Intense releases & transformation, push-pull communications! Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio! Gemini season begins! All Signs Collective Horoscope (May 16th-22nd)

Dear NightFall Astrology readers,

“Saying goodbye with grace” is this week’s motto. I know what you’re already thinking: “it’s easier said than done”, right? I agree with you. Letting go of things, situations or people we feel firmly attached to can be gut-wrenching with a lunar eclipse in Scorpio. But, I’m giving you a heads up: you can still do it gracefully by doing/focusing on Taurian things: music, art, beautiful scenery, aromatherapy… And if it has to be melancholic, then just let it be. There can be beauty in darkness…

You might be clinging to the memories of those things you have to release with the ongoing Mercury retrograde, but remember: it amplifies the pain. On the flip side, you may want to re-connect with old friends and acquaintances you haven’t seen in a long time or make amends with someone; go for it. With the Sun slipping into chatty Gemini, our collective consciousness will naturally shift towards becoming social butterflies. With the heaviness of eclipse season, we’re indeed in some serious need of some lighter interactions. This week, we’ll also be getting a cheat day for starting new projects around communications, learning, teaching, short-distance travel, commerce and trade, our immediate environment (neighbourhood, current city, commuting), contracts, and siblings. So, make sure to read this horoscope until the end!

Let’s dive into it!

1. Blood Moon: Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio:

On May 16th, the star astrological event of the week – the total lunar eclipse in 26° of Scorpio – takes place at 6:14 AM (CET)! A lunar eclipse is a Full Moon on steroids bringing dramatic, fated and unexpected endings and/or culminations that directly impact us individually and collectively – over the next six months – contrary to a solar eclipse that concerns more directly world leaders and people in power in general.

Astronomically, the interference from the Earth, blocking the stream of light from the Sun to the Moon, makes this a remarkable time, unlike any other Full Moon event during the year. The Earth acts as nature’s circuit breaker, bringing an overflow of energy back down to Earth. This notion becomes all too clear at the presence of a cataclysmic event, often a reaction to the magnetic shift during a Lunar Eclipse. We can understand this energy using the image of a quiet, peaceful town engaged in routine activities when disrupted by a tornado, activated volcano or hurricane.

The symbolism of the interference is that of an unexpected complication resulting from the emergence of another body (as represented by the Earth), intercepting the continuous flow of events intended by the originator. The interception produces an altered version of conditions, manipulated by things or those outside the realm of its origin. Circumstances “beyond your wildest dreams” come to mind, although the events around a Lunar Eclipse often go unnoticed. It may seem common to have breakdowns and disruptions that lead you to a turning point.

The impact of a Lunar Eclipse can disrupt our personal lives by turning them upside down and inside out with like births, deaths, marriage, and divorce. You may experience the impact of a lunar eclipse as a time of more emotional pressure and a sense of ending or urgency. Often there is a need to surrender or let go, a principle associated with Pluto’s symbolism. There are things you have never thought of that take on a momentum beyond your control. This often makes this time particularly stressful for personal relationships. The issues of personal relationships have a natural tendency to sort themselves out during a Lunar Eclipse season, often bringing old matters to a head. You may experience ending a period of independence with marriage or regaining your freedom through a divorce. It may simply mean you are managing your relationships totally differently.

This Lunar Eclipse will be happening in a tough place for the Moon to be: the sign of Scorpio. The Moon is in its fall position there, meaning that intense emotions are turned inward and can be very hard to process. It will also be in a T-square (very challenging aspect) to Saturn in Aquarius. Since this is a South Node eclipse, and Saturn is the planet ruling Karma, we can say that its energy will be doubly karmic and fated.

A Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio is always endings/culminations regarding shared resources, taxes, inheritances, investments, sexuality/intimacy, death/rebirth, transformation, esotericism/occultism/spirituality, power/politics and control, secrets and scandals coming out, psychological breakthroughs and insights, and investigations finally bearing their fruits. The T-square to Saturn pushes to large-scale emotional releases in an extremely uncomfortable way of something we’ve been tightly holding on to. Negative feelings can be dramatised further into gloomier moods, so be aware of such states.

Increased awareness of mortality and maybe more deaths are possible. Probable changes to tax laws (Scorpio) can feel more burdensome (Saturn) to the people (Moon). Scorpio lunar eclipses are very cathartic, not easy but drastically can change your life because your internal psychology is transforming! This eclipse can indicate the end of a significant relationship or chapter of your life because Scorpio wants to eliminate the toxic things from our lives. Painful secrets on a personal or global scale can come up to be dealt with.
Some obstacle or delay may present itself in an already existing situation/ project/ relationship, but there is help from Neptune and Mars (one of the dispositing planets of this eclipse): fast action and logical thinking coupled with a more forgiving and softer approach will help you turn the winds in your direction. Resentments and suspicion can escalate globally, which can lead to letting off steam in a more forceful way (Mars), maybe through exercise or protests or even through art or music (Neptune). Somehow only a more spiritual and flexible response (Neptune in Pisces) will save the situation. Mars and Neptune will form their exact conjunction the following day, on May 17th.

The Moon will also be in a minor Grand Trine configuration (harmonious aspect) with Mars, Neptune, and the eclipse co-dispositor: Pluto retrograde in Capricorn, facilitating the psychological purging and healing process. The Moon rules our feminine energy alongside Venus, so we can’t get the complete picture of this eclipse without looking at the planet of love’s aspects. On the day of the eclipse, Venus will still be transiting its detriment sign (weak position) of Aries, inherently difficult towards emotions, feelings, values, relationships and seeking personal harmony with others. It will also be conjunct Chiron (the asteroid called “the wounded healer”). Chiron is like an energy antenna: we’re usually very triggered, very sensitive (in this case, in the expression of our ego through action: Aries). This aspect can make women’s issues very prominent.

The last time we had a similar lunar eclipse in Scorpio was precisely on the same date: May 16th, 2003. You can go back in time and think about what was going on in your life during that period. The current eclipse’s situations will be most likely similar (they’re never exactly the same, though).

Here are some of the key world events that coincided with the 2003 Total Lunar Eclipse in 26° of Scorpio:

• Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic approved joining the European Union in a referendum.
• Warring parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a peace accord, bringing an end to the Second Congo War, which left millions dead.
• In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over 30 people were killed in multiple bombings at a housing compound, mostly foreign expatriates.
• The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, led by Australia, began after ethnic violence engulfed the island country.
• The Second Liberian Civil War ended after President Charles Taylor resigned and fled the country.
• NATO took over command of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, marking its first major operation outside Europe in its 54-year-history.
• The first six-party talks, involving South and North Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, convened to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns of the North Korean nuclear weapons program.

As you can see, the main themes revolved around war conflicts, new political alliances, and nuclear power, all of which are ruled by both Mars and Pluto (Scorpio’s ruling planets). We’re currently seeing already similar events with Finland and Sweden getting ready to join NATO in the context of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

Numerologically, 26° of Scorpio reduces to an 8, which is linked to the planet Saturn, highlighting, even more, the karmic and restrictive/oppressive energy of this eclipse. The key here is to discipline oneself and accept reality (also ruled by Saturn). Don’t give in to Scorpio’s obsessive/compulsive behaviour by trying to escape uncomfortable situations through alcohol, drugs or any other addictive substance.

Finally, this eclipse will be visible from the Western Hemisphere (the eastern Pacific Ocean, most of North and South America). Europe will miss the later stages of the eclipse because they occur after the moonset. None of the eclipse is visible from Asia or Australia). Naturally, the geographical areas from which the eclipse is visible will be affected the most by it.

This eclipse will be felt most intensely by Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius. Especially those of you who have your Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, IC or any other important planet or point in your chart around 26° of these signs (give or take 2-3 degrees).

2. Sun trine Pluto:

From May 17th until May 21st (exact on May 19th), the Sun in Taurus will trine (harmonious aspect) Pluto retrograde in Capricorn. This energy enhances our ability to influence others. It’s also favourable for introducing changes. It gives keen perception and penetrating insight. It eliminates distractions and non-essentials. This trine is also auspicious for anything to do with finances. Finally, it can give a sense of empowerment and support from men or authority figures.

This transit will be most supportive of Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces.

3. Mercury sextile Jupiter:

From May 17th until May 22nd (exact on May 20th), Mercury retrograde in Gemini will sextile (harmonious aspect) Jupiter in Aries. This positive energy brings back optimism into our minds. It makes us focus on long-term goals and projects and see more opportunities. It enhances our good judgement. It expands our knowledge and outlook. This is also a favourable time for education, legal and international affairs. Some beneficial information could come through.

This aspect will be most supportive of Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, and Aquarius.

4. Sun enters Gemini, Sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury retrogrades back into Taurus:

Two is everyone’s favourite number starting Friday, May 20th, as the Sun beams into Gemini until June 21st (Happy Birthday to all my Geminis out there!). But that’s not to say three, four or five is a crowd! This buzzy solar season turns us all into social butterflies, fluttering from one entourage to another. This solar cycle is known to heat up neighbourhood activity. Patronise area venues and stimulate the economy by shopping local when you can. Considering bi-city living? Test the commuter waters and see how it flows. In the sign of the Twins, it’s fun to have a plus-one as a companion for all favourite activities. Find a buddy for working out, going to shows or sharing services like babysitting and carpooling. (Note: You can have different “twins” for each activity!) Gemini gets us excited to write, broadcast, and make media as the cosmic communicator. Get ideas out of your head and into the world!

But remember! Mercury is still retrograde until June 3rd, so you’ll want to think through every word until then. We all get a cheat day this week for new initiatives in the above-mentioned areas! Mark your calendars: on May 21st, Mercury will make its inferior conjunction to the Sun (what we call Cazimi). Usually, planets conjunct the Sun are said to be combust, meaning agitated and less efficient. Still, when a planet such as Mercury makes an exact conjunction to the Sun, it’s illuminated, and all its qualities are strengthened! This conjunction brings mental alertness, quick thinking, improved communication skills, and clarity regarding your purpose and direction. It’s favourable for business deals, contracts, negotiations, media, writing, public speaking, short-distance travel, learning, and making a good impression on superiors.

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Starting Sunday, May 22nd, details become ever-more devilish as Mercury slips back one zodiac sign from buzzy Gemini into business-first Taurus. For the rest of its retreat, we’ll feel the plodding, stubborn slowdown of the Bull at play. Pro tip: If a string of green lights suddenly turns red, don’t charge ahead like a tempestuous toro! Instead, see this forced timeout as a hidden blessing. Go back to the drawing board and review all your plans, from budgets to timelines. Don’t make any sudden money moves! With Mercury scrambling signals, it’s hard to tell a lemon from a luxury steal.

The Sun/Mercury conjunction in Gemini will be most supportive of Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, Leo, and Aries.

Have the courage to walk through Darkness this week; the light will be waiting for you on the other side…

Your astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~

Bear in mind that this is a general horoscope and is in no way your personal horoscope. If you’d like to know what your birth chart says about your personality and your life’s purpose or discover what the upcoming astrological alignments mean specifically for you, you can book a consultation with me.

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