ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT
This is the 119th day of 2023
53 days until the Summer Solstice
Mercury is Retrograde in Taurus
246 days until 2024
Sun is in Taurus
Moon is in Virgo
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 Virgo
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
OTTER SPIRIT
Otter symbolism and meanings include playfulness, laughter, and mischievousness, as well as creativity, transformation, and psychic abilities. Because otters can be found in coastal areas and riverways on every continent, except Antarctica and Australia, they are the subject of mythology and folklore in many cultures. In addition, the otter spirit animal appears in the spiritual belief systems of people around the world.
Biologists and spectators have observed otters playing tag, wrestling, sliding down slides, and tossing pebbles. While animal behaviorists say these behaviors mimic survival skills in one form or another, others of us believe some animals play for the same reasons we do: just to have a good time.
When the otter spirit animal makes themselves known to you, they are reminding you to embrace your inner mischief and remember to laugh and have a good time. Life is about more than simply making ends meet and dealing with responsibilities. If an otter crosses your path, it’s a bona fide sign that you need to have a good time.
Otters are special animals who are mainly nocturnal. So, if you have the good fortune to see one in the wild, you are lucky indeed. Many Native American tribes viewed them as positive omens and deliverers of good fortune.
Otters are monogamous. In fact, if possible, they will stay with their mate for their entire lives. They are also active parents who raise and teach their pups survival skills until they are experienced enough to live independently.
Like the turtle, the otter can move from land to water and back again, thus they are symbols of adaptability and transformation. Otter people are the types who can go into different environments and feel perfectly comfortable. In addition, they are seekers of higher spiritual understandings.
Symbolically, land symbolizes the material world and your logic-driven left brain. While water, represents the supernatural and your emotional right brain. The otter embodies strengths in both of these areas. Thus, the otter power animal reminds you to be balanced – enjoy and take part in Earthly experiences and delights while also keeping your spiritual growth top of mind.
otters are clever animals who will use tools to achieve outcomes. In fact, they are quite dexterous. Otters can usually open clam shells with their hands, but if they cannot, they’ll grab a rock to help them. In addition, they are known to hold hands with their buddy otters as they float at sea.
With the otter spirit guide on your side, you are able to tap into creative ideas – some even gifts from your Angels – and manifest them in the material world. This may in the form of art, music, literature, and even technological innovation.
The otter symbolizes the potential that we all possess to tune into our psychic abilities. Spending time quietly in nature, prayer, or meditation can all help to fine tune your abilities. Too often we can preoccupied with and distracted by the noise of daily living. The otter spirit animal reminds you that you possess extra sensory powers that you are most likely not optimizing.
DAILY ORACLE CARD
TWO OF SWORDS
The Two of Swords represents decisions and choosing between two options.
While this card may feel like abuse on the surface. There are ways of interpreting this that can leave you with helpful advice. Perhaps you put in too much work into something or it’s dragging out too long with no results? The point of this card is not that action needs to be taken right now but it’s time for you to make up your mind about it too get the ball rolling sooner rather than later so you don’t have these overlying feelings hovering over you for too long.
Sometimes, there are two options before you and it’s difficult to decide which to choose. Short-term gains or long-term growth? Taking a safer route or taking a chance? As long as you’re willing to make up your mind, whichever way you go about it, you win. It’s all about taking that leap of faith—doing what feels right for yourself in those moments when things get tough or confusing.
Rely on your inner knowing, to find a path that moves you towards your dreams.
When we see the Two of Swords in a reading, we are encountering a stalemate. Two equal and opposing forces are joined in battle, and there seems to be no end in sight. This wasn’t what you had in mind when you chanced to walk down this path, and you find yourself caught in the middle. Without something, or someone to intervene, this may continue indefinitely. We find ourselves in a situation where we must make a choice, we can side with one part of the situation, or we can side with the other. Neither seems particularly appealing, which makes the decision even more difficult. But unless we move past this stalemate, there can be no more progress.
We find ourselves in a situation where we must make a choice…Neither seems particularly appealing.
The Two of Swords is often related with balance and partnership. It signifies the need to keep your relationships balanced. Regardless if it is in business, friendship or romantic relationship, you may find yourself struggling to maintain the current state of affairs, and may find yourself caught in the middle. In regards to your work, you may be currently stuck in limbo and are perhaps waiting on another party’s decision. Remain patient and avoid pressuring people in making their decision abruptly.
The Two of Swords meaning may depict a warning to have caution. Like the woman in the card, you may be choosing to keep the blindfold on, hoping the problem will just go away. You should avoid evading any issues that you are facing, since it will not solve your problems.
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
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.
BOOKMARK THIS SITE TO GET YOUR DAILY COLLECTIVE ASTROLOGICAL OVERVIEW. YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS BY EMAIL WHENEVER A NEW FORECAST OR ENGAGING ARTICLE IS POSTED.
DEER MOON ASTROLOGY 