ASTROLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF MAY 2021

 

                                  

      

Pavement Mosaics of Taurus and Gemini at the Umberto Gallery in Naples, Italy

Photos by IlSistemone, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Big Picture in May

The cosmic events in May 2021 suggest that this will be a month of significant changes and revelations. First, we have entered “eclipse season” with an early morning Total Lunar eclipse on May 26 at 5 degrees Sagittarius. In addition to Pluto turning retrograde last month, two more planets, Saturn and Mercury, will be moving retrograde in May. Besides the usual sign changes of the fast-moving inner planets, we will also observe the planet Jupiter moving from airy Aquarius to watery Pisces on May 13.

In astrology, eclipses are known to be associated with revelations. In other words, what has been unknown will now be revealed sometime during this period. This new information might propel us to make a change in our life. Because we will experience a lunar eclipse in May, it is important to point out that this cosmic phenomenon corresponds to endings, thus providing the climate for intense emotionality. The impact of the lunar eclipse especially affects individuals or other entities that have planets around 5 degrees Sagittarius, or 5 degrees of the other mutable signs, Gemini and Virgo. Some astrologers believe this applies also to any planetary body around 5 degrees of any sign. I look also to see in what house 5 degrees of Sagittarius falls in the chart of individuals or nations.

For the United States, astrologers often use the Sibley Chart for analyzing the association of astrological events with national issues and activities. At the time of the May 13 lunar eclipse, the moon will be transiting the 12^th house of the United States natal chart. Among other associations, the twelfth house represents behind the scenes activities, clandestine affairs, and secrets. It can also refer to endings and self-undoing. Astrologers often refer to the twelfth house as the closet or wastebasket of the chart because it stores experiences that we wish to hide, discard or not acknowledge.

Will there be information revealed concerning the United States that heretofore has not been exposed? If so, will the revelations have a significant impact on its leaders (former or present) or its institutions? Interestingly, two prominent individuals with May birthdays have been recently in the news: Matt Gaetz, a sun sign Taurus and Rudy Giuliani, a sun sign Gemini.

Matt Gaetz, an elected Republican Representative from Florida, has been under investigation for possible sex trafficking. According to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, he was born on May 7, 1982 in Hollywood, Florida. (No time is given, so I constructed the chart using Koch houses with a 12:00 PM birth time). At the time of the May 26 eclipse, the transiting Moon at 5° Sagittarius is opposing his natal Mercury at 7° Gemini and the transiting Sun at 5° Gemini is in conjunction with this natal Mercury. Moreover, the Congressman’s natal Uranus is less than 2° from the eclipse degrees! Will this eclipse trigger more information about Gaetz or will he be the one talking?

 Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and legal counsel to Donald Trump, was the target of an unexpected FBI raid that seized some of his documents. According to Astro-Databank, he was born on May 28, 1944 at 2:30 PM. Giuliani has a natal Sun at 7° Gemini 16ʹ conjunct Uranus at 8° Gemini 49ʹ in the 9^th house. On the morning of this coming eclipse, the transiting Sun is at 5° Gemini 25.ʹ Consequently, the 9^th House in Giuliani’s chart is being activated by this eclipse, with the transiting Moon in his natal 3^rd House. Broadly speaking, the third house (ruled by Mercury and its corresponding sign of Gemini) is associated with communication and his local environment, while the ninth house is often attributed to legal matters and foreign affairs. It has been reported that Giuliani is being investigated for possible unlawful activities in the Ukraine.

While the investigations of Gaetz and Giuliani appear to have no linkages, I think it is quite interesting that Mercury (ruler of Gemini) and Uranus (the “awakener” and catalyst of shocking or surprising events) are featured prominently in the May Lunar Eclipse charts (set for Florida and New York, respectively) for both of these men.

Another significant event in May is the beginning of the Saturn retrograde period, which begins on May 23 at 13° Aquarius 30ʹ. This planet of structures and limits retraces the territory back to 6° Aquarius 52.ʹ The last time Saturn was at that degree was February 2021, the month where we experienced the first exact square between Saturn and Uranus. By the last day of May, these two planets will be separated by only 1°. Saturn will resume direct motion on October 11.

Mercury, the planet of the mind and communication, moves into Gemini, a sign that it rules, on May 3. This planet turns retrograde late in the month, on May 30 at 24° Gemini 40ʹ. Mercury will turn direct on June 22 and will remain in Gemini until July 11. As you know, Mercury retrograde periods are associated with miscommunication, equipment breakdowns and related snafus. During retrogrades, we often need to rethink and redo our projects, often twice. Because Mercury is in its natural element of air, activities might move quickly once we get it right. As a natural prankster, Mercury in Gemini might be particularly impish during this time.

Mars, the planet of action, remains “out of bounds”until May 24. Essentially, an out of bounds planet doesn’t necessarily follow the rules and therefore could be unpredictable in its actions. During this period, Mars continues to transit the sign of Cancer, the watery emotional sign ruled by the Moon. Consequently, the out of bounds status of the planet might trigger unexpected emotions.

Other sign changes this month include Venus transition into Gemini on May 8. That same day the asteroid Ceres (earth protector, ruler of agriculture, child nurturer) moves into earthy Taurus. Finally, the Sun enters Gemini on May 20.

Creativity might be optimum on these days featuring six quintiles:

May 4: Jupiter quintiles Uranus: Develop big plans with unconventional ideas.

May 6: Mercury quintiles Neptune: Creative writing, filmmaking, or art might great ways to channel this energy.

May 12: Venus quintile Neptune: Redesign or decorate a home or office. Form ideal relationships with females. Invest in art that moves you.

May 24: Mercury quintile Chiron: Great day to mentor another. Learn or teach about healing modalities.

May 25: Sun quintile Neptune: How can you utilize idealism or the arts to fulfill your personal goals or assist you on your life’s path?

May 28: Venus quintile Chiron: Invest in your healing. Aesthetics can help you heal yourself or others. Develop a mentoring relationship.

Significant Days in May

Below you will find a table of astrological events for this month, including the major aspects, the key lunations, and sign changes for the planets. You can assess the quality of significant days by noting when planets form exact aspects and where all this activity takes place in your natal chart.

Here is a basic key for understanding the meaning of the aspects:

The Conjunction (0°-10°): This aspect represents the merging and fusion of energies by two (or more planets) that have joined at a particular degree (or within a specified orb). This combined energy is very potent. When this occurs, we might feel subjective about a matter in our lives.

The Sextile (60°): Planets in this formation are harmonious and lend themselves to cooperation. Astrologer Sue Tompkins says there is a quality of “coaxing” in sextiles. In other words, if we put in a little effort at these times, we can take advantage of opportunities in a situation.

The Quintile (72°): Planets in this aspect represent the type of harmony inherent in creative endeavors. It might often describe the impulse to fuse an idea into a tangible substance. Quintiles often describe the talents possessed by individuals.

The Square (90°): Planets that line up in this aspect reflect incompatible energies with contrasting needs. Consequently, we can describe this planetary relationship as tense and strained. Because these energies can be working at cross-purposes, the situation at hand may require us to make choices. The “silver lining” is that squares compel us to take action and this often results in dispelling tension. If we are conscious of the dilemma, we can use the excess energy in a matter so that we can achieve something useful.

The Trine (120°): There is an ease in the relationship between planets involved with this aspect because they are of the same element. At this time, we can perform activities with a flowing energy. We enjoy these activities, and they often reflect our innate talents. Because this energy is so comfortable, it often does not promote growth. Yet, these aspects reflect how we can be healed.

The Quincunx (150°): Planets forming this relationship appear to have nothing in common. These planets display energies that are out of step with one another. There can be an element of irritation and stress because of this, but it is not a confrontative type of energy. If we are conscious of this reality, we can make adjustments to the relationship such that we do not feel so out of sync.

The Opposition (180°): This relationship between planets brings to our awareness how something is different from our preferred position. We could be in conflict with others about a matter. Also, we might shift our preference from one point of view to its opposite. Yet, we can also find common ground in this relationship. This aspect has the potential for us to integrate our perspectives.

MAY 2021 ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS

Date of Exact or Near Exact Aspect	Pacific Time	Astrological Event
May 2	2:19 AM	MERCURY  (26 Taurus 48) trine PLUTO (26 Capricorn 48)
May 2	3:38 PM	VENUS (22 Taurus 26) sextile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 26)
May 3	2:33 AM	MERCURY (28 Taurus 42) square JUPITER (28 Aquarius 42)
May 3	3:01 AM	SUN (13 Taurus 12) square SATURN (13 Aquarius 12)
May 3	7::48 PM	MERCURY enters Gemini
May 4	10:13 PM	JUPITER (28 Aquarius 56) quintile URANUS (10 Taurus 56)
May 6	4:24 AM	VENUS (26 Taurus 47) trine PLUTO (26 Capricorn 47)
May 6	10:43 AM	MERCURY (4 Gemini 32) quintile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 32)
May 8	1:51 AM	CERES enters Taurus
May 8	6:38 AM	VENUS (29 Taurus 22) square JUPITER (29 Aquarius 22)
May 8	7:01 PM	VENUS enters Gemini
May 10	7:44 PM	MERCURY (11 Gemini 12) sextile CHIRON (11 Aries 12)
May 11	12:00 PM	NEW MOON (21 Taurus 18)
May 11	4:54 PM	MARS (11 Cancer 15) square CHIRON (11 Aries 15)
May 11	7:48 PM	MARS (11 Cancer 20) sextile URANUS (11 Taurus 20)
May 12	10:33 PM	MERCURY (13 Gemini 26) trine SATURN (13 Aquarius 26)
May 12	2:33 PM	VENUS (4 Gemini 41) quintile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 41)
May 12	10:45 PM	SUN (22 Taurus 42) sextile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 42)
May 13	3:35 PM	JUPITER enters Pisces
May 15	7:49 AM	MARS (13 Cancer 28) quincunx SATURN (13 Aquarius 28)
May 17	2:49 AM	SUN (26 Taurus 43) trine PLUTO (26 Capricorn 43)
May 18	4:44 AM	VENUS (11 Gemini 33) sextile CHIRON (11 Aries 33)
May 19	6:58 PM	VENUS (13 Gemini 30) trine SATURN (13 Aquarius 30)
May 20	12:37 PM	SUN  enters Gemini
May 21	8:03 AM	SUN (0 Gemini 47) square JUPITER (0 Pisces 47)
May 22	7:43 PM	MERCURY (22 Gemini 53) square NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 53)
May 23	2:20 AM	SATURN turns retrograde (13 Aquarius 30)
May 24	9:28 PM	MERCURY (23 Gemini 50) quintile CHIRON (11 Aries 50)
May 25	4:06 PM	SUN (4 Gemini 56) quintile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 56)
May 26	4:14 AM	FULL MOON TOTAL ECLIPSE (5 Sagittarius 26)
May 27	12:25 PM	VENUS (22 Gemini 58) square NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 58)
May 28	7:58 AM	VENUS (23 Gemini 58) quintile CHIRON (11 Aries 58)
May 28	10:12 PM	MERCURY (24 Gemini 42) conjunction VENUS (24 Gemini 42)
May 30	10:47 AM	VENUS (26 Gemini 34) quincunx PLUTO (26 Capricorn 34)
May 30	3:34 PM	MERCURY goes retrograde (24 Gemini 40)
May 30	10:15 PM	MARS (23 Cancer 01) trine NEPTUNE (23 Pisces 01)