According to Vedic Astrology May 2017 is a month of shifting energies and planets. Support yourself through the fluctuations of the universe by connecting to the source of love that is your true nature. Connect to your devotional heart through practice and action. As Mercury moves direct, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy forward momentum, but also take a bit of an apology tour to clean up your frustrations.
May 2 – 3
The Moon moves into Cancer; this is a time when we can connect to our heart and sink deeply into the truth and power that lies within. Usually we are riding up and down on the waves of emotion. Now is the time to crack the surface and dive deeply into the heart. Connect to the source of love that is your true nature.
May 3
Mercury in Aries turns direct after being retrograde. Start moving forward on some of the things and ideas that you have been stuck on or confused about lately. The past few weeks may have been frustrating intellectually. Take the time to do a little “apology tour” if you have allowed your frustrations to get the best of you recently.
May 6 – 8
The Moon is in Virgo with retrograde Jupiter. Look up in the sky and see this beautiful light show! Jupiter is very bright, and the Moon is also close to full. This is a great time to connect to what inspires you and take it deeply into your heart and mind. Because the Moon and Jupiter are in Virgo, the energy supports your ability to take some practical steps toward bringing these teachings into your daily life, habits, and routines.
May 10
The Moon is full in Libra. This Full Moon in Libra is opposite the exalted Sun and Aries. This is a time when a powerful and inspired self (Sun in Aries) is being harmonized with the reflection of others, who we must respect as equals (Libra). It has been important for you to express your big bad self for the past couple of weeks. But now you need to pay attention to others, those you wish to serve and love. This Full Moon happens in Vishaka Nakshatra, which is a known as “star of purpose.” This star is related to Indra and Agni, the gods of fire and lightning. This is a place of inspiration and purpose, as well as devotion to larger social causes.
May 14 – 20
On these successive days, the Moon is joined Saturn, then hemmed between Saturn and Ketu, then joined Ketu. We have been experiencing this configuration each month since January, 2017. There are feelings of constriction and inhibition, as well as karmic pressure and the manifestation of consequences now. We have the opportunity to align that pressure with our teachings toward more expansive social causes. You may find your teachings and beliefs require more effort to maintain now. Yet, if you’re willing to do that work, a new depth and richness is available. That newfound power can benefit not only you, but can help you shape the change you want to be in the world.
May 17 – 19
Venus in Pisces aspects retrograde Jupiter in Virgo, which lights up the connection between mysticism and practical effort. This is a great time to create music and/or other art forms or to just connect with the sublime beauty of the universe, not only emotionally, but tangibly and practically. Jupiter in Virgo brings wisdom through details and daily habits. Venus in Pisces brings a desire for otherworldly beauty. You can be the bridge between those two things in word and deed. Seek out your inspired purpose now.
May 22 – 23
Moon and Venus join in Pisces, aspected by Jupiter. This is a great time to bask in the beauty of nature, spiritual teaching, romance or just the beauty of life. For spiritual seekers, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn and study with your favorite teachers, and pursue the subjects that inspire you. This is also great time for devotional practices, like Bhakti Yoga.
May 25
The New Moon is in Taurus, beginning a 30-day cycle of predominant Taurus themes. Get ready for a month of enjoying life, finding beauty and comfort, and sharing it with your loved ones. The deeper lesson underneath it all is the power of contentment, what we call in yoga the Sanskrit word santosha (the second niyama described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra). It is easy for Taurus energy to get bogged down in the forms of our enjoyments, and just want pleasure. When this happens, we experience cravings and a lust for objects and even people. Instead, take the time to enjoy what you have and share it with others to support this energy for the next 30 days.
This New Moon is joined Mars, which can bring some power struggles; it is also in
Rohini Nakshatra, which is related to growth and creativity. Remember that the driving force of creativity is beauty and happiness.
May 31
On this date, Venus leaves Pisces where it has been since the end of January, to enter Aries. You may notice a drastic shift in your desire and willingness to compromise with others. For four months, Venus was in Pisces, which is the sign of accommodation and tolerance of others’ views. Now, the jig is up with trying to please other people. Be very careful about a vicious backlash against those whom you have been tolerating. This is the big mistake of Venus. We are not meant to tolerate the intolerable. We are meant to establish a paradigm of mutual respect. If you have been confusing these two ideas, there may be a strong snapback now. Be careful because if you snap back like that, it will be your fault.
Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is the author of Yoga and Vedic Astrology and The Ascendant—108 Planets of Vedic Astrology. He is the founder of the American Academy of Vedic Art and Science which offers three levels of certification programs in Vedic Astrology. Currently the Academy has more than 120 students enrolled. Visit Sam’s website at: vedicartandscience.com.