Weekly Forecast: May 12 – 18, 2008

Summary of This Week’s Influences/All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

• General Influences: If you need to take steps to get your financial house in order, this is the week to do so as the Sun and Venus in Taurus harmonize with Jupiter and Uranus. In addition, Jupiter harmonizes with Saturn and Uranus through November. These planetary energies are offering support to help you with finances, health, work and professional matters, so take a new approach and make changes while the energies are easy!
• Stockmarket: It’s interesting that Wednesday’s CPI report and oil inventories will be released on the day the Sun challenges Neptune, an alignment that has a tendency to turn the market negative on inflation concerns. Oil and other commodities tend to make larger moves under this aspect, but the moves are not always bullish.

Monday, May 12, 2008

• General Influences: The work week might get off to a slower start with the Leo Moon VOC* from 4:09 AM until mid afternoon. Catch up on routine matters and prepare for opportunities for action later today. The Sun in Taurus harmonizes with Jupiter in Capricorn. After the Moon enters detailed Virgo at 2:48 PM, it’s a good time to discuss financial matters with superiors. The Virgo Moon harmonizes with Pluto in Capricorn which further enhances the importance of presenting your work to influential people. Additional work matters or responsibilities could delay dinnertime tonight.
• Stockmarket: Choppy/mixed to moderately positive.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

• General Influences: The Moon in Virgo emphasizes work and relations with coworkers. People have a greater tendency to be more critical, so don’t take it personally. With the Moon challenging Mercury in Gemini early this evening, talking too much or gossiping could cause trouble. By the end of the day, people are in a loving and mellow mood.
• Stockmarket: Lackluster; choppy/mixed between moderately negative to positive.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

• General Influences: Any sudden change of plans will probably work out for the best early this morning. It’s important to stay grounded in common sense today as Neptune in Aquarius challenges the Taurus Sun. Accomplish all action-oriented tasks before the Virgo Moon becomes VOC at 12:38 PM. Moon enters Libra at 11:46 PM.
• Stockmarket: Strong moves most likely to downside as inflation is a concern. Oil will probably make a strong move.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

• General Influences: Cooperation and teamwork are highlighted as there’s a greater need to reach out to others when the Moon is in Libra, the sign of partnerships.
• Stockmarket: Choppy; negative bias.

Friday, May 16, 2008

• General Influences: This morning is a terrific time to share your thoughts with others. TGIF gets celebrated in a big way with the Moon challenging Jupiter this evening. People feel optimistic and want to share their enthusiasm with friends and loved ones. Libra Moon becomes VOC at 11:29 PM.
• Stockmarket: Choppy/mixed, ranging from moderately negative to positive.

Weekend: May 17-18, 2008

• Saturday: With the Moon VOC, there’s a tendency to take a leisurely approach until the Moon enters Scorpio at 10:59 AM. Aspects from Pluto and Saturn provide the opportunity to eliminate items you no longer need, or come up with new ways to use them. This is also a good time to do research or work on more complex matters. A disagreement might arise over what to do this evening. There’s a tendency to be more impatient now.
• Sunday: There’s a desire to do something different today, as well a sense of generosity and optimism as Venus in Taurus favorably aspects Uranus and harmonizes with Jupiter.

*VOC (Void-of-Course) = When the Moon (our emotional barometer) does not form any relationship to a planet before entering a new zodiacal sign. This time period is best suited for anything where NO ACTION OR SPECIFIC OUTCOME is desired, as actions taken during the VOC period might not turn out as planned.

Related Posts: “Taurus New Moon Cycle” and “Financial Markets, Oil & Planetary Role Reversal”

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Financial Markets, Oil & Planetary Role Reversal

“Wall Street’s budding optimism confronted reality during the week. Reality won.” – Wall Street Journal: “Optimism Suffers Setback as Dow Drops for the Week”

This is accurate description of what happened when Jupiter moved stationary retrograde* in Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn. During the prior week when Saturn went stationary direct in Virgo, markets moved up. When planets are about to change direction, their characteristics become magnified. On the surface, it appeared that financial markets interpreted the Saturn and Jupiter stations in the opposite manner than is most commonly ascribed to these planetary energies. However, a closer examination reveals Wall Street did indeed follow planetary patterns.

Saturn is the planetary energy of caution and limitation. Virgo rules the workforce. The April employment report showed a loss of 20,000 jobs, far less than Wall Street expected. This combined with other indicators led many investors to believe we had reached the bottom and it was time for financial markets to begin their climb to the top. (Saturn relates to putting in the effort required to climb to the top of the mountain or the top of one’s profession.)

Jupiter is the planetary energy of optimism and expansion; it tends to manifest in upward market moves. And the market did see large gains – in oil. The stock market got spooked on Friday by Dow component American International Group’s (AIG) $7.8 billion loss and plan to raise $12.5 billion in capital. Jupiter is constrained transiting Capricorn this year as Capricorn is a sign ruled by Saturn. The upward spiral of inflation puts limits (Saturn) on growth (Jupiter). As the planetary energy of excess, Jupiter can make large moves in either direction.

Oil’s record high close of $125.96 Friday was another factor in dampening the market’s enthusiasm. Oil is ruled by Neptune and the sign Pisces. Uranus, the planet of shocks, surprises, and speculative trends, has been in Pisces since 2003. In financial markets, Uranus relates to price spikes. Goldman Sachs (GS) expanded their 2005 bullish oil forecast this week to predicting a “super spike” of $150-200 a barrel over the next 6 to 24 months. Prices for oil futures to be delivered up to December 2016 are trading above $110 a barrel. (Uranus rules uranium, which sold for around $10 a pound in 2003 and now is at about $65 a pound on renewed interest in nuclear power.)

Jupiter is making three aspects to Uranus this year, a sign of large and unusual price moves. The first pass occurred on March 28, around two weeks after oil hit a then record high. Stocks declined leading up to that day, and had a mega short covering rally April 1. May 21 marks the second pass. The Moon will be in Sagittarius again, the sign ruled by Jupiter. The final hookup of Jupiter and Uranus will occur on November 13. There will be a Full Moon in Taurus that is perigee (closest to the Earth). The Full Moon will challenge Neptune that day. Besides higher than average tides and strong storms likely around that time, inflation will probably be in the spotlight.

There is no doubt that oil and other commodities are in a bubble. Unlike the era of Uranus in Aquarius (1996-2003) that saw any company’s stock skyrocket and then crash if it had dot com in its name, high oil and commodities prices are also based on supply constraints and demand from emerging markets. Investors will have to draw their own conclusions as to how much oil is worth after speculation and inflation is removed. With Uranus, one thing is certain. The downward spikes will be just as swift and surprising as the upward ones.

*Planets do not really move backwards but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.

Related Posts: “Factors Fueling Oil Prices”, “Satellite Searching for Saudi Oil”
“Oil and Election Year Politics”, “The Commodities Craze”

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James Bond is Back at the Bookstore

May 28, 2008 marks the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth. The creator of the most famous secret agent of all time, James Bond, will be celebrated with reprints of his books, along with a new 007 adventure.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Pearson PLC in the UK (PSON.L/PSO) and Doubleday (part of Bertelsmann AG) in the US, are gearing up for a massive marketing campaign to promote “Devil May Care” by British author Sebastian Faulks. Very little is known about the book except that it will take place in the 1960s to continue where Fleming left off. (Ian Fleming died in 1964. His last Bond novel was “The Man with the Golden Gun”, published in 1965. “Octopussy” and “The Living Daylights” are two short stories Fleming wrote in the early sixties but were published as one book in 1966.)

Since his death, Fleming’s estate has commissioned other authors besides Faulks to continue his literary legacy: Kingsley Amis (“Robert Markham”), John Gardner, and Raymond Benson. For the most part, these books had tepid sales. However, the publishers and bookseller Barnes & Noble (BKS) believes this time is different. Pearson will give “Devil May Care” the largest fiction budget for a UK book this year. Doubleday will have an initial print run of 250,000. The publisher believes that the success of the 2006 film “Casino Royale” will do for the Bond books what “The Bourne Identity” films did to revive Robert Ludlum’s novels and the authors who pen them under Ludlum’s name. Bob Wietrak, B&N’s VP of merchandising says the bookseller is buying “Devil May Care” as “a definite best seller. The downturn in the economy has prompted a demand for escapist fare.”

May 28, 2008 will feature two prominent planetary energies that just might provide the sales the publishers and bookstores are hoping for. Mercury, the planet that rules writing and books, will be retrograde* in Gemini. People will be more inclined at that time to read a book featuring a well known character, or want to reread favorite books from the past. Readers would also be more interested to read a book that takes place in a different time (such as the Cold War era). The Sun and Venus are conjoined in Gemini, which will boost book sales in general at this time. (I’m sure the Bond books will be promoted as gifts for Dads and grads.)

Ian Fleming called his Bond stories “fantasy for grown-ups”**. Neptune, the planetary energy relating to fantasy and escapism, will also turn retrograde then. The Moon (emotional needs) will be in Neptune-ruled Pisces on May 28. Espionage falls under the domain of Neptune/Pisces.

Jupiter rules publishing. With Jupiter in Capricorn, the sign of limitation, net adult hardcover sales in January and February 2008 fell 13% year over year, according to the Association of American Publishers. Jupiter in Capricorn means publishers this year want to play it safe with established authors and fictional characters. Capricorn rules traditions and the past; Britain is a Capricorn nation.

Gemini is a dualistic sign, symbolized by the twins. There are two James Bonds – the book Bond and the movie Bond. And there are two types of Bond books – Fleming’s and the authors writing books after his death. The book industry would like to accommodate both.

*Planets do not really move backwards but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.

**”Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is Fleming’s fantasy for children.

Related Post: “Islamic bonds rescue James Bond’s favorite car”

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Oil and Election Year Politics

As oil continues to hit record levels, politicians are rushing to come up with gimmicky quick fixes in an effort to pander to voters. Today’s Wall Street Journal highlights proposals being considered by Congress.

Put OPEC in the Hot Seat: The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on high gas prices later this month and have requested that OPEC’s secretary-general, Abdalla Salem El-Badri testify. This will be nothing more than a dog and pony show even without the OPEC minister. As I have previously written about oil supplies and Saudi oil production, it is not in OPEC’s best interest to have oil prices at these levels. If the cartel could increase production, they would. (The Journal reports that Senators are promoting legislation that would allow OPEC members to be sued under antitrust laws. Litigation to get oil – it’s the American way!)

Allow drilling in parts of the US currently off-limits: President Bush and several GOP Senators continue to support an idea that has passed its expiration date. We should have started drilling all over the US and off the coast years ago with the hope that just the thought of it alone would have created a groundswell of support for Americans to conserve energy and demand viable alternative sources. It’s the whole NIMBY argument; who cares about the environment of other countries – as long as we can’t see it.

“Guns for Oil”: That’s the name of today’s Wall Street Journal editorial pointing out the hypocrisy of Sens. Schumer, Dorgan, Sanders, and Casey’s participation in a letter to President Bush demanding the Administration tell OPEC nations to forget about getting more US weapons unless we get more oil. The Journal rightly points out that these are the same Senators who voted against US drilling and have made no effort to get people to conserve. I give the Senator from New York (Schumer) the hypocrisy bonus prize. Thousands of his constituents lost their lives and were injured in the 9/11 attacks by terrorists who were mostly from Saudi Arabia. To sell weaponry to dictatorships such as Saudi Arabia is pathetic enough, but resorting to bribery shows how out of control Washington has become.

Reinstate the Windfall Profits Tax on Oil Companies: Senator Clinton is the most vocal proponent of reinstating the tax initiated in the Carter Administration to pay for a Summer suspension of the gas tax. (The Windfall Profits Tax was repealed during the Reagan Administration.) A 2006 CBO analysis said the tax brought in $80 billion vs. a projected $393 billion, and concluded it “made the US more dependent on foreign oil.”

Halt Buildup of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve: According to the Journal, the Reserve currently has 701.3 million barrels, with a capacity for 727 million barrels. The White House would like to add 70,000 barrels a day to ultimately have a stockpile of 1.5 billion barrels. The EIA estimates the cost to stockpile works out to be about 4-5 cents a gallon; some members of Congress estimate it adds up to 24 cents a gallon to fuel prices. Senator McCain and at least a dozen other Senators are in favor of halting the buildup, but this warmonger Administration must believe a big supply disruption is likely to occur in the near future.

Raise Oil Trading Margin Requirements: Collateral requirements for oil trading are determined by the different exchanges (some require as little as 5% of a contract’s value). Senator Dorgan has proposed raising the margin requirement by at least 25% in an effort to lower some of the speculation priced into the cost of crude. Fine, but the Federal Reserve raising interest rates would have a greater impact on reducing speculation’s effect on crude prices.

As the Journal points out, “Making Americans consume less is an idea largely missing from the debate.” Politicians saw how far President Carter got with that one Saturn cycle ago and are afraid to speak the truth and make the difficult decisions. There is a good chance that the American people are more ready to conserve energy now than the politicians believe.

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Sleeping Pills That Don’t Let You Sleep

The Health Journal column in today’s Wall Street Journal discusses the dangers of taking sleeping pills, and the rise in somnambulism that is more likely to occur taking nonbenzodiazepines (NBZs). Ambien is the leading brand-name NBZ; others are Lunesta and Sonata.

Last year the FDA required that “sedative-hypnotic” drugs carry strong warnings, following reported cases of people sleep walking, eating, driving, and doing chores. The Journal reports a WHO study showing people have experienced these effects in 24 countries. In that study, Halcion (banned in some countries such as the UK), caused the highest instance of sleep actions amongst an older class of sleeping drugs known as benzodiazepines (BZs). Ambien showed the highest sleep actions of the NBZs. Despite the side effects, the Journal cites IMS Health statistics showing US sleep aid prescriptions grew 10% last year, partly attributed to generic Ambien.

From a planetary perspective, drugs in general come under the domain of Neptune. This planetary energy relates to the art of illusion and the desire to escape. Neptune was discovered* at the time anesthesia was first used to help a patient escape the pain of having his tooth extracted. Neptune and its sign Pisces rule the unconscious, the world we escape to each night for a few hours of necessary respite and rejuvenation.

Neptune also rules addictions: escape mechanisms we think we need to cope with daily living. Even after any medical condition or other medication/supplement interaction has been ruled out as being the cause of trouble sleeping, popping a pill is viewed as superior to exploring the cause of sleep difficulties. The transit of Uranus in Pisces since 2003 has resulted in the rise of erratic behavior reported from sleeping pills. A series of oppositions between Uranus and Saturn in Virgo later this year through mid 2010 should bring greater government (Saturn) restrictions or bans on healthcare (Virgo) that has many side effects but little medical benefit. The US in particular will experience radical change in all aspects of healthcare.

Taking a sleeping pill becomes an addictive cycle of fear as the Journal describes people taking a sleeping pill too far ahead of going to bed so they don’t spend a single second lying awake. The overuse of medication in today’s society is one of my pet peeves. I’m not a medical professional, but I offer these tips to people having trouble sleeping in the hope that they never start these pills, or will discuss stopping the sleeping pill habit with their doctor.

Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary: If you don’t find the colors and contents of your bedroom to be relaxing, how do you expect to get a good night’s sleep? Eliminate excess clutter, and remove the TV, computer, exercise equipment – anything that conveys the subliminal message of activity. If you live in a one room apartment, drape covers over these items before bedtime. Make sure the room is dark enough for sleeping.

Preparing for sleep: Vigorous exercise should be done several hours before sleeping, but being outdoors and taking a walk in the evening is usually conducive for sleep. Eating and drinking caffeinated beverages too close to bedtime should be avoided. Establish a brief transition period before bedtime to create the setting for sleeping. (Especially important if you sleep in your living area.) Tune out the world physically and mentally. Tell yourself that anything bothering you can be continued tomorrow morning. Playing soothing music or sounds on a stereo with a sleep timer might be helpful.

Keep a schedule/observe yourself: It’s important to awaken and go to sleep around the same time each day (even on weekends). Write down each time you experience trouble sleeping what you did, ate, and how you felt that day. Difficulties could also coincide with the Moon’s phases and other cycles.

Change your mindset: Not every person needs eight hours sleep – some need more, some need less. Know what works best for you rather than media touted statistics from some sleep organization that’s probably pharma financed. Sleep requirements change during different phases of our life.

I have experienced periods where I’m wide awake after a few hours of sleep. Rather than be upset about it, I’ve used these times to read, meditate, or sit in the dark with the shade up staring at the stars. The quiet hours before dawn have a special energy that is inspiring – far more appealing than the side effects and expense of pills.

*Neptune discovered: September 23, 1846 11:55 CET Berlin, Germany.

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“The Housing Crisis Is Over” – NOT!

Today’s Wall Street Journal features an op-ed by Cyril Moulle-Berteaux (“The Housing Crisis is Over”). The piece is a perfect example of what looks good on paper does not necessarily reflect reality.

Since home sales peaked in July 2005 (the end of Saturn’s transit in the real estate sign Cancer), new home sales have declined 63%. The author’s thinking is that since house prices have fallen 10-15% and mortgage rates are down 70 basis points, homes are as affordable now as during the 1990s. His final argument is that despite falling prices and high inventories, home sales will pick up “because they always do.”

Moulle-Berteaux disagrees with analysts who believe house prices must fall at least 30% further to be back in line to their historical inflation-adjusted average. His reasoning is that most buyers take out a mortgage to purchase real estate, and thus are only concerned with “how much of one’s income is required to be able to make the mortgage payments.” On that basis, today’s mortgage rates are a bargain compared to the high interest rates of the past.

There are so many factors the author left out of his analysis. Despite the decline, home prices are still at record levels historically. More importantly, all the costs associated with owning a home have skyrocketed: taxes, insurance, association fees, repair costs, and utilities. The 5.70% 30 year fixed mortgage cited seems like a low rate to purchase a home, but when all the factors are taken into consideration, how many buyers can make a 20% down payment as required under current lending standards? Additionally, lenders are blacklisting condo mortgages; mortgages issued are becoming “covenant heavy” (as opposed to the LBOs “covenant lite”).

The government and the real estate industrial complex do everything possible to encourage people to buy as much house as they can qualify for. As more and more homeowners are waking up to the folly of that notion, the smart buyer realizes that buying a home for the lowest price possible is the most important consideration. Always buy well below what the calculations determine you can “afford”. You never know what market factors will do, or how your circumstances might change. Carrying costs very rarely decline. As far as mortgage rates are concerned, it is better to have higher mortgage rates and lower housing prices than lower mortgage rates and higher housing prices. Besides benefiting the cash buyer, a high rate is a great motivator to pay off the loan, or refinance as rates decline. Just like buying a stock, it’s the price you pay that determines the profit or loss.

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Satellite Searching for Saudi Oil

With crude oil up 95% year over year and touching over $120 a barrel yesterday, analysts are turning to satellite images to gauge oil supply.

Today’s Wall Street Journal cites a study by Sanford Bernstein that compared high res sat images from 2001 to 2007 of Saudi Arabia’s Ghawar field. Ghawar is 20 miles wide and 175 miles long, and began production in 1951. It comprises 60% of total Saudi production and around 7% of global supply; the equivalent to all US combined daily production.

In a report issued to clients last month, Bernstein concluded that only part of Ghawar “is suffering signs of old age” and faces “mild production declines at worst.” The northernmost part of the field called Shedgun, showed signs of being “uplifted.” This indicates that heavy water injection is being used to lift the crude to ground level, a method used to maximize fields in heavy decline.

Thanks to Google Earth, anyone can take a peek at peak oil. Satellite O’Er The Desert is a blog that examines the images and according to the WSJ, has concluded that Aramco’s “massive redrilling at Ghawar is part of a ‘constant struggle to maintain the field’s current production level.’”

Interpretations of satellite images have their critics, from investment banker Matthew R. Simmons, author of the book “Twilight in the Desert,” to Nansen Saleri, Aramco’s former head of reservoir management. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members have never revealed data showing the state of their production holdings.

As I wrote about in “Factors Fueling Oil Prices,” the planetary energies of Uranus in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn relate to oil becoming increasingly more difficult and expensive to extract. Today’s Journal article cites Mexico’s Cantarell and Kuwait’s Burgan fields have lost their vitality and “need help”. Alaska’s North Slope and the North Sea platform is in “serious decline.” The North Sea and Venezuelan production show “sharp subsidence rates” (surface collapse that could indicate heavy depletion rates underground). Throw in continuing geopolitical tensions in Nigeria, Iraq, and Iran that I see only escalating this summer, and you’ve got continued high crude prices. Moderate relief is possible; not through cutting the gas tax, but by the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to tame inflation.

As analysts now view crude’s next leg up to $140 a barrel, people need to realize that it is not in the Saudis and OPEC’s best interest to have the price of crude at these levels. If they could, they would increase production in an instant to bring the price down to a level that would be palatable enough to curtail a western push to converting to an alternative energy sources. This is why production specs are kept secret. The Arabs have used sovereign wealth funds to make western investments as one method to begin weaning themselves from an oil-based economy.

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Microsoft/Yahoo Deal Off

Microsoft (MSFT) announced today it has abandoned its effort to acquire Yahoo (YHOO), after Yahoo said it wanted Microsoft to pay $37 a share, $4 above Microsoft’s latest offer.

Microsoft made the offer on February 1. I wrote then that “acquisition deals announced for the first time during Mercury retrograde usually don’t materialize.” This is why I recommended Yahoo shareholders at the time “should take the money and run.”

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Weekly Forecast: May 5 – 11, 2008

Summary of This Week’s Influences/All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

• General Influences: It’s a new week and a New Moon cycle. Resolve to make a fresh start in financial matters. Determine what you really value in life and work on making your finances reflect that! Jupiter in Capricorn energies are strong this week as the planetary energy of optimism and expansion is moving retrograde on Friday. (Planets do not really move backwards, but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.) The Taurus New Moon harmonizing with Jupiter is making the effort easier now, so don’t waste the opportunity. Mars enters Leo on Friday, boosting self-confidence .
• Stockmarket: As stated in last week’s forecast summary, Jupiter in Capricorn moving stationary retrograde this week will put an optimistic spin on equities. It looks to be a predominantly positive week. The 10 yr closed Friday at 3.845%, higher than before the Fed lowered 25 bp, shows that the market is more concerned about inflation than Bernanke. With his Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Sagittarius, Bernanke is ruled by Jupiter. According to yesterday’s Financial Times, Bernanke is trying to expand the Fed’s horizons into the business of the ECB and SNB in an effort to lower the US$ Libor rate that so many US loans are based on.

Monday, May 5, 2008

• General Influences: The week gets off to a slow and steady start with the Taurus New Moon at 8:18 AM. The early evening is a good time to work on financial planning. Imagination soars later this evening.
• Stockmarket: Positive bias.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

• General Influences: Taurus Moon becomes VOC at 4:22 AM*. Get moving when the Moon enters Gemini at 7:17 AM; there’s a lot of work to be done! Everyone has something to say later this afternoon when the Moon conjoins Mercury in Gemini.
• Stockmarket: Market reverses around 10:00 AM, begins climbing.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

• General Influences: Each day of the week is ruled by a planetary energy, and Wednesdays are ruled by Mercury, Gemini’s ruler. Communications and your local environment are emphasized. There’s a degree of restlessness that builds as the day goes on that can only be satisfied by doing something different. Something you hear or read this evening might be just the inspiration you need. Gemini Moon becomes VOC at 9:37 PM.
• Stockmarket: Choppy/mixed; negative bias.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

• General Influences: After all the talking and running around, there’s a desire to retreat back to home sweet home when the Moon enters Cancer at 7:02 AM. However, professional demands take priority this morning. It’s an opportunity to catch up on paperwork and minute details.
• Stockmarket: Mildly positive.

Friday, May 9, 2008

• General Influences: With Jupiter moving retrograde and Mars entering Leo later today, people tend to feel more optimistic now. The afternoon to early evening is a good time to accomplish domestic duties, or prepare for company this evening. Cancer Moon is VOC at 8:06 PM.
• Stockmarket: Positive.

Weekend: May 10-11, 2008

• Saturday: The Moon enters Leo at 9:10 AM. People might be a bit moody and temperamental this morning, but that is the only “cloud” in an otherwise emotionally “sunny” day.
• Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day, Mom (and to all Mothers)! A day to celebrate Mothers is nice (for businesses), but Mom likes to know you care on other days too! (Of course, it depends on your relationship with Mom, and I consider myself to be a very fortunate daughter.) With the Moon in Leo challenging Venus, Mothers will enjoy being treated like royalty. That doesn’t mean spending a lot (or anything), but giving her your attention.

*VOC (Void-of-Course) = When the Moon (our emotional barometer) does not form any relationship to a planet before entering a new zodiacal sign. This time period is best suited for anything where NO ACTION OR OUTCOME is desired, as actions taken during the VOC period might not turn out as planned.

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Taurus New Moon Cycle (May 5 – June 3, 2008)

Each New Moon cycle is a time of new beginnings when we get to make a fresh start in the matters that rule the sign the New Moon is in.

The Taurus New Moon occurs on May 5 at 8:18 AM EDT. The Vernal Equinox marks the start of Spring; in Taurus Spring is in its splendor. This is because Taurus is the first earth sign, and is ruled by Venus, the planetary energy of beauty and attraction. Taurus energy is slow and steady, just the type of energy needed to persevere and get the job done. However, as a “fixed” sign, this energy can be stubborn and resistant to change.

Venus rules Taurus and Libra. The Taurus energy of Venus rules values – financial, material, and ethical. Being financially comfortable is what keeps Taurus energy content. With Venus in Taurus until May 24, this is a good time to enjoy earth’s beauty and engage your physical senses.

The New Moon’s energies influence the entire month. With Jupiter in Capricorn harmonizing with the Taurus New Moon, this is the time to work on ways to increase your professional standing, which in turn grows your net worth. Jupiter energy is prominent now as it moves retrograde* on May 9 until September 8. This is the time to refocus professional ambitions. Mars enters Leo, injecting a boost of self confidence to draw attention to your efforts.

In the USA, the New Moon and Mercury in Gemini (communications) highlight secrets and secret places. The media should be reporting on information Congress likes to shield from the public. Charities, hospitals, and prisons are also in the forefront. Stimulus spending will primarily go to pay down credit card debt. Housing values will continue to decline. Many homes are likely to be damaged from severe storms. Earthquakes are likely. USA Hotspots: New Jersey, NEW YORK/NYC, New Orleans, Western states, esp. Montana, Idaho, Nevada, ARIZONA, New Mexico. World Hotspots: northwestern Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Ireland, London, Turkey, Syria, IRAQ, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, central China, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, N. Korea, Tokyo, New Zealand.

From the May 5 New Moon to the May 19 Full Moon, the Moon is increasing in light. This is the time to start projects and make changes to be completed by the end of the cycle.

The First Quarter Moon occurs on May 11 at 11:47 PM EDT. The Moon in Leo is challenging the Sun in Taurus to come out and play. In the USA, the economic situation hasn’t really improved, but the stockmarket is likely to be happy with news of a modest upturn in housing. USA Hotspots: Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, eastern Texas. World Hotspots: Baja CA/Mexico, Lima, Brazil, Paraguay, Poland, Vienna, Turkey, SYRIA, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, eastern Africa, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, China (BEIJING), Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Koreas.

We’ve reached half-time in the lunar cycle at the Full Moon on May 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM. If you want to announce or promote something to receive maximum attention, now is the time to do it! Emotions run high like the tides. This is the second Full Moon in Scorpio. In the USA, financial regulation is highlighted. Inflation rises, along with debt. USA Hot Spots: Northeast corridor (esp. PA & NY), Atlanta, Florida, Dakotas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, CALIFORNIA, coastal Oregon and Washington. World Hot Spots: Mexico City, Lima, Rio/eastern Brazil, ENGLAND/London, Stockholm, TURKEY, SYRIA, JORDAN, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Nairobi, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, India, Philippines, JAPAN, Fiji.

Now the Moon is decreasing in light. Try to finish up projects before Mercury goes retrograde on May 26. The Last Quarter Moon occurs on May 2 at 10:57 PM EDT. The Sun and Venus have joined Mercury in Gemini, challenging the Moon in Pisces. This marks a time to review and reflect. In the USA, personal finances and debt continue to be in focus. Real estate appraises at a lower value. Work and health issues are the discussion topics. USA Hotspots: Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Idaho, NEVADA, CALIFORNIA. World Hotspots: Guadalajara, BRAZIL, Sofia, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Cairo, eastern Africa, IRAQ/BAGHDAD, Iran & Pakistan border, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Koreas.

*Planets do not really move backwards, but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.

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