Celestial Notebook Overview May 2007

Until 21 May the sun, representing our sense of individuality and our essential values, is in Taurus: the ‘I am’ of Aries is given substance by the ‘I own’ of the first earth sign. Taurus represents what we value most and hold dear. On a more subtle level it represents what we value, both tangible and intangible.

The main theme this month is reviewing our values and consequently our relationship with money, security and resources. We need to question our standards of consumption and the impact it is having on our environment. Taurus is about simplicity and we are being asked to discover a simpler and more satisfying lifestyle. We are learning to do more with less and perhaps live a more peaceful and less pressurised life. It is time to redefine our priorities and focus on what is truly important.

Pluto at a personal level compels us to contact what is essential within ourselves and to free ourselves of all that serves no purpose in our lives. At a transpersonal level Pluto’s thirteen year transit through Sagittarius highlights the need for a complete overhaul (Pluto) of the ways in which we seek meaning (Sagittarius).

We need to narrow the gap between our true feelings and our actions, our inner selves and our outer selves. We need to focus on communicating our true feelings as the truth creates a line of connection. Where there is connection there is abundance – not just joy, creativity and peace but also money.

On 6 May, Jupiter in Sagittarius and Saturn in Leo form the second trine (co-operation) in a series of five that started in March and only ends in November 2008. Saturn represents effort and Jupiter represents grace: to have them conspiring in a positive way is a gift to be cherished. Saturn in Leo’s fear of failure is offset by the hope and optimism of Jupiter in Sagittarius; equal perspiration and aspiration spells success.

A few days later the Jupiter-Uranus square (Sagittarius-Pisces) becomes exact: Jupiter insists that we expand our world view. Should it be impossible for the world to expand due to circumstances, Jupiter will simply find a way to change circumstances so that expansion can occur. Uranus is the planet of unpredictable awakening. Squares provide the energy to overcome major obstacles that stifle our growth process; it invariably forces us to confront affairs that can only be resolved or understood through head-on, honest encounter. Jupiter is associated with both Sagittarius and Pisces which means that Jupiter’s beneficial energy is the stronger.

Although we may feel overwhelmed by the swiftness of the changes in the world, we need to have faith that everything is exactly as it should be: revolutionary technologies and methods for healing may develop in astounding ways, gestures of tolerance and generosity may become apparent and there could be a sudden reshaping of the social order.

The Mars (action)-Pluto (unconscious urges) square on 13 May could force issues: stay present and trust. By bringing trust into a situation and using the power of our mind, we are able to view and feel any matter with a positive expectancy.

Just before the new moon in Taurus on 16 May, Mars marches into Aries triggering a fresh cycle and a turn in a new direction. The main theme seems to be how we value our interdependence with our environment and with humanity. We live in a world of illusion where we all seem separate; yet no man is an island and should we remove the sea we would find one land. Unity, union and oneness are all truths of higher consciousness; this is why connection and setting aside the illusion of separateness is the healing of the world.

On 21 May the sun enters Gemini and the pace quickens: the simplicity and peace of Taurus makes way for the continual motion of Gemini. While the sun is in Gemini we need to give the world permission not to make sense. And just as well because Neptune, the boundaryless King of the Oceans turns retrograde (seemingly reversing) on the 24th.

Neptune retrograde is even more closely in touch with the power of the unconscious than Neptune direct and our receptivity to subtle emotional undercurrents will be intensified. It may become more difficult to exert inner discipline and a sense of order. When constructively utilised retrograde Neptune creates for those of us who are receptive, an almost mystical knack for discovering inventions that may benefit mankind. Leonardo Da Vinci, Helena Blavatsky and Ralph Waldo Emerson all have Neptune retrograde in their natal charts.

‘One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.’ Friedrich Nietzsche.