Daniel Solewu looks at the stars for May 2007.

This is likely to be a powerful month on a number of levels, especially emotionally, thanks to a Star of David configuration with the Moon in Libra as its highest point. Otherwise known as a Grand Sextile, it involves two Grand Trines intersecting to form a star pattern, connecting at least six points by the positively fluid trines and sextiles while bisected and challenged by three oppositions.

This one is additionally potent as many of the six points are conjunctions of two planets or asteroids and so involves a total of 11 significant parts of self. They are Moon conjunct Juno and Black Moon, Jupiter conjunct Vesta in Sagittarius, Chiron conjunct Neptune in Aquarius, Ceres conjunct Medusa in Aries and, Venus in Gemini and Saturn conjunct Diana in Leo.

The whole picture is powerful in the sense that it connects so many different archetypes or parts of self in a dynamically fluid energy flow, mostly positive in nature with enough edge from the oppositions to keep it from being too complacent or easy. It is also powerful because of the holographic it links all these up in a simultaneous and unifying way, synonymously to all the chakras lighting up simultaneously.

What it all means is beyond the scope and size of this article but there are obvious highlights. The feminine, especially the Goddess archetypes, is prominent, powerful and demanding, holding the pinnacle position of the star and yet is positively connected with the masculine planets. The Moon/Juno/Black Moon highlights the urge towards full and empowering relationships and, as such, will bring to the surface any unresolved issues involving the experience of betrayal, inequality and rejection in past situations. Deeply loving, passionate and tantric, it longs for dedication and commitment, but is scathingly antagonistic to denial and escapism.

The presence of Chiron and Neptune provides a strong healing dimension to the whole pattern, especially to the relationships between masculine and feminine and between the rational intellect and the mystico-spiritual aspects of awareness. And even when the traditional resistance of the old patriarch, the downside of Saturn, kicks in on both accounts, Jupiter mediates between these polarities. A perfect trine between the two gas giants brings a great combination of expansive and consolidating qualities, using this mutually supportive arrangement between two often antagonistic aspects of the masculine. It also combines well the wisdom of the ancient energies of Saturn with the sheer youthfulness of Jupiter in Sagittarius.

With one notable exception, the Grand Sextile brings so many of the different qualities of masculine and feminine into a dynamic, creative and unifying pattern. There is great depth, even mystery from both, mixing well with vital, expressive energies that seek contemporary manifestation. The harmonising of both within goes a long way to balancing out the desire for closeness with the need to maintain a healthy independence. There is much here that can heal and open the heart to greater freedom, freedom to love.

Of mystery, we can look to the Ceres/Medusa conjunction, the most southern point of the star. While Ceres is an embodiment of the Great Mother and of the fruits of the earth, Medusa, despite her fearsome reputation, is a place of magic and healing in our psyche. Both are connected to women's blood mysteries and with the ultimate feminine wisdom. To see these two linking well with Saturn, Jupiter and Chiron, offers the masculine a different perspective on the darker goddesses, while supporting the expression of her potency in the world. As with the Chiron/Neptune, these two goddesses combined encourage the reclamation of our innate psychic-intuitive abilities, as part of much bigger possibilities for spiritual opening and initiation while this Grand Sextile is in place.

There is, however, a major exception to all this talk of masculine/feminine unity. An exact conjunction of Uranus and Mars adds a shadowy edge even to the Grand Sextile and in certain situations can lead to explosive outbursts of what's been previously hidden, particularly in the way of anger. This is one of the most potentially dangerous combinations, particularly for those who've been burying their anger and independence for the sake of preserving the status quo in a relationship. Its been known to produce outbreaks of violence, accidents and other explosive events that allow for the radical release of builtup energy, but these are the more extreme versions. Such a strong individualistic energy can be good to counterbalance our more codependent tendencies. A constructive argument can be good for clearing the air. Anger used cleanly can be very effective at getting to the truth of things and cutting away the bullshit. All this is possible too, but ultimately, this combination is meant to re-ignite our individuality in the face of all the little, and sometimes big, compromises we make to get on with others. Used well, it can actually enhance a relationship by bringing more vigour and passion to a situation that has become stagnant. Just watch out for the nastier edges.

Daniel Sowelu (B.Sc. Dip.Ed)is a therapeutic asrtologer, primal therapist and group leader in his 21st year of private practice.