May 2016 Full Moon in Sagittarius and Other Wonders

©2014 ML Monroe

We are currently under the strong and immediate influence of the Full Moon in Sagittarius. The Moon has a great impact on us. We are always looking to the heavens for reasons we often don't fully realize. The light on the night of  a Full Moon captivates us.

May's Full Moon in Sagittarius is the first of two in Sag this year. June's Full Moon will be in Sagittarius also. So we'll have twice as much time to process the power of this event.

This particular Full Moon is about shifting perspective. It may not be as significant as a change. It may be a small 'aha' moment when something comes into clearer view.It may be finding the opportunity for further or deeper self-care. Whatever it is, this Moon offers encouragement in a positive light, illuminating the Big Picture for those who notice it. This is a time of challenging us to recognize truth from fiction, fantasy, lies and illusions. Even, and perhaps especially, the ones we tell ourselves.

For the next month, until the June Full Moon in Sag, we'd be well served to remember to ask ourselves these questions before we speak: Is it kind? It it true? Is it necessary? Is it of positive benefit?

The other wonders happening at this moment: Mercury goes direct today. Whew! We made it through another retrograde session. Since it is only the first day, go gently into communications and interactions. Remember the lessons learned.

Another wonder: Black Moon Lilith has entered Scorpio. She reminds us that there is no light without darkness. It's important to stay aware of the shadows that even the brightest light creates. They are what gives life its variations and facets, its gumption and guts.

As I researched Black Moon Lilith's movement, I found much on Her darker aspects and almost nothing on the positive that they may bring. The feelings or expressions we judge as wrong, negative or evil are also expressions of our wild nature, our deep humanity. They provide us with understanding and compassion as we feel them raging against challenges or suffering with suppression or oppression.

Lilith was the first Goddess to come to me, to touch my life with her darkness and depth. My introduction was discovering the gas chambers in the death camps of World War II were called Lilith's Caves. I wanted to know why. Who was She? Why was She so dark? What I discovered was Her story, which I tell elsewhere. What I uncovered was that She stands with those torn by grief, burdened by depression, exploded by rage, broken by guild. Her comfort is not to take these things away, but to be the One Who remains fully present, witnessing our every step, every tear, every shudder, without denial or looking away.

Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio is Her stepping into the Dark, into the Abyss, of Her own volition. She is quiet and fully present. Scorpio is depth itself, governed by Pluto (currently in retrograde), God of the Underworld, and Mars (also in retrograde), God of War. Sitting within that place, She absorbs and reveals the shadow side of life. Can we sit there with Her?

What are you feeling during this Full Moon? What are you willing to release? What does the Darkness reveal to you in the Light of the Full Moon? How do you balance the two? How has Mercury retrograde affected you?

New Moon in Taurus

This New Moon is in Taurus. Although the constellation of Taurus is masculine, the zodiac sign is aligned with Mother Earth. It would seem that this New Moon brings with it the balancing of Feminine and Masculine.
Taurus is also about wildness and fertility which are prevalent everywhere you look in Nature at this time of year.

The New Moon in Taurus is about grounding deeply into Mother Earth and discovering the best ways of being present. Being present is probably one of the most difficult tasks we have. It requires us to stay awake and aware. This is also a time of the sacred pause in the midst of movement. That pause affords us the time to be present now.

Remember all the retrograde planets: Jupiter until May 9th, Mercury until May 22nd, Mars until June 29th, Saturn until August 13th, and Pluto until September 26th. Lots of pausing in the world around us in order to be aware and alive with Presence. The retrograde planets provide the opportunity to dig into our past and clear it out so we can move cleanly and positively into the future.

As we pause and find that sacred space to be present, we focus on our internal motivator. We can also refine the direction we want to take and discover if where we're going and what motivates us is in sync. We have the opportunity to connect with what triggers us and let go of the ways of being that no longer serve us.

What triggers you? What are you ready to let go of? How will you take the time to be more fully present? How will you determine what serves your objectives at the moment and what does not?

Retrograde and The Empress

From the guide:

The Empress signifies the female and chaotic power of the universe. She guards the powerful and vulnerable life force, which delicate balance should be protected but not constricted. This sensual and loving archetype teaches us to love and cherish ourselves as well as the world around us. A mother's true love means granting freedom for change and growth, protecting without smothering. As all mothers she juggles many tasks and she succeeds because she draws her energy from the love within her.

Today begins Mercury Retrograde. We're also experiencing Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn Retrograde. We spend much time blaming Mercury Retrograde for everything from our mood to losing a shoe as well as using it as an excuse to avoid certain activities. So what precisely does 'retrograde' mean in our lives? It could possibly have an inverse effect or create a reversal of situations, change of feelings or activities, alter our communications, or affect our ability to discern information positively.

As I knew we were beginning the oft dreaded Mercury Retrograde, I drew a tarot card with the focus question of: What do I need to balance and stay strong during this time? The Empress showed up. What I especially love in the passage from the guide is that She is the female and chaotic power of the universe. So that's the balance and strength I need for this time? I would suppose it is. Even though that is a strong and powerful part of Her, She is also the Mother. She embodies both the universal chaos with its implicit movement and disruption and the eternal mother with its calm, embracing steadiness.

As I read about the other Retrograde companions, I realized The Empress was even more perfect for this time. Looking at this particular image of The Empress, She is strength, love and vulnerability. She's without clothing ~ symbolizing being without guile ~ in Nature. She has an intimate, loving relationship with Her child. She holds a spiral shell of stars over her midsection which symbolizes the fertile, ever-expanding universe. The Empress understands Nature, is free within it, and shares it with Her offspring. I am safe with Her by my side.

How do you experience Mercury Retrograde? What have you heard about it? Even if you don't personally follow astrology, are there times when things go askew multiple ways or times at once? How do you balance yourself during these times? What do you see in The Empress? How could She guide you through your off-balance moments?