Your Stars 3 May 2011

Posted on 30 April 2011

Centuries of astrological tradition hold that the Moon is ‘exalted’ – powerful – when in the skies of Taurus. The idea is simple enough; the watery fertility of the Moon links with the responsive earth of The Bull. Spring’s annual new Moon in Taurus is therefore about renewal and fertility (cue games of maypole erection, ribbon entwining, fire-jumping).

Taurus is above all a productive sign (though it also likes to, ahem, consume) and is frequently involved in horoscopes concerning money, banks, stock markets and economists.

The Bull is also associated with gardens, flowers, dairy (obviously), food, antiques, arts and large animals in china shops. For those who grow, the Taurus new Moon is quite literally, seed time, though it’s a metaphor for all. Plant now, reap later.

Yet only the Sun and Moon are in Taurus. Half the solar system’s celestial bodies are stacked in Aries: Mars (ouch), Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and Prometheus (aka Uranus). We remain in the grip of the fiery first sign of the zodiac; fast, bold, impetuous, and not risk-averse.

Cardinal signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn – are those being most leant on by the current configuration, especially given Pluto in The Goat and Saturn in The Scales. These being slow-moving planets, this particular triangle is going nowhere fast, in particular the clash between Pluto and Prometheus/Uranus remains the astro-signature of the next three years. Upheaval and revolution, then, or hopefully the swift, positive, peaceful change the world needs. One love to all.

Taurus

You wait and wait for a bus, then a whole bunch of them come along at once. The same with planets. Today’s new Moon opens a busy few months. It’s followed by Mars on the 11^th, Mercury and Venus on the 16^th, and, Jupiter on June 5^th, a combination favouring assertive action, quick thinking, deal-making and, under Jupiter, money-making and travel.

You don’t have to wait, however. Your horoscope is mercifully unobstructed; the doors you push on tend to swing open, the projects you have nursed get talktime, facetime, maybe even airtime. The imperative thing is to proceed at speed and tidy up details later. April 20/22 birthdays have something of a rocket under them. Go with the flow.

The Sun’s move into Gemini on the 21^st ends your official anniversary, but the arrival of other planets extends your birthday season happily. Venus’s three week stay in Taurus – its own sign – favours you as social magnet and puller. There will be parties and puddings, armfuls of gardenias and your exquisite taste put on display, one way or another. If you are in the dating game it’s time to get ruthless.

How you handle Mars is another matter – unusually, there seems no-one who wants to pick a quarrel with you. Pluto, a planet in which you have a long term (12 year) stake, makes any international contacts potent in the second half of the month. A fabulously rich uncle in Russia would fit, but you can work downwards from there.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: time to tango but it takes two. Treat your partner, or at least find one to dance with.

Gemini

Shake-up time remains ongoing. As long as there are planets in Aries – fire to Gemini’s air – your social circle is subject to change. That includes admirers, well-wishers, peers, people you do business with and downright pains-in the-arse.

Different mates, a new gang, elevation to the committee of your favourite society of do-gooders or ne’er do wells, all loom large now. Gemini is the sign that refreshes others; at present you’re invited to refresh yourself by moving among different faces. Get to know your co-workers.

Mercury, the Twins’ silver-heeled ruler, gives you a valuable fortnight for wheeling and dealing of every type. Shake hands, bump fists and offer air kisses according to personal taste. Jupiter puts a few big shots into the mix, a mad playboy perhaps, while Prometheus, the planet that’s playing a role as fire-starter this spring, remains aflame well into the summer.

The arrival of your birthday month on Saturday, 21 May, hots up the pace of events (interesting weekend, take note of who you meet). Still, you meanwhile have a new Moon in Taurus with attendant planets about to enter said sign in the reclusive, me-time slot of your horoscope. Recharge your batteries as you proceed, it’s no time for a burn out.

Scorpio full Moon 16/17 May: Finding the right balance between work and rest. Even Geminis must reach a point of stillness sometimes.

Cancer

Cancerians are not averse to challenge and the prospect of a fat prize, but faced with leaving their comfort zone, inertia sometimes seems a better option.

However, when your horoscope has heavyweight planets stationed at three points of a cosmic square, with yourself at the fourth, a so-called ‘grand cross’, comfort zones are hard to find. And inertia, snuggled up in your shell, won’t take you anywhere.

Busting out of the familiar pattern, especially professionally, remains spring’s challenge, and here there’s definitely movement. Today’s new Moon makes a helpful start, perhaps marking the crystallisation of a team project. Your personal clan of co-workers and fellow conscripts play an important part in events. It might be a fun, even idealistic project, but commerce and payment should/must be involved. Hard work and glory are a big part of what that grand cross is asking of you over the next couple of years (ouch), but making money has to be involved. It’s time to locate a cash cow.

Bear in mind that for Cancerians, 2011 turns on decisions and events at your birthday, when an eclipse sparks up that grand cross. It’s pretty much flat out up to your birthday month. Planets speeding through the upper reaches of your ‘scope signal serendipitous enconters, sond commerce, and making deals stick. There’s strength in numbers. The weekend of the 7/8^th features a waxing moon in the crab’s skies, which has to be good for finding action or peace, according to your mood.

Neptune in Pisces: a lovely offer for those born on mid-summer’s day, but is it a bit…fishy?

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: definitely flirty, possibly dirty.

Leo

It may not be easy street, but there is surely lift-off of a sort taking place. The storm of planets in Aries, a kindred fire sign, equals the removal of obstacles, the chance to travel, greater self-assertion (not that Leos need encouragement), and all-round more options.

The problem with “easeful trines”, as the poet Dryden termed this particular configuration, is that you take a following wind  for granted. You think things are ‘normal’ rather than ‘going well’. Those new options, however, might have more clout to them than a quick break or passing association. And in May certainly, the notions and people with whom you have been engaged in April should be pursued. Find out what’s on offer. Education and training are a positive route just now.

Today’s new Moon in the most public sector of your ‘scope allows you to indulge in a spot of self-advertisement. Planets following on into this sector in mid-May re-enforce the advantages of full-on involvment with work and  flying your kite (not that Leos need any encouragement). If you’re single, work is a handy place to look for a date, but office romance? Too early to tell.

The season of Gemini, beginning 21 May, revs up the professional game, especially the part where you go round shaking hands and smiling. Set a good example.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: it’s your Lion’s den and you’ll live it in it how you please.

Virgo

The month of Taurus is usually Bully for Virgos, being a fellow earth sign, and today’s new Moon is an invitation to prosper and explore.

That a phalanx of planets occupies Aries – like last month – brings a rather different picture into view, however. Money and its mix-up with relations, banks and the like require all the form filling and box ticking that even a Virgo can stand. Don’t postpone, complete.

For certain of you too, the nature of a partnership, romantic or not, may also now be under review. Here again, there’s no point playing for time; deals have to be done, whether with an ‘ex’ or with whomever else you have an arrangement. Pehaps because money is mixed up in things, it’s also a potentially hot moment sexually  and we all know Virgos aren’t quite the goody two shoes they sometimes rretend to be).

Developments on the romantic front proceed apace, however, for at least a month more, with a degree of turbulence involved. If you were born in the first few days of Virgo and are are in the throes of a new relationship, get a third party’s opinion and do a little chacking. Better safe…

The latter half of May brings a less murky, less intense stmosphere, conducive to stretching legs and mind. If you’re going somewhere far away, it might prove more of a  long term destination than you expected.

If you’re in the business of self-promotion, any time after the 21^st(and especially the 21^st) is good for keeping up, in fact raising appearances.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 may: a surprise encounter. Or if it’s pre-arranged, it better be a good party to travel so far.

Libra

When under bombardment – and trying to stare down five planets in opposition is likely to feel like you’re taking a shellacking – it’s customary to take refuge. The question is where and for how long.

The second part is easier to answer. By the end of May all but one of said planets will have moved out of your face and gone to bother/help someone else. For the next couple of weeks, at least, dig in where you can.

Not that planets in opposition are all bad – as related at length last month, this configuration can open up interesting perspectives on existing relationships and begin fresh (maybe cash rich) ones. With Mercury moving forwards once more, misunderstandings can be cleared up. Some of the showdowns you are having, however (Mars is involved) brook little discussion…it’s a visceral thing. Don’t get into scraps you’ll regret later.

The planet you will most want to take refuge from this year is Saturn, which is in Libra. Here, however, the only refuge is to seize problematical issues and wrestle them to the ground. You are fully empowered this year, especially once May’s gone, but it’s the empowerment of hard work and being ruthless in order to survive. Pootling along won’t work, drastic action might.

With Saturn in reverse for another six weeks, you are, despite Aries’ bombardment, able to recoup your strength and resources (including a cash refill) ready for the ardors (and triumphs) of later 2011.

Today’s new Moon falls in your solar eighth house, a zone much concerned with money, long term assets, mortgages, pensions, Aunt Lobelia’s legacy and suchlike. Here there seems room for tinkering, perhaps a fresh start. Embrace officialdom, set things straight. If you’re hitched, here’s an obvious couple of months to reallocate resources within the partnership. Remember, there’s money in it.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: cash in pocket required. The weekend of 14/15 May, with a waxing Moon in Libra, looks more exciting.

Scorpio

“When the Moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars…then love shall steer the stars.” So goes the old Age of Aquarius anthem, the problem being that it ain’t necessarily so. A new Moon in your seventh can be a splendid sign, the start of a wonderful friendship, especially if your birthday is around 5 November. At the very least it means paying more attention to your other half for a moment, several weeks at least, while assorted celestial bodies move in and out of opposition.

There’s a longer term strand to all that is going on, though that’s the business of June onwards, once Jupiter reaches your complementary sign of Taurus. Mercury and Venus and Mars all show up in your seventh house mid-May, just in time for the Scorpio full Moon (see below). Cue introductions, flirtations and the potential for a fat feud with the intransigent fathead of your choice…or you can choose not to mix it with a rival or ex, the problem here being that you are a Scorpio and like to remind people ‘Don’t mess!’.

If you’re single, this is one great summer for getting yourself entangled with a significant other, starting today. Don’t expect to get everything your way; with this many planets opposite you, opportunity and compromise come hand in hand.

As for Jupiter aligning with  Mars…it’s true that your planet  is now side by side with expansive Jupiter, but in the sixth house, what gets expanded is your appetite for work and gym treadmills. Go to it.

Full Moon in Scorpio 15 May 5pm – 17 May 5pm: probably better to walk on eggshells, grin and bear other people, but the werewolf within might have other ideas. A modest celebration perhaps?

Sagittarius

A new Moon in your sixth house spells keeping things turning over, quiet industry and diligent prosperity. If so many virtues are a little hard to swallow, take heart that the major action in your horoscope remains in the fifth house of parties, romance and living like a Leo (a bit of noise involved then).

The wide-eyed signals being made in your fifth house by a slew of planets including the Centaur’s own, Jupiter, were explored in last month’s horoscope, including the way even sunny love affairs get asked “itchy questions about commitment and practicality”. You may wish to re-examine that phrase in the light of recent events.

Sagittarians are comfortable with ambiguous situations, and you are unlikely to nail down firm answers to matters of the heart just now. Romances have to keep going forwards, shark like, otherwise, as Woody Allen pointed out, you have a dead shark on your hands.

The last month has been something of a raid on your affections, and while the truly hot sparks will continue to glow, others will be blown away by mid month when three planets move onto your sixth house.

Those simple virtues at the top of your forecast are worth keeping in mind, since your guv’nor, Jupiter, shows up to rib them in later this summer. For now though, answer the call to adventure, however modest it may be. The career can tolerate a spell of cruise control while you connect with whatever it is you get up to out of the house.

The month of Gemini from the 21^st, marks the halfway point of your year (six months since birthday), and therefore time to nurse your stamina.

Scorpio full Moon 16/17 May: an appointment at church perhaps, or somewhere discreet.

Capricorn

Are you a bright of eye and bushy of tale mountain goat? Or somewhat bedraggled yet oddly invincible variety?

Your horoscope contains both roles. The first comes with today’s new moon in Taurus, signalling a personal renewal, a re-grounding of your most personal loves, desires and fond hopes.

The second role concerns profession. No way does any self-respecting Capricorn let professional issues slide, but when your ruling planet is stuck to the roof of your ‘scope, as it is 2011-12, it’s a given that people even higher up the totem pole are going play it awkward and by the rule book. You and your boss resemble two Capricorn Goats circling each other suspiciously.

Still, you have been here before, many times, slugging it out for your rightful share of respect (and loot), and this looks suspiciously like a month off from the worst of the battles. (Of course, you may decide to cash in your hand completely and begin again – December birthdays might be thinking along those lines.)

The need to turn your attention to domestic matters and family Arran gents, discussed in last month’s forecast, remains in place, along with planets in your house of home and hearth.

The bright and bushy role is the one to focus on in the short and medium term. A trio of planets move into Taurus, a fellow earth sign, in mid-May, opening an especially joyous spell when even you may be prepared to make it up as you go along. Fine time to seek out those you love, kids, family, and pursue your hobby of choice; scale model of the Nebraska railroad, ukulele yodelling, raising prize lupins.

Summer delights in part, then, but the soon-come arrival of Jupiter into this same zone of passions suggests this summer may have some extra delight up its sleeve.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: Comfort in being one of the gang. A plush romantic prize.

Aquarius

Any fresh starts over the last month – friendships, good resolutions, love affairs, projects – need pushing on. The spanner that is Mercury retrograde is now out of your works. Separate merry interludes and small scale successes from long term objectives. You can make progress with major and minor works now, but be clear which is which.

Today’s new Moon concerns your home, hearth and clan. Normally this would be no biggie, an annual event, but with several other planets moving into the same zone of your ‘scope in the near future, starting mid-month, there’s continued emphasis on where you live your life…where you belong in fact.

For those of you itching to expand your lebensraum by relocating, or by adding an east wing to Aquarian Towers, this summer looks obliging. Alternatively you may be looking at a different way to organise the extended family in order to give yourself more space and time. That property planet Saturn is onside for you all year does your prospects no harm at all.

In the short term you might expect a degree of rumpus to rule at home – Mars is involved – but the situation here is fast-developing and doesn’t settle until later in the summer.

The arrival of the month of Gemini, a kindred air sign, on the 21^st renews your social and romantic interests, should you have any, though here it’s next month’s new Moon that’s decisive. Singletons appear to have plenty of options, some as stubborn as you. The 22^nd and 23^rd are favoured.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/7 May: a public performance would be good, preferably with you on stage.

Pisces

If you want perspective on your situation, cast your mind back a couple of years, and you’ll see how much more self-contained and mobile you are now.

The spring is about exploration and trying new roles and places on for size. The pivotal part of your year looks to be from mid-June to mid-July, when eclipses change your personal and domestic outlook. If you’re looking for a new home, the month of Gemini, beginning 21 may, is a prime time for answers.

You aren’t there yet, however. The first item on your agenda remains finances, cash flow and the careful allocation of your assets. Last month’s forecast dwelt on such matters – suffice to say that with your ruler and five other planets across your fiscal axis, your ingenuity can beat the odds and turn a buck.

Today’s new Moon in Taurus concerns communications in all their guise; computers, phones, cars and face-to-face. With three planets and a full Moon arriving mid-May, your skills at being in two places at the same time will be called upon.

A plethora of contacts, number-collecting and shoulder-rubbings also the plan for the second half of the month. Don’t just goof off; there’s future prosperity among the people you encounter, more of which next month. Take VIPs seriously, formally.

The mysterioso planet Neptune remains in the first degree of the 30 allotted to your (and every) sign in the great cosmic wheel of the zodiac. You’ll be enjoying new realms over the next dozen years, but don’t drift off into deep space just yet. You have a bank account to tend. If you’re born in the opening few days of your sign, a helping and healing role is signalled.

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: an encounter with a long lost love…or maybe just a crush whose sat-nav has gone awry. Take a chance on a date.

Aries

The rest of the zodiac often marvel at the sheer energy involved in being an Aries. Frankly, it looks exhausting, and even you must be flagging a little at this point. No sooner do you get last year’s problems half solved than spring comes along with a new set, but this time, they are the problems associated with liberation and seizing success rather than of endurance and repairing infrastructure. The latter belong to Saturn, and said planet remains in long term opposition (rats rats).

Right now, however, you have five planets in your skies. All, including Mercury, are now on the march forwards and you can usefully fall in line and keep pace. Events this spring have, shall we say, unusual vigour, making prevarication and delay pointless. Deal with things once and move on. If you’re the slash-and-burn breed of Ram there’s no holding you back (someone else might!). The rest of you are asked to be merely relentless. There is a rest (of sorts) a star sign or two down the road, but not this month.

It doesn’t matter much what you want to change –partner, job, house, self-image – as long as you are clear about your objective. A mission statement pinned above your computer/bed/head fits the bill.

Saturn – that’ll be last year’s problems then – remains in retreat. Full return to difficult business arrives in a few months’ time. Whatever you can achieve now, while coping that overflowing ‘in’ tray, is a tangible long term bonus. Mend that roof while the sun’s here.

Saturn in opposition tends to the impecuniary, but today’s new Moon in your cash zone looks oddly promising for landing funds. A link to Pluto puts the super-rich in the picture, hopefully to so more than sprinkle change as they pass by. Money planet Jupiter remains in your skies all month, but represents high turn over rather than saving. Keeping the show on the road may have to come ahead of cash flow.

Amid the light and heat you’re generating, don’t neglect the romantic life – Venus is flitting past for two weeks yet, handy if you’re single. For those who are with-partner, or sort-of, it may be a case of whether your other half can keep up with you. It looks exhausting, being an Aries,

Full Moon in Scorpio 16/17 May: a liaison dangereuse in a frightfully posh place.