Dear NightFall Astrology readers,
Embarking on the second half of May 2023, the celestial stage is set for progress and accomplishment. With Jupiter, the North Node, and Uranus assembling in sturdy Taurus, and Mercury concluding its retrograde phase, the momentum for key projects and objectives is palpable.
Jupiter’s journey through Taurus, extending until May 24th, 2024, underscores our values, finances, and resources. Accessing these elements may come with ease and fluidity. With the North Node in the mix, we anticipate swifter attainment of our goals. Yet, the stability and resilience inherent in this fixed earth sign ensure enduring outcomes. Uranus introduces an element of disruption, lending an unconventional route to our destination. Despite the chaos, the end results align with our envisioned outcomes.
The conclusion of Mercury retrograde and the subsequent phasing out of its shadow period indicates smoother communication and planning. Delays are expected to diminish, allowing for clearer dialogues and seamless coordination.
This dynamism is initiated by the forthcoming Taurus New Moon, an optimal period for fresh starts within our tangible world. Notably, this week showcases the year’s first major aspect involving an outer planet: the Jupiter/Pluto square. This configuration signals a profound tension between our desire for abundance and the personal metamorphosis necessary to attain it.
Fueling these plans and initiatives is the invigorating shift of Mars. Departing its detriment in Cancer, it strides into the fiery realm of Leo, providing the requisite energy and impetus.
Let’s delve into these significant celestial alignments in your trusted weekly astrological forecast, revealing the potential and opportunities they suggest!
I. Mars trine Neptune:
From May 15th until May 19th (exact on May 16th), heed the call of sensitivity! This is a time to tread lightly, hold your opinions gently, and navigate conversations with care. The celestial alignment of assertive Mars in caring Cancer and empathetic Neptune in imaginative Pisces signals a landscape ripe with heightened feelings and possibly amplified reactions.
As these planets form a harmonious trine, they suggest an atmosphere that calls for temperance and self-control. Today isn’t a day for impulsive responses or unfiltered thoughts. Rather, it’s an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and turn inward to discover a place of inner peace.
Navigating this celestial terrain requires a heightened awareness of the emotional triggers of those around you. An unintended word or an unconsidered action might inadvertently ignite a sensitive spot. So, exercise empathy, be kind, and remember that everyone carries their own set of unseen complexities.
However, if you’ve been suppressing your own emotions, this planetary alignment might offer a chance for release. Like a well-shaken bottle of champagne, the cork might finally be ready to burst, allowing pent-up feelings to rush forth. Embrace this release, for it is through such candid expressions of emotion that we often find the greatest relief and the most profound personal insights.
This transit will be most beneficial for Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio.
II. Jupiter enters Taurus:
From May 16th, 2023, to May 25th, 2024, Jupiter will transit through Taurus, signifying a period of increased abundance and optimism that will influence a different aspect of each of our lives.
Jupiter, the planet of expansion, abundance, and wisdom, will be peregrine (meaning it has no essential dignity in this sign, so it’s not at it isn’t working at its best) in Taurus, a sign known for its grounded, slow-paced, and steadfast nature. This means that while Jupiter typically encourages growth and exploration, its influence might feel somewhat restrained within the Taurus energy. Our collective focus may shift more towards consolidating what we already have rather than seeking new experiences or opportunities.
The Taurus influence will encourage us to find contentment in simplicity and appreciate the beauty in the mundane. It’s a time to slow down and enjoy life’s pleasures, to be patient, and to build on the stability of our personal and professional lives. Jupiter’s transit in Taurus can be an ideal time to focus on financial stability and material comforts, and it may bring luck and prosperity in these areas.
The confluence of Jupiter and Taurus can be intriguing. While Jupiter signifies growth, Taurus represents the foundations of life, such as sustenance, finance, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. Although this might not be the most thrilling Jupiter transit, it promises to be impactful, especially as Uranus and the North Node will also be in Taurus for some of the transit.
During the entire transit of Jupiter through Taurus, Uranus will also be present, adding a dimension of volatility and innovation to this astrological phase, lasting until the end of 2024 or 2025. The simultaneous presence of Jupiter and Uranus, representing expansion and innovation respectively, could trigger revolutionary breakthroughs, particularly in technology.
The combined influence of these planets may lead to remarkable advancements in sectors such as food and finance, possibly spearheading a digital currency revolution. While this could result in a significant technological leap in payment processing and cryptocurrencies, it also carries potential downsides that warrant caution.
In the realm of food industries, this transit may foster innovations addressing world hunger and enhancing efficiency. Examples could include lab-grown meat becoming mainstream and the adoption of inventive farming practices.
Uranus’s presence infuses this period with forward-moving dynamism, offsetting the typically slow and steady pace of Jupiter in Taurus, and injecting a dose of excitement.
The North Node, symbolising acceleration, ambition, and achievement, will also be in Taurus until it transitions to Aries in July. This enhances the volatile innovative potential of this transit. Therefore, expect a period of rapid progress from May until July, particularly in the financial and food industries, and perhaps an increase in natural disasters.
Next, we will delve into key dates for the upcoming year and review historical precedents. While the historical analysis of such transits might not be as thrilling as other astrological events, it offers valuable insights.
Between May 16th and 21st, Jupiter will form a square with Pluto in Aquarius, signifying a period of profound transformation. Although this aspect is brief, its influence will resonate throughout the year. This Jupiter-Pluto square is one of the major outer planet aspects of the year. While its influence may not be apparent in our day-to-day lives, it plays a subtle yet powerful role in shaping our experiences during the last two weeks of May 2023.
The tension between the desire for abundance and the personal transformation necessary to achieve it becomes more evident during this time. With Jupiter symbolising abundance and expansion, and Pluto representing transformation and rebirth, the square aspect between these two planets highlights the friction between these contrasting forces. As a result, the second half of the month may present opportunities for rapid growth and development, prompting us to reassess our goals and aspirations.
In order to harness the potential abundance offered by Jupiter’s transit through Taurus, we may come to realize that we need to undertake specific work or make significant changes in areas of our lives that we have previously overlooked. This might involve addressing personal habits, reevaluating our values, or exploring new ways of thinking and approaching challenges. Ultimately, embracing personal transformation becomes crucial to achieving the abundance and success we seek.
From May 24th to 30th, Jupiter will converge with the North Node in Taurus. This period represents a significant stride towards enhancements in the food and financial sectors. The combination of Jupiter’s abundance and the North Node’s forward momentum could lead to major announcements during this week.
Between June 15th and 24th, and again from January 14th to February 19th, 2024, Jupiter will form a sextile with Saturn. This aspect, reoccurring due to the retrograde motions of both planets, is not dominant, but subtly influential. It signifies the potential for collaboration and opportunity. The alignment of Jupiter and Saturn brings about a grounded, realistic energy that could help manifest our dreams into reality, provided we put in the necessary effort.
Jupiter will go into retrograde from September 4th until December 31st. It’s important to note that during this time, the positive progress made earlier in the year will likely be reassessed. This isn’t necessarily negative, but a period of reflection, taking stock of achievements, and possibly reevaluating some of the work associated with Jupiter in Taurus. Expect to hear about recalls or revisions in this period.
Turning our gaze towards history can provide us with insightful themes that might emerge during the present transit of Jupiter through Taurus. Looking back at the last two instances of this transit, we can discern patterns related to financial advancements, natural disasters, and even space exploration milestones. These themes may offer a glimpse into the potential unfolding of current events.
The most recent transit of Jupiter through Taurus took place from June 14th, 2011, to June 11th, 2012. This period was marked by significant natural disasters worldwide. For instance, a substantial volcanic eruption in Chile on June 4th prompted evacuations across South America, New Zealand, and Australia. The end of July saw devastating floods in Thailand that impacted 13 million people and resulted in $45 billion worth of damage.
In September of that same year, the United Nations initiated a massive $357 million aid campaign for the victims of floods in Pakistan. Notably, the U.S. officially ended the Iraq War on December 15th. Although not necessarily directly connected to the transit, this was a significant global event. Tropical storms in the Philippines and the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il were also significant during this time.
On the societal front, March 5th, 2012, saw the launch of the Kony 2012 campaign. Meanwhile, May 7th marked the election of Putin as the president of Russia, adding another noteworthy event to this transit period.
The previous transit of Jupiter in Taurus took place from July 28th, 1999, to October 23rd, 1999, and retrograded back from February 14th, 2000, to June 30th, 2000. This period was punctuated by significant space-related achievements, including the launch of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory on July 23rd, 1999, and the intentional crashing of the Lunar Prospector spacecraft into the moon to detect frozen water on July 31st, 1999.
In terms of natural disasters, this period saw major earthquakes in Athens and Taiwan. Financially, the Greek stock market crash started on September 20th, 1999, while the NASDAQ Composite Index hit a record high on March 10th, 2000, effectively marking the end of a 17-year bull market run two weeks later.
In the realm of digital technology, the first short film widely distributed on the internet, “405,” was released on June 5th, 2000. An earthquake struck Iceland on its national day, June 17th, 2000, adding another geological event to the list.
Reflecting on these historical events, it’s evident that Jupiter’s transit through Taurus has often coincided with significant financial shifts, natural disasters, and noteworthy advancements in space exploration. As we navigate the current transit, it’s possible that we’ll witness similar themes emerging, likely with a progressive twist due to the influence of Uranus.
I invite you to share your thoughts and expectations on the Jupiter in Taurus period. Your insights and perspectives are greatly valued and will contribute to our collective understanding.
Jupiter’s transit through Taurus will be most auspicious for the fixed signs: Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius.
III. New Moon in Taurus:
The upcoming New Moon in Taurus on the 19th of May promises to be an uplifting and energizing event, likely to be a favourite among many due to its positivity and intensity. Prepare yourself for the focus of your upcoming year, as the influences of this moon will be far-reaching. This New Moon in Taurus is set to take place on May 19, 2023, at 5:53 PM Central European Time.
On this New Moon, we’ll be having a cluster of planets (stellium) in Taurus, which is brimming with an abundance of energy in this period, a fact that simplifies things but also intensifies them. We can expect the usual New Moon scenario with the Sun and the Moon in Taurus. However, this New Moon is unique due to the presence of Uranus, Mercury, Jupiter, and the North Node in Taurus as well. This combination indicates a sudden, disruptive, and abundant surge of invigorating Taurus energy.
Such a heavy concentration of celestial bodies in one sign is a rare occurrence. Those with Taurus placements, particularly around 28 degrees, are likely to feel the effects of this New Moon more intensely. Nonetheless, this New Moon will significantly impact everyone’s lives, so grab your New Moon mini-reading to learn how this will unfold for you personally!
In the realm of astrology, Taurus governs the material aspects of life, such as finances, agriculture, and natural resources. Given the placement of this New Moon at the end of Taurus, coupled with its proximity to Uranus – the planet of chaos and instability- we’ll likely witness significant changes in these areas. While these changes might be disruptive, they don’t appear to be negative overall.
This New Moon promises to usher in a new era in our lives, characterised by surprising and startling events. The traditional image of Taurus as a stable, fixed earth sign will be challenged as Uranus injects an element of the unexpected. As the new cycle begins, we might find ourselves blindsided, but in an exciting and refreshing way.
This New Moon falls in the final decan of Taurus, associated with the Seven of Pentacles tarot card. This card, also known as the Lord of Failure, represents a period of dissatisfaction with what one has achieved. It urges us to pause, reflect, and observe the external world before taking any further action. Therefore, this New Moon encourages us to adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach instead of rushing to manifest our desires.
However, this does not mean that your efforts have been in vain. On the contrary, this New Moon may be presenting you with an alternative path that is easier and more rewarding. It’s as if the Universe is saying, “Your work hasn’t failed, but here’s a new, more exciting opportunity.” It’s important to remember that the changes brought about by this New Moon will be unexpected and beyond our control, even though they appear to be beneficial overall.
The alignment of Mercury, the North Node, and Jupiter in early Taurus indicates we’ll receive important and impactful news. These celestial bodies represent communication, wisdom, growth, and abundance, suggesting that the incoming information will lead to significant changes that we couldn’t have brought about on our own.
The New Moon will also be sextile Neptune, providing us with a great opportunity for spiritual growth. This aspect isn’t overly potent, but it unlocks an important potential for understanding the higher purpose of our lives. Additionally, the New Moon’s sextile with Mars suggests we’ll be taking decisive action, even if the circumstances seem to come out of nowhere. The trine between Mars and Neptune indicates that our actions will be in alignment with our spiritual aspirations.
It’s worth noting, however, that Mars is currently in Cancer at 29 degrees, which isn’t an ideal placement. Mars in Cancer tends to promote indirect, nurturing actions. Yet, with Neptune’s influence, we might find ourselves being coddled or coddling others while still aligning with our spiritual purpose.
Adding another layer to this celestial ballet, Jupiter is squaring Pluto at three degrees Taurus and zero degrees Aquarius. This aspect, a significant one for this year, is urging us to transform and mature in a positive and authentic way.
In conclusion, this New Moon in Taurus is a powerful astrological event that will bring about surprising and unexpected changes in our lives. It’s a great opportunity to manifest our desires, but we should also be open to being surprised by the universe. Remember, even if we have a clear plan, the outcomes might not be what we envisaged.
As we approach this New Moon, I encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings in the comment section below. I’m excited to hear about your experiences and expectations related to this remarkable celestial event!
This New Moon will be felt most strongly by Scorpio, Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius, especially if you have any significant placements around 28 degrees (give or take 1-5 degrees) of these signs.
IV. Mars enters Leo:
Prepare to ignite your inner dynamism this Saturday, May 20th, as the fiery Mars enters the sign of Leo for the first time in two years. This celestial event invites you to embrace your inner lion’s roar and maybe even channel your flair for the dramatic! As Leo loves a good spectacle, why not consider adding a dash of performance art into your routine?
This Mars in Leo transit will see everyone vying for the limelight, making it a thrilling but competitive time. To stand out in this cosmic climate, you’ll need to bring more than just your A-game. Fortunately, under this transit, there’s no such thing as “too much.” This energising phase lasts until July 10th, making it the perfect time to express your personality boldly and brightly.
Consider revamping your wardrobe or experimenting with your hair and makeup during this period. After all, why not? But remember, it’s your warm personality and infectious enthusiasm that will ultimately outshine any outfit of the day. The golden rule under Leo’s reign? Lead with your heart and let everything else fall into place around it.
For those in romantic relationships, this potent Mars in Leo connection can stir up friction. Instead of letting tensions escalate into arguments, channel this fiery energy into passionate expressions of love. This can lead to a rekindling of lust and passion, turning your bedroom into a haven of sheet-tangling intimacy. This strategy could become particularly effective once the sultry Venus joins Mars in Leo on June 5th, amplifying the ardour and intensity.
But take note: this transit commences with a Mars-Pluto opposition on May 20th, which could stir up both dormant desires and long-suppressed resentment. This opposition might require you to confront and clear out unresolved issues before fully embracing this transit’s passion-filled potential.
The Mars in Leo period promises rich rewards for the brave. So, channel your inner lion, step into the spotlight, and let your authentic self shine. Embrace the energy, navigate the challenges, and seize this transit’s opportunities. Remember, in this season of fiery Mars in Leo, the most courageous will indeed claim the spoils.
Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius will be most reinvigorated throughout this transit.
Thank you for reading.
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Your Astrologer – Theodora NightFall ~
Remember that this is a general horoscope and is NOT your personal one. 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:
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