Sun in Taurus Brings Grounded Energy for Practical Application of New Ideas

THE SUN ENTERED the sign of the bull, Taurus on April 20. Taurus brings the grounded energy needed to contain and direct the fiery quality of Aries that is released at the Spring Equinox in late March each year. Aries initiates new impulses, desires, ideas and inspiration, leaving Taurus to collect the knowledge and resources needed to put the new ideas into practical application. As the sun travels through the receptive, fixed, earth sign of Taurus, our attention naturally turns to practical matters. If you were born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Taurus, you will be steadfast, dependable, practical, and sensual, but may also be stubborn and possessive. Learning how to love, appreciate, have and hold, yet graciously let go when the time is right, is your life's journey.

Planetary Aspects Call for Change, but Taurus Resists

A powerful - and sometimes volatile - combination of hard-driving Mars with tradition-shattering Uranus continues to build in intensity through the first two weeks of May while it forms a stressful aspect with Jupiter, which only serves to exaggerate the need for sweeping changes. Yet, change is not something Taurus easily embraces. For many of us, this translates to a feeling of "driving with the brakes on" as the cascade of planetary energy relentlessly pushing us forward with necessary changes meets with adamant resistance.

The Full Moon Highlights Energy Needed for Course Correction

A full moon on May 2 in Scorpio, opposite the sun in Taurus, forms a grand square with Neptune, Chiron and Saturn, emphasizing resistance to change. Yet change is in the wind. We can either let this aspect reduce us to a frustrated bundle of nerves, or we can work with it wisely. Resistance happens when we are somehow "off-course" in our lives, making choices from our ego that are not in harmony with our higher, spiritual truth. If we began with finding and centering in our clarity, what changes are necessary becomes evident. By slowing us down to make important decisions, do intelligent planning, and consider all possibilities before instituting broad scale changes, the grand square can work for us in a positive way.

Mars and Pluto Break Resistance to Change, and Bring Transformation

Planetary energies following the full moon during the first half of May support balanced and constructive change that will bring improvement to our relationships and add vision to our desire for growth and expansion. On May 12-13, the planet of action, Mars, forms a dynamic angle with Pluto, the planet of transformation, breaking any remaining resistance to change, and moving us into high gear with the necessary steps to implement significant transformation in at least one significant are of our lives, as shown in our individual astrological patterns. In general, this aspect helps us to remove our doubts and fears, transforming them into meaningful motivation to accomplish our highest potential.

The Taurus New Moon Supports Getting Activities Organized and Functional

On May 16, we have a new moon in Taurus that will steady our energies, with a Neptune aspect that can tend to dissipate drive and initiative, once again slowing our rhythm and giving us an opportunity to check our alignment with our inner truth. The new moon marks the beginning of a new, 28-day cycle of activity that will involve getting our new projects and activities organized, grounded and fully functional. We are still very much in the process of change, but with acceptance and equanimity, we can now move forward to accomplish the purpose that inspired our changes.

Balanced and Playful Energies Grace Our Lives in Later May

During the last half on May, Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and balance provides some unifying energy that helps us to harmonize the male and female, or yin and yang , aspects of our being. We are much more able to identify with our higher purpose, which brings a greater balance and sense of peace. The sun enters playful, friendly Gemini on May 21, and by the end of the month, we not only have regained our balance and sense of direction, but our sense of humor returns in full measure! We have another full moon on May 31, this one in Sagittarius, opposite the sun in Gemini, bringing brings a delightful sense of play and lightheartedness to the end of the month.

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	Your ruling planet, Mars, enters Aries mid-month giving you a boost of energy and enthusiasm that gets you into high gear with new plans and projects. Changes in your value system are the result of a new spiritual understanding that has been dawning in your awareness for many months. As you have been all year, continue working on integrating your personal desires and motives with your higher perspective and guidance.
	Your long-term goals are under review this month, and the new moon in your sign mid-month provides energy for marshalling your resources to serve your current goals. The dichotomy between career and home life continues to get your attention, and as tension mounts, you find a creative solution that involves a wise use of mutual resources. Giving yourself time with friends and group events will balance your life and return perspective.
	Strain over money and questions about your future goals and direction have taken their toll, causing friction with loved ones. The people closest to you will help you regain balance, but it is important for you to shift your perspective, let go of struggle, and get into acceptance. You are working with integrating your spiritual beliefs into the fabric of your daily life and communications, and this is not easy, but great progress is being made.
	The stressful aspect between Venus and Mars during the first week of May has exacerbated a spiritual dilemma that has been present for some time. The mid-month new moon highlights this issue, bringing the necessity to resolve a dichotomy between your highest spiritual understanding and the apparent realities of making a living in the world. It becomes clear to you that doing what you love is important, but loving what you do is even more important.
	The new moon mid-month occurs in the career sector of your life, bringing your attention to what is working for you, and what is not. Over the past year, a great amount of focus has necessarily been on yourself, as you develop new talents and skills, but your partnerships in life may have suffered a bit. To regain balance this month, devote some special time with loved ones. Your creative projects are coming to fruition, and that brings you great joy.
	A recent crisis or loss has propelled you into a philosophical, spiritual dilemma, and may be impacting your health. Busy as you are, it is vital that you take some time this month for physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. The new moon mid month provides the catalyst and brings the opportunity to get away for some much needed R&R. Thankfully, partners are supportive and helpful.
	You may be feeling a bit deprived of the fun and relaxation you so treasure and unhappy about your workload mid month. Recent stress and financial realities have prompted you modify some of your long-term goals, and you now place greater value on family, recreation and creativity. Getting together with friends and family, and involving yourself in community events or group associations will bring more pleasure and relaxation than you might have imagined.
	While some of your recent financial stress has lessened, and money is flowing more freely, you are stretched to the max mid month with career and family responsibilities that may cause friction in your primary relationship. Your home life is undergoing some major changes as well, and you may be moving, renovating, or otherwise rearranging your living situation. Take time to be thankful for the abundance you are blessed with, and to appreciate the little things and quiet moments.
	You may be off on an adventure this month, traveling to some wonderful destination, or embarking on a new educational journey. Remember to take care of your health, as overdoing it can show up as fatigue or physical weakness that affects the quality of your journey. You may decide to make changes in your home, but be careful of impulsive decisions that you may later regret. Do allow yourself some much needed fun and relaxation, especially toward the end of the month.
	The new moon mid month highlights children and creative projects, but it will be important for you to keep your involvement and financial outlay at a balanced level. Big projects that have been on the horizon go on auto-pilot for a few months, as you get busy with the many practical realities of your daily life. Keep all communication channels open, however, as you will return to your focus on expansion and business and financial development.
	Current issues in personal relationships and your home life come to an apex point mid-month and must be addressed. You may be feeling burdened by those closest to you, and be out of touch with the value they bring to your life. The new moon on May 16 brings this issue into focus, and you find that focusing on friends and your social life returns you, and your close relationships, to a state of balance.
	The new moon mid-month emphasizes this years’ theme of health-building and inner, spiritual discovery. While you are in a very expansive year for your work or business, and you do need to bring a lot of energy to that area of your life, you can suffer from nervous exhaustion if you do not give yourself enough rest. Find simple things to do for relaxation, and spend time in nature to renew your body and soul.

© Carola Eastwood, 2007

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carola Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carola 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 Carola 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 Carola, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@greencafe.com.

You can also visit Carola's website at www.earthstarconsulting.