Hi Friends,
The cosmic energy takes another strong turn this month as a powerful Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio shakes things up. Over the course of the next 3 to 6 months this eclipse will reveal all that is hidden in your personal life and in the world at large. Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with, since this is a powerful lunar eclipse in Scorpio, this holds much more substance to reveal things that are not working for you anymore and must be let go of. It’s about coming to a realization so that you can progress onto the next chapter of your life.
All full moons expose new feelings and revelations that can be quite emotional, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness we may feel the need to reminisce or reveal an experience in our minds. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet. Where ever this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse falls in your actual birth, that’s where all the activity will take place.
The ruler of this Scorpio eclipse will be powerful Pluto which will begin its retrograde period at the beginning of the month. Pluto entered Aquarius on March 24, 2023 and will re-enter this sign again in January 24, 2024. Pluto retrograding in Aquarius may be a sign that you should look at your relationship with others. By understanding yourself, you can let go of toxic patterns and help rediscover the real you. Pluto will retrograde back into Capricorn on June 11, 2023.
On May 5th the Lunar Eclipse highlights the Taurus-Scorpio polarity that deals with the balance between all that is mine (Taurus) and all that is yours (Scorpio). It also emphasizes the concept of form (Taurus) versus transformation (Scorpio). While Taurus deals with matter, personal values, material goods, possessions, and security, Scorpio rules the destruction of form, shared possessions, change, and transformation. The Sun in Taurus encourages happiness with the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Moon draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries.
Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. Over the coming months, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings — we need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between collecting and sharing.
Because this Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse and part of a set of eclipses falling along the Taurus-Scorpio axis (from November 2021 to October 2023), it holds significant weight and is one of several cosmic pushes toward understanding and improving our attachments, financial state, and intimate life.
We become more sentimental about our relationships on May 7th when Venus enters Cancer. When Venus is visiting Cancer we are more nurturing, protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to our increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and are at our best when we feel safe and secure.
It’s a good cycle for collecting things and money matters related to real estate, accommodation, food, or antiques. We enjoy homey, familiar pastimes and simple pleasures. Cautious with our feelings, we are not always confident about boldly trying or sharing new things during this cycle. However, we do whatever we can to make our loved ones feel special. Our memories are long, and we can be very nostalgic.
Our thinking begins to move forward on May 14th when Mercury moves direct in Taurus. Mercury began its reversal on April 21st forcing us to slow down and simplify our daily lives. Mercury is the planet of thoughtful communication and Taurus is ruled by Venus, the domain of aesthetics, attraction, worldly goods and self-worth. In conversation with one another we can see this retrograde has been about ‘believing in your self-worth’. In direct motion it’s time to start acting upon your desires.
Our need for physical pleasure and comfort escalates on May 16th when Jupiter enters Taurus. Jupiter represents expand of our experiences, our knowledge, and our understanding. Jupiter is also associated with optimism, growth, generosity, joy, and abundance. Jupiter loves to learn through its experiences, for instance, while Jupiter was in Pisces we had more of an urge to give of ourselves, and to embrace compassion and imagination. In Aries, Jupiter urged us to make our own opportunities, to believe in ourselves, and to take charge of our lives.
Now that Jupiter is visiting Taurus, a heavy energy sign concerned with stability, we are going to be more practical and realists about our needs as we visualize results in order to feel motivated to achieve them. We are “doers” during this transit and we are not easily lured by get rich quick schemes! With this cycle, (which lasts until May 24, 2024) we are not risk takers–we need direction, clear goals, and strong plans, and we value tangible results. More specifically with Jupiter in Taurus, we attract the most ‘good fortune’ when we are charitable, generous but discriminating and patient.
Prosperous areas are ones that allow us to discriminate and determine the worth of products and to draw upon our resourcefulness, as well as financial and investments. A strong self-image or feelings of self-worth contribute to success. With this transit there can be a strong desire for sensual pleasures and for the “simple good life”. In contrast to the urgency of Jupiter in Aries, we can take pleasure now in pursuing our goals in a more drawn out and leisurely fashion, watching our profits or possessions slowly but surely accumulate. Basic needs have to be met satisfyingly before other goals are pursued.
Unfortunately as soon as Jupiter enters Taurus it will be met with powerful Pluto in Aquarius exactly on May 17th. On the positive side of this square alignment, we can be quite ambitious now, feeling that we can achieve virtually anything we choose to do. However, while it may not come naturally, I would suggest treading lightly now with plans and ambitions as this energy can be quite disruptive. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence.
Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. Certainly, a serious attitude towards our goals and ambitions can emerge. Competitive energies should be channeled appropriately since the main downfall of this period is pushing too far.
Our belief system could be challenged and the need for a major attitude change arises. Instead, we might have to face narrow-mindedness in others or in ourselves. Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general and to ignore the critical details. Thinking in big terms is fine, as long as we also consider the practical elements of any pursuit. Expecting too much, too soon can unnecessarily bring us down.
Our perspective on our lives or the world can change dramatically at this time. As well, what we need for personal growth may not mesh well with our current career, projects, or endeavors and satisfaction levels suffer. While it may not come very naturally now, it’s better to aim to share the power or resources rather than aiming to amass more.
There can be difficulties with money matters, legal issues, taxes, insurance, publishing, educational, or travel matters during this transit. Different outlooks and beliefs can cause deeper divides than usual. We might have conflicts with others that lead to reputation problems. The desire to lead or guide can be strong, but cynicism can get in the way of this urge. Mistrust and cynicism with current systems and structures is likely.
This month’s New Moon in Taurus on May 19th marks the beginning of a new cycle of beliefs and values. The New Moon in Taurus is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Bull. It’s time to enjoy life’s simple and physical pleasures–savor good food and enjoy activities that bring us in touch with nature and with our bodies. It’s time to stop and smell the roses and to become more aware of what makes us feel comfortable and secure. This is a good cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship to money and possessions and to discover what truly makes us happy and fulfilled.
This New Moon harmonizes with Mars, Neptune, and Pluto, suggesting that our inspiration, motivation, and determination support our efforts to begin fresh. Mars and Pluto are heading toward an opposition, and the tension can stir ambition, although there can be some paranoia or fear-driven behavior involved. With this potent Taurus energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid and realistic plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.
Mars in Leo can awaken a competitive spirit or drive. We’re more willing to take risks to get what we want. We also tend to make a splash, and we want to be in the driver’s seat. This transit is passionate, ardent, and dramatic. We seek to appear strong and prefer to be in the lead or the center of attention. We can be particularly angry if we feel disrespected or in an undignified position.
Our curiosity level goes up on May 21st as the Sun enters inquisitive Gemini. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies due to this nosiness and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable. Gemini represents duality and mediation. Gemini’s energy is intelligent, optimistic, observant, and adaptable. It’s skeptical, ready to consider alternate ways of thinking.
We’re prepared to trade, share, exchange, pass on news, teach, guide, and learn. We gather information during the Sun-in-Gemini cycle, and we benefit from this transit’s objectivity. We’re quick-witted, cheerful, engaging, and we easily adapt, observe, and listen–it’s a clever and crafty influence. On the downside, we can be gossipy, overly intellectual, or too rational when a softer touch would be more appropriate. As we relay and process information, we could be living too much in our heads, disconnected from what’s in our hearts.
May 2023 Video Horoscopes
Have a wonderful month folks!
Joseph P. Anthony