May 2016 main events
Times are set in EDT
Sunday May 1st: Happy Beltane/May Day
Friday May 6: New moon in Taurus @3:30pm. This is another super moon. Things started during a Taurus moon tend to last longer. Taurus teaches us the value of things and of ourselves. This moon is about figuring out what we value and what we need to move forward towards realistic goals. What are you willing to put your time and energy into? Which dreams/goals are the most important at the moment? It is time to prepare and set out the steps for your future. This moon focuses on nature and using the positive vibrations of Mother Earth. It is a great time for manifesting, grounding, personal and spiritual growth. Get out and get your hands dirty. Dig in the dirt, walk around bare footed, connect with nature. Plant your seeds intuitively or literally. It is a perfect moon to garden. Learn to go with the flow and to love yourself. Pay attention to what signs you receive around this new moon. They are clues for your future and how to achieve your dreams. There are some challenging aspects that leave you feeling unsure about your future but not worry, you have other aspects supporting you. There is a grand trine going on between Jupiter and Pluto. This will help us find the balance we need, increase power and wealth. It will also bring abundance and good fortune. Let your intuition guide you. Five planets are still in retrograde, which can bring up things and people from your past. This is ok because it gives us a chance to clear everything and work through it, leaving room for new beginnings and growth.
Sunday May 8th: Happy Mother's Day
Monday May 9th: Jupiter goes direct @8:14am.
Friday May 13th: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins. Have a lucky Friday the 13th.
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Hawthorn - The Illusionist May 13 - June 9 Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn's are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well - making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight - although you typically won't give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan's. |
Celtic Hawthorn Tree Meaning
The Celtic meaning of the hawthorn tree deals with balance and duality. The hawthorn is full of contradictions, none of which went unnoticed by the soul-minded Celts.
In May, the hawthorn is in its glory with strikingly beautiful blossoms. These are nestled tightly among the hawthorn's large and lethal looking thorns. Here we see the first of several juxtapositions, giving this tree/shrub its colorful reputation in history.
Excellent herbalists and botanists, ancient Celts understood the superior medicinal value of hawthorn leaves and blossoms. However, it was considered a bad omen to bring its branches inside the home. This is largely due from the smell of cut branches was much the same as decaying flesh (indeed, the chemical components are the same). Here we see life-giving aspects as well as associations of death within the same symbolic tree.
Further, the hawthorn is imbued with male energy, yet it is historically a symbol of fertility and associated with the female goddess aspects (mother, maiden, crone).
What do all these contradictions mean? The hawthorn is a standing testament to the idea of duality; it is a perfect depiction of the concept of yin and yang.
The Celts understood the power of balance. They also knew that what could not be attributed to specific outcomes (as sometimes evident in the dance of contradictions played out by the hawthorn) indicated a great source of magic. In other words, that which cannot be explained contains immense power.
The hawthorn is to be respected in all its diversity and duality. It is a symbol of union of opposites, and serves as a message for us to be more accepting of the unconventional.
Friday May 20th: Sun enters Gemini @10:36am
Saturday May 21st: Full moon in Sagittarius @5:14pm. Sagittarius moons are about expansion and growth. It is a good time for adventures. Sagittarius moons are philosophical. The connections with the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mars during this full moon can make things a little tense. Mars tries to start up conflict, especially being in retrograde. The mixture between Mars and Sagittarius can cause us to feel annoyed, aggressive, short-tempered, restless and make impulsive decisions. Speaking of decisions, at this time even the most deceive person can find themselves being indecisive. It is always good to have support of close family and friends to vent to, so nothing stays bottled up and you don't feel like a ticking time bomb. Just note that everyone is going to have strong opinions thanks to the Mars and Sagittarius combination. This moon is almost like a battle between our feminine and masculine energies. We have to find our balance and our own truth through all of this. Going outside and connecting to nature can really help us out. Taurus is in Venus which thankfully brings us some peace. Seven plants are in mutable signs (mutable signs are flexible and change often) We will be pulled in many different directions and ones that contradict each other. One side of us wants to be free, playful and take risks where the other side of us wants to be serious, careful and spend alone time focusing inward. There are four planets in retrograde (Jupiter went direct on the 9th) and tomorrow (22nd) Mercury goes direct again. Tomorrow (22nd) Mars will be at its closest point to the Earth. This could amplify the energy, so be cautious. Mars will be direct at the end of June (29th). The grand trine that between Jupiter and Pluto that I mentioned on the new moon post is still going one. The grand trine brings success and abundance (so not all is bad!). After the full moon it is a good time to make healthy commitments. Cleansing your house, your mental/emotion well being and body. Things are slowly but surely starting to fall back into place.
Sunday May 22nd: Mercury goes direct @9:20am. Mars is at its closest to the Earth.
Monday May 30th: Memorial Day
