The Moonscope for May 2020

Let’s look at the moon this month, and what it could mean for us all and for you….

First of all, why do astrologers study The Moon?

Humans have been studying the Moon since at least 25 000 years ago. It is the closest celestial body to Earth, exerting a physical gravitational effect on the tides, and on every living thing that depends for its way of living on the behavior of the tides.

Astrology is about the search for meaning on earth as seen in the sky, seeking to understand human behavior through the influence of planets and other celestial objects, Luna, our Moon being the closest.

Astrology began as humanity made conscious attempts to measure, record, and predict seasonal changes by paying attention to astronomical cycles.

Early evidence appears as markings on bones and cave walls 25,000 years ago, recording the Moon’s influence upon tides and rivers and in time, creating the first calendars.

Symbolically, because it has no light of its own, The Moon represents our shadowy side, our dreams, hidden health, and the impulses that drive our behavior whether or not we are consciously aware of them.

The Moon in May: The Headlines

The New Moon is the first/last lunar phase when the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun and the moon is largely invisible, hidden in the sun’s glare.

The Full Moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite of the Earth from the Sun on the same celestial longitude and we can see the entire illuminated portion of the Moon.

• Getting to Know the Moon in Astrology

What do the moon phases mean for you and me, symbolically?

In general terms, folklore suggests that the waxing Moon phase building up to the Full Moon is the optimum time to grow, build, add to, make, or get something. It is all about bringing something new in or bringing something to completion or fruition. Some may perform magical summoning rituals.

A Full Moon is an optimum time to take stock and evaluate, or to gather, collect, harvest, or cash in on something.

A Waning Moon is an optimum time for ending something, clearing out what’s no longer wanted or needed, including unhelpful or unhealthy habits. It may mean releasing something or even getting rid of something (someone.)  Some may perform banishing rituals, clearing out what’s no longer wanted or needed.

A New Moon is the optimum time to make a decision, and start from scratch,

What is the Full Flower Moon?

These full moon names were used during Native American and Colonial times to help track the seasons—and often came from the Algonquin tribes who lived in the same areas as the Colonists. Other such names are the Mother’s Moon, Milk Moon, and Corn Planting Moon.

The May Full Moon means spring in high season with rising temperatures, a declining risk of late frosts, and plants and trees in first bloom.

7 May: The Full Moon in Scorpio

The Death Card from the Rider-Waite Tarot

Scorpio is the sign of death, sex, and regeneration and is represented in the Tarot by The Death card. Don’t let this worry you. It doesn’t mean you or anyone close to you is going to die. But the Tarot covers all aspects of human experience. Death is part of life. Without death, there would be no space for a new life.

Scorpio is known as a powerfully psychic sign. A Full Moon in Scorpio can be intense and its card in the Tarot is The Death card. This rarely refers to an actual person’s death, though it may do on occasion, in which case it is generally a peaceful death in old age. But far more often it refers to the end of a chapter in your life.  This may be a job, a business, a location, a relationship, an object, or a habit.  It may be time to review a few things, close accounts, complete unfinished tasks, and gather your harvest. It is time to move on. This is not about rejecting others or hurting them in any way. It is simply that it is time to move forward, not allowing nostalgia or outworn loyalties to tie you down, holding yourself back from where you really need to go.

Scorpio is deep, secretive, intense, passionate…even obsessive. A little of what you fancy does you good. But this full moon could be a bit full-on. Scorpio has a sting. Secrets may be revealed at this time, or you may make unwelcome discoveries. Should you find yourself dealing with a situation of this kind, the advice for this full moon and the three days surrounding it either side is, do not act in haste. Take plenty of time to think about things. Don’t ignore your own needs and wishes. Listen to them, but be careful how you act on them. Take it easy around this full moon.

22 May: The New Moon in Gemini

The Lovers card from the Rider-Waite Tarot

The Lovers card is the Tarot card associated with air sign Gemini. This is a very different mood, and now that we have left the zodiac sign of Taurus and entered the zodiac sign of Gemini, we have an astrological double whammy; both the sun and moon are in Gemini.

This is a very different mood; lighter, sparkling, volatile, communicative, and social.  Gemini is intellectually agile, curious, and sociable like its planetary ruler, Mercury.  That Full Moon in Scorpio has been followed by a Gemini butterfly. Enjoy this lighter mood, but remember not every acquaintance is actually a friend. Gemini is friendly, but it keeps its distance. Social media can be a bit of a snake pit. Be careful what you post, and think before you speak.

The Lovers card is about love and romance, of course, but it is about far more than that. It represents the need to make choices, but these choices aren’t equal or straightforward. You may find yourself at a crossroads.

This Tarot card advises you to look beneath the surface and be completely honest with yourself. Is this person or situation really right for you?  Which do you go with, your heart or your head? Is there something niggling at you? Some doubt? Something you don’t really want to believe, or you’d rather not face? Anything like that, then you’ll better go with your head.