AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
BY MITCHELL SCOTT LEWIS
http://www.mitchastro.com/
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Eras in our society begin and end, often melting from one into another without
notice. Most of the time we can only see that a "period" has ended
once enough time has gone by to recognize changes in attitude. Sometimes there
is an event, which clearly separates one era from another. Pearl Harbor was
a single moment that instantly changed things. Movies and music changed overnight
as our society went from a nervous pre-war culture, with films depicting normal
American life, to war stories pushed out by the studios at accelerate rates,
as we watched our men and women enter the war by the millions. In some ways
9/11 was such a time; people will always think of it as a turning point in our
culture. But truth be told, we did not change overnight as we did in December
1941. There was some altering of movies, either to remove the twin towers from
the film, or to add a sub-plot story line. But except for the airports, things
went on pretty much the same. Our complacency is well documented. But things
are changing. And the place to notice those changes first is in the arts, where
the collective has the most prominent voice.
Certainly the events of 9/11 shook us up. Suddenly the fear of traveling or
visiting what has now become a potentially dangerous place has somewhat altered
our awareness. But there are other, more subtle and insidious things occurring.
For example, I find it quite interesting that virtually all the successful sitcoms
of the past decade have chosen this year to end their extended runs on TV. Everybody
Loves Raymond is the exception, and the cast has agreed only to another 13 episodes,
and that, apparently under great duress. Friends, Frasier, Sex and the City
have all left us. And they are not being replaced by fresh, new sitcoms; they
are being replaced by reality shows. Hmm… is the collective realizing that
there will be little time for frivolous entertainment in the next few years?
Are we in fact preparing for the biggest reality show of them all?
And look at what's happening to the music business; the most venerable of all
the arts in some ways. It has become a parody, an offshoot of reality TV with
Clive Davis judging American Idol, admitting the difficulty he has been having
in finding new artist. It isn't the singer it's the song. And close-minded shortsighted
imitators afraid to break new ground have stifled the song. Well, that new ground
will be broken eventually as it always is. What form it will take is anybody's
guess. But one thing is certain - during times of stress we write the greatest
songs, stories and plays, and there's nothing the power brokers can do to stop
it. So maybe it's all going to hell in a hand basket, but at least we'll have
better art.
Saturn entered Cancer about a year ago and I wrote in this newsletter that we could expect inflation. I predicted oil at record highs, as well as other commodities once Saturn hit America's Sun. Well, that astrological event takes place this month and oil has been hovering at record levels and will continue to climb as Iraq worsens. Soybeans are at 20-year highs and to buy a quart of milk requires a 2nd mortgage. I'm sorry to say this is only the beginning. I also predicted that the housing bubble would pop while Saturn was in Cancer, the sign that rules the home. Interest rates are going up and if the employment situation doesn't get much better, the inflationary increases will force many homeowners into a corner. There will be no way to refinance their homes and many will be forced to sell at a discount. It takes time for these things to enter the marketplace, but trust me, it's on the way.
NEW MOON
This month's New Moon is on Wednesday May 19th at 12:52 A.M. EST at 28 degrees
Taurus 33 minutes. Values and possessions will be the concern this month
as we try to stabilize our lives. Things that offer long-term beneficial returns
should get most of your energy. Don't fritter your time or resources or you
will regret it in a few months. Try to begin projects while the Moon is waxing
(heading to the Full Moon). The first 2½ weeks of the month is a much
better time to start things, especially right after the New Moon. This month's
New Moon is void of course, however, which will limit some of its energy. Misdirection
is the main concern this month, so if you are doing something very important
make sure you are seeing things clearly and have a concise plan. Don't assume
your intuition will set you in the right direction. This is especially true
for business matters.
THE SUN ENTERS GEMINI:
On Thursday May 20th at 12:59 P.M. EST the sun enters the mutable air
sign, and we will all be a bit more talkative. Short journeys and communication
of all kinds is Gemini's domain. If you are planning a family trip by car or
train this would be a perfect time to go. Many people experience a bit of nervousness
at this time of year. That is understandable, especially if your own chart is
set off by this energy. Try to relax, but make the most of this time for travel
and exploration before we enter Cancer and many will wish to remain at home.
MERCURY SEXTILES URANUS:
MERCURY TRINES JUPITER:
On Friday May 21st at 6:43 P.M. EST and on Sunday May 23rd at 8:51 P.M. EST
these two positive aspects to Mercury occur. This is a good week for writers,
public speakers or anyone involved in the communication business. If you are
having difficulties with someone this is the time to smooth things over. If
you are planning to make a presentation of any sort, try to do it while this
is in orb. Your ideas are original and come quickly. This is also a good week
to buy a new cell phone, computer or such. You would benefit from short journeys,
and there could be some important information to learn while traveling. Communications
will be vital, so pay attention to letters, phone calls, emails, etc.
MARS CONJUNCTS SATURN:
Mars, the planet of ego, conjuncts Saturn, the planet of restriction on Tuesday
May 25th at 1:39 A.M. EST and a tense and frustrating day will be the result.
If this sets off your own chart you may experience this as a sort of implosion,
making you feel like you are beating your head against a wall. Things do not
seem to work out, and your tension level could increase. Try to breath and wait.
There is nothing much you can do to speed up Saturn's actions and you might
even make things worse by trying. Ego conflicts are common with this aspect,
so try to avoid confrontations unless absolutely necessary.
THE SUN SQUARES URANUS:
On Thursday May 27th at 12:44 P.M. EST these two energies create a negative
aspect. This is a potentially explosive transit, which warrants caution. Mercury
squares Neptune on the same day adding confusion to the mixture. You must be
careful, especially while traveling. But another word to the wise: Be sure you
understand what has been said or done and don't go off half-cocked. There will
be a lot of tension in the air and with the confusion of the Mercury aspect
you could overreact to a misunderstanding. Accidents are quite possible and
you should use caution in all things, especially involving travel. People will
be angry for a few hours so be careful in personal contacts as well. This is
usually a very bad day for the stock market.
MERCURY SQUARES NEPTUNE:
Also on Thursday May 27th at 9:14 P.M. EST the other half of these twin
aspects hits. Confusion and misunderstandings of all sorts are to be expected.
Take an extra minute to explain your self fully and give people the benefit
of the doubt if they seem confused. The combination of these two aspects in
the same day warrants caution. Try not to sign important papers today. If possible
postpone final decisions until tomorrow.
THE SUN SQUARES JUPITER:
On Sunday May 30th at 8:33 P.M. EST the Sun conflicts with the largest
of planets, and about the only negative thing one can say is to be careful not
to be overzealous or take on more than you can handle. The Jupiter squares seem
to bring us a great deal of opportunities, but many are nothing but fluff. It
is your job under this aspect to filter out the real deal from the nonsense.
Don't waste your energy chasing shadows. Be careful of overindulging or spending
more than you can afford. You may feel overly generous or frivolous. So pay
attention.
VENUS OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Wednesday June 2nd 9:29 P.M. EST right before the Full Moon the planet
of love opposes the planet of hidden anger and purging. Try to avoid direct
confrontation, especially with women. Any romance begun now will be intense
and an all-or-nothing affair. When these two planets oppose each other there
is little time for frivolous flings. Although the intensity may surprise you,
if you find someone while this is in orb you may be in for the ride of your
life. Just use a seatbelt. Any hidden agendas in a love relationship may very
well be exposed under this aspect. Secrets are hard to hide while Pluto is exposed
to the light of Venus.
THE FULL MOON:
This Month's lunar peak falls on June 3rd at 12:20 A.M. EST at 12 degrees
Sagittarius 56 minutes, and it hits right on America's ascendant. Sagittarius
energy tends to blow things out of proportion and we all must be careful not
to act so during this lunar aspect. Every Full Moon must be respected, as the
energy is quite high and often misdirected. The fact that the planet Pluto was
exactly at this point when the World Trade Center was destroyed doesn't mean
that we are necessarily in for some catastrophe, but it would be a good day
or two to be in pleasant Phoenicia rather than downtown Manhattan. In your own
life you must pay attention and not make promises you can't keep. The tendency
is to overextend in all areas, so try not to. The Moon will conjunct Pluto at
1:12 P.M. EST so we can certainly expect a day or so of tension.
MERCURY ENTERS GEMINI:
Mercury enters the sign of its rulership, on Saturday June 5th at 8:47 A.M.
EST and once again we will all be a bit chattier. The mind will move quickly
and ideas will advance without warning. The only downside is that this often
is accompanied by a nervous disposition if it sets off a sensitive part of your
chart. Communications will be speeded up as will people's desire to get where
they are going, so a word of caution about travel until we get used to this
energy. Just because Mercury rules Gemini doesn't mean the energy is instantly
compatible. It still takes a little time to adjust to the shift in our consciousness.
It is during that change that we can be distracted and make mistakes.
THE SUN TRINES NEPTUNE:
Also on Saturday June 5th the Sun trines Neptune. This is a very creative
aspect, especially for those in the arts. This is a good time to offer your
creative ideas to the world. People will be more receptive to your work. It
is a good day for daydreaming or writing poetry. People will tend to be a bit
lazy, so let me forget about today until tomorrow.
THE SUN CONJUNCTS VENUS:
On Tuesday June 8th the Sun conjuncts Venus; creating a very pleasant
aspect visible early in the morning from earth. If you have been thinking about
redecorating this would be a great time to begin, although with Venus transiting
Gemini you may have dual feelings about your choices. Romance is in the air
as well, so if you're looking, good luck. We call a planet "combust"
when it ventures too close to the Sun from our prospective. Venus will have
an extra force behind it, bringing up issues not only of love, but of possessions
and security as well.
URANUS RETROGRADES:
On Thursday June 10th at 11:47 A.M. EST the planet that rules personal
freedom, government of and by the people and all things unusual will begin moving
backwards. For the next few months we will all feel a curtailment of personal
freedom. It won't be something you can actually put your finger on, sort of
a vague underlying restraint. Although the lessons will be different for each
of us, they will entail learning to hold back instinctual desires in exchange
for stability of some sort. This aspect will also affect governments around
the globe. If the U.S. attempts to hand over Iraq to any provisional body while
this planet is retrograding, it will fail. This is also true of any truces or
compromises made. Once Uranus goes direct they will see the failures in structure.
But by then it may be too late if things are put into motion strictly for political
reasons, and not with the greater good in mind.
MERCURY SQUARES JUPITER:
Also on Thursday June 10th at 7:51 P.M. EST the planet of communication
conflicts with the planet of expansion and overdoing, and there will be a lot
of hot air floating around. Try not to add to the breeze; think before you answer
and again, don't promise what you cannot deliver. Jupiter loves to make everyone
happy. Unfortunately it can't, and we often find ourselves looking for the impossible
promised under a Jupiter transit. Once this passes we often find ourselves struggling
to fulfill those promises.
THE SUN OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Friday June 11th at 8:22 A.M. EST these two quite different energies
oppose each other and the stock market will take a big hit. Pluto rules all
sorts of vengeance and you should avoid direct confrontation for a day or so.
You never know just how crazy the guy in the other car is, and this is no day
to find out. Try not to be too demanding to those in your life and watch your
own temper. Don't be surprised by secrets being revealed. Pluto is the ruler
of the underworld and a hidden agenda is its domain. When placed in the spotlight
of the Sun it often reveals what is in the shadows.
VENUS TRINES NEPTUNE:
MERCURY CONJUNCTS VENUS:
MERCURY TRINES NEPTUNE:
On Saturday June 12th at 1:07 P.M. EST 7:24 P.M. EST and 9:05 P.M. EST
respectively these aspects hit. It will be a lovely day with Mercury conjunct
Venus and both in trine to Neptune. The Moon will be Void of course all day
so don't try to accomplish too much in business. If you can get away from your
responsibilities, this is the weekend for it. Communication will be flowing
and creativity will be heightened as well. Romance will go better than usual,
so use your imagination and wow your lover; maybe with a short trip or a picnic,
but make it different and exciting in some way.
MERCURY OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Tuesday June 15th at 11:06 A.M. EST these two planets oppose each
other bringing intensity to thoughts and speech. Be careful how you talk to
others as they may resent your tone more than the words. This brings things
out into the open, so be prepared for some more secrets to be revealed. Whenever
there is an affliction to Mercury you must be careful traveling. Drive defensively
this day and do not speed or break the law any other way. People will be angry
and you should not give them any reason to take that anger out on you, especially
in a car.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon is on Thursday June 17th at 4:27 P.M. EST. The few
days preceding is the end of the lunar cycle, and has little energy for anything
but completions. Spend your time finishing up anything that is incomplete; don't
try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it just won't work out. Once
the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a new approach to an existing
problem.
People often misunderstand this time of the month. If you have been living in
a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived
its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you
have been working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack
the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end
the matter once and for all. If you don't, when the New Moon arrives it will
bring this "dead" energy along with it and conflict with the newer
force being presented. Often people, ideas or situations remain long after they
have outlived their usefulness in our lives. Each month we are offered a chance
to clean house, so to speak. Take advantage of it by finalizing anything in
your life that needs completion.
Below is a list of times this month when the Moon is Void of Course and
neither important decisions nor purchases should be made during these periods.
The Void of Course Moon is a time when we should try to center ourselves and
deal with spiritual matters not materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the
VC Moon will not turn out the way we had expected.
The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.
All times are Eastern Daylight:
May 19th 12:52 A.M. - 3:47 A.M.
May 21st 8:13 A.M. - 4:35 P.M.
May 22nd 2:58 P.M. - May 24th 5:07 A.M. *** moon is void 1½ days
May 26th 5:42 A.M. - 3:52 P.M. ***moon is void all day
May 28th 12:17 P.M. - 11:22 P.M. *** moon is void 12 hours
May 30th 3:09 P.M. - May 31st 3:08 A.M.
June 1st 5:16 P.M. - June 2nd 3:52 A.M.
June 3rd 1:12 P.M. - June 4th 3:12 A.M.
June 5th 8:28 A.M. - June 6th 3:10 A.M. ***moon is void all day
June 7th 2:08 P.M. - June 8th 5:38 A.M.
June 9th 7:37 P.M. - June 10th 11:49 A.M.
June 12th 7:31 P.M. - 9:37 P.M. *** moon is void all day
June 14th 10:34 P.M. - June 15th 9:44 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
March 2003
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved