During this month and into June we see several of the important astrological events of 2012 coming into play. On May 6 the Moon reaches the point in its orbit when it’s closest to the earth, known as perigee.
Because the Moon travels around the earth in an elliptical orbit each lunar cycle it also has a point when it’s furthest away from the earth, known as apogee. Some months it is nearer or further than others.
Although 2012 is not the closest possible (the last time that happened was 1912) the actual exact time of perigee this May occurs less than two minutes before the exact Full Moon (when the Sun and Moon are completely opposite).
Whilst the energetic forces are amplified in this way we can expect stronger than usual tidal effects and exceptional weather or other geological disturbances. Plants and animals are also subject to the Moons phases. Astrologically we know the lunar cycles can affect our moods and behaviour as well as mundane events and financial markets.
With the Moon in Scorpio we can expect some intense feelings to surface along with power struggles or issues of control being exaggerated.
When the Moon is this close to earth it appears bigger. This is especially so at Moon rise on Full Moon, which you can watch on the eastern horizon as the Sun sets in the west.
The following New Moon (when the Moon and Sun occupy the same Zodiac degree) in very early Gemini occurs within 36 hours of this year’s furthest apogee. To add to the “stress” of this combination the Sun and Moon are at the same declination, which creates an eclipse as the Moon moves across the Sun.
The shadow’s path starts over China and Japan then crosses the Pacific Ocean onto the west coast of America, ending in Texas. It is these areas which will experience the strongest effect over the next months.
The planetary aspects during this phase suggest not only a new beginning, when something outworn is replaced, but also a cleansing with new alliances or relationships forming.
Neptune in watery Pisces forming a difficult square to the Sun/Moon suggests not only the potential for floods but it could also be a challenging event involving heightened emotions, particularly compassion or sorrow. Also watch out for misinformation or some form of deception.
Stabilising Saturn is strongly connected to sociable Venus whilst transforming Pluto has the feisty energy of Mars focused on it. These energies add to the forward thrust towards change and transformation along with consolidating relationships or contracts of allegiance.
As we negotiate this potent month we can anticipate an increase in the ongoing trend of major shifts or changes on every level of our lives.
The Sun moves into Gemini the sign of the twins on the 20th whilst Venus starts her apparent retrograde motion on the 15th and the pair conjunct in a spectacular and rare event in early June.
Being fast and flexible in your thinking is a Gemini trait along with the ability to reconcile a paradox, holding more than one viewpoint simultaneously and understanding the connecting relationships between, well, everything! All these skills will be an advantage in the coming months and now is the time to hone them.