“The Garden” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Our New SolLunar Cycle launches with a big bang on April 22—glorious Earth Day–as both Sun and Moon align with shocking, breakthroughs-are-possible, Uranus, in astronomical Aries. This dynamic is the polar opposite of our last SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Pisces aligned with Chiron, planetary energies linked to suffering and the need for rest and reflection. The first week of this New Moon period is strange and exhilarating as the annual Sun/Uranus conjunction takes place on April 26 right after Pluto turns retrograde. During this four week period, three major planets enter their long retrogrades that won’t complete until autumn. Pluto turns retrograde on April 25, Saturn on May 10, and Jupiter on May 14. Another key event is Venus enters its retrograde period on May 12, which only occurs every year and a half. Read more details below about each of these critical cycles so you can use these shifts to your advantage. Paradoxically, these retrogrades (which usually imply looking back) launch a sense of moving forward as we exit the ‘deep pause’ period of March and April.
Another important cycle that is in play is Chiron in Pisces opposite Juno in Virgo, exact on May 2. This event has materialized as healing within our relationships or created new relationships. For some this dynamic is bringing closure to partnerships, released from the past in readiness to move forward.
Thank you my friend, Sue Cedarholm, Watercolor Diary, for the gift of posting your intriguing new work. These watercolors convey the celebration and vitality of our ever evolving biological world, so perfect for this time. Sue inspires me as she is always reinventing her art, never content to keep doing the same thing, always exploring, experimenting. This is a good trait to cultivate in this time of rapid evolutionary shifts. Thank you, Sue.
Readings and Sidereal Mentoring
My posts are based on the sidereal astronomical alignments. As you work with and within the natural flow of time and the supportive cosmic energies that each unique SolLunar Cycle brings, life flows with more ease, grace and understanding.
I highly encourage serious astrology students to subscribe to Nick Anthony Fiorenza’s monthly Lunar Planner. Nick is an expert on astronomical astrology and his website is a treasure trove of historical and current information and insights.
Thanks for considering a sidereal mini-reading with me for $44 or a longer reading for $88, the numbers of living your Mastery on Earth. In these short readings, I discuss key personal transits that are happening for you in 2020 and beyond. I am also excited to mentor students individually or in groups/workshops who want to learn more about how to work with sidereal astrology in their own chart or with their clients. Send me an email if you are interested in those options, or a full Natal Map or Update. Thank you!
@2020 Lyn Dalebout ~ EarthWordSkyWord.com ~ All Rights Reserved
New SolLunar Cycle in sidereal Aries
“Magic Carpet Ride” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Here is a brief synopsis of the New Moon characteristics from my friend and astronomical astrology colleague, Nick Anthony Fiorenza, from his LunarPlanner:
“Beginning the Sprouting Phase of the Lunar Cycle, a new theme emerges, a new idea or concept sprouts forth. This is an inner message, an impulse expressing from a field of all possibilities deep within the unconscious mind. The New Moon is a perfect time for meditation to go within self and listen.”
Wed April 22
New SolLunar Cycle in astronomical Aries: Our New SolLunar Cycle launches with a big bang on April 22—glorious Earth Day–as both Sun and Moon align with shocking, breakthroughs-are-possible, Uranus, in sidereal Aries. This dynamic is the polar opposite of our last SolLunar Cycle in Pisces aligned with Chiron, energies linked to both suffering and rest. The first week of this New Moon period is strange and exhilarating as the annual Sun/Uranus conjunction takes place on April 26 right after Pluto turns retrograde. It is hot and volatile period so do what you must to relieve this inescapable cosmic tension. It can increase anxiety for some or agitation that it is time to make a shift now, no more delays, amping up impatience. It can also inspire bold initiatives, ground-breaking art or technology, and pressure people to rebel or revolt. These themes are part of the coming four weeks so prepare for a wild ride!
Thu April 23
Moon/Uranus conjunction in Aries: The exhilaration of yesterday’s energies are still in play and today the Moon conjuncts Uranus, triggering emotional outbursts, inward frustrations, possible accidents. The desire for freedom is huge. Move this energy physically, like a brisk walk or run, or the ‘shaking’ practice of Qi Gong in which you shake your body all over like animals do to release built up tension. And if someone gets on your nerves, just shake it off!
Moon in Aries square Mars in Capricorn: This tense aspect builds in the evening hours adding to frustration levels, outbursts, or working late into the night.
Fri April 24
Mercury in Pisces square Pluto in Sagittarius: This manifests as deep conversations about your emotional landscape or encourages the exploration of new ideas. You can feel mentally or emotionally obsessed about things. You try to let something go but it seems impossible to do as the never-ending mind-loops just won’t stop. Use your meditative or behavioral skill-sets when this happens. Or research such tools to become more mindful in daily life. Be open to receiving help and guidance during these challenging times or help others if they reach out to you.
Moon in Aries trine Pluto in Sagittarius: This aspect leads to a steady burn of good energy for life’s activities and physical adventures.
Sat April 25
Pluto turns retrograde until October 4: Pluto is the defining planetary energy of 2020 (I will discuss this in my longer piece about to be posted). Pluto rules all things linked to power–including abuses of power and people trying to bully others—but more importantly, Pluto presses you to claim your inner power to change your world and the larger world. As Pluto rules the biological world (viruses), things can intensify with disease processes and weather events linked to the climate always changing as it rebalances the Earth. Pluto rules both death but also the rebirth that follows death. Pluto is deeply at work in our personal lives in some way and also in our collective field, big time. Pluto is raw and real, and nothing else will work anymore. Pluto is perched at the tail end of astronomical visionary Sagittarius and teetering on the cusp of Capricorn, a sign of institutional reform. Use these next five months to create a greater sense of self-empowerment and personal health. It is important to strengthen your immune system via natural means in these five months so you are strong and healthier heading into the final months of 2020.
Mercury in Aries square Jupiter in Capricorn: Opinions are being expressed with sharpness or exaggeration or your mind feels edgy or trapped in a thought-pattern you want to break.
Sun April 26
Sun/Uranus conjunction in astronomical Aries: This annual explosive meet-up encourages spontaneity, to live more the moment, to explore and experiment, and to break free of your usual routines. It brings excitement or shock and more anxiousness to the world as Uranus rules our electrical networks in our body—the nervous system—and in the energy grids of the world, possibly leading to blow-ups or sizzling fires of connection.
Moon/Venus in Taurus trine Mars in Capricorn: This aspect in earth signs helps ground the lightning rod of the Sun/Uranus portal. It can bring financial good news, a love of gardening or working on building project or taking long walks or hikes.
Mon April 27
Mercury in Aries square Pallas Athene in Capricorn: This aspect inspires intellectual curiosity and creative invention as you overcome a block or challenge or procrastination. Keep persevering.
Moon/Lunar North Node conjunction in Gemini: This monthly paring helps you move with confidence into the future. Gemini manifests as messages coming from everywhere–books, emails, social media or conversations with siblings.
Tue April 28
Mercury in Aries square Saturn in Capricorn: There’s a serious tone today, so communicate honestly with yourself or another. You might face some limitation, which, as you work through it, you will find a gift. If someone misses an appointment, perhaps there’s something more important that requires their attention.
Mercury in Aries sextile Ceres in Aquarius: With this supportive aspect, reach out to a friend for helpful advice or offer your guidance to another.
Moon in Gemini square Chiron in Pisces/Juno in Virgo: Many relationships are undergoing massive changes, healing, or letting go under the ongoing Juno/Chiron opposition, exact on May 2. This lunar trigger brings important conversations today about the direction things are moving toward.
Wed April 29
Moon in Cancer opposite Pluto/Jupiter/Pallas Athene/Saturn in Capricorn: The Cancer Moon can make us moody, emotionally sensitive to criticism, or crave privacy and inner reflection. As it makes a polarizing opposition to all these planets in serious Capricorn, you might feel somber, self-isolating, judgmental. But you can also come out of your shell and speak honestly to someone you feel safe with.
First Quarter Moon
“Confetti” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Here’s a brief synopsis of the First Quarter Moon characteristics from my friend and astronomical astrology colleague, Nick Anthony Fiorenza, from his Lunar Planner:
“The First Quarter Moon of each lunar cycle draws an external stimulus to initiate action as we move from the inspirational quarter of the lunar cycle into the action quarter. This time is stressful or traumatic only if action is ignored. Simply, this phase is a time to work.”
Thu April 30
First Quarter Moon: Moon in Cancer square Sun in Aries: As Aries loves its independence and Cancer is usually more concerned with the tribe and the needs of everyone, you might feel some version of this tension in your key relationships today. A child or elder might demand more independence from hovering caregivers.
Mercury/Uranus conjunction in Aries: This pairing makes this second week of our current SolLunar Cycle exciting, volatile, highly intuitive. Your nervous systems can be on a high-alert, hair trigger so calm and center yourself before activities or conversations. Appliances or tech stuff can explode and beware of vehicular accidents.
Fri May 1 – May Day
May Day: We are at the halfway point between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrate!
Moon in Cancer opposite Mars in Capricorn: This can lead to conflicts with family members or a work colleague as people are feeling more assertive or frustrated. It provides focused energy for projects around the house or making a professional environment more nurturing.
Sat May 2
Chiron in Pisces opposite Juno in Virgo: This aspect has been building in intensity all through April when many of you were cooped up with your beloveds which probably lead to a few conflicts or healing outbursts (Virgo) and moments of forgiveness (Pisces) not to mention actual illness for some. This alignment marks a turning point in discerning what the next steps will be in the coming months.
Sun May 3
Venus in Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius: Concerns about money or a friendship are possible under this aspect. It’s also good for aligning your financial choices to create the right budget which supports your emerging creative directions.
Mon May 4
Sun/Mercury conjunction astronomical Aries: As Mercury crosses paths with our illuminating Sun, genius is at work and inventiveness and inspiration are on steroids, especially under the guidance of sidereal Aries, the sign of pioneers, inventors and courageous leadership. Some might feel erratic and ungrounded in the body or psyche. Make this day about mental activities that need your attention—writing, communicating, thinking, brainstorming. And don’t forget to meditate!
Moon/Juno in Virgo opposite Chiron in Pisces: I repeat what I wrote for May 2 as today, more important conversations occur under the trigger of the Moon. This aspect has been growing stronger all through April when many of you were cooped up with your beloveds which probably lead to a few conflicts or healing outbursts (Virgo) and moments of forgiveness (Pisces) not to mention actual illness for some love. A turning point is reached about how to proceed.
Tue May 5
Moon in Virgo square Jupiter/Pluto: The discerning, work-focused Virgo Moon works even harder under this creative square. Feel self-empowered as you solve problems, deal with conflicts, take on the powers that be to create something better than ever before. Claim your own inner power like never before so you can also shift the world around you in magical ways.
Wed May 6
Moon in Libra square Pallas Athene/Saturn in Capricorn: This pre-dawn aspect can wake you up in the night with worries or creative inspiration and it brings a certain tension to your morning activities or conversations.
Moon in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries: Plans or desires might suddenly shift this afternoon. It’s of significance that the Moon is almost full tonight, exact early tomorrow morning, so everything is amped up and exaggerated. Live in the moment to embrace the wonders of life happening all around, all the time.
Mars enters astronomical Aquarius: This feels good to me. Action-oriented, passionate Mars is liberated from serious Capricorn and enters Aquarius, the sign of friendship, global community, futuristic ideas. Aquarius also rules rebellions and revolutions so things will get more combative and volatile at public gatherings or on-line. Gather information but think for yourself. That’s the gift of enlightened Aquarius. For salvation’s sake, including your own, intuit and think for yourself.
Full Moon in sidereal Libra/Aries
“Celestial” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Here is a brief synopsis of the Full Moon characteristics from my friend and astronomical astrology colleague, Nick Anthony Fiorenza, from his Lunar Planner:
“The Full Moon marks the point of coition in the lunar cycle, the climax, the point of excitement, a time of celebration. The day just after the Full Moon is a time for the realization of the theme to emerge, culminating in the enthusiasm of the Full Moon. Relax and allow this realization to occur.”
Thu May 7
Full Moon in astronomical Libra/Aries: Moon in Libra opposite Sun/Mercury in Aries: This promises to be a highly communicative Full Moon as our Sun aligns with talkative, mental Mercury. This time can be full of romance or budding new connections given the pull of the relational Moon in sidereal Libra. Negotiations are prominent, possibly with some polarization as the parties involve seek to ensure their needs are being met. A lovely trine/sextile involving Neptune in Aquarius amplifies the friendliness, caring and desire for making peace as part of this powerful portal.
Moon in Scorpio square Mars in Aquarius: This tense aspect can create a late-night mood shift to something deeper, darker, or amplify the pull and power of more intimate connections.
Fri May 8
Moon in Scorpio square Ceres in Aquarius trine Chiron in Pisces: Keep in mind the energies of this Full Moon are still very much in effect over this weekend. This alignment brings both investigative searching about and emotional healing to our relationships. It can be good to fix all kinds of things. It’s a good time to explore ‘ancestor’ healing work. There are many options available to assist you in this important study which brings health and healing to your family constellations.
Sat May 9
Mercury in Taurus trine Jupiter/Pallas Athene/Saturn in Capricorn: Mercury (the mind) now makes its annual move into practical Taurus. With this fine aspect you can easily develop a business plan, work on taxes, take responsibility for creating greater financial abundance, or make your spaces or project more beautiful and organized.
Moon in Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius: This last push of the Moon through deeply emotional, private Scorpio hooks up in a challenging square to Neptune. For some this can create paranoia, for others a willingness to share one’s deeper self with a trusted friend.
Sun May 10
Saturn in Capricorn turns retrograde until September 28: This momentous turning point marks another important shift into Phase Two of 2020. This energy can feel quite ‘heavy’ over the next week as leaden, serious Saturn shifts backwards. By now you may have a sense of your creative goals for this year, despite the wrench the viral shutdown threw into our creative matrix. During this retrograde period, we can shed the things that we no longer want or need–like going through a divorce process–or we may literally begin a remodel of our spaces/self–like completing a new creative project–during the next five months. Because Saturn is transiting a sign linked to societal reform, perhaps many of your goals are linked to how you want to contribute to the greater good of our world by offering your gifts in more fulfilling ways to you.
Sun in Aries sextile Neptune in Aquarius: This exciting aspect lightens the energy a bit, counterbalancing the seriousness of the Saturn retrograde. Play with friends and family, be a kid as you play with kids, or engage in community projects with delight and joy.
Moon/South Lunar Node conjunction in Sagittarius: This brings completion to some phase of your past or past behaviors and opens the door for future adventures, study interests, or planning a trip you thought you had to cancel.
Mercury in Taurus square Mars in Aquarius: Squares encourage us to try new things and push ourselves via willingly challenging ourselves. This aspect is great for an adventure in the mountains with friends or helps you find ways to fund a creative endeavor. Tensions or control issues can arise between friends.
Mon May 11
Sun in Aries trine Moon/Jupiter/Pluto conjunction: This monthly phase of this SolLunar Cycle brings flow and ease into activities. But the potency of the Moon aligning with Jupiter/Pluto drives us harder than we may be ready for–leading to injury by overdoing–or manifests as power plays by some that don’t get any traction.
Tue May 12 – Wed May 13
Venus in astronomical Taurus turns retrograde until June 24: Venus only shifts into a retrograde cycle every year and a half, so this is a big deal as part of the celestial matrix of 2020–along with Mars’s every-two year retrograde from September 9 – November 13. Venus retrograde periods encourage us to be more heart-centered, align more fully with our values and ethics, shift our financial reality if need be, and find new love and interests.
Since many of us have already been reexamining our lives during the pause period of mid-March through April, now is also a good time to set in motion the creative ideas that came to you during that pause. As with any retrograde, there is both a release of the old and an emergence of the new, swirling currents of our past and future selves, realigning.
The energy of sidereal Taurus highlights the needs of one’s body, health, food choices. It is about our physical environments and making deeper connections with our holy joyful Earth. Focus on self-care. Develop better habits. Slow down, enjoy this time and absorb beauty into your being, then send to beauty back out again. Taurus counsels ‘walk your talk’.
Moon/Pallas Athene/Saturn in Capricorn trine Venus/Vesta in Taurus: This is a productive two-day period as the ambitious Capricorn Moon activates many grounded and creative alignments. May you feel great health in your body or commit to making that so in the near future.
Last Quarter Moon
“Abstract” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Here is a brief synopsis of the Last Quarter Moon characteristics from my friend and astrological astronomy colleague, Nick Anthony Fiorenza, from his Lunar Planner:
“This phase completes with our Inner Needs surfacing to consciousness, to become aware of what is important to self and what is not. Changing allows us to spiral to a new octave of experience—one that will eventually sprout in the next lunar cycle to come.”
Thu May 14 – Fri May 15
Last Quarter Moon: Moon in sidereal Capricorn square Sun in Aries: During this phase of the SolLunar Cycle, we often face a choice or feel a sense of turning a corner with relief with our eyes turned toward the future. This also launches a week to complete tasks that you’ve been avoiding so you can move on. You might feel an anxious mix between your need to be a free agent and a burdened sense or responsibility to others.
Jupiter in sidereal Capricorn turns retrograde: I repeat what I wrote about Saturn turning retrograde above, now applied to Jupiter’s retrograde. This momentous turning point marks another important shift into Phase Two of 2020. By now you may have a sense of your creative goals for this year, despite the wrench the viral shutdown threw into our creative matrix. During the retrograde period, we can shed the things that we no longer want or need–like going through a divorce process–or we may literally begin a remodel of our spaces/self/career–like completing a new creative project–during these five months. Because Jupiter is transiting astrological signs linked to societal reform (this retrograde will include Jupiter’s current dip into Capricorn but a return to revisioning-our-world, Sagittarius for most of 2020) perhaps some of your goals are linked to how you can contribute to the greater good of our world by offering your gifts in fulfilling ways to you. Jupiter is the optimist, the keeper of faith, in our planetary team so lean into those qualities today.
Sun in Aries trine Pluto in Sagittarius: Explore new terrain. This energizing aspect is adventurous and independent, like going for a long trail run in which you scale new heights and see a wider perspective, literally or figuratively.
Moon/Mars/Ceres conjunction in Aquarius: This dynamic alignment is highly social and encourages group activities, spending time with good friends or working in community activism.
Sat May 16
Moon/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius: This right-brain aspect–that’s the artistic, listening side–is superb for creative thinking, time spent in spiritual pursuits with others, making art or visiting an art exhibit. Water activities or community projects are highlighted under Aquarius, dubbed the Waterman and the Humanitarian.
Sun May 17
Sun in Taurus trine Jupiter in Capricorn: This brings a sense of joy, confidence and energy to our outdoor activities. If you decide to buy flowers to plant, or other items, you might go overboard as Jupiter is of abundance and likes to ‘go big’.
Moon/Chiron opposite Juno in Virgo: This aspect happens in the evening hours. It can create emotional sensitivity to what someone is trying to tell you. This can lead to deeper honesty in a key relationship.
Mon May 18
Moon in Pisces sextile Mercury in Taurus: Yesterday’s positive Sun/Jupiter trine is still in play today and this aspect brings out emotional and physical nurturing for our selves and for others. It’s a relatively calm and caring day.
Tue May 19
Moon in Aries square Jupiter/Pallas Athene/Saturn in Capricorn: This aspect happens in the evening and overnight. It can spark sudden creativity, picking a fight or expressing frustration, or create anxiety that keeps you from sleeping.
Wed May 20
Moon/Uranus conjunction in Aries: This conjunction is pioneering, bold and initiatory. But also watch out for accidents or breakdowns with this monthly volatile pairing. It increases the electrical currents in our planetary field. Sensitive people can literally feel surges of force blowing through their body’s energy meridians, creating twitching or restlessness. Actual blowouts of our power grids are a possibility.
Sun in Taurus trine Pallas Athene in Capricorn: Pallas Athene is strategic, creative, and is a leader of team efforts, seeing how all the pieces or players of a puzzle fit together. The help of the stable, practical Sun in Taurus supports the endurance to accomplish one task after another, all day long.
Thu May 21
Sun in Taurus trine Saturn in Capricorn: Sometimes we can feel tired on the last day of a completing SolLunar Cycle, but this one ends on a productive, grounded note with this efficient aspect. That doesn’t mean you have to work. Perhaps the beauty of Earth is beckoning you to go outside for an extended stint. In my humble opinion, nothing is more important than being outside as often as possible!
Mercury/Venus retrograde in Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius: This aspect extends into tomorrow as our New Moon begins. Hopefully it will materialize as greater financial abundance (Taurus) reaching more of humanity (Aquarius) as leaders and individuals expand ways of philanthropic assistance for those in dire need. We must keep the faith in these times.
Blessed New Moon tomorrow!
“A Seashore” watercolor by Sue Cedarholm
Resources for Personal and Planetary Well-Being
I advocate for actions we can take personally to be a living example of radiant health and vitality, thus modeling this most potent form of activism: to walk our talk, to be a living example of the change we seek to see in the world.
PLANT-BASED EATING FOR PERSONAL AND PLANETARY WELL-BEING:
The reality and urgency of climate change is real, as our youngest citizens know in their bones. Please educate yourself about how plant-based eating is the central component in how you can help personally restore balance regarding this key issue of our times as well as create greater health 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 and What the Health 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.
The World Peace Diet ~ Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony by Will Tuttle
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. Check it out, and teach yourself and those you love this simple tool for centering and radiant vitality.
