Astrological Forecast for May & June 2018

One of the most significant astrological events of the year takes place on May 15th at 11:16a EDT, as Uranus moves from Aries into Taurus, leaving the sign of the ram after seven very active years. Uranus is associated with eccentricity, individuality, and revolution, and in the earthy sign of Taurus we are likely to see changes in our monetary systems, resource allocations, and food supply.

Uranus moves from a Fire sign to an Earth sign, a transition that signals a move from the realm of inspiration and action to the realm of material manifestation. This move echoes Saturn’s move from fiery Sagittarius to earthy Capricorn last year. In both cases, what sounded good (or bad) and the things that got us riled up are put to the test: what really works?

Uranus’ entrance to the sign of the bull is heralded by a new moon in the sign just hours before he arrives. For a brief time, eight of the ten major planets will be in Earth signs, a signal that we’ll be dealing the physical world during Uranus’ time in Taurus.

Less than a day after arriving in Taurus, Cosmic Warrior Mars moves into Uranus’ home sign of Aquarius and makes a tense square aspect to his landlord. This suggests a bit of conflict between Aquarian idealism and the more sensual, practical emphasis of Taurus, yet it also seems to suggest that some cooperation between ideals and practicalities is possible. In any event, we won’t have long to wait to see the themes that will be presented over the next seven years.

As Uranus is associated with revolution and sudden reversals, subtlety isn’t his strong point. During the first several years in Taurus, he’ll be aspecting Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. In this capacity he’ll be implementing some of the changes to our institutions that those two planets are working on bringing about, but he’s sure to do so in unexpected ways. Some of the logjams that we face in politics and economics are very likely to be rendered irrelevant, or at least resolved in ways we can’t conceive of now.

While most of our attention goes to the collective, it’s worth noting that on a personal level some signs will feel the Uranian energy more strongly than others. Those with significant placements in Taurus will likely be feeling a strong need for independence and change at some point over the next seven years.

The other fixed signs – Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius – will also feel some of the same need for change, although it may be a little less direct. The Earth signs of Virgo and Capricorn will have the opportunity for significant changes, but not the same degree of compulsion. Two water signs – Cancer and Pisces - will have a similar, if less obvious, experience. The two remaining air signs – Gemini, Libra – will have perhaps a harder time integrating Uranus in Taurus, but for the most part there shouldn’t be that much overt struggle.

May

Keep your ears open around May 7th until the 13th, as Mercury squares Pluto and Mars before meeting with Uranus at the very end Aries. The impulsive, and potentially irritable, energy will be quite strong – great for expressing well-thought-out ideas, but there could also be a tendency to blurt out the first thought that pops into your head. We’ll all want to speak our truths at the same time, a recipe for cacophony more than symphony, but you can learn a lot if you listen carefully.

Goddess of Love Venus squares Neptune on the 7th, too, as the Sun comes into alignment with Jupiter and Pluto. Relationships can be put into soft focus and we can take off on a fantasy trip, but there may be more serious issues bubbling beneath the surface as egos are inflated.

I’ve already said a lot about Uranus’ ingress into Taurus on the 15th, accompanied by the new moon and a square from Mars. While the energy in the collective is sure to be significant, in our personal lives we may begin to feel some rumblings in the foundations of our lives. How do your ideas about things match up with the current reality (and just what is your current reality?). Mars will be retrograding over this point until September – like any major change, the transitions we are pushed to make will unfold in steps.

A sense of freedom colors the air around the 19th, as Venus makes an easy aspect to Uranus. Yet just a day later a square to Chiron may stir up old relationship wounds. As has been the case for most of this year, we find ourselves taking steps forward and back as we try to find our path.

The first quarter moon on May 21st deserves some extra attention, as it is in the same Moon Family with last August’s solar eclipse. Changes that were seeded at that time begin to come to manifestation now, in both our personal and collective lives.

As we build towards the upbeat Sagittarius full moon on the 29th, we stumble across a serious opposition of Venus and Saturn on the conservative Cancer/Capricorn axis on the 26th. This is very likely to feel like a make-or-break time in relationships, as we contemplate going deeper and getting to the next level, or realizing that our needs aren’t being met. Watch for emotional reactivity to interfere with decision-making, although there is also good potential to express yourself clearly.

June

Harmonious aspects reign at the beginning of the month, including Venus in easy aspects to Jupiter and Neptune on the 1st and 2nd. It should be a fun, outgoing, sociable time.

By the 5th, though, the goddess’ opposition to Pluto brings a more serious tone to things, and some power and control issues could emerge. As Mercury goes on to square Neptune, we may not be getting (or giving) accurate information. It’s a little too easy to make a good case for something, even if the facts have to be distorted. Actions speak much louder than words at this time.

The Neptunian vibe continues throughout the month, challenging us to figure out what’s real on the one hand, and enticing us to escape on the other hand. The Sun squares Neptune on the 7th, and the God of the Seas stations to retrograde on the 16th. Use this period to meditate and develop your spirituality, keeping a wary eye on more practical matters.

On June 14th, Venus squares Uranus. In Leo, Venus would like to get out and have some fun: stopping in at parties, going to a show, working on a creative project, and having a little romance. Uranus is all for shaking things up, but in Taurus he may favor tackling a project around the house, cooking a new meal, or redesigning the garden. With so many options, the key is to choose something and make the most of this high-energy day.

As the month ends, energy continues to build towards the Capricorn full moon on the 28th. Mars stations to retrograde on the 26th, the Sun opposes Saturn on the 27th, then Ceres enters Virgo just hours after the full moon, going over the point of last August’s solar eclipse on the way. The feel may be like slamming on the brakes when you suddenly realize you’re moving way too fast – slowing down doesn’t necessarily mean regaining control. After a midmonth when we questioned reality, we may suddenly find it at our doorstep and demanding attention.

The last major aspect of the month is a square between Mercury and Uranus, another time when words may fly faster than thoughts, and thoughts faster than facts. Brilliant ideas can emerge alongside kooky flights of fancy, so take notes – but expect it will take some time to sort out what’s real.

Armand M. Diaz, Ph.D. uses an intuitive and heart-centered approach to astrology to help his clients. Armand has practiced divination for more than twenty years, working with the I Ching and Tarot in addition to astrology. He has published in various astrological journals, including The Mountain Astrologer. His most recent book, Separating Aspects: The Astrology of Breakups, Divorce, and Other Partings, is available through Amazon and available on Kindle. He can be reached through his website at www.integralastrology.net.