Astrological Forecast for May 2008

Astrologically, May is a very busy month, and as astrologers say, "as above, so below." We have no fewer than four planets stationing this month. The balance of energy will tilt between our personal needs and collective concerns, challenging us to remember that they are really two sides of the same coin.

The month starts off with two nice aspects between Venus, goddess of love, and a couple of more difficult characters, Pluto and Saturn, on the 1st. Although gentle Venus isn’t usually too comfortable in such company, these aspects are constructive and helpful. Relationships can benefit from the controlled influx of passion from Pluto and structure from Saturn. Additionally, it’s a good day to get something appraised or deal in art, as Venus also rules values and valuables.

The next day, Saturn begins the month’s stations by apparently stopping in the sky, and then moving forward. He’s been in reverse since last December, offering us the opportunity to reflect on what structures we want to create in the world. Now that he’s moving forward again, plans can advance more easily. On the days before and after the station, however, we’re all likely to feel that things are moving very slowly indeed, and progress appears to be at a halt. Saturn stations can lead to a sense of frustration and get us looking on the gloomier side of things. Remember that it’s like a rainy day - if you try, you can picture what a sunny day looks like.

On the 5th, we have a New Moon, usually a time to go inside ourselves and do some reflection. With the Saturn station so nearby, there may be little else we can do. Take some time to recharge your batteries now, as Saturn can be draining. Colds and other minor health problems seem to be very common around his stations.

It’s a very different picture on the 9th, when Jupiter stations to go retrograde. Jupiter is associated with optimism and inspiration, and his stations can give us a lift and infuse us with energy. Mars enters outgoing Leo on the same day, adding to the positive feelings. Overindulgence, in one way or another, is one of the potential problems that can come up, but with the First Quarter Moon just a couple of days away, this is a time of the month when we should feel things are moving once again. Keep an eye on Democratic political candidates and the party platform, as Jupiter is usually associated with progressive political movements.

The weekend of the 16th through the 20th promises to be a real roller coaster - at least for some of us. There’s an optimistic start, followed by some very intense energy and an uncertain ending. I can picture someone waking up on Tuesday morning in Las Vegas with a hangover, a wedding ring, and a stranger. But I don’t mean to spoil anyone’s fun.

Venus again makes a series of two nice aspects on the 18th and 19th, this time to Uranus and Jupiter. The first favors trying something new and different in romance, while the second infuses a general optimism and courage to go forward. The upbeat mood of the early part of the weekend might not last too long, though, so make use of the time when these good aspects are approaching. Friday night should be the best night of the weekend - Sunday may already be too late to take advantage of the cosmic help, with the full moon approaching.

The Full Moon on the 19th is in the sign of Scorpio, not a very good placement for the Moon. There’s an intensity to a Full Moon in this sign that can be problematic, as our feelings can go "off the rails" and spin out of proportion to whatever triggers them. With Venus squaring Neptune the next day, the potential for relationships to be affected is significant. At best, we’ll be sharing our dreams with our partners, but some of us might find that we’ve built our hopes on the shaky ground of illusion.

On the 22nd, the Sun is square to Saturn. This is a classic "brush with authority" aspect, so it certainly isn’t the day to ask for a raise or put in for your vacation time.

The 26th promises to be one special day, as both Mercury and Neptune station to retrograde. Either one of these events by themselves can lead to confusions, mix-ups, missed opportunities and mixed messages, but together it’ll be like riding in bumper cars with a couple of gin and tonics sloshing around inside us. This is certainly not a good day to make a decision about anything, and if at all possible avoid business meetings or anything that requires you to use your judgment. While we may not be clear about practical matters, however, this is a very good time to meditate and pursue spiritual activities. In fact, as Mercury will be retrograde for the next three weeks, you might consider this the beginning of a kind of "retreat."

Also on the 26th, Venus squares Saturn. Now, this aspect has a very serious tone to it, generally pushing us to get to the bottom line where relationships are concerned. The pressure to find out what’s really going on, however, is in direct contrast to the energy of Mercury and Neptune. So don’t demand to know what your partner is really thinking or feeling, and don’t try to explain what’s going on with you, either. Accept that any attempts to get to the truth are liable to get sidetracked, and simply let things go for a few days. Be aware that it’s a little too easy to break up with this configuration of planets, although even saying "goodbye" is probably not going to be as clear cut and final as you might think.

By the way, until Mercury goes direct on June 19th, avoid buying electronics and automobiles (or bicycles, for that matter), don’t sign contracts or cement agreements, and watch out for communication errors of all kinds.