I have a lovely view of the Ramapo Mountains at my house. Recently, on April 11, the mountains, a sepia brown color, showed patches of white, pink and light green where the trees were starting to bloom. Then we had a two-day heat wave, then one rainy day, then the mountains turned completely green. The forsythia, star magnolia and cherry blossoms in my neighborhood were done, in the wink of an eye, and now the land is jungle green all over. One or two hot days in April does the trick, and the land is transformed. Now the lilacs, azaleas and rhododendrons have their turn.
Spoiler alert: I’m on a tear here, but bear with me. I promised you more about Pluto, so today I give you Pluto. First of all, on a Pluto note, if you will, the gun violence in this country continues, and I’m giving you my take on the situation. Recently there has been a spate of accidental shootings, not associated with terrorists or angry loners. People in the wrong place at the wrong time, or wrong color and highly suspicious. Caught in the crossfire. Oops, my mistake. Almost sounds like Uranus acting up, doesn’t it?
There have been over 170 mass shootings this year, so far. Not including the mistakes. There has been a sharp increase in recent years, especially in America. I don’t know why. Taking a broader view, I think there is no particular reason, it’s simply a wave. The seas will calm down until the next storm comes. There is no way of sugar coating this, so here goes. It is karmic retribution. A little infusion of Edgar Cayce wisdom here. We have to experience pain and loss because of what we did in past lives. We don’t remember, and we ask why. We come back, start over and take what comes. Either we learn or we don’t. It takes time. Those of us who have been personally touched by gun violence may not get it. Yet. But eventually we accept what happened, get over our loss, forgive and let go of the pain. Then we do something kind and altruistic to atone, when the chance comes.
RESPECT FOR LIFE. Over many centuries of domination, warfare and blood lust this was lost, and we have all been part of it but don’t remember. In Nazi Germany it was lost. In the purges of Russia it was lost. In the killing fields of Africa and Asia it was lost. Today we wonder why our precious children go to school and get shot. It’s something to think about.
Pluto stepped up his influence in the last degrees of Capricorn. The NRA and big government are standing hard against any hope of gun reforms. So far. Pluto has that blocking effect sometimes. In May Pluto stations Rx and will retreat into Capricorn. Expect more of the same.
Pluto will affect us personally, if we are attuned to Pluto, but mostly he concerns the outer world, humanitarian groups and public works. There is upheaval among the people. A way of life is disappearing forever. We have already seen different directions in education and social values. So far it looks like we are slipping backward, badly. Back to the dark ages. This has been developing for some time, especially in the South and the heartland. Fear and ignorance are creeping in. To me it is appalling. There is a sharp divide in America today. When Pluto moves into Aquarius his focus shifts from big government to the masses. Leaders will emerge from obscurity that either run amok or violently enforce radical change. Neither political party is to be trusted. We can only rely on our own wits and spiritual integrity.
For more about Pluto on a personal level, go back and read the November 2022 forecast.
Okay, enough serious stuff. I promise not to be so dark next month. Pluto, a serious planet, always gets me going. Celestial Almanac: Scorpio Full Moon May 5, Taurus New Moon May 19. On a more cheerful note, Venus and Mars are getting closer and ready to dance together this summer. Hopefully that will take the sting out of Pluto!
Enjoy the benevolent effects of Jupiter here until May 16. Hopefully this year has brought good luck and opportunities. Because of Venus and Mars, life at home should be lively and full of fun. Reunions, celebrations and the like. It is a good time to buy furniture, art or decorative accents for the home. When Mars arrives in Leo on May 20, your social life picks up and you will go out more. Romance, sports and activities with children are favored.
In the graphic above, you see the Sun, Moon, Uranus, Mercury Rx and Jupiter. Jupiter and Uranus here will make life very interesting. They aren’t in conjunction yet but Jupiter brings expansion, opportunities and optimism, and Uranus as you already know, the unexpected. Mercury here favors communication, and in retrograde a different approach to getting things done. Remember, don’t freak out. You know the drill. For a couple of weeks, clean house, re-organize files and closets, and don’t sign contracts until after May 15.
The Sun arrives on May 21. You are in the spotlight and things are going well for you. While Venus is here enjoy good times with your friends. Romance, creativity and the arts are favored. Relationships develop nicely at this time. Venus also benefits business affairs and diplomatic efforts. While your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde, don’t sign papers until after May 15. In the coming weeks, Venus catches up with Mars, and this benefits all the signs.
Venus arrives on May 7. With both the love planets in your sign, romance and the arts are favored. Existing relationships improve. Get out more, see old friends, and you never know. Love may be just around the corner. This is a good time to get a make-over, a manicure and a hair-cut. Go shopping for new clothes. Do nice things for yourself. This is also a creative period. Drawing, painting, writing and music flow easily especially after Mercury stations on May 15.
Mars arrives on May 20. This is great for Leos. You feel a major change on that day, and get a terrific burst of energy. Plan a new project, one that you can really sink your teeth into. You can get a lot of work done while Mars is here. The last week of May, Mars squares Jupiter so be careful. It’s a short transit but look before you leap, especially in career matters. Don’t be too full of yourself. Don’t take risks in gambling or investments. Moderation in all things.
The stellium of planets converging in Taurus favors travel and adventure. The Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus. You will certainly be thinking about it. With Mercury Rx, be flexible and plan carefully, and if possible wait until after May 15. After May 17, Jupiter will bring you chances to travel and study new subjects. Overall it will be a very good year. Some of you will go back to school or learn a language. You may take a sabbatical abroad or re-locate.
Read about Aries. It may apply to your relationships. Venus and Mars bring good luck to your career. You may find romance at the office, or with a person in the arts. He or she could be someone famous. A romantic partner helps you find your next job. You may enter into a new business partnership. There is more involvement with friendships, groups and clubs at the end of the month. Jupiter in Taurus may bring an inheritance or investment opportunities.
Venus and Mars bring a chance to travel, and most likely to a romantic destination. You may meet someone interesting, or at least make new friends. Generally this is a positive high energy period. It is a good time for studying new subjects, such as languages, romantic literature and the arts. When Mars enters Leo on May 20, you will focus more on your career. A promotion is possible. You will be more ambitious or aggressive about moving up in the world.
Your ruling planet Jupiter is moving into Taurus, your house of work and service. This is good for employment and improvements in the work environment. Expand your office. Colleagues or managers are helpful to you. You may also get involved in charities, volunteer activities or civic groups. When Mars enters Leo on May 20, this will bring a positive high energy cycle. Sports, physical activities and travel are favored. Plan a trip. Go have an adventure.
Venus and Mars in Cancer may bring great happiness in your marriage, or a new romance. Things improve on the home front. Read about Cancer. Use this time to work on your relationships, friendships and business affairs as well. Diplomatic negotiations are favored. You could benefit from counseling or therapy. When Mercury stations after May 15, communications improve, and it is a good time to sign contracts. Your social life picks up. Get out more.
While Mercury is retrograde, lay low and make plans. After May 15 you can sign papers and move ahead with projects. Anything connected to the home life, such as building contractors and closing on property. If you are planning to move, after May 15 will be the best time. When Mars enters Leo, married life could heat up. There may be either a conflict, or passion and a rekindling of the romantic flame. As Venus catches up to Mars, the two love planets in Leo will make things interesting this summer.
Venus and Mars in Cancer will bring good times with friends. Your social life is busy and there may be a romance coming up, as these two planets get closer. While Mars is in Cancer, it is a positive high energy cycle. Creativity and artistic inspiration are favored so get out your paints and sketchbook, especially when Mars trines Neptune around May 15-17. Go to a concert or museum. Your health is good. You are more motivated to get things done than usual.