A Full Moon always takes place in the sign opposite the Sun, in this case, Scorpio, ruled by Pluto. Both the sign and its ruling planet are famous for extremes. This tendency is amplified at our May Full Moon (exact the 3rd at 11:42 pm EDT) by favorable connections to Pluto from the Moon (sextile) and Sun (trine). Further accentuation comes from the Moon and Sun in an abrasive T-square with exaggerative Jupiter (only 11' from exact; that's less than a quarter of a degree). The intensity that we might expect from such strong patterns is tempered by a mellowing affect from harmonious relations by the Moon (trine) and Sun (sextile) with Neptune in Pisces (about 4 degrees from exact connections). These bring sympathy, flexibility and imagination into situations that otherwise might be unduly harsh or rigid.

Maybe there is something in your life that is hitting a peak. For a clue, look at the houses of your chart to find where 13 degrees of the sign Scorpio falls. Those circumstances are likely to take a turn around this Full Moon. Other areas of change can be at the house locations of the Sun (13 Taurus), Jupiter (13 Leo) and Pluto (15 Capricorn). Allow a couple of degrees on either side of these as a range of influence ("orb").

Mars is not strongly in evidence now. We've left the Aries Sun-sign period, a time of its greatest impact, and at this Full Moon, Mars in Taurus is interacting with other astrological factors in only minor ways. This brings greater patience and a desire to see things through to completion instead of jumping from one thing to the next.

May has some helpful factors along with enough challenges to keep us on our toes, as I discuss in the current episode of LOOKING UP, examining this Full Moon, the next New Moon (overnight May 17-18) and the upcoming Mercury Retrograde in Gemini, beginning May 18. You can view it from this archive. (Hopefully this episode will be posted in the next few days!)

The next New Moon will be in Taurus (at almost 27 degrees), in a stressful relationship (semisquare) with Taurus's ruler, Venus. Values, possessions and finances will be front and center in our attention and need to be addressed to find better balance. Venus will be in Cancer by then (entering May 7), prodding us to be protective and security-oriented, especially concerning family, property and country.

On the same day as the New Moon, Mercury turns tail, becoming Retrograde (until June 11) in Gemini, one of two signs Mercury rules. Mercury Retrograde is probably most difficult in Gemini since both this planet and sign are associated with communications, commerce and ground transportation. Be sure to double-check documents and instructions and allow extra time in getting from point to point. If you haven't read it already, check out my article on Mercury Retrograde on my website.

As Mars and the Sun move into Gemini (on May 11th and 21st, respectively), they will quickly oppose Saturn in Sagittarius (5/15 for Mars, 5/22 for the Sun) and not long after, square Neptune in Pisces (5/25 for Mars, 5/31 for the Sun). Initially, we'll be pressed to be realistic, conscientious and goal-oriented, followed by a more relaxed attitude and a tendency to drift off course.

Mercury is square to Neptune three times in its Retrograde cycle: first on May 9 in the lead-up to the backtrack, next on May 29 while Mercury is Retrograde, and finally on June 23 as it comes forward through the back-up degree range. These are times of confusion or miscommunication, possibly down-right deception. Be careful not to space out while driving or even as a pedestrian. However, these are good times for using creative imagination and the power of prayer and positive visualization.

When planets are a fifth or two-fifths of the sky apart, in relationships called Quintiles and Bi-quintiles, they bring some luck and talents. Mid-May, a triangle of fifths and two-fifths forms between Mars, Jupiter and Chiron. Mars inspires action and gets things going. Jupiter is about expansion and principles. Chiron is an asteroid or comet considered nearly as important as the planets and relates to healing of wounds or improving weak links. The signs they're in are Gemini, Leo and Pisces. These should blend together well for proactive, creative, empathetic communication. See what smart solutions you can concoct with their help!

Planets in a Quintile Triangle occupy three points of what would be a five-pointed star. The "empty" places are what I call the "sweet spots." In this case, those degrees are 27 Libra and 9 Capricorn. If you happen to have anything within a degree of these, it is charged with some extra magic that you should be sure to cash in on mid-month.

Most people reading this have a Janet's Plan-its astrology calendar already but if you're new to my newsletters, you might not. Good news: the price has been reduced to $9.98 (plus $5 for shipping & handling). I strongly encourage you to get one NOW so you'll have the most time left to benefit from it.

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The daily messages and day ratings really help as you schedule the important activities in your life. Maximize the impact of the good times and minimize the deleterious nature of the tough days by planning with the Plan-its.