Astrology for May
As night descends, the Big Dipper rides high in the Northern skies, emptying its bowl into the dipper below. The North Star turns our world into the Taurus time of year, when roses scent the air, the Pleiades set with the Sun and the Scorpion rises. Venus compels us with its bright beauty in the West.
These times unfold the deep fissures of our society, culture, and for many of us our own psyche’s yearning and challeng
e, exposing what isn’t working. Pluto and Uranus unearth the bones of our foundation. What is cast off, and neglected, is bubbling up, its anger feed by repression until it erupts in riots, violence, loss, and earthquakes. Now we must look to our roots and tend the soil, move beyond denial and crusty surface values of success, the rich, and powerful. Uranus and Pluto activate our sense of self, so that our collective identity will change. The American story of rugged individualism, and success through endless growth, arises and like a Phoenix, ignites itself into flames. It hears the deeper call of who and what has been repressed and the repercussions of this identity thunder through our society. Baltimore burns.
We can no longer play at the role of our destiny, the call to right human relations. That which is out of balance must bow to the need of healing and restoration to our higher calling.
The full mo
on takes place on May 3rd, the Wesak Moon, the moon of Buddha’s enlightenment. Ground yourself. Feel the depth of emotion the Scorpio moon provides. A day before this moon, and a day after, holds the clear light of the Buddha mind for those who attune to the field of his memory, which lodges in the light of this moon. The month of Taurus brings beauty, and the scented air calls you out. Seek its wisdom. Let it calm your soul.
Mercury goes retrograde on the 18th. This Mercury retrograde is particularly intense in Gemini, asking us to review the way we scatter our attention, or neglect to integrate the shadow side of the twinned sign. Create time and space to contemplate arising issues, what is illusion, and what is true? What is the quality of our relationships, and can we 
bring mindfulness to witness the day?
New Moon on the 17th seeds us into the next 4 weeks. Enter a deeper connection for what is possible for our personal lives and species. Hold the Vision and cross the Bridge into the new age.
Twelve opportunities for May 2015: For Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): This month you take time to center yourself more deeply within. Habituated ways of acting and thinking create suffering. You’ve been confronted with challenges. To free yourself you must move beyond society’s perception of success and sink into your own truth. At the end of the month you will be tested in your reactions and intentions. Hold fast to inner clarity.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): This month balance the 4 elements of being; spirit, soul, mind and body/earth. The full moon at 13 Scorpio/Taurus calls you to center in your heart and know the power that moves through all of us. Inspire yourself, throw the I Ching. Make time to nourish soul. Cultivate mindfulness and see the world open like a flower. Simplify your diet. An issue comes to the forefront to be healed and you are released into something new.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): This is an important month for you. Things are surfacing to be mulled over and reviewed. Take a good look at belief systems that create your life perspective. Simplify where you are over extended. You find immediate relief if you create more space. Misunderstandings can take place now. It can be difficult to decipher what is at the heart of things, so take your time.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): This is a creative time for you. You find joy sharing with others. As Venus crosses into Cancer your romantic self is stirred and love is around you. Seek out what is beautiful, positive, and those you love, along with the little things that draw you close to love. This new moon encourages you to go into the vision of what you are creating in your life. Touch into your core and let it speak to you.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): This month is an excellent time for you to perform, entertain, and express yourself publicly. At the full moon you draw on the depth of Scorpio, its multilayered feelings and awareness. This full moon is a special time for you enjoy friends and community. Amplify your gratitude to receive the great pleasure of Jupiter at the Zenith in Leo. In the later half of the month begin to move into quiet contemplation. Something is coming to a close or is being experienced at a new level.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): It’s important to keep your life simple and more spacious this month. Communications at work or in the family may be more difficult, so take your time and don’t respond right away. This is a great time for retreating, for editing, for contemplating your life and/or writing. Keep your schedule simple, expand yourself into the imaginative worlds. New insights are evolving.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): You are tuned in this month, aware of others challenges, and emotional dynamics, with your own deep feelings. Expressing your creativity, letting yourself play, and having fun, seems to liberate you from feeling responsible for others feelings, and being overly responsible in general. It changes the energy field around you, uplifts you, and affects those around you.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): This full moon accentuates your deep feeling self. Don’t forget Scorpio’s special key word, surrender! Let it go! Underneath, your innate wisdom and intuitive gut leads you into renewed places. You experience success at work and are recognized publicly. It’s liberating and brings relaxation. Toward the end of the month don’t schedule too much. You will need space and down time to regenerate.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): This month work and health issues come to the forefront. Slowing your pace is essential for best results. You are especially concerned for another person this month. Your steadiness and thoughtful consideration helps them to see clearly. Step back, observe communications, and the actions of others. You will find that what you thought was being conveyed really wasn’t what was being expressed. Keep compassionate and healthy boundaries.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Old issues have been stirred up. You are completing a large cycle. Refrain from self judgment. It can feel like you aren’t making much headway toward your goals. Review what they are, then ride the energy of each day as things unfold. You can’t go any faster than you are, and rapid progress won’t take place right now. Have patience and take a deep breathe. Healing and new inspiration will soon take place.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): May is a good time to step out into the public. Your communications can inspire and liberate. At the new moon go inward and sense your own special destiny. There is dynamic energy to create, to love, to embody. Take time to review. What is it you want? What is important to you? If self doubt arises, honor it, and experience a deeper level of actualization of who you are coming into focus.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Mercury retrogrades and calls you into the inner realms of personal review. Now is a good time to reflect upon your goals, your intentions, and what you would like to contribute. Imagination calls, as well as organization and attending to practical concerns. This is the balance that you are walking. Delays may take place in travel plans but you are well received by family members, or into homes where much sharing of thoughts takes place.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 33 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and or, painting classes, and for personal consultations, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com.