
With two planets changing sign and three turning retrograde this is a very complex week. None of the retrogrades are Mercury either, that would be too simple.
You can anticipate a wild ride as you feel yourself and life in general turning in directions you didn’t expect (even in these unprecedented times). Expect uncertainty, not knowing if you are headed forward, staying put, or moving backward.
Retrogrades slow us down to remind us to pay attention to what has been left behind or left undone. Something requires more attention.
As Saturn (in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius) turns retrograde understand that the outcome of this pandemic is dependant on each of us. We all must consider issues of responsibility, time, and authority, all subjects of Saturn.
On Wednesday Venus turns retrograde bringing attention to our personal values. We must re-evaluate our values (Venus) and our responsibilities (Saturn). If we collectively refuse to do so the troubles ahead will further blindside us.
Finally, on Thursday Jupiter turns retrograde as well. He is heading back for another meeting with Pluto in late June. We are not out of the woods.
During these retrogrades, the missteps of the past few months must be addressed. In order for that to happen people in authority must take responsibility and do the work required now. Ha.
During Venus’ retrograde, she squares Neptune (x3), if it looks too good to be true, chances are it is not true. Clarity is not currently within reach. Do not expect it soon. Focus on patience and kindness toward others and yourself.
Please keep in mind that transits to your natal planets can override these more universal ones. A personal consultation offers deep understanding.
SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SUCCESS – Monday, May 11, 2020
First thing this morning Saturn turns retrograde, remaining so until September 29. Everyone is ready to get out of this strange state of social distancing. Saturn’s retrograde provides a note of caution. Saturn speaks to us of responsibility, accountability, self-discipline, and the long view of time.
With Saturn in Aquarius, remember that our responsibility is not for ourselves alone. We must think beyond ourselves and even our loved ones and consider how our actions impact our communities and the entire collective.
We each must understand our personal responsibility and make a commitment to the long haul. This is the only way for for eventual long-range success.
Mercury squares Mars early this morning suggesting impatience with anything that gets in the way of what you want. You want to move fast, jump to conclusions, and rush into solutions without solid forethought. Arguments can come out of that. Slow down, take the long view.
At 5:57 PM EDT Mercury enters Gemini where it will remain until May 28th. Mercury is a quick and astute planet in the intellectual sign of Gemini. Think about the thousands of people world wide seeking a vaccine and quicker methods of testing for the coronavirus. The work they are doing will go more quickly and progress more smoothly with Mercury in Gemini. For the rest of us this is a good time for writing and communication projects.

FIND FLOW IN COMMUNICATIONS – Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Today begins with the Moon still in serious hard-working Capricorn. This helps keep your emotions stable while you adust to Saturn’s station at nearly 2° Aquarius.
If you have planets in the first 3 degrees of Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), this adjustment will be more restrictive with a longer-lasting impact. This is a good time to consider getting a personal consultation with Astrolore (Laurie).
At 11:38 AM EDT, the Moon enters Aquarius bringing a note of anticipation and innovative thinking to the rest of the next few days. When the Moon is in Aquarius you are drawn to new and unusual ideas. You are likely to react to situations from an intellectual rather than an emotional place. If you usually take things personally, this will be a time (Moon is in Aquarius) when you are less likely to do so. You’re thoughts turn to the future when you hope to have fewer restrictions and are able to spread your wings in freedom.
At 4:13 PM EDT Mercury (Gemini) trine Saturn (Aquarius) suggests clear communications and a good flow in all intellectual endeavors. This is a good time for negotiations, serious and practical conversations.
***The Capricorn Moon is void-of-course from 6:30 AM EDT until she enters Aquarius at 11:38 AM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.
TURNING TIDES AND DELUSIONS – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
By the time you begin the day, two major changes have occurred. Mars has entered Pisces and Venus has turned retrograde.
Let’s address the simpler one first. Mars is the planet of assertive and direct action. Pisces is the sign of dreams and the dissolution of boundaries. With Mars in Pisces, direct action gives way to being passively directed by dreams and emotions. Watch for the tendency to move forward based on nothing but your ‘feelings’. In the midst of a global pandemic, follow evidence rather than ‘gut instinct’. Mars in Pisces can be rather delusional.
Your energy, motivation, and ability to move forward are thwarted by external forces that you don’t trust or understand. Allow plenty of downtime to recharge your batteries. Spend time in meditation and rest. Mars will remain in Pisces until he enters Aries on June 27th.
Venus retrograde is one of the big stories of 2020. It is appropriate that it comes in the midst of this global pandemic.
Venus turns retrograde at 21° Gemini. During her retrograde (until June 25th) we must reevaluate and renegotiate our most authentic, true Values. Consider and seek clarity on what you most deeply believe in and how those beliefs and values are changing during this pandemic. What major revisions will you make on the other side of this retrograde to address how your values are being revised?
Venus has been in the shadow of her retrograde since April 9th. Venus relates to love, money, resources, beauty, and possessions. These are the things in our culture that we seem to value the most. While Venus is retrograde DO NOT move forward on these issues. Do not buy expensive items, do not let your dissatisfaction move you to purchase a new wardrobe, or make changes in your love relationships. Take this time to develop a new understanding of what is really important.
As you reevaluate these important issues, your closest relationships will face challenges. Please allow extra understanding for yourself and others.
Consider making an appointment to look at your chart today. I will be honoring the New Website Special until the end of May.
In celebration and for a limited time I am offering ASTROLORE’S NEW WEBSITE SPECIAL.
These are challenging times. I’m sure you have questions about how this profound time is impacting you personally and how you can best help yourself and others.
Let me help you expand your perspective.
This is a limited time offer so don’t delay.
We will discuss your personal birth chart and how the current planetary cycles are affecting you. With the focus on your personal experience, we will bring a new perspective that will support and help you in the coming weeks.
45 minutes: $78.
Note from a client:
Astrolore is the real deal. Laurie brings an exceptional amount of wisdom and knowledge to the work. I always have the feeling she has studied so much for long that it is hard to get everything into a session! Our sessions have helped me contemplate and clarify what I believe about myself and my life, honing in especially on what my intuition knows but my mind tries to run from. I find myself admitting things and remembering things that are not often at the forefront of my mind but have bearing on my current well-being. Insightful, humble, curious, non-judgmental, and fun – it is always a pleasure to connect with Astrolore! ~ MP Charlottesville, VA

SLOW DOWN – REORIENT – Thursday, May 14, 2020
The Moon forms her Last Quarter phase at 10:03 AM EDT. With the Moon in quirky innovative Aquarius and the Sun in stable steadfast Taurus, your wants and needs may feel at cross purposes.
This is a time of reorientation as the Moon begins her final approach toward the Sun for the next New Moon on May 22nd. The Last Quarter phase is a time of completion and release, a time to consider what has worked during this cycle and what has not. Hold on to what has worked, release what hasn’t.
At 10:32 AM EDT Jupiter, the third planet this week turns retrograde at 27° Capricorn. Jupiter will remain retrograde until September 12th.
Jupiter is traditionally considered the great benefic of the zodiac, the bringer of gifts, optimism, and expansion. As Jupiter turns retrograde we begin to see the cost of our current optimism and the gifts themselves are pulled back. We must understand that there is more of a cost to the gift of expansion than we expected.
The course of Jupiter’s retrograde brings it back toward its second conjunction with Pluto on June 30th, the third occurs on November 12th. Our current global situation began with the conjunction of Saturn to Pluto in late January. Since then a series of events and transits have added to the story, including Jupiter’s first conjunction with Pluto on April 4th.
Jupiter conjunct Pluto can be thought of as the beginning of a cycle of expanding power. That simple statement should give you a good deal to think about. The actual seed planted to begin the cycle isn’t entirely clear until Jupiter makes all three passes (April, June, November). Proceed with rational consideration and healthy caution.
At 9:25 PM EDT the Moon enters Pisces. The upcoming weekend brings lovely aspects. Enjoy peaceful dreams tonight.
***The Aquarius Moon is void-of-course from 10:03 AM EDT until she enters Pisces at 9:25 PM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.
INVESTIGATION BRINGS CLARITY – Friday, May 15, 2020
The Sun trine Pluto in the early morning hours supports you as you adjust to the newly retrograding planets. You are able to feel the shift beneath your feet and are grateful for the reinforcement of this aspect.
The Sun trine Pluto clearly acknowledges the intensity of your present situation and experiences. You may feel driven to look deeper into how things are being presented to you. You have a greater need to know you are getting the truth and not being duped for untoward reasons.
If you are prone to believing everything you hear, this aspect encourages you to deeper investigation. A deeper investigation may lead to illuminating discoveries of shrouded information. Get clear on the sources behind all information you believe or pass on.
With Pluto, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus all retrograde turn to inward to understand your place in your own story.
TAKE A NAP – Saturday, May 16, 2020
This has been a wild week with planets changing signs and directions. What you could use today is a nap. With the Moon in Pisces and no major planetary activity, go ahead and settle into a day of rest.

When the Moon is in Pisces you may find yourself absorbing the emotions of everyone in your sphere. You may feel wrung out. In the midst of these challenging times, you have enough emotion yourself without having to carry it for others.
Give yourself permission to take care of yourself today. No matter how strong you consider yourself to be, today your defenses are spent. Reinvigorate yourself in some way. Enjoy time alone to rest and reflect, take a walk in the woods, spend time on the meditation cushion, listen to music. Stay away from alcohol and medications.
DO NOT RACE TO THE FINISH LINE – Sunday, May 17, 2020
At 9:36 AM EDT, the Moon enters Aries making it challenging to slow yourself down. When the Moon is in Aries you may feel invincible making it difficult to respond with caution or forethought. Channel the excess energy of the Aries Moon into physical activity to prevent frustration and anger. Go for a run, a bike ride, or lift weights.
On Friday the Sun formed a lovely trine aspect to the Sun, today it trines Jupiter. This is a lovely transit, suggesting that you feel a sense of freedom after suffering many restrictions of late. Keep in mind that Jupiter is retrograde and you can easily overextend yourself with too much optimism and confidence. Please continue wearing your masks and social distancing.
Enjoy the lovely vibe of this transit without becoming overexuberant and irresponsible. Allow your view of what is possible to broaden.
Keep open to new ideas and opportunities for the future, just don’t try to race to the finish line.
***The Pisces Moon is void-of-course from 4 AM EDT until she enters Aries at 9:36 AM EDT. This suggests that what occurs during this time will not have much impact.
* In these weekly reports, I explore the major aspects formed by transit between the planets. I do not consider every aspect that the Moon makes each day as they can be numerous and give rise to fleeting moods. I will consider the final major aspect formed by the Moon prior to its VOC* time, as that aspect holds its influence throughout the VOC*.
The aspects under consideration: conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions.
The planets I work with: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” ~ Og Mandino
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