The Vedic Astrology forecast for May brings the promise of new beginnings.
May 2016 begins with two fiery shifts: one is the new Aries cycle and the second is Jupiter in Leo turning direct. Expect to feel enthusiastic and even restless the first half of the month and get ready to hit the ground running with your projects and inspirations. By mid-month, there’s more of a shift toward manifestation and grounding, with both the Sun and Venus in Taurus. This will be important by the end of the month, when a challenging Full Moon in Scorpio, joined Saturn and Mars, threatens to overturn the applecart.
May 1- 2
The Moon is joined Ketu in Aquarius. There may be a feeling of nagging discontent now, especially relating to your social circle or community. We all would like to think we are leaving the world better than we found it so you may be examining this idea now and looking for opportunities to contribute more. Be careful of self criticism at this time.
May 6
The New Moon is in Aries today, joined with Venus and retrograde Mercury. The next 30 days will hold the promise of new beginnings and exciting breakthroughs making this a perfect time to connect with your true purpose and allow it to inspire you courageously. The curiosity of Mercury and the desire of Venus to spread joy will also be of assistance. However, Mercury is currently retrograde, so take care with your words and actions until May 22.
This New Moon is in the Nakshatra of Bharani, ruled by the God Yama, the god of restraint. For success to be realized, it is not enough to charge forth only following our personal agenda. Keep in mind the need to exercise restraint, care, and caution.
May 9
Jupiter turns direct in Leo today after having been retrograde since early January. Now is a great time to connect your goals with the higher teachings. This is also a great time to pursue additional training, especially as it relates to making your mark on the world. Jupiter is closely joined Rahu, the North Node, which has the effect of bringing unusual teachers into your life. Be careful of confusing teachers or (if you are a teacher), be careful not to confuse your students.
May 19
The Sun and Venus are in Taurus, beginning a cycle of stability and manifestation for the next few weeks. Now is an excellent time to make important purchases, connect with your desires, and live a happy life. This brings up themes of family and personal values. Take care to avoid materialism and greed. The deeper lesson of Taurus is not accumulation, wealth or enjoyment; it is contentment. In yoga this is called santosha, the quality of appreciating all we have and, in so doing, we share our time and resources.
May 21
The Full Moon is in Scorpio and joined Mars and Saturn, planets who are both retrograde. This will be a time of deep emotions, many of these could be painful and/or aggressive. When the Moon is full, we can experience attachment to our own point of view, and we may be triggered easily. When the Moon joins Mars our feelings of protecting ourselves become important. Beware of feeling victimized or picked on and don’t seek revenge or justification; just let things pass. The rusty chains of past grievances may feel like a heavy burden at this time. Instead of reacting, be disciplined and devoted. This is achieved by sitting with your own discomfort, and finding stillness in your own heart, rather than projecting your pain onto another.
This Full Moon is in Anuradha Nakshatra, the star of devotion. Mitra, the god of friendship, rules this Nakshatra. Instead of saving your own skin, put some attention on others and help support their growth. This is the highest quality of Scorpio, but also one of the hardest things to actually put into practice.
May 22
Mercury turns direct in Aries, where he has been retrograde since the end of April. Hopefully since then you have been reflecting more on your speech and communication style, rather than recklessly blasting others or overlooking important details. Now that Mercury is moving forward, he can bring great skill to benefit your projects and help you sort out details with clarity, including the details you communicate to others. This is also a good time for writing, speaking, or other modes of interaction.
May 24 – 25
The Moon is in Sagittarius aspected by Jupiter. Expect to feel more inspiration and hope. This is especially important considering the recent Full Moon in Scorpio, described above. After such an intense deep dive into our emotions, it is nice to land in the arms of grace and good teachings. This is the realm of Jupiter and of the sign he rules, Sagittarius. Pay attention to important signs from spiritual teachers and leaders and look for pure teachings and traditional forms of worship to deliver you from the pain and sorrow of the world.
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.