Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, May 4th

Aries

The Moon is in your sign all day, connecting you with your feelings, dear Aries, and especially those that you have neglected in recent weeks. Today’s energies are complicated for practical affairs, however. Go over documents and communications carefully before finalizing them. It’s not a day for new beginnings, but rather one for making adjustments and important edits – ones that may be ignored or overlooked on other days. Decision making can certainly suffer, but it’s largely because you’re not ready to process everything. Minor financial or legal complications might need handling. It’s important to take things step by step today and to focus on priorities and essentials. In two days, a New Moon will occur and help instill a strong sense of direction.

Taurus

This is a time for checking that you’re not overdoing things, dear Taurus, as the Sun in your sign forms a quincunx with Saturn. Others don’t readily let you have your way today, which can be frustrating, but possibly a blessing in disguise. Slowing down is important now, particularly with a New Moon about to occur in just two days, when a new direction and stronger focus can strengthen your resolve. There can be a responsibility to fill that comes out of left field, or a feeling that you’ve neglected one, and for some of you, concern that someone is disapproving or keeping something from you. The need to make adjustments to your plans can be especially annoying after a few days of relative free sailing, but they can in fact be vital to success. Make edits, refinements, or simply wait things out. The Moon in your privacy sector (all day) helps you to detach a little and withdraw.

Gemini

There is a stronger need for down time these days, dear Gemini, but today, responsibilities to others, or complications entering your life through relationships, can interfere, pulling you out of your comfortable space. Others may be calling you out on promises or simply pushing you to be involved. This is a time of year for identifying the deadwood in your life and letting go of bad habits and attitudes. It can also be a time for wrapping up projects. However, you also need more personal space in order to do all of this, and others may not be very sensitive to this need right now. Be wary of deceptive or overly demanding people right now. The Moon in Aries all day helps you to detach your emotions enough to better deal with minor disappointments.

Cancer

There is a strong desire to do your own thing these days, dear Cancer, as well as to branch out and seek out more freedom. However, responsibilities and duties can loom large in your mind today as the Sun and Saturn form a quincunx, interfering with plans and dreams. Problems encountered now are simply reality checks, slowing you down just enough to make important refinements. Some social awkwardness is likely today, so if you can, avoid scheduling important interviews, events, or even serious conversations for now. Timing is off. Sticking to routine may seem dull, but is your best bet now as you center yourself. The New Moon in two days should bring refocusing of energies and a stronger feeling of direction.

Leo

The Moon is in your sector of adventure and higher learning all day, dear Leo, helping to keep your spirits high. Even so, today can involve some dilemmas or difficult decisions. The Sun is currently transiting your solar tenth house, turning your strong attention to career, life path goals, and major structures in your life. Saturn’s presence in your creative sector can mean you’re busy working on creative projects. You may be taking relationships more seriously. Creatively speaking, you may not be as spontaneous as you typically are. It may be better not to mix personal and professional matters today as the Sun and Saturn form a quincunx, and in some cases, there can be difficulty determining how to blend them successfully down the road. There can be some reticence experienced now about throwing yourself into new enterprises. Watch for working too hard or taking on more responsibilities than you can handle today.

Virgo

Recent days have found you feeling freer and more confident with a strong influence on your adventure sector, dear Virgo, but today you could be feeling hesitant or uncertain. Alternatively, family responsibilities may seem to block your plans. With the Sun in your adventure sector, you are letting more spontaneity into your life, but Saturn is forming an awkward angle to the Sun today, reminding you of your limits and duties. You could be see-sawing between positive thinking and worrying. While you could be feeling quite weighed down by a reality check of sorts, this type of checkpoint is good for slowing down long enough to see where you may be making errors before going forward freer and more confident.

Libra

There can be a need to make refinements to our plans and adjustments to our lives right now, dear Libra. You are drawn to the deeper side of relating and viewing your life these days, but you’re also, very often, so engrossed in your daily affairs and personal interests that you don’t always have the time to explore these things. As well, there can be mixed signals given off as you seem impartial one minute and personal the next. Conversations may not be especially satisfying, as they can be a little too analytical or critical. Do your best to observe rather than jump into new endeavors and important conversations. Also, if you catch yourself criticizing when you could be doing something more constructive, try to tame the urge. Use your enhanced ability to see flaws for good use. As well, avoid making final decisions on financial matters. In two days, the New Moon will bring a stronger sense of direction.

Scorpio

Socially, your life has been picking up pace recently, dear Scorpio, but don’t read too much into today’s apparent slowdown. You could be second-guessing a partner, a plan, or even yourself. Try to use this temporary block as a chance to catch your breath, as well as to come to a more realistic assessment of a relationship or project. You might first entertain an overly negative point of view before getting to the middle ground. Don’t let insecurity prevent you from opportunity, but do wait for a better day to actively pursue your desires. While the day is complicated and timing can be off, it’s a good time for thinking in new ways and for taking a break from the action in order to rethink a few things. It’s also a fine time for taking care of details or some of the duller aspects of daily life.

Sagittarius

Work or health matters may not be straightforward today, dear Sagittarius, or you may be second-guessing yourself and/or your ability to handle your work and daily affairs effectively. There may be additional responsibilities to deal with or a feeling of being physically a little off. Motivation or energy levels might wane temporarily, and timing can be off. While this is not an ideal day to elect for a new endeavor, important conversation, or interview, it’s a good time for seeing where improvements can be made, as plans built on weaker foundations may reveal themselves now. Be a little more diplomatic with people you work for, who work for you, and who you work with! There can be some misunderstandings now. Take this time to fill some personal needs rather than pour all your energy into doing things for others.

Capricorn

There is more playful and expressive energy with you recently with the Sun, as well as Mercury and Venus, in your creative solar fifth house, dear Capricorn. Today, there can be some reticence or second-guessing, however, as the Sun forms an awkward angle to Saturn. Try not to let this discourage you. Instead, let it slow you down long enough to make important refinements and adjustments to your plans. There can be some matters to handle from the past that need your attention, or feelings of guilt and unrest to deal with. Children or a romantic partner might be a little difficult to please, or you could find insecurity or responsibility prevents you from doing what you want to do and expressing yourself openly and naturally. You might also have some doubts about a romantic interest. This is a time for addressing problem areas before moving forward with plans.

Aquarius

The Moon in Aries is bold and also encourages you to learn, connect, and move about today, dear Aquarius. However, with a Sun-Saturn quincunx, there can be a conflict or dilemma stirring related to competing desires to be nurtured and stick with familiar people and situations, and to reach out and connect with others. Social and domestic goals can seem equally important now, and you may not know which to choose. Whether to play it safe or do your own thing can be a question. Current blocks, while temporary, do point you in the right direction in terms of what types of adjustments and edits you need to make. Relationship bumps and bruises may be in the mix today, so it’s best to be flexible and to avoid letting misunderstandings get to you.

Pisces

There is a need to slow down today and tomorrow, dear Pisces, and possibly to deal with some blocks, whether these come from bad timing or poor planning. There can be a strong desire to focus on learning, pet projects, and personal interests these days, but outside duties and responsibilities can interfere. While it may be too easy to focus on what’s not working in your life at the moment, better use of your energy would be to work on straightening out problems and details today. Be a little more careful to avoid misunderstandings, particularly in public or professional settings, and look for opportunities to make important edits and adjustments. The New Moon in two days should bring more confidence in your work and endeavors.

Astrology of Today – May 4, 2016

Summary:

• The Moon is in Aries all day (until Thursday, May 5th, at 1:10 PM).
• The Moon is waning and in its Waning Crescent phase.
• A Last Quarter Moon occurred on the 29th, and a New Moon will occur on May 6th.
• Mercury is retrograde (Mercury is retrograde from April 28-May 22).
• Mars is retrograde (Mars is retrograde from April 17-June 29).

May 2016 Astro-Energy Report

a message from Sarah Varcas

To view more of Sarah’s insight, please visit her website, Astro-Awakenings

Intuition,  Intention and Insight

May begins with five planets retrograde (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto) and ends with three (Mars, Saturn and Pluto). Reflection and receptivity are key to how this month unfolds. There will be great motivation to honour the truth, make decisions that serve it well and reflect our deepest knowing, no matter the immediate cost of doing so. Success in those endeavours that truly reflect the deeper purpose of our lives is well aspected. This is not instant success, but progress into a more authentic life for those with the courage and resolve to take the plunge.

Our spirits are being strengthened for the long haul. Iron woven through our soul. We may receive intense visions of how life could be and the world along with it, for good and ill. The veils between worlds and realms are thin this month and many may pick up on information, experience and vibration otherwise out of reach. If we’re used to such experiences they will be stronger and more vibrant. If new to us they may be unsettling in their accuracy and accompanied by the desire to write them off as meaningless coincidence. But they will only be meaningless if we choose to make them so. If, however, we decide to watch and learn, allow the breadcrumb trail of clues lead us where they do, we may discover some truly astonishing connections and unearth information that could change our life if we let it.

Beware too much day-dreaming though! There could be a lot of it about. Our focus may subtly shift from inspired action to mere escapist fantasy. But we were not born simply to escape as soon as possible! Life must be embodied and lived with every cell. The different levels of being aligned into one exquisite whole which reflects the many aspects of this infinite universe. We must face what we’d rather ignore, take responsibility for what we project and accept that our own perspective is just one among countless others in a world of seven billion people.

We may have access to so much ‘data’ this month, from pure facts to other’s opinions to inner knowing, heightened perceptions and powerful intuition, that overwhelm occurs before we’ve put any of it to use. Trying to take account of everything may leave us mentally and emotionally burned out. It won’t all have equal weight and our task is to sort the wheat from the chaff to identify what really matters at any given time. Most important now is our ability to balance the mundane and supramundane worlds in such a way that neither rules the roost but both are afforded the time and space they deserve. This balance is key to moving forward, for as sensitivities escalate and veils thin, increasing amounts of information in all its forms will be available, even as we continue living our everyday lives. Whether we opt to live the ordinary life in an extraordinary way or an extraordinary life in an ordinary one, finding how best to accommodate those senses beyond our first five is vital to peace of heart and clarity of mind.

The first week of May features an alignment between the Sun, Jupiter and Saturn which fosters clarity of purpose, honest but buoyant hope and the staying power necessary to endure some of the lengthier processes of realignment and healing. If you have plans to make, this week would be a good one to do so. It carries a practical but other-worldly air which can potentise our intentions with a certain heavenly ‘zing’.

From 5^th May until mid-October Pluto trines the North Node, purging unconscious obstacles which have hindered progress. This may be unnerving at times, as we lack control over what emerges from the shadowy recesses of our psyche. Reactions may seem out of proportion to the matter at hand. We might feel more vulnerable than usual or oddly frustrated for no apparent reason. It may be tempting to think something’s gone wrong, but rest assured that’s not the case. Far from it! Like a blocked pipe that needs to have the c**p blasted though to free up the flow (Pluto transits require Plutonian metaphors!), so do we! The very nature of these times liberates previously stagnant energy which has to go somewhere. The best direction is out. Gentler than many Plutonian events, this one encourages us to release mental and emotional detritus we don’t need anymore, thereby creating space for emergence of the new. We would be wise to take the opportunity now rather than put it off for later. Later could be a lot trickier and considerably less measured when it arrives!

A New Moon in Taurus on 6^th/7^th May presents a choice: to live by the light of truth or the power of ego. In many ways this is the very crux of every spiritual path. The development of a healthy ego alongside a courageous spirit ensures we have all we need to navigate this world. Ego is not the demon it’s often made out to be, but a tool to be used wisely. When healthy and mature it knows when to speak out with confidence, when to remain silent in humility, when to act, when to wait, when to grasp and when to let go. It becomes a wise and trusted friend who sustains us through times of emotional and spiritual drought. If, however, we pursue ego transcendence before understanding its true nature, we falsely bypass a process to which we must return. Truth is as much an aspect of ego as of soul, of the mundane as of the spiritual. We are immersed in relative and absolute truths all the time and tasked with discerning the two, knowing which to honour, when and how. This New Moon reminds us that truth has many faces and a mature ego serves it even at its own expense.

7^th to 16^th May sees a string of Grand Trines in Earth providing stability and substance. They anchor us as we process some of the more challenging emotions we may encounter, keeping us in touch with the earth and rooted in our inner space where all wisdom exists, awaiting the right moment to make itself known. Jupiter stations direct in Virgo on 9^th having been retrograde since 8^th January. Efforts made this year to live more authentically begin to bear significant fruit from hereon in. It takes often mighty courage to honour the truth as we see it, especially when it sets us apart from others or challenges the status quo. For those who’ve committed to doing so since January, greater freedom is now at hand. With restricting bonds broken and obstacles overcome we are liberated to better serve the agenda of awakening than ever before.

Mercury also crosses the face of the Sun on 9^th May. Known as an ‘occultation’, it further amplifies the power of Jupiter’s change of direction, reminding us that freedom – or lack of it – reverberates through all that we do and all that we are. This is a good time to reflect on how we express ourselves and what our behaviour says about our relationship with truth.  Spiritual-speak and positive words can be as much tools of deception as of the divine. The truth may not always be gentle and attractive (that’s why we shy from it so readily!). It may ask of us great boldness and actions that call down scorn upon our heads. But we will know it as truth nonetheless, by its resonance within and its quickening effect upon the journey into our own soul.

15^th – 30^th May sees an alignment between Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn which supports practical action informed by honest and realistic optimism. This fortnight will provide plenty of opportunity to observe our inner dialogue and how it impacts our mental and emotional state. Do we speak words of encouragement to ourselves when things go wrong or are we our own worst enemy hurling criticism and abuse at the slightest opportunity? Do we acknowledge our own achievements with the same attention to detail as our mistakes and failings? Are we realistic in our expectations of ourselves or do we set impossible tasks with improbable goals and then collapse under the weight of our own demands? Saturn now retrograde in Sagittarius calls for balanced optimism: a steady faith in our ability to achieve and overcome alongside focused effort to manifest our most treasured outcomes in the best way we possibly can.

Neptune chimes in between 18^th and 26^th May. It may be an unsettling presence if we seek security, be it physical, mental or emotional. Until, that is, we recognise that true security is found in embracing uncertainty, not striving to banish it to the outer reaches of the cosmos! Neptune affirms the divine is present throughout our life, in its each and every aspect. We are not more sacred when meditating than when we’re scrubbing the floor! Every moment is infused with the divine. When we fully know this as truth our search for security ends, a distant echo of times past when we thought it was all down to us to make life work. Now Neptune reminds us that at work and play, awake and asleep, in joy, pain and everything in-between the divine is fulfilled through and as us. Anxiety and fear arise when we forget our true nature. Peace is born when we remember and let go

The Full Moon on 21^st/22^nd May coincides with Mercury completing its retrograde passage through Taurus. It is also the first of two full moons in Sagittarius, making next month’s an astrological Blue Moon. This month’s Full Moon lifts our spirits and enhances our faith, no matter what may be going on in our lives. Conjunct retrograde Mars it enhances the warrior spirit, encouraging acts of spiritual daring that break through barriers previously feared. Marking the start of a month during which we may well have our spiritual mettle tested, it assures us we have the courage and power to prevail over even the toughest and most intimidating forces. But we do so not by false optimism and denial, but by embracing them with guts and guile, awake to the tricks of ego, the seductive nature of the mind, the power of thought and the dominion of fear that’s been allowed to hold sway for so long in this world. Spiritual warriors one and all, this Full Moon illuminates challenges ahead whilst enhancing the strength of our heart and the clarity of our mind to meet them face to face, resolved to journey through and out the other side, hand in hand with each other and all transformed.

As Mercury gathers forward pace in the wake of the Full Moon, it’s time to put plans into action, and live according to insights and wisdom born of the past three weeks. What have we learnt about ourselves? How does this challenge previous self-beliefs? And how does life now look taking into account our new perspective? An opposition between Mars and Venus (as she enters Gemini) from 24^th to 27^th May, highlights the importance of balance and the vitality available when we can live both ends of a spectrum and know the centre point too. We can never be totally one thing, for its opposite will always lurk in the shadows. Nor can we always strike a perfect balance between two opposing states. Instead we must learn to make peace with our paradoxical nature, with the opposites we display at different times, our inconsistencies and confusion. This is who we are. Within this peace dwells the most creative spark of all, for the divine is all things everywhere and as such can never be a singularity. It is you and me, our greatest loves and most hated foes. It is our biggest mistake, deepest regret and moments of triumph. Just as it cannot be contained in tidy boxes and convenient definitions, nor can we.

27^th May sees Mars retrograde back into Scorpio for a couple of months, further enhancing our resilience and determination to leave no stone unturned when it comes to self-knowledge and the on-going raising of consciousness. If we tried to skirt around some thorny issues during its previous journey through the sign of the Scorpion (3^rdJanuary – 6^th March 2016) now’s the time to revisit and do what needs to be done. This time a Grand Trine in Earth between Pluto, Mercury and the North Node keeps our feet on the ground while we descend into the depths to unearth both our god/dess-given grit and divine grace. Mars in Scorpio can be a tough taskmaster, unremitting in its efforts to dislodge whatever obstructs the truth. Secrets kept at this point may be best brought out in the open before Mars does it for us with his characteristic and uncompromising zeal!

The month comes to a close with Neptune squaring the Sun from 29^th May to 5^thJune. Beware a tendency to self-deception and conveniently overlooking that huge pink elephant in the room! And don’t be thinking that others haven’t mentioned it because they’re not aware it’s there. They may be in a similar state of denial hoping the fly in the ointment will quickly disappear! It won’t. Be it recognition of something about ourselves that leaves a nasty taste in the mouth, an inconvenient turn of events that threatens to scupper a treasured plan or an unexpected hitch in what looked like a sure thing, the best approach now is searing honesty and utter openness with all involved. For in responding this way the blessings of Neptune are unleashed, softening hearts, opening minds and allowing for miracles to occur where once it seemed only disaster was assured.

How this month ends is really up to us. It could be on a high with an open heart buoyed by a new found faith. Or it could be on a low, mired in confusion and denial, fearing the next step for the uncertainty it threatens. Of course there’s plenty of in-between ground we could occupy too! But the important thing to remember is this: We forge the next moment with our attitude to the present one, and destiny – whatever that may be! – is held firmly, at this moment, in our hands.

Wishing Pot

Items needed: A small ceramic jar or pot with a tight-fitting lid; 2″ square piece of parchment paper; a gold ink pen; a jar of honey; three silver coins.

Write out your wish on the parchment paper. Place the paper in the bottom of the jar. Add the coins and fill the jar with honey. Cover with the lid. Hold the jar close to your heart and the chant the following nine times to empower the wishing pot:

Goddess of blessings and bountiful earth
To my wishes and dreams give birth.

Place the pot on your altar until your wish comes true. Once you receive your petition, toss the pot into the nearest water way.

May 3 and 4

Festival of Bona Dea

Bona Dea is the Roman Goddess of the earth and bountiful blessings. In ancient times, her festival was held in secret, usually ally in the house of the officiating counsel or praetor of the city. Presided over by the mistress of the household, selected matrons, and the Vestal Virgins, special ceremonies were enacted acted at night for the benefit of the city and its inhabitants.

This festival was for women only, to the extent that all statues and paintings of male deities and male members of the household were covered with veils. The room where the ceremonies emonies took place was decorated with vine branches and fresh flowers. Wine was served but called milk, and the covered jar containing it was referred to as the honey pot.

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury

Wednesdays are wild and wacky days. They are for communication, change, cunning, and the arts. This is a Mercury day, and just its patron god this day is full of contradictions, change, and excitement. Some suggestions for Wednesday enchantments would include:

Pulling a little Wednesday color magic into your life by wearing purples or orange

Carrying a multipurpose agate with you and tapping into its various charms

Working with magical plants such as the fern for protection. This plant will also boost the power of any other magical plants with which it is arranged.

Incorporating lavender into charms and spells for transformation

Using the charming scent of lily of the valley to improve your memory, or working with the aspen tree for communication

Calling on Athena, patron of arts and crafts, for inspiration for a new project

Fanning out a Tarot spell to increase you creativity

Calling on Hermes on a Wednesday night to bring movement and good luck into your life

WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel

Source

Moonlight Musings

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, May 4th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination, and wisdom.

Bona Dea (Roman)

Waning Moon
The Waning Moon (from the Full Moon to the New) is a time for study, meditation, and little magical work (except magic designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Aries
Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.

Incense: Marjoram

Color: White

Wednesday’s Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

 
Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?
Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

Source

Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Wednesday’s Conjuring

Wednesday – is associated with Mercury

Candle colors – Purple

Magickal Conjuring for the Day: Mastery, Domination Work, Wisdom, Healing, Dealing with Legal problems.

—Starr Casas, Old Style Conjure Wisdoms, Workings and Remedies