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Sabian Symbol for the
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)FULL MOON in SCORPIO
Ottawa, Canada and
Washington DC, USA:
May.19, 10:11 PM EDT
London, UK:
May.20, 3:11 AM BST
Sydney, AU:
May.20, 12:11 PM AEST
Read more about the Sun-Moon cycles.
Read more about how you experience SCORPIO energy in your life.
Once more with feeling! This is the second Full Moon in Scorpio in as many months. It's a somewhat rare event to have two New Moons or Full Moons consecutively in the same sign (on average, about every 2 years or so). It's a bit like a so-called Blue Moon. (Read the article on the fascinating history behind this common term.)
On Apr.20 we had a Full Moon at the first degree of Scorpio. Now we have another Full Moon in the last degree of Scorpio. The alpha and the omega. We've come full circle but now experience this Scorpio energy from a different perspective. The first degree of any sign is strong, pure and open. It's similar to a New Moon in the sense that it embraces initiation into the energy of that sign. It's new, untested, spontaneous and natural.
By the time we get to the last degree of a sign, we've been through that energy and are ready to move on. The last degree is the end of a cycle, and in that sense is a little like being in "the dark of the Moon" just before a New Moon. We're looking forward to the next cycle but aren't quite there yet. We're looking back on the current cycle but we're not there anymore either. There can be a lot of tension and frustration in that last degree of a sign because you're kind of between worlds. There's also a lot of anticipation and imagination about what lies ahead.
In this Full Moon's chart, that tension is reflected by a Grand Cross aspect configuration. ("What's a Grand Cross?") This is rather different from the abundant potential that was found in the Grand Trine Kite at the previous Scorpio Full Moon. In the Grand Cross, the Sun-Moon opposition square off with a latent Saturn-Neptune opposition. This is an intriguing contrast to the Sun and Moon's connected to Saturn and Pluto at the last Full Moon.
The Grand Cross aspect figure is made out of all stressful aspects. It tends to bring struggle to resolve problems and ambition to achieve some goal that is believed to be the answer to those problems. Its energy is a driving force of perpetual motion. As such, it is easy to get stuck going around in circles. The Grand Cross knows what the problem looks like and knows how important it is to solve it. However, the satisfaction or fulfilment from doing so may be elusive, and therefore it can be hard to recognise when you've reached your goal. Instead, you tend to keep going, always pushing toward the next carrot dangling in the direction of your destination. As an example, the Grand Cross is often associated with people who are "workaholics."
With the Full Moon being in intense Scorpio, this could push the driving force of the Grand Cross into downright obsession. Add to this the fact that right now Mars (the traditional planetary ruler of Scorpio) is the only planet in a Fire sign, and it might be hard to tear yourself away from ardently pursuing whatever you desire. This can give you enormous motivation, passion, energy and fortitude to do just that. However, there's a very fine line between having the courage, drive and endurance to keep moving toward your goal versus being so obsessed that you forget how to let go and appreciate what you have achieved. It's important to balance the striving and persistence with taking some time out to stop and smell the roses. The Sun and Venus, both being in sensual Taurus, can help with that if you let them.
Saturn and Neptune continue to linger in a wide opposition at the time of the Full Moon, just as they did at the New Moon in Taurus (May.05). This is an echo of the Saturn-Neptune opposition we saw in 2006-07 (Aug.31.2006, Feb.28.2007 and Jun.25.2007). Interestingly, at that time, Saturn was virtually stationary, having just turned Direct 3 days before the New Moon. This time it's Neptune that is almost stationary, getting ready to turn Retrograde on May.26 (below). While at the New Moon, Saturn was especially strong, at the Full Moon it is Neptune whose energy is intense and dominant.
Saturn and Neptune bring logic, structure and realism (Saturn) head to head with imagination, idealism and the unknown (Neptune). These opposites are not easy to reconcile. At the last New Moon, it was the structure and groundedness of Saturn that was dominant. This time, it is Neptune's aura of influence that we are likely to feel the most. The striving, ambition and sense of purpose inherent in the Grand Cross could be driven largely by the promise of what the result will bring. The problem is that a vision of possibilities is not necessarily real or realistic. The struggle of the Grand Cross could involve facing some disillusioning truths before you're ready to push on toward an attainable goal. However, the potential achievement in the Grand Cross can also manifest a depth of inspiration and vision, if you're willing to ground it in specifics, practicality and attention to details.
The Sun and Venus are conjunct at the Full Moon, which encourages sensual pleasure and a desire for material security. However, Venus is in a very tight square to elusive Neptune, warning you that "all that glitters may not be gold." In other words, it pays to examine the gifts and blessings that come your way with a critical eye, in case you are seeing what you want to see rather than what is really there. However, this can also produce creative tension that motivates you to go the extra distance to acquire the very best results possible.
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Finally, we're approaching a time when Mercury, Chiron and Neptune all station (change direction) within a mere 2 days. Mercury and Chiron are in exact trine aspect when this happens! These alignments are still a week away, but the intense collective energy of these stations is building now and is imprinted in the Full Moon effects. It's probably easier than usual to see the healing and beauty in suffering and struggle. This can go a long way to offset the discomfort, frustration or hardship that the Grand Cross tends to bring. (More about this below.)
And remember that all this exists in a context of the 29th degree—longing to be in the new cycle and feeling ready to jump off the edge of the cliff into the unknown, but stuck in the old one where you are still living out the events and effects of the last four weeks. Don't be in a hurry to dismiss this in-between space. There is enormous power in liminal spaces because you are immersed in deep potential. The decisions, focus and commitments that you give your passion to now can take you further than usual. The trick is to be guided both by where you want to go as well as where you have been.
Want to know more? A personal astrology reading can help get you bring your destination into clear focus, as well as helping you do closure on what has been that you're letting go of. Find out more...
May.20 – Venus square Neptune (24:15 of Taurus/Aquarius)
Money, material resources, relationships and pleasure could be subject to confusion, deception, or unrealistic wishful thinking under this
transit. It may seem that what you thought you had (love, friendship, pleasure, money, resources) has suddenly disappeared or isn't as dependable as you thought it
was. You might feel disappointed, disillusioned, sad or alone, but this is more likely to be a passing phase than a serious crisis. The question is: what are your
secret longings and subtle desires that may be operating unconsciously? These could be clouding your ability to relate to people and situations in your life. Old
addictions, depression or idealism may surface as way of dealing with feelings. A better outlet would be to channel your feelings and experiences into creativity,
beauty, inspiration and compassion; for example, art, music or helping others.
May.20 – Sun enters Gemini (until Jun.20/21) (May.21 in AU)
Happy Solar Return to everyone born in the sign of Gemini! This is the time of year for the cosmic Twins to party, but it is also a time
for all of us to explore our dual nature and our sentient awareness that emerges from it. Communication and exchange of information and ideas are specialties of
Gemini, and this period brings these areas into focus for everyone. If you're looking for ideas to explore your Gemini nature, try writing your thoughts down, or
listen to the buzz of activity around you, or express your observations in both verbal and non-verbal ways. Pay special attention to conversations with others, and
be alert to the new information that can be learned there. Connect with your Inner Imp and let yourself be playful, clever, cheerful and fun! Learn a new word every
day. Find out the names of things you never even noticed before. Read a book or newspaper or newsletter...or write one! Ride the bus to an area of town you've never
been to and see what you find. And remember that it is largely through our interactions with other people and with the immediate world around us that we develop
consciousness, perception and mental focus. Therefore, use this as an opportunity to increase your awareness of your immediate surroundings. Exchange information
and ideas with others. Use your ability to communicate in every way you can think of. And let yourself be curious, clever and playful!
May.21 – Jupiter sextile Uranus (22:08 of Capricorn) (May.22 in AU)
Brilliant ideas, breakthrough insights and unconventional opportunities! This is a very creative transit—not just artistically, but especially in terms of combining ideas and possibilities in innovative ways. At its best, you could feel like unseen hands are lifting you free of hopelessness and cynicism, opening up new potential and vision. On the other hand, you might also feel that you're being asked to live up to a lot more than you feel capable of fulfilling; and it might feel that this vision lies just a bit farther than your reach. Allow it to unfold in its own time, and watch for opportunities to take steps toward that vision. You don't have to give up your old depression, cynicism or pessimism all at once, but let yourself become open to a different way of seeing things a little at a time. Let this change come to you; you don't have to force it.
This is the second of 3 passes of this transit (Mar.28, May.21, Nov.13). Its effects can be felt up to 6 weeks before and after the exact
dates. At this second pass, the Jupiter-Uranus sextile is still involved in a Little Eye aspect
configuration with Chiron, the North Lunar Node and Neptune. This configuration is still quite close in orb (within about 3 degrees). This is a good time to look at
your creative and philosophical possibilities a little differently than you did 2 months ago. If you've been letting go of old patterns during that time, you might
be in a "bargaining" phase where you attempt to salvage the best of those patterns rather than believe you must lose everything. There's nothing wrong with this;
just remember that it's likely just part of the process, not the destination.
May.22 – Sun square Saturn (02:01 of Gemini/Virgo) (May.23 in AU)
It is necessary for you to come to grips with limitations, boundaries or expectations. If you have been avoiding some task or obligation,
this transit might bring consequences from that avoidance or a warning of consequences to come. You might also encounter a situation that requires you to accept
unwanted responsibility or restricts your freedom in some way. You might be faced with some part of your life being pruned back, either to rein in something that is
out of control or to make room for new growth. This is likely to be more or less stressful depending on how comfortable you are dealing with responsibility,
authority, limits and hard work. If you have a hard time with authority issues, you might find yourself in conflict with someone in authority under this transit --
perhaps in part because your buttons are getting pushed. On the other hand, this could also be a time when you are challenged to take action or make a decision that
involves taking on more responsibility. It is also a time when you may have to find better ways to deal with personal boundaries -- accepting others' or learning to
assert your own. You're bumping up against reality, so try to work constructively with it, not hurl yourself against it.
May.23 – Mercury Direct trine Chiron (21:09 of Gemini/Aquarius)
Your mental focus and communication now get an injection of healing energy. Cynicism and depression may soften now, as you become more receptive to a more optimistic viewpoint. If you have been caught up in escapism or "stinkin' thinkin'" (thinking you're more in control of your impulses than you really are), you may now find some relief and healing. Mental argument and critical "self-talk" can now find some reconciliation and acceptance that brings some peace of mind. You have increased ability to find the right words and understanding to help others with their problems. Compassion and empathy may be more accessible because you can identify your own experiences with what you see in others. You might also find someone who can give you good advice or support about your own problems -- possibly a teacher or mentor -- or you could become this to someone else.
This is the first of three passes: May.23, May29 and Jul.03. Both Mercury and Chiron are stationary during this pass (May.26 and May.25,
respectively). Read more about this under Multiple Stations, below.
May.24 – Venus enters Gemini (until Jun.18) (May.25 in AU)
Relationships, finances, resources and values take on an air of curiosity, communication and cleverness. It is a good time to discuss,
think about and create strategies to improve these areas or make them more enjoyable. You may be especially curious, flirtatious or easy-going now -- so much so
that you might drift into superficiality (which might be a welcome rest from more intense or committed social activity). It can be a good time to exchange ideas and
information with others, especially in a social context. Schmoozing and networking with others are prime examples of this. This can also be a good time to negotiate
contracts and agreements with people, in this atmosphere of information exchange. Just remember that it's one thing to use charm and humor to influence the
direction of the discussion, but it may not be wise to indulge in blatant manipulation of others.
May.25-26 – Multiple Retrograde Stations (Mercury, Chiron, Neptune) ("What's a Station?" "What does Retrograde mean?" Read articles about Retrograde planets.)
Over the span of just 2 days, we have 3 planets making a retrograde station. That's a lot of energy grinding to a halt and changing direction all at once! It's like getting caught in a series of whirlpools while going down the rapids. First Chiron, then Mercury, then Neptune make a U-turn. A station makes a planet's energy especially intense and prominent. Having three planets doing this at once will create some very concentrated energy. Chiron contributes the challenge to find healing through the acceptance of imperfection. Mercury moves us to rethink the old ways and come up with new ways to do just that. Neptune urges us to surrender to the healing process through dreams, meditation, music and compassion.
What is even more interesting about this multiple station is that Mercury is in an exact trine aspect to Chiron and the North Lunar Node
when this happens. And even the Moon joins in the party when it conjuncts the Chiron-Node-Neptune trio on the 26th. This trine can greatly enhance your creative
imagination and intuitive perception. It could also amplify your tendency to see the very best or the very worst in things, neither of which is entirely accurate.
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May.25 – Chiron stationary Retrograde (21:09 of Aquarius) ("What's a Station?" "What does Retrograde mean?" Read article about Stations. Read articles about Retrograde planets.)
The Retrograde station can be felt for up to a week before and after this date, especially through intensity and concentrated energy.
Since Chiron is often about health, you may find health issues coming to the foreground now. General issues about wounding, healing and hurt—physically, emotionally
and/or spiritually—may come to a turning point now, making it necessary to take some time for healing, reconstruction, and reconciliation of the energies that are
out of balance in your life. The station begins this process, which gradually unfolds over the next 5 months. Focus your energies on acknowledging the areas that
need healing work in your life—literally or figuratively. Don't forget that, although there are areas that need healing, there are also areas that you have made
progress on in the past. It's important to balance acknowledgement of the work to be done with recognition of what you have already achieved in the past.
May.26 – Mercury stationary Retrograde (21:32 of Gemini; until Jun.19) (May.27 in AU) ("What's a Station?" "What does Retrograde mean?" Read article about Mercury Retrograde. Read article about Stations. Read articles about Retrograde planets.)
Mercury now goes retrograde for the next 3-3½ weeks. For up to a week before and after today, Mercury is moving very slowly or stopped during the station. During this time, you may experience intensity, frustration, confusion, miscommunications, or feel like you're getting bogging down in your progress. Mercury retrograde is usually a time when it is best to rethink, rehash, reflect, and tie up old loose ends, rather than begin new ventures. It is typical for new insights and information to emerge later in the retrograde cycle that you didn't anticipate, which can change the whole picture. Because of this, it is usually advised to avoid making final or permanent decisions (e.g., signing contracts or putting new projects into action), during the retrograde and even up to 2 weeks after Mercury goes direct. However, it is an excellent time to do fact-finding, research and investigation to prepare for major decisions, which are usually best put off until well after Mercury goes direct. In the meantime, while Mercury is retrograde, expect the unexpected, and leave lots of extra time when planning your schedule (to minimize any disruptions from delays and complications). Stay flexible; for example, it's common to have to reschedule appointments. Do some things that use your intuitive, creative, non-rational mind for a while until Mercury goes direct again.
Mercury is retrograde in its own sign of Gemini, which is likely to give you lots of interesting or unusual ideas. You may find
yourself looking at things from many different angles and collecting as much information as possible, so that you can pick up clues that help you figure out what's
what. You could change your mind about ideas, situations or people, as you come to rethink and rehash these from a different point of view. Your curiosity might
lead you to some strange but enlightening perceptions, ideas and information. However, it is also possible to become unusually mentally scattered, fragmented or
ungrounded during this time (even for Mercury retrograde!) Communication is likely to be especially tricky, and you might find your mouth says something very
different from what your brain intended. You could be easily distractible and leave off sentences half way through, as your mind chases off after a new thought.
However, this can be a good time for intuitive or creative communication. Good ideas and astute perceptions might come to you in flashes of insight. Write down your
best ideas, observations, insights and even your dreams during this time, so that you can figure out later (after Mercury goes Direct) how they can be analyzed and
used. This could also be an especially good time to do your research and gather information in preparation for decisions and projects down the road.
May.26 – Neptune stationary Retrograde (24:15 of Aquarius) (May.27 in AU) ("What's a Station?" "What does Retrograde mean?" Read article about Stations. Read articles about Retrograde planets.)
For up to a week before and after this date, you may feel a thick concentration of Neptune energy. This could include vivid dreams and
imagination, foggy confusion or fluid intuition. You might experience unusual sensitivity to the people and situations around you. The station could create a
turning point in situations that have unfolded over the last few months, especially those in which you need to surrender to something greater than yourself, whether
that is the creative process, a stressful situation or the Universe in general. This can be a time when you come to an internal acceptance (or resignation) about
what needs to be done in your life. As a result, you might feel a sense of longing, dissatisfaction, disappointment, sadness, depression, fatigue or low energy. Or,
you might feel a sense of unburdening relief, inspiration, hopeful possibilities or deep beauty. The next 5-6 months will be a time to probe the spaces in between
the facts and the uncertainties – to learn about that force greater than yourself, as well as the (unconscious) part of yourself that longs to merge with it.
May.26 – Venus square Saturn (02:10 of Gemini/Virgo) (May.27 in AU)
Finances, relationships, social contacts and/or pleasures may seem blocked or require extra effort right now. Manifesting your desires may
require added hard work, but this struggle could also bring you closer to your goals. It may feel like there is a huge rock blocking your path that keeps you from
fulfilling your heart's desire. It may be necessary to face some difficult aspect of your situation before it is possible to know how to proceed. This is ultimately
a problem to be solved by confronting that which is unrealistic, unworkable, or just not in your best interest. This can also be a time when you arrive at a
crossroads and must make some firm choices, or when circumstances might force you to change your direction. This transit can make your choice clear, although it
might not be the one you hoped for.
May.29 – Mercury Retrograde trine Chiron (21:08 of Gemini/Aquarius) (May.30 in AU)
Your mental focus and communication now get an injection of healing energy. Cynicism and depression may soften now, as you become more receptive to a more optimistic viewpoint. If you have been caught up in escapism or "stinkin' thinkin'" (thinking you're more in control of your impulses than you really are), you may now find some relief and healing. Mental argument and critical "self-talk" can now find some reconciliation and acceptance that brings some peace of mind. You have increased ability to find the right words and understanding to help others with their problems. Compassion and empathy may be more accessible because you can identify your own experiences with what you see in others. You might also find someone who can give you good advice or support about your own problems -- possibly a teacher or mentor -- or you could become this to someone else.
This is the second of three passes: May.23, May.29 and Jul.03. Mercury and Chiron are both still stationary. Read more about these
multiple stations above.
Jun.01-11 – Multiple Conjunction (Sun, Mercury Retrograde, Venus)
This is an alignment of spirit, heart and mind—of purpose, pleasure and perception. It's not uncommon for these three planets to be in the same sign together, but having the three of them closely conjunct is relatively rare. (The last time was August 2007.)
The Sun and Venus have been within orb of conjunction since mid-May. Then, starting at the beginning of June, Mercury moves backwards to
conjoin them both. This triple conjunction is at its most exact Jun.07-09. The Sun and Venus go on to trine Chiron and Neptune (which Mercury did in late May when
there was a triple station). This multiple conjunction will be featured in the coming New Moon in Gemini (Jun.03).
Jun.02 – Chiron conjunct Lunar North Node (21:07 of Aquarius) (Jun.03 in AU) ("What's the Lunar Node?")
What does healing mean for you right now? What wounds do you carry that are ready to be healed? These might be physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual or social. Or perhaps there is a situation in your life that probably can't be completely resolved, but could probably be managed with the right strategies? Or, maybe you are in a situation where you feel you have to be something you're not, or where you don't seem to entirely fit in with the surrounding environment. This is a time when these issues are likely to be more prominent than usual. You might find people who can help you work through these areas. Or, perhaps you will encounter people who bring out that woundedness in you by aggravating those wounds somehow, giving you the dubious but authentic opportunity to learn more about what you need to heal and get past those problems. Remember that Chiron heals by giving you a nudge in the direction of the problem, rather than away from it, so if it seems like things are getting worse, you may be closer to finding a remedy than you realise. Try looking at the situation from a different perspective.
This is the first of 3 passes of this transit: Jun.02, Aug.10 and Oct.16. This pass is in it strongest effect from mid-May until mid-June.
Overall, this transit stays within a wider orb from the end of March through to December, making it one of the prominent themes of this year.
Next Update: NEW MOON in GEMINI - June 3, 2008. Available by Jun.03.
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