SATURDAY, 4/22/2023

ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT

This is the 112th day of 2023
60 days until the Summer Solstice
Mercury is Retrograde in Taurus
254 days until 2024

Sun is in Taurus
Moon is in Gemini
Mercury is Rx in Taurus
Venus is in Gemini
Mars is in Cancer
Jupiter is in Aries
Saturn is in Pisces
Uranus is in Taurus
Neptune is in Pisces
Pluto is in Aquarius
Chiron is in Aries
Ceres is Rx in Virgo
Node is in Taurus
Lilith is Rx in Leo
Fortune is in Gemini
Ascendant is in Taurus
Midheaven is in Capricorn

MERCURY RETROGRADE IN TAURUS

April 21, 2023, to May 14, 2023
from 15º to 5º Taurus

Mercury goes Retrograde in Taurus from April 21 to May 14, 2023. This is the second of three Mercury Retrograde cycles of 2023 occurring solely in Earth signs. Mercury’s retracing of Earth sign themes this year asks us to reflect on just how impactful words or communication can be. Additionally, it asks us to reexamine the tangible effect of our systems of organization and our thinking upon our lives.

To put it another way, Mercury’s earth sign tour teaches us that our cerebral lives can affect the real, material parts of our lives. In Taurus, we specifically consider our finances, our sense of stability, our bodies, and our value system.

When Mercury is retrograde in Taurus, we rethink our sense of security and all that contributes to it. Obviously, this includes the material realm of our personal belongings, assets, our financial situations, and our food, shelter, and bodies.

Mercury retrograde periods mark times when we review and rework the area of our chart that he is traveling through. You may find yourself creating new budgets, going over expenses, and considering what needs to be changed. You may consider what has and what hasn’t been working in your diet and your spending.

Venus-Ruled Taurus wants to feel good in its own skin. On a deeper level, Taurus rules our self-esteem, our self-sufficiency, and our value systems. That’s because self-esteem is derived from feeling like we can take care of ourselves and know what is important to us. Values may be theoretical (Air), but they have a very real impact on your material choices (Earth). In fact, values are the cutting edge of what we materialize and what we give energy to.

Our sense of what is important may be in flux at this time. It can be difficult to know what to put our energy into, what to invest in, and what to allow into our world. We may feel vaguely insecure in the very essence of who we are. As long as Mercury is retrograde, we are plunged into an introspective period with regard to our values. So, we may need to wait until Mercury is direct again for any uncertainty to clear. At this point, confidence in ourselves can be re-established.

DAILY SPIRIT ANIMAL
HUMMINGBIRD SPIRIT

Hummingbird symbolism is reminding you that it is time for you to pursue your dreams more aggressively. By doing this, you will make them a reality. In other words, this spirit animal portends that joy is just around the corner. Therefore, like the colorful Jewel Beetle, you have to believe that it is possible to manifest your dreams now. Stop waiting and go for it! Alternatively, Hummingbird meaning is letting you know that you can go anywhere you need to go. The only obstacle in your way is yourself. Furthermore, opportunities are manifesting quickly for you right now. Thus like the Heron, Hummingbird symbolism prompts you to seize them as fast as possible before they are gone.

Hummingbirds are messengers of hope and jubilation. Thus they aggressively seek out those that need inspiration and renewal. They have a knack for bringing out the best in them. Folks with this power animal are also loyal, playful, and persistent. Like the Lion totem, they are also fiercely independent hard workers who love to come up with original designs in all kinds of things. These people also take good care of themselves by making sure that they do not overextend themselves during their efforts to accomplish and construct things. People with this spirit animal have a natural talent for the forms and phrasings of movement. Thus they make excellent choreographers. Also, like the Angelfish, they love to decorate and use color flamboyantly.

DAILY ORACLE CARD
X. TEN OF SWORDS

You are up against the wall, and it is appropriate to admit it. It’s likely a reflection of planet Mercury entering its second retrograde trajectory of 2023. The situation can be compared to a hurricane moving through the neighborhood. You can’t be sure whether it is going to pass over a corner of the field or whether it is going to slam into your house. In the face of such unpredictability, protect yourself, hope for the best and wait it out. Sometimes, an extreme turn of events serves as a pressure relief valve for all the unexpressed and unresolved energy that had been building up. Trust the process even though things may seem pretty drastic right now.

The Ten of Swords indicate a major disaster of some sort. It shows that a certain force of extreme magnitude has come to hit you in your life – one that you may have not foreseen. There is a sense of betrayal that is indicated here, for the character is stabbed in the back. This seems to be a reminder that despite how much we try, we cannot control everything – there are things that are beyond our ability to change. Here, this situation is unavoidable.

The tale of the suit of swords is a powerful metaphor, one that ends in tragedy. The swords are a symbol of the intellect, of intelligence and logic, and yet we find the final culmination of this suit a complete and total defeat of the spirit. We must realize that the swords are a weapon that can have immense potential for destruction or for good. The story as it unfolds from the ace to the ten is one where an untrained individual uses this weapon for faulty reasons – makes many mistakes, and then spends an entire lifetime attempting to run away from the power that he misused.

The story as it unfolds from the ace to the ten is one where an untrained individual uses this weapon for faulty reasons – makes many mistakes, and then spends an entire lifetime attempting to run away from the power that he misused.

This person believes the swords are external to him when they are part of him, and when they inevitably return, he once again suffers. His pain is not the pain of his circumstances usually, but the pain of fear, of anxiety, of not being able to be a master of his surroundings. After the hopelessness of the nine of swords, what could have happened? Were you overwhelmed by the pressure? Or did you take the final sword upon yourself and admit defeat?

The Ten of Swords depicts that situation where your mentality is ‘poor me’, you feel like there is nothing you can do. Pause and remember that as with the death card, the end of something means a new beginning. Let go of what you have lost, and focus on the new path forward because that is where your life is meant to go. A good example is a break-up with your partner – though it could be intensely painful, it could also be the beginning of a new sense of independence.

APRIL 2023 LUNAR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, APRIL 27: FIRST QUARTER MOON IN LEO

You feel safe in moments when you can impress others and get praise and admiration. Yet, when you get into the spotlight, you may find yourself at a loss. Maybe you should admit your fear of criticism and your inability to accept criticism. It is very important to accept feedback and use it for improvement.

April 2023 Astrological Events

Moon Enters Gemini

Keeping busy may be easy as there seems to be a lot you want to focus on. Try to avoid keeping yourself too busy, and becoming frazzled and scattered.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Taurus/Gemini

Mercury in Taurus Sextile Mars in Cancer

It can be easier to control mental energy or to at least take action with some of your ideas and plans. You can get extra excited about one idea or plan, in particular, and this may be a new one or it may be something you’re digging back up to give another chance.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini

Moon Enters Cancer

Staying in your comfort zone, and sticking to the people who support you, might be a good idea, as it helps you feel more emotionally secure. Try to tend to your emotional needs and strengthen yourself internally.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini/Cancer

Sun in Taurus Sextile Saturn in Pisces

Ambition can run high, and you can be more disciplined with what you want to achieve. You may focus on new goals or pick back up old ones.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Cancer

Moon in Cancer Trine Neptune in Pisces

Imagination can be strong, and you can focus on creative projects or hobbies. You can feel dreamy but have control over it.

First Quarter Moon in Leo

There may be adjustments required over the next week that allow you to have more fun and get more time away from work and chores. You may be creative with the adjustments and take a positive approach to them.

Moon Enters Leo

Make time for the people you love, the places you love, and the things you love to do most in healthy and positive ways. This can help you connect more to your heart.

Moon in Leo Sextile Venus in Gemini

It can be easier to deal with other people, and you can find the right words and actions that get people on your side. You can be pleasant and charming.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Leo

Mars in Cancer Sextile Uranus in Taurus

Change can be easier to focus on, and you can take action to create the changes you want and hope for. This can get you closer to your dream future, and you can embrace doing things unconventionally.

Moon Enters Virgo

Extra chores and tasks may need to be done, and you can focus on being as efficient with your time and energy as possible. You don’t want to waste time, and you can improve your approach to ensure you don’t.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Leo/Virgo

Moon in Virgo Trine Mercury in Taurus

Sorting through your ideas and plans can be easier for you to do, and you can tweak your plans, so you’re ready to take action when you get the chance.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Virgo

MAY 2023 ASTROLOGICAL CALENDAR

MAY 01 — PLUTO GOES RETROGRADE IN AQUARIUS

While Pluto is still in Aquarius for another month, this is a great time to reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced during its brief visit to the Water-Bearer. How can you prepare for the next decade ahead?

MAY 01 — SUN IN TAURUS CONJUNCT MERCURY IN TAURUS

A great day to use logic to solve problems, especially in financial matters. Take your time to brainstorm in order to get the solutions your need.

MAY 01 — JUNO ENTERS GEMINI

With the asteroid of marriage in witty Gemini, the next few weeks are great for having deep talks in your important relationships, as communication will be key to happiness. However, beware of being too flirty, as you may lead people on.

MAY 02 — PALLAS ENTERS LEO

Asteroid Pallas roars in the sign of the Lion for the next few weeks, giving us a boost of valor, courage, and strength to be the royalty of the jungle. However, beware that putting yourself in the spotlight could lead you to danger. Avoid drama when you can.

MAY 04 — VENUS IN GEMINI SQUARE NEPTUNE IN PISCES

A good day to set up strong emotional boundaries to keep manipulative people out of our lives as we focus on cultivating good vibes.

MAY 04 — VENUS IN GEMINI SEXTILE JUPITER IN ARIES

While this is a great day to have fun and take risks, don’t forget about your limits. Remember that you don’t have to open your heart to everyone.

MAY 05 — FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE IN SCORPIO

This volatile eclipse in mysterious Scorpio can make even the gentlest sign vicious right now. The energies are unpredictable, making us all a little edgy and paranoid. Don’t jump to any conclusion, as conflict is easy to start but difficult to finish.

MAY 06 — CERES GOES DIRECT IN VIRGO

With Ceres finally moving forward again, this is a great time to take care of ourselves for the next few weeks—especially our bodies. It’s a good time to take care of our health, start routines, and feel a little more productive.

MAY 07 — VENUS ENTERS CANCER

Get ready for waves of emotions when the planet of love enters nurturing Cancer, which can make us both sweet and a little crabby. While we are very protective of our hearts and loved ones right now, we are also very tender.

MAY 09 — SUN IN TAURUS CONJUNCT URANUS IN TAURUS

After a few tense weeks, we’re ready to start thinking logically again this week. Now is the time to trust our thinking and know that we can creatively solve any problem that comes our way.

MAY 12 — MERCURY IN TAURUS SEXTILE SATURN IN PISCES

Even with Mercury being currently in retrograde, this is still a great aspect for business dealings, signing contracts, and catching up on important paperwork. Just remember to use common sense.

MAY 12 — VENUS IN CANCER TRINE SATURN IN PISCES

A romantic aspect that allows us to dream and plan a future with our partners. Important relationships finally find solid ground.

MAY 15 — MARS IN CANCER TRINE NEPTUNE IN PISCES

Break out the Tarot cards, as this mystical aspect allows us all to embrace our spiritual side. A great day for divination, spiritual practices, and connecting with the overall universal vibe and your higher power.

MAY 16 — JUPITER ENTERS TAURUS

After the urgency of Aries, Jupiter slows down in grounded Taurus as we spend the next year learning to enjoy the ride of life. Over the next few months, we are here to appreciate the small sensual pleasures of life. Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination that matters.

MAY 17 — JUPITER IN TAURUS SQUARE PLUTO IN AQUARIUS

This tense aspect can lead to a stand-off as people stubbornly stick with their convictions. There’s no point in trying to change minds when everyone thinks that they’re right.

MAY 18 — MERCURY IN TAURUS SEXTILE SATURN IN PISCES

Now that we’re finally out of Mercury retrograde, we can start wheeling and dealing as we can make the best decisions in business, finances, and our dreams. Use logic and keep a clear head today.

MAY 19 — NEW MOON IN TAURUS

Career ambitions are at an all-time high during this full moon as we’re all encouraged to make plans that will help us in the long run. Plant the seeds from business goals to romance, and watch them grow throughout the lunar cycle. Nurture them well.

MAY 20 — MARS ENTERS LEO

Summer starts a little early as Mars in Leo brings the heat over the next several weeks. With the planet of drive in the bold Lion, our actions become glamorous, generous, and pretty dramatic. A word of advice: don’t start fights you can’t finish.

MAY 20 — MARS IN LEO OPPOSITION PLUTO IN AQUARIUS

This moody aspect may make it hard for everyone to get along today. Avoid the crowds and do your own thing.

MAY 21 — SUN ENTERS GEMINI

We’re all given the gift of gab over the next four weeks, when the sun shines in the sign of the Twins. As we transition from spring to summer, this is an ideal time to learn to adapt to new situations, ask plenty of questions, and finally make a decision!

MAY 21 — SUN IN GEMINI TRINE PLUTO IN AQUARIUS

This is a good connection to do some research, as we’ll be struck by questions that could keep us up at night. This aspect brings out our inner detective to investigate the truth of deeper issues.

MAY 21 — SUN IN GEMINI SEXTILE MARS IN LEO

This aspect gives a major boost of self-confidence, as we feel we are the star of the show. However, be careful not to be so competitive, as it can drive us to bite off more than we can chew.

MAY 22 — MARS IN LEO SQUARES JUPITER IN TAURUS

Fights start easily during this stubborn aspect as everyone believes they are right. Old grudges can come back to the surface, too. Don’t engage with people who just want to cause problems on purpose.

MAY 26 — VENUS IN CANCER SEXTILE URANUS IN TAURUS

A great aspect for success in both love and money as you make your home a safe haven for your loved ones.

MAY 28 — SUN IN GEMINI SQUARE SATURN IN PISCES

This lazy aspect won’t keep you busy with work but will allow you to have fun with your friends or get lost in a good book.

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