Cosmic highlights this month include a fortunate Moon/Jupiter conjunction on May 9 (Happy Mother’s Day!) and a spectacular conjunction of Venus and the crescent New Moon (both Out of Bounds North!!) on May 15-16.

The Moon and Venus conjunct El Nath, the star Hindu astrologers call Agni, a source of cosmic fire. This spectacular alignment in a Venus year activates the transforming power of Love on a global scale. This Moon/Venus magic carries through the 5/14-6/12 lunar cycle. The May 14-28 waxing Moon will be one for the record books as all things begun now will prosper in a most extraordinary way.

Each Spring as the Sun moves through earth sign Taurus, the light within struggles again with the dragons of the unconscious world: libido, laziness, primal passions, selfishness, cynicism, et al. Because the opportunity for transforming is so great, all within that needs to be transformed, all that holds back from love and many self-defeating belief patterns emerge to be cleared.

The new 4-month Mercury cycle that began April 28 brings exciting new developments in global communication, extraordinary new inventions and great success in commercial enterprise. While Mercury remains retrograde through May 11 we’ll be busy changing our minds and rearranging communication systems for the grand new show opening soon after the May 13 New Moon. Then Mercury emerges from behind the Sun as Mercury Prometheus bringing new fire to mortals.

May 1– Dance to Be Free, Open to Receive

May Day Gate of Inspiration

May Day brings new light and dancing around a Maypole sets the soul free. Whatever inhibits inspiration comes up now to be cleared. Deep breathing, yoga and clockwise circle dancing release tension from the body and mind and free energy for new creation.

May 1-2 (8:55 pm 4/29 – 12:47 am 5/3)-Change Old Habits

Moon Out of Bounds South When the Moon travels through the “underworld,” our inner world is illuminated. Subconscious patterns of belief and behavior are revealedand can more easily be transformed.

May 5 (exact 5 am edt) – Earth Energy

Beltane Cross-Quarter Day / Cinqo de Mayo

Beltane is a traditional May Day celebration of fertility, renewal, awakening and new beginnings that heralds the arrival of summer.It culminates May 5 when bonfires light the night. Fixed sign midpoints focus energies of the four elements,Beltane focuses earth energy. Beltane fires fix vital spirit in earth and stone, fertilizing natural growth.

May 8 (8:09 pm) – Cosmic Balance Time

Moon at the Equator / Lunar Zero Point North Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator moving North is like Spring Equinox, a time to initiate. The magic Moon window opens for two hours 7:09 – 9:09 pm.

May 9 – Honoring the Source of All Life

Mother’s Day

May is the month of Maia/Mary, the World Mother. Today we celebrate mothers throughout the world. Moon with Jupiter brings blessings to all. 

May 9-11 – Make a Wish

Balsamic Moon

Needs felt now invoke response from the new lunar cycle. Put wishes on the air and bring people to mind for healing. The deeper we feel, the more Moon magic we invoke in this new cycle. More magical energies flow May 11 as Mercury goes into forward motion (6:27 pm). Mercury’s turnaround signals the awakening of a new Promethean spirit that will help transform and heal our world.

May 12-13 – Time to Look Within

Dark of the Moon

While unfavorable for most outward activities, this time is ideal for inner work and house cleaning/clearing for the new lunar cycle. The New Moon (9:04 pm May 13) is a cosmic spring from which to drink. The spring flows freely as we slow down and go within. This Taurus Moon cycle offers many new opportunities for realizing our hopes and dreams.

May 14-17 (7:53 am5/14 - 5:37 am5/17) - Freedom and Imagination

Moon Out of Bounds North

We are open-minded and ready for change as we enter the higher world. Share opportunities, make announcements, have a social gathering or bring a new discovery to light.Breakthroughs happen Saturday night as the Moon sails high over Orion.

May 15-19 – A Time to Sow

Crescent New Moon It is time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Moon magic is strongest between Sunset and Moonset when the New Moon shines through the 7th House. Venus Out of Bounds with the Crescent Moon in Gemini brings success in love, artistic creation and commercial enterprise. 

May 20– Releasing the Old, Powering On the New

1st Quarter Moon

This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky. It is a time for decision,a time to let go of the past and affirm our place in a new cycle of creation. 

May 27 (exact 7:07 pm) – Illumination

Sun in Gemini Full Moon

Each Full Moon is a time of revelation. Meditation, deep breathing, music and dance help receive blessings. Spiritual energies flow through the three days following Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters, and flashes of inspiration. Spring tide crests now and Venus is empowered to bring more love and harmony to the world.

May 27-30 (5:47 am 5/27 – 7:49 am 5/30)-Change Old habits

Moon Out of Bounds South

The best opportunity for change comes Friday evening as the Moon sails above the brilliant star Antares. This is a time to awaken our inner child and set ourselves free.  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 can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email [email protected]