Please note the stellium of planets in Pisces and Taurus. Do you notice the conjunctions? The planets have been joining forces repeatedly in the last 6 months at a much higher than usual frequency. This is the strongest aspect.
Jupiter is exactly conjunct Venus at 27° Pisces. These are the two most benefic planets. Joy, beauty, great luck, harmony, dignity, and a lovely influence for relationships of all types. You may be your best and see the same in others. Neptune joins this conjunction as well adding a fantastical, dream-like quality to our endeavors. Neptune rules Pisces, and Venus is Exalted in this position. Cosmic levels of love are available now.
In Taurus is the Sun, Moon, Uranus, all conjunct, and they are joined by Asteroid Pallas-Athena.
Uranus is the planet of innovation, rebellion, and sudden changes. It yearns for freedom and will shake things up if necessary. Remember that it is on the Point of Avatar, making it more of a wildcard than ever.
Let's review Taurus, the sign in which the Eclipses will occur. This Earth sign is about fertility, land, resources, simple pleasures and possessions. There is steadiness and sometimes stubbornness, and also great loyalty. The traditional symbol is the bull. I recently suggested adding the qualities of the Cow to the mix. There are magnificent Mother energies present. Grace and contentment in daily life are joined by an endearing curiosity. She is kind, yet strong. She is revered in most of the Spiritual texts. Those are all wonderful attributes to have with us in a new time.
Now we will examine Taurus and Scorpio on the eclipse axis in a slightly different way. This is an acknowledgment of our current events and what energies we have at our disposal to navigate our way through them. Conflict that will shape our world for the foreseeable future rages around us. We have help.
We are going to examine the two Royal Fixed Stars, Aldebaran and Antares. In antiquity the Royal stars were called the Pillars of Heaven, the Keepers of the Celestial Gates. In Persia they were called the Watchers of the Directions. Aldebaran is the Bull's "Eye of Revelation" in Taurus. Antares is the "Heart of the Scorpion" in Scorpio.
These Stargates are thought to govern breakthroughs, historical phenomena, and great events of the world. They join the best of the mind with the mysteries of the heart. Imagine when those Starsgates are lined up on the Eclipse axis!
Aldebaran is the Spring Watcher in the East, thought to be an ever renewable life-force. Antares in Greek tradition is," a Light warrior who battles against senseless violence and unjust oppression." They are joined in Taurus by Pallas-Athena. She is the Goddess of War thought to use honor to invite inventive solutions that create master defenses and negotiations. She helps the underdog, and helps one choose their battles and how to fight them.
As you navigate your way through this Celestial event and the months that follow, it is imperative that you find and dwell in your center as much as possible. Invoke the simplest state of calm and contentment you can.
Remember the brilliant wisdom from "The Life of Pi."
"Everything will be alright in the end. If it is not alright, then it is not the end."
Astrology and Astronomy were once studied together. From Ptolemy, to Gallileo, and Kepler there was an acknowledgment that we might be affected by Solar winds in our section of the galaxy and cosmos. When the "age of reason" advanced Astrology fell from favor as first, a pseudo science, then not a science at all. This discounts anything but the reasoning brain as valid. We now, once again, consider ancient wisdom and allow that to have a full, rewarding existence we would do well to include more than just cold, hard logic. The Heart and Spirit has always been just as valid.
Astrology is a study of archetypes and character traits that include the beneficial and challenging at once. Each sign and planet brings a unique flavor to each person. The explanations can be daunting. I will always stress the beneficial opportunities more than the challenges, the goal being to concentrate on what we do want more than what we don't. This is the science of creation. As the ages pass I believe we are asked to build on previous generations and it seems obvious that our Divination systems should evolve with us.
I have already been asking you to expand what some Zodiac signs have traditionally meant, and that will continue and expand to include the planets and fixed stars as well. Some of this information comes from my own experiences and the rest is guided intuition. As always, take what feels appropriate for you, and ignore the rest.
ASTROLOGY FORECAST (May 5 - 12)
To review the effects of the eclipse, once again, bear in mind that this is an endurance test, not a sprint. The influences stay with us for many years. Each year's eclipses build on previous ones.
Fresh on the heals of the Solar Eclipse are the beginning of the next Mercury retrograde and sign changes by Venus and Jupiter.
Venus moves into Pisces on May 2nd until May 28th. After being exalted in Pisces, this placement is not as favorable for Venus. It is easy with Aries energy to come on too strong. The self regard that is healthy may spill over into disregard of anyone else. That is a caution to keep in mind.
The favorable expression is an effervescent enthusiasm and appropriate leadership capabilities. The natural competitiveness of Aries implies that it is wise to let Venus traits take the lead for a while. Grace and beauty will be added to any ventures begun during this transit.
Jupiter moves into Aries for an extended stay on May 10th. It will remain until Oct 27th. The caution is over extension and blind aggressiveness. Remember that Jupiter adds great power wherever he goes. Aries charges ahead where Angels fear to tread.
The benefits of Jupiter in Aries are very appropriate coming on the heels of the eclipse, which always asks us to shake things up. There is great benefit in having Jupiter in Aries now. Aries leads with youthful enthusiasm. Jupiter adds its great good luck for where we are headed.
The joining of Jupiter in Aries to the previously mentioned, Aldebaran, Antares, Asteroid Pallas-Athena to the Eclipse season is uniquely auspicious. Mars energies rule Aries, and are in opposition to those Royal stars and the asteroid. Fairplay, dignity, and right action are in the spotlight right now. Jupiter, the great benific planet will temper Aries ruler Mars' blind aggression, war-like cruelty, and destruction.
As we navigate through the world conflict to keep what is precious and build anew upon it, Jupiter in youthful Aries may be just the ticket.
The other movement this week we will address is the next Mercury retrograde beginning on May 10th lasting until June 3rd. The impact of this retrograde will be strong since Mercury is in Gemini, which it rules.
All the usual concerns are in play; annoyances in electronics, travel, details of all kinds. Just double check everything and have back ups ready. Try not to make large purchases and don't sign important legal documents at this time.
Now the benefits. Mercury retrograde loves finishing anything left hanging. You will enjoy picking up discarded projects, studies, and dreams during this 24 days. Review, reorganize, rethink. MERCURY RETROGRADE MAY VERY WELL SHOW YOU A BETTER WAY!
The next Eclipse is soon. Be courageous. Don't be afraid to ask all beings of Light for their assistance. May you take your Love Quotient to never before reached levels and may you find your Godspeed.