Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and to all people in mother-like roles. This is our first Mother’s Day without Momma Jane, but her favorite irises bloomed just in time:

Great Talk on Perimenopause and Menopause

As a child and teenager, I watched my mother suffer through decades of extreme hormonal imbalance at a very young age. She survived breast cancer at age forty–but it wasn’t the typical estrogen-triggered cancer. Hers was from having too much progesterone, yet no one would risk giving her any estrogen. Only when she started taking estrogenic things like flax seed oil did her symptoms ease. She lived another thirty-eight years despite having been so gaslit by her doctor that by the time she addressed the breast cancer it was already a likely death sentence.

I learned early on that we must manage our own hormones, because we can’t count on mainstream medicine to get it right. My 1998 TBI also damaged my hypothalamus gland, so I’ve been aware of the endocrine system as a system since I was twenty-five years old. Sooooo many of the weirdest and seemingly unrelated symptoms can stem from perimenopausal hormone chaos. Foot pain, vision changes, cardiovascular issues, brain fog, migraines, joint pain, stress fractures, insomnia, urgent bladder, crying jags, angry outbursts, inability to “find nouns,” panic attacks, dry skin, weight gain or weight loss: perimenopausal shifts affect way more than cycle length, pimples, cramps, and period volume.

This is one of the best conversations I’ve ever heard or read about perimenopause and menopause. I love the empowering message here, and they are chock full of excellent information. A must-watch for any woman over thirty. (If you’re receiving this by email, you’ll need to click through to view the video.)

This is not medical advice from me, but I like the company Femmenesence for a natural approach. They offer several specific strains of maca, in order to support fertility, perimenopause, or full menopause. They have healthcare staff available to help determine which type of maca to use and personalized dosage. I didn’t realize that they also offer an entirely plant-based melatonin, as well as Himalayan sea salt for sole.

Those of you interested in the metaphysical aspects of perimenopause and menopause, might want to check out my Black Moon Lilith video if you haven’t already. Since Black Moon Lilith deals with all sorts of gynecological issues plus narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and feeling disrespected, she often rears her head in midlife and beyond. I also created The Second Chakra Healing Journal as extra support for people dealing with any of these issues. If you want more personalized insights, please contact me to book a session.

Dealing with Geomagnetic Storms and CMEs

Just a heads up that five major CMEs (coronal mass ejections) are Earth-bound with an estimated arrival on May 11th.

I tend to feel solar events when they occur on the Sun, rather than when they hit Earth, but most people get zapped upon arrival. Symptoms can feel similar to being in the presence of really strong wifi or other EMFs. For me personally, I find that the Q-link works best for mitigating solar or satellite effects, whereas the Aires Tech products help more with Earth level issues. Your mileage may vary.

I have no connection to either company, but I do like and use their products. It’s a little late to order such things for this weekend. I’m just posting this heads up for people with known solar sensitivities who already own such things. You might want to get them out tonight through Monday.

Also, if you feel like a drunken sailor, nauseous, dizzy, “off,” or even with flu-like symptoms, you might find more relief by grounding yourself in nature. Get your bare feet or even your full body on the ground. I find that holding a hunk of sodalite crystal removes the zippy zap of too much electrical stimulation, so if you have that, it can help, too.

Overall, I feel like these solar bursts uplift humanity and aid the transmutation already underway. Sometimes massive upgrades feel intense, though. I know I’m going to get questions about “What the heck is going on??!! Why do things feel so intense right now?!” This is one reason why. On top of that, we’ve also got a few days of potent astro weather, as shared in my May 2024 Forecast:

May 9-10 Mars in Aries opposite Black Moon Lilith in Libra. Revelations about sexual abuse and/or disharmony in the childhood home demand targeted action. Victims fight back, and they find strong, new allies. This uncomfortable time period could become productive if you work with the energies. Legal oppression and lawfare are “up.” Who’s the victim, and who’s the aggressor? Consider alternatives to the old victim-abuser-savior paradigm: power to, not power over.

May 13 Sun conjunct Uranus in Taurus. A desire to break free of any and all limitations pervades the collective. Light shines on whatever got triggered by the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction on April 20th. This same day brings Venus in Taurus sextile Saturn in Pisces. This is a wonderful transit for artists–bringing inspiration down to Earth. It could also bring financial insights and opportunities, but these might take some time to manifest.

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We live in volatile times with amazing potential. If you’re not already leveling up, pressure to do so will increase. Consider allowing the most beautiful, empowered, and radiant version of yourself to manifest. That will bring your energy more in alignment with the coming changes. Liberation remains on offer. As the Hopi Prophecies say, “This could be a good time.”

Blessed Be … and be the blessing.

David’s Birthday Getaway

As I mentioned at the end of my May 7 New Moon in Taurus post, my husband David turned sixty that same day. When his daughter Allie (Alexia) and I asked what he’d most love to do for his birthday, David came up with a full itinerary. On Saturday, Allie and her partner Colby flew into Detroit, and we met them for lunch in Frankenmuth, Michigan about two hours north of the airport. We would all be staying in Ann Arbor for three nights over graduation weekend, so we figured we’d avoid the U of M crowds on Saturday.

For those who don’t know, Frankenmuth is famous for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland–the world’s largest Christmas store. It was also full on Bavarian kitsch. I had very low expectations for this day, so I was delighted to find a tasty gluten-free vegan pasta lunch at the Bavarian Inn. We also discovered that Frankenmuth Brewery makes the most amazing mustard ever. They don’t sell it bottled, but it was delicious on fries. Yes, I ate beer battered fries with mustard, and wow, were they good!

The town’s pretty corny, especially since David has spent time in actual Bavaria back in his decades as a Dutch and German speaking international flight attendant. Still, we enjoyed the start of our visit with Allie and Colby. We even took some family photos:

We also ran into some life size and nearly life size faeries. The tall one was as tall as I am!

Note the OWL on her shoulder.

On Sunday, we began the David itinerary in earnest. All day at Greenfield Village. David’s wanted to go to Greenfield Village for years. This is Henry Ford’s creation and includes imported homes, farms, and workshops of inventors like Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers. We logged 4.5 miles walking around the acreage, and we also got to ride an old fashioned bus:

David got some great photos, including this one of Thomas the Train in front of the Ford logo. The kids were going wild for Thomas, since he only visits once per year. We happened to arrive on the first day of his 2024 visit.

Some other great shots from various old homes and early craftsman shops:

After watching a glass blowing demonstration, we wandered over to the glass collection:

I called this “The Momma Jane Room,” because it housed Tiffany lamps, irises, and owls.

The only way it would have been more “Momma Jane” is if it also had a giant cross somewhere, but the Momma Jane trifecta served as an effective “hello.” David felt something similar when we entered an old printers shop, only to find them printing images of trains. His father worked as a book designer at a publishing house for many years, and he had a lifelong obsession with trains.

We tried to take another family photo, and I’m not sure why I had such strange posture! In my mind the person taking the photo was standing elsewhere, and we accidentally missed the F. Oh, well, still a fun moment.

Watch the FORDS go by!

That same day, we saw three baby lambs, one of which was born the morning before. We also saw more owls, because of course we did!

After our long day, we pigged out on vegan food at the Detroit Filling Station in Ann Arbor. The next day took us to the Henry Ford Museum, plus a factory tour of The Rouge, where they make F150 trucks. I have to admit, I wasn’t excited for the factory tour, but I found it fascinating!

I had no idea that Ford does so much for the environment. We got to see the living roof and learned about their water reclamation projects. I’ve researched ways to clean groundwater and gray water back in my more intensive permaculture days. I know it is NOT easy to create these closed systems. They require a synergistic combination of plants that detoxify the water, plus tuning into what the land and water want to do on their own. In addition to reestablishing habitat for many species, the Ford factory complex also harvests toxic paint fumes and generates electricity through their chemical reaction.

We didn’t take as many photos in the museum and weren’t allowed to take any in the factory, but here’s a taste of the many classic cars we saw:

I don’t know the car names or the people.

After the museum and factory tour, we had more yummy vegetarian and vegan food at Seva, where we dined for my 50th birthday. I had thought Seva was a new place, but no, it’s the same vintage as me: 1973. During our evenings we played cards in the hotel lobby and wound up meeting some very interesting people. They were so impressed that we spent “screen-free time together” as a family. On Tuesday morning, we went to Zingerman’s Road House, which–it turns out–we had all wondered about the night before.

We had brunch, and then headed to downtown Ann Arbor for crystals, books, and Cannelle Pastries. Here are the ones we chose on David’s actual birthday. We had vegan tiramisu at Seva and traditional tiramisu at Cannelle’s. Both amazing.

Our trip wound down, because Allie and Colby needed to get to the airport, while we headed to Kalamazoo. Someone snapped this photo of us before we left Cannelle.

We walked them to their car, and another owl sent us on our way. I found this one right next to our parking spot and snapped the photo just before leaving town.

Perfect timing! Shortly after we arrived home and not too long after Allie and Colby flew away, our phones started beeping and screeching about severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning. Then came rapid fire hail and more warnings. I mentally put a THORN Rune on our home to protect from storms, and we went down to the basement to watch an episode or two while waiting out the sirens. We had no issues on our property, but two tornadoes touched down a little South of us. The FedEx building in Portage collapsed!

We feel grateful for our trip, our lovely visit, and also for the happy front yard awaiting our return:

Columbine, creeping thyme, alliums, candy tuft, and arugula are in full bloom, with irises and chives ready to pop. The Wheel in the Sky keeps on turning, and we fully celebrated David’s sixty years on Planet Earth. Happy 60th, David, and thanks for a wonderful trip!

New Moon in Taurus ~ May 7, 2024

There will be no video this time, but here’s the written post. 🙂

My May 2024 Forecast shared:

“May 7 New Moon in Taurus, 11:22 p.m. Eastern U.S. time. The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is: ‘(TAURUS 19°): A NEW CONTINENT RISING OUT OF THE OCEAN. KEYNOTE: The surge of new potentiality after the crisis. … The ‘technique’ is simply to allow the infinite Potential to operate in unconstrained SPONTANEITY. This means to have reached a state in which the conscious, rational ego is no longer a controlling factor.’ With Mercury conjunct Chiron still in tight orb, this New Moon brings a kind of healing balm that fosters real growth.”

New Moon in Taurus chart for Washington, D.C.

Uranus and Jupiter in Taurus still loosely conjunct this New Moon, adding freshness, optimism, and inspiration. Taurus is the Earth sign most associated with food, money, gardening, and the physical realm, so these areas could see an uptick of new energies, despite Taurus being a Fixed sign. Whatever arose on or around April 20th, may see further developments and healing now. Saturn closely sextiles from Pisces, grounding and stabilizing the growth.

Spiritual discipline will serve you well at this time. Meditation and daily prayer see real world, tangible results, and sometimes these appear like magic.

This Moon’s ruler, Venus, moves through her home sign, adding extra grace and power to this lunation, while the Sabian Symbol evokes Atlantis rising from the sea. Since the United States of America was originally conceived as “The New Atlantis,” this New Moon could encourage a return to formative ideals from which we have fallen long ago.

Taurus is a practical yet sensual sign, reminding us of the finer things in life. Our bodies, good food and drink, simple pleasures, and beauty rule the day. Of all the signs, Taurus natives most resemble Hobbits at the Shire. Adventure recently called with that Jupiter-Uranus conjunction on April 20, but this New Moon invites us to settle down and enjoy the show from comfortable surroundings.

We don’t need to work fast or hard right now. Slow and steady wins this race, and many shifts occur without much effort. We live in times of enormous change. Mars in Aries sextile Pluto in Aquarius continues that trend of extreme transformation. Act when prompted, but if you don’t know what to do, chill out. Correct actions will become obvious at the proper time. As the saying goes, “When fishermen cannot go out to sea, they stay at home and repair their nets.”

We can use this New Moon and its stellium in Taurus to regroup and recharge. Life will speed up again soon enough. Tend your garden–both literal and metaphorical. Stop and smell the roses. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, and set aside some extra provisions “just in case.”

My husband was born on May 7th, and he turns sixty on this New Moon. He’s got four planets in Earthy Taurus, so I’ll leave you with one of his favorite mottos: “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.”

Happy Birthday, David! My life is richer and more beautiful for knowing and loving you.

May 2024 Specials

Happy Beltane Season! As the purifying fires and astro winds continue, these are the brand new specials I feel led to offer at this time.

Healing Pluto Problems

This 40-minute reading looks at the role Pluto plays in your natal chart, progressions, and through transit. Pluto’s a heavyweight, and his lessons often take years (or a lifetime!) to uncover. Astrology points the way and unlocks deeper access to subconscious patterns that sabotage our relationships, health, creativity, and overall well-being. Exploring Pluto’s influence in a more focused way allows you to surf the tsunami instead of getting clobbered by it. Transformation comes–one way or another–but working with Pluto energy offers rocket fuel toward personal empowerment, healing, increased wealth, and self-respect.

As someone with an exact Grand Trine in Air among natal Sun-Moon-Pluto, I am always engaging Pluto. We’re on good terms, and I know him well. This reading offers my personal and professional insights specific to your chart and your own evolution. $133 instead of $177 if prepaid on or before May 31, 2024. Please contact me to sign up.

Reiki Session Three-Pack

During these intense energetic times, sometimes you just want background support to smooth the rough edges or ease some of the biggest challenges. This Reiki Session Three-Pack offers three hours of Reiki for $199 instead of the usual $255. The sessions can be booked as individual hours with scheduled times, or I can set up a “Reiki Drip” that sends you small amounts of Reiki over an extended period of time. When you sign up for this package, you can let me know how you’d like to use the sessions, as well as any particular dates, goals, surgeries, or other challenges for me to support. Offer valid if prepaid on or before May 31, 2024. Please contact me to sign up.

Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius 2024 ~ Round 6 with Timothy Glenn and Laura Bruno

Pluto stations Retrograde on May 2 and remains retrograde until October 11 or 12, depending on your timezone. In Round 6 of our Pluto Series, Laura Bruno and Timothy Glenn discuss the Aquarius portion of Pluto Retrograde 2024.

This video covers major transits from May-September, astrology of the US election season, with special emphasis on finishing up the US Pluto Return, plus individual and collective responses to the strong Aquarian-Uranus energy this year.

What will Mars in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius bring in early June? What will Jupiter and Mars in Gemini mean for the United States and the collective? Buckle up! We’re in for a wild ride. If you’re receiving this by email, you’ll need to click through to watch the one-hour video.

May 2024 Forecast and Second Quarter North Node Horoscopes

MAY 2024 FORECAST

Compared to April, May 2024’s energies feel less intense–but only because April’s transits were insane! This month brings key shifts and begins anchoring the hints of progress we’ve seen thus far.

May 1 Venus in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius. May begins on an intense note for relationships and self-esteem, more pronounced because Pluto stations Retrograde the next day. Watch out for power plays, manipulation, and obsession during this short transit. Intimate relationships have a tendency to grow deeper–or explode.

May 2 Pluto stations Retrograde in Aquarius. Lord of the Underworld prepares for a deeper dive. This stationing amplifies Plutonian energy. Themes of death, rebirth, and regeneration seep into dreams and waking life. Passion, unconscious desire, shame, and power reveal themselves through friendships, politics, and technology. Pluto remains Rx in Aquarius until September 1, when he re-enters Capricorn for one final round of 29° Capricorn.

May 3 Neptune enters 29° Pisces. The Ruler of Pisces enters the Anaretic (final) degree of his home sign. This degree makes Neptune extra Neptune and Pisces extra Pisces. Crises may force decisions related to alcoholism, addiction, lies, deception, projection, and delusion. Neptune will spend quite a bit of time here in 2024-25. Consequences for willful ignorance grow more pronounced. If you have issues with any of these negative areas of Neptune/Pisces, you’ll fare much better by deepening your spiritual path. Prayer, meditation, compassion, and beauty will take you further than denial. Gaslighting gets so extreme that idols fall, and illusions burst. Appropriate grief can heal.

May 4 Official cross-quarter day of Beltane. The Sun reaches 15° Taurus today. Veils between worlds and timelines are extra thin. Magic and intentions grow strong, but these are strange times. Beware of crossroads and liminal spaces after dark. This is a great day for gardening and creative projects.

May 6 Mercury conjunct Chiron in Aries. This happens late in the day Eastern Daylight time, so for much of the world, it occurs on May 7. In any case, the days between May 5-8 bring extra understanding and communication around wounds and healing. Don’t feel ashamed of your health and emotional challenges. Your story inspires others that they, too, can heal. That said, today would be a good day to avoid intentionally cruel conversations. Protect yourself when needed. On the collective level, painful information could come to light. The first step in correcting a problem is recognizing and acknowledging the need to change.

May 7 New Moon in Taurus, 11:22 p.m. Eastern U.S. time. The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is: “(TAURUS 19°): A NEW CONTINENT RISING OUT OF THE OCEAN. KEYNOTE: The surge of new potentiality after the crisis. … The ‘technique’ is simply to allow the infinite Potential to operate in unconstrained SPONTANEITY. This means to have reached a state in which the conscious, rational ego is no longer a controlling factor.” With Mercury conjunct Chiron still in tight orb, this New Moon brings a kind of healing balm that fosters real growth.

May 9-10 Mars in Aries opposite Black Moon Lilith in Libra. Revelations about sexual abuse and/or disharmony in the childhood home demand targeted action. Victims fight back, and they find strong, new allies. This uncomfortable time period could become productive if you work with the energies. Legal oppression and lawfare are “up.” Who’s the victim, and who’s the aggressor? Consider alternatives to the old victim-abuser-savior paradigm: power to, not power over.

May 13 Sun conjunct Uranus in Taurus. A desire to break free of any and all limitations pervades the collective. Light shines on whatever got triggered by the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction on April 20th. This same day brings Venus in Taurus sextile Saturn in Pisces. This is a wonderful transit for artists–bringing inspiration down to Earth. It could also bring financial insights and opportunities, but these might take some time to manifest.

May 15 Mercury enters Taurus. Communication slows down–a welcome respite between speedy Aries and Gemini. Take your time, and evaluate information step-by-step. Think before you speak. Life will speed up again when Mercury conjuncts Uranus at the end of May, and then moves into Gemini on June 3rd. Enjoy this time to catch your breath.

May 17 Mercury in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius. Obsessive thoughts could slow you down. Watch what information rises to the surface. Collectively, we’ll experience a change in how we think about the corruption of political parties, occult activities, and group think.

May 18 Sun conjunct Jupiter in Taurus and Venus conjunct Uranus in Taurus. This is a huge day for opportunities–the kind that have legs in tangible, Earthly reality. Orchestrated relationships kick up a few notches.

May 20 Sun enters Gemini. Life speeds up with clever conversation, short trips, parties, and collaboration. The next month supercharges written projects, media (including social media), wheeling, dealing, and early childhood education. Engage your curiosity, and experiment. If it doesn’t work, try something else. Easy-breezy energies bring fresh air and a potential for profound change, because nything entering Gemini also trines Pluto in early Aquarius.

May 22 Sun in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius. Light shines on formerly hidden information. Stories reveal something deep and magical. Pluto and the sign of Gemini have a special relationship, because Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, could come and go at will from Pluto’s realm. The days on either side of May 22 feel extra shamanic and liminal.

May 23 Full Moon in Sagittarius, 9:53 a.m. Eastern U.S. time. The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is “(SAGITTARIUS 3°): TWO MEN PLAYING CHESS. KEYNOTE: The transcendent ritualization of conflict.” An expansive, highly strategic day. Pay attention to “big picture” downloads. Venus conjuncts Jupiter (this Full Moon’s ruler) in Taurus, both sextiling Neptune in Pisces. Harmonious and grounded spiritual awareness lends support and charisma. Later that day, Venus enters Gemini, where she’ll flit and flirt until June 17th. The Sun-Pluto trine remains in effect, with the Full Moon closely sextile Pluto in Aquarius. These aspects strengthen any magic or ritual performed at this time.

May 25 Jupiter enters Gemini, and Venus in Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius. An exuberant and empowering day for finances and relationships. The Venus-Pluto trine energy only lasts a few days, but Jupiter remains in Gemini until June 9, 2025. For clues of how this might affect you, look back to June 2012-June 2013, when the Great Benefic also soared through Gemini. Collaboration becomes more important, and overall worldview will undergo significant change. The last few years have been–rather–intense, but get ready. In the immortal words of Cindi Lauper: “Girls just wanna have fun.”

May 31 Mercury conjunct Uranus in Taurus. Uranus is considered the higher octave of Mercury. Pay extra attention to thoughts and insights that seems to arrive “lightning fast.” Moments of genius strike, especially related to physical health, food, agriculture, gardening, finances, and personal values.

How May’s sky weather affects you will vary, depending on your entire natal chart, but your North Node Horoscope transcends monthly sky events. That’s because your North Node reveals what your soul came here to do. By midlife, the soul starts longing and pressing us to live our true purpose. At first, it whispers through intuition. Then it knocks a little louder through “coincidences” and external events. When not heard and honored, the soul’s longing can show up as health crises, marriage or work issues, or wondering “is this all there is?” If you feel a need to reinvent yourself, following North Node guidance helps you do that authentically — for you.

Unlike generic Sun Sign horoscopes, which ignore so many other aspects, following North Node guidance will always lead you in the right direction. Doors open, healing happens, relationships improve, and life gets more magical. This quarterly column will help you tap into your personal North Node Mojo. When you start living your North Node purpose, we all win, because you not only begin to light up your own life. You light up the world.     

You can find your North Node sign here which is often different than your Sun sign. If you’re right on the cusp, consider both possibilities or book a reading for more clarity.

SECOND QUARTER 2024 NORTH NODE HOROSCOPES

ARIES NORTH NODE: One of the most active quarters in recent history for Aries North Node natives! From April 1-25th, Mercury goes retrograde in your sign, so review options and reconsider alternatives. Is this really your desire, or have you allowed others to impede your forward movement? The April 8th Eclipse brings a chance for major course corrections and “impossible” healing, especially if your North Node is between 10 and 25 degrees of Aries. More healing rushes in on April 21st. In late May, both Venus and Jupiter enter Gemini, bringing optimism and support to Aries placements. Jupiter’s influence can last off and on for months. When positive openings arise, have courage to step through. Some of these opportunities will be fleeting–but real–provided you act in a timely manner. This is no time for wallflowers.

TAURUS NORTH NODE: Second Quarter 2024 proves pivotal, with lots of activity in your North Node sign. Your sign’s ruler–Venus–moves through Taurus from April 29-May 23rd, bringing grace, beauty, and enhanced self-esteem. On April 20th, Jupiter and Uranus exactly conjunct–exploding prior limitations. The May 23-25th Venus-Jupiter conjunction will benefit all Taurus North Node native, especially those with late Taurus placements. From June 9-July 20th, Mars moves through Taurus. Whenever Mars conjuncts someone’s North Node, big shifts occur. Unlike your trauma-drama Scorpio South Node, you don’t need to destroy your old life in order to create the new one. Remember, slow and steady wins this race. Mars triggers situations that have brewed for a long time. When in doubt, aim for people and things that enhance your future stability, wealth, and physical health.

GEMINI NORTH NODE: This quarter really energizes your North Node. You’ll receive more subtle–but significant–healing support in April than Aries North Node natives. By late May, you’ll feel a lift if you haven’t already. Venus in Gemini highlights destiny-level relationships, and Jupiter (aka The Great Benefic) blesses your sign from May 25, 2024-June 9, 2025. The exact conjunction with your North Node depends on your degree, but Gemini North Node natives will have better luck and bigger opportunities throughout this year. Just remember that Jupiter rules your Sagittarius South Node. Beware of putting all your eggs in one basket, or fixating on only one possible solution. Appreciate the little things, because these add up. An active gratitude practice helps you to recognize and receive more blessings.

CANCER NORTH NODE: The first part of this quarter brings friction from all the activity in Aries, but anything moving through Taurus offers subtle support for Cancer North Node natives. Always pay attention to your feelings, even the so-called negative ones. In relation to your North Node, emotions guide you well. If something bothers you, experiment with extra nurturing vs. a need to withdraw and recharge. You move like the tides, and you’re much more sensitive to lunar events (like eclipses) than other North Node signs. Sometimes you just need to wait out the energies. The key for you is learning to trust your natural rhythm. Pushing too hard doesn’t pay, no matter how much that Capricorn South Node drives you. If you feel tired, moody, and/or raw, practice extra good energy hygiene on the many highly charged dates this quarter.

LEO NORTH NODE: Anything moving through Aries and Gemini offers supportive energy to Leo North Node natives. Those planets moving through Taurus challenge you to put yourself first, even if that goes against tradition. Anyone with a 0-7 degree Leo North Node has Pluto–planet of death and rebirth–obliterating old patterns and social pressures of your Aquarius South Node. For later degrees, your Pluto time will come, but not this year. Focus on creativity. Second Quarter 2024 favors a complete makeover of Leo finances, health, appearance, and overall self-confidence. If something makes you insecure, you’ll have many opportunities to level up. Don’t worry about feeling vain or undeserving. In its highest expression, Leo’s healthy ego inspires and empowers those around you. If you feel stuck, imagine sharing your comeback story with whoever needs to hear it.

VIRGO NORTH NODE: Second Quarter 2024 brings a mix of energies your way. Anything moving through Taurus trines Virgo, so you’re likely to experience a lift and even some sudden breakthroughs during April and May. Gemini placements eventually square your Virgo/Pisces nodal axis. That can trigger excess criticism, insecurity, disappointment, and nostalgia. Depending on your degree, Saturn in Pisces will limit contact with anyone or anything no longer on path for you. Pay extra attention to your physical health and well-being. Remember to incorporate daily habits like exercise, nourishing foods, and some sort of spiritual discipline. If you dream, write those down and organize them for easier analysis of recurring themes and symbols. When discomfort arises, aim to upgrade your distraction. Instead of drugs, alcohol, or sugar, knock off something on your to-do list. You’ll feel MUCH better in the long run.

LIBRA NORTH NODE: This is a potent quarter for Libra North Node natives. The April 8th Solar Eclipse occurs in Aries, your South Node sign. Anyone with nodal degrees between 13 and 23 Aries/Libra will most feel that impact, but all of you have a chance for massive healing and release. Throughout this quarter you’re likely to see new opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and love. Planets in Aquarius and Gemini offer harmonious support for creative projects, legal issues, and negotiations. Anything moving through Taurus or Pisces brings strange but potentially life changing situations to Libra natives. In a world of warfare, legal quagmires, and aggression, you’re called to keep the peace. Bring some harmony into sharp, ugly areas. When in doubt, ask, “How can I beautify my surroundings and myself?” and “What would love do?” Jupiter in Gemini for the next year brings good luck. Just remember to look for win-win scenarios. It’s not all about you.

SCORPIO NORTH NODE: This is a make-or-break quarter for Scorpio North Node natives. With all the activity in your South Node sign of Taurus, you’ll be challenged to release anything that no longer serves–including a perceived need for self-sufficiency and material security. When you surrender and release, that which you need arrives in a newer, more appropriate form for you. Trying to hold onto the old won’t serve you well, especially in April. Yours is a sign of shared resources, transformation, death and rebirth. You reach your full potential by diving deep into your passions, research, vulnerability, and emotions. As the Gospel of Thomas says, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” Your mystical side unlocks far more protection, healing, and security than focusing on the 3D world.

SAGITTARIUS NORTH NODE: Second Quarter 2024 brings change through a variety of energies. Anything moving through Aries offers destiny level support. Opportunity knocks, and doors open. Transits in Gemini call up South Node issues like spreading yourself too thin, lack of focus, and a willingness to stay small. When these old patterns erupt, ask your angels, intuition, and Higher Self, “Where do I need to go all in? Which quantum leaps would broaden my horizons?” Travel clears your calendar and your perspective. Tuning out the endless chatter expands manifestation. As planets move through Taurus and Cancer, you might sense some weird energies. Life feels surreal, but you’ve learned to pay attention in such moments. You catch a glimpse of something grand and begin to sense your own role in a larger unfolding story. You’re a natural teacher and inspiring guide for others. Embrace those qualities: they bring meaning and success.

CAPRICORN NORTH NODE: A vital quarter for Capricorn North Node natives! All the activity in Aries stirs up potential for healing and greater leadership roles. You’re not here to remain a homebody. You’re here to teach, lead, or manage others. Your natural empathy helps you do so with a softer touch, but beware of empathy overload. Too much emotion and family-like enmeshment become your personal kryptonite. Transits in Taurus lend grounded support and stability for on-path endeavors, while Gemini brings the weird through a series of highly charged events or realizations. These might feel fleeting, but pay attention. That information shines light on your life path. Cancer Season moves through your South Node sign, raising family issues, codependent relationships, and a need to release that which no longer serves. It really is okay to say, “No.” Sometimes that’s the only answer you can afford to give, on any level. Cut your losses, Cappy, and move on.

AQUARIUS NORTH NODE: Second Quarter 2024 is active for everyone on Earth right now, including Aquarius North Node natives. Anything moving through Aries or Gemini brings harmonious support. Pay special attention to new friendships, opportunities, and healing information. Since your sign connects with group energy and humanitarian concerns, you might feel called to offer support during more intense transit dates like the April 8th Sun-Moon-Chiron in Aries New Moon Solar Eclipse, as well as the future oriented–but very intense–Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus on April 20th. While being of service, prime yourself for intuitive downloads and big ideas. Your sign’s ruler (Uranus) brings a stroke of genius and the element of surprise, but it’s not all about you. Your insights, skills, and ideas help others. With Pluto still in early Aquarius, we’ll see huge collective transformation in coming years. Often ahead of your time, consider how well-positioned you are to co-create this changing the world.

PISCES NORTH NODE: Mars entered Pisces on March 22 and remains in your North Node sign through April 30. Whenever Mars conjuncts your North Node, something decisive shifts. Exactly when depends on precise degree, but overall you’ll feel a lift throughout April. A Pisces North Node can feel nebulous, but practical realist Saturn continues to troubleshoot illusions, build foundations, and identify tangible opportunities in Pisces. On May 25, one of your sign’s co-rulers–Jupiter–enters Gemini for the next year. Jupiter squares to your nodal axis can still bring benefits, but beware of get rich quick schemes. Pay special attention to bigger picture ideas, philosophy, information exchange, and anything to do with organized religion vs. spirituality. “Life” will probably adjust these areas. On May 3, your sign’s other ruler–Neptune–enters the anaretic (final) 29th degree of Pisces. Increasingly, collective energies will feel more ordained and aligned with your destiny.

Ways to Reconnect with Nature

Returning to Mother Nature.

I’ve been meaning to share this post by my amazing artist and gardening friend Sue. She shares her own thoughts and creations, as well as a video from astrologer Pam Gregory and Katherine Macbean of The People’s Food and Farming Alliance. For those who don’t know, there’s been an ongoing war on Nature and our food supply. This video and post offer hope, in context of larger spiritual unfolding, plus ways to strengthen local food sovereignty.

A Little Garden Cheer

Just some photos from today’s garden. Whatever critter usually lops off my ground level tulips has let them bloom this year. Much appreciated after the weird weather froze and creased my early daffodils.

I don’t think those ones alongside the silver planter have ever reached this stage during the six April’s we’ve lived here.

The tulips inside the planter are less prolific than some years, but grape hyacinths have made up for those:

I am ALL about pink this year, so yay for pink tulips chiming in after the pink hyacinths have faded.

It’s a banner year for candytuft (above) and paperwhite daffodils (below). Nature always fills in the blanks.