ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT
This is the 118th day of 2023
54 days until the Summer Solstice
Mercury is Retrograde in Taurus
247 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 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
BEAR SPIRIT
Bears are large mammals known for their strength, speed, and intelligence. Many bears are quite large, such as the polar bear, though some are significantly smaller. It is possible to find species of bear in both North and South America, Asia, and Europe.
Bears have some interesting characteristics, including:
- An excellent sense of smell. In fact, their olfactory system is far more powerful than their vision or hearing. Bears can “sniff things out.”
- Remarkable mobility. Despite their size and bulk, bears can run, climb, and swim swiftly and with ease.
- Hibernation. Bears hibernate during the wintertime, retreating to their dens and emerging when warm weather returns and food sources become available.
- Dietary flexibility. Most bears are opportunistic omnivores, which means that they can and do eat both meat and vegetation.
- Top of the food chain. Bears are generally considered to be apex predators and without natural predators of their own.
- Protectiveness. Like all mammals, female bears spend time raising their young. The phrase “mama bear”, which describes a strong, protective mother, reflects the fierceness with which a mother bear defends her cubs.
It’s a good idea to keep these characteristics in mind during and after bear encounters so that you can best discern what Spirit is offering you.
There are different species of bears, each with their own unique gifts and habits. For instance, there is a vast difference between a panda and a grizzly. If you have a bear sighting and identify with the spirit of the bear, find the species you most identify with and study its traits in order to utilize them in your own life.
Here are some distinguishing characteristics that can be helpful while decoding the bear’s message:
- Pandas: Pandas not only have a distinctive appearance when compared to other bears, they are also mainly vegetarian, preferring to dine on bamboo. Today’s pandas are also survivors. They are the only species of their subfamily that has not gone extinct. A panda encounter may point to your ability to survive even the most catastrophic circumstances
- Grizzly bears: These large, brown, North American bears have long claws and are considered to be a more fierce species than black bears. In addition to meat, they also enjoy eating berries. Grizzly bears are often considered to be more dangerous to humans than other North American bear species. A grizzly bear sighting or meeting may indicate the possibility of danger.
- Black bears: Black bears in North America are smaller than grizzly bears and are considered to be less dangerous to humans, though they are still powerful predators that should not be interfered with. A black bear meeting may point to a protective presence in your life.
- Polar bears: Polar bears are generally considered to be the largest bears on the planet. They have physically adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic Circle and are able to withstand extreme cold and harsh winds. They are adept swimmers and spend a lot of time in the water. When you encounter a polar bear, consider ways in which you may need to be more adaptable and flexible.
In the realm of spirit animals, the bear represents strength, courage, confidence, and leadership. If you are always the leader and always have others depend on you, the bear is reminding you of the importance of self-care. You cannot be a grounding force for others if you are not strong and actively grounding yourself. You can call upon the spirit of the bear when you need healing, paying special attention to those areas that feel weak or in need of rest and repair.
The bear has probably been a spirit or totem animal longer than any other animal in history. Many shamanic cultures around the world associate the bear with healing and with women.
Many cultures through time and worldwide have had bear shamans and bear societies. Bear shamans have different gifts. Some have the ability to heal deep wounds and even bones (representative of a bear’s claws and their ability to dig deep). Others claim to have the ability to walk between life and death. This is essentially a resurrection (representative of the bear’s practice of hibernation).
The Celts connect the bear to the sun and the goddess Artio who was known as the “great protector.” The ancient Greeks and Romans connect the bear to the goddess Artemis, the Hunter, and Diana, the goddess of Fertility.
Vikings and Native Americans alike saw the bear as a great warrior spirit and their warriors and shamans often wore bearskins to invoke their warriors with bear-like courage and power before a battle or a big hunting expedition. In fact, old Norse warriors were sometimes known as “berserkers,” which means “bear-suits” for this very reason.
Many Native American tribes revere the bear not only for its strength but its power as a healing force. Bear medicine is powerful in the areas of strength, healing, and wisdom. Many tribes, such as the Zuni, wear bear charms for healing and protection. Many tribes have bear clans, including the Creek, Chippewa, and Huron to name a few. Many tribes also have medicine men or shamans who utilize the healing powers of bear medicine.
With bear spirit, you identify with the cycles of nature. You are a healing and grounding force for yourself and for others. You understand the importance of taking time to regenerate, heal, and rest, and you are likely very comfortable in your own company and in moments of solitude. The bear is the spirit animal of the healer. Don’t forget to pay attention to the type of bear that becomes your spirit animal. A polar bear spirit animal, for example, may indicate that you are the kind of healer who can help people adapt to harsh circumstances.
DAILY ORACLE CARD
FOUR OF PENTACLES
The Four of Pentacles is the card of financial security, though there are days when security feels like something unachievable. When you’re in this position, it’s important to secure more than just your home and employer. Take the time to ensure you secure your resources as well—finances, relationships and responsibilities.
When we consider this card, we might think of being too safe in a way that we do not allow adventure. But the card is really an inspirational message. We are called to examine why this card came up and if it is fear or apprehension of the future that resulted in holding our money tight. Focusing on stability will give you peace in the long term.
The Four of Pentacles card is capable of generating both negative and positive perceptions. On one hand, the card signifies that you have successfully managed to accomplish much of your goals and you have managed to attain a significant material wealth in the process. However, on the other hand, there is a significant chance that you will start valuing things only for their material worth. You have worked hard to get to the point where you are now, and it is absolutely natural for your to desire to make sure that you remain stable. But this also has a chance to turn you into an overly possessive or greedy person who wants to ensure that no one is capable of taking away your own wealth.
There is a chance to turn you into an overly possessive or greedy person who wants to ensure that no one is capable of taking away your own wealth.
The Four of Pentacles is also a card which shows that you are currently in a position in which you have solid investments and that you are financially stable. Because of your new-found wealth, you are being particularly conservative about money, and you are most definitely not inclined to gamble when it comes to any kind of financial matters. You are protective of what you have managed to accumulate throughout time, and you desire to steadily increase your overall net worth.
Be aware that without risk, there is no reward – if you spend too much of your time attempting to conserve, you may become a prisoner to your own material possessions. Wealth is a kind of energy as well, and we create what we express
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
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 