I enjoy watching science fiction movies, with great special effects. Things have changed a lot with digital technology, but for many years I have followed the films of animation pioneer Ray Harryhausen, whom I share a birthday with. You would recognize his work if you’ve seen the following: Mighty Joe Young, the 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Jason and the Argonauts, Mysterious Island and Clash of the Titans to name a few. Critters such as the Kraken, Medusa and the Hydra. And the fighting skeletons!
One day recently I watched the original King Kong (1933) and Mighty Joe Young (1949) back-to-back on TCM. I learned that Ray Harryhausen was tied in some way to both. As a teen, he watched King Kong with great fascination. He saw the film several times and started experimenting with animation techniques. He had vision and a terrific imagination. Later, he worked on Mighty Joe Young as first technician, in stop-motion animation. He worked under his mentor Willis O’Brien, the original animator on King Kong. He created a new form of stop motion model animation called Dynamation.
He was born in Los Angeles, on June 29, 1920. His Sun was in Cancer, in a tight conjunction with Venus and Pluto. This is a powerful creative influence just for starters. Pluto gave him intensity and the drive to succeed. He had Mercury, Neptune and Jupiter together in Leo, with a lovely trine of Jupiter to his Sagittarius Moon. Neptune also has an influence on fantasy in films, and Jupiter expands these qualities. Uranus in Pisces (film making and new technology) was opposite Saturn, in trine to the Sun conjunction in Cancer, which in turn was sextile to Saturn. These are great aspects for developing new techniques and the glamour (Leo) of Hollywood. He received a special Oscar in 1991 as well as several other awards. He was a major influence on today’s filmmakers, such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, John Lassiter, Guillermo del Toro, Wes Anderson, Tim Burton and James Cameron. On a personal note, he had enduring friendships, including Ray Bradbury, science fiction author, and a good marriage. He had a long life of hard work, success and achievement (Sun sextile Saturn), passing in 2013 at the age of 92. (Thanks to Wikipedia. Chart courtesy of astro-seek.com.)
Celestial Almanac: Taurus New Moon May 11, Sagittarius Full Moon May 26.
Read on for the May forecast. Enjoy the spring, and be sure to get your shots!
Because of Mars, home life is in focus this month. Relationships may be difficult or challenging. You have to work things out with parents or family members. There may be damages in your house from weather or wear and tear. Or you may be involved with a big renovation project. It’s not necessarily a bad time, but it is a stressful, high energy period. You can get a lot of work done but pace yourself. Eat right, get enough rest and exercise, and don’t over-extend yourself.
During the first week, the Sun crosses Uranus and there may be some surprises or unexpected events. The Sun with Uranus really spices things up. You could have some new ideas about how to do things better. You may want to change the direction of your life. Or it might just be one crazy day. Watch the Taurus New Moon on May 11. This day could be important. Make a wish, make plans for the future. This is a day of beginnings. You could start a project or a new job.
With Mercury and Venus here, and the Sun coming in on May 20, there is more focus on communications, friendships, social life, romance and activities in the neighborhood. This is your time of the year to shine and to get a lot of attention. It’s a pretty lively and positive period for Geminis. No worries. Grab the brass ring and move forward. If you need a favor now is the time to ask. Apply for a loan or mortgage. There are lots of meetings and social events.
Mars is here all month. You should have adjusted by now. Don’t over-react. Don’t be super sensitive. If you have to blow off steam, well, all righty then. Have a good cry and move on. Works for me. Find a place to go swimming and cool off. No, seriously! Find a good project to work on. Activities at home, with children and the arts are very good outlets for you right now. When Jupiter enters Pisces on May 13 there may be good luck or an opportunity for some of you.
Read about Taurus. The Sun and Uranus together during the first week might give you a little tweak. It is a brief influence but it could be fun. There could be a surprise or two. Watch the New Moon on May 11, that could be an important day as well. Your career and public life will be involved. It will be a good day to start a project. Make a wish. Visualize what you want to achieve. The Sagittarius Full Moon on May 26 brings romance, good times and a little adventure.
Because of the Sun and Uranus travel and adventure are favored, early in the month. You might have an unexpected chance to take a trip. You will learn new things during this period. You may have a different perspective on things. Because of Mercury and Venus in Gemini, the main focus will be on your career and public life. When the Sun arrives in Gemini on May 20, you may achieve recognition for a job well done. It’s a good time to promote yourself.
The planets in Gemini bring opportunities to travel. The air signs can’t sit still at home anyway. The way is clear. Get your Covid shots and pack your bags. You may travel for business. Study and expanding the mind are favored as well. With Mars in your career house, you will be busy in that area. You are more ambitious and competitive. Look for new employment. You may also run into confrontations, and if you are, meet the other guy halfway and try to compromise.
Because of Mars in your travel house, you want to travel this month. Things look good and you probably will, especially when Jupiter moves into Pisces. You are in a positive Mars cycle and your energies are well directed. You are motivated. Whatever you are occupied with now will produce good results, such as physical work, fitness programs, exercise and sports. While the Sun is still in Taurus, marriage and one-to-one relationships are favored, as well.
Because of Mars, finances, investments and wills require your attention, but this isn’t a bad thing. You may settle a legal matter and receive an inheritance. The planets in Gemini are favorable for romance and marriage. A blossoming affair can take off and go to a new level. Some people may get engaged. Business activities are going well. Set up new ventures, finish up the paperwork and sign contracts before May 28, when Mercury stations Rx.
Read about Cancer. You or your spouse are super-sensitive at this time. This is a high energy Mars cycle which may produce challenges or conflicts. Be careful about everything. You might provoke someone, break something or have an accident. Not to worry, just watch your step. Drive carefully. Channel your energies into hard work. Stay calm. Meditate. Make time to relax and unwind. Get enough rest and take care of your health. Get your Covid shots.
Saturn stations Rx on May 23. The Saturn energy goes inward and things slow down for a while. You may not notice anything happening. By now you are used to the Saturn energy and made certain adjustments. Relationships settle into a comfortable routine. If you approach life in a sensible, grown-up manner, things will be okay. Stay grounded. Be patient with those around you. Because of the Gemini planets, there will be pleasant social times and possibly a romance coming up.
Mars in Cancer adds some excitement to your social life. You meet new friends and romantic partners. Now that restaurants are opening up, and the outside world seems to be getting back to normal, go out with people you haven’t seen in a while. Mars is in a positive energy cycle for Pisces folks. The Gemini planets bring new creative projects at home. Invite people over. Jupiter pops briefly into your sign on May 13 which brings luck and opportunity.