The astrological feature this month is the Scorpio Total Lunar Eclipse on May 4th. It activates the polarity of Taurus and Scorpio, in a unique manner for you based upon wherever it falls in your natal chart. Out with the old and in with the new will be the theme for all of us. If you are not sure of what arena of your life that you will feel the effect, your birth chart provides the clues. The area of your birth chart will be highlighted by this Lunar Eclipse is best explained by an astrologer. The second best method to gain an understanding of the influences is to read the information provided for your Sun Sign and Ascendant later in this article.
Eclipses amplify the human experience of cosmic influences, so this Scorpio Full Moon is more than most in terms of concentration and intensity. Astrologers believe that each year when the Scorpio Full Moon occurs will generally be the most emotionally intense time of the entire year. The Moon in Scorpio exaggerates the primal reactions, causes releases, and stirs up unconscious material bringing revelations, especially regarding attachments and needs, and the prospect of separating or uniting with others.
Attachments, desires, needs, and hunger for power come up in an overstated manner. Commitments and contracts are an important part of evaluating what works in current relationships.
Taurus and Scorpio as a polarity in the zodiac are the archetypes that bring us an acute awareness of the many ways we are dependent upon human interaction for personal and spiritual growth. We experience the way in which we show up in loving relationships and intimate affairs, in contrast to the misuse of power that often occurs as a product of ego. We become more aware of any of the limiting conditions that can block our sense of wholeness. As you move through each day, remember that relationships mirror those aspects of ourselves that we are attempting to resolve in the process of being fully accountable, self aware, and on the journey we all take toward the experience of wholeness.
Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is the sign of developing stability in the physical/material world. It seeks to be self-sufficient and secure, having a value, instincts, and desire for fulfillment in the physical/material world. Taurus identifies resources, and in a determined and persistent manner, builds preserves and establishes stability, according to an inner value system.
Scorpio, more than any other sign of the zodiac, symbolizes the process of merging and gaining from the exchange of energy with others and in all aspects of exchange in life at large. Ego death is a part of the process of fusing. On a spiritual level we surrender to the higher powers that govern our universe. It takes trust on an emotional and financial level to share material and psychological resources. As well, joining together will naturally activate life lessons causing us to evaluate what patterns have an impact on successful outcomes in our primary relationships.
On the same day as the Scorpio Lunar Eclipse, Jupiter turns direct in Virgo bringing a turning point, especially for Sagittarius and Virgo people. Opportunities previously on hold can show signs of forward motion. Making more definite plans and further exploration of your direction will occupy your attention throughout the first week of May.
More important for everyone is the cycle of Venus and Mars, the two planets that have the job of teaching us how to be intimate and win in our love life. Venus and Mars are in Gemini but shortly after, on May 8th, Mars will enter Cancer asking for more security and increasing awareness of what you feel and what other people feel and greater concern about what actions will have what impact upon one?s emotional life. Following the cycles of Venus and Mars reveals the stages of personal growth most directly connected with intimacy and fulfillment available in personal relationships.
Venus will have an extended stay in Gemini as she has a retrograde cycle from mid-May to the end of June. Neptune begins a long retrograde cycle on the same day, increasing the spiritual reference points for defining personal growth in terms of our relationships. Retrograde Venus only occurs approximately every two years, and is retrograde for six weeks. Therefore, it is the planet having the least amount of time in a retrograde phase. Like any retrograde phase, there is discord with the life force demonstrated by the always direct experience of the Sun and the Moon. As well, Venus retrograde, as any planet?s retrograde phase, represents a time to go inward to review what has occurred in the past. With Venus, the ruler of Taurus and Libra, the subject of concern will be love and money. Often retrograde phases involve discovering what was previously unconscious, or a reaction out of unconscious motivations.
During a retrograde phase of Venus, it does not serve to try to jump ahead or to resolve the future concerning love, relationships, and money.
There may be a necessity to relive the past in some way in order to understand the karma and to liberate oneself from limiting patterns. The limiting patterns may be the result of the nature of a particular relationship. Karma to clear can be identified as originating within each individual, or in some cases, the product of two people or more combined.
Evolution always begins by using your relationships as mirrors in order to define what it is about you that attracted these particular people, patterns and experiences into your life. Being that Venus is in Gemini the process that each person goes through will be very much about sorting out the sources of information that dictate decisions, especially in reflection of recent occurrences. Give up agreeing with others for approval. Think again with the intention to align with what is best for you. The emphasis on communication, including deeper, rarely revealed feelings, will show up in many relationships.
With Venus in Gemini the search for information and understanding will continue to be prominent throughout the months of May and June. The value is placed upon on clear thinking, mental discipline, and communication, to establish an understanding about conflict resolution, especially if emotions run high or obstacles have prevented constructive outcomes.
Relationships promote many questions, conversations, and curiosities to arise. In the context of some circumstances people become more withdrawn from outside influences when Venus is retrograde. The objective is to connect with one?s internal value system rather than go along with social programs or other people?s ideas that are thought to be the method for you to find fulfillment. Suspend immediate decisions to resolve complex situations until you know more. You may need to figure out what is best for you. This can lead to an improvement in the overall function of your current relationship or prepare you to make better choices if you are involved with seeking for your mate.
Venus finally enters Cancer, the sign following Gemini on August 8th, Venus and Mars will not be in the same sign again this year until they have a conjunction in the sign of Scorpio late November 2004. At this point a new cycle begins having an influence on beginning new phases or beginning a new relationship with the potential of long lasting commitments.
Learning our lessons continues as long as you are alive so seize the opportunity to get it and do it so you can get on to the next. This is an ongoing process and this is growth. Immediately after the Taurus New Moon on May 19th, the Moon followed by the Sun enters Gemini. During June there will be oppositions and conjunctions by the Moon between June 2nd and 16th.
Venus turns direct on June 29th, providing many days for reflecting and integrating the new levels of awareness you gain. As the month of May unfolds into June the recognition is that the answers regarding what is currently best for you are found within.
Put this concept into practice on a daily basis: Other people are mirrors of you. If you love or hate something about another person, realize that they reflect something you love or hate about yourself. Also, take this to heart: There comes a time to reap the rewards or pay the dues of all we put into motion. Retrograde Venus is a time to examine yourself for the actions you have taken and the words you have spoken and the results of fulfillment or discontent you now experience.
If you define healing as the intention toward wholeness, include loving as the primary state of consciousness to attain. Unobstructed loving is the outcome of freeing yourself from the illusion of separation and the internal blocks in consciousness that have been handed down through the ages or assumed in this life time. Your spiritual work is essential for attaining this enlightenment.
Planetary healing is the result of the numbers of people that transform their own consciousness and put it into practice. Look in the mirror of life everyday and embrace what you see. Say thank you for bringing me this awareness and learn to love all aspects of yourself even as you choose the ultimate reality you are aiming for. Everything is designed to bring you home to your source and your eternal relationship with God.
