The sun entered the earth sign, Taurus, on April 19 after making its yearly trek through the fiery, action-oriented sign, Aries. Symbolized by the bull, Taurus is a fixed, feminine earth sign that follows the initiation into Spring led by Aries. The cardinal sign of Aries signals the beginning of the new Astrological year, beginning at the Spring Equinox, and brings the themes for the coming yearly cycle. Taurus grounds the new theme into practical expression.

The Full Moon brings crisis of values

This year's theme involves a revolution in our culture that results from rapidly changing values that must be integrated into our daily lives. While the sun travels through Taurus from April 19 until May 20, we gain insight about the impact our old values have had on the quality of our lives, and we begin to see how profoundly our values and beliefs shape our experience. On May 7, opposite the sun in Taurus, we have a full moon in Scorpio that illuminates our "crisis of values" and gives us some indication of what is needed for resolution.

A Spiritual Renaissance

Our culture is headed for a spiritual renaissance in which we embrace a higher possibility. Instead of living within the narrow confines of established social mores born out of fear-based religious teachings, we have the possibility of directly connecting to the source of our own truth. This is accomplished through inner reflection, meditation, psycho-spiritual healing, and by having the courage to surrender to a higher power. When we let Spirit run our lives, it does a much better job than we could do on our own.

Venus shows us the meaning of Love

For the first three weeks of May, the planet of love, comfort and beauty, Venus, is in a challenging aspect that supports us to take a very deep look at the meaning of love in our lives. Last month, Venus was traveling in retrograde (apparent backwards motion), encouraging us to clear up issues, misunderstandings, or hurt and resentment from previous relationships. This month, Venus challenges us to be very clear in our values. We do this by releasing past conditioning and taking a fresh look for ourselves at what truly matters to us in life, and in our relationships.

Healing of old attitudes and beliefs

The planet of transformation, Pluto in Sagittarius, forms a favorable aspect with Venus this month, bringing healing of old attitudes and beliefs, and a renewal of what may be possible in the spectrum of human love. The planet Mars assists with this transformation as it travels together closely with the planet of healing, Chiron, also in Sagittarius. The universe is providing a powerful push this month for a spiritual transformation that can change humanity's course forever.

Mars reveals what motivates us

The planet of action, Mars, begins two months of retrograde motion in Sagittarius on May 11. When Mars is retrograde, we review the way we put our energy out into the world. Mars represents our urge for survival and procreation. In modern terms, Mars symbolizes what we do to make a living. While Mars is retrograde in Sagittarius, we take a very deep look into the beliefs that motivate our lives. We have the opportunity now to heal and transform old thought forms that have kept us limited, and to reach for something higher and nobler in ourselves.

Gemini brings the emergence of deep Spiritual renewal

The sun completes its' transit through Taurus, entering the mercurial, playful sign of Gemini on May 20. During the last ten days of May, we enter a theme, which is initiated at the new moon in Gemini on May 22. Hopefully, by this time, we have become clear about our values and relationships, so there is more freedom for playfulness in our love life. Five planets traveling through Gemini bring our attention to the quality and power of our communication. The deep soul searching of our value system, which has been an ever-present theme for the last twenty-two months, has finally come to an end. The quiet emerging of a deep spiritual renewal is the hard won gift we may savor now.

Sun Signs for May 2001

ARIES - Because your value system has transformed, you find yourself involved with a different group of people. In many ways, you are redefining the meaning of love in your life. Communication with friends and within groups becomes easier as you speak your truth.

TAURUS -Sudden, and perhaps unexpected, changes with a partner cause you to reorient your life. Confronted with the possibility of the loss of a loved one, you experience a deep spiritual renewal. Thankfully, the resources and support you require appear when you need them.

GEMINI - Challenges to your belief system cause you to search more deeply for your own inner truth. Taking some alone time for reflection helps you to clarify your values, bringing transformation in your primary relationships. Be willing to speak out your own truth.

CANCER -Future plans and goals include more time for creativity and romance, but challenge you to make changes in your financial choices and attitudes. You may seem to be sacrificing some independence, but the inner peace and tranquility you gain will be worth the price.

LEO - Balancing career demands with family and home life is challenging this month, and may put some strain on relations with a partner. Letting go of attachment to your own beliefs will help you to see a loved ones' viewpoint. Find a compromise that works for everyone.

VIRGO -Health concerns become an issue as you suffer nervous strain from having too many projects active. Money pressures affect the quality of your life, and may precipitate a deeper look at your long-term goals. Resourceful people can bring helpful new ideas.

LIBRA - Concerns about shared financial resources shed light on underlying issues about trust and intimacy. It may be that you and a partner are heading in separate directions, or it may be that you simply need to face your fears. Either way, creative spiritual assistance is available.

SCORPIO - Your foundation in life may feel a bit shaky as changes in your home and family life keep you on your toes. Lifestyle issues can get addressed this month, as financial opportunities and gains in partnership present new options.

SAGITTARIUS - Philosophical differences can lead to unnecessary arguments. Allow others in your life the space to have their own beliefs, and you will restore harmony. Find the balance between independence and cooperation, and your relationships will be more rewarding.

CAPRICORN - Philosophical differences can lead to unnecessary arguments. Allow others in your life the space to have their own beliefs, and you will restore harmony. Find the balance between independence and cooperation, and your relationships will be more rewarding.

AQUARIUS - A foundational life change in your career and home life, which has been brewing for some time, brings transformation this month. Although some friendships and past associations may be ending, exciting new people and events are entering your life.

PISCES - A clash of financial values with a loved one brings you face-to-face with a more long-standing issue. Differences in religious or spiritual beliefs can be addressed now, and the surprising result may be that you find a deep and abiding harmony.

Carolina Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina Eastwood is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.