ECLIPSE SEASON: We continue to wend our way through eclipse season, a time when events seem especially profound or fated and we experience major transformations. This season, and the current lunar cycle, will be active until next week's New Moon in Gemini, which occurs on May 30 at 3:32 a.m. PDT. Because this is such a powerful time, we may want to pay special attention to the two remaining lunar phases that occur this week.

Today, at 11:43 a.m. PDT on Sunday, May 22, we begin the Last Quarter phase of the current lunar cycle. This marks a time of transition and completion, when we can more objectively observe our progress over the past three weeks, since the Solar Eclipse on April 30/May 1. During this phase of the Moon, we may take specific actions to finish a project or to correct our course if we have drifted off track.

BALSAMIC MOON: We enter the final Balsamic phase of the Moon on Thursday, May 26, at 4:35 a.m. PDT. This lunar phase is ultimately about accepting and releasing the past, as well as cleansing and clearing in preparation for the next lunar cycle. It is a time to listen to our inner voice for guidance and support, rather than seeking answers outside of us. Because of this, the Balsamic phase is suited for meditation and contemplation. This may require that we withdraw somewhat from usual activities and interactions for a few days.

This more introspective time is also supported by Mercury's backward-motion phase, which will last until June 3. This week, retrograde Mercury is sextile Mars on Monday and trine Pluto on Wednesday. While these aspects are in effect, throughout the first half of the week, we may feel inspired to take action on a new idea or plan, especially with proactive Mars entering pioneering Aries on Tuesday and then conjunct Jupiter next Sunday.

If you feel the need to make important choices at this time, remember the usual cautions of Mercury retrograde: Avoid making decisions under pressure or due to time constraints. These are the conditions under which we might miss important details or ignore our intuitive knowing of best timing.

ELEPHANT UPDATE: Pocha and Guille, the mother and daughter elephants I wrote about last week (they were rescued from their life in a cement pit and moved to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil about ten days ago) are doing amazingly well! After a couple of days of being nervous about venturing beyond the safety of the barn area, they are now exploring the natural world every day, learning so much about life as it should always have been for them.

Scott Blais, co-founder of Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), is great at posting videos and sharing how the girls are doing, explaining the new developments that unfold day by day. This morning's video was of the girls having a grand time playing the mud wallow not far from the barn area. I'm sharing Scott's updates on my facebook page, or you can go directly to the GSE facebook page, Instagram page, or website to see short videos and news about the progress the girls are making.

I hope you enjoy their healing journey as much as I am! There's something magical about starting the day watching a video of newly freed elephants exploring the world for the first time.

DAILY ASPECTS: Here is a list of the noteworthy planetary aspects that are occurring this week, along with my brief interpretations:

Monday

Sun sextile Jupiter: This aspect is one of optimism and faith, a grounded knowing that all is in divine order.

Venus conjunct Eris: This conjunction supports our taking action on our personal values. As always with Eris, be aware of acting impulsively, especially when relating to others or in making purchases (both of these areas are ruled by Venus).

Retrograde Mercury sextile Mars: Intuition is strong. This may help us know what actions we want to take once Mercury goes direct on June 3. 

Tuesday

Venus sextile Saturn: This aspect helps us feel more assured of what we value. It also may be a good day for feeling supported by friends.

Mars enters Aries: The Red Planet will be in Aries, the sign it rules, from May 24 to July 5. During this time, we are more likely to be courageous in our actions, but may also need to watch impulsive behaviors and a tendency to become easily irritated over delays.  

Wednesday

Retrograde Mercury trine Pluto: Contemplation today can help us get in touch with our longer-term goals or larger life mission.

Thursday

Mars semisquare Uranus: Frustrations are likely today, due to unexpected situations that interrupt our personal agenda. We are restless but are advised not to react impulsively without fully considering the consequences of our actions. 

Venus square Pluto: Relationships may be tense today, as emotions rise to the surface that have been suppressed or hidden.

Friday

No major aspects are exact today. 

Saturday

Venus enters Taurus: Venus will be in Taurus from May 28 to June 22. During these three weeks, we especially value comfort and familiar surroundings. We appreciate life's pleasures and may be more self-indulgent than usual. 

Sunday

Mars conjunct Jupiter: We feel especially confident, courageous, and willing to take risks with this alignment in Aries. In particular, we are inspired to act in accordance with our life philosophy, with our deeply held beliefs. We are less likely to heed the opinions and perspectives of others. The shadow side of this conjunction is strong self-righteousness, or an impulsive leap that doesn't take into account where or how we will land.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year encourages time spent in contemplation and introspection. You may be especially drawn to reflect on what you really believe and have faith in, as well as what is needed to bring more meaning into your life. The answers you seek and find will be based on your deepened knowing of yourself, not on the philosophies or opinions of others. As a result of this journey inward, you will discover new hope, joy, and optimism that will support you going forward. (Solar Return Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, sextile Jupiter)

In peace and with gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MON: Sun sextile Jupiter, Venus conjunct Eris, retrograde Mercury sextile Mars
• TUE: Venus sextile Saturn, Mars enters Arie
• WED: Retrograde Mercury trine Pluto
• THU: Mars semisquare Uranus, Venus square Pluto
• FRI: No major aspects are exact today
• SAT: Venus enters Taurus
• SUN: Mars conjunct Jupiter

WEBINAR REPLAY: If you missed my recent "Metamorphosis" class covering May through August, no worries! You can still purchase the video replay and class materials. Just send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject line to pam@northpoint astrology.com, and I'll reply with details. Thanks!

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.

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To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

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