May 2, 2009: Venus Square Pluto (exact at 10:07 am PDT)
For the past three months, coinciding with Venus and Pluto in a tension-filled aspect, relationships have been a hotbed for transformation. Since February, it is likely that deep feelings—those that you may have been turning a blind eye to—regarding intimacy, values, and sexuality have come to the surface in a manner that precludes them from being denied any longer. As May 2 reflects the finale of this current Venus-Pluto cycle, how to achieve resolution in the related areas of your life may become more clear. For more on Venus square Pluto, see the post about this astrological event from April.
May 6–May 30, 2009: Mercury Retrograde
Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of your life. Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place January 11–31.
Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses), so do what you can to make sure they are in good working order. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s also a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of back-up batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.
Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journalling, and nondominant hand writing are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.
While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Also, be aware if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting of doing so if possible) as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or clear.
When you think of how to approach a retrograde period, just remember the first two letters of the word—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.
During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 2 degrees Gemini to 23 degrees Taurus. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.
Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions
Nondominant hand writing: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question that you want an answer to, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.
Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be greatly therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps us to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.
May 8, 2009: Taurus /Scorpio Full Moon (exact at 9:01 pm PDT)
During the Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon we experience the juxtaposition of the practical (Taurus) and the emotional (Scorpio). The interplay between these two signs helps us to forge an awareness that what we see—what has form—is reliant upon that which is unseen but deeply felt.
As it reflects the relationship between the ground (Taurus) and the underground (Scorpio), a garden is a great image to consider when looking at the meaning of this Full Moon. Our senses appreciate the glory of the flowers, trees, ferns, and other earthly Taurean gems that flourish. Yet, it’s important to remember that none of this growth would be possible were it not for that which occurs out of sight, below the surface—such as the complex root structure, the hardworking earthworms, and the decay that feeds the soil. What we are called on to appreciate during this Full Moon is that the beauty we see is not just on the surface but also exists in the places that we may often shy away from, those we may consider “unseemly” or “out of bounds.”
There is a tenacity that fills the air during this Full Moon since both signs are known for this quality: Taurus is stubborn and likes to do what it wants while Scorpio clenches tightly to that which it desires to possess. Combine this with the sexuality inherent in both signs—Taurus from the perspective of enjoying the sensual and Scorpio because of its appreciation of transformative experiences—and you’re looking at a day filled with passion and pleasure.
This month’s Full Moon falls at 19 degrees of Taurus (Sun) and Scorpio (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Taurus, Scorpio, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.
Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Taurus is associated with the neck, throat, and inner ears while Scorpio is associated with the genitals, bladder, and large intestine. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.
Flower petal bath: Submerge your body in a sensuality-inspiring bath. Fill a small drawstring muslin bag (available at health and beauty-aid stores) with petals from your favorite fragrant flowers. While the bath is filling, hang the flower bag on the tub’s spout, and then let it float in water after the bath is ready. (If you have a good drain cover, consider floating some petals themselves in the bath.) Enhance the aromatics of your experience by adding a few drops of floral essential oils—such as jasmine, rose, or rose geranium—to the bath.
Mud therapy: Mud holds great therapeutic benefits, including detoxification and muscle relaxation. As mud reflects aspects of Taurus (the earth) and Scorpio (the dark and dirty), treatments using this powerful material are well suited during this Full Moon. Many spas offer body polishing mud treatments (also known as fangotherapy). Or purchase some mud at the natural apothecary, applying it as a mask to your face and/or body, and revel in its ability to uncover more of your natural beauty.
May 24, 2009: Gemini New Moon (exact at 5:11 am PDT)
The Gemini New Moon is a day of levity and learning. Curiosity and wonder fill the air and it may seem as if your attention is pulled in a spectrum of directions as you gravitate to the facts, figures, and other pinpoints of information that seem especially intriguing today. Like other New Moons, it’s a good day to set a goal for the coming four weeks, and given the presence of Gemini energy, it’s an auspicious time to begin gathering the information you’ll need to set this mission in motion. Yet, as Mercury, which rules Gemini, is still retrograde, don’t forget that it may not be necessary to scour the Internet, library, or others’ knowledge bases for insightful findings as much of what you need to know may already reside within the annals of your own mind.
The mercurial and seemingly fickle energy of Gemini may be on display during this New Moon period, amping up agitation and nervous energy. Be patient with yourself if you find it more difficult to make decisions while also making space for others if they seem to be more capricious than normal. If you’re finding yourself indecisive, consider whether it’s because you are more clearly seeing the two sides of the proverbial coin and the fact that both of them have grace and value. Reflect upon whether it really is even necessary to choose between them; potentially you can create a structure where you are able to enjoy both paths.
This month’s New Moon falls at 3 degrees of Gemini (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.
New Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.
Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): With Gemini ruling the lungs and the nervous system, doing some pranayama breathing exercises like Nadi Sodhana can be beneficial if you need to calm a flurry of nervous energy. Sit in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Rest your left hand on your lap. Raise your right hand towards your nose, closing your right nostril by gently pushing your thumb against it. Inhale through your left nostril for four counts. Then release your thumb while closing your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril for four counts and then inhale for four counts. Release hold on left nostril while closing right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through left nostril for four counts. Continue for twelve rounds or more.
Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your self-confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)
© ALEX CARRILLO
As the Sun moves into Gemini tomorrow, I have been reflecting on the sign of the Twins. I do this each month—I meditate upon greeting the energies of the upcoming Sun sign while bidding the waning sign farewell. It’s a little ritual that I cherish as it helps me to thread together the zodiacal year, with a focus on weaving together the qualities of successive signs, finding the ways that their energies flow into one another.
Ever since I began writing my 
