This is the third of seven times that Uranus squares Pluto. The first two were June 24 and September 18, 2012. This year, however, the Uranus square Pluto is accompanied by a Lunar Eclipse in the sign of 4° Sagittarius, cautioning any type of air travel. Check reservations and bags and watch your driving during the course of the next few days. Uranus square Pluto has two conflicting energies. An edgier feeling within your environment is possible so it is best not to fuel the flames of antagonism.

These days it is almost impossible to get through one day without giving or receiving some form of communication. Uranus, Chiron and Venus light up Mercury, the communication master and ruler of Gemini, this week. Try to be kind and guard against sharing everything that comes to mind.

Mercury entering its own sign of Gemini offers some excellent problem-solving solutions. A First Quarter Moon puts things in perspective particularly in the middle of this very contentious month. This is prior to next week’s hard aspect between Uranus and Pluto (rare indeed and highlighted with gears and in front of this calendar). Expect a fairly volatile few weeks. Confrontations do lead to change — at least that is the hope.

Venus is also transiting Mutable Gemini while squaring dreamy Neptune. Utilize this energy by indulging your creativity — write, paint, dance. Do whatever it is that gets you into that timeless space where you are fully engaged in the process. Expect to come away refreshed.

This is a Solar Eclipse week in the sign of Taurus. Last time we had this specific eclipse was May 10, 1994. This was a time of turmoil in the world. The Soviet Union changed a few years earlier and the tech bubble was just blossoming. Some say that this cycle is returning. A solar eclipse is intense New Moon, which generally triggers new starts within 90-days. An eclipse also brings forth a dark shadow which we must face and confront. Taurus has to do with values and/or spending. The ramifications of such an eclipse force an examination of excess and overindulgence. Could certain members of the European Union finally face austerity measures?

The energy shared between Mercury, Mars and Chiron precedes the new moon. It will not be easy but it is necessary so allow this energy to support the communication process if you want to hear the explanation you’ve been waiting for or share something weighing on your mind.

This week’s energies indicate a potential downturn in the markets was Mars fights Saturn and Mercury (trading). However, for those more savvy investors, whether in retail or larger purchasing enterprises, this is an opportune time to grab bargains for future profits. On a more personal note, the release of the outworn is part of the process at the Last Quarter Moon. Last year’s May Day events were filled with demonstrations by the Occupy Movement. However, they proved more destructive than constructive as they destroyed businesses that weren’t even part of that small percentage. Could this week’s May Day celebrations be less violent and more viable with better solutions? If you hold a clear vision, then become part of the solution.

This week we take a deep breath (or ten) and find our center. Mars and Mercury oppose Saturn, which could lead to some serious and heated discussions. Try to speak and listen without demands.

Last week’s comments continue this week as we enter the week of the Lunar Eclipse, an intense Full Moon, whereby markets may indeed struggle or issues around the EURO or the banking industry arise. So many Taurean energies are in aspect to Saturn and dampen the normally fertile impetus of Taurus. Serious reviews of primary relationships — both personal and professional as well as world leaders stepping back because of sudden changes in their environments. Hold on to your saddle, we are in for a rough ride.

That being said, if you have learned anything by now it is that you know how to “ride”. And if you fall off you get back up, and if you cannot get back up you ask for help. One of the many lessons we must embody is that we need each other and we need to be there for each other. Encouragement, kindness, and comfort go a long way toward the healing our planet.

A shift begins this week with the Sun and Mars in close relationship. This usually ignites action and a more optimistic approach to things. It is, after all, Sun conjunct Mars, one of the major trigger points of the year. However, with Mercury conjunct Uranus and square Pluto later in the week with the Sun entering rather slow Taurus, the initial spark of action and passion, may take a turn near week’s end and through next week. My sense is that there is optimism in the markets and on projects, but then the chaotic aspects of sub standard equipment or old technologies or even breakdowns in equipment stop the movement forward. It make take about four weeks for things to get back on track!

Romantic Venus is at home in Taurus and may invite you to a little spring fling of self-indulgence. Some fun now and then is necessary to balancing all of this life maintenance we are continually working at.

Pluto is now retrograde until September. I prefer a Pluto retrograde, because it clears out the deadwood. Wherever Pluto stations retrograde in your chart is where you need to do more research and rethink. Is the expense worth it? Is there a better way? Can you gain much needed assistance? Those folks born in the first week of April, July, October and January are most affected by this period of re-examination. Do you need to re-fire your relationships, do you need to transform your career, home, or your body? Strategic planning forces you out of your cocoons this fall.

Mercury moving through Aries will be a welcome burst of energized thought, especially after the long stay in watery Pisces. There is an impulsive urge to charge ahead with communications. Slow down long enough to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

A calm energy abounds after the events of last week. Sun in positive aspect to Jupiter present the light at the end of last week’s dark tunnel. A Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn along with Pluto calls for a long needed rest allowing us to lick old wounds. Mercury gets back on course as it reaches its retrograde position of early February. That along with Venus conjunct Mars points to potential love and harmony while coming out of the ashes of last week.

This is a good week to pick up the dropped communication threads. Look back to late February, do you need to reschedule cancelled appointments, return phone calls, or update your profile?