April 29, 2014, New Moon in Taurus With Partial Solar Eclipse – “Your Moment in the Sun”

We come to the end of April (some of us will say thankfully)

From Kris Waldherr's "Goddess Tarot"© come
The Empress, tarot's card for Venus.
Venus rules the sign of Taurus

knowing our strengths as well as our weaknesses.  This is great information to have heading into May and as a reward for the energetic travails of April, the universal calendar has dropped us into a New Moon in Taurus.  The sound you hear in a global sigh of relief.  The Moon is exalted in Taurus.  This means the projected energy is strong, stable and emotionally, grounded – a gift we can all use right now.

#5, Juno in "The Goddess Tarot"© represent's
The Hierophant (belief systems)
tarot's card for Taurus

A Taurian Moon is trustworthy.  It projects energy we can use to set the tempo for the next lunar cycle.  As with Mercury in Taurus, our thoughts turn to matters of safety, security and financial well-being.  This is a Moon for contemplating what those things mean to you and arriving at decisions that support your goals.  You’ll find yourself wanting to gather more information on how those goal might be met.  That’s good, because Taurus’ influence will not allow you to jump into a void and see where you drift. Again, as with Mercury in Taurus, the down side is that hallmark stubborn streak.  A decision made is a decision followed to the letter heedless of the counsel of others. Don’t charge blindly at the gate simply because that’s the direction you chose to go.  Wise counsel is always worth listening to even when it runs counter to your own opinions.

April 29th’s New Moon is a moon for artists and romantics.

Look for inspiration in both of those areas because Venus rules the sign of the bull and it’s here that the goddess of love turns earthy, connecting us to our natural talents and our sensuous nature.  Taurus feels through the senses.  Tread carefully though, and don’t allow self-esteem issues, either high or low, inhibit your creative, or loving nature.

There’s an extra power kick with this New Moon that supports

The Zorya from Kris Waldherr's
"Goddess Tarot"© beautifully represents
the power of #19, The Sun

deep meditations and transformation.  It comes from ( April 28, 2014 at 8:53 PDST) a partial solar eclipse.  This annular eclipse is in keeping with April’s theme of powerful configurations and events. It is a rare and remarkable gift for all of us.  The April 28th solar eclipse is called a non-central annular eclipse.  That means that the antumbra, or Moon’s shadow just grazes the Earth, its core, or center missing us.  That severely limits visibility of this solar event.  Okay, that doesn’t sound so unusual until you consider these facts.  During the last 5000 years there have been 3956 annular eclipses.  Only 68, or 1.7% of them have been non-central.  

Think about it. Every person on this planet, regardless of where and how they live has ended up here at this particular point in time to witness, whether they are aware of it or not, an occurrence that has a probability factor of 1.7%.  This annular solar eclipse is a cosmic life lesson and it should be viewed as such. At the very least this eclipse is a statement about taking a chance to fulfill your dreams no matter how great the odds against success appear to be.  It reminds us that brilliant discoveries occur at any time and that upon reflection, there are no ordinary moments.  You’ve been given a wonderful opportunity during this New Moon cycle to consider the meaning of random chance, odds and the significance of your own place in the Universe.  Don’t waste it.  

LADY ORACLE

November 3, 2013, New Moon in Scorpio With a Solar Eclipse – “Sugar Rush”

#13 - Transfiguration, from Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen's "Wizard's Tarot"©
Scorpio's card and the theme for
early November

There comes a point when there’s simply too much of a good thing.  This is true in astrology as well as in leftover Halloween candy and both can leave us groggy and feeling as if we’ve been on a three day bender.  We have Mercury Retrograde conjunct Sun, Saturn, and North Node in Scorpio.  These guys form a yod featuring Uranus in Aries at the apex. (See Blog: “Yod Nod”) The double fudge layer on all of this is that Uranus is also directly square Pluto on November 1st. However, the cherry that tops this rich and gooey mound of transformative energy is a New Moon in Scorpio with a hybrid, total solar eclipse chaser.  Sugar overload.

If you’re nervous about Scorpio’s energy, then perhaps it’s a good time to make a three day pilgrimage to a cloistered abbey.  If, however, you are ready to shake loose the status quo and step across the lines of regimentation that have been chaffing you for the past several months (if not a couple of years) take a deep breath, square your shoulders and step into the supped up transformative energy flow that is the best of Scorpio. 

The North Node represents the path of our personal growth –

Choi Roma's "Dreaming Way Tarot"©
presents The Fool, card for Uranus.
The Fool is ready for anything and puts his
faith in both providence and himself.

our future.  It offers us challenges that are meant to teach and inspire us. It’s a place where you learn to stand tall, gaining confidence with each stride.  When housed in Scorpio, North Node invites us to dive into the deeper mysteries of life and use our inborn talents to empower us and transform our lives.  The North Node clearly works well with Saturn, who’s mission is also to teach by issuing us challenges we can win.  

New Moons start a new cycle and there is no cycle stronger than one beginning with a an eclipse.  Eclipses are planetary reboots and we will feel the effects of the reboot for about six months.  In addition, this particular eclipse is a rare ‘hybrid’ type that starts out as an annular eclipse (ring of fire) before transforming into a total eclipse where the Moon’s shadow fully sweeps across the Earth.  Again, here we see the pivotal theme of the stars: Transformation.  The power in this eclipse asks us to seize the moment and use the best parts of Scorpio’s energy – their innate resourcefulness, focus, passion and drive –  to take control of our destiny.

#20, Judgement, from "Steampunk Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell carries
a two-fold message - Decision and Rebirth

Uranus, that whirling dervish a sweeping, societal change, squares Pluto (one of Scorpio’s ruling planets - See blog: "Sun In Scorpio, The House that Passion Built" ) the transformer.  Total Optimus Prime here. At this point the Zodiac it’s almost on planetary overload in terms of transformative energy.  For this reason, as I’ve stated before, Mercury Retrograde is your best friend.  Review, revise, renew and decide.  That’s your assignment.  You don’t get an extension because the dog ate your homework.  Get busy.  If the astrological energy for the next few days is a little overwhelming at times, cut back on your activity.  Practice quieting your mind through meditation, music and activities that require simple motor skills.   Let go of the past and look towards the future.  Release resentments and claim your life as your journey, not your parent’s, not your lover’s, not your sister’s and not even your neighbor’s cat’s journey.  Yours – unparalleled and unequaled. It’s time to rise and shine.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to my guest spot on Blog Talk Radio's "The Moment" for their Halloween show :)  Yay!  This is an terrific show designed to make you think, make you question and mostly, make you evolve.  Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m PST. Check it out!

New Moon In Taurus, May 9, with a Solar Eclipse Chaser - Boiler Maker or Pressure Cooker

Do you remember the guy on the 9 of Wands, RWCS version?  He has a bandage on his head and he’s using a wand to hold himself upright. He’s beat up, exhausted, but still standing there admiring the way those wands of his form a straight line. Welcome to the landscape of May’s New Moon in Taurus.  There are two keywords you need to know to navigate the 9th; perseverance and self-worth. Okay, so technically that’s three words, but you get the idea.

Taurus has a marvelous, focused energy that sees things through to a successful completion.  Slow and steady.  New moons bring fresh emotional cycles and eclipses work as planetary reboots.  The Annular Solar Eclipse of May 10th will alter our energy dynamic for the next six months.  The things to keep in mind, however, are that Saturn in Scorpio is in opposition to the Sun in Taurus (see blog “Sunday, April 28, 2013 - Saturn in Opposition To Sun in Taurus”) and Uranus and Pluto are building up to a perfect square.  What that means for us as individuals is that Saturn loves to teach us lessons about our inner strength by challenging us, so you may experience more than your fair share of stumbling blocks this coming weekend.  Should that happen, lean on Taurus to keep you focused, grounded and moving forward while you deal with the situation.  

A Uranus/Pluto square is a force to be reckoned with.  It lays the groundwork for revolutionary change on a global level.  If you don’t believe me, check out history.  The radicalism of the 60’s was birthed under a Uranus/Pluto square.  Hitler rose to power during a Uranus/Pluto square. Uranus is a planet of revolutionary process and swiping change, while Pluto is known for transformation and rebirth.  Will you wake up this Friday to a new world order?  Doubtful, but you might discover some, “mystic crystal revelations” to use in your own life. Use the square’s energy to create lasting, positive change. Know your value to yourself and to those around you. Stick with the goals you started during the Sun in Aries.  You may feel as if you’re butting your head against a brick wall right now, but Taurus has horns and if you are persistent, you will make the necessary progress.

This is your time to learn something about yourself, win, loose or draw.  It’s your belief in yourself that matters, as well as your commitment to your goals.  Keep an eye on your financial situation.  The Universe is on the in breath this week. I’m sure you’ve already felt the sense of tightening around you. Financial growth may seem nonexistent, but hold your course.  Every bit of that hard-gained ground you capture now, will become rich and fertile towards the end of the month.  Analyze your personal values, your financial resources, your possessions versus your self-worth. Strive to bring the tangible and the intangible into balance within your life.

LADY ORACLE

Below are two tables, one for tarot Major Arcana Cards and their planetary significance and one for he Uranus Pluto exact square dates.

Tarot Cards :

The Moon   -     #2, The High Priestess

The Sun      -    #19, The Sun

Taurus         -   #5, The Hierophant

Saturn         -   #21, The World

Scorpio       -   #13, Death

Uranus       -   #0, The Fool

Pluto          -   #20, Judgment

Uranus Pluto Exact Square:

May 20, 2013

November 1, 2013

April 21, 2014

December 15, 2014

March 16, 2015

Astrological Trends for May, 2013 - “Eclipses, Meteors and Squares, Oh My!”

May is jam packed with cosmic activity this month: Two eclipses, a meteor shower and a full on square between Uranus and Pluto. Right out of the gate we’ll notice that Taurus is holding a planetary rager with ‘A’ list guests. The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all hanging out with the bull for the first half of the month and on May 4th and 5th, we receive a visit from the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. 

Your ideas and sense of purpose germinated under the Aries Sun and Taurus’ ability to focus and maintain a steady pace make things take root this month.  The last quarter moon on May 2nd is in Aquarius. Stay the course. No drifting off on tangents.  Finish up the projects you began in April using fiery Aries (tarot’s Wands) energy. You can follow Aquarius’ different drum another day. Watch out for possessiveness when it comes to marking your territory during the first half of May. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth. Use them equally.  Mercury’s wonderful grounding energy will assist you in more open communications if you’ll let it.  Also, Mercury helps you to see further down the road and to plan for the long term reward. The Taurus/Mercury mix is not about what’s new and innovative, but more about common sense, as well as the tried and true.  

Venus urges you to express your affection with more than just words this month. Be romantic.  Use thoughtful gestures that show the people in your life how much you appreciate them. One note of caution: There’s still that air of possessiveness that must be acknowledged and restrained. Don’t get creepy.  Stay balanced in your relationships and watch out for the green-eyed monster. (No, not Mothra) Venus is the first to leave Taurus’ party on May 9th, just as the New Moon arrives.  Finding our natural rhythms may be easier said than done with Saturn in Scorpio seated in opposition to our New Moon in Taurus. Make no sudden moves or big decisions.  Hold your course steady just a few more days.

The New Moon on the 9th leads us into our first eclipse of the month.  Eclipses ramp up the power level and this one is no exception. We’ll experience an Annular Solar Eclipse (Moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun and makes the Sun look like a ring) on May 10th. This eclipse will be visible only to the Southern Hemisphere, but the power surge is planetary. Use it. The Uranus/Pluto power build up continues until the square becomes exact on May 20th.  More on that later.

Mars stays with Taurus for the entire month, but instead of the aggressive, no holds barred energy we’ve come to expect from Mars, we’ll feel a more focused, contemplative energy - a direct result of associating with patient, methodical (tarot’s Pentacles) Taurus. Where the first half of the month has been all about staying focused on our commitments, the second half of the month is more fun loving.  On May 25th we’ll have a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse leading us straight into the Full Moon on the 28th. I’ll be cover more on May’s events in up coming blogs.  For right now simply enjoy your ability to focus and work on your long-term goals.

LADY ORACLE

Here's a link to NASA's annular solar eclipse on May 10th