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New Moon in Taurus ~ May 2/3, 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Jan

Bull, Taurus by Loet Vanderveen

New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Taurus qualities (determined, practical, devoted, grounded, dependable) and 2nd house themes (material security, values, self-worth). On a spiritual/higher plane, the Moon in Taurus seeks inner peace through stability and contentment. Taurus is natively ruled by Venus.

In Taurus, the Moon is said to be 'exalted' (in its best zodiacal sign placement). As I've explained in previous posts,

perhaps the Moon's greatest "weakness" might be that she's too changeable. It isn't that she can't make up her mind or stick to it. Her decisions are based on her feelings/intuition. Her emotions vacillate as often as she moves one degree every few hours within the sign she is transiting and as she changes zodiac signs every few days. She dons the personality and experiences the wealth emotions from twelve different signs in about 30 days.

Taurus is the bull -- steadfast and reliable, with feet firmly on the ground. Taurus is also comfort-seeking which is a huge plus for the Moon. Simply put, Taurus offers the Moon what she needs -- emotional security -- which is probably all she really wants sometimes ... to be able to feel, yet not get lost in them or be driven to action solely by them.

The Taurus-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) forms a quincunx (an irritating link) with Saturn-rx (reality/restrictions). The New Moon in Taurus is one of two financially-related new moons we get this year. The link with Saturn in Libra could also give a focus on our relationships, including that which we have with the self or the relationship we have with money/material security.

The energy of this new moon might be extra challenging for those of us who are not quite ready to face facts, not mature enough to own up to our part, not committed to making the difficult but necessary changes, or unable to get past what's wrong/broken/unpleasant/unfair.

In addition to our financial status, this is new moon phase is an ideal time to re-evaluate our value system -- what do we truly value in life? how much of our energy are we exerting towards what is valuable to us? how about our own worth (material worth or self-worth)? Determine what is worth our precious time and build upon that.

Elsewhere in the sky, Mars (action/motivation) and Jupiter (expansiveness/opportunities) blend energies while both link harmoniously with the North Node (life path), giving us all a chance to make happen or move towards what we must/should or believe we must/should.

The moon will be new on May 2 at 11:51 p.m. PDT / May 3 at 2:51 a.m. EDT and occurs at 13 degrees of Taurus. Those born within 3 days of May 2 or November 5; or have planets/house angles around 13 degrees of fixed signs may experience the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

How might this new moon manifest in your life? Look to the natal house this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp. Use the list below to identify the Taurus zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.



Click image to see larger

For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising signs below then click here for an explanation of New Moon illuminating those houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 2nd House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 1st House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 12th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 8th House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 7th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 6th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 3rd House

Unsure if you have natal planets/house angles on or around 13 degrees of fixed signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or ask a question/request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:

Image of the sculpture - "Taurus, Bull" credit and copyright to Loet Vanderveen.

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Mercury Direct ~ April 23, 2011

Monday, April 18, 2011 Jan

2010 Messenger Mercury image compilation via JPL/NASA

Mercury stations on April 23rd at 3:07 a.m. PDT / 6:07 a.m. EDT and prepares for direct motion. He's been retrograde for about three weeks since March 30th. Aries-Suns/Risings or those with natal planets/house angles in Aries or cardinal signs may have found this retrograde period extra challenging. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period, is March 16 to May 12. Mercury's transit in Aries continues until May 15th.

Mercury represents how we think, talk, interact and react; and also governs transportation, commerce and trade. As he retraces his steps for a third and final time, issues regarding autonomy/exercising individuality; situations involving new ventures/creative ideas; or events surrounding the launch of a new product/idea/business/collaboration or next phase of something existing may be revisited or completed or resolved.

The 3 days approaching and after Mercury's station day (April 23) may result in continued delays, frustration, miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. So, make allowances for these things. Opt for more tolerance. Give someone the benefit of a doubt, especially if events/issues arising presently may be out of character for them. Leave extra early for appointments. Reread important documents/agreements and ask yourself questions to ensure you understand every point or line item within the document. Preparation is key; and in situations where there's no time to prepare, then being more understanding will go a long way within interactions, as well as maintaining one's personal inner peace.

Mercury's retrograde in Aries has surprisingly been 'quieter' than his previous retrograde cycle in Capricorn. Although, I must say I was more 'reactive' than usual during this Mercury retrograde in Aries, more so than my usual self. I'm typically more even-tempered (Virgo-rising/Cancer-Sun with Gemini-Mercury) and do not get riled up easily (Cancer-Mars). However, I noticed I was more easily irritated/frustrated and reactive/vocal about being annoyed. This retrograde in Aries, plus all the other celestial bodies transiting in Aries, really brought out my Aries-Moon which is typically quieter (mutual reception with my Cancer-Mars & 'others' oriented in the 7th house). The wrath of Jan was pretty evident for some of March through this month so far ... oopsies >;-)

How was Mercury's retrograde period in Aries been for you?

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles in Aries? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Related articles:



2010 Messenger Mercury Image Compilation, credit and copyright to JPL/NASA.

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Venus in Aries ~ April 20/21 to May 15, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011 Jan

The North Pole of Venus via NASA

Just as the Sun moves out of Aries and into Taurus on April 20th, Venus also changes signs. She leaves the sensitive sign of Pisces and joins Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus in the fierce sign of Aries. Venus represents love, how we relate to others, how we want others to relate to us, our self-worth, what we value in life, what we like/dislike, our material possessions and finances.

While in Pisces, Venus' drives and concern were for others...humanity, as a whole. She asserts, ever so sweetly, that we acknowledge there is something greater that links us all. If nothing else, we are connected in this journey we call life which we all have to individually live out. Venus in Aries, however, is more focused on the self, its basic needs/desires and staying true to one's own motivations. In Aries, she is bold and magnetic, loves initiating new connections, values independence in the self and in others, and loves ardently and impulsively. In friendships, she tends to lead the group.

At best, Venus in Aries is passionate, action-oriented, fun, instinctive, and a natural leader that gets things started. She is a champion and protector of the indefensible and teaches them how to independently fend for themselves. At worst, argumentative, bossy, lacks commitment, and acts without fully considering consequences. While Venus is in Aries, we are challenged to be bolder and more assertive. Confidence should ooze from our pores. Flirt a little. Laugh a lot. Explore our independence. Discover our passion and run with it.

Venus enters Aries on April 20 at 9:06 p.m. PDT / April 21 at 12:06 a.m. EDT and will stay through May 15th. While in Aries, Venus will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

  • April 23 ~ Venus conjunct Uranus. Surprises! Chance meetings. Unexpected gains or losses. Push for freedom. Abrupt reactions. Disruptions. Awakening arising from chaos.
  • April 27 ~ Venus square Pluto-rx. Passions rise. Heated arguments. Manipulation tactics. Need to ferret out what's hidden.
  • May 1 ~ Venus oppose Saturn-rx. Financial limitations. Seeing the reality of situations, especially within relationships. Confidence weakened.
  • May 11 ~ Triple conjunction between Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in Aries. Super energized days between May 9 and May 12. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year or have natal planets/house angels around 15-19 degrees in cardinal signs may also find this energy boost a nice perk. Also today, Mars enters Taurus.
How might Venus' transit in Aries manifest in your world? Look to the Aries-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac sign below to identify the Aries zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for an explanation of Venus transiting those solar and/or natal houses.



Click image to see larger


For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then click here for an explanation of Venus transiting those solar and/or natal houses.
  • Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
  • Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
  • Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
  • Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
  • Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
  • Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
  • Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
  • Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
  • Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
  • Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
  • Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
  • Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Package Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months). Or give the gift of insight.

Have a question or need a quote for a more customized reading, ask me here.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

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"The North Pole of Venus" - Image credit and copyright to SSV, MIPL, Magellan Team, NASA.

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