We have a New Moon/Solar Eclipse in the friendly, curious sign of Gemini on Sunday, May 20th. A New Moon is a time of new beginnings, to take action directed toward what you want to create in your life.

A Solar Eclipse is a New Moon on steroids, so get on board and take advantage of this dynamic energy!

Gemini rules information, communication, networking, education (as teacher and/or student), writing, workshops, community, media, contracts, email, your iPad, iPhone, computer, as well as ground transportation.

Is there a conversation you need to have, a communication you’ve been avoiding or a class you’ve wanted to register for? Is it time to create or update your website or is there information you need to obtain in order to make a decision?

Are you ready to sign a contract, write the first draft of your book, or enter into an agreement? This is a stellar energy to take an action that will enable you to move forward.

Do you need to network for business, join a meet-up group to expand your horizons (business or social), or are you ready for online dating? Are you ready to pursue public speaking?

These are all Gemini activities: networking, multi-tasking, blogging, and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter).

Communication and connection will serve you well. Be flexible and open to new viewpoints, stay curious and welcome the new people, places and things arriving in your life!

Venus is the planet of love, money, creativity, relationships, values (what we value and how we value ourselves), aesthetics, your personal style, and what makes life worth living.

On May 15th, Venus will go retrograde (appearing to move backwards through the heavens) and you can expect it to put a new spin on your love life (watch old loves and lovers reappear!). You will definitely want to watch your spending habits, as Venus Retrograde is not the time to buy luxury items or make new investments.

During a retrograde you are asked to do the “re” activities – review, revise, revisit, remodel, regroup, redo, and stick with things already in process.

The main areas of attention with Venus are love, relationships and money, although revamping your personal style can create some issues if you make significant changes or investments and then change your mind when Venus goes direct!

No matter how passionate you feel in the moment during Venus retrograde, if you make a choice that is out of character for you it may only be temporary.

Venus is in the sign of Gemini for most of this retrograde which is a friendly, changeable, flirtatious energy that is also very fluid and loves to communicate. This is the sign of multi-tasking, so you may find your interests and desires scattered all over the place!

What is your heart’s desire? It will serve you to focus on beginning what you want to create now. Enter into Venus Retrograde with a clear intention – and if you need help with that, see my Creation Coaching program.

I’d love to help you move forward with clarity, focus and a plan.

The powerful Full Moon in Scorpio on Saturday is just the first of several MAJOR astrological events taking place in the month of May, so fasten your seatbelt!

This is a “SuperMoon” because it falls so close to the earth’s surface, which affects the earth’s electromagnetic field. All Full Moons intensify emotions, but this one is a doozy, triggering extra levels of reactivity so please go gently and consciously!

Do not engage in power struggles and if someone provokes you, take your sail out of their wind. If you withdraw your resistance, they have nothing to fight against.

This Full Moon falls on Wesak – the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, a sacred and profound occasion for appreciation of these great wisdom teachings. It is an optimal time for contemplation and meditation as you open to Higher Self messages that want to come through for you.

Taurus and Scorpio are both financially friendly signs with great power to manifest and transform circumstances and resources. Take this opportunity to examine your values about yourself, what you value, love, $$, the material world and who you came here to be.

If you need to release anything – if you feel out of alignment, take action now or you may experience shifts during the Eclipses (May 20th and June 4th) that you didn’t consciously choose. Being proactive is empowering.

Make large purchases before Venus goes Retrograde on May 15th. Venus affects your judgment about beauty and value, so you should also make any dramatic style or permanent changes now unless you want to wait until July.

If you get a tattoo or remodel your living room while Venus is Retrograde, you may change your mind when it goes Direct and then be disappointed. Don’t put yourself through any added stress – buy now or wait!

Wishing you oceans of love, profound introspection and courageous actions that lead you closer to being more of the authentic You!

As Mars (planet of action) moves forward, we have a harmonious Grand Trine in Earth signs, which is very positive and powerful for creating and manifesting. This, as the Sun moves through the most earthy, fertile sign of all, Taurus!

If you take practical, deliberate actions during this time they will serve you well. Earth signs create and support structures, systems and ideas that are grounded in reality. Slow and steady does the trick. This isn’t about being flashy – it’s about being intentional and productive.

If you make thoughtful plans and take methodical actions, you will find that you are able to accomplish great things. Hold your vision, pay attention to details and mind your creations.

Late next week we approach the Full Moon in Scorpio and as the week progresses, emotions will rise. It’s important to stay in your center and avoid power struggles of all kinds. Just say “no” to drama!

If you’re going to make any large purchases, do it now before Venus goes Retrograde on May 15th. Venus rules your judgment (among other things) so you should also make any dramatic style or permanent changes now, unless you want to wait until July.

If you spend big $$ or make big changes when Venus is Retrograde, you may change your mind and then be very sorry. Consider this your advance notice…

Happy creating!

I’m at home sweet home in NYC, integrating my recent experiences on the road.

As I reflect on all that’s happened to/for me recently, I am in awe of the process of evolution.

I have reached a new level of awakening and Light – and of course, I’m thinking about how I can share what I’ve learned with you.

Here’s something to consider as you make choices about how to move forward: is your Higher Self guiding you or have you reverted to your mind, trying to figure things out? It makes a BIG difference.

Your Higher Self calls you forward via inspiration, your heart center, and your connection to All That Is. Your mind strategizes, seeking to protect you and fulfill your desires, which may get you what you want, but won’t ultimately fill your heart or create lasting happiness.

I am experiencing a level of peace and lightness that I’ve never known before. I am being led in a new direction that is a surprise to me. The road is unfamiliar and the payoff is great. Faith is required in order to take each step into the unknown.

Do you have the courage to be obedient to your Spirit, rather than being directed by your mind?

Can you hear the call of your Spirit? I always understood the theory of this, but I have never experienced it before like I am now, and it’s extraordinary.

I have to create a way to share this path with you. I have spiraled to a new level and I am open to calling in my right and perfect traveling companions.

I’m going to the Denver/Boulder area from May 5-13 to another regional Avatar Course. If you’re interested and ready to awaken to the truth of who you are, I’d love to bring you with me! Just let me know…

Namaste.

“You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for failure is not falling down, but staying down.” ~ Mary Pickford   

We have a beautiful New Moon in the fertile, grounded sign of Taurus on Saturday, April 21st at 3:18am EDT. The New Moon signifies the time to initiate anything you want to create or activate in your life. Take actions to begin something new tomorrow!

Taurus rules the Earth, your body, the physical world and your values – what you value and how you value yourself. Check in to see if you’re treating yourself as the valuable, precious being that you are. Do you honor yourself – and does the way you operate indicate that? I hope so.

Taurus rules money and financial security, and this is a good time to review financial issues and your consciousness regarding money, prosperity and abundance.

If you are overspending, trying to fill a void by acquiring more, living with a belief in lack, or fear regarding money, this is the time to take action to rectify your false/negative beliefs that manifest as money issues.

After all the months of waiting, stops, and corrections, isn’t it exciting to finally get the green light to move forward?! Even if you’ve had a plan in mind, new information or a new perspective will likely guide you onto a different path or lead you forward in a new way.

Be open to the adventure, as the only other alternative is fear – and you don’t want that. Baby steps and support will help you feel safer when you step into the unknown.

Remember that “the new” can be exciting or scary depending on your perspective – and the level of faith you have in yourself and in life. Do you need help to shift your expectations or willingness to step out of the known? If so, please find guidance and support!

In the spirit of Taurus, take steady, practical actions to build a solid foundation for you to move forward from. Think building and blossoming – it’s a good metaphor for your process!

Taurus loves physical comfort, good food, it honors the body, sensuality and the earth, so you may want to indulge yourself with a massage, have a fabulous meal, lounge around in bed in the morning (on the good sheets!), take a luxurious bath, get fresh flowers, walk barefoot in the grass or on the beach, or just slow down and relax – this earthy sign is very patient and doesn’t like to rush for any reason.

Please be sure to do your New Moon Intentions in order to  decide consciously what you want to create in your life!

Love yourself and treat yourself well. Build and blossom. ♥

A Full Moon is the culmination of things or when things come to light, so notice what comes to fruition now, either in the form of a creation or an ending.

The Libra-Aries axis addresses relationships and the compromises necessary in order for them to work vs. your personal will and desires. What needs to change within you and your relationships? Be proactive and responsible for the way you interact with others and move through life!

Remember, all your relationships are mirroring back aspects of you to yourself, so please get the message! Don’t get stuck in trying to be right or in blaming the other, rather, take responsibility for being half of the equation wherever a relationship is out of sync.

The Ruler of this Full Moon, Venus, is being squared by Mars and Neptune/Chiron. This can create an illusions, conflicts and misleading or deceptive communications in relationships of all kinds. Be gentle, pay attention and make every effort to be clear and deliberate in your dealings.

Pluto will be going Retrograde on April 10th and Mars will turn Direct on the 14th, so energies will continue to shift (Mars going forward and Pluto pulling backward like an undertow), shape shifting our life experiences into newly morphed configurations.

Things are changing like never before and sometimes in such an underground way that it can feel very unsettling. Stay focused on your values and what you want to create, whether it’s a concrete notion or a more general concept. You are more powerful than you can imagine and every bit of love and Light you carry adds to the collective goodness in the world.

You make a difference and please don’t ever forget that!

“One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.” ~ Krishnamurti

Mercury (planet of communication, information, education) will be stationing to go Direct this week, but it still isn’t time to take major actions yet.

You may be raring to go after putting new business and major purchases on hold, but Mercury always takes time to get going after being Retrograde, so please be patient.

In addition to the usual Mercury Retrograde drill, with Mars still Retrograde and slowing down to turn Direct on April 14th, things won’t be moving quickly in the coming weeks.

So what’s the guidance? Do not launch anything new or significant until after Mars goes Direct and know that the coming week may feel very s-l-o-w….

A few things to keep in mind:

* Mercury is in Pisces, which can facilitate intuitive insights and creativity or confusion and vague/misleading communications and information. Pay attention.

* We’re approaching a Full Moon on Friday, so emotions will heighten from Wed (the day Mercury turns Direct) through Friday at 3:19pm EDT. Easy does it and leave yourself lots of space.

Clean up clutter, get organized, make preparations and plans for when it’s time to move forward – and get yourself ready! Don’t rush things or you will create frustration and not the result you desire.

A high level spiritual practice if you wish: accept “what is” as it is and try looking at anything challenging from a different perspective. What else could this mean? It’s a creative exercise that can loosen your grip on a particular viewpoint that’s causing you discomfort.

Stretch yourself and find peace no matter what!

Aquarius is the futuristic sign of independence, innovation, rebellion, your Authentic Self, groups and organizations, humanitarian causes, technology, and friends. Whew – that covers a lot of territory!

In which area of your life do you need to think out of the box, to be innovative or inventive right now? Are you stuck in a rut? This is the time to take a risk and open to new ideas and address the needs of your Authentic Self.

Instead of relying on the “tried and true” or focusing on fitting in, dare to do something different! Approach a challenge with a new solution, explore new groups or cultivate new friends.

Aquarius is attuned to groups, organizations and the greater good. How can you contribute and become involved?

It is also about equality and friendship, seeing our brothers and sisters throughout the world as equals regardless of race, religion, politics or creed, remembering that we are more alike than we are different deep inside.

Are you ready to be part of something greater that moves you beyond your personal life?

Whatever you need to feel more whole, allow this independent, strong-willed energy to support you and give you that extra push to explore the unknown.

I wish you the courage to honor your Self, your unique brilliance and humanity at large!

Mars Retrograde – Jan 23 – April 14, ’12

Mars is the planet of aggression, will, courage, and how you get what you want. It’s the maverick, warrior and pioneer, ruling the physical body and your will.

Mars is a work planet and makes things happen, therefore, it wants what it wants – now!

You can imagine how unnatural retrograde movement is for Mars – and although it only happens every other year, when it does, it is long (about 2 1/2 months). This gives you the opportunity to revisit, regroup and revise your approach to issues, projects and plans – especially whatever began in mid-Nov ’11.

Mars Retrograde is the optimal time to review and revamp the way you operate, based on what’s working and what’s not working. How do you initiate action – are you direct, covert, indirect – or DO you initiate action? Do you wait for someone else to do it? Are your methods effective?

This can also include relationship dynamics, as Mars represents the “I” in the “I-Thou” principle. People who have a strong, aggressive Mars may become softer during this time and those who are traditionally more meek may become more assertive and direct than usual.

What arrived in your life around mid-Nov ’11? During the next few months you will be making the necessary adjustments, revisions and trying new methods of operating in order to move forward with innovtion and greater productivity regarding the Nov project/issue.

Mars Retrograde energy means that you can’t function in the same old ways and have things work out. It’s time to move in a more instinctual way, guided by intuition rather than the traditional, linear (mental) way.

If you persist in using outdated methods, you will experience obstacles that create frustration, so be willing to go within and allow yourself to “feel” into how to move forward.

Remember, this is not the time to begin a new job or start new projects if you can help it unless you are prepared to “swim upstream.” It’s so much easier to go with the flow!

On another note, this is the time when you could have a fling with a lover from your past (Mars is “yang” energy). Just so you know

Also, Mars Retrograde is the perfect time for a new health regimen – anything to do with the physical body (weight loss, exercise).

‘Tis the season for realignment – and thinking out of the box to be inventive while sourcing new solutions!

Coming Retrogrades are below. Pay attention – timing counts if you want to be in the flow…

Here’s the line up of Retrogrades for the 1st half of 2012:

Mars Retrograde: Jan 23 – April 14

Saturn Retrograde: Feb 7 – June 25

Mercury Retrograde: March 12 – April 4

Venus Retrograde: May 15 – June 27

Mercury Retrograde: July 14 – Aug 8

© 2012 Lisa E. Zimmerman, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Lisa Zimmerman is an Intuitive Astrologer and Transformational Consultant who helps clients discover who they came here to be, transcend obstacles, and step into their power! Get your Free subscription to her newsletter: www.soullevelsolutions.com

We are still in the New Moon energy in the fiery, assertive sign of Aries. If you haven’t done your New Moon Intentions, there’s still time to activate the New Moon energy if you do them now.

In the coming week the energy is shifting again, and you may find yourself changing your mind or feelings about things you thought you were committed to. Easy does it… and as I said last week, allow for creative detours when taking action.

The Sun is conjunct Uranus (rebellion, genius), so watch for sudden changes, within and without. If you find yourself impulsively ready to leap into something new, don’t commit to anything major just yet, as you may change your mind.

You can utilize the Sun/Uranus conjunction to download a brilliant new idea, solution or find a new, creative expression of your Self. Be your most authentic YOU!

Work that crazy Uranus energy to liberate yourself from restrictions or old negative patterns – just don’t make dramatic changes without a second opinion.

Use the 24-hour rule: wait 24 hours to see if you still feel the same way before committing to a decision. Don’t burn any bridges if possible and get a second opinion from a trusted adviser before doing anything drastic.

Mercury retrogrades from assertive “Listen to me” Aries back into sensitive, perceptive Pisces now until mid-April. This is your opportunity to gain insights that you may have missed before.

With Mercury in Pisces, you can discover new viewpoints, heal issues, gain intuitive insights, and find gentle words to soothe old wounds and create compassionate healing within you and your relationships with others. This is a Divine opportunity.