Star Weather Astrology Report 4/28–5/12
©2024 Ronnie Pontiac
All times Pacific.
Friends, we have before us the last two of a string of unusual weeks with a similar pattern: an intense week of aspects followed by a very quiet week of few aspects. In May we’ll see the return of the much more common pattern of no quiet weeks in between. The week before us is intense with Pluto aspects including Pluto stationary retrograde. Pluto usually gives us signs of trouble ahead and it requires a certain dedicated neglect to invite the infamous volcanic Pluto reaction. Make the changes that are making themselves obvious.
Sun 4/28 Mars conjunct Neptune is exact in the late evening. The fog of war, the urge to become intoxicated, chasing illusions, misunderstandings around attractions and ambitions, but also a rare opportunity for charitable actions, and inspired redirection. This is said to be a romantic aspect but its important to be sensitive to everyone’s feelings.
Mon 4/29 Venus enters Taurus at 4:31 A.M. As the ruler of Taurus Venus brings the beauty and romance of Spring as we progress from the green shoots and first blossoms of Venus in Aries to the lushness of full Spring that heralds summer’s approach. Only one day of April remains. As Khodasevich wrote: “Through the consoling April sun, the breeze, so very unconsoling, a sandy whirlwind on the road — shutting up the chattering starling.”
Tue 4/30 Mars enters Aries at 8:33 A.M beginning a new cycle. The cycle ending now began in late May 2022. Mars in Pisces can have a depressed atmosphere, the sense of exhaustion after a long journey. Now comes the rebirth of Mars, a fresh start. There may be a strong urge to take action especially where ambition, libido and anger are involved. Enjoy the energy of new beginnings. Venus square Pluto retrograde is exact in the evening. This aspect indicates the Pluto side of Venus, the shadow side of romance, sexuality, and the arts. For best results avoid over-reaction, be considerate of others, don’t let anger ruin something beautiful. For creative people, and for relationships, a good time to dig deep to perhaps bring things to a higher level.
Wed 5/1, Beltane, the dark of the moon begins at 4:27 A.M. Beltane is a time of rebirth, but the dark of the moon is a time of finishing, of ending and of gestation. Take it easy. Celebrate the renewal of nature, but don’t sprint out the gate. As Nina Berberova wrote: “Eagles and butterflies (and some other things) still live. Let’s leave them in peace. And clouds. Don’t disturb them either.”
Thu 5/2 Pluto is stationary retrograde at 10:46 A.M. Pluto stations have the potential for great healing and tranquility, for rebirth and reform. But areas of neglect that have been showing signs of weakness may require attention now. This retrograde will conclude with Pluto’s retreat back into Capricorn in time for the U.S. presidential election and the finale of the U.S. Pluto return. I’ll be doing a podcast with astrologer Dabney Lawless about the U.S. Pluto return, which will be shared when available. It’s been quite an adventure hasn’t it? It ends this year. What has the country learned? Here’s a better question. Ask yourself: “What have I learned.” How have all the changes and the revelations of corruption influenced your own life?
Fri 5/3 Mars sextile Pluto retrograde is exact about two hours after midnight. Tuesday’s Venus square Pluto is stronger than this sextile. It can indicate sexual energy, hard work, cathartic experiences that leave us spent. This aspect indicates a good time for reorganizing how we approach our ambitions, what we do with our anger, and our physical attractions. Don’t ignore that extra energy, or suppress it. Neglected Mars Pluto aspects have a way of breaking or exploding metaphorically but sometimes literally. A good time to put energy into repairs and reforms. Urges may become obsessive. Don’t jump to conclusions. Take care with cathartic activities. Make sure everyone has the same idea of what is going to be going on as this square can indicate passion turning into conflict. Keep in mind Carl Jung’s wise words: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Sat 5/4 and Sun 5/5 only lunar aspects are exact. Boethius wrote: “It’s my belief that history is a wheel. ‘Inconsistency is my very essence’ says the wheel. ‘Rise up on my spokes if you like, but don’t complain when you are cast back down into the depths.‘ Good times pass away, but then so do the bad. Change is our tragedy, but also our hope. The worst of times, like the best, are always passing away.
Mon 5/6 Mercury conjunct Chiron is exact in the evening followed by sun sextile Saturn in the late evening. The conjunction may indicate news about public health, or the more personal experience of a message sent via the body. Pay attention to these subtle messages. As Eliphas Levi pointed out making adjustments and reforms at the beginning can sometimes help us avoid bigger problems. A good time for talking about or researching healing and well being. The sextile indicates a good time for learning and practice, for simplifying and meditating, but also for getting extra rest, and improving habits.
Tue 5/7 the new moon in Taurus arrives at 8:22 PM. This is a sensual new moon. Enjoy the splendors of nature. Eat well. Find ways to help you feel more secure. Express your emotions but realize everyone is feeling as stubborn as you are. Find ways to create a better environment for yourself and for loved ones.
Wed 5/8, Thu 5/9, Fri 5/10, Sat 5/11, Sun 5/12 only lunar aspects are exact. Jacob Boehme captured the profundity of spring when he wrote: “For it is the young tree grown out of the old root which shall illuminate what the old tree has been in its wonders.”
On Saturday 5/25 Jupiter enters Gemini and stays there for the rest of 2024. This indicates a time when success depends on communication, fact gathering, seeing both sides of any issue. A good time for exercise that can help you stay or become nimble. Quick moves are favored but this doesn’t mean taking risks. With Pluto so near stationary retrograde dangers are enhanced. Learn about new things. Try doing something differently. Find victory through partnership. Writers, this is a wonderful placement for both composition and publication.
