May 2009 Monthly Forecast

Last year I started marvelling at the fact that lillies of the valley are in bloom in time for Mothers' Day (here in New England, that is) With May, we have already seen the stately progression of snow drops, bluettes, crocuses, daffodils, forsythia, with lilac yet to come. As many cultures draw inferences from phenomena of the natural world, we should also take some information from the lunar phases, particularly where planting is concerned. Mercury is retrograde from May 7 through the end of the month, and this will be least painful for Gemini and Taurus, and most awkward for Sagittarius and Scorpio, although Virgo and Pisces, Leo and Aquarius will also find themselves trying to unbury themselves from some awkward phrasing.

Good planting days this month include:
May 3, 4, 12, 13, 17-18, 22, 23, 26, 27, while days to rip up the garden include, May 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 24, 25. Full moon comes on May 9, new moon on May 24.
If you want to keep track of planting, fishing, and angles of the moon as they relate to other cosmological aspects, I still have calendars and almanacs (herbal and moon) from Llewellyn to move along to all you wonderful folks. Am happy to autograph these if you would like for gift-giving. Calendars are $16; almanacs are $9 each, and you can send check to POBox 77, Westminster, MA 01473, or visit moonsigns.net

You can hear me on the radio, WCRN, 830 AM around 11:50 am every Monday. Or you can hear me in your ear - I have clients and am responding to the economic downturn by LOWERING my initial prices for consultations. I've have talked to too many people lately who have lost their jobs and since mine is a "service" industry, I'd just as soon make it easier for you to get some astrological insight. So we're reducing our initial consultation fee by 15 percent. For $75 I will review your chart and have a phone consult (plus follow-up emails to remind you what those planets are doing to you-you-you!) and mailing you this year's Lllewellyn Moon Signs Almanac, which has a collection of useful articles (by me and other folks)...

Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe,

-Symboline Dai

Read "Moon Signs", the Phoenix's day-by-day horoscope to see when the moon is in your sun sign. Also "Letters to Symboline", my forum for responding to readers' letters.

About these forecasts:

I note that the days when the moon is in your sun sign as both difficult AND smooth. But the rule of thumb is that you should view the days the moon is in your sun sign as commencing a new 28 day cycle. Chances are, you'll be unexpectedly emotional - either looking for a grievance, or seeing a situation more dramatically than circumstances warrant. The days when the moon is in the same sign as your sun is when you feel everything, truly, madly, deeply.

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 19 or 20).
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries love to start (but usually not finish), make great leaders (as long as there are followers), and can be incredibly generous. Famously confident Aries include Marlon Brando, Harry Houdini, and Nikita Kruschev.
Smoother sailing: 20, 21
Difficult days: 5-7

May is THE month for Aries what with Venus and Mars snuggling up to one another in your sign. Yes, there's Mercury retrograde, but whereas other signs will be frustrated and misunderstood, for most Rams (who can keep their Martian tempers under control), May is tons of fun and your little misstatements can be repaired with a rueful smile and a cheerful "whoopsie!" Those born in March get to make big decisions May 1-8; those born April 1-8 can make big decisions May 5-15; those born April 9-15 will be charged up May 12-20 and those born April 16 and after are at their peak performance May 15-31. I can't stress enough how important this month is for those of you who have been postponing "life change" or who have been putting up with situations that really aren't healthy. Spring clean your soul this month, and Venus in your sign enhances your "forgiveability" quotient.
Love gauge: Everybody wants to be your baby.
Signs to watch out for: Cancer, Libra, Capricorn and Virgo.

TAURUS (April 21 or 22 to May 21 or 22).
Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady. Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Salvador Dali. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to. Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.
Smoother sailing: 22, 23
Difficult days: 8 ,9May may be your birthday month but it's a prelude to the big changes YOU can make happen in June when Mars and Venus get together in your sun sign. This month, start putting pieces into place. Be adventurous, consider a vacation or visit someplace you've never been. And be patient with the fire sign people - they're taking the lead in every way this month -- even if you have friends who seem to making rash decisions. The irony with Taurus is that your self knowledge works this way: you know you're stubborn but when you ARE stubborn you're in denial that you're being that way. You're just "telling it like it is," This month, rashness is likely, and you'll be in a mood to start a thousand things and then...uncharacteristically...lose interest.
Love gauge: it's your birthday - time to cash in on all the free ice cream cones at Friendly's! Especially if this is the year you decide to keep your life simple and swim in a wetsuit.
Signs to watch out for: Pisces will be easy to misunderstand, and you could lock horns with your fellow ungulate quadruped, Capricorn...

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealing Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.
Smoother sailing: 24, 25
Difficult days: 10, 11
May finds Gemini in a mood to make changes and start all kinds of projects and relationships. Those of you in an academic milieu might find your relief at the close of the semester greater than usual. If you have the chance to begin a business or project or to do something that's exciting (and even a little childish?), say yes. Mercury retrograde in your sign will enhance your ability to exaggerate your willingness to do things (regret! Regret!). Your taste for eccentrics, particularly those of you born on or around June 16-20 is enormous. People who do things differently become very attractive, and you find it easier to get along with difficult folks rather than those who are more predictable.
Love gauge: excellent for fire signs. They're operating at your rev. level.
Signs to watch out for: Cancer and Capricorn (depressed), Libra (manic but fun) and Virgo.

CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. "Well-defended" is what we find in many crabbies.
Smoother sailing: 26, 27
Difficult days: 12-14
You, Capricorn and Libra are having some real issues this month that could be a) self-generated problems arising from defensiveness and anxiety or; b) the world really IS against you. I know which one the classic crabbie veers towards and my heart goes out to you. Look at this month as a time to molt, and then hide. Those born in June will be least comfortable May 1-6 (and the last week of April were no picnic). Those born July 1 to 7 will be feeling out of sorts May 5-13; those born July 8-15 will be ditto May 10-20; those born July 16 and after will feel tension May 18 to the end of the month.
Does this mean you postpone decision-making? Not necessarily. This is a month in which a relationship on the rocks will splinter into bits. If you have financial problems, they'll be very hard to avoid this month. And if you've been postponing a difficult (but emotionally necessary decision), this is the month you will act. In July, you should look back say, "okay, this may work out in the end," and by September, you'll have a chance to improve things that didn't go as you'd like in May, but for now...be skeptical, particularly of your own reactions.
Love gauge: If you have time for this, you'll be attracted to someone who isn't your type, isn't good for you but who is strangely compelling. Just because they're tasty bait doesn't mean there isn't a hook.
Signs to watch out for: Libra, Caps and fellow crabs are all under the gun. Aries has everything going your way. Some of you are with rams, and they can drive you nuts this month.

LEO (July 23 or 24 to August 23 or 24).
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is theirs -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Famous Leos who enjoy their command include Bill Clinton, Princess Margaret, and Napoleon.
Smoother sailing: 1, 2, 28, 29
Difficult days: 15, 16
Leo has fabulous astrology this month - awkward astrology next month. Make hay while you can, because your powers of persuasion are strong and your magnetism just got charge up. And when Leo's magnetism is ignited, you'll be attracting those of steely temperament, as well as those whose hearts are filled with iron filings. In short - don't be taken in by idle flatterers and remember your sign is represented by the regal lion. Dignity matters this month, and the planets are encouraging you to take charge (especially if there's no one from whom to ask permission)
Love gauge: super for fellow fire signs.
Signs to watch out for: Cancer, Capricorn and Libra could be trouble. Hold your breath and don't get dragged into a soap opera that leaves you with suds in your eyes.

VIRGO (August 24 or 25 to September 23 or 24).
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos include D.H. Lawrence, Cardinal Richelieu and Goethe.
Smoother sailing: 3, 4, 30, 31
Difficult days: 17-19
Virgo in May will feel rushed. What is it you're SUPPOSED to do? Easily distracted at times, you may feel that your rhythm isn't working. Is this your problem? Or can you conveniently blame Mercury retrograde, which is spinning backwards in Gemini and Taurus and making an unhelpful angle to your sun sign. The activities that should interest you could be: exotic cooking, unusual parties, and infantile behavior from others who should know better. Virgo is excellent at analyzing everyone (save themselves - okay, you can do self-analysis, but it's behavior change that finds you reluctant). And this month, the darndest folks will be behaving immaturely. And you'll find this fascinating.
Love gauge: Fire signs are on a tear. You don't understand them, but you can admire their chutzpah in May.
Signs to watch out for: Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. Generally, you get along fine with these folks, but they could be stretching your tolerance this month.

LIBRA (September 24 or 25 to October 23 or 24).
Libra is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales. Famous Libras include John Lennon, Franz Liszt and Sarah Bernhardt. Libras love harmony, partnership, and are frequently indecisive. But oh, how charming they can be about it. At least that's what they tell us.
Smoother sailing: 5-7
Difficult days: 20, 21
Read Cancer and Capricorn if you want to feel like you're not alone. This month is a bear for Libra folks. You know how every now and then your natural willingness to find a "middle ground" or hear all sides gets compromised, turning you into a model of confusion and bias? This month is THAT month for you. It started in late April, when your tolerance (particularly September scales) was stretched thin. In May, those of you born October 1-7 will be irritable May 1-10; those born October 8-15 will feel vexed May 8-20; those born October 16 and after are easily annoyed May 16-31. (And yes, the days before those start dates are potentially touchy as well).
How to deal? Ride things through as much as you can. Remember that others need guidance, but it doesn't have to be YOU who's providing. This month gives you an opportunity to deepen or develop transitions in your life that occurred just after the new year (through early February). The good news is that in June your taste, equilibrium and tolerance go up by leagues.
Love gauge: You may have this impulse: I am unlovable, go away. Or: you are unlovable, come here. Whatever you're feeling is completely hinky to your longterm stability and that, coupled with the spring feelings of erotic compulsion could make for an interesting month. Those of you who are freshmen in college could finally break up with a "compromise" mate who's gotten you through year one.
Signs to watch out for: all of them frankly. But they should be watching out for YOU! :-)

SCORPIO (October 24 or 25 to November 22 or 23).
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Famous Scorpios include Prince Charles, Picasso, and Robert Kennedy. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.
Smoother sailing: 8, 9
Difficult days: 22, 23
May is the half-way point of Scorpio's natal year, so doldrums or a feeling of "I wish I'd worked harder this semester" could beset normally self-contained scorps. This month, with Venus and Mars conjunct in Aries, you might find the fire signs (who just don't/won't/can't) understand you really persuasive. Scorpio sometimes has a "dare me" vibe, and the Aries, Sadges and Leos will be picking up on that and pushing you. Which, sometimes, you need. Whatever you do this month should be a continuation of projects that got a little bumpy back in February.
Signs to watch out for: Libra and Cancer will be at their most behaviorally challenged (to your eyes)
Love gauge: Fire in the Venus and Mars zone makes for antsynes for Scorpios who want to keep things vague and mysterious.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 or 24 to December 21 or 22).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-traveled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.
Smoother sailing: 10, 11
Difficult days: 24, 25
Sagittarius will have a dynamic May, and all kinds of new folks could come bounding into your world. Some Sadges may find this makes them self-conscious - what, you want to spend time with little old me? Take a hint from your firey colleague, Leo and grow some ego this month. For the first half of May, you may misspeak or not be clear about your desires (particularly those born in November). Don't volunteer unless you need to.
Love gauge: You're the target of interest for a wide variety of individuals, and you're not imagining their passion.
Signs to watch out for: For some Sadges, they can't get enough of sensitive, complicated Cancer. This month, they'll be under stress, and thus a little needy, awakening your "rescue" tendencies (this could also be true for those with a lot of Cancer in their chart).

CAPRICORN (Dec. 23-Jan. 20). Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous Capricorns include Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, and Richard Nixon. Capricorn is having a wonderful Jupiter transit this year, which could help your mood enormously.
Smoother sailing: 12-14
Difficult days: 26, 27
You and the Cancer and Libra folks will be uncomfortable this month. If the last week of April brought change and/or upheaval, May brings more of the same. Mars in Aries is making you feel awkward, cornered, lacking options, and lacking time, and for slow-and-deliberate goats, this is NOT a recipe for happiness. The upside of this month's astrology is that you can make changes you have perhaps postponed since January. Or maybe didn't do? Was there something you should have accomplished or achieved, or a job you should have bagged, or a relationship that needed clarity? And you just kind of . . . let things ride? Enough questions - May brings answers, even though you may appall yourself by being controversion and public with irritation and disdain. Most Capricorns I've met do very well if they provide themselves with enough solitude, so when you find yourself completely on edge around others, you absolutely need to climb a mountain by yourself.
Love gauge: If you're feeling in the mood, you'll be attracted to people who are so completely "not your type" onlookers may be a little shocked.
Signs to watch out for: Frankly, any of them, but the real deal is they need to look out for you!

AQUARIUS (January 21 or 22 to February 18 or 19).
Aquarius is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.

May will be, June will not. Make your big changes and take your risks this month. Next month, you'll be more likely to lose interest, lose momentum, and lose faith in projects that seemed possible and probable this month. Overall, May brings opportunities on the job front or in the "new friends" category, particularly friends in your peer group. This is also a fine month to connect with siblings, or people who were in that relationship. Those of you born February 13-16 are having Jupiter literally sitting on your sun, so good luck will come easily and projects you thought would need lots of work just glide right along. Sometimes, it's easier to roll all sevens and turn up aces when they're most useful and for Aquarius (particularly for those birthday folks), this month is it.
Smoother sailing: 15, 16
Difficult days: 1, 2, 28, 29
Love gauge: Really strong, particularly in the first half of the month when you're most fluent and articulate.
Signs to watch out for: Cancer, Caps and Libra (who'll remind you of the most dire aspects of yourself).

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).
Smoother sailing: 17-19,
Difficult days: 3, 4, 30, 31
For Pisces, May will provide a vacation from the big decisions made back in late March and most of April. The universe has turned, and those who are more excitable, more flamboyant than you are under pressure to make changes. But fishie can actually improve on the projects that emerged last month. And if you feel like "abandoning ship" (never something Pisces are comfortable with - you'll adjust to fluctuations more easily than changing the water you're swimming in), chances are you won't have the momentum to actually do anything until mid-July and after. Mercury retrograde will bring opportunities to lose receipts, miscommunicate and take a lot of wrong turns. The wise fish will remember that sometimes delays are useful, and any opportunity to meditate shouldn't turn into a bout of brooding.