Sagittarius Full Fower Moon

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It is no mystery why the May Full Moon is called the Full Flower Moon (in the Northern Hemisphere). Coming at the height of the spring growing season, the Moon shines on gardens, orchards, and fields full of flowers, trees, and crops in bloom. On Tuesday, May 29 at 7:19 PDT/10:19 EDT, the Full Moon in in Sagittarius at 8/10 degrees peaks as the Sun in Gemini aligns in opposition to it. Sagittarius, the sign of the Archer symbolizes the higher mind while Geminis, the Twins, symbolize the lower mind. This polarity is active within each of us and provides for the push and pull in constant search for harmony and balance. It most affects whatever area of your life/chart the Moon and Sun are transiting. Gemini focuses our mental activity on thoughts and intellectualizing while Sagittarius calls us to intuit and reason beyond our own narrow self interests. 

The Sagittarius Full Moon provides a clarion call to seek deeper meaning and purpose in life; Gemini is content to be satisfied and engaged in the here and now, the immediate environment and current reality. Balance is needed between both extremes, and this Full Moon ought to help you focus on anything that might be out of balance in this equation. As the Sagittarius lunar phase builds, we feel drawn to more adventure, deeper meaning, and a search beyond what we are comfortable and familiar with. Adventure calls, limitations fall away, and new roads appear to open on the horizon. You'll notice at this Full Flowering Moon in May that whatever has been growing and coming to fruition within you, is now coming to full bloom. Whether that be ideas, plans, thoughts, projects, or adventures, the time is now right for those plans to come into manifestation. The energy, in fact, will grow so strong that  you will almost feel compelled to make changes or to set forth on some new adventure. Communication is strongly favored. Whatever is ready to burst forth from within you (or is bursting to the surface in the world around you), will trigger an emotional outburst that can be quite raw and unrefined. When you're expressing yourself during this time, remember to maintain some balance and discretion. 

The Moon in Sagittarius forms a wide square to Neptune in Pisces, and this can create some confusion and can blur the meaning of whatever is being communicated. On the same day as the Full Moon in Sagittarius, Mercury leaves Taurus and enters Gemini. The week right before the Full Moon will find Mercury transiting the anaretic/final degree of Taurus. You may hear of endings, completions, deaths, and finalization of a number of areas affecting whatever Gemini rules in your char/life. Final thoughts, words...any kind of communication (even dreams) that signal areas of life where you're finishing things up. Venus just entered Cancer, and Mars just entered Aquarius so much is happening all at once. When Mars (planet of action) entered Aquarius (4th house/home ruler) I learned I'd have to move. So notice where in your life the changes are taking place. This is usually in areas where you've already sensed impending or needed change, but notice now how you're being pushed into making the changes  or actions you've needed to make or take. 

As I write on Sunday, May 27, the Moon is in the dreamy, sulky depths of Scorpio. We may find our emotions triggered by thoughts and communications with old connections. Notice what is rising up ahead of the Full Moon into your consciousness where you can acknowledge it, honor what was, and release what is no more. All part of the cycle of life, the circle of life. Remember, whatever we leave in the past, undone, will be there the next time we circle back around to meet it again. Learn what you can, take what gifts the past has to offer, and keep your eyes on the road ahead, the stars above, and the call of passion in your heart and soul. The Full Moon in Sagittarius will oppose Mercury on Tuesday. This will show us, through our emotional responses and sense of well being, just where  our heart and soul, our life and our sense of home is feeling the push me, pull me strain of this lunar cycle. Remember, oppositions show us where we're growing. We can resist, or we can acquiesce, learn, and grow. 

Marina, author/astrologer of DarkStar Astrology calls this Full Moon in Sagittarius the Diamond in the Rough moon. I love that description as it describes that potential that dwells within us and within all types of situations and resources. Potential to become requires the intentional and conscious choice to allow the change and growth to take place. When we come to the completion of a stage of life, a journey, a project, or some new understanding, we may feel exhausted. That exhaustion often comes when we've completed some hard work. Get the rest and nourishment you need now, so that you can enjoy the next phase of life. For the Full Moon in Sagittarius, prepare to celebrate the 'find', the discovery, that enlightenment that will accompany you on the next stage of the path ahead. Decan 1 of Sagittarius represents the release of the arrow from the Archer's bow. What you seek has been launched, and is now being propelled forward. Because this strikes us on the emotional level, our awareness and awakening will be more on the intuitive, emotional level. We will 'know' without a shadow of a doubt, what is right for us, and what is not. After that, the whole nature of our choices and movement will be on more solid ground and more sure to be with our full awareness as we will feel that what we're choosing and doing is right for us. Doubts will come and go, but there will remain that inner certainty that will help us move on without giving in to doubt, fear, or the temptation to resist. 

We are just now (as I write on Sunday)  experiencing the beautiful Grand Trine in Water Signs with the Moon and benevolent Jupiter in Scorpio, trine to Neptune in Pisces.  In a few days, Venus the planet of Love, Beauty, Relationships will enter 15 degrees thus completing the Grand Trine in Water signs. One of the most lovely and compelling alignments possible. Notice where this all will shine in your life. Notice what parts of your life are receiving the benefits and positive energy that will help make whatever you've aligned yourself with, to become manifest. There will likely be a very spiritual aspect to this Grand Trine in Water as Jupiter trines the fixed star, Achernar.  Jupiter trine Neptune is the sign of the Mystic Healer.  When we need guidance, the teachers appear, when we need healing, the one who can lay hands or diagnose what keeps us from wholeness can be found. Great compassion and empathy come with this Full Grand Trine, as well as great love and understanding...something we all need to be part of on both the giving and receiving ends. A word of caution though. Be wary of anyone who tells you they have the answers for you. The answers are within you and your understanding. Good healers and teachers help you by supporting your own growth, understanding, and promise. 

A raging battle  ensues when the Full Moon in Sagittarius aligns with Antares, the fixed star in the center of the Constellation of Scorpio. May astrologers point to this alignment as one of the key alignments that occurs, ever.  "The May full moon straddles the most important natural 'axis in the heavens," says the author of Astrology King.  Located in the heart of the Scorpion in opposition to  the eye of the bull in Taurus, the fixed star  Antares , the Sun aligned with fixed star Alderbaran, activates a militants axis which signifies that the 'winner takes all. This inclines any conflicts or battles being wage will find leaders being very ruthless in their tactics. Whoever you may encounter in battle or whoever takes up arms against an enemy at this time, will use whatever means possible to defeat and will be willing to fight to the death. Stay out of the line of arrows sent from the bow of someone who seeks power and is willing to sacrifice others in an effort to achieve victory. In personal relationships, be wary of engaging with anyone whose own self interests take precedence over yours. 

What I've noticed as a saving grace in some of the powerful energy that we've been dealing with lately is the need to find  ways and safe places (including safe people) to take cover when under attack. As important is to maintain the ability to be present and grounded, nourished, and well rested when coping with energies that seem to overwhelm or knock you off center. Remember you have a direct link to the Divine within and all around you, and you are permitted indeed encouraged to disengage when you feel too much is coming at you. We all need time to reflect, rest, laugh, walk in the woods or on the beach...to appreciate the gifts we have and the blessings available to us when we need comfort, peace, and a vision of what we need to heal, restore, and flourish. Notice the new bright green growth on the ends of the pine needles right about now. We, like the pines, grow from the ends on out. While we are rooted and gain strength from the past, our Now is in the life we are living right now. Let yourself bathe in the light of this Full Moon and the watery elegance of the Grand Trine in Water that follow to cleanse and restore yourself in the beauty and energy of Universal, Eternal Love. 

Taurus New Moon Ushers in Uranus 7-year Transit of Taurus

The New Moon at 24/36 degrees of Taurus ushers in a new lunar cycle on May 15 at around 4:48 a.m. PDT. The Moon in Taurus trines Pluto, the Great Transformer, in Capricorn and squares Uranus at 29 degrees (anaretic) of Aries. This New Moon in Taurus takes us into the final stages of whatever Pluto and Uranus have been transforming in your lives. 

Look to the houses ruled by, aspected by, or directly affected by these two planets. Whatever areas you’ve been struggling with for the last few years, should be pretty apparent to you now. Taurus rules areas of our lives where we look to bring into being what we cherish and value the most. What simple pleasures, physical senses, and aesthetic enjoyment would you benefit from at this time? Where is your life in need of greater harmony and balance between body, mind, spirt, and emotions? How might you honor what and who matters most to you as you seek to create greater harmony in your life?

The Taurus New Moon provides powerful energy for making solid plans. Setting your sight on more of what you want and less of what is no longer working is the call of this lunar phase. In the short term this can be as simple as setting a manageable goal for some immediate need, and putting into motion the intention for the concrete expression within the next two weeks. 

This New Moon in Taurus happens just before Mars and Uranus change signs. Uranus has been in the 29th degree of Aries, the anaretic or crisis degree. Final shocks and changes help Uranus’ transit of the fire sign Aries make its grand finale before entering Taurus.  Mars changes signs about every two months, but Uranus has been in Aries for the last seven years. This has been a powerful and chaotic time, which is now ending with a bang. Watch the area of your life that has been most affected by this transit, for when Mars and Uranus change signs, they form a square to one another. 

On the day of the New Moon in Taurus, Uranus also enters Taurus. On the New Moon day, Luna forms a trine to Pluto and Mars. This is an indicator of need for action and change in order to more positively affect the future. 

Mercury also has changed signs, having moved into Taurus on May 13. As I write the Moon has already entered down-to-earth Taurus. Treat yourself to some comfort to start off your week. Let your senses guide you to cushion yourself for whatever changes and obstacles you may meet. Rely on what has worked for you in the past as you make your way through the week’s start. 

Venus has been in Gemini since April 24, and she will enter Cancer on May 19. Our tastes, attractions, and pleasures may have seemed more varied or fickle as the case may be, over the last month. As Venus enters Cancer, we’ll become more focused on our need for nurturing and creating safety for ourselves and those we love. We may feel more  vulnerable, vacillating between highs and lows emotionally. Venus in Cancer, a water sign, also finds us more expressive,  affectionate, and demonstrative than we have been. Focus is on showing how we care through our devotion and direct caring for one another, rather than talking about it or getting caught up in the theoretical constructs of ‘how it should be’. In addition to being more expressive, we need more outward signs of inner feelings. During this lunar phase, with all the aspects affecting us during this cycle, we become acutely aware of our own needs and how we might meet those of others.

Mars has been in Capricorn since March 17, and moves into Aquarius on May 17 a two days after the New Moon in Taurus. Mars in Aquarius releases a pent up energy that is often felt and expressed as anger, impulsive actions, erratic behavior, and unpredictable reactions and responses. Action with Mars in Aquarius can take on an air of detachment. This can be food for keeping some distance from the emotional heat of decisions, but can also be a problem if we forget our humanity and act out of  cold, detached intellect (the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law). Temper your actions during Mars’ transit of Aquarius with the down-to-earth gentle frankness of the Taurus Mercury. 

On the same day as our New Moon in Taurus, Uranus changes signs. A powerful and earthshaking day. From May 15 to November 6, and then again from March 6, 2019 to June of 2025, Uranus will be in Taurus. Taurus rules our relationship with finances, money, personal property, and how we define our own self worth. We learn, during this transit, how to live with less attachment to material limitations. We discover new ways of making ourselves at home. Our inhibitions are freed up so we can enjoy ourselves, our bodies, and the expression of giving and receiving tender loving care. We even find new sources of income, and a freer, more unrestrained approach to increase our income. Innovation and non-traditional approaches to doing business are more likely than not during this long cycle ahead. Outdated, regressive forms of doing business fall away or fall apart, as more progressive ways of doing business strengthen in influence over time. If you’ve been waiting to start a business or make your existing business/work/art more fruitful, this upcoming period between May 15, 2018 and June of 2025 is going to be a rewarding and spectacular time for innovative and creative ways to co-create the world we live in.

Remember the old adage, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”? This applies to Uranus in Taurus, because the changes and surprises, the shifts and sudden movement sure to come up in this area of your life (and any area it affects) definitely fits as Uranus transits Taurus for the next seven years.  These seven year cycles, and great times of transformation in whatever areas of your life are most affected. Look to your chart/life to see where this is beginning to take effect.  If it’s been in your area of health/well begin, jobs, daily physical movements (6th house), it may not move into marriage, partnerships (7th house). Any house that trines the Uranus in Taurus (Capricorn, Virgo) will now feel the effects/results in areas in the same energy of earth. Squares or triggers for action, reaction, change, response, will be triggered by different energies than they have been. Likewise, oppositions will now call us to integrate more fully in areas in signs that oppose the earth signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces). We all have all these signs in our charts/lives, however they rule different parts of our lives. Study your chart, or have a reading by an astrologer who knows how to read the effects of aspects on the different areas of your lives.

One of the most important tools that astrology has to offer is to be able to see trends that occur and recur so that we can work with the energies instead of against them. We are not doomed or destined to anything. We can always make choices and take action to help lift and sustain ourselves. Having a map helps though. Astrology can be a map to how your trends are likely to affect different areas of your life. Learn what you can to make your journey more peaceful, less chaotic, and more enjoyable and productive.

Pluto in Capricorn remains in this sign until 2024, and Saturn also in Capricorn remain here until 2020. Both planets are transformative. Pluto the Great Transformer and Saturn the Great Teacher, both slow moving, take their time stirring up the lives and essence of who we are and how we function. Pluto has been in Capricorn for several years already, Saturn just began its transit, and so this area of our lives continues to be in deep turmoil and change. We are learning, more and more, how to navigate. The volcanic eruption of Kilauea on the Big Island, Hawai’i, is a perfect example of how Pluto affects us. The continuous underground building up of magma, slowly moves to the surface, under great pressure (resistance) from what blocks it. At some points some of the magma gets trapped in a tube where it’s under even more pressure. When that pressure builds to the breaking point, it bursts through the seams of the earth. Sometimes that is through small, short burst, or at other times, slow-moving flows, or by sudden, explosive eruptions. Pluto works like that within us. What we suppress or resist, builds up until it come out in some form or another. Better to be prepared (Saturn, the Great Teacher’s lesson) than to put ourself in harm’s away. What have we learned from the past that can help us make the adjustments we need to take now? Sometimes that’s a matter of perspective or attitude, sometimes it’s a matter of facing fears, and sometimes it’s a matter of focusing on what the source of the problem is, rather than what the surface issue is. 

Some significant aspects for this week:

Sunday, May 13, Mercury formed a conjunction with Uranus at 29 degrees just before it entered the sign of Taurus. We may have dreamt about something from the past that could be a source of enlightenment over a current quandary. Or you may have had ideas or received news that helped you recognize some significant truth or find a solution to a major dilemma. Mercury in Taurus as the Moon enters the sign of Taurus, makes for a more peaceful reception of whatever news comes your way. Wear a cloak of peace to absorb whatever negative barbs or ideas are projected in your direction. Turn back such ideas, thoughts, words to where they originated, with blessings. Release yourself from the obligation to take on everyone’s ideas or perceptions as your own. Compassion and empathy do not require you to wear another person’s pain. All it does compassion does is acknowledge pain, and recognize that you, do what is needed from the person in distress and not add to that pain in any way. 

Monday, May 14, Mercury formed a semi-square to Neptune in Pisces late at night/early morning fogging up our perceptions or making things seem very out of focus. If you were smart, you got some sleep. Also in the middle of the night or early morning, the Sun in Taurus formed seisquiquadrate to Neptune in Pisces, muddying the waters of perception. We may rise feeling confused or frustrated, blocked or deterred from something (kind of like that magma ready to burst through the surface). Perceptions are opened in so many different ways, and when the Sun, self expression, is blocked by Neptune, planet of illusion, the subconscious, the hidden and unknown or unexpressed, we are likely to feel thwarted in some way. Relax, and let yourself practice being present in the moment. Breathe and move with awareness of how freeing it can be to let go of whatever thoughts have tied you in knots. Notice how your body as well as your immediate surrounding reflect how you’ve been holding onto or holding back in some way. Notice where your attention has been deflected or blocked. See if you might find ways to ask for help or speak more openly about what your needs are so you can dissolve some of what weighs you down. 

Tuesday, May 15, the Moon enters Taurus at 4:49 a.m. PDT and then at 7:34 a.m. PDT Uranus enters Taurus and moves into a tight conjunction with this New Moon in Taurus. Very potent signal of great change beginning! The New Moon in 26 degrees of Taurus sits atop the fixed star, Algol, the so-called Demon Star in the Constellation of Perseus. Named for the mythical Gorgo Medusa, with the head full of snakes for hair. Long viewed as the sign of a beheading, it is more often viewed as a metaphoric symbol of ridding ourselves of that which harms us. That which, in ourselves, leads us to our downfalls. According to Diane Rosenberg, algology is he study of pain. According to Maria, Darkstar Astrology, this placement in a chart signifies where confrontation and assimilation are required of these dark aspects of ourselves. Whatever areas of your life and being the speaks to is that which you need to face and cope with in order to release the tremendous creativity and positive energy that is held captive within.  In the chart of the US leader, this aspect sits atop his chart, and it will be interesting to watch and see how he uses or abuses this opportunity. A good example of repressed anger spewing over and injuring those in its path. Use your powers of discernment and scrupulous honesty with yourself to face what needs to be tended to now. Relieve yourself of carrying anyone else’s burdens for now; you have enough to do at home. 

With the many changes happening today, Uranus entering Taurus and all, we look to Jupiter to see what else if affecting this new lunar cycle. Jupiter in Scorpio opposes both the New Moon and Sun in Taurus, and tends to make some squander their good fortune through excessive behavior. Avoid over committing yourself at this time. Instead make plans, take small steps, and look to the changes ahead as a long haul process, not a short, quick fix. It can be a  nice time to socialize or spend time doing something creative. Celebrations of spring and Luna are ways to help channel exuberance and express pent up emotions in a positive, symbolic way. A New Moon ritual for this Taurus Moon.

Wednesday, May 16. The big event of the day and maybe even this lunar cycle, is the Mars-Saturn square today. This aspect signals impulsive acts and violent protests along with over-the-top risk taking. When Mars and Saturn square off, our darker instincts and more offensive actions result. If after faced with some immovable object blocking us, we fail to see what within us is clouding our thoughts, we may act in ways that lead us into a cycle of more violence. If, on the other hand, we learn from our experiences, and glean the lessons of history, we can make changes to the way we live and work that can radically shift our thinking and in the end, the path ahead. We’ll experience energy shifts and changes in the way we have to cope with stressful situations. Whatever small changes we can make to ease the pressure, would be good now. Give yourself some time, avoid impulsive decisions, and adopt a wait and see attitude.

Thursday, May 17 the Moon moves into Cancer. This watery, emotional, nurturing placement of the Moon gives us time and energy to integrate all the changes that have been taking place. Time for rest and recuperation. 

Friday, May 18 Mercury trines Saturn, so we have words and/or information to help us make our choices and to help clarify confusion, conflict, or frustrations that have been weighing you down. Conversations may be short and sweet, but tend to ease stress and help regain clarity.

Saturday, May 19, Venus enters Cancer and sextile Uranus in Taurus. This first major aspect of a planet to Uranus’ new placement, signals a very fortuitous, positive time for social engagements. A light of love is cast over our relationships and communication is more balanced and energized for nurturing and smoother sailing. Financial matters improve, and speculation in electronics, metaphysics, art, and electronic information/communication are favored. Time to step out of the comfort zone to try something out of the ordinary. Or for indulging a passion that has been put on a shelf for safekeeping.  Think of pleasure and love as like a set of good china. Kept on the shelf, it serves no one. Used, it may occasionally crack or break, but it’s beauty is enjoyed daily.

New moons are for reminding us that there are always new paths ahead, new trails to blaze, and new directions to head. Make this New Moon in Taurus about setting your sights on the stars that guide you to your joy, your fulfillment, and your service to others in the unique ways that only you are qualified.