Astrological Forecast for May & June 2013

One way to look at change is to see that there is a breakdown phase, in which old ways become progressively less viable, followed by a process of rebuilding. If we look at our lives – individually or collectively – we can recognize that these two phases are always taking place, overlapping with each other in different areas. Personally, perhaps career is beginning to break down as a new relationship is building. In society, even as the economy contracts, new forms of communication and technology can emerge. To add complexity to the mix, some people can see a process of change (breakdown and rebuilding) as progress while others see it as decay: for some, the possibility of gay marriage is an advance in social justice while for others it is a threat.

These are ideas to keep in mind as we move through the busy months of May and June and into the summer of 2013. For some time, we’ve been emphasizing the breakdown phase of change. The economic collapse that began when Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 is one notable example. There is more, much more, of the breakdown phase in our future, but we can also see signs of rebuilding. The blueprint is still hazy in many places, and we’re not sure where we’ll find building materials, but the outlines are beginning to emerge. The results are unlikely to be what any of us have imagined, because we’re engaged in a creative process and have many decisions to make.

The cosmic energy is hot and active through the first week of the month. The sun is in an easy aspect to powerbroker Pluto on the 1st, and Mars and Mercury both send the God of the Underworld greeting cards during the week. We’re likely to see a consolidation of power and a certain amount of cronyism, but there is potential for each of us to stand up for what we believe in, especially as Mercury opposes Saturn on the 5th.

Venus enters Gemini on the 9th. The Goddess of Love in the sign of the twins favors light, easygoing social commun-ication. It’s a flirtatious placement that encourages friendly relations more than serious relationships. Venus remains in Gemini until June 2nd, when she enters Cancer and focuses more traditional, serious partnership activities.

On the 9th, there is a solar eclipse in Taurus (visible in Australia and the South Pacific). This is the central event of an eclipse season that stretches from April 11th though June 8th, and which features three eclipses (April 25th was the first). During eclipse season, everything seems to matter that much more, and whether or not anything actually happens, we tend to feel on edge. Do pay attention to the issues that concern you, but also remember that you’re seeing things through something of a magnifying glass – a bit out of proportion.

Venus squares foggy Neptune on May 13th. We might be inclined to see more than is really there when it comes to a relationship or a potential partner. Enjoy the energy of the day, but avoid building too many castles in the air.

It’s Mercury’s turn to square off with Neptune on the 16th. Although this cosmic partnership is great for exercising the imagination, meditating, and creative endeavors, it can be a real problem where practical matters are concerned. Avoid making deals, or at least finalizing them, until you’ve had a chance to give them a second look in a more sober celestial atmosphere.

May 20th is a day all astrologers will be focused upon, as Uranus and Pluto square each other. These two outer planets are in the midst of seven exact squares that stretch from 2012 to 2015. Uranus and Pluto were last in close aspect in the 1960s, and they are seen as the main symbolic energy behind the changes that we are experiencing now. We won’t necessarily see anything big happen on the 20th itself, but with eclipses nearby it should be possible to get a sense of where we are heading, for now.

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 25th may be the trigger point for some of the Uranus/Pluto energy, so keep your eyes open. You may also want to keep your eyes open around midnight, as the eclipse is visible in North America. Neptune squares the Sun and Moon at this eclipse, suggesting that the activity of the past few weeks might be reframed or distorted to suit someone’s needs. Or we could get a wave of paranoia, feeling that things are happening but we aren’t quite sure what. In a more optimistic light, this is an opportunity to connect with our spiritual sides. In a sense, the unease we feel with mundane matters is a reflection of our distance from our spiritual source – the more spiritually grounded we are, the better we can handle the choppy waves of manifest existence.

With the Full Moon energy still at our backs, we’re inclined to say it loud and proud on the 27th and 28th, as Mercury and Venus meet with Jupiter. After a few days of rocky astrological weather, these aspects should help to renew enthusiasm and confidence.

June gets off to an energetic start with an easy aspect between the Sun and independent Uranus on the 1st. We’re inclined to try something new, and bring the changes we’ve been contemplating to the next level. With easy aspects between Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune over the next couple of days, we can access our intuition and communicate ideas to others.

Inspiration gets a big push on June 7th, when Neptune stations to retrograde (appear to go backward in the sky). Neptune stations can fill us with enthusiasm and insight, but we can also be taken in by delusions. It’s very nice energy for relationships, which should see nice support from not only Neptune but also Saturn. This is one area of life where we might be a little more grounded, and able to turn dreams into reality. Other areas of life can show some conflict, however, as Mercury opposes Pluto and Mars squares Neptune: We’re ready to say and do what we believe is right, but it’s anybody’s guess who has the facts straight. We’re coming into the New Moon on the 8th.

Relationship stays in the spotlight through June 11th and 12th, as Venus opposes Pluto and squares Uranus. While the energy of the previous week could help us to gloss over issues in relationship, these aspects will tend to bring any simmering conflicts to the surface. On the other hand, many of us will find that we’re opening up to new patterns in partnership and finding deeper connection through emotional honesty. The key to handling this cosmic cocktail is to make sure that you aren’t too concerned with security or too focused on outcomes. Allow the experience to unfold in its own way.

The Sun enters Cancer on June 21st at 10:03 a.m. EDT, beginning the summer and marking the longest days in the Northern Hemisphere. The Full Moon on the 23rd will be in the sign of Capricorn, so we will have not only long days but also bright nights. This is a very active, energetic time of the month and year.

Two days later, on the 25th, Jupiter leaves Gemini and enters Cancer. Jupiter in Cancer is supportive, helpful, nurturing – a benevolent leader, a rich uncle who is willing to help. This time around, though, Jupiter will be getting into the Uranus-Pluto fray, and will be making that aspect hotter than ever. Security issues – personal, financial, and (inter)national – are likely to be on the top of our agenda through the summer months and beyond.

As June ends, Venus takes off her apron and puts on her sundress for a few weeks in Leo. Socializing is more fun and romance a bit more dramatic with Venus in the Sun’s sign, but with an approaching square to Saturn on July 1st, we might be feeling a bit on the serious side.