Category: Star Guidance

July has two full moons: one at the beginning of the month and one at the end.

July 1^st marks the first full Moon of the month and it will be in Capricorn. We might feel sensitive at the full Moon as we worry about looking good. It’s connecting with Pluto which creates intensity (borderline obsessiveness) with its energy. The intensity is also influenced by the degrees through which Pluto and Uranus have been moving. Though they have stopped squaring each other, there are some residual issues that may come to the fore at this full Moon and throughout the month. The issues that they bring up are related to social change and changes in power structures; at this full Moon, there may be another signal that brings these problems to another level. Full Moons are about completions; they bring matters to a critical point. During this full Moon, many of the planets at play (specifically the Moon, the Sun, Mars, and Pluto) are in signs in which they do not feel the most comfortable. We may be feeling aggressive, angry, and obsessive. These emotions may arise out of a need to protect ourselves or the ones we love. The good news is that the Full moon is in an easy aspect to Neptune, so our intuition will be heightened and we will be able to see into the netherworld of our emotions. Even if our emotions are strong, we will be able to have self-awareness. This energy sharpens our sensitivity to others; those who are empathic may feel this strongly. Just remember that we are in control of our emotions. Emotional control does not mean that we ignore our emotions or that we push them out of our awareness; our emotions only control us when we fail to love and respect them – when we fail to love and respect them, they make their way onto others. They say that “hurt people hurt people.” But the truer statement reads, “unconscious hurt people, hurt people’

Venus and Jupiter will also be conjunct on July 1st. If you pay attention to the sky, you will easily see them. They are the ones that are shining bright that they will almost seem like they could be satellites or fake objects in the sky. As I am writing this horoscope this month, I am in Florida experiencing the most spectacular sunset. A couple of night ago I was sitting under the sunset sky and a group of people stumbled out of a sushi restaurant having had a little too much food and drink. One of them was screaming up at the sky.. “Look, it’s Venus and Jupiter… they’re going to be passing each other. Right beside each other in a couple of days” She was both excited and drunk! No doubt the planets were already having their impact on her.The planets are both in the sign of Leo, creating an expansive desire for socializing and fire.

By the second of July, Mercury will sextile Uranus. Uranus is already currently connected to Venus and Jupiter in a trine, so we can expect some pleasant and unexpected confessions. New and innovative ideas may come about at this time. It’s a great time for communicating a vision to bring together people. Messages at this time will be leading edge, ground-breaking, and will help further Uranus’s agenda in Aries of breaking with the past and pioneering new territory. Mars will square the nodes on the same day; they’ll help us to take action in letting go of expectation’s that have kept us tied to the past. We are now moving towards more fairness.

On the 3^rd of July, Mercury will square Chiron, the wounded healer, and sextile Jupiter. Someone may say something that really triggers us at this time. We are triggered because of unhealed childhood wounds. If we have taken the time to heal them in the past, then we will get a confirmation of how far we have come; if we haven’t taken that time, it may now sting a bit. The good news is that Mercury sextile Jupiter will help us to stay optimistic, and may shift energy from our negative, unhealthy and false core beliefs.

On July 5^th, Mercury will sextile Venus. It a great day for conversations/sharing compliments and appreciation. Make sure that your compliments are authentic. Mercury is in the last couple of days of Gemini, and Gemini can sometimes be be insincere. So, Though there is a playful and highly social energy going on, the Sun will square Pluto on July 6^th, causing us to be a little defensive and self-protective.Mercury will then go into Cancer on July 8^th, turning communication to a more nurturing tone.

On July 8^th, Mars is trine Neptune. This positioning helps us to take action with a certain level of faith. We will be driven to spiritual pursuits or perhaps even a pilgrimage. Many people make pilgrimages to reconcile parts of them.   If we are on a pilgrimage, even if it’s only one in our minds and we will be greatly helped on July 11^th. Mercury will square the nodes, helping us to leave old perspectives behind and move forward with new ideas. Our new direction may lead to new behaviours and ways of being that differ from the norm. Then on July 13^th, Mercury connects with Neptune. We may have dreams at this time that help us to sort out any lingering issues. Pay attention as they will give you clues as to your new direction. You may also receive some guidance – whether it’s from your higher self or the guides around you… you will be spiritual lead if you allow it.

The energy gets a little more serious when Venus squares Saturn on July 14^th. It’s a time for assessing both our money and love situation. This change might just be a preview of what the upcoming Venus retrograde period. If you make decisions or come to a conclusion about love/money at this time, you may find yourself questioning that a little later in the month (more about that when I talk about Venus retrograde a little later on).

The New Moon on July 15^th is in Cancer. We can use this energy to set clear intentions about family and work. Mars is conjunct Mercury, creating forceful and direct communication for our home life and family. Mars and Mercury are also opposing Pluto. It’s a combination that can bring out strong opinions, judgment, and a desire to bend people’s minds to our way of seeing things. We can expect extremely fixed mindsets. When it comes to your family, you may be quick to criticize, but let anyone else make that same criticism and your protective fangs come out! On July 18^th, Mercury will square Uranus, increasing our fixation on our own point of view. We are now learning things about others that we never knew. You may find you or someone else says something that is a surprising but informative point of view.

Venus will move into Virgo during this time. It will only be in Virgo for a couple of days and will then go retrograde on the 25^th. Then Venus will move backwards into Virgo for a couple of days; for the majority of the time, it’ll be retrograde in Leo. Venus retrograde is a time of reassessing our values and our relationships with both money and love. It’s not a good time to start a new relationship. In fact, many relationships go through such difficulties during Venus retrograde.As Venus is in retrograde with Leo, our tendency may be to want to be over the top or showy. It’s also not a great time for anything to do with beauty. Getting a haircut or cosmetic surgery is usually not advised. Stay away from large purchases, especially large luxury purchases. It is, however, a good time to review your finances and your commitments. Think back to what came up when Venus squared Saturn last time – this may be the topic to review for the forty days that Venus is retrograde.

Mercury will be working hard the first couple of days of Venus retrograde to help you on that journey. On July 19^th, Mercury is trine Chiron, which gives us the ability to hold healing conversations and bring about reconciliations. Then on the 21^st and 22^nd, Mercury will trine Saturn – and will then be in conjunction with the Sun. This is a time for serious thinking and for clarifying your needs. Mercury will then move into Leo; in August, it’ll catch up to Venus, helping us to really put some thought into our re-assessments.

On July 25^th, Mars will square Uranus and then it will go retrograde on the 26^th. Uranus is in Aries and had been responsible for the increase in protests we have seen over the last couple of years. From protests against governments to civil rights protests, these couple of days towards the end of July may see a new uprising.

The second full Moon, July 31^st, is an Aquarius Full moon. Aquarius is about friends, associations, and humanitarian pursuits. These are areas that require us to be selfless. The needs of the group come before our own self interest. At times, this can cause us to be Machiavellian – the end justifies the means – but at this full Moon, our ends must also meet a softer and more spiritual end. Our challenge at this full Moon will be to incorporate a “yes, and….” attitude rather than a “yes, but…” one.

 

Aries:   At the beginning of the month, make sure to plan a date night or schedule some quality time with your children. Not only will this be fun, it will build communication channels between you that you had never thought possible. Later in the month, Venus will retrograde in your 5^th house of romance and fun. You will be reassessing your romantic relationships and/or your relationships with your children, so now is the time to open up those channels of communication.

Taurus: You may be seeing a renovation project or home redesign coming together at the beginning of the month. Normally these types of projects bring out the worst in us. Fighting and differences are commonplace during a reno, but this project seems to be bringing out the best in you and others. This has a great impact on your-self assurance, but it’s also bringing up things about yourself that you didn’t even know. Later in the month, Venus will go retrograde. Pay attention at the beginning of the month to your sweet spot, because my end may you get a little over confident when Venus goes retrograde, causing you to forget that sweet spot and go overboard.

Gemini: You are good with words or other communication methods to begin with, but this month you are charmed. You are communicating in ways that take communication to a new level – that new level is an inspiration to many. Many times we say or communicate things without any intention, and yet they still have an impact. It’s the kind of impact that might leave you a little surprised, yet delighted. Venus will go retrograde in your third house this month, causing you to reflect on your communication values. It may have been something you have never thought through before.

Cancer:   At the beginning of the month, you may be experiencing an extremely lucky break with your career. You may have loved what you were doing before, and you “worked like you didn’t need the money.” Your only objective was to do what you love. Now you do what you love and get paid. Towards month end, Venus goes retrograde in your second house of finance. You may be overconfident with money and spending – not only that but you may spend on things you later regret and don’t even really like.

Leo: You are on fire at the beginning of the month – it’s your coming out ball. You are making an incredible impression on friends and associates. It’s likely having a big impact on your beliefs about yourself. Your light to be in the spotlight, but you may not have been sure if you deserve it. Toward the end of the month, Venus retrogrades in your first house and you may lose your footing. Now that you’re in the spotlight, you need to consider how you want to be known and how you want to project. You could be thinking about your brand or even your reputation. If people are talking about you, what do you want them to say?

Virgo:   You might be feeling like a superhero at the beginning of the month. No matter what comes your way, you feel like you have steel armor of steel, a light saber, or an invisible jet… There seems to be something or someone available to protect you from danger and enemies. Toward the month’s end, Venus turns retrograde and you’ll need to reassess those alliances. Sometimes we can mistake a short-term relationship meant to get us to the next level, with something more. Venus retrograde will help you to sort it out.

Libra: At the beginning of the month, you will be extremely social and may have an absolute blast with friends. They are an unusual cast of characters who not only introduced you to new and unusual adventures; they also helped to create new and unusual alliances that will help you. It’s networking, but networking in a way that you have never experienced before. Toward month’s end, you will be sifting through some of those new alliances to see what works for you and what does not. They may be very different from you and introducing your new ideas; they still need to jive with your value system.

Scorpio: You are the latest trend at the beginning of the month. Your career is hitting fame like status. What you are doing is communicating either directly or indirectly in ways that allows transformation. Your way of working is somehow revolutionary – and it’s been noticed. By month’s end, Venus will retrograde in your tenth house of career and fame. You may have some hiccups that cause you to rethink your message they could be anything from what you wear to who you associate with that comes into consideration.

Sagittarius: You’re falling in love at the beginning of the month – if not with a person, you’re falling for a place that ignites’ your passion. In astrology, we’re able to lay your horoscope over the map of the world and find locations that will be great for you. This month you naturally locate your personal place of power – you can check with an astrologer who does this to get confirmation but your gut will also tell you. At month’s end, Venus retrogrades in your ninth house of higher learning and teaching. You may be considering going back to school, just as easily as you may be reconsidering everything you were ever taught.

Capricorn: You are catching a break at the beginning of the month in terms of shared resources. Maybe the bank gives you a loan you didn’t expect or your partner receives a sum of money that just makes life easier! It may also be an inheritance. Changes are happening on the home front and this is having a positive impact on your finances. This growth is likely been a result of the things you say to help others out. Sometimes, when we help others with kind works or encouragement, our actions get noticed and generate large impacts in who decides to help us out in life. You could say a kind word to a millionaire, not realizing that she is the one and the next thing you know, you’re named in her will! By the end of the month, Venus will retrograde in your eight house of shared resources if you do get some money, just be careful on how you spend it.

Aquarius: Things are finally starting to shape up in your love life. What’s really helping is your unusual ability to flirt, have fun, and communicate in loving and romantic ways? It may not be your usual way of operating. Towards the month’s end, Venus retrogrades in your seventh house of relationships, so you’ll be doing some hard thinking about your love and your love life. Maybe someone from the past shows up to upset the apple cart… that can happen when Venus goes retrograde.

Pisces: Your communication and teamwork is really paying off at the beginning for the month. Maybe you get a new job or a pay raise – or both! Whatever happens will definitely impact your income in positive ways because people trust your knowledge and expertise. Plus they see you delivering practical solutions – even though it’s not your normal way of operating, it works right now. Practical skills can sometimes be very appealing! Later in the month, Venus will retrograde in your house of work and service. If you have started a new job, you might be assessing whether you have made the right decision. Maybe you have sacrificed purpose for money or vice vera. This month will mark the time that you rethink all of that.

 

 

“The test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”

Scott Fitzgerald, “The Crack-Up“, Esquire Magazine (February 1936).

 June Horoscope 2015

June begins with a Full Moon in Sagittarius. The Seeker is met with divine messages which percolate and surface at this time. The only problem is that Sagittarius likes t

o dismiss anything that doesn’t seem to fit; it can be dogmatic in its beliefs and doesn’t care much for cognitive dissonance. As such, it will easily dismiss information that makes it uncomfortable. But this is a time when the information will be given the opportunity for another assessment. This is further aided by Mercury currently retrograde opposite the Moon. Mercury retrograde often brings the return of information, situations, or people for review. Mercury is also connected to the North Node so the messages will be poignant for our move forward. We are not bringing in new thoughts, but instead we’re deciphering and remixing old thoughts. Things we already know on one level, are now ripe for understanding on a new level. If we dismiss something because it feels uncomfortable or is mixed into fogginess, we will miss the opportunity presented by the Sagittarius Full Moon.

Mars in Gemini is also opposite the Full Moon, so my advice is to write and journal while avoiding debates as ideas flit and float in your mind. With Mars in Gemini, this aspect can have a bit of a ‘foot in mouth’ feel to it. Again, we tend to dismiss information that pisses us off, and got to battle with words, just for the sake of going to battle, but there might be nuggets of wisdom for us to uncover if we percolate those thoughts on our own.

Venus enters Leo on the 5^th. Venus will be in Leo for quite some time this summer. It goes retrograde there in July, but for all of June it will be direct in the sign of fun, romance, and children. It’s gonna be a fun start to the summer. If you’re planning to purchase any gold, stocks, expensive sporting events, romantic wining and dining, etc., do it now. Purchases will be more grounded and in balance with common sense. This is aided by Venus in an easy aspect with Saturn on June 6^th. Later in the summer, when Venus goes retrograde, we’ll likely go over the top. So, If you’re gonna spend, spend now – don’t wait!

Mars is also sextile Jupiter. An amazing opportunity might present itself at this time. It a good time for negotiating deals because it bears the mark of success. You might also come up with a brilliant business opportunity. The only thing you need to pay attention to is Mercury, which is still retrograde until June 11^th. If you can, check out all the details, negotiate the deal, and sign when Mercury goes direct.

On the 8^th, the Sun will add optimism to this opportunity and Uranus will provide some innovative breakthroughs the next day. Things that may seem unworkable now get a new solution – by the 10^th, when the Sun and Uranus make an easy aspect, we may be bubbling with excitement…. like the excitement you get when you light firecrackers or a ‘just might work’ idea pops into your mind!

On the last day of Mercury retrograde, June 11th, Mercury makes an easy aspect to Venus. We feel cooperative and congenial on this day, but the retrograde can tend to turn up the volume at both the beginning and end of its retrograde motion, so it still remains a tricky day for signing contracts and making agreements. It’s a great day to get together with friends or other people from our past. You’ll have fun conversations reminiscing about your past and at the end have some major conformation. Things like, “that was fun, but that’s now in the past for me” or “why did I leave that behind? That was such an important part of me.”

On June 11^th, when Mercury does finally go direct, things can also feel a little raw. The Sun (our ego) and Mars (our will and our drive) will be conjunct by the 14^th. As they move closer together, they will also form a difficult aspect to Chiron (our wounds, often formed in childhood). But even if we get a little piece of painful truth, it will set us free. That piece of truth may shine a light on what’s been holding us back which frees us up to take advantage of new opportunities with money and in love that Venus’ positive aspect to the North Node on the 12^th will provide.

Also Neptune will go retrograde on the 12^th. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus so love and money escalate to a spiritual plane. When Neptune goes retrograde, a veil is lifted; Neptune’s usual fogginess takes a reprieve. Watch for the days between Neptune’s retrograde turn and the final square created with Mercury on June 23^rd. At this time, some major truth may be revealed – likely it’ll be something you’ll say you knew intuitively… but if you have been plowing through and ignoring all the signs, this might come at you like a watershed moment.

On June 14^th, Saturn slips back into Scorpio for its encore performance. The final lessons with respect to our shared resources, banking, insurance, sex, and big business will make their final remarks. This revelation lasts only a couple of weeks, but since Saturn has been in Sagittarius, it’s like Saturn took a vacation from all of these matters. It will now move back into Scorpio for those few short weeks – and because of its short vacation in Sagittarius, these matters will now be met with fresh eyes.

At the Gemini New Moon on June 16^th, we can set intentions for communication (such as making a speech or engaging in a political debate) or learning something new. It’s connected with Mars, so we’ll have lots of energy and drive to make this particular intention a reality. We might witness some especially quick wit at this time, but it’s the kind that has a little bit of insensitivity to it. Jokes about fresh hurts will be super witty, but will most definitely have us saying things like, “oh wow… that was way too soon.”

The energy changes toward the end of the month as the Sun moves into Cancer on the 21^st; Mars joins it on the 24^th. Our energy becomes more protective, nurturing, and caring. For many this is the beginning of summer vacation. Jupiter (in Leo) will sextile Uranus (in Aries), expanding thrills and fun. Starting the summer at an amusement park with the family will help you combine that Cancer energy with the fun energy. It’s good for the soul too!

The energy is freed up for last two days of the month, June 29^th and 30^th. Venus will be moving into a conjunction with Jupiter and make a nice aspect to Uranus. The Sun will trine Neptune, bringing a spiritual, elevated aspect. This is a wonderful two days for social activities, business launch parties, and surprise unveilings. Plus, all of these transits are the energy at play in the universe, but if you have them connected to your personal chart in a nice way, you may also be lucky– if so, buy a lottery ticket or take some other type of risk. You just might win!

Aries: This month focuses on your communication. Are you strong and wrong? Or do know you’re right, but constantly concede to others? You can still question your beliefs without losing yourself – and you can communicate them without losing others. Getting books on conscious conversations will help. Take advantage of the positive energy at the end of the month by doing something fun and exhilarating.

Taurus: Do you believe you can make money? 80% of our communication is unconscious. Examine your beliefs and you perceptions. If they don’t align with what’s inside, the proof will be found through what you are actually earning. If you’re happy with what you see, celebrate! But if not, get to work on the unconscious part of your communication – it may be tricky because it’s hard to see the unconscious so you might want to invest in some help, even if spending the money to do so feels counter-intuitive. Gemini: What we believe about ourselves is often what was instilled in us by our parents at a young age. It may be true or false. Our relationships come along and reflect what we believe. They are opportunities to question what was never questioned as a child and decide our realities. This month presents opportunities for breakthroughs in this area of your life. You don’t need to take messages from your parents or your partner as absolute truth! Take advantage of the optimistic energy at the end of the month to test out new ways of communicating.

Cancer: This month you might be questioning your work and purpose. Sometimes we tell ourselves that our purpose is “nice” but it doesn’t pay the bills. Any sense of unfulfillment will have you questioning your faith in life and your ability to do what you love. You’ll also be questioning the thoughts and beliefs you’ve had about taking risks. Do it right and toward the end of the month you have the winning formula – it includes both purpose AND making money!

Leo: This month you’ll be reviewing your artwork. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly have the urge to paint over one of your masterpieces and start again. You may end up painting the exact same thing, but the process helps you to identify your contribution to the world. What was once meaningless lines and colours will now be seen in a new light. The end of the month will be your unveiling; you’ll have the opportunity to emerge with a new level of beauty and popularity.

Virgo: This month a family member you’ve never heard of might show up on the scene, either in a story or in person. This arrival has you curious about your family history and heritage. A journey through history will either fill you with pride at the achievements or embarrassment at the infamy, but either way the journey will set you free to make your own mark in life. What do you want to be known for? Now is the time for you to continue the hereditary or change it for the better. By the end of the month you’ll be ready to step out and try new ways of being.

Libra: You might find yourself in several heated debates this month. This is likely to happen at the beginning of the month with a sibling or a neighbour. It’s not really your style unless you feel that things are really out of balance – and right now any outbursts are for that purpose and that purpose only. Be aware though, that you may be shadow boxing – The imbalance may only exist n your own mind. . You’re having a hard time deciding what you now believe. Although this is getting clearer and clearer, you’re testing them out and it is causing waves. Get out with friends at month end, if you do, you will have an absolute blast!

Scorpio: Old money worries may come to haunt you at the beginning of the month. You and your partner’s spending habits might be the cause – or it could be your attitude toward money lenders (loans, visas, lines of credit, etc.) may take on a new direction. We don’t have money management courses in primary or secondary school and often our parents do little to show us the way. You’re getting your own education this month on these topics; in the process many of your unconscious beliefs may be surfacing. By month’s end, you may have a very lucrative solution in the form of a work assignment or paid project.

Sagittarius: This month could turn into the war of the roses but it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to say everything that’s on your mind to your partner. In fact, the more you can connect your relationship to a greater purpose, the better you will do in it. The trick to that, however, is to get on the same page. Getting on the same page may require one or both of you to change your mind on certain topics. Dr. Phil’s popular saying comes to mind here: would you rather be right or happy? Plan a mind-expanding trip abroad at month’s end. This should not only help you to broaden your mind, but also renew your relationship.

Capricorn: Don’t get caught up in workplace gossip this month. I know that’s probably a tall order – there is just so much going on. But you have a big impact on the culture of your organization and the direction it takes. If you say to yourself “this is just a job,” rethink those thoughts. Commit wholeheartedly to your work and spread words that encourage the kind of place you’d want to work in. If that’s not possible, staying in unhealthy work environments might make you feel sick. Nobody likes an early summer cold. By the end of the month, bring the team together by buying a team lottery ticket. Make sure everyone signs the team form…you just might win!

Aquarius: You may run into people you know in the oddest places early this month. For instance, you might be in a completely different city and see someone you know from back home. Don’t dismiss events like this as “weird” – remain curious and inquisitive. There may be a higher purpose and meaning for your run-in. Left field events like this will provide a much needed perspective and also to help to get you outside of the box. It will help to generate creativity. Sometimes all you need is an unexpected, fresh perspective on things. Seeing something or someone out of context can help. Toward the month’s end, plan a romantic and fun date night.

Pisces: It seems like you can’t have career success without drama in the family. Your success at the beginning of the month might start some family gossip. Sometimes the purpose of this gossip is to keep you tied to the family tribe. Doing things outside of the familial norm is threatening to the tribe. Now is the time to be very discerning with the messages you receive; they may be the same old messages, but you have the opportunity to see them in a new way. At the end of the month, you hit your stride in your work. It’s both fulfilling and nurturing to your health.

 

 

May Horoscope 2015

A friend’s father once gave me some good advice. He said, “You go into marriage with both eyes open and then you close one.”

The eclipse last month was in Libra, the sign of balance. You can bet there were lots of people trying to balance out their relationships- both personal and business. I can’t tell you how many people I met in business over the last month who asked me about whether I looked at business partnership horoscopes. Everyone was feeling it. Here’s the thing. If you had too much on your scale, like getting more than your fair share, then putting something on the other side of the scale may have felt like a loss. If you had nothing or very little on your side of the scale, putting something there may have felt heavy or off-kilter; remember, when you put something on a scale it doesn’t immediately go into balance, but swings up and down before settling into place. Much of last month was about settling into that balance.

Now we’re moving into May. The month starts with a full moon in Scorpio. This is where we’re required to close that one eye. Scorpio is the sign of transformation and the sign of intimacy. It’s also closely associated with jealousy, emotional storms, and the underworld. At the opposite end is the Sun in Taurus – the sign of security, safety, and strong foundations. Being able to close one eye means that when you entered into or renegotiated the relationship last month, you had both eyes open and you knew the deal – it was as fair as it could be. Now that the full moon is in Scorpio, you feel safe in allowing yourself to take on that vulnerable role.

But if you didn’t keep both eyes open, you will now find your inner private eye on high alert. Basic P.I. work is a Google search, but at this full Moon, your background search will go much deeper.   Last month the full Moon was connected to Pluto and Uranus in a square, causing tension and pushing the fairness agenda. This month the full moon will be connected to Pluto and Uranus in easy flowing aspects. This sounds good on the surface, but if there is dirt to dig up, your experience might be a slippery slope. It’s also complicated by the fact that the Moon in Scorpio and the Sun in Taurus are fixed signs squaring Jupiter in Leo. Fixed means stubborn; Jupiter in Leo it means dramatic and over the top! On the same day, Mercury will oppose Saturn, narrowing our thinking, making us judgmental and focused on our own thoughts. Don’t be surprised if you see some strong and wrong behaviour at this May 3^rd full Moon.

On the other hand, if you have set yourself up well contractually and you have kept your eyes open, this full moon can be quite useful for taking risks, especially in business. Both Taurus and Scorpio are money signs. Taurus is our own material wealth and Scorpio represents the money we share with other people. Their connection occurs with Jupiter in Leo, which loves a good game of risk, and to Pluto and Uranus, may push for educated risk-taking. Just be aware that at this time that ‘educated risk’ means keeping your pride and ego out of it!

On the 7^th, Mercury now in Gemini will help us with much needed detached thinking.   But Mercury goes retrograde this month. Not only does Mercury retrograde tend to muddle up communications of all sorts (contracts, emails, computers, travel, etc), it’s connecting with Neptune in a square twice this month.

The first square is on May 9^th. There can be miscommunications, white lies, or straight up deceit! Though Mercury will still be direct on the 9^th, it’s not a great day to do all things associated with Mercury, like signing contracts, travel etc. Mercury will go retrograde on the 18^th and make an aspect to Neptune twice more before moving on. The second time will be the end of the month on May 29^th. Mark your calendar and expect the same type of energy throughout to June 23^rd.

On May 6 and 7^th, we are encouraged to follow our own muse – to shake to our own tambourine. Doing so will help us to align with our tribe, something that we have been encouraged to do more and more in the last little while. While we will be challenged at this time with holding our spiritual direction and our perceptions about making money, the question is, how can we combine the two? It’s a question that we should be able to answer fairly quickly. Venus will move into Cancer which will help us to invest in ways that love, nurture, and fulfill our needs.

Mars also enters into Gemini on May 11^th making us assertive with our communication, but we may also be a little evasive or non-committal with words. We are waking up to new levels of consciousness and it’s shifting our perspectives. What looks like indecisiveness is actually a reflection of changing levels of understanding. We are waking up to our passions – healing is taking place as we do so. We may be letting go of and doing a lot of purging at this time. We are connecting with the idea of releasing, which frees us up to align with the right path.

On May 16^th, Venus is trine Neptune. Our feet don’t really touch the ground at this time. We are dreamy, romantic, and highly idealistic. Juno and Jupiter will conjunct in Leo, so we might align or commit to those who share our beliefs but also inspire our creativity. If we can hold on to this feeling for a couple days, it will serve us well. But don’t let it create too much of an insular view on the world; things take a bit of a turn at the new Moon the next day.

The new Moon on May 17/18^th is at 26^o of Taurus. This is a degree that has a bit of a bad reputation. It’s associated with violence – this time it’s also connected with Mars and Saturn. Saturn is widely opposing the Moon, while Mars is conjunct it in the next sign of Gemini. New Moons are times when we can send out our intentions to manifest and we need to be especially careful with our intentions with this one. Pessimistic thoughts and intentions will create pessimistic circumstances in our lives; this is particularly true when Saturn and Mars in the signs connect with our perceptions and beliefs.

If you have ever heard a reggae sound system DJ, they will play the first line of a song, will stop it, yell “rewind selector” and play it again. They do this just so you can really get the vibe of the music – so if it didn’t move you the first time, it will the second time. Or if it did move you, it helps to let that feeling linger. Saturn is taking a backward spin in the early degrees of Sagittarius and its intentions are just that: Saturn is steeping us in those first notes and the line goes something like this “Get up, stand up… stand up for your rights.” Saturn in Sagittarius is about our beliefs and that is the key to move through this difficult energy. Every difficulty has a silver lining. Focus and expand on that! I bring up music because music is one way to transmute the energy, but also it’s one thing that I have seen transcend differences. Find some music that inspires you – or create your own!

Venus opposes Pluto on the 21^st. Our passions will be inflamed at this time. It may range from jealousy to the complete cold shoulder shut out. We are still sorting through the many changes and injustices that the Pluto-Uranus square brought to light; we are also starkly aware at this time of where our needs are not being met.

As mentioned previously, Mercury turns retrograde on May 18^th and, between May 22 and 27^th, Mercury and Mars connect together in Gemini, sparking debate. This arrangement furthers the alignment earlier this month that helps us with finding with the right people and nurtures our ideas on many levels. But with Mercury moving backward, we may be saying things just to get others going, to spark debateand to challenge – even though it is meant to further humanitarian and ideological alignments.

On a personal level, we’re again questioning our commitment to home versus career and how they’re structured. Our frustration will lead to healing solutions; as we connect with others around our shared frustration, we not only realize that we are not alone but we also imagine new solutions. By the end of the month we may really grasp how authenticity nurtures us while also helping us see our truth. Yes, the shackles are falling, but as much as we feel we’ve seen the light, two things still remain at the end of the month. Mercury is still retrograde and both it and the Sun are squaring Neptune.

We are getting close; we are transcending many barriers in our relationships, but we are not yet out of the fog. Full clarity still lies ahead.

Aries: This month Mercury stirs things up in your third house of communications. It’s also the house associated with siblings. You might accidentally discover a secret and it may cause a great deal of misunderstanding for most of the month. Patience and understanding are key.

Taurus: This month Mercury stirs things up in your second house of earned money. You might have a mix up with a friend which they may completely misunderstand. Misunderstandings can be interpreted as outright lies if you don’t take steps to clarify.

Gemini: This month Mercury stirs things up in your first house of self presentation. Your manner of communication could stir up gossip. You will have to work this month to protect your reputation – meaning you may need to clarify anything said by others that could be misinterpreted, even if you think it’s not worth it. Don’t just assume that “people should know who I am.”

Cancer: This month Mercury stirs things up in your twelfth house of the unconscious. You may be putting too much weight on the teachings of a spiritual teacher. Just because they are spiritual or highly evolved, does not mean that they are aren’t human. Their humanity may cause you some disappointment this month. This is just a lesson in trusting in your own intuition and beliefs.

Leo: This month Mercury stirs things up in your eleventh house of friendships and humanitarian associations. You may be learning the lesson of mixing business, friendship, and money. It’s tough – it requires clear communication. By the end of the experience you will have some ideas on how to set clear boundaries so that your friendships are not affected.

Virgo: This month Mercury stirs things up in your tenth house. Communication problems occur in your career. How authentic is your relationship? If you are keeping it together to protect your image, you might run into troubles this month. We no longer need to keep relationships to project what we think people want in order to be accept us. You are learning that this month.

Libra: This month Mercury stirs things up in your ninth house, affecting what you teach preach and believe. Something you say may spark off some complications at work this month. Stay away from travel for work as Mercury will really complicate travel plans for you. The more you can lay low at work this month, the better.

Scorpio: This month Mercury stirs things up in your eighth house of shared resources. Creativity in the bedroom or with your shared resources may not go off as planned, leading to misunderstandings in your intimate relationships. I know it sounds boring, but stick with the status quo…. just for this month!

Sagittarius: This month Mercury stirs things up in your seventh house of business and marriage relationships. Something you/ your partner says may spark a string of misunderstandings related to real estate or family property. If you are planning to sell or buy, make sure you go through everything with a fine tooth comb… or better yet, wait till next month!

Capricorn: This month Mercury stirs things up in your sixth house of work. Work may be a little frustrating this month as you will be challenged with computers, mixed up email communications, and/or missed calls. Take your time and be thorough. Frustrations exist to make sure you are covering all bases. Review, revise, and your reassessments will be much smoother.

Aquarius: This month Mercury stirs things up in your fifth house, that of fun and creativity. Playing pranks or taking risks may be filled with communication mix ups that result in a loss of self esteem or even money. Make sure you have fully thought through any actions taken in this regard.

Pisces: This month Mercury stirs things up in your fourth house of home and family. This may not be the time for family meeting. Miscommunications occur with parents or matters related to real estate. Family members will find you hard to be elusive or even a little flaky. Make sure that you take the time to really know and understand yourself and what you want before you communicate it.