Astrologically Speaking

May 2004 Notes

Venus moves stations retrograde May 17 and stays that way through June 29 with a spectacular stellar event on June 8. Read Venus Horoscope and Notes - in my April 2004 Notes (also Venus Article 2004 and detailed Venus Notes) - See Also astronomy and timing data on the rare event.

I always think that the songs that hit the airwaves with gusto with a significant stellar event, help us understand the planet better. I propose that Josh Groban's "You raise me up" is a perfect song for this Venus in Gemini period. You can listen to the song on his site.

Mercury is back on track (prograde) after April 30, 2003. This one was quite a woozy, so take note - we have an even stronger one coming up in 2005 - the same Mercury channel and the same Mercury time! See Cycle Notes off the adjacent Menu and articles listing for more write ups on this Trickster planet with a very meaningful agenda. Mercury stays in Aries through mid May as a morning star. His evening star phase begins June 18.

Notes about the Moon and the Void-of-Course Moon. When the Moon is not making aspects with other planets, she is dancing to her own tune, receiving no advise nor taking it, no objections, but merely seeking her own counsel. Perhaps the best advise is to seek our own counsel during these time frames.

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The Ephemeral Moon

The Moon causes the tides here on Earth, the small luminous object in our sky can make the massive oceans to come washing in and going out at our shores. Astrology links the Moon to our emotions and moods. Water is a universal symbol for emotions and considered a cleansing element. If you dream involved water it is trying to draw your attention to your emotions. The Moon is linked to the element of water as she makes her natural home in Cancer. This year Saturn is in Cancer, so every time the Moon is in Cancer she is visits with the planet of responsibility, obligations and time on a grand scale. So, think in terms of a paternal lecture.

Mondays are Moon days, no wonder so many songs are written about that day. We have the Monday blues, this year those blues can bring along somewhat challenging moods on every fourth Monday - April 26, May 24, etc. People often feel tense just prior to the full Moon, and when it is passed life returns to a more normal mode. We feel the cycles of the Moon, we even feel the eclipses that occur on average four times a year. The Moon cycle is a feminine one. It marks the monthly periods for women, the normal being the 29.5 days, which the contraceptive pill almost invariably reduces to 27.75 days, both natural cycles of the Moon. This cycle together with our own cycle marks our fertile and infertile periods. Here is a link to view the current phase of the Moon.

The Moon rules our emotions, instincts, mother and our memories astrologically speaking. Cancer is the sign ruled by the Moon, and the 4th house in the astrological chart is the Moon's domain. This is the house of home, roots, family and our subjective view of ourselves. The phase of the Moon at the time of one's birth tells another side of our story. See the other Days.

Moon waxes to full and wanes to new with incredible predictability. This satellite of the Earth is referred to as planet in astrological texts for the sake of simplicity. The only star in our solar system is the Sun. Jointly we talk abut the two luminaries - one lights up the night sky the other heats up our days. Actually the Moon has no light of its own, it reflects that of the Sun. The Moon can be described rather impotent when we look at this way, only a satellite, only a reflection, yet the Moon has a powerful hold on our emotions and our home planet.

Eclipse notations

Most years the Moon moves steadily through the signs, and we have our four eclipses per year, two at two week intervals six months apart. We had our first Eclipse on the 19th - a solar Eclipse at the last degree of Aries. The second one is the full Moon - Total Lunar Eclipse May 4 - at 14° Scorpio 42' within 4° of the North Node at 11° Taurus. Note on November 8, 2003 we had a Lunar Eclipse at 16°Taurus 13', and in 2002 Venus Retrograde Station took place at 15°Scorpio 36' (think October-November). So in terms of issues and events we need to look back. The Eclipse cycle is approx. 18.6 years. May 4, 2004 repeats from October 1986. Individuals who have planets or angles at these points can anticipate some event, likewise with the last degree of Aries. If this point is the Ascendant for example, you need to make sure that you are looking after your continued well being. Any physical problems or ailments should be given attention. Let's say you suspect that you might have diabetes, high blood pressure, a lingering infection - all treatable when diagnosed; then knowing that an eclipse brings things into heightened focus - opt to visit your health care provider. The ASC represents both the self and the body, drive and work defensively while keep safety your number one priority.

The Sun represents our vitality and our ego. The Moon our emotions, mother and home. Mercury represents siblings, neighbours, car, communication and our daily living environment. Mars is about actions and aggressions. Venus is about love, money and priorities. Each planet is associated with a multitude of concepts and people as are all the houses. Eclipses need to make a strong, close aspect to bring about an event, and they do not work alone but with the other cycles both external and personal.

Lots of Drifting Days

This spring and summer we have long periods where the Moon is void of course - see listing. Every two and a half days Moon changes from one zodiacal sign to another. In her routine travels she forms aspects with other planets, but after the last aspect prior to changing sign, she is considered void of course. Aspects are communication lines. While the Moon is not making these connections with other planets she is dancing to her own tune, receiving no advise, no objections, merely seeking her own counsel. Things started while the Moon is void of course tend not to amount to much. The best use of this time is to think of it as time out. Goof off, work on routine chores, don't arrange meetings etc. as these tend to get rescheduled or 'voided' anyway. Things we buy during these times which can last for up to two days or as little as minute or two tend to end up taking space, and they were simply purchased on a whim not to serve a purpose. I used to take my older vehicles through air care when the Moon was void, I figured that as the gist is - nothing will come of it - the clonkers would squeek by air care no problem - and they did.

We need to remember that any astrological configuration will behave differently and cause different events and moods depending on your natal chart. While most of us want to just coast when the Moon is void, some of us find ourselves springing into productive action. When Astrologers address planetary transits in general, it is always about the highest probabilities and potential.

I spent a fair bit of time job hunting in the mid-nineties, all the interview times that were offered or conducted during Moon Void of Course times came to nothing. The interviews went great, wonderful conversations and good learning tool for the next one. Yet I have watched people land wonderful jobs with the Moon Void of Course (VOC), and let's face it some of us were born with Moon in this position. These individuals may appear to drift through life from our perspective. That is if the observer has a Moon that is busy making aspects. I have an article on the site about the Moon and the Void of Course Moon

The last time I recall this many long void-of-course periods is 1988, the year of the presidential elections George Bush SR vs. Dukakis. I was busily studying astrology and all things metaphysical, and it was a wonderful time from that perspective. As with all things I think we need to experiment for ourselves. I have a listing of the void of course Moon on this site compliments of my friend and colleague, Janice Brown, who compiles the list every month.

In my estimation, the best astrology offers us is - timing, timing, timing - there is a good time for everything. Some are easy to pick, others more challenging. The Moon is the fastest moving body in our zodiac. In horary and electional astrology the Moon's aspects are carefully delineated to determine what will come of something. Likewise in our daily lives we can start looking not necessarily the aspects but the sign the Moon is in to determine what kind of planetary weather we may experience.

May 1 - the Moon is in Virgo until 4:31 AM PDT having spent Thursday and Friday in productive, organized Virgo. Moon is Void of Course (VOC) from 4:31 (am) to 11:03 (am). Our Saturday may be off to a slow start, as it may be difficult to make up your mind about what to do. Go with the flow, these VOC periods really are a time when we should be taking time out to recharge, dream. meditate and just relax recharging for the next bout of energy.

So precisely at 11:03 AM the Moon enters the sign of Libra. From this position the Moon will have a nice chat with Venus and Neptune on culminating Sunday. Neptune is the planet of rose-coloured glasses and Venus is the planet of love. Venus as everyone must know by now is spending four exceptional months in Gemini. Gemini is the communicator of the zodiac, lack of language is no obstacle, for communicate Gemini must.

So below is the list of the Moon's movement through the Zodiac and the VOC time periods. Local columnist, Tim Stephens lists the VOC's and refers to them as the start nothing periods. Georgia Nicols advises us not to shop or make important decisions. Janice Brown lists these in her column in the Shared Vision, and in similar vein, explains that these periods are not productive time frames. Please refer to my disclaimer above. More details about this phenomena below the listing and a brief look at the Moon in signs.

Where is the Moon - (in Pacific Daylight Time)
Moon VOC in Virgo - May 01 at 04:31 am to 11:03 am
Moon into Libra - May 01 at 11:03 am
Moon VOC in Libra May 03 at 09:49 am to 13:39 pm
Moon into Scorpio May 3 at 13:39 pm
Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse - May 04, 2004 in Scorpio at 01:33 pm at 14°Scorpio 42' see above for a short analysis.
Moon VOC in Scorpio - May 04 02:37 pm to May 05, 14:08 pm
Moon into Sagittarius May 5 at 14:08 pm
Moon VOC in Sagittarius - May 07 at 04:50 am to 14:16 pm
Moon into Capricorn May 07 at14:16 pm
Moon VOC in Capricorn - May 09 at 06:03 am to 15:46 pm
Moon into Aquarius May 9 15:46 pm
Moon VOC in Aquarius - May 11 at 12:31 pm to 19:52 pm
Moon into Pisces May 11 at 19:52 pm
Moon VOC in Pisces - May 13 at 19:14 pm to May 14, 03:02 am
Moon into Aries - May 14, 03:02 am
Moon VOC in Aries - May 16 at 05:17 am to 12:57 pm
Moon into Taurus May 16 12:57 pm
New Moon - May 17, 2004 in Taurus at 21:52 pm
Moon VOC in Taurus - May 18 at 21:52 pm to May 19, 00:47 am
Moon into Gemini May 19 at 00:47 am
Moon VOC in Gemini - May 21 at 05:13 am to 13:35 pm
Moon into Cancer May 21 at 13:35 pm
Moon VOC in Cancer -May 22 at 11:58 am to May 24, 02:07 am
Moon into Leo May 24, 02:07 am
Moon VOCin Leo - May 26 at 02:42 am to 12:52 pm
Moon into Virgo May 26 at 12:52 pm
Moon VOC in Virgo - May 28 at 09:17 am to 20:22 pm
Moon into Libra May 28 20:22 pm
Moon VOC in Libra May 30 at 12:09 pm to May 31, 00:08 am
Moon into Scorpio May 31 00:08 am
Moon VOC in Scorpio - June 01 at 02:16 pm to June 02, 00:52 am

Some technical data

This Void of Course Moon phenomena was popularized by astrologer Al H. Morrison some forty years ago in our neck of the woods. The term and its use is a basic tool in horary and electional astrology. Moon dictates timing and helps analyze what is to come or happen next with the event or question that is under investigation. Horary astrology takes into consideration the declinations of the planets in addition to aspects and any aspect to the Part of Fortune, including its declination. Thus the listing above reflects only applying aspects. For example when the Moon is in Cancer she ventures out of bounds in terms of declination. That is she will be beyond the 23°N 27' stipulated by the Sun. Currently both Venus and Mars are in the high declinations and remain so for severa; more weeks. The Moon will indeed make aspects by declination to these two planets, thus she is not truly void of course by classical rules. Parallels of declination are powerful aspects, while the one to Venus may present a more pleasant outcome, the one with Mars is not be dismissed to purely negative either. Thus my statement (disclaimer) about how some people for example spring into productive action makes perfect sense from this astrological perspective. In order to know, if Moon is truly void, we must then look at the actual chart, and compare that with the one belonging to the individual involved. (Read a great monthly horary astrology column by Diana Stone on the Guild Website (links on every page).

The Cardinal Moons - Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are action-oriented. These are good for making collection calls on monies owed to you. So if A/R is your department take note. I prefer starting with the Libra Moon is I can pick my time, as by the time Moon gets into Capricorn I have the cheque in hand. With the Aries Moon you need to stay cognizant of the need to stay polite, hostility will win you no brownie points. Aries Moon tends to bring out the me-first in people so in traffic watch out, road rage rules on these days. Mars is in Cancer in May thus the Cardinal Moon days will have that assertiveness, aggression or insistance built-in.

Saturn is in Cancer this year, thus we also have hefty amounts of obligations, responsibilites and having to bite our tongue thrown into these days when the Moon is in one of the Cardinal signs.

Aries Moon is the Sprinter Moon, quick off the mark and somewhat reluctant to complete the task. Great for starting things, getting others working on projects and launching projects. Having a fixed sign involved in the mix would help bring things to Fruition. It is easier to fly off the handle with this inspired, rapid-fire energy. But Aries is quick to forget, especially the Moon in Aries.

Cancer Moon is the Mother Moon, such as the organized, caring CEO of a corporation. Think in terms of what a stay at home mother gets accomplished, no scheduled breaks and limited free time, on-call constantly, sounds harder than running a company. Collecting, gathering and hoarding are some of the traits. It is about comfort and nurturing. Cancer is also good for planning, particularly this year with the Saturn influence. There are always limitations, sometimes we just notice the fact more.

The Fixed Moons - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius are the ones that hold onto things. They are all possessive in their own way. Their role is to sustain and to build upon what was started with the cardinal sign Moon. This year Neptune is in Aquarius thus in the course of the fixed Moon there will be some ethereal or confusing moments thrown in. These are good gardening Moons - Taurus for cultivating the seedlings and Scorpio for weeding etc. The Farmers' Almanac lists these days. We all know about Taurus being stubborn, but all of these four signs are - they are supposed to maintain status quo. Taurus is good for applying for a loan. Scorpio Moon is good for investigating and finding out hidden information.

The Mutable Moons - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are the flexible, changeable and adaptable signs. This year we need to remember that Uranus, the planet of shocks, enlightenment and personal 'earth-quakes' is in Pisces. So within half a day of the Moon moving into a mutable sign, we will have moments that we did not anticipate or see coming. Those are the times to drive with care out there, if you are having one of those moments, chances are so is the person in the vehicle behind you. We also still have Pluto in Sagittarius - about 23°. Pluto is the planet of ultimate control and power plays, so often, that is the last aspect the mutable Moon makes. Thus we learn to compromise - eventually - instead of butting heads.

Moon in an Earth Sign - Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Earth signs deal with material and practical things - money, food, work and a roof over our heads. All that we need to sustain life, earth is linked to the physical body. The Taurus Moon builds a solid, beautiful foundation and ensures that there is food on the table. It is the provider Moon with a lot of sensuality. Life is experienced through the senses by the earth Moons. Virgo is about applied skills, tending to nitty gritty details and researching the best tackle. Capricorn Moon is the executive Moon, preferring to delegate rather than do but when push comes to shove no job is too menial or beneath a Capricorn Moon. Earth Moons form harmonious aspects (read communication lines) with Earth and Water signs.

Moon in an Air Sign - Gemini, Libra and Aquarius deal with communication and naturally intellectual pursuits, as air is linked to the mind.. Through early August Venus will be in Gemini making the Gemini Moon days interesting even with the fact that there is that Pluto opposition thrown in. Gemini is the Reporter sign - collecting information and passing it on. If in the process they need to quickly learn how to express their knowledge and information differently, they will do just that. Libra Moon is the diplomat or mediator Moon. Libra likes balance and harmony. Venus makes nice aspects to the Libra Moon, that even Saturn squares from Cancer have a hard time squashing or negating. Aquarius is the social, friendly teamster Moon and ironically as it is in aspect to Neptune of hospitals, we have health union strikes here in British Columbia (a blatant over simplification on my part). Air Moons are good for Air and Fire signs as the aspects formed are harmonious.

Moon in a Water Sign - Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are associated with emotions and empathy. Things can get a little mushy and emotional with these Moon, which are all extremely protetive, sensitive and caring. When the Moon is in Cancer most of us tend to tune into looking after the needs of others a bit more. Not necessarily in domestic terms, we just more readily see the needs of others. With the Moon in Scorpio we can get protective or territorial, there isn't a more protective mother or father than the one with the Moon in Scorpio. Scorpio is also known for its X-ray vision, they appear to look right through mere mortals and spot their motivation and hidden agenda. Befriend one, and you have a loyal friend for life. Pisces Moon tends to bring out our psychic abilities, we readily tune into the emotions of others. This can be challenging, when we'd rather not know. Water Moons form harmonious aspects (read communication lines) with Earth and Water signs.

Moon in Fire Signs - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius deal with inspiration and spontaneous energy. Fire warms us, entices us and gets us inspired to work at new things by taking a different tackle. I write the fastest on the wings of inspiration when the Moon is in one of the fire signs. Today as this column is born, the Moon is in Leo occupying the house in my chart ruled by the Moon. It is easier to let go of emotional insults of the past when the Moon is in a fire sign. Like water off a duck's back, not much sticks to a fire Moon. Live and let live. But then I was born with a fire Moon. Fire Moons are typically good for Air and Fire signs, nice aspects.

Days of the Week

Tuesday is ruled by Mars

Mars is Action! We know that Mondays are moodier and by the time Tuesday rolls around we are ready to work, or at least act like we are. Mars reprents our drive and motivation, by zodiacal sign it describes the way we do things. Assertiveness and anger, We assert ourselves with this enegry, and Mars is full of energy. Mars is not only the planet of war, it is the planet of sexuality.

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury

Mercury is about talking,communicating and sharing ideas and information. Wednesday is called hump day these days, the breaking point of the week. This is the day to pick up the phone and stay in touch. Mercury is such a changeable fella that whatever is closest to him dictates how he'll be and behave. No wonder we call him a Trickster.

Thursday is ruled by Jupiter

Jupiter the planet of luck and MORE or plenty. Jupiter tends to be the planet of great expectations, wherever it transverses by house in our charts tends to be the area of life where we simply want more. More money, better job, or even that elusive lottery win. Jupiter does tend to deliver but we may not truly notice as what it delivers does not meet with our expectations.

Friday is ruled by Venus

Venus is about our values and our relationships. Venus is in her evening star phase until June 8, 2004. She becomes the is the feisty, energetic and warrior like Morning Star. This day is not our date night by accident. I have so much material on this site about Venus, that I will leave this short.

Saturday is ruled by Saturn

Saturn is the planet known to be our taskmaster, and that big word responsibilities. Get real, get serious, buckle down, etc. Think in terms of meeting your obligations before playing. No wonder Saturday has quite naturally become our chore day. Saturn stays in Cancer throughout 2004. I have an article about Saturn in Cancer on the site.

Sunday is ruled by the Sun

The Sun cycles through the zodiac once a year and we notice the change of seasons and we feel differently during different seasons. In nature seeds are sown in the spring, bloom and mature in the summer, we harvest in the early Autumn and in the fullness of this season the earth becomes dormant in order to regenerate. In the winter nature hibernates in order to make the earth ready for another cycle in the spring. This is a typical time for hibernation for us as well, it may be most noticeable, when we live in places where the four seasons are distinct. The Sagittarius month is the preparation for a new season, finishing off things and getting ready to welcome the Winter Solstice and/or Christmas. The Sun in astrology is like the spot-lights on the stage at the theatre, whichdraw our gaze onto one of the characters more than the others.

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