as well.  As these planets make these shifts to the sign of words, communication and ideas, we may begin to feel our world unravel and become less focused.  We begin to question our resolve, question what is true, what is the fantasy, the dream, and what is the reality.  We are going to be inundated with information over the next few weeks, and it’s up to us to translate and sift out the misinformation from the truth, to discriminate between what we want to be true and reality.  This is another sort of shift.  A realization that things are not what you had thought they were.  Be open over the next few weeks to alternatives, and the willingness to change your mind, or have a backup plan if necessary.

the image of “footprints” is by Darius Turek whose work can be seen on 123rf.com.

For the week of May 10th thru the 17th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday, among other things, was about prioritizing those things which are more meaningful to you.  Think about those things that are most valuable to you.  Also think about the ways that you value yourself.  How do you sabotage your own self-worth by listening to negative internal dialogues about ownership and money?  As the Uranus/Pluto comes to perfection on the 20th, you will be urged to embrace what it means to be authentically you, and to honor that.  For those who are identifying with Uranus in your sign of Aries, you will not tolerate anyone or anything limiting your freedom, your rights, your need to simply be yourself.

Taurus

Venus has just shifted into moving sign of Gemini.   And as Venus comes up against Neptune this week, your initial reaction to some of the information you receive, may have you wondering if you can afford this.. or this.  And it may feel like you have a hole in your pocket where the change keeps slipping through.  Some things simply feel worth it, as we step out for a bit of rest for a few days.   You are being beckoned to pay attention to your dreams, your ideals, and explore the ways that you have been ignoring these in your distraction. You are also being asked to prioritize those things which are most meaningful to you.  And there are simply some things that do not carry a price tag.

Gemini

The past gets stirred up and agitated over the weekend, as you begin to realize that you are not in Kansas any more.  Some truths may be revealed or uncovered if you but dig deeply enough.  And sudden events and disclosures can change the picture, just enough.  Mercury shifts into your sign this week, which will eventually bring clarity, but not without initially coming up against Neptune the end of next week.  This could feel a bit like you are lost in time, space or translation for a bit, before enlightenment and resolve descends.  But this is also a new beginning, arising in the wake of the Solar Eclipse.  Be willing to let go of the old order in order to be able to embrace the new paradigm, whatever that may be.

Cancer

Eclipses are like powerful New Moons, beginning a phase of new beginnings in which we plant seeds of intention that will hopefully later bloom and manifest in fertile soil.  Taurus is Cancer’s wishing sign, and there are a few more critical days to explore what initiatives you need to make, or commitments, in order to make your hopes and wishes a closer reality in these changing times. Perhaps you can begin with letting go of any self-defeating tendencies that keep you from achieving your dreams.  The secret to living the life of your dreams is to start living the life of your dreams today, in every little way you possibly can. ~ Mike Dooley

Leo

Inner realizations were planted during the weeks of the prior Mercury retrograde period, that are now unveiling themselves in your waking conscious mind, and it’s like a veil is being lifted from your eyes.  You stand bewildered in a world of swiftly changing paradigms, that are trying merely to remind you of how valuable you really are in the scheme of things.  In the light of any recent changes, revelations, or realizations, happily commit yourself to new goals and challenges.  

Virgo

It is soon becoming evident that the world is changing, and you right along with it. Take what you learn and what you discover, and apply it to any future goals that you would like to achieve.  Also, be willing to leave behind any out-worn beliefs, judgments, prejudices or perceptions that are preventing you from growing or evolving.  Do not be dissuaded the end of next week if you feel that some of your plans begin to unravel.  It will be time to sift out that misinformation, or the things that you wistfully wanted to be true, from the reality of a situation.  Be willing to be able to change your mind, or at least have a backup plan at the ready.

Libra

Your ruler Venus has shifted signs, and is now traveling in light and airy, and curious Gemini.  And at first there may be a sense of malaise, disillusionment, or even despair, as your ideals conflict with with prevailing wisdom, and it seems to be difficult to fulfill idealistic notions about friends and relationships with others.  Perhaps boundaries are being blurred.  Perhaps you are preferring not to deal with reality just now, and that’s okay too.  Sometimes we all need a few days respite, to dream, wonder and escape, before we return to the real world once again.  In your meanderings, wherever you find yourself, allow yourself to be fascinated.

Scorpio

The Solar Eclipse in Taurus has beckoned Scorpio to be more open to giving and receiving with an open heart, seeking to nurture more peace and harmony in your relationships with others.  This may involve a certain amount of compromise and being willing to simply accept people for who they are, where they are.  We are all on this wave of change together.  So it is important to look about you, and see who is riding that wave with you.  Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.  All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.  We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. ~ The Elders, Hopi Nation.

Sagittarius

In this world of changing paradigms, you want to make sure that you are fit as a fiddle to be able to keep up.  The Solar Eclipse is asking Sagittarius to pay attention to their health: eat real foods, made from real ingredients, and take the time to enjoy and savor your food in the company of others.  Do be aware that there could be some initial disappointment with others as Venus, the planet of partnership and love has just shifted signs.  Whatever conflicts in ideology will be resolved, but it will feel like you are working at cross purposes for a few days. Some new information related to work, or your job description may be changing up the picture somewhat.  Be prepared with a backup plan if necessary.

Capricorn

Capricorns can be terrible worriers. The Solar Eclipse has beckoned Capricorn to release any blocks that may be standing in the way of you fully enjoying yourself.  In your desire to purge yourself of unnecessary clutter in your life, also explore the ways that you may have been depriving yourself.  How can you make more time for those things that you enjoy doing and that motivate you?  See how you can allow more space and time in your life for art, music, beauty and nature. It’s time to give a nod to your inner child, and recognize the ways that you’ve been ignoring them.

Aquarius

The Solar Eclipse has been asking Aquarius to pay attention to their home, family, and personal matters. In a world that is constantly changing, look at ways that you can create more serenity, more peace and beauty in your immediate environment.  What is standing in the way of spending more time with and connecting with family?  The paradigms are swiftly changing, and the awareness of this is just beginning to hit home this week.  Do be aware that there may be some happy news by the end of next week, which will help to lift your perspective and outlook.

Pisces

This Solar Eclipse was filling you with the desire to communicate with others. You are feeling like you have something very important to say, but with the Gemini planets lining up against Neptune in your sign of Pisces it could feel like you don’t have the right words, or the right way of saying it.  Just allow yourself to feel in the moment.  What you are hearing may be conflicting with what you are feeling, or intuitively sensing to be true.  Without jumping to conclusions, it may just be better to put some things up on the shelf for a bit, until the truth of things is revealed.  You are being inundated with information, and perhaps a bit of commotion.  Allow things to settle before you can discriminate between what you would like to be so, and the reality of a situation. 

May 3rd ~ 10th

When one door closes another opens; but we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the new one opened for us. ~Alexander Graham Bell

There is a Solar Eclipse on May 9th(10th) in the sign of Taurus. It is an annular eclipse, meaning that the Moon is far enough away from the Earth to block the Sun just enough to allow a halo of solar light to bleed out from beyond the Moon’s shadow.  This particular eclipse will be visible in Northwest Australia, the Southern Pacific and Hawaii.  

Like all New Moons, Solar Eclipses are indicative of New Beginnings.  Often these solar eclipse new beginnings are predicated on, or  coincident with something ending, or needing to be released to the gods, in order to then be able to move on with our lives, on a new footing, a new path, a new way of being.  This seems to be even more significant with the South Node attending eclipses, such as this one is.  It is probably this latter piece of the puzzle that gave them their reputation as a harbinger of doom steeped in mythical forebodings.  But endings need not necessarily be a negative thing, and the insight and awareness that accompany eclipse season can also border on sheer revelation.   

These can be, and often are, times of correction, in which the perspective or focus shifts from one paradigm to another.  This can be due to specific events which at first feel like we are being taken off course, when in actuality we are being redirected back on track.  It’s kind of like a universal GPS system.  But perhaps the most significant events that happen at this time, are those within our own minds, when and where we are given the opportunity to fulfill, purify or ignore karmic obligations as they arise.  And they often do seem to arise during these fateful periods.  It’s kind of like when the ball is now in your court, what do you do?  How do you handle it?  Do you embrace it as yours?  Or do you revile it and seek blame?

The Taurus/Scorpio axis which coincides with these current set of eclipses is an axis that has to do with reciprocity; exchange; commitments; agreements; value; attachment; ownership; consummation; transformation; and the portals through which souls pass on to their next journey.   This Taurus Solar Eclipse is a time to make new commitments or renew our vows to do so, within the light of any recent revelations, changes of circumstances or perspectives.  With this comes the necessary acceptance that an old order is passing, and this is the new reality, whatever that may mean for you.  

There are also a series of healing aspects this week, as the Sun, Mars and Mercury in Taurus will activate the sextile between Pluto and Chiron, the half-comet, half-asteroid centaur*.  Through these gates we are being shown the tools we need to heal ourselves of wounds inflicted recently, or even those festering from lifetimes ago.  We all have deeply ingrained ways of responding, acting, seeing, based on our present state of mind and point of view.  This is actually a safer time than most to honestly look at ourselves, face our fears, our darkness, whatever may be festering or seething, and allow these to heal by shedding light on them and applying the correct antidotes.

Chiron is symbolic of the bridge that can be built between our lower rational conscious mind and our higher, more spiritual mind experience.  Chiron brings us the means to build this bridge.  Whether he arrives as a guide, a teacher, an advisor, a therapist, a healer, a priest, an initiator or elder... working with Pluto, he is giving us the tools to not only heal our wounds, but to embark on the path to the cessation of suffering.  In this way we have the capacity to create some sort of remarkable shift in our lives.

*A centaur is a small body that orbits the Sun between the planets Jupiter and Pluto, and crosses the orbits of one or more of these outer planets.  Chiron travels between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus.  Scientists believe that Chiron came from outside of our solar system, and may some day leave again.  

The image of an annular eclipse was captured by the Hinode Satellite in January 2011, courtesy of NASA.gov

The image of a “Solar Eclipse over Alien Lake Landscape” is by Angela Harburn whose portfolio can be seen here courtesy of 123rf.com.

For the week of May 3rd thru the 10th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Make a commitment with this Solar Eclipse that is arriving this week, to see how one hand gratefully washes the other.  Sometimes out of fear we act defensively, or hold on dearly to what we have, for fear that someone will come and take it all away.  In this way we may be holding on too tightly and are disrupting the natural flow of give and take.  Look at ways that you may have been too attached to material things, with too much emphasis on monetary value, or possession.  In some way, you will be able to gain the security that you desire.  But in order to do so comes the realization that something will need to be relinquished, sold and/or given up.  Having that realization is the first step.

Taurus

The Solar Eclipse in Taurus the end of next week is relevant for all Taurus people, but will be especially powerful for those Taurus’s born between May 7th and the 13th, or have 15-23° of Taurus rising.  All Taurus rising people born with up until 26° of Taurus will feel this one strongly though.  This is because the eclipse will be falling in the sign associated with yourself, your environment, and with new beginnings in general.  Do realize with the South Node at this angle as well, that some sort of sorting out, some sort of unraveling, and divesting needs to take place first, before you can make that new start.  See how complacency, habit, attachment and a fear of letting go has allowed you to get into a rut in the first place, and is preventing you from moving on with your life and growing.

Gemini

It is time to release your past, say goodbye, as you pass through the gates of this eclipse season, in order to be able to prepare and commit yourself to a new beginning.  There may be some difficulties from Saturday through Monday, if you dwell to much on the past, on what was, on what you once had or did not have.  It is essential at this time to focus on what is in front of you, and not look forlornly back.  This will only hold you back and prevent you from fully utilizing this extraordinary time to heal.  On the 9th, Venus, the lesser benefic, will be entering your sign.  This along with Jupiter also in Gemini, will help to brighten the day significantly over the next several weeks.  

Cancer

With the Solar Eclipse in Taurus next week, much support comes from friends, groups you belong to, and identify with.  Those that are there for the long haul will continue to be part of your new paradigm, but those that are no longer relevant, and whom you have outgrown, could very well end in the light of this Eclipse season.  We are all being shown where we have undermined our growth through some sort of attachment or misplaced loyalty, out of sheer habit, or because that is what we are used to.  With the South Node in Taurus we are being asked to move on and move away from those things we no longer need, and make new commitments to friends, groups or relationships, within the context of our new life.  

Leo

This is an important eclipse for Leo since it falls in the area of the chart that has to do with your career, your status, your reputation, and goals that you have set for yourself.  With South Node traveling here as well, you are being asked to look at those things that you are attached to, those ideas, concepts, or things, that you need to relinquish, in order to make a new start, a new commitment to a new future.  There is a lot of promise here, but recognize where you may have got yourself into a rut in some way, and/or need to detach yourself in order to be less limited and encumbered.  A lot of this Eclipse is all about making our lives simpler and more streamlined.

Virgo

In order to make some sort of new commitment, you are being asked to be willing to let go of some sort of old concept, or something that you are attached to, but that has some how also become something of an albatross, and a headache.  Sometimes what we are holding on to is more of a concept, a belief that has become outmoded and is really no longer relevant to current circumstances.  See how your perspective or personal prejudices or judgments about others, have some how been limiting your outlook.  And thereby also limiting your growth and future possibilities.  If you find yourself in a conflict of ideology, try seeing how you can reach some sort of compromise that everyone can feel comfortable with. 

Libra

If it comes to your attention that you had not paid that bill after all, or that you owe someone something that you had not been aware of, pay up.  You are being given the opportunity to purify your karmic debts in some way through the doorways of this eclipse season.  Doing so will allow you to move forward unencumbered and much lighter than when you first entered.  This is also true with allowing yourself to let go of those things or circumstances that are proving to be more costly than they are worth, but you cling to them because you are attached to them, and you gain a certain comfort from knowing they are there.  It’s about making your life simpler, making a commitment to a life less complicated and less encumbered by debts and baggage you no longer need, and are merely weighing you down.

Scorpio

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday will be particularly relevant for the signs of Taurus and Scorpio, especially those Scorpios born between November 9th and the 13th, or have 16-22° of Scorpio Rising, although anyone with Scorpio Rising will probably feel this one, especially in the area of their interpersonal relationships.  One of the most important keys to the Taurus/Scorpio axis is the cycle of reciprocity: the artful dance of giving and receiving with an open heart, where one action refreshes and invigorates the other in a healthy relationship.  You are being given the opportunity here to make a new start, to release any fears about not having enough, or giving too much, or being taken advantage of.  Release those clogged channels of who owns what and how much, and keep those karmic books balanced.  Something needs to end in order to make that new beginning.  Then you will both be able to freely share the fresh running water of the mutual communal pond.

Sagittarius

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday is in a sign associated with health and healing, as well as the development of useful skills.  If you have been undermining yourself with less than healthy habits or routines, this is your opportunity to regroup and create a much healthier lifestyle and/or work environment.  Do realize, that in order to make a true start, something will probably have to be given up, such as bad habits, streaks of self-indulgence, or a tendency towards lethargic inertia.  Sagittarians need to keep moving, and require their optimum health in order to achieve this!  See what is keeping you from soaring.

Capricorn

You are certainly feeling pro-active this week, and like you can get a deal accomplished.  Especially if you set your mind to it!  You have been in the process of reinventing yourself for a while now, and you’re beginning to see the fruits of your labors.  Your main challenge this week is making sure that everyone is on the same page.  You have a very definite idea about the way that you want things to transpire, and you will find yourself being very sharply focused this week, especially from Saturday to Monday.  Just make sure that others have a copy of the plans as well to avoid miscommunications.  This is not a week to dwell on the past, or worry about the future.  Focus on what is in front of you right now.  For that is where your attention needs to be.

Aquarius

You can make a brand new start with the upcoming Solar Eclipse next Thursday/Friday, provided you are ready to accept that this is predicated on a whole new paradigm.  Think of it as a time of major housecleaning, both figuratively and literally.  Wherever you have been accumulating clutter, wherever you have been hoarding, and fearing the need to let go, wherever you have been stuck in a rut, get out the giant trash bags and load them up.  This is a time to divest yourself of those things that you are lugging around and no longer need.  This includes past memories, resentments, and stuff that is simply no longer relevant for where you are right now.  Make a commitment to make your load a little lighter.  You will appreciate it.  

Pisces

Healing comes through a willingness to simplify your life in some way.  Focus on those things and those people that are most meaningful and pressing to you right now, and be willing to delegate the rest to someone else.  Your schedule requires a little triage right now.  Relieve yourself of obligations that are cluttering up your life.  It may be that old news, old familiars resurface during eclipse season.  If that is the case, see how your own experiences can help to placate, and heal others.  Chiron, the wounded healer, is currently traveling in your sign, bringing you the necessary tools to not only heal yourself, but to be the better able to help and heal others as well.