July horoscope 2016

First Week

Hard Won Deals!

What to expect: A favourable outcome to negotiations.
What to watch out for: Feeling sour at the process.
What will it affect? Money, relationships, and travel.

July starts with the perfect energy to make a financial deal! Some crazy negotiations may have led up to this deal. You may have experienced some power tactics or power plays – anything to get you to do it their way. On the other hand, you may have been the one trying to strong arm someone. Though you may come out with a decent deal, you may hear yourself cursing the process.

The same goes for vacation. In North America, it’s the start of a long weekend and this energy is perfect for starting a vacation. But before loading up the car or getting on the plane, you may have had a stand-off over where to go or how to spend your time. Not to worry, you’re likely get over any vacation fights quickly.

Why? Venus sextile Jupiter.

Second Week

Creative Genius

What to expect: Nurturing creativity.
What to watch out for: Thinking we are not creative.
What will it affect? Our foundations, ego expression, communication, and power.

The New Moon is in nurturing Cancer. This nurturing New Moon will have an added element of vision, creativity, and imagination. Art is not just Art, but rather a pattern of images that weave together sacred, intellectual, and emotional concepts, communicating to the world what cannot be said otherwise. Paintings infused with reiki and sacred messages for your soul’s development, like Noreen Kassam’s art , cosmic and sacred geometry like Ashley Delmastro, or the heart-inspired art of Shareen Loren who has a love series caste painted with energetic spells which has been known to bring in ‘the One.’
We all have the potential to set intentions for powerfully loving and nurturing creations. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re creative or not… we all have creative genius, whether it’s highly inspired let loose creativity or colouring a Mandela inside the lines of a colouring book.

The inspiration for this creative genius is likely to come as an antithesis to the inappropriate uses of power from the establishment, including the government, a large corporation, or even our fathers. Channel it into your own art or purchase something that inspires you!
Why? Sun trine Neptune, Mercury trine Pallas, New Moon at 12°Cn53′, Sun opposite Pluto, and Mercury trine Neptune.

Magnetic Sales

What to expect: Sales.
What to watch out for: Not taking advantage of this amazing energy!
What will it affect? Communications, relationships, money, and business.

The days following the New Moon are excellent for business. On July 6th, the Sun will make contact with Mercury, helping us to be laser sharp in our negotiations. They are both in Cancer, so business that involves nurturing or property will fair best. Venus will also form a positive angle to Mars. We feel extremely passionate about what we’re selling and that causes a ripple effect. We’re excited! We get others excited. If you’re are starting a business or launching a product, this time gives it an extra boost as if what you’re selling is super magnetic.

Why? Conjunction Mercury and Venus trine Mars.

Express Yourself

What to expect: Stepping out.
What to watch out for: Paying any attention to haters.
What will it affect? Self esteem, direction, and communication.

On July 7th, we are stepping out unapologetically, saying what we feel and think and expressing our uniqueness. Though our voice is likely to be loving and encouraging, someone feels threatened. This is because the Sun and Mercury will be opposite Pluto. These two are also forming a nice angle to the North Node, the point that is much like the North Star, pointing us in the right direction. If you feel any negativity, take a page out of Amy Schummer’s book. She posted her very normal bathing suit pic with a note to internet trolls.

I meant to write “good morning trolls!” I hope you find some joy in your lives today in a human interaction and not just in writing unkind things to a stranger you’ve never met who triggers something in you that makes you feel powerless and alone. This is how I look. I feel happy. I think I look strong and healthy and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. Kisses!

Why? Sun sextile North Node, Sun opposition Pluto, Mercury sextile North Node, Mercury opposition Pluto, Venus square Uranus, and Juno entering Scorpio.

Healing Diversity

What to expect: Openness to differences.
What to watch out for: Not taking advantage of this amazing energy.
What will it affect? Beliefs, relationships, and communication.

Years ago I was on a trek with 11 women in Nepal. There was one of everything: we had Islamic, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, and Mormon women present. One day at dinner we decided to compare what we all believed. No fights erupted. Many of our values were common to everyone, though some points were misunderstood or mis-perceived by other religions. No one tried to sway anyone to their way of thinking. It was just an open exchange. When Mercury and Jupiter connect on the 8th, we’ll have a similar opportunity. It is a great time to get together for leaning or teaching. Venus and Chiron also connect on the 8th , so the opportunity exists to heal some rifts, misunderstandings, and wounds.

Why? Venus trine Chiron and Mercury sextile Jupiter.

Building Confidence

What to expect: Sharpening our skills.
What to watch out for: Getting defensive.
What will it affect? Relationships, communication, and self presentation.

July 10th is another great day for learning and training. This time we can work on the technical aspects of our public relations, sales, or public speaking skills. Staging a mock setting with a live audience or potential customers will help you to understand the true feel of it. Comments and feedback will foster a tough love approach, but this will help to not only accelerate your learning but also boost your confidence.

Why? Sun sextile Jupiter, Mercury trine Mars, and Venus square Ceres.

Third Week

Monkey Mind

What to expect: Difficulty focusing.
What to watch out for: Getting nothing done.
What will it affect? Thinking, communication, healing, and ideas.

On July 11th, many of us will experience monkey mind. Our minds go off in a million different directions and focus will be difficult. We are incredibly prone to having some stuff on our minds. Sometimes we need to pause, pull out our journals, or a piece of paper and jot down everything that keeps swimming around in our heads. Silencing the mind in mediation will also help. The potential exists to have flashes of insight and breakthroughs if we direct our minds.

Why? Mercury square Uranus and Mercury trine Chiron.

What work for YOU

What to expect: Conflict over the limelight.
What to watch out for: Worrying about how others see your solution.
What will it affect? Fun, leadership, risk, and children (including your inner child).

On July 12th, Venus moves into Leo and there is a bit of a conflict right from the very start. Venus in Leo loves to have fun, play, and take risks, but this comes into conflict with responsibilities so relationship inequalities could show their face. In personal relationships, we may be confronted with double standards. In business relationships, we may be confronted with conflicting roles or rules. How do we handle it when we both want the credit or we both want the praise? How do we both have fun and take care of our responsibilities?

Fortunately the opportunity exists for us to see into and redefine the roles using a unique standard. Decide what works for you, even if the world outside sees it as a little bizarre.

Why? Venus entering Leo, Venus square Juno, and Uranus sextile Vesta.

Letting Go

What to expect: a need To loosen the grip.
What to watch out for: Being a fun-buster.
What will it affect? Fun, leadership, risk, and children (including your inner child).

By July 13th, Mercury will follow Venus into Leo. Immediately another conflict emerges. This one focuses on our attachments. For parents, this may be may be the idea of letting your new teen go to the amusement park and get on all those crazy rollercoasters by themselves. For businesses, this could mean a challenge not to micro-manage your team – is standing by the water cooler helping or hindering their efficiency? It’s time to have confidence in your team, allowing them to show off their leadership, and to know that having fun is highly productive! There are no “shoulds” in your approach to this, but make sure you’re not projecting your own fears and blocking great potential.

The best approach is to have a thorough discussion. You may be making some assumption and, even if conflict arises, it is the way through to understanding.

Why? Mercury entering Leo, Mercury square Ceres, Chiron square Vesta, and Mercury square Juno.

Motivated to Achieve

What to expect: Feeling competitive.
What to watch out for: Unhealthy views of competition.
What will it affect? Motivation, self presentation, relationships, and money.

On July 16th we’ll go into business mode. Negotiations with contract, business agreements or financial agreements will all come to the fore. But our approach during this time might catch us off guard. Inside we are brewing with a need to break free from something. Maybe it’s our own internal barriers that have caused us to have upper limits, and we become clear about how we have been sabotaging our own success. Or we may feel pushed to our limit by something in our world that makes us make new departures into new and better paths or ways of doing things.

Between the 17th and 18th of July, the Sun, Mars and Chiron will dance in a grand trine, inspiring us further into action. The thing is we might feel a sting by a innocent comment made by someone or a little burn caused by witnessing someone else’s success. It’s not that anyone is trying to hurt us and we certainly don’t have ill will for others success, it’s just that we may feel we should have that by now, or “I’m just as good as he is!” And so it’s this little bit of a sting mixed with competition that stirs us into action, pushing us to prove that we can do it too!

Why? Sun Square Uranus, Mercury Conjunction Venus, Sun Trine Mars, Sun Trine Chiron, Mars Trine Chiron

Fourth Week

Full Moon in Capricorn

What to expect: An assessment
What to watch out for: being too hard on ourselves
What will it affect? Achievement and goals

The Full Moon on the 19th is in Capricorn. At this Full Moon we are assessing the implication of taking the Red pill or the Blue pill. But wait. What was the red pill for again? Does the Blue pill mean I live outside or inside the matrix? This is a time of updating our accounts, balancing the budget and running the reports of how we have lead our lives. But it’s not just our balance sheets that we are assessing, but also the impact on other areas of our lives that have been comprised to get there. High income may have meant long hours and low self care. Low income may be reflected in giving too much to our relationships and not enough to ourselves. Or vise versa. We have a critical eye and are able to pinpoint our mistakes. Things are coming to a culmination now and the culmination may be pointing to areas for growth.

Why? Full Moon at 27°Cp40′. Mercury Trine Saturn, Venus Trine Saturn

Leaving ourselves or others out

What to expect: Rearing to have fun
What to watch out for: Comprising our health or relationships
What will it affect? Self expression, relationship, and nurturing needs.

The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd and again, as we are about to express our leadership, fun /and creativity, we are challenged with a conflict. Are we compromising our diets? Do we go forth expressing ourselves and forget to pack a healthy snack, only to end up eating a quick chocolate bar or fast food burger? Do we need to incorporate more planned and preparedness into our ventures? Similarly we may have forgotten to include our partners only to experience jealousy or subtle sabotage. Finding ways for inclusion and sharing is the best approach.

Why? Sun Entering Leo Sun Square Ceres Sun Square Juno

Last week

What to expect: A chance to work with family
What to watch out for: thinking your don’t have to pay them 🙂
What will it affect? Work, Family

Vesta moves into Cancer on July 25th and for a little while, we will really enjoy working at home or working together with family members. If you are thinking about hiring one of your children and relatives on summer vacation, this may be a time when it will actually be enjoyable. Make the most of this time as you teach them about what you do and help them to learn the ropes!

Why? Vesta in Cancer

Brainstorming & Idea Creation

What to expect: Lots of ideas.
What to watch out for: Talking over each other.
What will it affect? Ideas, Innovation, Creation.

On July 27th, we have an opportunity for brainstorming and having flashing of brilliance or insight. If you are looking for an idea creation day for you or your team, this is great energy to get you going.

Just remember the rules of the brainstorming game. Nobody gets to be wrong! No idea is stupid.

Use lots of sticky notes and take lots of notes. The days following your idea creation day will be great for organizing all of that data when Mercury goes into Virgo.

Why? Mercury Trine Uranus, Mercury square Mars, Mercury entering Virgo.

Relationship Review

What to expect: Opportunity to build a shared vision.
What to watch out for: Not taking the time.
What will it affect? Learning, relationships, and collaborations.

The last couple of days of July will be great for working together with your partner. Whether you’re in a business partnership or a relationship, you can use this energy to get on the same page and build a shared vision. Take note of the conflicts that have arisen throughout the month and use them to form your discussion. This strategy also holds true for your relationship to your children or others that you nurture (including your inner child). What can be learned, nurtured in terms of building a stable and secure sense of self.

Why? Pallas Trine Juno, Pallas Sextile Ceres

 

First Week

Disorientation

What to expect: strong imagination
What to watch out for: making important decisions
What will it affect? Self-perception

We begin June with an astrological configuration called a mutable grand cross. This is energy created from the planets when they are all at cross purposes.

This is the cast of characters: The Sun and Venus are beside each other in Gemini, Saturn is in Sagittarius, Jupiter is in Virgo, and Neptune is in Pisces. All four signs are kitty-corner to one another as if each were standing in the corner of a boxing ring. Each is ready to lunge at the other. But… should I go sideways? Maybe I should go to the left? Maybe to the right? Nobody can decide! Indecision, instability, and unpredictability are the name of the game with this configuration.

The Sun and Venus are the first to join this grand cross. The Moon will join on June 4th, Vesta will come in to say something by the middle of the month, and Mercury toward the end of the month.

One thing is for sure, whatever gets communicated will likely bring about a lot of changeability. And a little bit of chaos!

The key word for the month of June is FAITH!

June 1st starts the action when the Sun squares Neptune. This position brings about a tremendous amount of imagination and, with the Sun in Gemini, our minds will feel like we’re on an Alice in Wonderland adventure– skipping from scene to scene and disorienting time.

Clarity is lacking and it’s not great time for making important decisions.

Why? Sun Square  Neptune.

What’s Really True?

What to expect: Questioning
What to watch out for: Missing information
What will it affect? Money, relationships, belief systems

By June 3rd, the Sun will oppose Saturn. It will make us feel like we are being held back by some invisible barrier, as though someone is trying to hold us back. This feeling may turn out positively because on the same day, Venus will square Neptune. This planetary arrangement is considered a red flag transit for business or money matters. Venus is in Gemini and there is likely to be vague or dishonest communication when it comes to money. It may come in the form of gossip. Venus will also oppose Saturn in Sagittarius. Relationships and loyalties will come into question and we may feel a sense of betrayal. We don’t really know what’s up. We don’t know what the truth is and we may even question reality.

Why? Sun Opposition  Saturn, Venus Square Neptune,

New Moon at 14°Ge53′

What to expect: Lack of clarity
What to watch out for: Over confidence
What will it affect? Beliefs, perceptions, self-perception, relationships, money

On June 4th, the Moon will join with the Sun, putting the Sun, the Moon, and Venus all in alignment. This conjunction causes us to feel confident and optimistic (perhaps even overconfident and too optimistic), excessive and lacking direction and discipline. At the same time, it’s a New Moon and it will bring together all of the energies of the grand cross discussed above. Poor decision-making, gossip, scandal, and complete lack of clarity are on the plate.

New Moons are all about new beginning and with this one, we can use the energy to set intentions for truth or knowing the truth.

Second Week

Fork in the Road

What to expect: Needing to choose a path
What to watch out for: Decision paralysis
What will it affect? Direction

June 7th, the Sun and Venus will square the Nodes. We come to a fork in the road. Again we’ll be reminded of that Alice in Wonderland journey. We may be confused or disoriented, but right or wrong we choose a path. It may involve leaving others behind — and we may find out who really supports our directions.

Why? Sun Square North Node and Venus Square North Node.

What just happened?

What to expect: Time for integration
What to watch out for: Speaking about it too soon
What will it affect? Thoughts, perception, communication

On June 8th, we’ll get a chance to let our minds process all that has happened. Now is a good time for journaling. We may have some revelations during the practice. More than likely, it will be a healing process and will release everything that’s been been pent up inside. Not only that, but also the process may help us to get some clarity regarding how we feel about all of the information that has come toward us in the last could of days. By June 9th, we might also feel a burning desire to share them. However, make sure that your words are well-considered before you do. Mercury will oppose Mars now retrograde in Scorpio so your words or the words that come back at you may come attached with that notorious scorpion sting.

Why? Mercury Sextile Chiron and Mercury Opposition  Mars.

Confidence Building

What to expect: Testing our confidence
What to watch out for: Avoiding scary emotions
What will it affect? Relationships, motivation, buried hurts

On June 12th, you might find yourself in a self-defence class or something similar, being attacked by someone fully armoured up and going full throttle at you. You might not like it in the moment, but if you dig deep and really work with this energy, you can pull through to the other side and end up with an amazing level of confidence. You may even hear yourself saying, “Let’s do that again!”

We’ll have some great energy to release all that lies hidden in our psyche. And we may have a good time in the process. Mars, still retrograde in Scorpio, is in a trine with Chiron, the wounded healer. You can expect to go deep with the process. You’ll feel motivated to go to the depths and uncover what needs a good cleanse from your system. It doesn’t have to be all serious. Venus sextile Uranus brings fun and unexpected

Why? Mars trine Chiron and Venus sextile Uranus.

Third Week

Keeping the Faith

What to expect: Disillusionment
What to watch out for: loosing faith
What will it affect? Work, relationships, intellect, teachers

Neptune goes retrograde on June 13th. The first thing that Neptune does as it retrogrades is square Vesta. It will likely bring in a huge sense of disappointment or disillusionment with our work. We may question phrases like “follow your passion and the money will follow” or whether the amount that we are working is really giving us the payoff we expected. Is our work really making an impact? Maybe we’ll even lose a client or some aspect of our work!

The other way this energy manifests is as disappointment with all things Gemini, including our intellectual perceptions or one of our teachers.

Venus will also square Chiron causing us to come face-to-face with some painful revelations in our relationships and/or with money. Does the naysaying come out in our partner? Does our accountant or financial advisor tell us “I told you so?” Do we have an inner voice being super critical? We’ll be challenged to stay positive at this time. Keep the Faith!

Why? Vesta square Neptune, Vesta opposite Saturn, and Venus Square Chiron.

Getting a Second Wind

What to expect: Inspiration
What to watch out for: Letting the energy pass
What will it affect? Projects, insights, energy levels

June 14th, we’ll have a day good for immersing ourselves in projects that require innovative and change. We can experience flashes of insight that have the ability to reignite stalled projects or processes.

If you’ve been stalled, this is a great day to focus your energy and try again.

Why? Sun Sextile Uranus.

Unveiling Layers

What to expect: More layers
What to watch out for: Holding back from sharing
What will it affect? Healing, Direction, Self-perceptions

On June 15th, you may feel like you can’t seem to get over something. You thought you forgave and forgot, but there it is again. Often our wounds are like Russian dolls: we open up a layer and think we’ve gotten to the good stuff, but then other layers present themselves at various times before we actually get to the core. On June 15th, another layer of inner self may present itself.

Sometimes we think we need to be all fixed before we can share ourselves with others and impact their healing process too. As long as we are taking responsibility, that’s absolutely not true. Last month I witnessed Gabrielle Bernstein share a very recent and fresh wound on stage. Told on the verge of tears, and with full responsibility, she generously shared her lessons. This is a good time to get real and authentic, even if you have an agenda — just make sure your agenda serves the higher good.

Why? Sun Square  Chiron and Pluto Trine North Node.

Truth Comes to Light

What to expect: News
What to watch out for: Resistance
What will it affect? Belief structures

On June 17th, Saturn will square Neptune. These guys have been in this dance since last November. At that time I mentioned that Neptune in its direct motion keeps things a bit hidden, but in a retrograde motion is more likely to come out with it. Saturn, the planet of structure, lessons, and karma, threw a sideways glance at Neptune back in November 2015 –the kind that your parents or your partner throw you when they know you’re lying. Saturn is doing it again. But this time, he got the timing right… he knows Neptune is ready to fess up. Neptune went retrograde on June 13th, positioning itself for the big incriminating slip up and revealed!

The second way that this square may emerge is by dissolving structures. This is exactly what happened in 1989 when the Berlin wall came down — Saturn and Neptune where conjunct in Capricorn, the sign that’s all about buildings and structures. And again in 1998/9 when these two were squared each other between the end of Capricorn (structures), Aries (enterprise and survival instinct), the beginning of Taurus (money), and Aquarius (change and innovation) as they minted the Euro and dissolved other national currencies across Europe.

Saturn is now in Sagittarius and centers on our beliefs, philosophies, education, and legal systems. Neptune is in Pisces which centres on drugs, secrets, and spirituality along with film, large institutions, and industries like fishing, boating, and gas/oil. Expect secrets to be revealed and something to be dissolved.

Why? Saturn Square Neptune.

Fourth Week

Full Moon at 29°Sg32′

What to expect: Faulty or negative perceptions
What to watch out for: Not checking facts
What will it affect? Beliefs, perceptions

The Full Moon on June 20th is again in Sagittarius. We had a Full Moon in early Sagittarius in May. This one is positioned right at the end of Sagittarius at 29°Sg32′

Recently there was a video circling around on Facebook which showed a young boy clutching onto a string in a pool with a strong current, terrified, crying, and fearing for his safety. He stopped instantly when his mother lifted him up and set his feet on the bottom of the pool. It was not deep. Actually the water only went up to his waist and he was in no danger. Much like this little boy, we might not believe that we can touch the ground! At this Full Moon, our faith is tested. We are feeling pessimistic and deceived. And, we may be questioning everything without really checking it out the facts.

Why? Full Moon at 29°Sg32′, Mercury Opposition Transiting Saturn, and Mercury Square Transiting Neptune.

Wrong turns?

What to expect: Questioning decisions 
What to watch out for: Making mistakes
What will it affect? Beliefs, perceptions, direction

Remember that grand cross at the beginning of the month? Well, Mercury is now coming along to chime in on the action. We may come to some conclusions at this time that may be fraught with error. Mercury is now squaring Jupiter, causing us to be overconfident with whatever it is we believe. The problem is that Mercury is also squaring the Nodes at this time, so we are cautioned not to take a wrong turn.

In actuality there are not wrong turns. All turns lead to our ultimate destination. It’s just that some will be the longer, more dangerous, or more painful. In the end, some would say these are the routes that are the most adventurous, providing amazing material for our memoirs and solidifying the lesson like nothing else could.

Why? Mercury Square Jupiter, Square  North Node, and Jupiter Conjunction North Node.

Personal Power

What to expect: Courage
What to watch out for: Ignoring our own truth
What will it affect? Decisions, direction, personal power

By the 26th, if you have the flash of insight that we are in fact going down the “wrong path,” we will have the personal power to course correct immediately. It might be a little like getting to your wedding day and realizing you’re about to marry the wrong person. We won’t want to look like we made a mistake. We’re not sure if we can deal with the embarrassment. We’ll question if it’s the proper thing to do. But once we are sure that it’s right for us and not our parents, friends, bosses, social norms, and all the other things that have us questioning, we’ll have the courage to make the right choice.

Once we do it, we might be surprised at how our example is actually applauded, our authenticity admired, our courage respected, and the overall positive impact, though unintended, that following what’s right for us has on others.

Why? Mercury Sextile  Uranus and Jupiter Trine  Pluto.

Last Week

Doubting our Decisions

What to expect: Second thoughts
What to watch out for: Forgiving and forgetting
What will it affect? Decision, relationships

On June 27th Chiron goes retrograde. Chiron is actually an asteroid, but it’s a powerful one because it puts us in touch with our wounds. On the same day that it goes retrograde, Mercury squares Chiron, causing us to suddenly question everything. Venus will also connect with Neptune in a positive aspect. It’s great in that we feel unconditional love, philanthropic, and completely forgiving, but combined with this other energy, we can forgive and forget — causing us to give others a chance when we shouldn’t or to go back on a decision because our bleeding hearts see the good in others. Not only that, but also with Mercury in the last degrees of Gemini, we can intellectualize more than connect with our gut instinct.

All I can say is forgive, but don’t forget.

Why? Mercury Square  Chiron and Venus Trine Neptune.

Onward and Forward!

What to expect: Forward movement
What to watch out for: Taking action too quickly
What will it affect? Relationships, Money, Personal Power

The last week of June is the week that we have all been looking forward to! Mars finally goes direct. It’s been a long haul. We’ve been challenged to keep our head, to not lose it on stupidity, and to temper our own inner mean girl. Yes, I’m pretty sure we all have one… even the men! Now with Mars direct, we can launch that lawsuit, compete hard with our competitor, or go forward into that partnership. I just caution that Mars is still in Scorpio and, while it’s there, it is still pretty relentless. Venus will make a nice connection with the North Node on June 30th which can favour relationships and financial matters, but at the same time Venus will oppose Pluto causing power plays or relationship imbalances. My advice is to ease into it, there’s no rush!

Why? Mars Direct, Venus Sextile  North Node, and Venus Opposition Pluto.

First Week:

Splitting Hairs

What to expect:A review of our passions

What to watch out for:Inflexibility

What will it affect? Communication, passions, and self-expression

On May 1^st,we are asked to consider and review how we are communicating our passions and other strongly held beliefs. Are we pedantic, splitting hairs over the use of one word over the other? Are we finicky about the use of language, so much so that we lose or insult our audience with our corrections? Are we in fact using the right words? If we’re unsure, it may be a time to breakout the dictionary. Perhaps we thought we knew the meaning, but realize that in using those particular words we are being misunderstood. Now is the time to review, listen to our intuition and to what others are saying. Though we may feel sensitive about the critique, our intuition and creativity is heightened so we will be able to remedy with the right words if we listen and review.

Why? Mercury conjunct Vesta, Sun sextile Neptune, and Chiron sextile Vesta

Poise or Pride?

What to expect:Inner conflict

What to watch out for:Taking it out on others

What will it affect? Relationships, self-concept, and learning

On May 3^rd.we are feeling optimistic and confident. But at the same time, we may feel the need to defend and protect. Mars retrograde now cautions us not to go on the offensive. Do we turn the other cheek? Do we protect? Just remember, others may mistake kindness for weakness but firm and kind is the best approach. Another warning about the energy at this time — we may get a twang of the green-eyed monster, though we may be pressed to admit it. The energy is a bit paradoxical and inconsistent, so it’s a good time to pay attention to your own internal conflicts and stay vigilant in your self-awareness.

A good way to use the energy is to incorporate some learning. Maybe you signed up for an online self-directed course months ago that you didn’t have the time to complete it. We have the ability to focus our energy and complete these kinds of tasks at this time. It also keeps us away from conflicts with others.

Why? Sun conjunct Jupiter, Mars trine Ceres, and Venus opposite Juno

New Moon in Taurus 

What to expect: Release

What to watch out for: Building up too much pressure

What will it affect? Our direction, purpose, and need for change and transformation

The New Moon is on May 6^th. The moon is at 16^oof Taurus. 16^o of Taurus is said to be a degree related to violence. There is a great flow of energy with this New Moon and as such, it can be hard not to have hairline triggers. The energy will escape quite easily and it can blow. Though Taurus is known to be the slow diligent one, once the energy has been built up, tempers can erupt quite dramatically. It is therefore important to have a valve through which we allow the energy to dispel slowly. Work it out with a coach or a counselor. And don’t let the energy build. Whatever happens, there will be an incredibly release at the New Moon and we will feel like we cannot live as we did before. It’s not just a time for new intentions — it’s a time for new resolutions. We will become resolved to a particular path.

Why? New Moon in Taurus, Sun trine Pluto, and Sun trine Nodes

Second Week

Getting rid of the last little bit

What to expect:Reviewing our self concept

What to watch out for:Holding on to stuff

What will it affect? Self-expression, self-perception, and forgiveness

On May 9^th,we have the opportunity to review our self-expression and any setbacks we have experienced. We will be able to form a practical and realistic assessment. Are we holding any grudges? Are we replaying something that was said to us over and over in our minds? Venus is sextile Neptune, allowing us to forgive a little easier. Connecting with nature and spirit will help us transcend pettiness.

Also Jupiter goes direct on May 9^th. We’ve done lots of detoxing since Jupiter went retrograde in January. We’ve cleared our closets, tossed out old pictures, cleared all the toxins in our diets and relationships, and we’ve even worked on clearing out our perfectionist thoughts. A vast vacuum of space now exists ready to be filled by goodness. As Jupiter moves forward, we will open up to fill that space with what’s new.

Why? Sun conjunction Mercury,Venus sextile Neptune, and Jupiter direct

The New Work Reality

What to expect:Foundations

What to watch out for:Missing the opportunity to makes use of this energy

What will it affect? Finances, relationships, contracts, and business

Between May 8^th and 12^th, the grand trine that has been building since the end of April with all that earth energy comes into tight alignment. A grand trine is flowing energy between planets which lend each other a helping hand. They are all in the same element, but different signs. It brings together all aspects of the earth element. Mercury, still retrograde, is in the earth element of Taurus which has us thinking over our finances, thoughts, and processes around security. Jupiter, now direct, is in Virgo, expanding our ability to see detail, clear out clutter, and perfect whatever it is we’re doing. It is also doing a health check. Pluto is in Capricorn, transforming the status quo in business, politics, and economic policies. Working together, they have been helping us sort through and get down to brass tacks. The energy is even more focused within these couple of days and we can really use it to build solid foundations and processes within our businesses. Many of us have been leading the way in business. We have been floundering at times, trying to figure out anew reality. What works, what makes sense? Now is the time when it all comes together.

These are also very good days for friendly renegotiations, contract renewals, and reiterating vision, purpose, and mission.

Why? Mercury trine transiting North Node, Venus trine transiting Jupiter, and Mercury trine transiting Pluto

Solidifying Allegiances

What to expect:Review of agreements

What to watch out for:Taking on brand new agreements

What will it affect? Money, finances, and relationships

On May 13^th,Venus joins the grand trine, making it a great day for reviewing and renegotiating anything to do with money or investments. Mercury is still retrograde, so this is very much a time when existing financial structures are examined and actions taken are reflective of review. For instance, if your mortgage is up for renewal, a work contract is being renegotiated, or other types of agreements related to money that are up for renewal, then this may be the time when contract arrangements become permanent arrangements. We are now weaving together to solidify alliances and allegiances.

Why? Mercury conjunction Venus, Venus trine Pluto, and Pallas trine Juno

Emotional Money Blocks

What to expect:Healing

What to watch out for:Trying to go full speed ahead

What will it affect? Money, drive, and woundedness

On the 14^th we have some healing work to do. Again, connecting with nature,spending a day in the garden, or even working with a Shaman will help us sort it out. Incorporate the earth into your healing if issues come up. It may be related to our stories around money. Do you have money blocks? Likely we all do, in one form or another. This energy will help us get on track and connect with true abundance. The only thing we need to watch out for is frustration over our inability to immediately actualize what we envision. Mars is still retrograde, so we will need to temper our aggressive drive and ambitions with a review of just how we can go after what we want.

Why? Sun Sextile transiting Chiron, Venus trine North Node, and Mars square Pallas

Third Week

Full Moon in Sagittarius

What to expect: Little patience

What to watch out for:Filtering what we say

What will it affect? Beliefs, perceptions, values, and hurts surrounding them

The Full Moon is at 1^o Sagittarius on May 21. It is a very aggressive Full Moon and brings to a head much of what has been brewing with the Mars retrograde energy. The moon is conjunct Mars, making us all feel very touchy and short-tempered. Opposite the moon is the Sun in Gemini alongside zealous Vesta. Gemini can be the trickster and we might think we are just being a witty devil’s advocate, but words said now will likely come out all wrong. The problem is, nobody has a sense of humour so words said in jest can backfire big time. Mercury has one more day of being retrograde and, as it stations, its energy also increases, creating a possibility for indignation. The other way that this Full Moon could play out is quite the opposite. We might take much more than we should, lacking the ability to recognize and deal with our anger. It is not healthy. This Full Moon is about taking an honest look at our actions, our motivations, and how we direct our energy and make sure that it’s healthy, balanced, and fair, both to yourself and to others.

Why? Full Moon at 1°Sg13′, Mars Opposition transiting Vesta, Sun Opposition transiting Mars, Venus Sextile transiting Chiron, and Sun Conjunction transiting Vesta

Green light

What to expect:Forward movement

What to watch out for:Ignoring our support system

What will it affect? Contracts and relationships

Mercury goes direct on May 22^nd. We finally have the red light to move forward with new projects and contracts. We can tap into our support systems now and begin new plans. Our projects will have a sense of reliability.

Why? Mercury Direct and Saturn Trine transiting Ceres

Fourth Week:

Need for consideration

What to expect:Elusive connections

What to watch out for:Careless words

What will it affect? Relationships and connections

On May 24^th,Venus moves into Gemini and opposes Mars. Coming off the heels of so much Taurus energy, we’re just are not used to this noncommittal energy. Expect lots of flirtation, but little stick-to-it-ism. It can be great energy for riffing off of others with ideas, but it does have a negligent aspect. We may be careless with attention, words, and acknowledgments.

Why? Venus in Gemini and Venus opposition Mars

Changes in the economy

What to expect:Slowing in the economy

What to watch out for:Pessimism

What will it affect? Economics and optimism

The third square between Jupiter and Saturn occurs on May 26^th. Often signaling a change in the economy, Jupiter expands while Saturn restricts. There is a reassessment of business and finance. It’s not a good time to start a business as strategic, risk-taking, visionary aspects of the company will be at odds with the financial structure and profits. We may see a change in the economic tide at this time. It may be difficult to see the big picture right away. This is the final square, so in the aftermath we may see a culmination of this energy. Vesta, often associated with the stock market, will conjunct Venus (connected with money) and so we may see some interesting stuff happen in the stock market. Fanatical ideas may also emerge.

Why? Sun Square transiting Pallas, Jupiter square Saturn, Venus conjunction Vesta, and Venus square Pallas

Last Week

New Projects

What to expect:The green light to move forward

What to watch out for:Moving forward with any major business

What will it affect? Contracts, projects, communication, and travel

The final week of May will be excellent for moving forward with new ideas you may have hit on during the Mercury and Jupiter retrograde period early this month. Mercury and Jupiter are not direct, but are again forming a grand trine with the North Node. We have the green light for putting into action new projects or teams. If we want to make a speech or Ted-like talk, as long as it’s not adversarial, now is a good time. It’s still not a good time to launch or incorporate a business. The time for that will be when Mars goes direct next month. But if we have new processes and practices with which we have been dying to move forward, now is the time. The results will be high quality if we take advantage of this energy.

There may be some collective grief to which we also need to be sensitive. Keeping actions positive and inspirational is the best approach.

Why? Mercury trine Transiting Pluto, Mercury trine Transiting North Node, Vesta square Transiting Pallas, and Pluto square Transiting Ceres