Retrograde Approacheth

By Kathryn L. Silverton

The Sun occupies the earthy sign of Taurus through the 20th, accompanied by Mercury for the first 5 days. Starting on the 6th Mercury enters the sign of the twins and our minds shift from the practical, deliberate mode of thinking to a more adaptable, yet logical perspective. Mercury is in its sign of rulership in Gemini, hence it feels more at home, intellectually speaking. This dual sign impresses upon us the importance of options. Just guard against the tendency to be so scattered that no idea receives adequate momentum.

By the 20th Mercury will be in its shadow. The shadow refers to the portion of the zodiac Mercury will traverse while it is in its retrograde cycle next month. Therefore, from the 20th until Mercury goes retrograde on the 3rd of June we will feel as though Mercury actually has reversed itself, seeing the logistical glitches commonly associated with this frequent cycle. Start backing up your computer and securing duplicate copies of critical information so that you have a fallback position in time for the 3rd.

Thanks to its recent direct motion, Venus in Aries brings rapid momentum to financial arenas. Stocks and industries associated with warfare and cutting such as knives, guns and other implements of destruction are more likely to survive if not compete quite nicely. Also under this category we can include industries associated with iron and products derived from it, the diamond industry, fire related products such as fire places and other heat producing products.

Venus is not considered to be well placed in Aries, as Aries places way too much emphasis on personal satisfaction and is reluctant to make sacrifices for the good of others. Hence, stepping outside our own skin and considering what will bring contentment to the rest of the world will require a concerted effort individually speaking. Also, this position of detriment for Venus suggests we're more likely to be tempted by get rich quick schemes, rather than invest for the long haul. The up side to this cycle is found in our ability to easily love ourselves and to feel content competing with ourselves.

The full moon on the 7th in Scorpio reminds us that our greatest gains can often occur when we share our most treasured assets with others. Digging in your heals, refusing to budge on principle proves to be anything but productive.