ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT
It is the 123rd day of 2023
49 days until the Summer Solstice
Mercury is Retrograde in Taurus
242 days until 2024
Sun is in Taurus
Moon is in Libra
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 Rx in Aquarius
Chiron is in Aries
Ceres is Rx in Virgo
Node is in Taurus
Lilith is Rx in Leo
Fortune is in Scorpio
Ascendant is in Gemini
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
OPOSSUM SPIRIT
One thing that both the possum and the opossum have in common is they are very territorial. In truth, once one of these critters finds his or her personal place in the sun, (your backyard) they’re not big on sharing with other animals or other possums. Of course, mating would be the exception, and both male and female possums are serious parents. Mostly we’ll be looking at the American opossum, but wherever the word “possum” is mentioned, it means both the possum and the opossum.
In the Native American world, the word medicine can mean just what we think it means—a cure, a remedy—anything we use for healing. However, it can also mean the magic that animal totems bring to the table (or the forest) that people can emulate and use as helpful, even life-saving methods.
For instance, you may have seen a possum playing dead. While this trait has inspired the pejorative description of a person who is trying to avoid negative circumstances as “playing possum,” this particular behavior has an important adaptive purpose.
Possums have few natural defenses against aggression. When a possum decides that it can’t escape a dangerous situation by running away or attacking, its age-old instincts take over and it will pretend to be dead. This defense mechanism is also known as “thanatosis” or “tonic immobility.” Playing dead has at least two benefits for an animal. The first is that predators are often uninterested in attacking prey that is already dead. The second is that the animal-playing dad has an opportunity to observe the predator and thus plan its escape.
Native-American-Totems.com says, “The message from Opossum may be telling you to be clever in achieving your victory and to expect the unexpected. This little creature is telling you to use your brain, the element of surprise, and some drama to reach the progress you desire.”
Opossums don’t have long life spans. Therefore, if the opossum is your totem, it’s simply speaking to your young spirit and your ability to see the world through childlike eyes no matter what age. They are also the totem animal of children and the young. If the opossum is your totem animal, you blend well in crowds and have the ability to get along with various people. However, no one can mistake your kindness for foolishness. You take your time to get to know people well before you fully let your guard down.
With opossum spirit, it’s quite possible that circumstances around you are changing. It’s almost like when we learn to cross the street by ourselves for the first time, we need to “stop, look, listen.” Feel the situation, assess the situation, and then set your course moving forward. That’s one of the messages of an opossum sighting.
If, however, you’re part of something that feels right and you’re ready to share it with the world, share it loudly and proudly. Remember, opossums can vary between “playing dead” and scurrying off. Depending on where you are, an opossum sighting reminds you to proceed with caution or move forward full-steam ahead.
DAILY ORACLE CARD
IV. THE EMPEROR
The Emperor attracts leadership ability. It promises comfort and material aid. This card correlates with the energy of assertiveness and accumulation – a bossy but attention-grabbing experience.As such, it foretells a need for discipline and structure, a time to make tough decisions, and potential setbacks…
You are up to any challenge and can clean house like nobody’s business. What fuels The Emperor? Power, ambition and passion shapes your agenda for action in the world. You are really on top of things because of your conviction and reason. Avoid boasting about discipline and self control.
The expression of this card tells that you created what you wanted from your struggle–a kingdom worth investing in. Laboring diligently with effective methods will provide long lasting happiness.
You have the strength to carry out what needs to be done without fail, without getting deterred by unfortunate reactions from others.
It’s all about control when it comes to the Emperor, for this card means authority, regulation, organization and a fatherliness. The Emperor represents a strategic thinker who sets out plans that he must see through. He is a symbol of the masculine principle – the paternal figure in life that gives structure, creates rules and systems, and imparts knowledge. Where the Empress’s desire for their kingdom is to create happiness, the emperor desires to foster honor and discipline. He guides with a firm hand, following the calling of the crown above all else. Though he is a ruler, he understands that to reign is also to serve – thus he acts rationally and according to what is for the greater good of the kingdom.
He is a symbol of the masculine principle – the paternal figure in life that gives structure, creates rules and systems, and imparts knowledge.
To see him in a reading presents a chance to grow in terms of the goals that you have set for yourself. It presents a successful future as long as you pursue your goals similar to the fashion that the Emperor does, methodically, and strategically.
When you see him in a reading, a possible interpretation is that you could be put in charge of something important. It could be a position at work or in any kind of organization or institution that desperately needs order and a clear decisive mind. You may be called to act in the place of the Emperor, using his wisdom to bring clarity to the project.
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.
MAY 2023 ASTROLOGICAL CALENDAR
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 