May is here! In Portland, Oregon, we just had a couple of days of summer-like weather that jolted me out of what seemed like an apocalyptic dream where the Sun had imploded and we were all living in darkness. But in a glorious burst of light, blue sky, and warmth, the Sun has proven its existence this week. It’s moving ahead in Taurus now, reminding us to value ourselves, enjoy life’s pleasures, and pay attention to what we need. While the first weeks of May could seem almost soothing, make no mistake that some big fires are starting now.

On the 10th, we’ll gain more clarity about our desires and direction with the Scorpio Full Moon. If you thought a lot was being asked of you last month, you’re right. The astrology for the first quarter of 2017 has pressed us to pry open some psychological “containers” that we may have marked with a do not open sign. We had strong retrograde energies from Mercury (review, reconnect, reassess) as we entered the year, followed by Eclipses (aha moments, eye opening circumstances), followed by Venus retrograde (love and money issues from the past), followed by yet another Mercury retrograde. Mercury went direct on the 3rd, and we’ll clear the shadow of both Mercury and Venus retrograde around the 17th.

My point is, now that we’re closing in on the insightful energies of the Full Moon in Scorpio, all the mental gymnastics of the past few months can crystallize into a profound understanding of what we need moving forward. It could feel a bit like a courtroom drama with everything that you thought about during retrograde season as evidence. “I present exhibit A, your honor: relationship memories from years past that you’ve revisited on several occasions in the past three months.” “Did you or did you not admit the following realizations to yourself during the February Eclipses?” “I rest my case.”

Use this upcoming Full Moon not to put yourself on trial, of course, but to gently accept the truths that have emerged for yourself lately. It will be good timing for heart-to-heart conversations with loved ones as long as you’re able to dial down the emotional intensity. For those sensitive to Full Moon energy, it may be better to open up a conversation around the 13th, a few days after the Full Moon has passed. No matter what, stay strong and avoid the urge to go back into a denial that may feel comfortable.

ALSO on May 10th, the North Node changes signs from Virgo to Leo, signifying a shift in an overarching guiding energy for our planet. As many of you know, I spent years working under Jan Spiller, a pioneer in astrology who is world-renowned for her spot-on interpretation of the North Nodes in a person’s birth chart, among other things. I cannot recommend her book, “Astrology for the Soul,” enough. The North Node in our current astrology also has an influence on us, acting as a backdrop of energies we can lean into to achieve success. Since November 12, 2015, the North Node has been in Virgo, supporting our efforts to be thorough, efficient, organized, and hard working. In general, many have felt the inspiration and focus to power through certain tasks, especially if they are serving others. It’s been a good time period to feel that our efforts are helpful and that our work is needed in the world.

However, when the North Node moves into Leo, we’ll have the ability to access some of our inner joy and allow ourselves to work and create things simply for the love of doing them! It will be easier to see how loving ourselves will translate into positive action that can help others. Creativity and personal expression will be strong themes and in general a “lighter” tone will help to elevate us during these socially and politically intense times. What’s more remarkable about the North Node’s ingress into Leo is that it will be teaming up with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius to form a Grand Trine in the fire signs. The possibilities related to this unique and rare astrology were so enticing to me that I recently gave a lecture on the topic and will be offering a 3-part workshop with Elizabeth Russell (bespacepdx.com).

To listen to the lecture, click here: 

https://soundcloud.com/cardinal-fire-astrology/living-from-your-fire-43017-edit

At the end of this blog, I’ve included information about the workshop, which starts May 20th. If you’re in the Portland, OR area, I’d love to see you there so we can dig into your chart and see the best way to maximize the motivating energies afoot this summer.

I also hope to see you sometime during my office hours on Alberta St.! Friday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30pm, I’ll be in the cottage that used to be the Clary Sage Herbarium store (they’ve since moved next door to La Bonita). Just look for my sidewalk sign near 29th and Alberta between La Sirenita and La Bonita and follow the garden path. I’m offering 15 minute mini readings, and also welcome folks to just stop in and say hi. We can chat about the current astrology and enjoy getting to know one another in person, which is something I value greatly in this digital age. I will be out of town next week, Friday, May 12. But otherwise, I’ll be there Fridays in May.

Enjoy your May, everyone. Your horoscopes are up! If you haven’t read them, be sure to check them out here: https://cardinalfireastrology.com/monthlyhoroscopes/

 

Here’s the scoop on my upcoming workshop series:

Playing with Fire

Chaos, Clarity, and Your Power to Create

Three Saturdays from 11am – 1pm: May 20, June 3, and June 17

Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland

A special workshop series to give you the insight and tools you need to tap the potential of this summer’s grand trine in the fire signs.

2017 is the year of the Fire Bird, which highlights generosity, courage and the power of community.  The Year of the Rooster encourages us to take chances and to greet challenges with tenacity, quick wit, and practical solutions.  How appropriate, then, that we are experiencing a fiery astrological grand trine all summer long that is sure to activate all manner of fresh energy and inspiration!

Join Elizabeth Russell (Be Space Integrative Arts) and Stephanie Shea (Cardinal Fire Astrology) to explore this powerful Fire Grand Trine through your own creative process and personal astrological chart. This 3-part series will cultivate clarity about the way this energy is moving in your life and provide inspiring tools to tap your core sense of purpose and play.

No previous astrology knowledge is necessary. Come as you are – the workshop emphasizes being uniquely YOU!

$125 for the full series. Save your spot – space is limited and will fill fast!

(Registration is for all three, single sessions not available.)