Okaaaay there is lots to talk about. Because there is a shit load of planets that’s about to station retrograde. As usual I’ll go through the major transits between now and the next Moon article (which is on the New Moon in Gemini). So there is a lot to write about. But first, let’s talk about the Full Moon in Scorpio. And, as a gift, I will share a ritual for the Full Moon in Scorpio.
May 7th 12.45 pm CEST Full Moon in Scorpio at 17 degrees
The Sun is in Taurus, which means the Moon is in Scorpio. The Full Moon is at 17 degrees Scorpio. The Moon is alone in Scorpio, but by trine connected with Neptune who is at 20 degrees Pisces and by opposition with Mercury in Taurus. Venus is in Gemini and since two days (since May 5th) the North Node is also in Gemini; which themes perfectly with our growing need to connect with each other. We want to go out! Venus in Gemini brings the desire to connect. With the North Node entering Gemini this desire gets amplified. The transits of Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn and Saturn and Mars in Aquarius color this New Moon too. But these transits paint themselves out over weeks; some even months. We see the Saturnian astrology in how restricted our lives are at the moment. But; since Saturn is about to station retrograde, some of the restrictions might be lifted (but let’s get back on that later).
Full Moons in general are about completion. When the Moon is full she usually feels strong and empowered. The Moon is in her fall in Scorpio, so she feels a bit uncomfortable. Scorpio is known for its intensity. The Moon rules a water sign (Cancer); but the deep dark waters of Scorpio are unknown territory for her. The darkness of the womb is traded for darkness of the deep endless wells of the human psyche and soul. With Neptune making a trine the Full Moon the intensity is highlighted by fantasy and illusion. In other words; it’s the perfect Full Moon to dive into the occult and get your oujia board out or put a curse on that boy that broke your heart. The Full Moon is opposite Mercury. The Moon is our body. Mercury is connected to the mind, intellect, communication. With this opposition a conflict of heart and mind might come to the surface.
Jokes about oujia boards aside, the Full Moon in Scorpio is one to get deep into the dark matter of your body and soul. This Full Moon truly shines light in the darkness. The stuff that we tend to suppress in ourselves. The stuff that we want to keep hidden. That intense, awful, weird, dangerous, or how you want to label it, part of us; it’s usually the f****** best of us! Of course we are scared of it. Because we think that if someone else sees it, if society notices it, we will be misunderstood and worse not just looked upon but even banished. I think, however, that often that dark stuff isn’t actually that dark. I think there are often gems hidden in the dark. But I like the dark. Either way, the Full Moon shines light on our best or worst parts (it’s up to you how you label it). She asks you to own these parts. This is especially so for the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius; rising signs). It would be beautiful if we could transform the taboo into the accepted. The fear into strength. Scorpio is able of that. So I would say this Full Moon is especially supportive for psychoanalyses. But with that trine with Neptune, you could also make an otherworldly adventure of it. Grab your tarot cards to read into the soul of your new obsession. Connect with your spirit guides. Make offerings to Maha Kali. Make time for tantric exercises or kundalini yoga. If you are not afraid of Shakti; this is a Full Moon to connect with the serpent within yourself.
If you want to prepare a ritual for the Full Moon in Scorpio, scroll down. First I will share my insights on the upcoming transits.
May 11th 6.09 am CEST Saturn Retrograde at 1 degree Aquarius
& Mercury enters Gemini at 11.58 PM
On May eleventh Saturn stations retrograde and Mercury enters Gemini. I’ve written horoscopes on Saturn in Aquarius and also refer to the retrograde period in that article (click here for the article). When planets station retrograde they are about to ‘re-do’ something. And often the excesses of the planet come out and things don’t get easier with that. Saturn in Aquarius is strong in setting boundaries, especially between people. And that’s exactly what has been happening in the last two months: social distancing. Social distancing was initiated when Saturn was about to enter Aquarius. Saturn stationing retrograde fits the anticipation of some of the strict rules and regulations getting lifted: a bit more freedom. In a couple of weeks Saturn will transit back into Capricorn, where Jupiter and Pluto are (both also retrograde by then). Which makes me suspect that we are still in for some more social, political and economic change and not necessarily the easy kind. Maybe we will be able to engage in physical closeness more and more during the rest of 2020. But if so, there is some tough astrology ahead of us. Pluto is already retrograde. Saturn will turn retrograde and go back into Capricorn. Later in the year Mars will be in Aries, squaring all that ‘stuff’ in Capricorn and will himself station retrograde while doing that. If September and October prove to be two rough months for this world (and also personally; but that also depends on your birth chart, it won’t definitely be that bad for everyone): for the record, I have predicted it. It’s stated here. Okay, I’m now going way to far into the future. This article is supposed to be for the Full Moon in Scorpio till the New Moon in Gemini. Anyway, with Saturn stationing retrograde, we are heading there. But, for now, I don’t expect much drama off it. I think the month of May will actually feel quite nice. Neptune will be making squares to Venus. And if we get a bit more freedom to go out; that will make us dreamy and also want to indulge. Tinder will explode! (Don’t suspect to find your everlasting love though, Neptune will make you blind for faults.) Mercury enters Gemini, also on May eleventh. Happy and strong Mercury; he likes to be at home in his own sign. This also supports Venus in her craving for connection. I have written more on Venus and Mercury in Gemini in the horoscopes for Venus in Gemini. So check out that article for more info on that (click here for the article).
May 13th 6.17 am CEST Mars enters Pisces
& Venus Retrograde at 8.45 am CEST at 21 degrees Gemini
Two days after Saturn stations retrograde, Venus stations retrograde. Again, I’ve written a whole article on that, so I’m not going to write more about it here. Short note: Venusian topics are about to get ‘interesting’. The horoscopes that I’ve written on that, in the mentioned article, give you a hint into what those topics might be for you.
For the last twelve weeks Mars has been under de ruling command and co-present with Saturn; first in the sign Capricorn and in the last weeks in Aquarius. Today Mars finally breaks free from the ruling hand of Saturn. These next weeks Mars will swim in the waters of Pisces. In this mutable sign Mars can finally spread out and be free, while in Aquarius he was bond and constricted. Mars is not so much locked up at home anymore, but can go out again. Mars in Pisces can feel undirected though.
With Mars in Pisces there is the risk of energy getting lost in all directions of the ocean. Passion and energy can now flow everywhere. If not careful it will spread aimlessly, getting lost. Pisces also comes with ebbs and flows. Mars in Pisces brings flows of energy, motivation, inspiration and passion. But Mars will also get caught in ebbs where it lacks motivation, passion and energy. In the next few weeks: pay attention to these ebbs and flows. When you find yourself on a high wave, go with it and surf along. When you find yourself lacking energy: know that it is temporary and build in some time to retreat and take care of yourself. If you can manage to adapt to the waves of the ocean, instead of trying to manage them, you will get the most out of Mars his good qualities (which are for example energy, passion and power). Mars is the planet that pushes us forward; he brings us courage. Mars in a Saturn ruled sign like Aquarius, with Saturn also present in that sign, felt constricted. Cooled down by the cold air of Aquarius. Under the watchful eye of the father of time, lord of karma. Mars in that position wasn’t able to break through walls on impulse and by courage. I don’t know if Mars really knows fear? But, if he does, the last six weeks were it for him. Mars in Pisces gets his courage back. In this Jupiter ruled mutable sign, in the co-presence of Neptune, he might get a little dreamy and distracted too… but maybe that’s not a bad thing. Because sometimes a wider vision and dreamy state is needed to see the new things that will bring the good stuff in our lives. So: go with the flow in the coming weeks. Don’t force waves. They will come and go themselves. Keep your eyes on the horizon and focus to keep your balance. Look around every now and then for opportunities and serendipitous events. Don’t look back though: leave your fears behind, they are old, don’t look back.
May 14th 4.32 pm CEST Jupiter Retrograde at 27 degrees Capricorn
The third planet in a few days that stations retrograde! Jupiter, the bringing of growth and luck, the philosopher in the heavens above, stations retrograde on May 14th. Jupiter is in Capricorn since December 2019 and will stay here till December 2020. Jupiter is in his fall in Capricorn. While Mars and Saturn both are particularly strong in Capricorn. Earlier this year all these planets were together in Capricorn. It explains the sh*t that has been going on in the world, and the lack of luck. Because Jupiter in Capricorn feels not particularly empowered anyway, and was overpowered tremendously by Mars and Saturn (and also Pluto). Going back deeper into the sign Capricorn, Jupiter wants to pick up some things he has forgotten or do something over. He wants to have a second chance at something. Maybe bringing healing in the world? But I predict he won’t have more luck this time. Because, as I wrote earlier, soon Saturn will join him again in Capricorn. And later this year Mars being in his home sign Aries will square him (which basically means Mars fires all his guns at Jupiter; Mars having fire blasters in Aries while Jupiter has to defend himself with one of Capricorn’s dusty rocks). Again: I predict stormy astrology weather for the end of summer / beginning of fall. However, the beginning of this retrograde period might not be so bad at all. Because Jupiter at the moment feels stronger than he was feeling earlier this year. So he feels a bit more empowered and confident in doing that thing over. Retrogrades have gotten a bit of a bad name. People think retrogrades always bring sh*t. It’s not true. They can be tremendously helpful. Often we need to revisit things in life and retrogrades can support us in doing that. Revisiting things can be healing. It can clear stuff up and pave the way for something new. However, revisiting things can also be uncomfortable. Like therapy, like acknowledging you made a mistake, like needing a second chance at something etc. Difficult, but often so worthwhile!
May 17th 12.30 pm CEST Pallas Retrograde at zero degrees Aquarius
And yet another planetary body stations retrograde! More specifically the asteroid Goddess Pallas. Pallas Athene, the daughter of Jupiter, stations retrograde on May 17th. On June 2nd she will go back in to Capricorn. I don’t give the same weight to asteroid Goddesses as I give to the traditional personal planets; because the personal planetary bodies rule signs and asteroid Goddesses do not. However, I do like to take their presence into account. And I do think Pallas going back into Capricorn can be of support to Jupiter. Behind every successful king stands a woman. Athene is like ‘dad, I got your back’. Pallas Athene is wise, powerful and incredibly independent. She’s known for her warrior skills. She truly is a warrior. But I think of her even more as wise. She puts on her armor when it’s needed though. And it will be needed, again as I mentioned, with the malefic planets going at it again on top of Jupiter. So Jupiter needs all the help he can get. Pallas is there to give it. She won’t get any honor from it. Like the queens behind the kings don’t get the honor they deserve. But I do like to think her presence makes I difference. Without Pallas joining Jupiter in Capricorn, things would get more sh*t than I already suspect they will get. Pallas in Capricorn will be attending to Jupiter his wounds while pointing her sword at Mars. But it won’t be recorded in the history books though (because #f******patriarchy).
May 20th 3.49 pm CEST Sun enters Gemini
Happy birthday to all Gemini readers! Your season has started! I hope by now you can throw a little party outside of the digital world. A picnic outside with friends sounds nice huh? I wish it for you. The Sun in Gemini shines by gathering and dispersing information. By connecting with other people and sharing ideas and knowledge. The Sun in Gemini is social, flexible and active. Adaptable in different social situations, knowing exactly how to attend to others. Sometimes the Sun in Gemini forgets about himself; being so focused on the other. So if you’re a Gemini Sun or Gemini Rising; here I am to remind you that this is your season. Throw a party and connect. BUT ALSO: tune within and disconnect for a moment from the outer world. Dump your ‘fomo’ in the bin and reconnect with your mind, body and self. Who are you? What are your needs? What do you want? I wish you a beautiful and blessed new year around the Sun dear Gemini.
May 22nd 7.39 pm CEST New Moon in Gemini at 2 degrees
Two days after the Sun has moved into Gemini, we have the New Moon in Gemini. I will get back to you on that with forecasts and horoscope affirmations soon.
Ritual for the Full Moon in Scorpio – a ritual for transformation
For this ritual you will need something to drink. Preferably wine or juice. If you don’t have this or like this, something else is also fine. We will work with the water element in this ritual because Scorpio is a water sign. Scorpio is ruled by Mars. Mars is also known as the God of War in ancient Rome. What few people know is that besides being the God of War, Mars also was honored as a God of agriculture and fertility and he is the son of Jupiter and Juno. In astrology Mars is mostly honored for his passion, strife and sexual drive and feared for tendency to create separation, destruction and pain. Fertility isn’t associated with Mars, but given to Jupiter and Venus. However, I do want to honor Mars his association with agriculture. We all know how separation and destruction can create new fertile ground. Farmers through the ages have burned their lands: there is nutrition in the ashes. I do believe pain and destruction can be nutritious and healing. Fires can transform. And it is precisely transformation that Scorpio holds. No other sign in the Zodiac is as powerful in transforming pain into gain. And here we see both sides of Mars: destruction and fertility. So, for this ritual you will need a glass of something liquid. By using wine or juice you will honor Mars his roots in agriculture. (Can I lease suggest to by something organic?) This ritual is focused on transformation. The purpose is to tune within. Go into your inner darkness. Go there where you are afraid or blocked. We will turn it into the feared into something that may be honored: a strength and something to love.
Besides wine or what else, you will need a candle. A white candle is always good. Blue is associated with the Moon. Considering the theme of this ritual black good also be fitting. If you have a Tarot Deck you can place the Death card on your altar. This card is associated with the sign Scorpio. Before starting the ritual you can cleanse the space with sage, or bring in some good vibes by burning palo santo or incense. You can always burn extra candles, surround yourself by them. When preparing the ritual, read the steps a few times. This way you will feel prepared and know what to do. You don’t need to follow the ritual exactly as I’ve written it. Feel free to adjust!
Make sure you have a quiet time alone before starting the ritual. You can of course also do the ritual together with someone; as long as you feel safe and comfortable with each other. Just make sure you won’t get disturbed. Make sure you feel safe. Before starting the ritual you will set up your space and altar if you have an altar. Burn incense or the like and light your extra candles if you want to (except for one that you keep for the ritual). Make sure you have your wine or the like and your candle at hand. This ritual can be done on the day of the Full Moon, but also on another moment when the Moon is in Scorpio.
One last IMPORTANT NOTE: only do this ritual when you feel comfortable doing it. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, I strongly recommend not to. In that case I want to suggest calming exercises or healing sessions like restorative yoga or reiki.
The ritual:
- Sit down comfortably. Take a few minutes to meditate. If you find it hard to clear your mind in silence and the to do list of the day runs through your mind, you can also do your favorite guided meditation. Chanting or some light pranayama (breathing exercises) is also fine. Whatever it is that calms your mind and brings you in the moment.
- Light the candle. And when lighting the candle ask for support in this ritual and your process of transformation. Ask for the light to guide you in the dark. You can say this in your own words or you may phrase it like this: “May this Light guide me in this ritual. May it guide me through the Darkness and in my transformation. I call upon … to support me.” You can ask for this out loud or in your mind. You can address spirit guides or a specific God or Goddess if that is something you like to do and feel comfortable with. You can address Mars as the ruler of Scorpio. Calling upon dark Goddesses or archetypes like Kali or Lilith would also be fitting for this ritual. You can also address the universe in general. Or address yourself. (Either way: may you feel supported in this ritual.)
- I want to remind you: you are safe. Whatever comes up: you are safe.
Again, go within. Ask yourself the question: what parts in me make me feel uncomfortable? What parts of me am I afraid to show others? (Because I think they are wrong or dirty. Because I think others will judge me for it. Because if I ever allow that part to be, I’m afraid I can’t handle it and it will overpower me.) Meditate on it. What in myself am I afraid of? Try to go there. Try to understand it. Try to feel it. Acknowledge it. This way: you shine light in the darkness. Take your time. Don’t go over this part of the ritual to fast. Meditate on that dark part of you. It is okay to feel uncomfortable, sad or a little scared. As long as it doesn’t overwhelm you. It’s okay to take your time in this part of the ritual. It’s heaing to take your time. - Often there is much strength to be found in that part of us that we judge or are afraid of. I think we are often scared of our strongest most beautiful parts! If you can, try to see the beauty in that dark part of you that you just meditated on. I challenge you to see the beauty and power in it. If this is difficult and brings on more fear or judgment inside you, then let this go for now (then give yourself a big hug, acknowledge your courage, close down this ritual by going to step 7 and be gentle with yourself for the rest of the day). But if you think you can: look for the beauty in the dark. What would happen if you would show this part to the world? Would it actually be terrible? Or would you be able to free yourself? Rise as a phoenix from the ashes? What would that look like? What would be terrible about it? And what might be beautiful about it? Try to zoom in on the beauty. How do you feel when you do that?
- Invite yourself to bring that part of you that has been hidden for so long, out into the light of day. This doesn’t need to happen today or overnight. Not even in this week, month or year. But now you can consciously acknowledge the existence of that part of you. And maybe take a little step transforming from suppressing yourself to freeing yourself. Transforming not necessarily that part of you: but the way you handle it. Bringing the dark into the light. Let the suppression, judgment and fear die. Burn it down. From the ashes a phoenix can rise.
- Take your glass of wine or juice. Keep the intention of transformation in mind. Bless the wine / juice with this intention. That this win / juice may bring healing in your body, mind, in your life. Now drink. Drink consciously. As the ‘waters’ run through your body they support your life force and process of transformation.
- Thank the spirit guides and or deities you called upon for their support. Thank yourself for creating this moment for yourself. Give yourself a big hug. Take a moment to be proud of the fact that you just visited your inner darkness. Much love to you!