MAY DAY MAY DAY   May 1-7

THEMES

• Between Earth Day and May Day/Beltane, color life vibrant! Be fertile. Salute Ma Nature. Get your hands dirty, and get grounded because May swings songs into contrapuntal sound, especially in first ten days.

The Taurus New Moon on the 4^th, invites a new cycle of earthy awareness, not of only eco reform, but all Venus ruled/Taurus issues. It’s an auspicious opportunity to reconsider ideas of self worth and value, finances and savings, beauty and creativity. The Moon, ‘exalted’ in Taurus, makes her dark rebirth potent, expressive, and lovely.

By the end of May we may find priorities have changed, not only due to ‘earthy root-renovations,’ but the mind is strongly accentuated. We are offered opportunity to expand, confront and engage different ideas and commitments. Much of this is due to Saturn and Pluto’s Retrogrades linked to the South Node. It’s a pivotal time! Transformation, karma, discipline, regenerative powers, and breakdowns are the air we breathe.

THE STORY

Not only are New Moons a time of birth, but remember that breakdowns and reversals are also signatures of new life. This week, action flows forward AND backward. We take two steps in one direction to find we are pulled back to something different. With Pluto, and now Saturn, Retrograde in earthy Capricorn, structures are contracting, consolidating, and realigning. We are in a remodeling-mode, replacing and gutting foundations, forcing us to rethink, and rectify from root systems- up.

The energy we put into maintaining a false sense of control grows exponentially to the world’s insanity. Staying on the S-curve at 90 miles an hour is exhausting. Accepting limitations may not only save our life, but offer new direction. The Saturn/Pluto ‘courtship’ of limitation and initiation that rules the entire year, is a signature for solidifying commitments that have value. This is in perfect alignment with the Taurus New Moon.

Both long term, and short term cycles ask us to reshape life structures, deepening their primary essence to bring greater value to self and to the world. This week, particularly, keep in mind the golden rule of balance. Extremes are offering a wide array of experience in either: volatility or creativity, productivity or hard line task-mastering, big learning moments or fanaticism. Stay extra aware of choices. There is abundant opportunity to over-shoot the target, be over zealous, or contentious. Nothing in excess! Or you may feel you are in over your head very quickly.

The Sun in earth-centric Taurus works well with the earthy Capricorn Saturn/Pluto duo. But Venus, ruler of Taurus, is uncomfortably in fiery Aires, until May 15, when she happily moves into Taurus. Until that time, know that Venus is a warrior goddess. She is fearless and rules by courageous commitment, also- possibly some fire and brimstone.

If your mind is on fire, great! But if your verbosity is undisciplined, there may be hell to pay. With Mars, ruler of Aires, now in Gemini, a Mercury signature of mouth and mind, our communication needs to tip toe through tulips, not have dragon-breath. Mars is opposing Jupiter in fiery Sagittarius; fire opposing fire ignites the world between. We may fire furiously to lash out, OR we may be inspired and write the next greatest novel. Choose your target as this capricious combo easily leads to extremism. Let’s all decide to be conduits of an extraordinary force. Let us commit to inspire and heal, to be artistically heart-influential, and committed to the sound of peace.

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YOUR PRACTICE THIS WEEK: Build your Practice by balancing opposing poses. Pay attention to how and why you can balance, AND what tips you over. Create a short kryia that moves from the earth up, to stand in balanced symmetry. Infuse asanas that you love with new ones that call you to ‘try,’ Remember the gift of Pranayama as a mind-building tool that creates inner space, peace, and health. It is an alchemical ingredient pulling everything together. What we learn and practice at this time has long-range effect. Be conscious of your power to transform in every moment, especially on the mat.

YOUR BIRTHDAY WEEK: This will be a year about your power, however you exercise it. With the Pluto and Saturn Retrograde, snugged beside the South Node, you will be remembering and reusing the past, hopefully more creatively. You are re-building life-structures and practices that better serve you, and the world. With Saturn’s strong vibration, care for teeth, bones, skin and hair. With Pluto, enjoy your sexuality, sensuality and your passion. Be willing to relinquish whatever blocks that expression. It will be a year to grow profoundly into your authentic Self, to honor your value and self worth.

MAY EVENTS & SCHEDULING

 May 1, Wed. 5:15 & 7 PM. Fallout wisdom is expanded, with muscle put to the service of creating a strong, calm body, preparing to turn inward with the New Moon re-birth. Laughing Dog Yoga, Wellesley.

May 2, Thurs. 8:30-9:30 AM Pilates Mat, We always howl happiness at the end to be stretched, strengthened and formidable! The Studio, 1 Edson Rd., Natick.

May 3, Fri. 10:30-11:30 AM, Graham Technique. Learn how to really lift your bandhas, and put core strength into movement. There is nothing like an hour of Graham to wind and re-wind, release and hold. samcatcam@gmail.com  The Studio, 1 Edson Rd, Natick.

May 4, This Saturday classes are cancelled due to workshop. See you all next week! Find time to lie in savasana and dream your New Moon seeds into luminous intention.

EYE OF THE HEART WORKSHOP sold out! Saturday 4^TH & Sunday 5^TH, Advanced YA credits for teachers- $260.00 shaktidances.com  Rumi dictates. “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.” * Repurpose new insight through shaktidances. *Grow Emotional Intelligence woven into and from movement * Expand life structures synthesized by Asana & breath.

Astrological Consultations:   Planetary wisdom offers a timely look at one’s life from an objective, non-judgmental point of view. As you begin fall’s journey asking, “How do I wish to use my inherent genius? How can I move more deeply into my healing? How do I plan an abundant future?” Then let us swim in your life together, in wonderful discovery. Email  samcatcam@gmail.com