Guest article by Dorene Carrel.

May is highlighted by Mars in Libra turning direct, along with an elegant Grand Sextile pattern, which presents us with greater opportunities. A Grand Water trine from mid-May to mid-June brings integration and healing. Venus joins the cardinal Grand Cross in mid-month, transforming our relationship patterns. We are also still under the influence of the April 28 New Moon Solar Eclipse in Taurus, bringing focus to the areas of personal resources and values.
A Grand Sextile pattern in earth and water signs occurs on May 9. This unique aspect pattern involves four planets, plus the Sun and Moon, all in 60 degree aspects with each other. The others are Pluto, Chiron, Saturn and Jupiter. The Sun and Moon shine light on our core energies, while Chiron brings a focus to healing on all levels. Pluto and Saturn provide structure, motivation and discipline, while Jupiter gives us new opportunities and an expanded perspective. The earth/water focus brings a very intuitive and nurturing essence to this pattern. This would be an excellent time for a healing retreat or visit to a sacred energy site. Pay attention to any dreams, feelings and thoughts that arise at this time and be sure to write them down in your journal.
Chiron, Saturn and Jupiter form a water Grand Trine that will be in effect from mid-May to mid-June, giving us a chance to integrate the healing and insights that occurred with the grand sextile pattern. According to Stephanie Austin, in The Mountain Astrologer, grand trines promote insight, creativity, and a sense of ease. A grand trine in water deepens our capacity for healing, intimacy, and intuition, which helps to resolve the challenges of the recent grand cross.
The Full Moon occurs on May 14 at 24 Scorpio. As this lunation aligns with Saturn in Scorpio, power and control issues can come up at this time. Since Scorpio rules transformation, resolving and releasing fears, anxieties and old patterns brings a new rebirth. The Sabian symbol keynotes for these degrees are: “The aggressiveness of human instincts when fighting for their earthly base of operation,” and “The need to incorporate inspiring experiences and teachings into everyday living.”
From May 11-18 Venus in Aries will align with Uranus and the other outer planets to activate the cardinal Grand Cross from last month. As Mars is further away, this one won’t be as intense. This combination brings an unconventional and independent overtone to relationships and social events. Issues connected to equality and individual expression can surface at this time.
On May 19 Mars turns direct at 9 Libra. We can now move forward with whatever projects we have postponed since the retrograde period began on March 1. Relationships and social activities also gain new momentum at this time. Jupiter forms a harmonious trine with Saturn (part of the grand water trine) on May 24, which is the last in a series of three trine aspects that previously occurred on July 17 and December 12, 2013. Perhaps a project was begun last July that can now be finally completed. Jupiter provides perspective and wisdom to match the disciplined and thorough approach of Saturn.
The New Moon occurs on May 28 at 7 Gemini. The focus is on mental patterns, communication and perception. This lunation makes a challenging square to Neptune in Pisces, bringing focus to our hopes and dreams. We may also be challenged by deceptions or illusions, and need to sort out the real from the unreal. In seeking more clarity and guidance, too much information can be overwhelming. Taking a meditative and intuitive approach can bring better results. We may also need to be more flexible and adaptable at this time. The Sabian symbol keynote speaks to bringing our mental process into greater balance: “Aroused strikers surround a factory; the disruptive power of the ambitious mind upon the organic wholeness of human relationship.”
June brings retrograde cycles for Mercury and Neptune. Blessings for a peaceful and happy spring.

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart and transit/progression readings. Donations to support this column are always appreciated. For more information, contact Dorene at dorenea5@yahoo.com.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events, people, trends, etc.