A couple of very important conjunctions highlight this week’s activities culminating at the end of the week with the Full Moon in Capricorn. Sun conjunct Jupiter is lucky, positive, and freeing. For those who have planets late in the signs of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius, this is most true. Mercury conjunct Venus is wonderful for reclaiming relationships for those born in late Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, but take your time because Mercury is slowing down for a retrograde motion starting next week and for the next three weeks.

Summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere this week, a time of vacationing and outdoor activities. No matter where you are on planet Earth, take advantage of the good vibes the Sun/Jupiter and Mercury/Venus offer by spending time with those most dear.

Chiron and Neptune have been running neck and neck with each other, so when Neptune retrograded last week, Chiron followed through this week. Chiron has a lot to do with consciousness raising and the ability to put together ideas combining both traditional and non-traditional views. Chiron acts as a bridge between two trains of thought. In Pisces for at least another eight years (similar to the 1960s when it was in Pisces for ten years), Chiron promises new ways of learning and educational opportunities for those with different learning styles.

Chiron is also known as the Wounded Healer. Those who have a strong Chiron placement in their charts often feel they are good at helping others but not themselves. Since we all have Chiron somewhere in our charts we all have the potential to learn from the challenges we face in life (our wounds) and teach from these experiences.

During the weeks that Neptune retrogrades, it feels as though you can’t get enough sleep. Neptune rules the sleep state and small naps help capture the positive energies of Venus trine Neptune during the early part of the week. When one has enough sleep, one functions and actually solves the problems that one can’t seem to work through by day. Let your subconscious do the work or opt for some helpful hypnosis, or, bodywork as the New Moon approaches at week’s end.

This is also a good time to start a dream journal. Symbolic messages can translate into meaningful insight and self-understanding. Allow this understanding of your own symbolic language to assist you with problem solving.

Breathe easier this week. Communicative Mercury and relationship oriented Venus partner with lucky and fortunate Jupiter for a few encouraging days. As the week comes to an end, Mars enters somewhat distracted Gemini while Venus enters the homebody sign of Cancer. This is an ideal time to get that kitchen in order and with Mars in Gemini figure out the designing problems and find solutions. This gets you ready for next year’s Jupiter in Cancer, when many are visiting or buy or sell their homes.

Take advantage of the lovely Venus/Mercury/Jupiter energy and plan a gathering with valued family and friends.

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.