The tone for the morning is set by this intense Moon’s hook-up with stern Saturn, followed by a cooperative connection with ruthless, yet also regenerative, Pluto. I’m seeing a lot of “heavy” in the headlines, no doubt reflecting 1) the continuing fallout of the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square and 2) the illumination suggested by Friday’s Full Moon, which is also an eclipse; and 3) Saturn’s relentless march through karmic cop Scorpio.  In your own personal world, use this energy to stay focused and dig deep into whatever vision is on your plate today. And if you can ship, then ship — as the Moon will be void-of-course from 9:55AM ET until 5:49AM PM ET on Friday. Oh, how I envy those of you who will be starting your Memorial Day weekend holiday early!

A quick rundown of the headlines from this morning and yesterday include shocks and disruption in Sweden, of all places — where there have been riots for four nights in row.Four nights — which means they started on the exact Uranus-Pluto square. Wow! More on the riots in Sweden here. Meanwhile, in Raleigh, North Carolina, there have been huge demonstrations outside the state’s General Assembly building every Monday for almost a month, by a so-called “Army of Love“. And here’s another peaceful protest that appears to have turned ugly on Monday: in Washington, foreclosed homeowners and housing rights activists were apparently Tasered.

More on the challenges for control of information by those who have the money to buy it can be found in this story of apparent censorship of a documentary that may not have pleased the Koch brothers. When not funding the Tea Party and other right-wing causes, they apparently give a lot of money to PBS.  In other news, hackers are doing very, very well in China.

I was overwhelmed by the number of nitty-gritty stories about power and abuse involving Saturn-in-Scorpio’s ruthless agenda of life and death. Here’s another instance of sexual harrassment in our military. The economic crisis in Greece has sparked a rise in prostitution, as seen in this NYT photo essay. In other matters of life and death, lawmakers in tornado-stricken Oklahoma wasted no time passing this bill — to defund Planned Parenthood.  And oh, the Obama Administration finally admitted that drones were used to kill four Americans — but they’re now re-thinking that program, honest. Meanwhile in Colorado, Governor John Hickenlooper has doubts about the death penalty — and has delayed a scheduled execution.

Before you decide to spend the rest of the day hiding under the bed, here are some cool items of status quo-disrupting technological breakthroughs. First, doctors apparently used a 3-D laser printer to create an airway tube and save the life of a baby boy. Way, way cool! Second, Tesla, a pioneer maker of electric cars, has repaid a big fat federal government loan way ahead of schedule. If you grok to geeky tech news, considering reading this book, “The Physics of the Future” – an essential guide to how our lives will be changed by technology sooner than you think. I read it last summer and learned about 3D printers, Google glasses and other wonders before they hit the mainstream headlines.

Last but not least, when you don’t have your nose in a book or glued to a computer screen, take a minute to look up at the night sky, as a snarky and obviously ignorant person at Gawker reports. But ignorant or not, Mars, Venus and Jupiter will still look pretty.

Right around quitting time on the East Coast, Moon enters Scorpio, and we’ll all run screaming down the halls. OK, I’m exaggerating, which you could have predicted, given that I am typing this on that buoyant Moon-Jupiter connection. But seriously, Scorpio is a challenging placement for the Moon, as Scorpio tends to keep a lid on emotions….until suddenly, it doesn’t. And then we wonder what hit us. A bit of soulful relief arrives waaaay late in the evening, as rose-colored Neptune shows up at 1:45AM ET Thursday to give that moody bastard Moon an intangible hug.

Note that the Moon is waxing full, so emotions are running high in general. And this Full Moon is the third eclipse we get to deal with in just 30 days. More on that later.

So many disruptive, illuminating headlines to report, in the wake of yesterday’s third exact Pluto-Uranus square. First, it is no surprise to see a natural disaster front and center — and in the US, we have the devastation of a tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, which touched down at 2:56PM CT.  The chart for that moment in space in time shows expansive Jupiter ill-placed in airy Gemini, sitting exactly on the Midheaven of the chart — and squaring the  Ascendant. Interesting.

Other disruptions, revelations and challenges to the status quo include the results of Congressional inquiry into Apple. There’s been much talk in recent months about the staggering pile of cash the company has on hand, and apparently that pile includes billions of dollars that might have been paid in taxes — if the company did not have such an intricate network of tax shelters. In the independent spirit of the Uranus-Pluto square, what’s interesting here is that the shelters apparently created a number of entities that were “state-less” – and thus arguably, not subject to taxation by a state. Apple CEO is due in Congress today — his testimony should be interesting. All I know is that if my tax rate were the same as Apple’s, I might have a big pile of cash, too — or at least a renovated kitchen. And you?

Another corporate challenge that’s been getting a lot of press: JPMorgan shareholders will vote today on whether current Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon (dubbed one of the world’s most powerful bankers), gets to keep both jobs — or be “demoted” to just CEO. Frankly, a decision to split the jobs between two people would be consistent with the break ups suggested by the Uranus-Pluto square — and Mr. Dimon’s horoscope (even without a birthtime) is directly impacted. It’s clear he’s been under tremendous pressure over that past 18 months, with a pattern also seen in the horoscope of Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) during last year’s efforts to remove Walker from office in a recall vote, which Walker survived.

A third corporate challenge comes courtesy of reporter Chris Hedges, who offers this rant against capitalism and the opinion that revolutionary action is required — perfectly timed, as I said, given the exact square between Uranus and Pluto. We would expect these challenges to the “system,” as we saw during the conjunction of Uranus and Pluto in the mid-60s.

And speaking of the mid-60s, news of a key player in the revolutionary sound that emerged during that tumultuous and creative time:  Ray Manzarak, keyboard player and founder of the Doors, passed away yesterday. Perhaps this explains why I was craving music by the Doors on Friday — and specifically, the distinctive sound of the keyboards.

So much more to write about — but I must fly. Have a fabulous day!

Bright ideas and innovative thinking, bordering on genius will likely be in headlines and perhaps in your own personal world, especially if you have a planet or angle at 11 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces. But the folks who are really in the hot seat are those born around the 1st of April, June, October and January — or those with a planet or angle at 11 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Why? Because those are the degrees that are lit up by the third exact square between rebel Uranus at 11 Aries and ruthless Pluto at 11 Capricorn, suggesting major upheavals, breakouts, break-ups and other disruptions to the Establishment status quo. Do you know how many countries and other entities, including the European Union, were established on January 1st?

A few headlines I’m seeing as I type include a series of powerful tornadoes ripping across the Midwest and this supercool piece about an 18 year-old who’s invented a device that can re-charge a cell phone battery in mere seconds, not hours. Even cooler: the 18 year-old is female.  It will be interesting to see what other news hits the wires on Tuesday, when the Libra Moon engages with the Uranus-Pluto square just before 9AM ET.

Your Moon voids for the week are Wednesday 3:35AM ET – 4:55PM ET and Friday, 9:55AM ET to 5:49PM ET. These are your natural rest periods; suffice it to say that they can be frustrating when they happen during normal business hours, as efforts to move forward in a straight line are more likely to be thwarted by twists and aimless wandering. Forge ahead today and tomorrow…

More partying is in order tonight with this Leo Moon, which goes void at 12:34AM ET, on the First Quarter square to the comfort-seeking Taurus Sun. This aspect also suggests the first test of your New Moon agenda — and is likely to bring more startling headlines to your attention, given the approaching exact Uranus-Pluto square.

More later — gotta run this morning — will fill you in on the weekend anon.

With mental Mercury now in information-junkie Gemini, squaring nebulous Neptune, the airwaves are sure to be abuzz, and we can expect more alleged scandals that disrupt the status quo. With Neptune, however, things may not be as they seem. Best to avoid passing judgement until the facts have been sorted out. Speaking of scandal, that word is flying all over the place this week, especially in Washington, where the Obama administration is under fire — and here is Gail Collins to cheerfully explain three of the scandals in question.

It occurred to me that a quick check of the charts for the 113th Congress and Obama’s second term would be in order, and the first thing that stood out was the Moon in the chart for Obama’s second inauguration. Dear Readers, this Moon is at 19 degrees 35 minutes of Taurus, almost exact to the minute as the degree of last week’s eclipse. Translation: the reigning need of chart’s need to preserve the status quo, establish material security and make things the way they should be — has been eclipsed. And let’s not forget to note aggressive Mars at 20 Aquarius (the rebel with a cause, suggesting a need for action that is socially significant), also eclipsed. And note that Obama’s Ascendant is 18 Aquarius (suggesting a need to see himself as unique and socially significant),  eclipsed, too — i.e., subject to change. And as I am typing this — now at 7:30 AM, while cursing the idiot who thought it would be a great idea if Windows 7 automatically updated whenever it damn well pleased, not caring for a minute if the computer owner would have to recreate three paragraphs of copy once the system rebooted — here’s a headline that just posted, “An Onset of Woes Raises Questions About Obama’s Vision”.

How long do the effects of an eclipse linger? It varies, but this last one will be in effect for three years and about nine months. And speaking of vision, Congress, led by Speaker John Boehner, announced during yesterday’s “much ado about nothing” Moon void, that it will be devoting precious debate time and a vote — for the 37th time — on a repeal of the legislation known as Obamacare. Let the record show that this Congress began its term during a do-nothing void of course Moon in Virgo. In other news, over the weekend, on some lovely Venus transits, Speaker Boehner’s daughter was married — and while the US papers did not appear to pick up the story, here’s a thorough report from the UK’s Daily Mail on Mr. Boehner’s new Jamaican-born son-in-law, complete with wedding photos.

Finally, another headline reflecting the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square — again from a UK paper, “Climate Change Will Make Hundreds of Millions Homeless” — and this on the heels of a milestone report noting that carbon dioxide levels are at the highest they’ve been in human history (I don’t think Congress, currently controlled by the Party of Styrofoam, has scheduled any time to debate or vote on this particular concern). Regardless, Uranus-Pluto challenges are game changers. This current square will happen seven times in just over three years. A shout-out to astrologer Bill Herbst for noting that Uranus and Pluto squared nine times from 1496-1500. Can anyone recall what had recently been discovered? A little something called The New World. Here’s what America looked like before it was known as America. How things have changed; how things will have changed again once the dust from this latest series of squares has settled.

Such a fascinating E-Ticket ride we have all signed up for by choosing to be on the planet during these exciting times. A helpful companion in all this upheaval is the latest from the Amercian Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron. — Living Beautifully With Uncertainty and Change. I just started reading it on the subway yesterday. Filled with wisdom and calming perspectives…

Have a great, fun-filled Moon in Leo day. Do something nice for yourself. And look for ways to be helpful to others. Peace out.

Speaking of Mercury, it enters Gemini — the sign it rules — at 4:41PM ET. Bring on the quick-thinking charmers who are just loaded with information to share. Some of it may be truly inspired and visionary; some of it may be totally bewildering. I say this because Mercury is fast approaching a challenge to nebulous Neptune, exact at 3:20AM ET on Saturday. It’s a great aspect for creative types, healers and con men — so double check what you hear over the next few days, if you please.

Planetary patterns are light this week, save for the impending third exact hit of rebel Uranus in warrior Aries clashing with nihilistic Pluto in corporate Capricorn — that’s on May 20th. Here’s one of many stories from the reflecting this pattern; the headline says it all: “Uninvited Guest Gives Japan’s Business Culture A Jolt”  – do you get it? Here’s another little event reflecting this pattern: a new game show on CNBC called “Crowd Rules”. Three small business owners — i.e., Aries entrepreneurs who are challenging the idea of working for a large Capricorn corporation — compete to win $50K. True to the vibe of rebel Uranus in Aries, most of these small business owners are courageous, fiercely independent, inspiring and driven by passion — not necessarily profit. That’s pretty quirky — how Uranian is that? As a self-employed person  myself, I actually learned a few things about running a small business from this show. And being self-employed — or self-reliant — as opposed to being dependent on some other entity — is part of the trend suggested by Uranus square Pluto. You don’t have to be on the show to win 50K, btw — CNBC is having a contest for small business owners everywhere — make a video telling them why you deserve the money and you just might win.

As of 5:57 AM ET on Monday,  Moon got into gear in Cancer, where it is usually quite happy. Cancer is all about emotional security, as in home, family, mothering and nurturing/nourishing concerns, and when it is combined with a Taurus Sun, there’s a serious need to have that stability in rock solid form. Or at least a good roasted chicken in the oven. But as the Moon approaches its weekly clash with the status quo-disrupting Uranus-Pluto square between 4-5AM on Tuesday, stability may be jolted by a shock or power play. And here I would be thinking of  Angelina Jolie’s op-ed just published in the New York Times, announcing her  double mastectomy in February, on a day when “resistance is futile” Pluto exactly squared her Mars in fearless Aries (making contact  with her inspiring Aries Moon), while rebel Uranus squared her natal Pluto (her horoscope is here). Though I could also be thinking of any number of headlines in recent days, given the symphony playing among the planets, when a sublime melody between Venus and Neptune isn’t temporarily dusting the air with sparkles.

Get it off your desk today if you can, as Moon will be void from 8:14AM – 6:38PM ET on Wednesday. This is the only void of the work week, so much can be accomplished in the days surrounding the void. So what’s the agenda? I’m so glad you asked.

The New Moon in  Taurus officially began Thursday at 8:28PM ET, offering us an opportunity to re-set  intentions and goals for the next lunar cycle. The past few days hopefully have been about planting seeds to turn your intentions into reality. Around the 18th, on the First Quarter Moon, we can expect a challenge to those goals, with appropriate adjustments made. At the time of the Full Moon on the 25th (which is a lunar eclipse & thus more potent than the usual Full Moon), we can expect illumination on the success or failure of our goals for the cycle. If we succeeded, we can consciously release our success into our reality; if we failed, we let go of whatever did not work. After the Third Quarter Moon on the 31st, we can review our achievements, tie up loose ends and get ready to begin another New Moon on June 9th.

The March New Moon featured a pile-up of planets in Pisces; the April New Moon had a pile-up in Aries; this New Moon offers us Sun, Moon, Mercury (mind) and Mars (action) in fixed, stubborn, earthy, material security-building Taurus. And the structures we build for our security are dependent on what we value.

This New Moon happened at 20 degrees of Taurus, so wherever that point falls in your horoscope is where you can expect your values to be challenged. Because this New Moon is also an eclipse, the challenge may manifest as a release of energy that forces you to let something go, so that something new can take its place.  Certainly with the third of seven exact squares between rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto (exact May 20th),  the pressure for change is great. Although Taurus is world-famous for its resistance to change. If you were born around the 9th of May, August, October or February…or if you have a planet or angle at 20 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, you will feel the pressure to release what values no longer serve more than most.

The Sabian Symbol for 20 Taurus is intriguing, given the fixed nature of Taurus against the backdrop of the Mother of All Squares demanding progress. “Wind, clouds and haste” is the image, and Sabian Symbol Blain Bovee has written an eloquent description of its potential. Too many paragraphs to quote here; I recommend you get his book if you love the Sabian Symbols as much as I do. What are we advised to look for in this cycle? “Quickening experiences, adrenaline rushes, gusts of rarefied intelligence…special powers, shadow dynamics, extremes of revelation (!) and being heavily covered (!!!)…twisting ideas that reveal mysteries; exerting control through heavy mysteries…pushing new ideas, new powers to the limit.”

To be continued…

When the Moon does enter Gemini at 5:21PM ET, you may note the shift from a sensual, earthy, material focus to a that which is mental, airy and chatty. Got something you need to talk about? This need for information, entertainment and communication carries us through the weekend. Planetary patterns are fairly light, excluding the never-ending challenge between rebel Uranus and ruthless Pluto, which continues to shake up the status quo. In your own personal world, you’re more likely to be influenced by the lovely hook-up between Venus and the clever Moon at 8:49PM ET , which puts a pleasurable spin on your Friday night plans.

Saturday features an intense and idealistic hook-up between mental Mercury and the Sun in Taurus, exact at 5:10PM. What values, possessions and issues of self-worth and material comfort/security will you find yourself experiencing with those rose-colored glasses on, eh? Going shopping for articles of beauty, perhaps? Saturday is the day for shopping, as the Moon will be void all day on Sunday. If you’re not in a buying mood for art or beauty, chances are you’ll be wanting to experience it.

Rose is also the color of a dreamy challenge between Venus (women, social expression, art, money) and nebulous Neptune, which is exact on Monday at 4:48PM ET, but still influential over the weekend. And what a perfect aspect it is for one idealized vision of women celebrated on Sunday, otherwise known as Mothers’ Day.  Go ahead and put Mom on a pedestal with the jovial enthusiasm suggested by Sunday’s 9:32AM ET hook-up between the charming Gemini Moon and jolly Jupiter, which is when the Moon goes void of course until Monday at 5:57AM ET — another day of rest.

I will fill you in on yesterday’s New Moon and eclipse when the Moon is no longer void-of-course. Chill, baby, chill.