By Debra Infante
We begin May with a potent, illuminating lunar eclipse in Libra on May 5, 2023. Mars, planet of action, moves to its challenging sign of Cancer on May 10, 2023, and will aspect Saturn in Aquarius. This brings an emphasis on facing our responsibilities and taking appropriate actions. Mercury goes direct on May 14, having been retrograde since April 21, 2023, gives improved communications.
On May 5, 2023 at 10:34 AM PDT, we experience a lunar eclipse in Libra, the second eclipse of a pair. The previous eclipse occurred the evening of April 19, two weeks earlier. This lunar eclipse is at 20 degrees Libra, a cardinal air sign, in the nakshatra of Vishakha. As this eclipse occurs in a sign that rules balance and harmony, we become more aware of how polarized, stressed, and out of balance our world has become. This could motivate us to let go of extremism and focus more on harmony and peace. The nakshatra of Vishakha is symbolized as a “fork in the road” and indicates we may need to choose the best direction to take for our greater good and personal evolution, especially if our life is out of balance.
Eclipses are periods where events can be unpredictable, amplified, or hidden issues are revealed. Eclipses offer us a window of opportunity to address a situation or condition. Eclipses give us important learning experiences and opportunities for deeper awakening and understanding. In Vedic culture, eclipses are days for spiritual life, meditation, introspection, or retreat. Eclipses are generally not good days for mundane or material activities.
Mercury, planet of communications and travel, goes direct at 11 degrees Aries on the evening of May 14, 2023, having been retrograde since April 21. When Mercury goes direct it is easier to resolve any misunderstandings with others, correct mistakes, and forgive. You may experience greater mental clarity as Mercury slowly moves in direct motion.
Mars, planet of action and courage, begins its transit through its debilitated sign of Cancer beginning May 10 until Jun 30, 2023. Normally, Mars is energetic, ambitious, independent, and courageous. But debilitated planets can act differently or contrary to their natural tendency. Passive-aggressive tendencies can manifest or we find self-assertion difficult. If our desires and ambitions are not fulfilled in a timely manner, we can be prone to arguments, conflicts, and frustrations. Emotional sensitivity or old wounds that center around family relationships may surface to be healed.
To help the Mars transit through the sensitive sign of Cancer, be more mindful of how your actions affect others. Access the higher qualities of Mars by being more self-disciplined and focused. Debilitated planets can teach us the quality of humility, as we learn to relate to others without pride or excessive ego. Mars in Cancer can also bring less aggressiveness as we start to understand the power of mediation without physical conflict. While Mars is in Cancer, this is a great time to amplify your yoga practice or participate in conflict resolution courses. Stabilize your mind and emotions, and be in positive, loving environments. Practice non-violence or ahimsa, that brings great respect for all living things.
While Mars transits the sign of Cancer, it aspects Saturn in Aquarius. The exact aspect will be at 12 degrees Cancer from May 31 to June 2, 2023. Mars and Saturn are not so friendly with each other and we may question the actions we take, and wonder why things are not moving forward more smoothly. With Mars is moving through its debilitated sign and Saturn powerfully transiting its own sign of Aquarius, we may feel this imbalance of energy, and this can bring frustrations that are hard to express that increased stress. During this time be extra patient and mindful along with proper self-restraint. Practice generosity and compassion with self and others. Be conscious of what you allow in your space, and be with those who uplift and ground you.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
