Vedic astrology for May, 2016

12391790_10206749297484241_8789087791765039685_nThe month in Jyotish, or Vedic astrology for May, 2016 is a pivotal period.  You have the opportunity to re-strategize your life and the supporting planetary strength to do so.  When planets are powerfully placed by transit, they can energize your activities and intentions. They will do so by virtue of what they are triggering in your personal birth chart and your corresponding planetary cycles.

Planetary Strength

Continuing with the theme of prominent placements from April, each of the seven planets possess strength during part of May.  Sun is exalted for half the month, and the Moon will be full, exalted, and in its own sign (as it is monthly).  Mars will be in its own sign and retrograde, thus doubly energized.  Mercury and Jupiter display their strength via their retrogression.  Venus also spends part of the month home in its own sign of Taurus.  And Saturn continues its retrogression cycle in Scorpio.  Only the nodes Rahu and Ketu are not well placed.  As planets move in and out of their respective house placements which render them powerful, they open doors of opportunity.  Then, it is up to you to step through the doorway and proactively utilize what the opening offers.

12038086_10206303999832078_6192515054162958465_nFive of the nine planets spend the majority of the month in the fire signs of Aries and Leo.  Fire signs are known for being active, engaging, bold, and impulsive.  The two strong malefics – Mars and Saturn – are both retrograde in watery Scorpio.  Their “my way or the highway” pairing will continue to create tumultuous political conditions, natural disasters, and power struggles.  There’s an internal conflict about how to do get everyone on board your bandwagon in the quickest way possible.  Consequences come as an afterthought.

Yet, despite this underlying planetary strength in Vedic astrology for May, 2016, there is also the deep undercurrent of intensity.  The Mars/ Saturn friction, as well as the Jupiter/ Rahu polarization create multiple itches you want to scratch.  Retrograde Saturn is influencing Jupiter and Rahu.  Retrograde Mars is influencing Ketu.  It’s easy to jump to conclusions – wrong ones at that.  Mars is influencing Ketu.  The adage in Jyotish is that Rahu acts like Saturn and Ketu acts Mars, so we get a doubling up of the malefic influences of Saturn and Mars onto the nodes. The nodes are known for erratic, impulsive behavior and it’s done in a self-serving way.  You have to avoid getting in your own way.  Don’t be impulsive and give in to selfish motives. The long-term consequences won’t be beneficial.

nature desktop 6Jupiter Direct

Jupiter exits retrogression in Leo on May 9.  As a slow moving benefic, Jupiter can still yield fruitful results.  Have you considered the wisdom of your past choices or did you give into irrational doubts?  By mid month, Jupiter is at one third of its normal speed and by month end, it’s traveling around at three-quarters of its daily speed.  The problem with Jupiter coming out of retrogression is that it will be growing closer to Rahu.  You can see this exemplified by false leaders taking more of the spotlight as the Guru Chandal yoga heightens.

On May 14, the Sun enters Taurus.  This creates increased career responsibilities for sidereal Leo ascendants.  With sage Jupiter no longer influencing Sun, watch for the stubborn egos to emerge, particularly for Taurus ascendants.  Sagittarius ascendants will benefit from paying attention to health matters.

On May 19, Venus becomes stronger as it returns home to its own sign of Taurus.  This can be a time when your attention turns to buying jewelry, art, and fine clothing. You may be more concerned about your physical appearance.  It’s also a period to pursue singing and other artistic endeavors.  However, Venus is hindered by its growing proximity to the Sun in Vedic astrology for May, 2016.  Your creative pursuits may not come to light as you would like or you may be overshadowed by more prominent people.

nature desktop 4Full Moon

Emotions run high on May 21 and May 22 as the Moon illuminates its debilitation sign of Scorpio and  joins retrograde Mars and Saturn.  The Moon and Mars are very close in proximity.  This can create conflicts regarding giving into deep rooted emotions of melancholy or reacting aggressively.  The full Moon in Vedic astrology for May, 2016 is on May 21 at 2:15 PM Pacific time. This is known as Vaishaka Purnima or Vesak Day for the Buddhists. It is also called Buddha Purnima as it marks the birthday of Buddha.   The Moon is full in the nakshatra of Anuradha.  You can be successful in organizing and orchestrating group activities but may not feel internally satisfied.  Please see my Facebook page for additional information.

Mercury Retrograde ends

The next day, Mercury leaves retrogression in Aries.  Be particularly careful about impulsive uses of  your speech or written communication, particularly the 3 days before and after Mercury moves in and out of retrogression. By month end, Mercury is at zipping along at 80% of its regular speed.

With two planets moving out of retrogression in Vedic astrology for May, 2016, you will feel a shift in the arenas that Jupiter and Mercury are transiting in your personal chart.  The Mars/ Saturn pairing will continue to challenge you to find new venues to express your individuality.  How you do so remains your choice.  Pay careful attention to the world events unfolding, as we witness groups and individuals battle for self-expression and victory.  If you’d like to learn how to best harness this energy based on your own personal astrological chart, please schedule an astrological consultation.