May is a busy and powerful month astrologically. Venus moves into its own sign of Taurus, followed by two eclipses, and finally Jupiter changes signs, moving into Gemini.

Venus moves into Taurus (its own sign) from May 4, 2013 through May 28, 2013, which increases the need for stability in love, closeness to family, and being in a comfortable and safe environment. Venus is very happy here, and giving strong commitment and purpose in relationships, as well as increased desire for artistic/creative endeavors. In addition, while Venus is in Taurus, it will join Jupiter. These two benefic planets together can give strong desires for love, generosity, and helpfulness. Just watch for over-indulgence. Also, Venus and Jupiter are the two teacher planets, so a good month for educational pursuits as well.

A solar eclipse occurs on May 9, 2013 at 25 degrees Aries in the nakshatra of Bharani. Eclipses describe times of change, new beginnings, and increased awareness, as things unknown to us are now revealed. This eclipse is in Bharani nakshatra ruled by the planet Venus, and translates to mean “she who bears,” denoting strong feminine energies. This is a fairly unpredictable nakshatra, which generates a sort of life, death, and rebirth energy. We may be ending one phase of life, and beginning a new one. This eclipse may bring about strong creative urges that need to be expressed. The deity of Bharani nakshatra is Yama, the lord of death and the king of justice, which signifies transformational qualities as well. We need to channel these energies through the appropriate channels. This nakshatra is called the “star of restraint,” so remedies are working with the qualities of understanding, patience and self-discipline in our interactions with others. This eclipse could also bring about some extreme forms of expression, as we learn to create more of a balance and neutrality inwardly within ourselves, then outwardly in the material world.

The next eclipse is a lunar one, possibly of a more emotional nature, occurring on May 25, 2013 at 10 degrees Scorpio in the nakshatra of Anuradha, called the “star of friendship.” Being a lunar eclipse, we may feel more intensity with our feelings and emotions, especially in dealing with friends and our personal commitments to them. We learn much about the power and the proper expression of our feelings and words, as we enjoy the present moment. We want to do things in good faith, as we go of self-righteousness and burdens, and solidify our relationship with the divine. Our deeper motivations come to light, helping us to understand, balance, and heal, if we allow it. Eclipses are catalysts for change, and are also days for spiritual practices, such as meditation, yoga, mantra, and contemplation. This helps us to integrate and properly understand these powerful energies.

Jupiter changes signs, moving from Taurus into Gemini on May 30, 2013 until June 18, 2014. This is a major shift, as it takes Jupiter approximately 13 months to change signs. Jupiter in Gemini values the mind, intellect, and learning. A big emphasis will be on communications and versatility. Jupiter will now aspect the transiting planets of Saturn and Rahu in Libra, adding some divine grace and understanding to those two malefic planets. We may feel less pressure in life, and increased protection.

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Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

In the month of April, there will be much activity in the sign of Aries, as four planets (Venus, Mars, Sun, and Mercury) will join Ketu (south node of the Moon) already there. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is a sign of new beginnings, initiative, activity, self-sufficiency, impatience as well as a “me-first” energy. As all of these planets will eventually conjunct Ketu, a fiery, pitta planet, so there will also be plenty of spontaneity and unforeseen happenings. But the Ketu influence can also bring an inability to perceive clearly, or create feelings of confusion. In addition, the Ketu influence on these planets may indicate some past karmic patterns or tendencies we need to release for our higher good.

In addition, Saturn and Rahu in Libra will oppose all these planets in Aries. So this is quite a complex and dramatic pattern of planetary influences, possibly giving some imbalance of energies or interactions. Increased awareness and mindfulness is key for peace of mind during this month.

Venus is the first planet to move into the sign of Aries on April 10, 2013, ending this transit on May 5, 2013. Venus in Aries is quite passionate, impulsive and competitive in love. As Venus rules material things, also watch finances. Venus will exactly conjunct Ketu at 22 degrees Aries on April 28, which can amplify a strong desire for spiritual love and knowledge, as well as trigger issues with commitment in love or relationship.

Mars transits its own sign of Aries on April 13 through May 22, 2013. Mars in Aries is quite a strong placement, conveying an adventurous spirit and desire to take the lead. Watch for quick flare-ups of anger and lack of follow-through. It is best to listen to your instincts, and be focused and disciplined. Directing this increased energy toward your spiritual practice or creative endeavor is quite helpful.

The Sun transits Aries, its sign of exaltation, from April 13 through May 14, 2013. We want to feel empowered and in charge. Our ambitions increase, and we are more direct with others. We also experience frustrations if results don’t come quickly. Mars will be combust the Sun in Aries from April 12, 2013 through the first part of May, so frustrations surface, along with challenges in actualizing the goals we set. Patience and clarity are necessary during the last part of April.

The exalted Sun in Aries will be opposed by exalted Saturn in Libra. The exact opposition will occur on April 28 at 14 degrees Aries. To have both these powerful planets exalted in opposition is not so common, as it occurs about every 28-30 years. This aspect increases our seriousness and desire for truth and order. We can experience increased imbalances or struggles with powerful people, those in authority, or with governments. We may feel restricted in our self-expression, or a decrease in our self-confidence. Don’t be so hard on yourself. This aspect gives us a reality check, as we become aware of the truth of the matters at hand. We are learning to be more responsible for ourselves and our community. Use the wisdom of exalted Saturn to look at life from a wider and more impersonal perspective.

Lunar Eclipse by Scott Kahn

At the end of April, the start of the spring eclipse season begins with the first of three eclipses occurring on April 25, 2013 (The following two eclipses take place in May). This is a lunar eclipse (full moon) occurring at 11º Libra in the nakshatra of Swati. We desire balance and more independence in our lives. Watch for vacillating thoughts and actions. Pay close attention and be focused. It is also said that important decisions or events should not be started three to six days before or after an eclipse, as these unstable energies can bring about unexpected events, or one can feel more mentally confused. Eclipses describe times of change, new beginnings, and increased awareness. Things we have previously ignored, now come to light for us to address or understand. Eclipses are great times to connect to one’s inner life via meditation, yoga, mantra recitation, or any other spiritually-oriented healing practices that stabilize the mind. Ultimately, eclipses help us to face the unknown and hidden, and embrace the Light within us and within our world.

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

(Re-printed from our April 2013 newsletter.)

On March 4, 2013 the planet Mars moves into the sign of Pisces, followed by the Sun moving into Pisces on March 14, and finally Venus enters Pisces on March 17. This stellium of planets (Mars, Sun, and Venus) will put emphasis on the sign of Pisces, a dual, sensitive water sign from March through mid-April. Pisces is a mystical, empathic, and generous sign, but can be somewhat passive, and may lack proper boundaries.

Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, will be in the changeable, sensitive sign of Pisces from March 4 through April 11, which creates challenges in being assertive and direct, as it prefers to “go with the flow.” Imbalance of Mars energies can occur, including indirect expressions of anger and frustration. Mars will also be combust the Sun for most of the month of March, which means its energies are more hidden, “burnt up” or weakened outwardly. Finding creative, positive outlets for Mars’ active energies can be helpful and less stressful, such as practicing yoga and taking walks in nature.

When Mars transits Pisces it will aspect Saturn and Rahu in Libra beginning March 4 (by eighth house aspect) until April 11. Later, Mars will oppose Saturn and Rahu when it transits the next sign of Aries in April. Try not to act out of phase or over-react, be balanced, consistent and stabilize your mind with meditation.  Mars will aspect Saturn exactly at 16 degrees on March 25, 2013, indicating a time to be responsible for our actions.

The Sun moves into Pisces on March 14 until April 14, 2013. The Sun here is very compassionate, philosophical, idealistic, and supportive to others. Watch for excessive sensitivity, indecisiveness, and escapism.

As mentioned earlier, Venus begins its transit through its exalted sign of Pisces from March 17 until April 10, 2013. In general this is a great transit for artistic ventures, and generating compassion and gentle interactions with others. We may wish to add more devotional/spiritual content to our lives as well. But like Mars, during most of the month of March, Venus will be combust the Sun (traveling in the shadow of the Sun), and so there will be some frustrations/challenges around things that Venus signifies. Combust Venus (as well as being exalted) can increase Venusian energy, but may have some challenge expressing this positive energy of love and compassion in an outer way. So this is a sensitive period for self-love and relationships. We may have issues with uncovering our highest values in life.  Be willing to help others and let others help you. Be kind, mindful and supportive.

In addition, from March 17 until April 10, Venus and Jupiter exchange signs, as Venus will be in the sign of Jupiter (Pisces) and Jupiter will be in the sign of Venus (Taurus). As these planets both rule money and finances, as well as both being

Lakshmi “teacher, advisor” planets, we may need to be extra vigilant in these areas as Venus is combust the Sun and traveling with malefic Mars and Sun. Try not to “overindulge” financially, and strengthen  your connection to “inner guidance” can be helpful. Also reciting the planetary mantra for Venus (Om Shukraya Namaha) or any Lakshmi mantras is positive and supportive.

For the first half of March, until March 17, Mercury is retrograde. So be extra discerning with communications and with what you say to others, and double-check important plans. Communications can be misunderstood or delayed. We may experience more technical/mechanical issues – like with computers! After Mercury goes direct on March 17, communications and travel plans begin to improve, and we can move forward now with projects and goals contemplated during the retrograde phase.

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Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.