At 5:17 p.m. (Eastern) tonight, Mars slides into Taurus where he slows down considerably. In his home sign Aries, he was ready to move, quick to act, driven by passion, and assertive by nature. In Taurus, his movements are determined, purposeful, and well thought out. No rash actions here.

The astrological sky has been busy as we approached the end of May. Last weekend through to the middle of this week, we witnessed Jupiter (opportunities) perfect his links to Chiron (healing) and Neptune (spirituality). By the end of the week, Neptune changed directions and will be retrograde until November. Yesterday began with Chiron (wounded healer) stationing, as he followed Neptune's lead and will be retrograde until October; then that evening, Mercury (mind/communication) began moving forward after being retrograde for most of May. Following the succession of these celestial events, how timely and beneficial is Mars' entrance into Taurus today?!

Mars joins Mercury in Taurus. All that was planned, revealed, revised during the Mercury retrograde period is ready for implementation (Mars) in a deliberate fashion (Taurus). Saturn (the achiever) in Virgo (analytical), also newly direct since mid-month, aids our intentional actions and decisions to produce lasting results.

Neptune's retrograde offers a chance to reconnect with our subconscious, spirituality, and psychological self. Our mind (Mercury) is stable and grounded in Taurus for at least another week, hampering the Neptunian fog of confusion; so, we can establish a better understanding of that which are unseen but just as real. A clearer mind (Mercury) allows for an intensive introspection (Chiron), contributing to a more productive (Saturn) and enlightened (Neptune) set of actions (Mars).

Mars remains in Taurus until July 11. Let's take advantage of Taurus' slow but sure strategy and really get things accomplished!

Look to the house ruled by Taurus, Aries and/or Scorpio in your birth chart to get an idea of where Mars' energy might play out while in Taurus. Unsure of what house/s Mars in Taurus is visiting? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

Related articles:

• Mercury Direct ~ May 30, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30, 2009 to October 31, 2009
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune Conjunctions
• Saturn Direct ~ May 16, 2009

Photograph of Mars, as seen from the Hubble Space Telescope, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.