May, 2015

Happy Birthday

Taureans

Ready for

some fun?

Discover where to place your energy and attention this birthday year for optimum results!

If your Sun Sign is in Taurus, email me with your name and SOLAR RETURN

in the subject line.

ENTER your name to win a free 15 minute

Solar Return

Reading

on MP3

margaret@margaretsweet.com

Deadline

May 15th

Quan Yin

Goddess of Compassion

Apr 29, 2015

Hello Everyone

There's no doubt about it, current events, such as the earthquake in Nepal, present us with an opportunity to reach out to our global community, and offer love and support in whatever way we can. These type of events serve to remind us how precious life truly is.

When I lived in India, I crossed paths with a man, twice my age at that time, who had served on the Board of his son's school for 20 years. He explained to me over a cup of tea, that in India at that time, education was not considered a necessity, but rather a privilege. I was humbled when he added, "I doubt if my part produced any progress whatsoever during the time my sons were in school, however, I felt that if I continued, progress just might be there for my grandchildren."

What great role models there are in this world!

Wishing all of you fabulous Moms, a Happy
Mother's Day !

Mercury in Gemini

April 30 - July 7

Mercury in the sign of Gemini adds much fluidity, flexibility, versatility, changeability, restlessness, and lightning speed motion to the mental process. Mercury is the planet which rules the sign of Gemini, so it is at home in this sign. Expect an upswing in social media activity, and more focus on what's artsy, trendy, edgy and 'happening' within the arena of ones interest.

During the course of this transit, we may come face to face with the 'monkey mind', as we witness our mind jumping from idea to the next endlessly. On the other hand, if we're looking to explore many options, and need to be fluid and open minded, this can work to our advantage.

Our biggest challenge is boredom, distraction and restlessness. Even with constant access to our 'app' of choice, it is a challenge to satisfy the wandering mind.

MERCURY IN RETROGRADE

May 18 - June 11

Mercury begins its 'retrograde' motion on May 18, when it is at 13 degrees of Gemini, and begins its 'direct' motion on June 11, at 5 degrees of Gemini. In fact Mercury sits at 5 degrees, pretty much the first 18 days of June.

During this particular Mercury retrograde, there can be many technical 'glitches' so it's best to avoid having extensive work carried out on technical equipment, pay close attention to what you are publishing and commenting on in social media, and research well, before making expensive purchases on the internet and/or committing to a long term financial arrangement.

In-person Readings
in Santa Barbara

June 29 and 30

I'm happy to be back in my old 'stomping' ground, Santa Barbara, to offer Astrology Readings
this summer.

If you'd like more information and/ or would like to schedule a reading, please email me at:

margaret@margaretsweet.com

~ Lilith in Scorpio ~

Being aware of desires, addictions

and undesirable feelings

~ Lilith in Scorpio ~

Dec. 6, 2014 - Oct. 25, 2015

Doesn't it feel good when we're on a roll, staying on track with personal goals and experiencing clarity in our motives and actions? If you've noticed some challenges of late with regard to the above, I doubt if you're alone.

LILITH, one of the minor 'asteroids' is transiting through the sign of Scorpio: Dec 6, 2014 through Oct 25, 2015.

While Lilith, a warrior Goddess, is considered a 'minor' asteroid, she does have a power packed mythology. Said to have been the first wife of Adam, she couldn't abide Adam's desire to dominate her, so she left him. As punishment for leaving Adam, her reputation was eternally stained, as she became known as the 'dark' Goddess, evil and sexually promiscuous. It is said that because of the primal resentment she felt at being rejected, Lilith contains much repressed anger.

Though Lilith is linked to matters associated with power issues within relationships, and themes associated with sexuality, I believe that her transit through Scorpio can also uncover deep desires, struggles with addictive behaviors, and much vulnerability regarding our self-image. It's not that we feel the energies of this transit all the time. It's more like a backdrop, which can come into focus, now and then. As always with transits, how much we are influenced, depends upon whether the transiting planet or asteroid is directly interacting with our birth chart.

Addiction is always an interesting topic, in that the very 'word' can create such prickly responses in our demeanor.

My husband and I were surprised recently, if not shocked, when we decided we'd like to eliminate sugar from our diet. Though my husband has a 'sweet tooth', I felt that I, on the other hand, was just very middle of the road concerning sugar so this should be relatively easy. Well, I have to say within three days of abstaining from sugar and foods which contain sugar, we were almost literally climbing the walls; our cravings were sending us 'over the edge'.

If you have noticed that you're slipping back into old undesirable habits, are disappointed with yourself and unhappy about some of 'feelings' coming up from within, you may be experiencing Lilith working her magic!

How do we manage the powerful emotions evoked by the transit of Lilith in Scorpio?

It's wise to avoid the Scorpio 'see-saw' effect of feeling powerless vs powerful. It doesn't help to sink into despair. Better to remember that we're in a process, and honor where we're at in any given moment within the process. Then, it's about gently bringing ourselves back on track, while also being sure that we haven't set unrealistic goals and deadlines for ourselves.

The most 'positive' trait associated with Lilith, is the capacity for 'conflict resolution'. Whatever we're in conflict about, within ourselves, our circumstances, and/or with others in our relationships, we can call upon Lilith's courage and strength, and re-establish clarity and resolve.

~ Ruler of the

Birth Chart ~

The 'Ruler' of our birth chart is the planet which rules our Ascendant or as it's also known as, the rising sign. While many of us tend to develop a natural affinity with the attributes associated with our ruling planet, that's not always the case. Sometimes, we need a gentle reminder to cultivate and express these energies, so that they are interwoven into our very nature.

Here's a list of signs, the planet which rules the sign on your Ascendant, and a brief description of attributes.

If you're not sure which sign is on your Ascendant, you should be able to identify the 'glyph', which will be on the cusp of, or at the beginning of the 1st house.

Aries Asc/Mars:
Do you need to assert yourself more? Mars, associated with one pointed focus, is action oriented, decisive, direct, and self-directed.

Taurus Asc/Venus: You love to surround yourself with beauty. You enjoy creating peaceful environments, bringing nature and antiques into your space. Take time to enjoy life's pleasures.

Gemini Asc/Mercury: Express and communicate your creative ideas, study, teach, write, cultivate different interests. Join groups in which your comments and interaction is welcomed.

Cancer Asc/Moon: Take time for self, enjoy your home, nurture self and others with home cooked meals, cultivate a hobby which allows you to express your artistic side. Study your family tree.

Leo Asc/Sun: Always reach out to that which calls to you. Celebrate yourself and life. Have confidence that you will reach your goals/purpose/dreams. Live life with passion. Inspire others.

Virgo Asc/Mercury: Express and communicate your creative ideas, study in depth, research. Share your expertise. Find good mentors or teach others. Explore which foods energize you, refine your diet accordingly.

Libra Asc/Venus: Surround yourself with beauty and art. Take time to enjoy life's pleasures - include others in your activities. Go through your wardrobe every Spring and recreate yourself.

Scorpio Asc/Pluto: Delve deep into a realm of study which transports and transforms you. Create and pursue personal goals. Determine what you want 'mastery' over. Apply yourself to that task. Beware of self-destructive habits.

Sagittarius Asc/Jupiter: Live life as though it were truly an adventure. Get out into life - travel and explore. Lighten your possessions and attachments - keep it simple! Teach others how to play and be fluid with life.

Capricorn Asc/Saturn: Stand strong and steady on your path. Be an example for others to look up to. Embrace your dharma. Do what you love, participate in the arena where you can make the biggest contribution. Take care of your body. Be careful of a tendency to overwork and take on too much responsibility.

Aquarius Asc/Uranus: Know what calls to you. Align with your principles and live your life in integrity with these. Associate with like minded individuals. Give others the courage to give voice to, and stand up for their beliefs. Cultivate tolerance toward those who are close minded.

Pisces Asc/Neptune: Interact with life at your own pace. Honor your psychic sensitivity, desire for 'dream' time and 'alone' time. Sprinkle fairy dust on all your deep desires. Develop your spiritual life. Develop and exercise discernment in all areas of life.

Is this your Birthday Month

Enter to win a

Solar Return Reading

It's really helpful to plan your birthday year with the information available from your Solar Return chart. This particular chart is cast at your birthday and for the location you were at on your birthday.

In the month your Birthday takes place, you have the opportunity to win a free Solar Return Reading. The 15 minute Solar Return reading will be emailed to you as an MP3 audio recording.

This month, Taurus is the magical birthday sign, so if you're a Taurus, please go ahead and enter your name for a Solar Return Reading.

Note: Look for details each month located

in the left hand column of the newsletter

Mel Sellick

Winner of April Solar Return Reading

Mel is an international journalist, media coach and Huffington Post blogger. Click on link below to visit her website:

www.MelSellick.com

Thanks to those who entered last month!

Astro Tips

Artwork by Rita Lloyd
www.nurturingart.com

Please note: All times given in PST

May 1: While today starts out with a creative, harmonious influence, there can be a subtle mood swing mid afternoon to early evening. The energies are building toward Sunday's Full Moon.

(Libra Moon sextiles Jupiter (Leo) at 10:00 am; Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 2:00 pm - opposes Uranus (Aries) at 7:00 pm)

May 2-5: The emotional energies from the Full Moon in the water sign of Scorpio, don't interact well with mental activities taking place...best to wait on making important decisions until the 6th. Generally a good idea to keep ideas and opinions to ourselves until this has passed.

(Mercury in Gemini opposed Saturn in Sagittarius, exact on 3rd at 1:30 am; Moon opposes Mercury at 3:30 pm on 5th.

May 3: Full Moon in Scorpio. See Lunar Activity

May 5: We don't care to be hemmed in by routine and responsibility. We could commit to the morning hours, but the afternoon and evening, we're much more interested in 'la la' land.

(Moon conjuncts Saturn in Sagittarius, exact at 9:45 am; Moon opposes Mercury (Gemini), at 3:30 pm and squares Neptune (Pisces), at 10:00 pm)

May 6: There's a good aspect to the Sun in the wee hours of the morning, which contributes to feeling grounded when we awaken. Not long after, in comes a favorable Grand Trine configuration in the fire element - which is more aligned with the freedom of the spirit.

(Taurus Sun trines Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 12:15 am; Sagittarius Moon trines Jupiter in Leo, at 5:45 am, and trines Uranus (Aries), at 1:45 pm)

May 9: We may dream away the morning, fascinated by the scope of possibilities. Come the afternoon, we're ready to get something happening on the physical plane.

(Mercury in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces (exact at 9:00 am; Capricorn Moon trines Mars in Taurus, at 1:30 pm)

May 10:

Happy Mother's Day

Lots of fun chatting to do over brunch with Mom, if she's near, or by phone, if she's at a distance.

(Aquarius Moon trines Mercury in Gemini, at 10:00 am)

May 12: Dreamy kind of day all round, today! Ever so sensitive influences earlier in the day, make it difficult to get our feet on the ground and enter into a fast paced world. We'd rather stay in bed, all cozy, hugging our significant other or the cat, reading our magazine, writing in our journal. It doesn't stop here, though. The afternoon influences are not well suited for mental focus and productivity, but great for entertaining meandering thoughts.

(Pisces Moon trines Venus at 4:15 am; Moon conjuncts Neptune at 12:00 pm; Moon squares Mercury (Gemini), at 3:30 pm)

May 14: While there's inspiration to be had in the late evening, late night techies should still quit while you're ahead!

(Aries Moon trines Jupiter in Leo, at 10:30 pm; Mars in Gemini opposes Saturn, exact at 11:00 pm; Moon squares Pluto at 11:45 pm)

May 15: There may be some residue of emotional moodiness lingering from last night's aspects, when we awaken this morning. It's a good idea to take the time to check in with ourselves, and make sure our emotions and body are well aligned, especially given, there's an early morning influence which could prove to be a little accident prone.

(Moon conjuncts Uranus in Aries, at 5:00 am)

May 16: Lots of 'lunar' activity, make this a good day to check in with our feminine, honoring our heart energy, and doing those activities which are pleasurable and nurturing for us.

(Venus in Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces, exact at 11:45 am; Taurus Moon sextiles Neptune (Pisces) and Venus (Cancer), exact 4:00 - 4:30 pm)

May 17: New Moon in Taurus. See Lunar Activity.

May 18: Mercury goes into retrograde at 6:50 pm.

Getting started and keeping steady momentum throughout our day may require extra effort, today, for our energies are likely to fluctuate.

(Gemini Moon opposes Saturn (Sagittarius) at 6:00 am; Moon conjuncts Mars (Gemini) at 10:30 am; Moon squares Neptune (Pisces), at 7:00 pm)

May 21: Emotional sensitivity equals fluctuating feelings - which is the name of the game today. This can lead to 'feeling small' and being concerned about our financial security.

(Moon conjuncts Venus in Cancer, at 10:00 am; Moon opposes Pluto (Capricorn) at 11:00 am and squares Uranus (Aries) at 5:30 pm; Venus (Cancer) opposes Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 7:00 pm)

May 22:
While we can gain some footing over yesterday's emotional ups and downs, we're not out of the woods entirely. The evening hours can bring on a somber mood.

(Leo Moon trines Saturn in Sagittarius, at 6:00 pm. Gemini Sun opposes Saturn in Sagittarius, at 6:30 pm)

May 23: Lighthearted, creative energies are sprinkled throughout the day, generating ideas and social interaction.

(Leo Moon sextiles Mars (Gemini) at 6:15 am, sextiles Mercury (Gemini) at 2:30 pm and conjuncts Jupiter (Leo), at 9:00 pm)

May 25:
It's Memorial Day - great that most people won't be dealing with the usual Monday morning rush to get out of the house and get their week started. However if we're traveling, there can be delays! Energies today can result in feeling scattered, changeable, moody and irritable. The problem seems to be connected to not knowing what we really need.

(Virgo Moon squares Saturn (Sagittarius) at 4:45 am; Venus (Cancer) squares Uranus (Aries), exact at 10:00 am; Mars (Gemini) squares Neptune (Pisces), exact at 4:30 pm; Moon opposes Neptune (Pisces) at 9:30 pm and squares Mars (Gemini) at 9:45 pm)

May 26: The 'Virgo" Moon makes a stronger case for being grounded today.

(Moon trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 8:30 am)

May 27: Communication is the name of the game this morning. It's about getting connected!

(Mercury and Mars conjunct in Gemini, exact at 3:30 am)

May 28: The morning and afternoon influences work well for meetings, presentations, collaborations OR making those dreaded calls to the utilities company, insurance company, etc. Late night techies, not great aspects for burning the midnight oil, tonight!

(Libra Moon trines Sun in Libra, at 4:30 am; trines Mercury in Libra, at 11:00 am; trines Mars in Gemini, at 2:30 pm; Mercury (Gemini) squares Neptune (Pisces), exact at Midnight)

May 29: With this 'Mercury in Retrograde' kind of day, it's a good idea to slow down - Check your datebook before leaving for appointments and don't add things to your schedule, which can result in more stress to your schedule.

(Libra Moon opposes Uranus (Aries), at 5:15 am; Moon squares Venus (Cancer), at 1:15 pm)

May 30: -31: The mind (fast and clear) and the emotions (slow and deep) will require a mutual understanding so that we can clarify our motivations and needs.

(30th: Sun/Mercury conjunction in Gemini, are great for ideas and communication...the Moon in Scorpio needs some quiet time to get in touch with feelings.

(31st: Gemini Sun squares Neptune in Pisces, exact at 6:00 am - this requires some time to get clear on what we need. Moon squares Jupiter (Leo) at 10:30 am - it's tricky if our agenda becomes too wide scoped)

Lunar Activity

Full Moon 13 deg. Scorpio May 3 8:42 pm

This Full Moon falls on the same day as Saturn in opposition to the communication planet, Mercury. We're likely to opt for a low key day at home, where we have control over our time and emotional output, seeking privacy, and a minimum of social interaction. We can feel 'put out' if we have to handle last minute changes.

New Moon 26 deg. Taurus May 28 9:13 pm

Relaxation, taking our time and being involved in pleasurable pursuits is what this New Moon in Taurus is about.

Thanks, as always for joining me this month. I hope your month is spectacular!

love,

Margaret