The solar month of Taurus (April 19/20 - May 20/21) teaches us about the pulse of life. The signs of the zodiac move outward then inward, like breath through the lungs and blood through the heart. This is the polarity of activity and passivity. The initiations of Aries must be contained by Taurus. The fire and air signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius) move us outward. The water and earth signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces) move us inward.

Taurus serves to ground and stabilize whatever Aries starts. Aries initiates life and Taurus figures out how to stay alive. The instinct to survive is basic to all species. This creates desire in humans for the resources that sustain us such as food, clothing and shelter. So Taurus and its ruler Venus relate to our value systems.

Whatever we value creates that which we desire. These desires become what we perceive we need. This can be a bicycle or the new BMW, a cabin in the woods or a gated mansion. It can be a desire for anything, separating us from That which created us or returning us to Source, or any combo unique to us.

When we learn how to survive and thrive, we tend to become more secure. Security is another Taurean archetype. There can then be the tendency to believe that our security is found in the outer world of possessions, food and resources. This concept is reinforced by today's religions teaching us that god lies outside of ourselves, and therefore security is external to us. We become protective of our turf in order to remain secure. This is the domain of Taurus in today's modern world - don't mess with my stuff!

However, if we get too obsessive with the world of outer security, those famous rugs can get ripped out from underneath us. Our stuff gets thrown away, lost in a natural disaster or repossessed. The partner leaves us. These losses can actually teach us a deeper Taurean lesson of inner security. If we become too invested in security outside of self, those outer manifestations can disappear. The Evolutionary Astrology mantra for Taurus is: I create self-reliance with every metamorphosis.

The ultimate self-reliance is in knowing that our inner relationship to Creator is the source of everything. God/Goddess is essentially found within, and from that deep inner awareness we can go with the natural ebb and flow of life.

One of the most basic survival instincts in all species is to procreate, or sexuality. Taurus and Scorpio are polarities on the wheel of the zodiac. Taurus teaches us self-sex and Scorpio teaches us how to merge with another. Sexuality is one of the most basic desires within a soul, and it is one of the last desires to be released.

Natural sexuality has been suppressed and distorted (mainly by religions) to such a degree, that almost everyone is triggered by even mentioning the subject. Go within and listen to how your own body and soul reacts to the word "sex." Do you want to suppress your desire or glamorize it? Both are distortions of the natural sexual impulse.

The social pressure and judgments around sex leave us with little idea of how to naturally express our sexuality. Religions preach abstinence until permission for procreation is given, i.e. marriage. These pressures to sexually conform are based upon the assumption that somehow spirit and flesh are opposed to one another.

In truth, sexuality is the most sacred act there is. It naturally arises with puberty. When we deny this reality, it gets shoved into the back seat and distorted with guilt and shame. There are no easy answers in bringing sexuality out of the closet. Yet the subject must be addressed. If we wish our children to be educated before making babies, then we must sexually educate them and teach them safe self-sex before sexually engaging with another.

A deep Taurean self-reliance starts with our own sexual fulfillment. In ancient eastern philosophies this is natural tantric practice to know God/Goddess. It can then lead to deep meaningful sexual relations with another full of respect for each other.

Sexually satisfied souls have less desire to project unfulfilled sexual urges unconsciously outward as rape and war. Unfortunately, sexual suppression has created these distortions for so long we cannot even recognize them anymore. Isn't there some statement about making love not war? It is true. A healthy Taurus value system understands sexuality is natural, and this is the time of year to renew its expression.

The solar month of Taurus energizes the fixed signs of the zodiac. Sun in Taurus opposes Jupiter in Scorpio by sign (and aspect May 4), and Saturn in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius by sign all year. We may want to dig in our heels this month, and the lessons are to find that next level of inner self-reliance in order to metamorphose wherever necessary.

Venus makes a waxing trine to Jupiter retrograde on April 20 at 15/16 degrees Pisces-Scorpio. This is a very pleasing aspect emotionally. Love is in the air and in our hearts. Venus is activated this solar month as the Sun passes through one of its signs of rulership. Venus in Pisces is looking for unconditional love. It is neither extreme of selfishness or selflessness. It is the balance, wholeness in the middle. Love yourself first, and then look outside is a Venus in Pisces message very few souls put enough effort in to.

Jupiter in Scorpio takes us to emotional depths for a year (October 25, 2005 through November 23, 2006) searching for emotional truths. Emotional co-dependencies can be exposed. This Venus-Jupiter trine aspect can allow any neediness to squeak through, and yet Sun in Taurus wants self-reliance. Where are you? Watch out for Jupiter's wild emotional claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Yet at the same time, this aspect can allow us to glimpse what real unconditional love is really like. Keep striving for it again and again.

The Sun makes a waning square to Saturn on April 24 at 4/5 degrees Taurus-Leo. This is the first of the fixed signs planetary aspects this month. There are old creative realities to be released. Things and/or relationships that we thought would give us security no longer do. What needs to be let go? Remember, it just creates a void for new self-securities to come through.

The fixed signs teach us about security and stability. We just have to watch out for getting stuck in the same old patterns day after day. If you find yourself at a loss, unable to make sense of things, or even depressed, this can signify clinging to old security patterns that no longer work. It is time to let go of old realities - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

There is a saying: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Where are your reality structures no longer working? What changes do you get to make for your self by your self?

The New Moon of Taurus is April 27 at 7/8 degrees. New Moons are always new emotional beginnings, and this time "I can do it" is the theme. Self-reliance means that we can do whatever is necessary or desired. Now is the time to search for the emotions to create from an inner strength.

Taurus is sometimes known as stubbornness in its effort to be secure. Yet a New Moon is about new beginnings and initiations. There is energy to change. Take time to reflect a bit on what is important to you, your values. That can help with intuiting how to step forward.

Taurus can also be laziness in its desire to be secure. All month long we need to make the effort to keep evolving. Figure out what is important to you and do something about it. We are fine-tuning our Arian ideas and movement is still necessary as we strive for a steadier pace.

Money issues can arise with Sun in Taurus as it tends to be an important resource in the modern world. What is your relationship to money? Fear? What do you want to change about that relationship? Will that next credit card possession really give you security? Deepen your connection to Universal Source and you will evolve your relationship to money and all resources.

The Sun makes a waning sextile to Mars on April 29 at 8/9 degrees Taurus-Cancer. This aspect points to going within and looking deeper as any Mars in Cancer vulnerabilities are revealed. Mars in Cancer (or any water sign) can get quite frustrated. Mars likes movement, straight and direct.

Cancer wants things to feel good before going forward. Add on Taurus and energy can get comfy with status quo. Reflection is not a strong Mars attribute. So where are you feeling vulnerable? Can you find your next level of inner strength? Perhaps old family patterns need to be released, and yet this is always how we have done things.

We all have desire for security. Yet change is inevitable. Any time you feel insecure the message is to go within and figure out the source of it. Then you can understand how to evolve into deeper inner security in order to change your outer world.

Mercury makes a waxing sextile to Neptune on April 29 as well at 19/20 degrees Aries-Aquarius. New insights can really spark here. Take some time to think things through. Let the new ideas become repetitive to test their reliability. Are you discovering a new step toward broader truth?

If we are feeling a little vulnerable today, we may just recycle old ideas. We need to strive for a little objectivity. It might help to get feedback from people who have no investment in our ideas and choices.

The next day Venus makes a waxing square to Pluto retrograde on April 30 at 26/27 degrees Pisces-Sagittarius. Here is a crisis point on our self-reliance journey this solar month. We can watch our desire for security wrestling with our desire to grow. We may find some relationship co-dependencies exposed and face new ways in relating. Venus in Pisces comes back to self-love and the tendency to substitute everything else is strong. We can settle for wanting someone else to love us and make us feel good.

This is a test point to really move into walking our talk and going for the deep desires within our soul. This is an opportunity to believe in ourselves. Everything comes from that. It is time to change your relating patterns. Be honest with yourself and those in your life. If you feel someone isn't being honest with you, confront them.

Mercury makes a waxing trine to Pluto retro on May 3 at 26/27 degrees Aries-Sagittarius. Mercury first touched in with Neptune, and now it looks to Pluto for deep messages from soul. Truth can spark here too, especially if we are striving to understand it on the deepest levels possible.

Do not settle for the easy way out. Be honest with yourself. Venus and Mercury are allowing us to connect in to our soul (Pluto), and it is not always fun. Yet truth works out to be so much easier in the long run. It may be time for some communications with others. Can you listen as much as you want to speak?

Venus enters Aries on May 3 for the next four weeks. Venus and Mercury are both playing catch up with the Sun. We are still working on initiating new inner and outer desires through the perception of our needs. Our thoughts can be full of self. Venus in Aries can bring us new ways to self-love. It is always about self-love, deep, deep self-love. Our ability to give and receive love starts with our abilities to self-love.

Venus in Pisces may have asked us to release some old self-defeating love patterns. Now we get to figure out new love patterns. The famous feedback from others may be coming through. It is up to each of us to discern whether or not their comments are valid. Or, are we being projected upon by someone else's lack of self-love?

Listen, listen, listen. Then see how it feels with another's words. Are your own security buttons being pushed? Then you need to make some changes. Does it just feel like someone wanting you to be responsible for them? You get to practice the words "no" thank you. Venus is starting a brand new cycle of giving and receiving love so make the most of it.

The middle of this solar month takes on strong emotional tones with the second Jupiter-Uranus waning trine, and Mars in Cancer joining them for a grand trine. We may desire to just keep grounding ourselves. Where is my security? Where is my security? We need to make the continual effort to be emotionally honest with ourselves. There may be situations and information coming through that shakes up our emotional world. The intent is to help us acknowledge and live in our emotional bodies. This is something the westernized world has tried to avoid for so long. It can seem foreign to have this much emotional current in our lives. Find your emotional peace. You create your world from these emotional vibrations.

The Sun gets involved by making a waxing sextile to Uranus on May 4 at 13/14 degrees Taurus-Pisces. We can just want stability through all the changes happening. Uranus in Pisces can be famous for checking out. Sun in Taurus can help us get in touch with what is real.

These are the resources I have. This is the world I live in. This is how my life functions. We can get glimpses of our changes coming. Pay attention to the repetitious themes, which help us understand the new steps to take. If you sense your changes coming and just try to avoid them, you are setting up the famous cataclysms. Is that really what you want?

The Sun makes it annual opposition to Jupiter retrograde on May 4 as well at 14 degrees Taurus-Scorpio. This is the highlight of the Jupiter retrograde cycle (March 4 through July 5) in Scorpio. Truth always wants to be exposed with Jupiter retrograde. The Taurus-Scorpio theme will touch upon our relationships - to other people and our resources. What is being exposed for you? Are you trying to avoid things? Why?

Jupiter in Scorpio looks for our emotional limitations and exposes them. Then Sun in Taurus helps find the next level of emotional self-reliance. This is a big theme this solar month. Every single thing we do is about learning to love ourselves better. This then permeates into the world, creating a world of love.

So now go back to your personal relationships. Where are your own emotional limitations surfacing? Where do you want to compensate and ignore things, or pretend the picture is different? Where do you want to grasp out for security? Can you go inward with this need? If you want another to love you, strive to love your self in the same way. If you feel like you need more money or a stable job, strive to go inward and recognize that your emotional vibrations attract your reality to you. You must feel safe to be safe. You must feel prosperous to create prosperity.

The Sun-Jupiter opposition can show us where we are emotionally vibrating today. It can show us the depths of our personal limitations and insecurities. We can then make the effort to reach for the next best emotion and feeling. Think back to a time of your last great fears and insecurities and how you made it through. You can apply this "I can do it" concept to today's fears. Do this again and again, until you can manifest feeling a little better and a little better, each moment, each day. Then you can change the manifestations of your world one Taurus step at a time.

This Sun-Jupiter opposition can also help us through any sexual limitations, confusions and confrontations. You can inwardly ask your own intuition to reveal what is best for you sexually. You can make an effort to satisfy your own sexual needs. Sexual energy is some of the most creative energy in this world. We can abuse it or use it. We can channel it in healthy ways. Ask your intuition to help you evolve on your own sexual path.

We can create beautiful sexual unions with other souls through this Sun in Taurus-Jupiter in Scorpio opposition aspect, especially to the degree we can create it with our self. What freedom to realize that we are naturally sexual beings and that this comes from God/Goddess itself. The process of creation can be looked at as God/Goddess making love to itself. What a Taurean concept and relief. We are not alone in our creative sexual expressions.

Then Jupiter makes the second of three waning trines to Uranus on May 4 at 13/14 degrees Scorpio-Pisces. The first one was November 27, 2005 and the last waning trine is August 29, 2006, all in Scorpio-Pisces. The highest vibration for these two planets in Scorpio-Pisces is, what else, unconditional love in all its many forms. Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) are always about emotions, the greatest of which is love. Later this week, Mars in Cancer makes a grand trine in water signs with Jupiter and Uranus.

We also have extremes of emotional distortions upon the planet today. The waning trine aspect between Jupiter and Uranus can just carry these distortions along. Jupiter expands, both "good" and "bad." Uranus can get into its "better than" mentality. Mars in Cancer can be fearful enough to turn aggressive. Things can emotionally escalate quite easily with these grand trine aspects.

Jupiter is seeking to help us understand what Uranus is revealing. The polarizing contrasts on the planet can help us see possible choices more clearly. We can utilize Sun in Taurus to find inner security through these changing times. The waning trine can help us understand community, and that we are all on this planet together. Water seeks the path of least resistance. We need to make the emotional effort to evolve.

Uranus in Pisces can move us beyond the physical boundaries of space and time. The last time Uranus was in Aquarius (1912-1919) and Pisces (1919-1927) Albert Einstein was doing his research that would take us into today's world of quantum physics and holograms. The metaphysical world now states this as whatever we put energy into we manifest. Energize war and you get war. Energize peace and you get peace.

Jupiter is our intuition and in Scorpio it can get razor sharp and go to the core, positive and negative. The world is recognizing, again, that we have the power to destroy ourselves or heal ourselves. What do you choose to emotionally energize? Evolutionary Astrology teaches us to be aware of the polarity of manifestation - good and bad, or returning forces and separating forces. Then we must realize that we have choice to energize that which we wish to see. The famous saying "be in the world what you wish to see in the world."

So here is the waning Jupiter-Uranus trine in water signs touching in to our deepest fears. It is also showing us those souls on the planet who choose love regardless of current circumstances. The two extremes of beliefs and emotions are gravitating to each other into pockets of peace and pockets of war. An interesting awareness is that these two very different vibrations are connecting vibrationally as well as physically. Welcome to the world of quantum physics and cyberspace connections.

Sun in Taurus can help us find peace in this by lessening the fears of where we need to be to have enough resources for survival. We have the inner power to align our vibrations - beliefs, thoughts and emotions - with the directions we desire to go almost anywhere we reside. This is the great frontier today - inside our own head and heart. We are "fighting" the greatest battles within. It is energizing the direction we desire to go regardless of current reality. Defeat is the emotion the separating forces attempt to cast upon you. Cast it back off, again and again and again. Choose to be peaceful and energize it.

Mercury enters Taurus on May 5 for the next two weeks. Now we can mentally grasp some of these inner self-reliance concepts. If you find yourself worrying about your resources, choose a better thought. Even though I do not have everything I desire in the moment, every day brings me closer and closer to creating what I do desire.

You have the freedom to choose the thoughts in your head. Sometimes just simply acknowledging unwanted thoughts and worry can ease the energy behind it. We all have fears and worries. It is not about hiding from our shadow side, it is shining the light of day on it that dissipates the shadow. I see my shadow, it is natural to be there and from its contrast I can choose a better thought. This is so simple, so practical and yet so profound.

Mars makes a waning trine to Jupiter retro on May 7 at 13/14 degrees Cancer-Scorpio. Here is the messenger between Jupiter and Uranus. A grand trine turns a circle into a three-pointed star or trinity. Its natural energy is to signify harmony, for better or worse. The opportunity presented between Mars and Jupiter is for Mars in Cancer to find a deeper level of emotional self-reliance inside. This will allow it to recognize the truths Jupiter retro in Scorpio is revealing, even when it is uncomfortable.

If Mars in Cancer is insecure, it will want to utilize Jupiter in Scorpio to manipulate others however necessary in order to create some type of security, usually outwardly. We will try to get others to do what we want them to do, and tell them it is for their own good. Can you recognize this in today's politics of fear anyone?

We can also find Mars and Jupiter creating some great family and intimate love relations. There is opportunity for deep emotional connecting. The more inwardly self-reliant we strive to become, the deeper our emotional bonding can go. There is always a spectrum of manifestations to any archetype.

The same day, May 7, Mars makes a waxing trine to Uranus at 14 degrees Cancer-Pisces. These two planets are not always the best of friends. They tend to push each other around. This aspect has the potential to lessen the tension if both make an effort. Effort is the key word with trines because that is usually what is missing.

The point is that whatever effort you put into this weekend and these trines you can manifest. Honor your emotions. Get in touch with your emotional body. Figure out what pushes your buttons and find a deeper level of self-reliance, especially emotional self-reliance. Again, Mars can then take all this new info and emotions into consideration with its course of action.

We can each battle within between security and insecurity. We will need to pay attention to realize which side is strongest as we strive for more inner security. Mars and Uranus will both be trying to figure out this emotional give and take balance. Uranus in Pisces will have the last word, exploding it into our consciousness if necessary. You can also just ask and the trines will deliver, letting you know your next emotional love lessons.

Venus makes a waning trine to Saturn on May 7 as well at 5/6 degrees Aries-Leo. This can be a nice interplay for these two planets. Saturn has been in Leo for almost a year now. We are finding strength again in our own creative purpose. We are remembering that each of us matters with our planetary work.

Venus can come along and add some nice ideas into the picture. We may be in the right place at the right time to be noticed finally. Make an effort to notice others as well, and create a mutual admiration society. Watch out for any selfishness. Just give as you wish to receive. The more we work on inner self-reliance this solar month, the more we can manifest our individual creativity.

Mercury makes a waning square to Saturn on May 7 at 5/6 degrees Taurus-Leo. Here is this fixed sign energy again. Mercury asks us to face our insecurities so that we can let go of old realities no longer working. We want to keep coming back to the same thought patterns about life and they just do not fit anymore. Let old ideas go as Venus brings in new ones.

The Sun makes a waxing square to Neptune on May 10 at 19/20 degrees Taurus-Aquarius. The key to creating new levels of security and self-reliance is opening up to face the limitations in our beliefs that create the insecurities in the first place. New evolving beliefs are busting out here. We may attempt to ignore them because it feels uncomfortable.

All month long we are asked to address our limitations. Many of us desire more resources, especially money. How can we manifest these resources in a holographic world when we remain stuck in our unworthiness beliefs or lack beliefs? There is opportunity to stretch ourselves here, and try out some new beliefs. Go for it.

Mercury makes its opposition to Jupiter retrograde on May 11 at 13/14 degrees Taurus-Scorpio. This is the left-brain versus right-brain tug-of-war. Our practical, analytical side must face its mental limitations as our emotional, intuitive side reveals deeper and deeper understandings.

We may face relationship issues where we intuitively know it is time to end things. Yet our insecurities have us rationalizing excuses for remaining in the dysfunctional patterns. We can remain in an abusive job situation for the money. Remember, when we have become too co-dependent upon outer securities, they can be removed in order to help us move toward deeper inner self-reliance. Where do you need to metamorphose?

Mercury makes a waxing sextile to Uranus on May 12 at 14/15 degrees Taurus-Pisces. We can receive plenty of insights on what needs to change in our lives. There are probably lots of messages coming through. Are you ignoring them? Pay attention to the new ideas that keep popping up into your consciousness.

Mercury can be receiving wonderful ideas from both Jupiter and Uranus. Watch your stubbornness and refusal to look at things differently. It is only leading you to cataclysms.

The Full Moon of Scorpio is May 12 at 22/23 degrees Taurus-Scorpio. Here are the Moon and Sun following Mercury and Jupiter from the day before. We may find ourselves in the midst of emotional upheavals now. It just signifies where we are trying to limit ourselves for security reasons.

Have you noticed the calm afterwards whenever a storm passes through? This Full Moon is the storm exposing our insecurities. It can feel very vulnerable, and yet afterwards a certain amount of relief comes through. Foundations stabilize again in new ways. We need to make the effort to initiate the new metamorphosis instead of being taken by surprise.

Taurus and Scorpio are so caught up in security. Yet by the time evolutionary forces overcome our resistance and create the cataclysm, there is a part of our self that heard the internal messages. We just chose to ignore them. So, as you get your ah ha's with this emotional Full Moon you know what you need to do.

Mercury makes a waning sextile to Mars on May 13 at 17/18 degrees Taurus-Cancer. This brings the messages to release outer securities for inner securities. The last week of the solar month has Mercury bumping into several planets, shaking up our self-reliance wherever we stubbornly refuse to grow.

You can take some time to think things through, yet somehow actions will be required. We may need some type of surrendering to Source. We may find ourselves reaching for an inner faith that things will be ok. Family advice could be an option.

Mercury makes a waxing square to Neptune on May 14/15 at 19/20 degrees Taurus-Aquarius. These two planets can bring the messages and conversations that broaden our outlook. We could find ourselves forced to be more objective in certain areas where we have refused to grow.

Neptune tends to be a little elusive and yet here things come through quite direct. This is the bigger picture and this is how you get to move in to it. Remember that inner self-reliance always makes things easier rather than trying to control everything on the outside. Neptune will not let that happen anyway.

The superior conjunction of Mercury to the Sun is May 18 at 27/28 degrees Taurus. This is where Mercury catches the Sun from its last retrograde cycle and now overtakes it. It is like a Full Moon type of aspect. We get major new understandings.

In this case, Mercury could finally get this self-reliance lesson. We could find our values shifting big time. Things we thought were important can fade away to be replaced by what we do perceive to be worthwhile now. Pay attention to what is happening in your world of resources. You can make an effort to become more fiscally responsible while you begin to energize resources manifesting from the inside out.

Mercury enters Gemini on May 19 for the next two weeks. Our mental energy moves outward again. We become more willing to consider other viewpoints, and possibilities for how we look at things. It is like that spring breath of fresh air.

It might be helpful to remember that our ability to take in new ideas comes from our Taurean self-reliance. We are not abandoning Taurus. We are building the next step from its foundations. So keep doing your inner security work. It might be good to have your conversations with God/Goddess to figure out how to become more self-reliant. It means learning to be quiet and listen.

Finally Venus makes a waxing sextile to Neptune on May 20 at 19/20 degrees Aries-Aquarius. This is a nice aspect to end our solar month with as we transition into Gemini. Venus can open up to pursuing new possibilities from deeper and deeper levels of self-reliance through Sun in Taurus.

Neptune has slowed down to turn stationary retrograde in a few days, May 22, at 19/20 degrees Aquarius. Venus needs to be careful about recycling old beliefs as Neptune gets ready to throw off another layer of old beliefs. Let Venus be the messenger and show us new understandings. An evolving theme for Neptune in Aquarius is unity in diversity. Venus in Aries can take this and add on all kinds of variables. Be open to it. Life is a lot easier that way.

May God/Goddess bless you through Sun in Taurus!

If this is your first time reading my forecast...I suggest reading the entire forecast to receive an overall impression of the energy for the month, and then refer back to it as things arise. My intent and desire are to help you understand the opportunities for personal changes on emotional, mental and spiritual levels from which manifest the physical reality of your world. I send you blessings for a growing, evolving month!

Please request if you would like to receive a notice when this monthly forecast is posted to my web site. Astrology by Kim Marie
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