IN MAY, the Moon’s four major phases amalgamate political game-playing; calm after the storm; love; and, religious ideals into our consciousness. The first three transmit concentrating fixed energy through water, air and earth to intensify, stabilize, and manifest our spring projects. And, the fourth helps transform fixed energy’s stamina through meticulous practical mutable earth energy for flexibility.

FULL MOON
May’s Full Moon, on the 2nd at 4:10am MDT in Scorpio illuminates how social situations can be caged in protocols and rules of behavior. Even times of pleasant and party-like atmospheres involve some political game playing and manners, which might involve who we know; what its worth; the ability to speak everyone’s language; and, whether we warrant an invitation to gatherings. We may find we are asked to look at ourselves and observe whether we are being our natural selves or putting on a show for others.

Home & Garden - If we are building a house, this is the best phase for laying the foundations. The waning lunar energy pulls energy into the roots and the high gravitational pull creates high soil moisture conditions that especially favour planting root crops, including beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, and peanuts; and bulbs.

Mind, Body & Health – The Full Moon acts as a mirror in our face that reveals how well we’ve done with our New Moon intentions. We can get to the bottom of things and analyze what makes them the way they are as we shift into a more introspective mode. Realization of what the activities of the first half of the lunar cycle are really about and what we are learning surface during this phase.

Business & Finance – This phase prompts us to search for deeper meaning in what we have created and to probe how we can integrate our vision into the world for the greatest good of all. It is an effective time to undertake all projects of a secret nature and to concentrate on bringing existing projects/products to fruition.

MOON IN SCORPIO
Scorpio’s key idea of transformation and thematic principle ‘I Will’ brings the processes of destruction and renewal to our lives, where its power and its efforts will be on a high or low level depending on the motivation involved. Its path is to take in the wisdom from dark and difficult passages and come through to the other side reborn and renewed. Its gift endows us the ability to transform outworn behavioral patterns and holds the promise of redemption. And, we can embrace regeneration as we vibrate with Scorpio’s higher octave and transcend our fear, jealousy, retaliation, judgments, abuse, and nastiness to soar.

The Scorpio Moon’s affirmation, By looking inwards, I can discover the true richness of my talents and abilities, exposes our strength and the source of transformative power we each have when we work with the energy behind form.

Home & Garden – The Scorpio Moon is a great time to focus our energy on organizing our living space: position furniture where there is enough room for it; free up floor space with extra shelves; move plants from side tables to wall brackets or the ceiling; arrange frozen goods systematically; and, throw out accumulated magazines. And, using up leftovers to make homemade soup or bread and sewing projects are excellent vehicles to combine and express practical creativity. The Scorpio Moon’s moist fertile nature is very fruitful and we can graft or prune to retard growth and promote better fruit. And, tomatoes like to be transplanted under this Moon’s influence.

Mind, Body & Health – This Mars influenced Moon unleashes hidden reserves of energy to meet a goal and is a powerful ally to plumb the deep emotional realms where our fear, sadness, jealousy, greed, anger, and self-hatred reside. We may need to cry, vent, and rage to fully express the depth of our feelings. And, painting, writing, acting, and dancing can assist us to release pent up emotion from our body and convert debilitating feelings into potent expressions of creativity. When we hold back our emotions and fail to eliminate old patterns, we are more likely to experience difficulties with our reproductive system, colon, anus, and rectum. Therefore, pain and trauma associated with our reproductive and sexual organs as well as the processes of elimination and detoxification ought to be addressed at this time. Our health can be enhanced if we seek answers, read a thriller, psychoanalyze ourselves, watch a spy movie, and solve a puzzle. However, we must strive to avoid indulging tendencies of jealousy, spite, brooding, and of wanting to take control of people and situations. We are typically more vulnerable to PMS and menstruation problems, sexual diseases, sexual organ malfunctions, and elimination organ illnesses during a Scorpio Moon.

Business & Finance – The Scorpio Moon is conducive to leasing or renting property; making major deals; and, making discreet inquiries. We can capitalize on our increased sharpness and shrewdness to deflect sales patter while shopping for photographic equipment, a set of kitchen knives, sexy underwear, exotic spices, rich wines, perfume, and a pack of tarot cards. And, we are well advised to avoid operating a secret agenda and deviating from our shopping list under this Moon’s influence.

THIRD (LAST) QUARTER MOON
The Third Quarter Moon on May 9th at 10:28pm MDT in Aquarius emphasizes the exuberant feelings that come after struggles. As the emotional and physical fuel needed to overcome obstacles runs out, we find that we can calm down. And, we are likely to emerge from the experience with a new sense of commitment or a better understanding of the consequences of our actions.

Home & Garden – This phase is an excellent time to clear clutter, do a thorough spring cleaning of our home, and for painting projects. The Third Quarter is generally reserved for garden cleanup and we can mow lawns and turn the soil.

Mind, Body & Health – This period of waning energy is most beneficial for releasing beliefs or thought patterns as we step forth from old facades and free ourselves from past ways of participating in life. Our energy is best directed into self-analysis, rest and recuperation.

Business & Finance – The Third Quarter brings a period of reflection and reevaluation during which we can tie up loose ends; analyze; and plan to implement new projects for the next lunar cycle.

MOON IN AQUARIUS
Aquarius’ key idea of innovation is evident in its thematic principle of experimentation. It offers us the electricity of evolution, our ability to move freely toward our next stage of development. And, at its best, Aquarius reconciles a unique rebellious independence with a desire to work with groups as a community builder.

The Aquarius Moon’s affirmation, My horizons are boundless and my experiences enrich my being, liberates us into amazement, giving us permission to do what we have never done before.

Home & Garden – This is the optimal sign under which to purchase a house if we desire a home filled with friends. We can utilize Aquarius Moon energy to repair electrical equipment and to paint the house. And, music is useful for breaking up the routine of household chores. The waning Aquarius Moon’s semi-barren dry nature supports soil cultivation, destroying weeds and pests.

Mind, Body & Health – The Aquarius Moon is a brilliant time to focus our intentions and prayers toward creating a healthy nervous system and a balanced relationship with technology. Modern society hums along on electrical activity in the form of computers, TV, cellular phones, power lines, etc., which can compromise our delicate and easily damaged or depleted nervous system. Healing energy work, such as Reiki, acupuncture, and polarity work, and yoga and tai chi can be utilized to help strengthen and rebalance our nerve channels and develop internal fortitude. When we not connected to the heart energy, we are more susceptible to poor circulation and cold extremities; however, helping at a local school/hospital and meeting our friends for lunch can regenerate this bond. And, we further enhance our wellness when we avoid unnecessary rebellion or impetuously handing in our notice at our job. In addition to circulatory problems and anxiety, confusion, mania, and depression from an overwhelmed nervous system, we are more vulnerable to ankle sprains under an Aquarius Moon.

Business & Finance – The Aquarius Moon is advantageous for transferring money, renting or leasing property, and eliciting cooperation from colleagues. We are more drawn to the eclectic and unusual while shopping, which make aromatherapy oils, books on meditation, scientific instruments, kitchen gadgets, electrical appliances, and anything electric blue excellent purchases at this time. However, we must avoid shopping in a rush and taking an overly detached point of view.

NEW MOON
The New Moon on May 16th at 1:28pm MDT in Taurus contains the solar impulse of being in tune with another and the love or passion that may result from shared feelings. We may wish to determine whether our interest is with a soul mate or is merely a passing fancy. If we think positively and play our role with enthusiasm and passion, we will increase our chances of success rather than allowing no guarantee of success to hold us back from action when the worst that can be damaged is a little ego. Music, which lifts the spirit and can be healing, can convey words of poetry and love.

New Moon Visualizations:

Home & Garden – If moving house is on our agenda, May 16th to May 30th is the optimal period to do so this lunar cycle; May 16th, 21st & 22nd are the best days in this phase. Lunar gravity pulls ground water and nutrients up, and causes the seeds to swell and burst, which creates very favourable conditions for planting above ground annual crops. We can exploit these conditions to repot houseplants. And, cucumbers also have an affinity for this phase.

Mind, Body & Health – The New Moon signals a time of emergence when we may find answers in our dreams and waking inspirations. We can use this phase to take the initiative in health matters we have been hesitating about.

Business & Finance – In this dynamic phase, we can tap into increasing energy to elect new members, to draw up contracts, and to introduce ideas.

MOON IN TAURUS
Taurus’ key idea of the material plane and thematic principle of ‘I Have’ grounds us in the substance and magic of the Earth. It teaches timelessness, serenity, and peace. Its gift is the understanding of the sacredness of stability and sensuality.

The Taurus Moon’s affirmation, I know I can let go. By cutting the ties that bind, I will be rewarded with greater loyalty, love, and respect, can be an effective tool for cultivating a more comfortable relationship with change.

Home & Garden – We can use this Venus influenced Taurus Moon energy to work on routine domestic chores that want our attention rather than undertaking any major, especially if they involve soft furnishings and our home’s interior. Its moist semi-fertile nature is productive and is well suited to planting leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and spinach.

Mind, Body & Health – The Taurus Moon is an excellent time to relax, centre, ground, and get in touch with our body as we simplify and clarify what things are important in our life and release our accumulated impatience and anxiety that results from moving too fast. Under its influence, we can work on body image and weight issues; our physical and inner beauty; and, our self-worth. And, allowing ourselves time for an aromatherapy bath or massage is a delightful way to nurture ourselves. We also benefit from cooking, gardening, and going to the theatre. However, when we hold back and don’t express our love and creative energy we become more vulnerable to neck, throat, and thyroid problems. Additionally, we must strive to avoid yearning for things we do not have and being over-possessive. Finally, the Taurus Moon is a tremendous time for us to focus our attention on healing nervousness, increasing our inner stability and strength; nourishing our throat, thyroid glands, and sexuality; and working on blood sugar.

Business & Finance – We can utilize Taurus Moon energy to make concrete plans that involve handling money, wealth, and land. Thus, we might purchase a house for security; rent or lease property; and, open an investment account. Getting value for our money is important, which we can achieve when we purchase: consumer durables, luxury goods, chocolates and other delicacies, flowers, garden furniture, and anything practical. And, buying gimmicky goods and allowing our inflexibility or stubbornness to dominate can result in missing good opportunities.

FIRST QUARTER MOON
The First Quarter Moon on May 23rd at 3:04pm MDT in Virgo emphasizes religious ideals; the fear and wonder of God; and following a mystic Path.
Expressions of our faith have a powerful influence; however, the sense that suffering is the way to salvation, which has special significance for many people, may want to be examined. And, dogmatically clinging to our religious beliefs can lead to a feeling of isolation. We are also reminded that others may not appreciate us sacrificing our wants and needs on their behalf.

Home & Garden – May 28th – 30th are the best day to move house this quarter and, May 26th & 27th are very favourable for interior design projects. During this phase, the combination of strong moonlight and lessened gravitational pull creates strong leaf growth. With soil moisture levels at its highest, rapid germination and growth support repotting plants, sowing lawns, and planting annuals with above ground edible produce and the seeds inside the fruit, such as peas, peppers, and squash.

Mind, Body & Health – This phase is a time of gathering momentum when we can move through our limitations into a new level of empowerment and embrace our self-worth and greater self-acceptance.

Business & Finance - The First Quarter’s building energy can be utilized for seeking legal or financial advice and setting plans in motion.

MOON IN VIRGO
Virgo’s key idea of craftsmanship functions through its thematic principle of learning and analysis to give Mercury polished and focused expression in our lives. Able to discriminate and classify, it symbolizes diligence and has an agenda of dependability. And, its task is to wed pragmatism to mysticism and harness attention to detail, with its consequent critical insight, to a sense of service and healing. Integrated Virgo includes both intellect and reverence through which we awaken our creative compassion.

The Virgo Moon’s affirmation, There are many ways to accomplish a deed. Mine is only one way, and I have much to learn from the way others handle their lives, can quiet our inner critic; keep us from being overwhelmed by anxiety and the details of daily life where all tasks feel equally weighted; and, develop an effective base for the working order of our life.

Home & Garden – We can channel the Virgo Moon’s fastidiousness into cleaning bathrooms and medicine cabinets. The Virgo Moon’s moist barren nature can be a good time to plant vines that flower but do not bear fruit, such as clematis, sweet peas, and morning glory.

Mind, Body & Health – Strongly linked to health, Virgo Moon energy assists us to become aware of the impact worry, anxiety, and mental struggles can exact on our physical system. If we have been caught in the vortex of feeling overwhelmed, self-centred, and impatient, we might go to the deeper issues to release negative habits; replace them with more nourishing ones, such as focusing on being more mindful in our daily rhythm; and, to do positive and compassionate community work. As well, we can promote increased wellness when we: ensure we are not harming our creativity and confidence by indulging excessive self-criticism; join a health club; eat healthily; cuddle our pets; and, unwind with a walk in the countryside. When we go too fast, become overly mental, and do not assimilate our experiences into our lives, we invite irritability, gastric or dietary upsets, intestinal problems, and tension headaches to manifest under this Moon’s influence.

Business & Finance – We can utilize Virgo Moon energy to stock take; for practical demonstrations; and to present detailed accounts. Our increased eye for detail can help us while shopping for organic food, vitamins, personal organizers, toiletries, cleaning materials, and in paying our bills for local services or evaluating health insurance. However, we must not lapse into making judgmental errors and missing the overall picture.

Cycles move life forward. The lunar cycles are a twelve step process, where, as we go around the zodiac circle each year, the intention is to go to the next step on our evolution, to be creative, to renew our spirit, and share with others. Contained within each cycle is wisdom, when we learn to accept each cycle as a periodic refocus on some particular quality or issue. If we learn to assimilate each cycle’s lesson into our life, we are able to become more rounded people. And, life flows more easily when we live in harmony with its cycles.

© Yvonne Hanson, 2007

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yvonne Hanson is a freelance writer from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. In creating this column, Yvonne draws on fifteen years of astrological study and a desire to empower people. If you would like to sign up for Yvonne's free newsletter, which details the movement of the moon more closely, please contact her by email at starfire777_7@hotmail.com.