We are entering into a period where all signs point inward and on discovering any missed steps we might need to repair or work through. Jupiter in Sagittarius and Pluto in Capricorn turned retrograde on April 10 and April 24 respectively. Now Saturn in Capricorn will turn retrograde on April 29. All three are potent as when they change directions (from the point of view of the earth) it means they will remain in the same degree space for several weeks or more on either side of the station. These formidable planets will trace back their recently traveled movements over the course of the next four to six months, suggesting that through mid-August we simply may not feel like or be ready to start something new. Rather, this rhythmic change correlates to a natural time for reflection and reviewing the landscape of where we are with respect to the archetypal concerns of each planet, and refining, recalibrating or significantly altering our plan of action according to prevailing needs.
Jupiter correlates to our philosophical approach to life, that which fires us up to expand our knowledge through the experiences of life. Saturn symbolizes how we structure our life, including how we discipline ourselves to learn something new or manifest an intent, as well as how we develop integrity in facing the everyday challenges of living. Both Jupiter and Saturn are transiting the signs they rule, which this further emphasizes these areas. Pluto represents the processes by which we evolve through the cycles of life. Death and rebirth happens on many levels literal and symbolic, in relationships, jobs, and even our thought patterns – we feel reborn when we experience a new way of perceiving something. Pluto’s transit through Capricorn on a personal level could relate to situations that work to break down conditioned mental structures so we can live a life that is more authentically our own.
Over the next couple of weeks, Mercury in Aries moves from a square to Saturn, to a trine to Jupiter, then a square to Pluto, acting to channel increased intensity from an intellectual perspective. Mercury is the planet of perception and relates to how the mind works. It’s trine to Jupiter can correlate to new ideas that inspire and bring joy as we expand our way of thinking. Saturn and Pluto are archetypal powerhouses in a tight (3∞ orb) conjunction through the end of May. This consolidating alignment indicates situations may arise that force us to engage in some internal house cleaning. Saturn demands responsibility and accountability. Pluto is an intense, uncompromising force that reveals the truth of who we are. Mercury’s challenging alignment with retrograde Saturn and Pluto could motivate us to use this extended review period to identify the structures of our thoughts so we can purge the corrupted programming from family, school, society, religion, etc. that obstruct the expression of our true spirit.
As a mundane example of how the retrograde energies could play out, consider that the long-awaited Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election was released on April 18, and on April 25 Joe Biden became the last (hopefully) of the Democratic candidates to officially jump in the 2020 election ring. During this multi-layered retrograde period, the contenders, including Trump, will be surveying the political landscape to see how best to navigate their respective campaigns, most likely making significant adjustments as the retrogrades progress. What happens during this period will set up how the 2020 election will play out in the arena of truth and accountability.
The New Moon in Taurus on May 4 signifies a new monthly cycle that will be focused on what we value in life. This process naturally flows into the relationship we have with the physical material world as well as with others. Taurus represents the second stage of individual development represented by the progression of signs through the Zodiac. The Taurus archetype in its pure form is in tune with the rhythms of life at all levels. It speaks the language of Mother Earth, Pachamama, which tells us if our consciousness is in a state of harmony or dis-ease. Taurus seeks the peaceful bliss of a verdant, thriving natural environment as the mirror unto itself. When its rhythms become out of balance or discordant, that symbolizes a time to question the values we adopted that determined the choices we made which led us to that state. If we focus on what we truly value, we may begin to see how attached we are to thinking that the things in our life are what bring us joy. Moreover, we may begin to see how attachment – to possessions, people, professional identities, even to the belief that we are only a body – is the source of much suffering in life. This is the lesson of the life of Buddha who according to scripture was born, reached Enlightenment and died under a Taurus Full Moon. The challenge for Taurus is to develop non-attachment so it can find the serenity it seeks.
The New Moon forms a trine to Saturn, a stable, grounding alignment that lingers into the following week with the Sun’s exact alignment with Saturn perfecting on May 11. Saturn rules time and correlates to a slow, methodical approach. The emphasis here is to look at our need for speed, our feeling of never having enough time, and all the other time issues we face that give us a feeling of lack. The New Moon also forms a sextile to Neptune in its home sign of Pisces (with the Sun sextile Neptune exact on May 8) that supports compassionate and loving gestures, especially towards a weary self in need of replenishment. Allowing ourselves to take in the fullness of every moment gives us renewed energy as well as a more profound engagement with life at the deepest level. We may find in the process we gain the wisdom of the Buddha.
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