The New Moon in Gemini as seen in Western & Chinese Astrology

The new moon comes on May 28 at 7:41 PM GMD. It is at 7 degrees Gemini in conjunction with the star Aldebaran, denoting great energy, gains through business, and high material honors, but danger of quarrels that could undo what good this may bring. The new moon is in the 6th lunar mansion, called Athaia, good for establishing all kinds of foundations. Despite whatever untoward indications there are Athaia offers protection.

The dispositor of the new moon, Mercury, is at 29 degrees Gemini giving a very impatient air to the configuration; he is at the end of his tether at 29 degrees. Mercury is also exactly sextile Venus at 29 degrees Aries saying "carpe diem." Don't hesitate where there is opportunity. Opportunities will be fleeting.

The new moon is trine Mars at 9 degrees Libra adding positive force and encouraging us to put our best foot forward and enter new territory, start new enterprises, accept challenges, take a stand, have the courage of our convictions, accepting aid from allies, and taking no chances that lead to danger. This aspect ushers in a period of personal success for you if you have any significant planet at or near 7 degrees Gemini, Leo, Libra, Aquarius, or Aries.

The new moon is exactly square Neptune at 7 degrees Pisces, warning of deceptions, confusions, fraud, and losses through unscrupulous persons or agencies.

Looking at the new moon in the UK and in the EU we see it in the 7th house. Mars is in the 10th, and Neptune is in the 3rd. Mars is involved in a T-square with Pluto and Uranus adding tension. What this says is that international relations in the UK and EU are at a new juncture. There is considerable tension in it. Mars in the 10th house is an evil position. Opposite Uranus in the 5th house, it shows diplomatic tensions. Square Pluto in the 2nd house, it concerns financial complications and losses. Trine the new moon, it encourages positive, constructive action.

Looking at the new moon in the US we see it in the 9th house trine Mars in the 1st and square Neptune in the 6th. This is challenging for international trade relations. Mars in the 1st house is square Pluto in the 4th and opposite Uranus in the 7th suggesting turmoil among the people and troubled international relations. Mars in the 1st house warns of strikes, angry demonstrations, fires, and a spike in crime. People will tend to be aggressive. Mercury is in the 10th house conjunct the mid-heaven, both being at 29 degrees Gemini exactly square the Ascendant at 29 degrees Virgo denoting disgrace to public officials and scandals in high places. Mercury rules the 10th house; it involves the President whose mood will be understandably irritable. Jupiter in the 10th house, however, protects him.

In Chinese astrology, this is the month of Metal Horse. The year is Wood Horse. Horse clashes with Horse, and Metal clashes with Wood. This month is one of high energy with sharply clashing energies. The first day of the month is Metal Rat. Metal Rat is at maximum clash with Metal Horse and Wood Horse. It points to violent events in the world.

The energy of Metal Horse in Wood Horse year encourages great activity. Much like the indications of Mars, it warns not to take chances leading to danger, but encourages taking positive action. Horse favors Tiger, Dog, and Sheep. It gets along with Rabbit, Dragon, and Snake, and it challenges Rat, Ox, Horse, Monkey, Rooster, and Pig. Where there are challenges there are opportunities.

Reduced to an I Ching hexagram, the new moon at Washington DC gives us hexagram 52, line 2. Hexagram 51 is Thunder. It is a good hexagram, especially for summer season, which we are already in, according to the Chinese calendar. Thunder is an image of shock and movement. Line 2 tells us that new ideas will bring new conditions if we act. It also says that evil is at hand, and that while there may be losses you will later regain what was lost.

Raphael Simons lives in NYC, where he practices both western and Chinese astrology. Raphael is currently filming a series of shows in Chinese astrology, called The Zodiac Show, for SinoVision, the Chinese television station in NYC. For more information about Raphael’s work, visit www.raphaelsimons.com and www.trs-fengshui.com.