A Guide to Astrological Influences in May 2011

The simplified profile of planetary aspects reaching a peak in the month of May is:  6 conjunctions, 0 oppositions, 3 trines, 1 square.  Like the previous month, the planetary conjunctions take the lead in the profile.  The oddity this time is in the form of two separate conjunctions between a pair of planets (Mercury and Venus).  This will be described later.

The first major planetary aspect in May is Mercury parallel Venus, which peaks early in the morning of the 2nd.  This aspect will increase the compatibility for sharing our personal thoughts with someone else.

In the morning of the 9th, Mercury CON Venus in Aries furthers the influence of the above-mentioned aspect and greatly strengthens it.  (These two planets will conjunct each other again on the 16th.  Details later.)

On the 11th, Mercury and Venus conjunct Jupiter in Aries -- first Venus in the morning, then Mercury about five hours later, in the afternoon.  In effect, this turns the configuration into a triple-conjunction, expanding the influence beyond its original scope.  It might even affect conferences involving international relations.

In the afternoon and evening of the 12th, Venus parallel Jupiter adds a last bit of influence to the above-described manifestations, helping things along even more.

Peaking in the morning of Friday the 13th, Jupiter 3/10 Pluto emphasizes things like boundary rights and territorial claims -- anything from local to international.  Even street gangs will be affected by this influence.  Peaking in the evening, Mars parallel Neptune can help to facilitate ("lubricate") the establishing of deals regarding boundary claims -- or just about anything else.

Peaking in the afternoon/evening of the 14th, Sun parallel Pluto reactivates the competitive atmosphere to some extent, but probably not enough to upset any deals that were made recently.

On the 15th, Venus and Mercury move out of Aries and enter the sign of Taurus almost simultaneously (within about an hour of each other).  And then their second conjunction in May takes place on the 16th.  This requires explaining.  Mercury went stationary-direct on April 23, and therefore moved much slower than usual for a while (as viewed from the Earth).  During that time, Venus was actually moving faster than Mercury (again, as viewed from the Earth).  As a result, Venus was catching up to Mercury to form the conjunction in Aries on May 9.  But as Mercury picks up speed, it catches up to Venus and forms the second conjunction, in the wee hours of the 16th, this time in the sign of Taurus.  Simple.  Later in the morning (16th), Mercury parallel Jupiter tends to expand viewpoints, creating a "think big" atmosphere.

Peaking in the afternoon of the 19th, Venus parallel Neptune tends to open up our feelings for introspection.

Mercury CON Mars in Taurus peaks in the evening of the 20th, and that conjunction trines Pluto in the morning/afternoon.  This can result in strong and effective speeches being made.

(Note:  The precise timings of the aspects for May 20 can be seen on  the sample aspect page which is posted during the month of April at www.newstandardaspectarian.com.)

Mercury parallel Neptune peaks in the wee hours of the 21st, increasing the reality of dreams and the compatibility for inspirational ideas.  Peaking later in the morning (and in orb for many days), Uranus 1/11 Neptune can tend to conjure up ghostly apparitions.  Then, peaking at about midday (21st), Venus 1/3 Pluto brings out friendly competition.

Peaking in the wee hours of the 22nd, Sun 1/4 Neptune creates confusion.  Peaking about three hours later (and in orb for many days), Jupiter 5/11 Saturn tends to create stress stemming from pitting big against small, rich against poor, etc.  National health care might be in the news again.

Venus CON Mars in Taurus peaks in the wee hours of the 23rd.  This tends to increase the strength of emotions.  Because of the timing of this aspect, it can also greatly magnify romantic feelings.

Peaking in the morning/afternoon of the 24th, Mercury parallel Venus "will increase the compatibility for sharing our personal thoughts with someone else", as stated earlier in this article when this aspect peaked on May 2nd.  (Yes, this is the second time this aspect peaks in May.)

Mercury parallel Mars peaks in the morning of the 26th.  This can tend to cause strong talk and/or shouting to come forth in various places.

Venus parallel Mars peaks in the morning of the 29th.  This can tend to cause emotions to build up and spew forth. This influence is similar to, but not as strong as, the Venus-Mars conjunction which peaks on the 23rd.  (Please refer to that description for details.)

Neptune goes stationary in declination in the afternoon/evening of the 31st (but is in orb for many days).  This will cause all of the qualities of Neptune to manifest, without any necessary categorization in terms of good or bad.  For example, rain is neither good nor bad.  It's just rain.

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