“We are Family” photograph by David and Shannon Biegel
Overview
DEDICATION: I am dedicating this post to my favorite Grizzly Bear, 399, the Matriarch of Grand Teton National Park. I send out daily prayers, as do many of us, for the safety of her and the four cubs she is about to release into the wild after two years of extraordinary care ensuring all of them actually survived their youth. A miracle. I am grateful share with you these magnificent precision portraits of this Grizzly family by my friends, Shannon and David Biegel.
399, the number given to her when she was first trapped and collared many years ago, is perhaps the most famous Grizzly roaming the Earth at this time. She is a rare being amongst her species. Born in 1996, she is 26 years old and after birthing many sets of single, twin and triplet coy—cubs of the year—she emerged with her first set of quadruplet cubs in 2020. I started watching her in 2007 in the days when only a handful of dedicated, devoted, and, I admit, obsessed followers and photographers would spend our days observing her and her various batches of cubs. Sigh, those quieter days are long gone, never to return. Over the years, it has become undeniably clear to me that she was and remains the educator for we humans, granting us permission to see her when she wants us to, literally teaching us how to keep our respectful distance. For mysterious reasons we are all still attempting to decipher, during the isolating pandemic years of 2020-2021, 399 decided to travel further south than she had ever come to explore terrain she’d never traversed, with these four unruly yearling cubs! On her way through the wilder lands and various Jackson Hole developments, she also came through the villages of Moose, Wilson, Kelly and the actual downtown streets of Jackson, Wyoming. Yes, some minor events ensued involving readily-available food sources, but there were never aggressive encounters, and it seems most residents of this community feel mostly wonder and awe regarding this miraculous, unprecedented walkabout of 399. In her continuing role as educator to us, 399 has activated the activists, showing us how to be more “Bear Aware” so both humans and the wild ones remain safe.
Who knows how long 399 will continue to live and gift us with her unique, calm, wise nature? How many more batches of rambunctious cubs will come through her to learn the Grizzly ways? Our prayers for her must include this: When it is her time to become a Spirit Bear again, she will only pass on here in her homeland, nowhere else, ever, only here, in Grand Teton National Park, in the wild lands she has roamed her entire life. And so it shall be.
Now, onto a New SolLunar Cycle full of big astronomical events. The previous April Cycle had much to do with the state of our minds and mental health. Perhaps you discovered, uncovered, a more “kind mind”, choosing to have compassion especially toward yourself, less judgmental, more appreciation for the strength and courage you have manifested in such ongoing challenging and uncertain times. May we also practice kind mind toward our fellow humans going forward.
The New Moon Solar Eclipse in sidereal Aries is dynamic, initiatory, courageous in every way. Eclipses offer an energetic severing from our past selves and a realignment with our future selves. Both the Solar Eclipse of April 30 and the partial Lunar Eclipse of May 15 are linked to the North Lunar Node, a point that calls in our future selves, activating desires and motivation via internal awakenings and external shifts for where we are headed over the next six months. These planetary energies feel like the springtime Sun bursting through grey clouds and burning away the last brown puddles and snow patches of winter, leaving behind a greening Earth. Feel your renewed will, passion, joy, belief in yourself as a fiery prayer, a flame of fortitude.
Other major events occurring this month involve Saturn and Neptune entering new sidereal signs on May 20. Mercury turns retrograde in Taurus from May 10 – June 3. Read more below for deeper details about this moving-on Cycle.
Thank you my friends, Shannon and David Biegel, for permission to use your exquisite, precision portraits for this post. Please view more of the extraordinary art of these Montana-based photographers HERE.
Sidereal Astrology Mentoring and Readings
My posts are based on the true astronomical alignments of the planets with the constellations, also referred to as the sidereal zodiac. I use the phases of the Moon as the scaffold for my posts because the Moon functions like an energetic portal mediating between the heavens and our wondrous Earth. My entries are based on the aspects occurring each week as they crescendo, crest and dissipate over the course of their influence. As you work with and within the natural flow of time and the supportive cosmic energies that each unique SolLunar Cycle brings, life can flow with more ease, grace and understanding.
I delight in mentoring students—individually, with families or groups, and via workshops and conferences—who want to learn more about how to use sidereal astrology as a helpful tool for insight and awakening. Consider booking a sidereal mini-reading with me for $44 or $88, the numbers of living your Mastery on Earth. In these short readings, I discuss key personal transits that are happening for you in 2022 and beyond. Send me an email if you are interested in those options, or a full Natal Map, Update, Relationship Map, Young Adult or Child’s Map. Thank you!
@2022 Lyn Dalebout ~ EarthWordSkyWord.com ~ All Rights Reserved
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Aries
At the New Moon, you are sprouting like a seed with new creative inspiration. Receive your unique insights by sitting in mediation or just be open to new possibilities arising within you from the sea of infinite creation.
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Aries: Sun/Moon/Uranus conjunct in Aries: Sat April 30 2:29 pm MDT
This New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Aries is dynamic, initiatory, courageous in every way. It is a Solar Eclipse because the Sun and Moon align with the North Lunar Node, visible only in the Southern Hemisphere but felt throughout Earth. Eclipses offer an energetic severing from our old selves and a North Lunar Node Eclipse specifically realigns us with our future selves. This moment activates desires and motivation for where you are headed over the next six months via internal awakenings and external shifts and can be used to your advantage if you set intentions or simply pay keen attention. The Sun and Moon align in Aries, a fire sign that heightens our passion for adventure, to explore new lands internally and externally, and plants seeds of intention. And both are also conjunct Uranus in Aries, called the Great Awakener, which brings sudden shifts, revolutionary shocks and surprises, and an antsy-ness to try something completely new. These planetary energies feel like the springtime Sun bursting through grey clouds and burning away the last brown puddles and snow patches of winter, leaving behind a greening Earth. Feel your renewed will, passion, joy, belief in yourself as a fiery prayer, a flame of fortitude.
This builds Fri April 29, crests Sat April 30 at 2:29 pm MDT, and influences us for the next six months.
Jupiter/Venus conjunction in Pisces: Sat April 30
As beauty-loving Venus and beneficent Jupiter make their annual conjunction, this meet-up generally brings good news and expansive love and support. They align in mystical, empathic Pisces, greatly amplifying our intuition and desire to connect with others or our inner guides, and to forgive. Uncover what you spiritually believe or seek out a helpful spiritual guide. On the physical level, focus on your invisible lymphatic system and find ways to support the health and flow of this most essential component of the body. Lymph clears the toxicity of daily living and refills each of our billions of cells with sparkling clear healthy water providing it is flowing smoothly and regularly.
This builds on Thu April 28, crests Sat April 30, dissipates Wed May 4.
Jupiter in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn: Tue May 3
This helpful aspect between two cosmic giants—Jupiter in its size and Pluto in its power—brings endurance and determination and a momentary sense of renewed hope. Take time to honor the dedicated service you and your fellow workers are providing, and maybe even give them (and you!) a gift or bonus. This aspect can also bring a positive turn of events regarding collective and worldly events.
This builds Tue April 26, crests Tue May 3, dissipates Wed May 11.
Sun/Uranus conjunction in Aries sextile Mars in Aquarius: Wed May 4
The annual conjunction of Sun and Uranus is rarely about business-as-usual. Instead it often brings a sudden shift in plans, shocks, accidents. It can bring a surge of new inspiration or highlight a better path forward appearing out of the blue. It is electrical in nature and can agitate the nervous system causing anxiety or jumpiness. Best to stay in the present moment today, alert to where your intuition is guiding you. In addition the stimulating sextile to Mars brings potential players or alliances into your life who are helpful to you as you will be helpful to them. Things can change in an instant and life is forever different.
This builds on Sun May 1, crests on Wed May 4, dissipates Fri May 6.
Sun is Aries sextile Mars in Aquarius: Sat May 7
This energizing geometry increases your desire to move or become more of an activist in support of your interests and concerns. It brings supportive friendships. It is cooperative in nature, but also honest and direct.
This builds Mon May 2, crests Sat May 7, dissipates Thu May 12.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon/Mercury conjunction in Taurus: Mon May 2
As Taurus is an earth sign, this monthly pairing is good for dealing with financial, physical, foundational tasks. Give someone a shoulder rub, get a massage, explore cookbooks or gardening manuals, balance the checkbook. Or simply do nothing and lie down on the Earth and receive messages and healing from nature.
Moon/Ceres in Gemini square Jupiter/Venus in Pisces: Wed May 4
This gregarious pairing enjoys conversing with anyone and loves to offer helpful advice about any subject. Bookstores and places of business are busier than usual.
Moon in Cancer trine Jupiter/Venus in Pisces: Sat May 7
The desire to beautify your home leads to making new purchases or fixing something up. Visit someone who might need cheering up due to their infirmary or illness. Be nurtured by or in water today, always a healing balm to calm the body and soul.
First Quarter Moon
At the First Quarter Moon, you are called to action. The need to move forward with your recent insights can come via making a conscious choice or by challenging circumstances that require you make a move.
First Quarter Moon: Moon in Cancer square Sun in Aries square Saturn in Capricorn: Sun May 8
The nature of this activation-phase of any SolLunar Cycle is even more pronounced today by its square to the Lunar Nodes—our past and future choices—and by the influence of serious, commitment-minded Saturn. Not the most light-hearted day but good for being responsible, getting things done or dealing with procrastination tendencies.
This builds on Sat May 7, crests Sun May 8, dissipates Tue May 10.
Mercury in Taurus turns retrograde: Tue May 10 – Thu June 3
This second Mercury retrograde cycle of 2022 takes place in the early part of sidereal Taurus, conjunct the constellation of the Pleiades, linked to helping us clear old fears out of the DNA and soul matrix so we can remember and return to a sense of trust and knowledge of the foundational loving forces of the Universe. You can use this period to release unwanted energies out of your physical, mental and spiritual bodies. On a physical note, this cycle is good for releasing, reviewing and upgrading aspects of your physical life, like a remodel, a body cleanse, financial planning, gardening outside and/or growing food indoors.
This builds Sun May 8, turns retrograde on Tue May 10, turns direct on Thu June 3. The initiating shadow period of this cycle started April 26 and completes Sat June 18 which marks the entire range this planetary influence is affecting us.
Sun/North Lunar Node conjunction in Aries: Fri May 13
As the North Lunar Node represents the future direction of our lives, planetary crossings of it opens doors of opportunity, giving us a push to get on with something, despite fears or doubts. The Sun crossing this point is like a New Year, a mini cycle within the theme of this larger SolLunar Cycle. Feel the proverbial wind beneath your sails.
This builds Wed May 11, crests Fri May 13, dissipates Sun May 15.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon in Leo opposite Juno in Aquarius: Tue May 10
This brings out our playful side. Important partners appear or relationship issues arise today.
Moon in Leo opposite Mars/Neptune in Aquarius: Wed May 11
Moon/Mars connections can make us emotionally energized, agitated, or just plain truthful. Creativity and playfulness surge with this aspect, but it can also trigger addictive behavior.
Full Moon in sidereal Taurus/Scorpio
The Full Moon is the birth point of the current SolLunar Cycle. This can be a time of celebration or crisis, depending on your life circumstance. Feel the joy and relax into new discoveries and directions.
Full Moon Partial Lunar Eclipse: Sun in Taurus/North Lunar Node conjunction, Moon in Scorpio/South Lunar Node conjunction square Saturn in Capricorn: Sun May 15 10:14 pm MDT
The severing-ties theme continues with this extremely powerful Partial Lunar Eclipse visible throughout North and South America. The Sun continues to activate the North Node which opens doors to future opportunities or desires while the deep-diving, death-dissolving Scorpio Moon crosses the South Node, helping us cut cords with the past. This can be a very emotional time, for some due to being deeply challenged to release attachments from the past, yet others can feel liberated to discover they really are done and ready to move on. Saturn pressures us to make decisions, giving birth to new conditions. All in all, prepare for this one with ceremony, calm listening, moving carefully with a loving heart and kind mind in all your interactions.
This builds Fri May 13, crests Sun May 15, dissipates Tue May 17.
Venus/Chiron conjunction in Pisces: Sun May 15
This sensitive pairing can create a sense of vulnerability, feeling temporary fatigue and fragility, especially when they align in compassionate Pieces. This portal helps us grieve past losses or choose to forgive rather than judge another. Reach out for help or help a being who is suffering in some way.
This builds Fri May 13, crests Sun May 15, dissipates Tue May 17.
Mars/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius: Wed May 18
This meet-up happens once-every-two-years and sets in motion new energies linked to creativity, spiritual development, service to the greater good. Aquarius amplifies the need to find your people if you have been looking for them, or collaborate in community building compassionate coalitions. This energy can increase additive tendencies or help those who want to change patterns and habits reach out for help.
This crescendos Sat May 14, crests Wed May 18, dissipates Fri May 20.
Sun in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn: Thu May 19
The steadying, grounded energy of this helpful trine ensures productivity and success today. It brings good news, positive information about your health or you notice signs of the increasing vitality you’ve been working to create.
This builds Wed May 18, crests May 19, dissipates Fri May 20.
Saturn enters sidereal Aquarius: Fri May 20 2022 – April 5 2025
Today we begin a new two-and-a-half year transit of serious Saturn entering futuristic, community-minded sidereal Aquarius. Saturn helps us recreate society’s institutions, businesses and organizations so Aquarius’s influence will surely bring major innovations and advance more progressive ideas, too. Aquarius is about seeing the oneness that unites us all, alongside our differences.
Neptune enters sidereal Pisces: Fri May 20 – Fri May 9 2036
This marks here another major upgrade to our planetary field. Neptune has been transiting Aquarius since 2009. During that transit, humanity rapidly evolved alongside the innovations in technology, the internet and social media as well as seeding endless spiritual upgrades to our beings, called ascension by some. Now Neptune enters the emotional, intuitive, creative waters of sidereal Pisces until 2036! This transit will bring attention to the power of our inner knowing, helping more people awaken to their own intuitive selves, the seat of their inner wisdom. I will write more about this at a future time.
Sun/Mercury retrograde conjunction in Taurus: Sat May 21
As the messenger planet, Mercury, crosses the Sun, important outer news appears or perceptive inner messages arrive into inbox of your being. This crossing can bring a laser focus to your activities or, conversely, it can also challenge the nervous system with flighty anxious energy making it harder to focus. Engage with your chosen form of mediation, be that sitting, walking, petting your animal.
This builds Fri May 20, crests Sat May 21, dissolves Sun May 22.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon in Scorpio opposite Mercury retrograde in Taurus: Mon May 16
This opposition is not about gabbing about the surface details of life but diving deep into the nitty-grittiness of what you are truly feeling. This might feel like a temporary downturn for some or just bring a more serious emotional tone. As Mercury is in retrograde, important information from the past can appear or you need to clear up an issue from the past. Working on the financial details of a project is a good choice.
Moon in Sagittarius opposite Ceres in Gemini square Jupiter in Pisces: Wed May 18
Intellectually exploring ideas and engaging in a multitude of conversations is like food for your soul today. Jupiter’s influence increases your intuition when making an important decision.
Moon/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn trine Sun in Taurus: Fri May 20
You can feel obsessed and focused with steady energy. Some might stubbornly refuse to shift their position or see another’s point of view while emphatically making their argument.
Last Quarter Moon
With the Last Quarter Moon, you release what has been and simultaneously prepare for what will be as new desires perpetually arise in the next SolLunar Cycle.
Last Quarter Moon: Moon in Aquarius square Sun in Taurus: Sun May 22
This monthly moment to both examine the past three weeks and begin to consider what June might bring is supported by nearby influences of Mercury retrograde—reviewing the past, researching the future—and decision-making Saturn. Choose on the cautious side if out adventuring today.
This builds Sat May 21, crests Sun May 22, dissolves Mon May 23.
Mars in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn: Sun May 22
This can create a calming but also energized state of being. It balances the desire to serve others with the equally essential need for play, rest and self-reflection.
This builds Fri May 20, crests Sun May 22, dissipates Tue May 24.
Mercury retrograde in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn: Wed May 25
Both Pluto and Mercury retrograde can help us clear out all kinds of physical stuff or deal with a communication backlog. This aspect is great for reorganizing your desk or helps planning for further future clearing of your clutter.
This crescendos Tue May 24, crests Wed May 25, dissipates Thu May 26.
Mars/Jupiter conjunction in Pisces: Sun May 29
Pay careful attention to your intuition and what it is motivating you to do with this once-every-two-year conjunction. Pisces lives as the artist and loves spiritual study so set new two-year goals, if that is what you like to do, regarding your desire for more artistic expression or spiritual depth.
LUNAR HIGHLIGHTS
Moon/Saturn/Vesta conjunction in Aquarius: Sun May 22
This alignment brings endurance and focus for pursuing goals and it can also bring a more serious mood or state of mind.
Moon/Neptune/Mars/Jupiter conjunction in Pisces: Tue May 24
This can increase the power of your intuition and creative output. It greatly amplifies the imagination for both good or challenged states so steer clear of being suspicious or feeling like a victim. Claim the power of your mind to create who it is you want to be.
Blessed New Moon tomorrow May 30 5:30 am MDT~
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND PLANETARY WELL-BEING
PLANT BASED DIET
The reality and urgency of our current planetary crises is real, as our youngest citizens know in their bones. Please educate yourself about how plant-based eating is a central component in how you can help personally restore ecological balance as well as create greater health and vitality for you and your beloveds.
The Game Changers: This inspiring movie and storytelling about vegan super-athletes and warriors educates us about the many benefits of a vegan diet and addresses the ‘meat protein myth’.
COWSPIRACY, What the Health and now SEASPIRACY are must-see movies for all humans who care about personal health, animal well-being, social justice, climate change, the health of our Earth. Become educated about the important information shared by these courageous and visionary filmmakers and activists and considering eating mostly plant-based, if not becoming fully vegan in your consumer choices.
30 Day Vegan Challenge by Collen Patrick-Goudreau
JIN SHIN JYUTSU
Health is in your Hands. Here’s a helpful tool to help you maintain health, calm, balance during these stressful but extraordinary times. I am a proponent of Jin Shin Jyutsu and have been a practitioner since 1983. This beautiful, easy-to-use book and card set teaches you the ancient Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, the Art of Self Healing. JSJ’s premise is that by applying the jumper-cable of your hands to various points on the body, you can clear your own stress on a daily basis, freeing up stuck energy that leads to patterns of dis-ease, while activating the renewed flow of qi and vigor on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Explore JSJ and teach yourself and those you love this simple tool for centering and radiant vitality.
