Astrology forecast
Today the ancient pagan celebration of spring, called Beltane in the Celtic tradition, also known in ancient Rome as Floralia, in Germany as Walpurgisnacht. This holiday celebrates all the best qualities associated with Venus-ruled Taurus: the lush beauty of nature, and all forms of sensual pleasure. Depending on where you are located, the weather may or may not look like spring, but astrologically there’s abundant Taurean energy going on right now. Not only is the Sun is making its annual passage through the fixed earth sign, but Jupiter and Mercury are there, as well as the goddess asteroids Vesta, Ceres and Sedna plus the Dark Moon Lilith.
Full Moon
All of this energy will reach a beautiful climax this weekend as the Sun in Taurus shines her light on the Moon in Scorpio, creating a brilliant Full Moon. This will literally be the biggest full moon of the year since the moon will be at its perigee, or closest approach to the earth. Many cultures have named the May Moon in ways that honor the sense of blossoming, of nature abundantly feeding all the senses: Blossom Moon (Anishinaabe); Frog Moon (Cree); Strawberry Moon (Potawatomi); Full Flower Moon (Algonquin) and Moon When Leaves Are Green (Dakota Sioux). Take some time this month to revel in springtime’s beauty, perhaps taking a walk in the woods and picking some fresh wild greens for a salad; work among the newly bloomed flowers in your garden; enjoy a romantic picnic with your honey; celebrate Beltane the traditional way by dancing around a maypole or leaping over a bonfire; or toast the full moon with a glass of wine or sparkling cider.
Work
The Sun, Mars and Pluto form a grand trine in earth signs this week into next. This means a good time for practical projects ranging from gardening to starting a new health regime to whatever is on your desk. Pluto means the trine has added oomph for making lasting positive changes while Sun and Mars both lend energy. This planetary configuration goes well with May 1’s more modern holiday meaning, honoring workers and labor. Take some time to think about the hard work you have accomplished thus far in your life, as well as the work your ancestors did which shaped your life before you were even born. If you live in a city where there is an Occupy event taking place, you may want to honor the 99% who keep society functioning by attending and showing your support.
Communication
Most of this month, Taurus’ ruling planet Venus is in Gemini trining retrograde Saturn in Libra. This makes for a wonderful time to broach a diplomatic and mature discussion of relationship issues. This energy for frank yet friendly talks will be particularly strong on Thursday through Friday when Venus also forms a sextile to Mercury in Aries. These Venus aspects will also favor reviving abandoned artistic projects, forming a creative collaborative effort with others; negotiating for better pay or simply enjoying a sparkling social evening with friends, letting them regale you with tales of their latest adventures. Mercury then goes on to form some challenging aspects to both Chiron and Saturn later in the week, so you will want to choose your words with more care then.
Venus retrograde
Later this month, Venus will turn retrograde in Gemini and continue her apparent backward movement in the sky until June 27. Traditional astrology advice says it is best to postpone any decisions made about new clothes or new hairstyles, as well as any decorative or artistic purchases until after the retrograde period. Venus retrograde periods also often mean checks you are waiting for arrive slowly. Depending on which house Gemini rules in your natal chart, this time can also mean the re-appearance of old friends or old flames.
If you want to find out what how the Venus retrograde is likely to affect you personally, get in touch with us for an astrology reading.