Neil Spencer

Your Stars 23 May 2010

Posted on 23 May 2010

2010 is shaping up to the dramatic – some would say downright scary – planetary patterns that astrologers have been contemplating these last few years.

The uprising and bloodshed in Thailand coincided with the most recent clash between Uranus and Saturn, whose symbolism, put crudely, says ‘revolt against the establishment’. Last week’s opposition between Saturn and Jupiter – traditionally a harbinger of financial upheaval – saw a mammoth drop in the stock markets amid reform of Wall Street and the shoring up of the Euro.

As both these oppositions re-occur (on 26 July and 16 August respectively) more turbulence is promised. The pair of eclipses due in June and July, and the stand-off between Saturn and Pluto (21 August) both promise major events on the world stage, with populations pitting themselves against repressive regimes.

The arrival of the planet Uranus at the starting point of the zodiac, 0 Degrees Aries, later this week is part of the summer’s shake-up. Of more immediate concern for most of us, however, is Thursday’s full Moon at 11.07 pm, GMT, when the over-excited and downright crazy stalk the land. Take it easy.

Gemini

It’s a serious stretch of the Gemini year: self evidently, because it’s your birthday, and you have survived to celebrate another year on this ‘jumping green sphere’, as one old-timer dubbed planet Earth, a place that’s always jumping for a Gemini!

Furthermore, with three major planets culminating in pivotal areas of your ‘scope, there are major changes in play in your outer, material life; property, work, family. This is especially the case if your birthday is 17-20 June, or if you were born 1966, ’73 or ’81 – if so, you are likely faced with a tough choice that calls upon your deepest sense of purpose. Expediency is not the way to make this particular decision. Choose what’s right, not what’s easy.

All Twins might usefully consider this summer a major bump in the road – even if you don’t change your circumstances (or have them changed under you, which is how the transits of major planets often feel), you can put in process long term decisions. With Saturn finally out of your way come August, more equable times beckon.

In the here and now you first have to negotiate a full Moon this Thursday through to Saturday midnight. It’s not the best weekend for tender discussions with over-heated partners, though custom built for compelling oddballs to loom out of the social whirl. Good luck.

Cancer

This looks more like it. Three weeks of fair Venus in your skies promises an easy countdown to your birthday season, ideal for lolling in a sunny garden sipping your cordial of choice. When on duty, those ‘it’s who you know’ networks currently count double. Meetings that didn’t happen in April, including work initiatives, get a second chance now. Be dogged. Romance? If you’re looking, it’s likely your call. No point playing wallflower.

Leo

If you wait on others you might wait forever (early this year probably felt as if you were), or you might have to settle for a less opportune time. The Sun, Leo’s ruler, is now in Gemini, representing chances that arrive suddenly and must be seized equally swiftly. Orientate towards the future, not the past, and get busy. If you have outstanding debts, financial deals, alimony issues and the like, get them out the way before the end of the month if at all possible.

Virgo

That phrase ‘when push comes to shove’ springs to mind, and not necessarily in a bad context. With the Sun at the peak of your ‘scope, the incoming month is there for you to shine professionally and use a little muscle if it’s called for. It’s not the time to second-guess decisions or delay making them. You can make things stick over the next month.

Relationships come with their own variety of push and shove. With a pair of major planets exiting your seventh house, it’s a good time to jettison someone of whom, quite frankly, you’ve had more then enough!

Libra

The Sun’s move into Gemini, a fellow air sign, is a nudge to get mobile, explore your contacts, and see what the wide world has to offer. The muddy, behind-the-scenes issues of recent weeks haven’t evaporated – here, you appear to be brewing up on something big – but there is a lighter mood breezing in. Indeed, with Libra’s planet, Venus, now cresting your ‘scope, being seen (and in all finery) is vital. The Moon in your skies Sunday and tomorrow also works in your favour. Romance? Moving along, though here, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Scorpio

Where problematic relations are concerned (private or professional) you should now have the benefit of clarity about the other side’s intentions. One cycle – maybe going back to last autumn – just drew to a close. If not, wind things up pronto. A quicker, more responsive phase now kicks in, calling for sharp wits and snap decisions. The Scorpio Moon on Tuesday and Wednesday hand you an edge. Romance? In the air, even if there is a touch of amour fou about it.

Sagittarius

There are plenty of developments around the next bend in the road (which arrives next weekend), but you remain in an exacting phase when the powers-that-be must be assuaged, detailed administration completed, and your oter half given due consideration. You aren’t quite first in the queue for attention! A full Moon operative in your skies between noon on Thursday and midnight on Saturday can change that, but not necessarily in the sweet way you might have in mind. More likely is that you get put on the spot, or find yourself called onstage. A breezy, extrovert manner helps; avoid intensity, just for now

Capricorn

It must be a relief to find that when you stamp your foot at work, people pay attention and things happen. Capricorns are born to wield power, one way or another, and while not everyone is cut out to be a boss, you can still be a mover and shaker – especially now. Stay pushy. A little more circumspection around significant others might be needed – Venus in opposition for three weeks can signal a new crush passing your way, or an attack by the green-eyed monster. Be just.

Aquarius

The month of Gemini is always propitious for you, being a kindred air sign, favouring your playful, creative side…but not the, uh, more intractable side of the Aquarian nature. Keep things easy-going and jaunty wherever possible, especially Thursday to Saturday, when the full Moon shines on personal relations. As warrior planet Mars remains in opposition, that could be a challenge. You might have to decide whether a certain significant other is a compulsive attraction or your rival…

Pisces

With two major planets, Jupiter and Uranus, now at the end of your sign (and the end of the zodiac), one cycle is nearing a temporary close…temporary, because both planets return to your skies in the autumn. The full Moon that arrives at the peak of your ‘scope later this week also represents a culmination, most likely in your professional life. Still, as someone once drawled in a cinema screen, ‘It ain’t over until it’s over’, and until Jupiter leaves your skies in early June, you probably can’t draw breath. Romance? Venus is in the ‘Oh Gosh’ sector of your scope. Keep your radar on.

Aries

You are on something of a countdown to the planet Uranus arriving in your skies later this week, but the insurrectionary energies said body symbolises are more likely to be felt on the world stage than in your personal life. More pressing is Thursday night’s full Moon, which falls in a fellow fire sign, Sagittarius, and highlights your overseas contacts and the realm of study. As Aries’ totem planet, Mars, is on the march, you have a potentially incendiary weekend ahead. Push on, show out.

Taurus

To remind you: while April’s spell of retrograde Mercury is history, said planet is still in your skies and now zipping forwards, making the next three weeks ideal for giving orders, seeking consultations, clearing up admin hell and generally being a pro-active, nosy breed of Bull. Communications in all their guises are highlighted in your chart, whether that involves a major business meeting or a new Blackberry. Personal relations can look after themselves for now – not that matters of the heart are absent, but they have a dynamic that needs to be experienced rather than shaped. Here, you’ll be clearer in a fortnight’s time.