May begins with the May Day Gate of Inspiration. As old shadow patterns shatter, energy is freed for a new creation. The Sun in Taurus / Wesak Full Moon on May 8 is widely considered the most powerful of the year and a transcendent power is transmitted in answer to world need. As the Sun moves through Taurus the Moon becomes exalted, the Spring tide crests and Venus is empowered to bring more love and harmony into the world.

 As Venus grows,  Mercury disappears in the evening sky after going retrograde May 7. Mercury’s usually problematic end-of-cycle period is less a problem under the Wesak Moon through May 11. After this date until the New Mercury May 18 nothing newly begun is likely to fare very well. After the New Mercury new communication ventures and all newly hatched commercial enterprises are highly favored to be successful.

This is especially true for the two weeks following the May 25 appearance of the lunar crescent that grows from the May 24 Gemini New Moon. Mercury’s turnaround at the First Quarter Moon on May 30 signals the awakening of a new Promethean spirit that will help transform and heal our world.

May 1– Open to Receive, Power On the New May Day/ 1st Quarter Moon   This May Day ‘Gate of Inspiration’ opens to a new light of understanding appreciation and purpose. The Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky signaling this as a time for decision, time to cut free the past and affirm our true purpose for the new time. Inspirations may come in dreams or sudden realizations that help to solve problems and illuminate important life issues.   May 4 – A Magic Portal Moon at the Equator / Lunar Zero Point South Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. 0 South is good for letting go old ways and surrendering to spirit before entering the under world in quest for vision. The magic portal opens for about two hours 1:27– 3:27 pm.

May 5 – A Fire Festival for Vital Growth Beltane Cross-Quarter Day / Cinqo de Mayo Beltane focuses the power of the Earth element. In the zodiac projected on the Earth, the mid-Taurus line goes through Pipestone, Minnesota and Tuxla, Mexico. Earth (stone) is the sacred element of this region. Pipestone from Minnesota was used to create the peace pipes for all Native American tribes.

May 9-13 – Renovate Your Inner World Moon Out of Bounds South

As the Moon travels the ‘underworld,’ our inner world becomes illuminated, revealing emotional challenges where we’ve been blocked. Go beneath the surface, do research and change habits, The greatest opportunity occurs May 11 when the Moon reaches its southern extreme aligning with Antares, the alpha star of Scorpio. This is a day to let go all old ideas that won’t serve in the new world to be.

May 9 – Illumination  Wesak Full Moon

Buddhists say the Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment and left earthly incarnation under the Wesak Full Moon. Followers of the ancient teachings also believe the Buddha returns each year for 8 minutes at the Wesak Full Moon. People meditate then to receive illumination from the Buddha. Each Full Moon is a time of revelation with spiritual energies flowing through the three days following.

May 18  - New Beginnings, Initiative New Mercury

Mercury crosses directly between the Earth and Sun and a new cycle of Mercury is begun. All bodes extremely well for decision making and new beginnings following these celestial events. New Mercury begins a new cycle of creative thinking, communication, new invention and new commercial enterprise.

May 20 – Declaration of Independence Meck Dec Day A circular bronze plaque at the center of Trade & Tryon uptown marks the spot where the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed on May 20th 1775. This date our State Flag reflects our motto 'First in Freedom.' On May 20 each year the Sun conjuncts Charlotte in the zodiac on Earth.

May 20-22  – Make a Wish Balsamic Moon

The Balsamic Moon, or Wishing Moon, is a time for putting wishes on the air and bringing people to mind for healing. Needs felt now invoke response from the coming lunar cycle. Venus rising brightly with the Moon now brings special blessings.

May 23 - May 25 – Time to Look Within Dark of the Moon

During this 3-day period starting the day before New Moon and ending when the crescent becomes visible, all outward activities are unfavorable. This time is ideal for inner work. The New Moon is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down, take time off and go within.

May 23-27 – Open-minded and Imaginative Moon Out of Bounds North

The time following the appearance of the lunar crescent on May 25 is ideal for starting new business ventures or for social gatherings. Share new opportunities, make announcements or bring new discoveries to light. Anything is possible.

May 25-28 – Time to Sow Crescent New Moon/ Venus/ Mercury   This Gemini Moon cycle brings great new opportunities for realizing hopes and dreams. It is time to speak up, let needs be known, announce plans to the world. The Moon tide energizes whatever we bring forward. What we choose to plant in our inner garden now will grow and flower through the year.

May 30 – Prometheus Rising 1st Quarter Moon / Mercury Direct

The Moon’s first quarter calls to action while Mercury rises before the Sun moving forward and bringing new ideas, new mental fire to mortals. Now’s the time to tell the new story.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He may be reached at 704-375-3759 or email [email protected]