ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT
This is the 117th day of 2023
56 days until the Summer Solstice
Mercury is Retrograde in Taurus
248 days until 2024
Sun is in Taurus
Moon is in Leo
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 Rx in Taurus
Lilith is Rx in Leo
Fortune is in Leo
Ascendant is in Taurus
Midheaven is in Aquarius
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
EAGLE SPIRIT
Eagles are raptors, also known as “birds of prey.” This means that the eagle hunts animals that are close to its own size. The eagle is willing to take on the challenge of these hunts because of its ability to fly, hone in on prey, and grasping it with its talons before finishing it off with its sharp beak.
There are many different species of eagle and four of them, including the bald eagle and the golden eagle, are native to North America. The bald eagle is the official bird of the United States.
In some Native American cultures, the eagle is the King of the Sky. He travels effortlessly between land and sky, soaring high above the clouds. He creates a seamless and direct pathway between us in the physical world and the Great Spirit (God, the Universe, or Source). So what does it mean when you see an eagle in the sky? Let’s dive deep into eagle symbolism!
Symbolically, the eagle rides on the winds of change, telling us that it’s time to gather all of our strength, courage, patience, and wisdom in preparation for life changes and transformations. He tells us to be courageous and to reach beyond previous limits. He challenges us to match his great vision (the eagle eye) and see objectives clearly from all sides. And, he reminds us that when change is imminent there are only two choices: to be the eagle or become its prey. In other words, adapt to change or let it consume you.
The eagle is a messenger, delivering messages to and from Spirit. So while an eagle sighting may be a message to you, it may also be an affirmation. Do you ever ask for a sign that your prayers and wishes have been heard? An eagle sighting is a confirmation that they have. If you have asked for spiritual guidance, the eagle is your direct connection to the powers that be. The eagle comes with a very clear message that things are indeed about to change and the time to be ready is now.
To connect with true change and transformation, we must adopt the eagle’s qualities of incredible vision, strength, and fearlessness. He is instinctive and alert. At a moment’s notice, he is ready to spread his wings and take flight. From his vantage point in the sky, he has a unique perspective, yet he also has the ability to remain grounded. These are only some of the qualities that certainly make him a unique symbol of change and adaptability.
All animals (land, sea, and air) have profound meanings and messages to give us. Of those, no other animal in religion, history, mythology, and shamanism has symbolized power and/or a connection to Spirit more than the eagle.
DAILY ORACLE CARD
TWO OF WANDS
The Four of Swords encourages you to regroup before delving into deeper contemplation. Rest and indulgence are what is needed to balance the action of your emotional mind or body.
Take some time for yourself to rejuvenate and heal. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be productive or achieve your goals. Showers are happening in the workplace and in your life so that you can make the necessary changes required.
This card brings about new perspectives, opportunities for growth, and moments of introspection following a period of action. Plans will come to fruition in due time so don’t worry about that.
Rest and indulgence are needed to balance the action of your emotional mind or body.
This is a great time to take some time off and go into contemplation rejuvenating your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
After the time of chaos, anger and pain depicted in the Three of Swords, the Four of Swords can signal that it is time to retreat. The Four of Swords is a moment of rest. Whether this is from a choice to withdraw, or whether it is from pure exhaustion, it is not clear. We are still tender from the wounds that were inflicted, and the battle weapons still hang above us as a grim reminder of what was lost. In order to continue and re-emerge in your daily life, you must take the time now to take a breather. There is always the faint fear that something more is bound to happen again and it is advisable that you take all chances to rest.
The Four of Swords is a moment of rest. Whether this is from a choice to withdraw, or whether it is from pure exhaustion, it is not clear.
You need to gain strength and clarity in a quiet environment away from your current circumstances. It is time to re-evaluate, organize and understand your priorities. This helps to rejuvenate one’s spirit, and you come out stronger than before.
The Four of Swords indicates it is time to gather new strength and prepare to face a new challenge. You have faced crisis after crisis, and it is wearing you out. You can face a new challenge only after getting away from everything and embracing a new atmosphere.
Take the time to nurture yourself to re-enter life. Within us glimmers hope, and it lies quietly, waiting to reveal itself after we are healed anew.
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.
MAY 2023 LUNAR CALENDAR
FRIDAY, MAY 5TH: FULL FLOWER MOON IN SCORPIO Moon in Scorpio creates the need to delve into your feelings as deep as possible. You desire meaningful emotional exchanges now more than at any other time even if it is not easy and you are forced to change many things. Shallow relationships do not satisfy you, because they are not purifying enough.
FRIDAY, MAY 12: LAST QUARTER MOON IN AQUARIUS Your relationship with your emotions might be more complicated, because Moon in Aquarius has a strong need for emotional freedom. However, when you are in a group of people, it is easier for you to understand your feelings and free yourself from negative emotions such as fear, anger and jealousy.
FRIDAY, MAY 18: NEW MOON IN TAURUS Your safety depends on the need for stability, which is not easy to satisfy now. You have to learn to accept change as part of your life. The basic problem is finding your own self-respect in order to ensure that you do not mistakenly seek it in material things. When you accept yourself for who you are, it will become easier for you to find peace and tranquility in the outside world.
SATURDAY, MAY 27: FIRST QUARTER MOON IN VIRGO Your feeling of safety is now related to order and clarity, even in emotions. You may have the need to organise everything chaotic and disorganized. Try being more tolerant and accept imperfections of life. It is better to trust life and let it run its own way, not everything must be according to our expectations.
April 2023 Astrological Events
27
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.
28
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
29
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
30
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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DEER MOON ASTROLOGY 