Venus enters Taurus 1 May 2008
Venus entering the sign of its own dignity has the capacity to bring out the best in the planet of love and diplomacy, beauty and pleasure. While this will not by itself promise peace, it does add a positive note for diplomacy in the world where this is supported by other circumstances. The sign of Taurus is so often associated with the land. As it enters Taurus it makes a very positive aspect to Saturn, the taskmaster of the Zodiac which is in the process of stationing direct. People of authority receive assistance. Venus in Taurus represents positive influences and contributions, particularly from women, to practical issues and matters of state.

Mercury enters Gemini 3 May 2008
Mercury entering the sign of its own dignity has the capacity to foster excellent communications and intellectual endeavours. Transport and communication sectors receive a lift, as will banks and the economy in general, with a possible rise in share prices.

Mercury first aspects Pluto, planet of the underworld, bringing news and revelations of matters which have previously been hidden. It then impacts on Saturn, forcing our leaders to look clearly at the evidence before them. Although these Mercury aspects can bring negative news to the surface, its impact is nevertheless positive.

Saturn Stationary Direct 3 May 2008
Since December 07 Saturn has been retrograding through Virgo. Saturn in Virgo emphasises hard work and efficiency. Saturn is regarded by astrologers as a ‘malefic’, which means that this planet wrecks havoc wherever it goes, unless what it encounters is in sound shape. Saturn is associated with a ‘reality check’. Its action is to minimise and contract whatever it is associated with. Weaknesses are exposed. Because Mercury, the ruler of sign of Virgo in which Saturn is placed,is associated with banks and the economy, these have both suffered over the last 4 months.

A planet in retrograde motion (appearing to go backwards) is in a very negative state, which only exaggerates Saturn’s capacity to run amok. However when it turns direct we can expect some reprieve, but only where effort and hard work have been applied to improve the situation. Consequently the economy markets may recover somewhat, but only where weaknesses have been rectified.

Virgo is also associated with wheat and grains. With Saturn in this sign associated with food production is minimised and shortages are experienced, with the result that prices have gone up. These shortages are likely to continue while Saturn remains in the sign of Virgo up until November 2009.

Taurus New Moon 5 May 2008
2 days after Saturn goes direct there is a new Moon at 15 degrees Taurus. New moons reflect new beginnings, and in the sign of Taurus we can expect new initiatives in the rural sector and matters concerning agriculture. Because Saturn is also in an earth sign and is turning direct, matters concerning rural issues will move forward in a positive manner, albeit somewhat slowly.

Jupiter Stationary Retrograde 9 May 2008
Although Jupiter normally takes 12 months to move through one sign of the zodiac, it has moved so quickly that it has traversed a whole sign in only 4 months. In the sign of Capricorn it is in ‘its fall’. This is an astrological expression which means that it is acting in a negative manner. The planet of high morals is behaving in a manner contrary to its normal self. This has spelt trouble. As Capricorn is so often associated with economic matters, we have witnessed the negative consequences of people misappropriating money and excessive borrowing. As it turns retrograde its ability to promote growth and expansion becomes a distant memory. This represents economic woes. Watchout! Cash is now king. If you are in debt now is the time to work very hard to free yourself of unwanted burdens.

In my own case I have put my beliefs into practise and sold the house while the property market is still relatively high. Although there are some contradictory indicators for the latter half of 2008, we are heading into a serious economic and world crisis over the next few years.

Mars enters Leo 10 May 2008
Mars in Leo is exuberant and prodigious, and places value on pride and respect. Egos can misbehave at this time as the energy is so self-focused. Productive energy is best focused on creative pursuits. Political leaders and captains of industry become more aggressive.

Scorpio Full Moon 20 May 2008
Scorpio equals intensity and passion. At the degree of the full Moon it is within one degree of the placement when the share market began to fall in November 2007. Again hidden matters relating to share trading come to the fore and there are some negative results.

Sun enters Gemini 21 May 2008
The Sun is now in Mercury’s sign, as is Saturn. The Sun and Saturn come together by aspect from the 20-22 May, highlighting matters of transport and communication. On the back of the Scorpio full Moon which emphasises share market intrigue, leaders of commerce and industry put their heads together to come up with solutions. Although this might sound promising Mercury, which disposes both the Sun and Saturn as it rules their respective signs, is beginning to slow before it turns retrograde on 27 May. New initiatives become bogged down by red tape and ‘the devil is in the details’.

Venus enters Gemini 25 May 2008
Venus is no longer in its own sign and is weakened by being in Mercury’s sign. With 3 planets now in signs ruled by Mercury we must look to the condition of Mercury. Alas, it is about to turn retrograde, confounding the efforts of the rulers of commerce and industry to find solutions to economic woes.

Mercury and Neptune retrograde 26-27 May 2008
Planets turning retrograde indicate that matters go backwards. This is never positive. Mercury retrograde is infamous for its ability to confuse any issues, to cause unnecessary delays and for essential documents to be mislaid. Misunderstandings and problems with transport and communications are common at this time. Mercury has also been called ‘the trickster’, and in the sign of Gemini is a most able trickster!

With Neptune also going retrograde at this time in the sign of Aquarius, so often associated with technological networking by modern astrologers, we can expect technological difficulties and perhaps problems with the internet. The end of May looks like a difficult and confusing time.