Party In The Cookie Jar

Executive Summary: Mercury’s latest retrograde zone begins, and a couple of major outer planets move into new signs.

Lunar Phases

Thursday, June 4, 11:30 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 28°02’ Capricorn

Monday, June 8, 10:00 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 17°38’ Pisces

Thursday, June 11, 22:25 UTC - Balsamic Moon, 6°01’ Taurus

Monday, June 14, 02:54 UTC - New Moon, 24°03’ Gemini

The latest New Moon which is immediately followed by a void of course Moon - almost rendering it useless (at least if you’re me). Grrr.

Thursday, June 18, 08:06 MDT - Crescent Moon, 12°07’ Leo

Sunday, June 21, 21:55 UTC - First Quarter Moon, 0°32’ Libra

Thursday, June 25, 21:12 UTC - Gibbous Moon, 19°19’ Scorpio

Monday, June 29, 23:57 UTC - Full Moon, 8°15’ Capricorn

Might be more about shedding light (Full Moon) on imbalances in our lives.

Void of Course Moon

Sunday, May 31, 13:21 UTC (Sagittarius) - Tuesday, June 2, 01:19 UTC (Capricorn)

35 hours 58 minutes

Thursday, June 4, 03:04 UTC (Capricorn) - 13:46 UTC (Aquarius)

10 hours 42 minutes

Friday, June 5, 19:51 UTC (Aquarius) - Sunday, June 7, 00:43 UTC (Pisces)

28 hours 52 minutes

Tuesday, June 9, 00:38 UTC (Pisces) - 08:33 UTC (Aries)

7 hours 55 minutes

Thursday, June 11, 08:22 UTC (Aries) - 12:28 UTC (Taurus)

4 hours 6 minutes

Saturday, June 13, 07:30 UTC (Taurus) - 13:06 UTC (Gemini)

5 hours 36 minutes

Monday, June 15, 02:54 UTC (Gemini) - 12:14 UTC (Cancer)

9 hours 20 minutes

Wednesday, June 17, 07:41 UTC (Cancer) - 12:05 UTC (Leo)

4 hours 24 minutes

Friday, June 19, 11:30 UTC (Leo) - 14:37 UTC (Virgo)

3 hours 7 minutes

Sunday, June 21, 17:33 UTC (Virgo) - 20:55 UTC (Libra)

3 hours 22 minutes

Wednesday, June 24, 04:11 UTC (Libra) - 06:43 UTC (Scorpio)

2 hours 32 minutes

Friday, June 26, 17:10 UTC (Scorpio) - 18:41 UTC (Sagittarius)

1 hour 31 minutes

Sunday, June 28, 05:05 UTC (Sagittarius) - Monday, June 29, 07:19 UTC

26 hours 14 minutes

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Transiting Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Friday, June 12; it stations retrograde on Monday, June 29.

Transiting Pallas is in her pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Juno begins June in her pre-retrograde shadow; she stations retrograde on Friday, June 5.

Transiting Vesta enters her pre-retrograde shadow on Sunday, June 14, and remains there for the rest of the month.

Transiting Jupiter exits its post-retrograde shadow on Saturday, June 6.

Transiting Saturn is in its pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Pluto is retrograde all month.

Ingresses

Monday, June 1 - transiting Mercury enters Cancer

Saturday, June 13 - transiting Venus enters Leo

Friday, June 19 - transiting Chiron enters Taurus

(Just a taste; Chiron will retrograde back into Aries on September 17/18, 2026.)

Sunday, June 21 - transiting Sun enters Cancer

(aka the Cancer Solstice)

Sunday, June 28 - transiting Mars enters Gemini

Tuesday, June 30 - transiting Jupiter enters Leo

(Jupiter becomes the last of the outer planets to move along into the next sign.)

Opportunity Periods

Friday, June 5, 16:00 UTC - 19:51 UTC. “Another short OP especially positive for networking and getting your ideas across.

Friday, June 12, 18:37 UTC - Saturday, June 13, 13:06 UTC. “An excellent Last Quarter Moon OP for finishing up projects and having fun afterward.”

Tuesday, June 16, 20:12 UTC - Wednesday, June 17, 12:05 UTC. “Great waxing Moon OP for starting something new with renewed emotions after the New Moon. Last OP before Mercury starts to slow down to turn retrograde.”

Sunday, June 21, 09:03 UTC - 17:33 UTC. “A resourceful waxing Moon OP good for productivity, but Mercury just slowed down, so use it for practical matters.”

Sunday, June 28, 05:05 UTC - Monday, June 29, 07:19 UTC. “Here we have a joyous time to have fun, make friends, and even find romance.”

Et Cetera

These are the days in June during which (1) the Moon is in a particular sign, and (2) making a flowing aspect to the ruler of that sign. (Almost always a trine or sextile, sometimes a conjunction).

Sun: Wednesday, June 17, 12:05 UTC - Friday, June 19, 11:30 UTC

Great for “working on yourself” (as we used to call it back in the 1970s), especially if what you need to do is speak/write about yourself to someone. And of course we can benefit from listening to other people.

Mercury: Friday, June 19, 14:37 UTC - Sunday, June 21, 09:03 UTC

Happens just before Mercury enters its Storm (slowing down drastically before its retrograde station), making this an excellent time to be sure that all our ducks are in a row. We may want to set some goals based on what Mercury is up to in our birth charts.

Venus: Sunday, June 21, 20:55 UTC - Monday, June 22, 17:15 UTC

Very sociable. We’re all about making the contacts (although beware of overcommitment). Good for the arts, too, especially the more esoteric and intellectual pieces.

Jupiter: Sunday, June 7, 00:43 UTC - Tuesday, June 9, 00:38 UTC

Our last fling with the Moon and Jupiter supporting each other by mutual reception (ie they’re in each other’s signs) for the next 11-12 years. Positive attitude and prayer!

Saturn: Thursday, June 4, 13:46 UTC - Friday, June 5, 14:51 UTC

Good for working on longer-term societal goals, for being able to work productively alone, and the more “scientific method” side of Saturn/Aquarius.

Uranus: Thursday, June 4, 13:46 UTC - 18:19 UTC

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries:this week starts a period where it is good timing if you need to move, find a roommate, or do some deep cleaning at home. but inside your household there should be movement, one way or another.

taurus: you have resources you were not aware of. you may be made aware of them this week. it is up to you whether you want to use them now or save them for a harder time.

gemini: even as your mercurial ruling planet exits your sign it's a quite mercurial period of time. the exchange of money (and other resources and goods) is very auspicious now; this is not the time to hoard wealth, although it's not the time to go into debt either.

cancerians: much alchemy continues in your subconscious, with or without your effort or awareness. but now some of that leaks into your outer world; other people can see it before you can, but it is forging some new part of your identity and melting down old parts.

leo: friendships are in a state of flux; new ones appear, old ones dissolve, reunions occur. all of this nourishes you, even if the losses feel hard. besides, how can you know if the changes are even permanent?

virgo: if you have a reputation to build in any capacity, or are working to leave a legacy behind you (which you are, we all are, consciously or not) then this week is supportive but in ways that may seem surprising. maybe you like surprises and maybe you don't, but overall this is beneficial to you even if it presents some current inconveniences.

libra: as much as you can, focus this week on the philosophical and spiritual. you may have some kind of awakening or flash of enlightenment or at least finally understand a concept that has long eluded you.

scorpio: gemini season ongoing means shared resources for you, and/or inherited ones. keep all your taxes and promises paid and kept. this kind of diligence pays off nicely in the long run.

sagittarius: you need novelty in life and in partnerships alike. if you have a partner, right now that's just what they need now. sometimes it's not that the spark has gone out so much as that it just needs a little variety.

capricorn: this week, have the hard conversations you've been putting off. approach them gently and peacefully, because aggression is not going to be handled well, but cooperative efforts will be generally appreciated by anyone worth having in your inner circle.

aquarius: you are so extra creative at this time. don't let it go to waste. it doesn't have to be art if that's not your thing; you can build: carpentry, community, security. you can teach, share, plant trees. fertility (of ALL kinds) is high right now for you especially if you're an aquarius rising.

pisces: your psychic antennae pick up more omens than usual this week, although it may not be easy to discern which ones are important or even actually true. write things down as they ping off your intuition and then revisit them with a sharp eye in a week or so, and practice knowing the difference between real intuition vs anxiety.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

Sunday, May 31, 08:45 UTC, 9°56’ Sagittarius

Chart erected for Washington, DC

Sabian Symbol: a golden haired goddess of opportunity

The key phrases for the Full lunar phase are “culminate, fulfill, illumine, manifest;” and “pour all our energy and efforts into our intentions.”

I’ve been (over)thinking about this one all week - in the context of “Gemini can’t see the forest for the trees, and Sagittarius can’t see the trees for the forest.” (Similar split for Virgo-Pisces, by the way.) There’s also the fact that Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, exits its retrograde zone on June 6/7 - and Mercury, ruler of Gemini, enters its retrograde zone on June 12/13 - covering almost exactly the same Zodiacal ground. It’s like, Jupiter gave us an idea of the bigger picture; now Mercury will help us with working out the details.

The lunation itself - it’s pretty good, without anything really dire or traumatic. If/When we work with it, we may want to keep the Jupiter and Mercury things in mind. Looking at the aspects the Moon and Sun will make:

To Pallas/Aries - looking for winning strategies

To Juno/Aquarius - looking for new alliances with more diverse people and groups

To Saturn/Aries - stepping up to our responsibilities, learning to work independently in solitude, &/or fighting to become worthy of what we’re trying to accomplish

The only problem/difficulty is that there are only a few hours after this Full Moon matures, before the Moon goes void of course - at 13:21 UTC on Sunday, May 31 - and remains void for not quite 36 hours afterward (eeek), not entering Capricorn until 01:19 UTC on Tuesday, June 2. I suggest using the time before the phase matures, maybe starting any time after the Moon enters Sagittarius (Sunday, May 31, 00:45 UTC).

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: a mars-pluto square can put you in a bad mood. remind yourself it is temporary, and don't act on manipulative desires. at the same time, be careful of anyone who might not have your best interests at heart. surround yourself with protections.

taurus: ceres is about to move into your second house and bring abundance to your resources - including money. with mars hanging around, possibly also additional sources of energy. this is also a time to make sure you're living in alignment with your values.

gemini: it is mercury's last week in your sign. but this week, ceres arrives in gemini. she grants fruitfulness, and for you that may look like great ideas, important information, or a burst of vitality.

cancerians: it is possible that this week churns up a lot of psychic/psychological gunk. filter it with care, and don't believe everything you think. when mercury arrives in your sign next week, you'll start to feel more clarity.

leo: be sure that you are among friends, and good ones, real ones. also that you are a good friend to your friends! social support is massive as ceres enters gemini, so build it and make use of it and provide it as a system and web with everyone who matters to you. it is also a good time to meet new friends.

virgo: your ruling planet (and that's ceres, how i do things) heads into fellow mutable sign gemini and your 10th house this week, blessing all tenth house themes for you with abundance and fruitfulness. next week, your ancient co-ruler (mercury, the classic) leaves gemini for cancer. so focus on whatever 10th house stuff gets your attention this week, and then have a good time with friends later. whatever you accomplish now should be celebrated.

libra: several disparate vibes contribute to you looking poised and elegant no matter what is going on internally. hopefully you're just as calm and collected on the inside, but if not, don't worry, no one is judging you for it because they can't even tell. if you need them to know, you'll have to tell them.

scorpio: so many scorpionic themes are present this week. all of it is good for you but some parts are very challenging. you're not one to shy away from depth, but other people often do. be patient with them and lead by example.

sagittarius: ceres into gemini blesses your commitments, particularly if you are married or betrothed. these sorts of relationships are ripe with abundance, and if you are more single or freespirited than all that, your one-on-one interactions are still fertile and help you to be more of your best.

capricorn: if you were thinking about beginning a new cohabitation, it isn't a good time. but it can also be rocky if you're planning to move or commit to some new relationship or friendship or business partnership. for just this week, it is rather a lot better to keep mostly to yourself and your independence.

aquarius: you have more creativity than you can perhaps handle this week, starting with ceres in gemini. that will last for a few weeks. find ways to express it in case it otherwise drives you a bit crazy. for aquarians who want children, this is also a good time to care for them, birth them, conceive them, or otherwise plan for them.

pisces: increasingly mutable vibes both galvanize and frazzle you. keep in mind that for the most part the sensations in the body of anxiety and excitement are the same. you can convince yourself one is the other as needed. it's mostly about how you decide to interpret the signals.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: mars exits his domicile in your sign and heads for taurus, your second house. this is good news if you've been too hotheaded or impulsive lately. focus on making money and shoring up any resources you are going to require in days to come.

taurus: your ruling planet enters cancer shortly after mars enters your sign. you have stamina overflowing if it is needed, but also the urge to take a nap (or many naps.) indulge the latter unless the former is needed for an urgent situation.

gemini: uranus fresh in your sign is not done entertaining the personal planets, as the sun arrives for a conjunction this week. people think you're a genius and in some ways you really are. keep a notebook of ideas, and don't get too committed to any one of them.

cancerians: venus and the moon ingress into your sign on the same day this week, about an hour apart. by and large this is auspicious for you, but especially at first it may be very intensely emotional, even if no particular stimulus for the emotions is obvious.

leo: it may feel like someone (or just the universe) is trying to drag you down; there is a ton of water and earth energy this week. but this is not intentional or malicious. use it as encouragement to slow down long enough to smell the roses.

virgo: mars into taurus and venus into cancer this week are both good news for you; less heated and flighty, more grounded and soothing. you have the stamina to do deep work and still close with your loved ones.

libra: your ruling planet venus enters cancer and begins to grace your public image; change profile pictures, ask for raises, and similar things around this time.

scorpio: of old, your ruling planet was mars, and some still consider it as such. this week it moves into taurus, your house of relationships. so while it may be considered debilitated there, it adds a certain spice or fire to your relationships, if you like.

sagittarius: a focus shifts to your day to day schedule with some emphasis also on resources you share with a spouse or partner, or inherit from someone. it's not necessarily a windfall, but it is a nice time to move in together if that's a situation you're looking at.

capricorn: mars into taurus should be good for your creative, fun, and romantic pursuits, especially if capricorn is your rising sign. you have both the drive and the stamina, and with venus then arriving at cancer, sparks are bound to fly if the situation is romantic.

aquarius: the sun conjoins your modern ruling planet uranus in gemini this week. this is full of golden revelation and surprises. on the one hand, be cautious about your physical safety, especially around electricity or travel by air. but the bigger aura about it is very positive, like you are crowned with genius.

pisces: you have a romantic week in store in several different ways, and if it doesn't manifest in obviously interpersonal ways it manifests in the glow of a candle, the scent of baking cookies, or the unfurling of a flower.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

Saturday, May 16, 20:01 UTC, 25°58’ Taurus

Chart erected for Washington, DC

Sabian Symbol: a Spaniard serenading his señorita

The key phrase for the New lunar phase is “set a new intention for the month” - nothing drastic or extreme, just one good habit we think we can establish in one month’s time.

FINALLY! The Moon will not go void of course as soon as the phase matures! Thank you, Cosmos!!

Looking at the chart, we can see that both Mercury and Ceres are involved. That gives a definite Virgo seasoning to the overall Taurus feel: in addition to the Taurus creed of being “resourceful, productive, and stable,” we can add a taste of “efficient and sustainable.”

There’s also a separating sextile to Jupiter/Cancer - a bit on the wide side, granted - “separating” means that the aspects have already matured, and the energy is waning. My idea about separating aspects is that we already know (or have a good idea) about where to direct the energies.

These aren’t exactly earth-shaking aspects, and it isn’t exactly an earth-shaking chart, anyway. I keep thinking about something we can quietly nurture and grow (Moon, Ceres, Taurus), based on the house it falls into in our individual birth charts, and any aspects it makes to our natal placements. (In the natal 6th, for example, making quiet changes to the diet &/or exercise plans that pay off in the longer run.)

There’s a brief void of course Moon on Sunday, May 17, between 01:02 UTC and 02:23 UTC, before the Moon enters Gemini. It makes a flurry of mostly flowing aspects (my impression is, dizzying) before going void of course at 19:36 that same day, and remaining void until Tuesday, May 19, at 01:46 UTC. (That’s 30 hours, 10 minutes.) A void Gemini Moon is terribly distracted, and distracting to others. Some basic breathing exercises will help us through.

Executive Summary: building up to a modest but powerful Taurus New Moon.

Lunar Phases

Wednesday, May 13, 13:32 UTC - Balsamic Moon, 7°48’ Aries

The key phrases for the Balsamic lunar phase are “let go of the past,” and “envision the future.” (1) Don’t be in such a big hurry; and (2) rest up, before life forces some inactivity on you.

Saturday, May 16, 20:01 UTC - New Moon, 25°58’ Taurus

The key phrases for the New lunar phase are “set a new intention for the month” - nothing drastic, just a good habit you think you can establish in one month’s time. Really nice! There’s a little Virgo flavor with this one; we can combine “resourceful, productive, and stable” with “efficient and sustainable.”

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, May 12, 10:04 UTC (Pisces) - Wednesday, May 13, 00:04 UTC (Aries)

14 hours 0 minutes

Thursday, May 14, 21:33 UTC (Aries) - Friday, May 15, 02:31 UTC (Taurus)

4 hours 58 minutes

Sunday, May 17, 01:02 UTC (Taurus) - 02:23 UTC (Gemini)

1 hour 21 minutes

Sunday, May 17, 19:36 (Gemini) - Tuesday, May 19, 01:46 UTC (Cancer)

30 hours, 10 minutes

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Pallas/Aries, Juno/Aquarius, Saturn/Aries

Retrograde: Pluto/Aquarius

Post-retrograde shadow: Jupiter/Cancer

Transiting Mercury has its Superior Conjunction with the Sun on Thursday, May 14, 14:24 UTC, at 23°48’ Taurus. The halfway point of the Sun-Mercury cycle; a time to “reflect on and share” our insights with others.

Ingresses

Wednesday, May 13, 16:12 UTC - transiting Vesta enters Aries

She enters her pre-retrograde shadow on June 14, so we’re focused on setting that time up for success over the next few weeks.

Sunday, May 17, 10:26 UTC - transiting Mercury enters Gemini

Another quickie for Mercury. Most of the aspects are in the first few days of the transit. Take deep breaths!

Et Cetera

There is one Opportunity Period this week: Saturday, May 16, from 19:01 UTC to 20:01 UTC. This is one-half hour before and after the Taurus New Moon. “If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: this week's new moon can be very good for your finances IF you are spending wisely. it is also a good time for you to write/speak if you need to make an intellectual or shocking appeal to some audience.

taurus: this month's new moon is in your sign and it happens later this week! it's useful if you want to re-invent yourself, or the impression you make on others. set intentions around aesthetics, mannerisms, and your own vitality and habits.

gemini: this week, mercury comes home to your sign! of course this necessitates some interaction between mercury and its so-called higher octave uranus, now also in your sign. this is very cerebral and zappy; be careful with electricity and electronics, and proofread your missives. mercury is not retrograde but it is at peak trickster vibes. the ingress is late in the week but the interaction is something you likely feel early.

cancerians: there's seldom a better time than this week for you to make new friends, or at least put out some feelers about communities, clubs, and groups you can join. you don't have to become a social butterfly, just accept an invitation perhaps.

leo: it's perfect timing for leonic types - especially leo ascendants - who want to start a new career or make a real mark on the future. take tangible actions to those ends if this describes you.

virgo: both ceres ad mercury (imo your co-rulers) are in the spotlight in different ways this week but the gist of this is that your public life, particularly if you are any sort of academic or in publishing, are in focus, and not just for you. you are seen, so act the way you want to be perceived.

libra: gemini vibes are high and getting higher and this is broadly beneficial to you, especially if you have ambitions in academia, long distance travel, foreign business, or publishing. any little surprises should be more pleasant than not.

scorpio: the concentration of planets in taurus and gemini highlight your most intimate relationships this week. it can be beneficial to pool resources with a romantic partner, but be sure to do your due diligence and have everything on solid ground first. rushing here will backfire.

sagittarius: you need nutrition and regulation. starve yourself of nothing, but don't overindulge either. moderation - temperance, in the tarot - is your aim now, or should be.

capricorn: please consider starting a new hobby, or taking some time to intentionally indulge in one you have mostly abandoned. creative acts of all ilk are beneficial, and if you can implement a little of this creativity and recreation into every day as a sacred part of the routine, so much the better.

aquarius: make sure you have a creative outlet and keep that channel open for yourself. brilliant ideas are raining down on you all week but especially by the weekend. don't let them go to waste. make judicious use of a notepad, journal, or a notes app on your phone.

pisces: this is a good week for you to volunteer or otherwise be present as a member of community. this can even be communing with nature, but there is a note of humanity to it. on top of that if you have a message to make public or to publish, do it this week.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: jupiter, exalted in cancer, squares off with mars in your sign. but this is not really like most squares. you have outgrown something and it's uncomfortable but it's time to acknowledge it so that you can expand your comfort zone and into your new situation, like a hermit crab.

taurus: someone may try to twist your words to suit their own aims. actually, you can probably let them. whoever matters likely know the truth. and if you really feel you must speak up and defend yourself, try to do so with quiet strength, and not blustering noise. that calm elegance will empower you.

gemini: your ruling planet moves into a tense alignment with pluto in airy aquarius. this square is not easy but it is fast. so you may have one or two rough days this week. just think before you speak and remember that loose lips sink ships. that applies to posts online and texts as well.

cancerians: this is mostly a nondescript week for the sign of the crab, although the moon is always traversing the sky. others may project a lot on to you. you don't have to let them.

leo: if you have any project or particularly tedious chore to begin, it is the perfect week for it because you have both starting and staying power. meanwhile your task-switching abilities are pretty low.

virgo: if it feels like someone is slowing you down this can actually work to your benefit; stop and smell the roses, and focus on the granular details. on the other hand if you feel like they're *dragging* you down it can point to stale relationships and positions you may need to cast off.

libra: be careful to not allow your relationships to drag down or overwhelm (even positively) your broader life purposes. yes, relationships are related to your life purpose. but love is just one slice of the pie.

scorpio: both of the planets said to rule your sign are involved in their own separate squares this week, making it a tense time for you in relationships and at home (perhaps with a live-in partner if you have that) as well as any academic publishing or long distance travel you're engaged in. these things can still cruise along but they will need conscious assistance from you to succeed.

sagittarius: you may not be feeling your most creative, but even so, other people can see the work you have put in every day and your potential. if someone compliments you accept it graciously and return it if you can do so sincerely.

capricorn: you can expect some degree of relationship drama unless you really live under a rock. it isn't all bad. sometimes the drama helps the relationship (and its members) understand the things that really matter.

aquarius: if your home is not a sanctuary, this week's mercury-pluto square will itch at best and be quite painful at worst. make shifts towards a better home life. on the other hand if it *is* your oasis in the desert, make sure you are using it as such!

pisces: you're used to things being weird but this week expect to be out of your element. not because it is extra weird, nor because it is extra normal, it is just not your element. maybe you will learn something new or notice something wonderful.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

These are the days in May during which (1) the Moon is in a particular sign, and (2) making a flowing aspect to the ruler of that sign. (Almost always a trine or sextile, sometimes a conjunction).

Jupiter: Sunday, May 10, 17:39 UTC - Tuesday, May 12, 07:29 UTC

A nice extended opportunity (and one of the last ones before Jupiter changes signs) to work on being more positive and forgiving. Very spiritual.

Saturn: Friday, May 8, 07:27 UTC - Saturday, May 9, 03:17 UTC

Getting acquainted with the Saturnian side of Aquarius - the more scientific side. Ideas about improving society as a whole. (These won’t necessarily be “left wing,” “progressive” ideas.)

Uranus: Friday, May 8, 07:27 UTC - 08:50 UTC

Executive Summary: quieter; rest up while you can.

Lunar Phases

Friday, May 1, 17:23 UTC - Full Moon, 11°21’ Scorpio

Real healing vibes with this one. The more positive we are, the more healing we do. Purge the toxins and let go.

Tuesday, May 5, 19:46 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 0°19’ Capricorn

Saturday, May 9, 21:10 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 19°15’ Aquarius

Wednesday, May 14, 13:32 UTC - Balsamic Moon, 7°48’ Aries

Saturday, May 16, 20:01 UTC - New Moon, 25°58’ Taurus

Conjunct both Mercury and Ceres, which adds some Virgo vibes to the overall Taurus abundance. We focus on something useful we want to see grow.

Wednesday, May 20, 00:22 UTC - Crescent Moon, 14°02’ Cancer

Saturday, May 23, 11:11 UTC - First Quarter Moon, 2°21’ Virgo

Wednesday, May 27, 07:13 UTC - Gibbous Moon, 21°02’ Libra

Sunday, May 31, 08:45 UTC - Full Moon, 9°56’ Sagittarius

Very ideas-oriented. We’re more into talking about things than in actually doing them, though.

Void of Course Moon

Saturday, May 2, 08:47 UTC (Scorpio) - Sunday, May 3, 06:33 UTC (Sagittarius)

21 hours 46 minutes

Monday, May 4, 21:33 UTC (Sagittarius) - Tuesday, May 5, 19:06 UTC (Capricorn)

21 hours, 33 minutes

Thursday, May 7, 14:18 UTC (Capricorn) - Friday, May 8, 07:27 UTC (Aquarius)

17 hours 9 minutes

Sunday, May 10, 05:09 UTC (Aquarius) - 17:39 UTC (Pisces)

12 hours, 30 minutes

Tuesday, May 12, 10:04 UTC (Pisces) - Wednesday, May 13, 00:04 UTC (Aries)

14 hours

Thursday, May 14, 21:33 UTC (Aries) - Friday, May 15, 02:31 UTC (Taurus)

3 hours, 58 minutes

Sunday, May 17, 01:02 UTC (Taurus) - 02:23 UTC (Gemini)

1 hour, 21 minutes

Sunday, May 17, 19:36 UTC (Gemini) - Tuesday, May 19, 01:46 UTC (Cancer)

30 hours, 10 minutes

Wednesday, May 20, 11:27 UTC (Cancer) - Thursday, May 21, 02:48 UTC (Leo)

13 hours 21 minutes

Thursday, May 21, 22:05 UTC (Leo) - Saturday, May 23, 06:57 UTC (Virgo)

32 hours 52 minutes

Monday, May 25, 00:54 UTC (Virgo) - 14:34 UTC (Libra)

13 hours, 40 minutes

Wednesday, May 27, 11:32 UTC (Libra) - Thursday, May 28, 00:53 UTC (Scorpio)

12 hours, 21 minutes

Saturday, May 30, 00:05 UTC (Scorpio) - 12:45 UTC (Sagittarius)

12 hours 40 minutes

Sunday, May 31, 13:21 UTC (Sagittarius) - Tuesday, June 2, 01:19 UTC (Capricorn)

35 hours, 58 minutes

(There are so many excruciatingly long void Moons, I thought it would be better to list how long they all are. Be prepared!)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Transiting Mercury has its Superior Conjunction with the Sun (marking the halfway point of the Sun-Mercury cycle) on Thursday, May 14.

Transiting Pallas enters her pre-retrograde shadow on Wednesday, May 6, and remains there all month.

Transiting Juno is in her pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Jupiter is in its post-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Saturn is in its pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Pluto stations retrograde on Wednesday, May 6.

Ingresses

Saturday, May 2 - transiting Mercury enters Taurus

Wednesday, May 13 - transiting Vesta enters Aries

Sunday, May 17 - transiting Mercury enters Gemini

Monday, May 18 - transiting Mars enters Taurus

Tuesday, May 19 - transiting Venus enters Cancer

Wednesday, May 20 - transiting Sun enters Gemini

Thursday, May 28 - transiting Ceres enters Gemini

Opportunity Periods

Friday, May 1, 17:23 UTC - Saturday, May 2, 08:47 UTC. “Solid time during the Full Moon that is good for gaining perspective and making sound decisions.”

Monday, May 4, 07:16 UTC - Tuesday, May 5, 19:06 UTC. “You can apply this exciting energy for creativity, working with groups, romance, etc.”

Saturday, May 16, 19:31 UTC - 20:31 UTC. This is one half hour before and after the Taurus New Moon. “If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

Tuesday, May 19, 21:40 UTC - Thursday, May 21, 02:48 UTC. “Get your innovative projects off the ground. This OP is suitable for anything you want to see grow.”

Sunday, May 24, 10:06 UTC - Monday, May 25, 00:54 UTC. “Short waxing Moon OP great for communication, productivity, and lofty undertakings.”

Et Cetera

The Taurus Cross-Quarter Day (when the Sun reaches 15°00’00” of Taurus) falls on Tuesday, May 5, at 11:49 UTC. It happens during a void of course Sagittarius Moon* (Ms M swears in two languages), so I’m a little doubtful about if/how we can use that. Wait a few hours until the Moon enters Capricorn, maybe? That will mean the Moon squares all those Aries placements (Mars, Pallas, Saturn, Chiron, Neptune, Eris) - and the Moon is in its detriment in Capricorn. Celebrate beforehand, while the Moon is in Sagittarius? That’s a bit better. Traditional Beltane/Samhain on May 1? Full Moon in Scorpio, the sign of the Moon’s fall. Arrgh.

Friday, May 1, 17:23 UTC, 11°21’ Scorpio

Chart erected for Washington, DC

Sabian Symbol: an embassy ball

The key phrases for the Full lunar phase are “culminate, fulfill, illumine, manifest;” and “pour all our energy and efforts into our intentions.”

Happy Beltane/Samhain to those who celebrate on the traditional day!* Gosh, you even get a Full Moon - and a pretty decent one, all things considered.

(* - I’m always on the astrological day, myself, but I’ve been “stargazing” for over 40 years now, and that’s what feels right to me.)

The Moon is in its “fall” in Scorpio - occupying the sign which opposes the sign of her exaltation - and some astrologers consider this placement worse than a Capricorn (detriment) Moon. On this blog, though, we look for ways that a planet in detriment or fall can work on developing an important skill which it might not otherwise bother with. Here, that skill can be in accepting all emotions, the fierce as well as the gentle, in a nonjudgemental way. We’re a lot better at healing ourselves and others when we can acknowledge “uncomfortable” feelings as being just as valid as the “comfortable” ones. How can we purge toxicity if we habitually turn our faces from it?

An eventual trine from the Moon to Jupiter/Cancer will help us put a more positive spin on the energy. There’s also an Opportunity Period which begins as soon as the Full Moon matures, lasting until 08:47 UTC on Saturday, May 2. “Solid time during the Full Moon that is good for gaining perspective and making sound decisions.” Be brave!

The Moon is void of course from 08:47 UTC on Saturday, May 2; lasting until 06:33 UTC on Sunday, May 3. This is when we need to exercise caution - when the potential for the “bad craziness” of a Scorpio Moon might manifest.

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: there's obviously still a lot going on in/for your sign but this week, mercury heads out for taurus. you're still in high gear but perhaps your thoughts slow down enough for you to stabilize. furthermore, it's an excellent time to gain/improve control over your finances and monetary exchanges. maybe cut a few unnecessary subscriptions out of your monthly payments. maybe add something really worth the cost.

taurus: with mercury in your sign, others may be frustrated with slow, plodding, careful thoughts and systems. but you know the value in taking your time. don't be rushed. don't rush yourself. your relationships are also worth proceeding in slowly. the long game, the smoldering slow burn.

gemini: your ruling planet moves from aries to taurus this week. avoid gossip, and be aware that there may be rumors about you floating around behind your back. if you can, try to chat with your ancestors or learn more about them, or any other spirits who intrigue you.

cancerians: a scorpio full moon this week may have you feeling particularly possessive. but grasping too tightly can cause leakage and cracking. maintain the integrity of your relationships and various interests by a gentle touch, not too controlling.

leo: full moons are good for socializing and this one is not an exception BUT, you get bonus points if you host at your home. if you're not up for it that's fine, you can still maximize the full moon vibes by caring for your home privately.

virgo: mercury into taurus is quite auspicious for you. your attention to detail continues to serve you well and yet you're not feeling as frenzied and frantic. a full moon in scorpio meanwhile makes community service quite auspicious.

libra: the moon passing through your sign just before the full moon in scorpio can feel amped up but it's preparing you for some kind of breakthrough in your resources and/or values.

scorpio: full moons are a roughly monthly occurrence but only about once a year so they happen in your sign; this week is that one full moon and it highlights your self-relationship axis just as mercury enters taurus. so by the end of the week you're in a great position to communicate your needs, desires, or anything with other people.

sagittarius: especially late in the week, this can be a good time to focus on and fine tune your schedule and day to day routines. make sure they are helping you and not dragging you down.

capricorn: your sign is known for its hard work and ambition, less well known for your ability to have a good time in a rather dionysian way. you know what they say about all work and no play. you've been working hard lately. this week, be sure to balance it out. divine madness due to wine and spirits is optional but not some manner of revelry.

aquarius: this week's full moon is an opportunity to restore the balance between your public and private lives. remember that it is much less exhausting to live authentically. you love authenticity of course but you also have a tendency to compartmentalize. if the opportunity isn't obvious, make it yourself.

pisces: this week is vibing like a weird deep sea journey. things look weird and not everything is quite what you think it is. also there is a significant amount of pressure. now, you're not a scorpio; you can handle the weirdness but pressure is less of your wheelhouse. de-stress as much as possible.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.

FIRST DECANATE: APRIL 20 THROUGH APRIL 30

Keyword:Acquisition

Constellation:Triangulum, the Triangle, mystic symbol of truth and harmony. 

Planetary subruler:Venus

Venus is both your ruler and subruler, and its gracious influence is prominent in your character.Though you have strong likes and dislikes, you are not abrasive about them.You have a charming social touch, and many friends are devoted to you.Your kind and sympathetic nature is easily imposed on.You have an artistic eye for beauty and design and may possess musical ability.Venus in this decanate indicates a love of beautiful possessions.Generally, your instinct for value is useful; in time many of your possessions should be worth more than you paid for them.Sometimes you are too acquisitive and materialistic.Your worst faults are your stubbornness and a refusal to venture out into new areas.

SECOND DECANATE: MAY 1 THROUGH MAY 10

Keyword:Evaluation

Constellation:Eridanus, the River Po, a winding current that symbolizes justice. 

Planetary subruler:Mercury

Mercury combines with Venus (Taurus’s ruler) to give you an inquisitive mind and a great talent for organization.You are conservative in approach, but also possess intuitive powers that you should use more often.Because you are a determined worker, you inspire trust on the part of others.You have an instinct for cooperation, but you also need the independence to set your own pace, free from distractions.Your mental powers are very strong, and you can take complex ideas and make them understandable to others.Mercury here bestows an ability to speak and write ef- fectively, perhaps even eloquently.Sometimes you meddle too much into other people’s affairs, and you have a tendency to forget small details. 

THIRD DECANATE: MAY 11 THROUGH MAY 20 

Keyword: Determination

Constellation:Perseus, the Rescuer, the hero with winged feet and a sword who slew the Gorgon Medusa.Perseus is symbolic of victory. 

Planetary subruler: Saturn 

Executive Summary: some really long void Moons, interspersed with intense, densely packed bursts of activity

Lunar Phases

Monday, April 20, 17:32 UTC - Crescent Moon, 15°39’ Gemini

The key phrase for the Crescent lunar phase is “gather and mobilize resources.” This phase happens to mature smack dab in the middle of a 36-hour void Moon - better to wait until the Moon enters Cancer (Tuesday, April 21, 17:00 UTC) before using our “gut” to help determine what we need.

Friday, April 24, 02:32 UTC - First Quarter Moon, 3°56’ Leo

The key phrases for the First Quarter lunar phase are “take action” and “build new structures to support our intentions.” We have a very intense window (lasting until Friday, April 24, 22:21 UTC) for finding something we can wholeheartedly work with. Really, a time for doing and not for thinking, so plan ahead and be ready to ACT.

Void of Course Moon

Monday, April 20, 05:17 UTC (Gemini) - Tuesday, April 21, 17:00 UTC (Cancer)

(35 hours, 43 minutes long!)

Thursday, April 23, 19:28 UTC (Cancer) - 19:41 UTC (Leo)

(13 minutes long)

Friday, April 24, 22:21 UTC (Leo) - Sunday, April 26, 01:04 UTC (Virgo)

(26 hours, 43 minutes long)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Juno/Aquarius, Saturn/Aries (starting Monday the 20th)

Retrograde: nothing until May 6

Post-retrograde shadow: Jupiter/Cancer

Transiting Saturn enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Monday, April 20, 12:16 UTC, at 7°55’ Aries. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make the best of a bad situation.

Ingresses

Friday, April 24, 04:03 UTC - transiting Venus enters Gemini

This influence can lighten things up considerably. It’s more fun to think/talk about love, rather than actually do it.

Sunday, April 26, 00:50 UTC - transiting Uranus enters Gemini

With this ingress, we are “locked and loaded” for the next seven years of “all the generational planets in yang signs.” Fasten your seat belts.

Sunday, April 26, 05:06 UTC - transiting Pallas enters Aries

Pre-retrograde zone, we remember that Pallas is a warrior as well as a strategist. No use in learning anything if we aren’t going to deploy it.

Et Cetera

There is one Opportunity Period this week: from Wednesday, April 22, at 13:30 UTC, until Thursday, April 23, at 19:41 UTC. “Use this dynamic OP suitable for many things, including creativity, technology, romance, and family life.”

Migraine (I’m sorry!) so I need to keep this short:

Monday 05:17 UTC thru Tuesday, 17:00 UTC - void Gemini Moon

Tuesday 17:00 UTC thru Wednesday 13:30 UTC - Cancer Moon, a little pressure

Wednesday 13:30 UTC thru Thursday 19:41 UTC - Cancer Moon with an Opportunity Period, all systems “go”

Thursday 19:41 UTC thru Friday 22:21 UTC - First Quarter Leo Moon, show time!

Friday 22:21 UTC thru Sunday 01:04 UTC - void Leo Moon

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: to you, the major flux occurring may not feel chaotic so much as it feels like a new start. sometimes you have to end things to start new ones. you know how to grieve what is gone and you, better than any other sign, know how to move on holding that memory in your heart.

taurus: venus conjoins uranus at the last degree of your sign. yes, uranus is really moving on. for this week, you do not quite gain the solid sense of self you may be hoping for. still, be prepared to shift from a wavering identity to fickle finances. you know how to pinch and save and still seem luxurious, so it's time to start employing this superpower.

gemini: i would bet money that uranus will like being in your sign. it grants a certain amount of unpredictable charm. you know how to use that already and the ability is about to grow. for now, your friendships may seem in upheaval but it's showing who is fit to go with you into a new stage of life.

cancerians: while things may be difficult in terms of your public or career life, you can in fact use this energy as a launch pad to more and better. set good intentions and take action accordingly.

leo: the planetary atmosphere sparks a lot of passions for everyone, but for you that's kind of just a normal day in many ways. so you're likely to handle this better than many others might. meanwhile if you are involved in academic pursuits you should be using this time to really get serious about it!

virgo: not to be dramatic but you may never again have *such good astrology* to revamp your daily routines. they should, of course, be sacred rituals at least to some extent and as such they should be treated with great reverence.

libra: "love is a battlefield"? maybe so but you don't have to shed blood. it's not the best time to talk things out but it's ok to sit quietly and plan for when you are ready to do so.

scorpio: both your modern ruler (pluto) and your ruler of old (mars) are up to much all week. it is an intense period but you're known as a bit of an extremophile, no matter how soft and sensitive you are internally. you can handle the pressure and it's good for you but make sure you have healthy vents!

sagittarians: flirtations and situationships abound but at the same time as they are soap operatic, they may seem stuck... or forbidden? ideally, you approach with curiosity but also a heap of integrity.

capricorn: your ruling planet is in his least comfortable part of the sky right now, with added discomfort due to the presence of mars among other things. so, perhaps times are hard. but your sign is well known as one who can overcome any difficulty. so it may be like digging your way out of a dungeon with a spoon, but you have the will power to do it. spoonful by spoonful.

aquarius: your ruling planet finds its way into gemini, where likely it is much more comfortable. its sign of exaltation remains to this day unestablished, but i suspect gemini is a good candidate! with that said, you are still a fixed sign and change can be uncomfortable. but you know that, and you know when it is necessary, and you can find ways to delight in it too. change IS coming.

pisces: right now i hope you are focused on money and resources. not that you should be greedy, but you should certainly be saving. and if you are in a comfortable enough position to do so, good investments will pay off even better than usual. if you have debts, work harder than normal to pay them off or at least down.

watch the transit posts in real time to have the best guide through your week. want a little more? have a look at my patreon or ko-fi.