There are a few significant developments this week denoting major shifts in the planetary psyche: the Nodal Axis moves from Leo/Aquarius to Cancer/Capricorn (according to the sidereal Vedic zodiac), and then on Monday, May 26, both Mercury and Neptune turn retrograde. The shift of the Nodes itself could be the most eventful, but perhaps not as immediately felt as when Mercury and Neptune turn retrograde. 

According to the ancient Vedic myth, the gods (devatas) and demons (asuras) were in the midst of a great battle, but no one side seemed to be able to get the upper hand.  The devatas decided to consult Brahma as to what they should do, and Brahma told them they should whip up a batch of amrita (also called soma) which gave immortality to the partaker and thus would give them the edge in the battle…. 

Overview:

There are a few significant developments this week denoting major shifts in the planetary psyche: the Nodal Axis moves from Leo/Aquarius to Cancer/Capricorn (according to the sidereal Vedic zodiac), and then on Monday, May 26, both Mercury and Neptune turn retrograde. 

Astronomically the Nodes are not actual planets, but rather a geometrical abstraction of the intersections of the orbital paths of the Sun and Moon as seen from the Earth.  The Nodes continually retrograde through the signs at the approximate rate of one sign every 18 months.  The shift of the Nodes itself could be the most eventful, but perhaps not as immediately felt as when Mercury and Neptune turn retrograde later this week. 

An Ancient Vedic Myth

According to the ancient Vedic myth, the gods (devatas) and demons (asuras) were in the midst of a great battle, but no one side seemed to be able to get the upper hand.  The devatas decided to consult Brahma as to what they should do, and Brahma told them they should whip up a batch of amrita (also called soma) which gave immortality to the partaker and thus would give them the edge in the battle. 

But making amrita is not an easy task, you have to churn up the ocean and out of the process presumably it is made.  So the gods actually made an alliance with the demons to churn the ocean.  Many things started to come out of the ocean, including the Sun and Moon, but also that coveted amrita. 

Now one of  the asuras, Rahu,  in the all the commotion decided to do something.  He disguised himself as a god and drank some of the amrita, but he was spotted right away by the Sun and Moon and they alerted Vishnu, who was overseeing the entire process.  Vishnu produced a spinning disk (almost like a modern day cd) and he hurled it at Rahu and cut him in two. 

Rahu, however, having already drunk the amrita would not die and he lived on as Rahu, the head, and Ketu, the tail.  These are now called the North and South Nodes of the Moon respectively.  So now Rahu and Ketu continually chase the Sun and Moon in the sky seeking revenge for having been “ratted out”, and from time to time they succeed in swallowing up the Sun and Moon (eclipses) but they always fall out because, after all, they were cut in two.  Basically, whenever the Sun and Moon align with the Nodal Axis an eclipse is produced. 

The Sun, Moon, and Nodes in any person’s chart are the most powerful indicators of the basic character and destiny of the person; so wherever the Nodes are by transits they are very strong in their influence over events. 

The Nodes are incredibly deep, mysterious, and malefic planetary agents in action; the “higher purpose” they serve requires a much more cosmic, spiritual perspective to readily understand.  What seems like the darkest, most harsh of human experiences; can have the most transcendent effects as seen in the long run. You could almost say that they are a "god/demon" hybrid.  

Mercury and Neptune Stationary Retrograde

This weekend looks to start to get kind of strange as Mercury and Neptune slow to an absolute dead stop (apparently) in the sky and both turn retrograde on Monday, May 26.  What seems real, honest, or truthful may in fact be highly colored by psychological predispositions, biases, and abject delusions on a mass scale.  Be very careful about believing what somebody in a posture of authority tells you, he or she may have a hidden agenda behind it all.  In fact they may be just a deluded as you, if not more; and they want the whole world to believe what they believe to be true.   They may feel divinely inspired, but it really is little more than an egoistic attention-grab, albeit very subtle. 

Day by Day detail: 

Mon, May 19, FULL MOON IN SIDEREAL SCORPIO
A full moon is considered very fortunate in Vedic astrology, as it is fully illuminated by the Sun’s rays, the mind which the Moon symbolizes is at peak potency.  Favored work: making psychological breakthroughs, deconstruction, and anything that demands intensity of concentration.  Relationships, passion, and love will be highlighted as well.  (Full Moon in sidereal Scorpio, Venus square Nodes, quintile Mars)

Tue, May 20
Relationship issues and feelings of love probably are still burning fresh from the weekend. Today real perspective may be difficult from the intensity of emotions that may be released.  Early on today, more in the European time zones, a more pessimistic influence may set in for a while skewing judgment but hopefully also increasing concentrative power.  (Venus square Neptune, tridecile Pluto; Mercury quintile Saturn)

Wed, May 21
Unusual, but welcome developments may occur.  Thee could be sudden leaps of fortunate intuition.  The ability to apply yourself to an important task will be amplified, be careful though of obsessive tendencies coming out as well or inappropriateness in your actions.  Relationship connections should be enhanced.  Early on European time there could be an even greater intensification of emotions inciting to actions, which again may need some discrimination as to whether they should be followed through on.  (Sun quincunx Pluto, Jupiter sextile Uranus, Mars biquntile Pluto, Venus quincunx Juno)

Thur, May 22
Ouch, emotions could run sore and hot.  A sudden increase in zeal to accomplish some innovation action may not appreciate very much the unsubtle manifestations of obstacles, delays, or seemingly insurmountable resistance.  Accidents, conflicts, cuts, burns, etc, are a potential today; so an ounce of patience today may eliminate the need for a couple dozen pounds of cure.  (Sun square Saturn, Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus)

Fri, May 23
No peaking influences.

Sat, May 24
How the individual connects organically to the whole today will be an issue, how the ego’s original purpose can serve to amplify the needs of the group, and how the group can enhance the uniqueness of the individual. Flashes of intuition may help integrate heretofore unconnected items.  (Sun quintile Uranus)

Sun, May 25
At some time today emotions may temporarily unbalance the normal status quo of human affairs.  These little dips and rises in the everyday flow of events, may cause some things to happen, but you might need to question as to whether the change they offer is of real significance or do the blow harder then they ultimately push?  As Neptune is now at less than a crawls pace, judgment might be a very vulnerable faculty at this time.  (Venus quincunx Pluto)

Mon, May 26
Physical and mental faculties may be unduly burdened by latent toxic conditions now becoming sensitized.  Tendencies to act or think deceitfully may precipitate events that have questionable circumstances to them.  Events or issues concerning water, oil, toxins, fluids in general, intoxicants, or gases may come about.  In other areas though inspiration and creativity can be stimulated.  (Mercury and Neptune stationary retrograde)