May 2026 Memorial Weekend Post

The last few months since releasing my February newsletter, I have been deep in the weeds of reflection.  Many of you know my studies in college were in history and political science. I have always investigated current events within a historical framework. And dear readers, I have been stunned, dismayed, and troubled. Many historians are calling these times, in the US and other Western Countries, the second Dark Ages.  This has been a serious reactionary time in the United States, where superstitions and conspiracies have replaced rational thinking.  It is as if the Enlightenment never existed and the US Constitution were a fairy tale.

This brings me to my own resolution to illuminate my world with inspiration that will change the trajectory of impending doom. I provide my thoughts below in this newsletter. But first, I want you (my reader) to understand my intention.

I want to connect with as many like-minded people as possible to build groups and communities for deep discourse.  Over the years, I have had the amazing experience of finding special people through my spiritual journeys and astrology network. The one-on-one readings I have provided have been a gift to me as I see how we come together in understanding and appreciation. I intend to build an online platform to create groups and communities that want to share ideas about building a better future.  This will not be about politics, religion, or even a discourse on astrology. This forum will be a discourse on the evolution of humanity. This is not about Darwin’s evolution, but the transpersonal evolution of Who We Are on the way to a neo-human, a new humanity. To understand where my own perceptions lie, please read the Otto Scharmer article titled "Holding the Gaze Steady.". https://medium.com/presencing-institute-blog/holding-the-gaze-steady-87b5a5aa9513

I am still figuring out how to bring together a circle, a group, or a community on a platform or online space to engage in dialogue.  More ideas will come soon.

Returning to my thoughts on how I can shift the narrative toward the possibilities of a better future for all, I have listed some steps I am taking (presently) to improve my own actions.

First, I anchor myself in a vision for the emerging future.  This poem or verse below speaks to my vision to end the rule of the patriarchy and the oligarchs that appear to hold all the power.  Wait a minute, I do have power and agency. Instead of a top-down hierarchical world, how about a world that builds communities of equals working together for the common good? 

Weaving a Circle:

The truth is . . .

I don’t want more power-hungry men in suits making decisions rooted in greed and disconnection.

I want a circle of indigenous grandmothers — women who carry the memory of the land,

the language of the stars, and the wisdom of what it means to care for the next seven generations.

Women who know that leadership is sacred, that power is stewardship, and that healing the world begins with listening.

Let the old systems crumble. Let the council rise. We remember the way forward.

~ Ella Hicks

This vision brings me to the second step: Building connections with others that offer restoration and create community spaces that foster heart-centered discourse. A place that allows people to tell their stories and be seen. This space brings a connection that allows creative opportunities to heal, regenerate, and renew our soul purposes in life. I believe in communities that are not based on depleting resources or degrading the spirit of humanity, but rather places/spaces where people can work together to build new systems to help one another. We need communities that restore creativity to provide opportunities to deepen our connection to nature and all sentient creatures. Honoring our “Mother” is a sacred contract to remember. Cultivating a reverence for the Earth may just save humanity.

Of course, the question comes up: “How does this relate to astrological events?”

Just as the importance of connecting with and stewarding the Earth is recognized, one must also be aware of our connection to the stars and the cosmos. 

2026 started off with a powerful energy to initiate a new path, a new chapter, and a new world for humanity.  2026 is considered a “One” Year in numerology.  I spoke of this in February’s newsletter.  It seemed as if the planets in their movements through the constellations were giving us an opportunity to begin anew.  Or perhaps to REBOOT our systems.  Goodness knows, we are seeing a rash of systems falling apart or declining. I have seen a variety of US government structures fall apart or begin to operate ineffectually. Need I point out what these are?  I will leave you to your own conjectures.

I have been reading and researching how historical events and significant astrological transits interact.  I am not stating that planets make us go to war or bring economic depressions. But there appears to be a relationship between humanity and the heavens. Mystics and scientists now share a belief in the unity of all life and matter in the universe. Everything is connected, and everything is in dynamic flux.

Today, there is a whole lot of Flux happening.  The transpersonal planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all entered new signs in recent months. Each of these planets has the potential to bring transformation. The first part of 2026 brought a shift as these three planets changed signs, with Saturn and Jupiter also entering new astrological signs. Let us examine the possibility of shifting world events as we discuss these planets.

  • Pluto is now in Aquarius (March 23rd, 2023 – January 19th, 2044)

Pluto moves about every 12–30 years through the zodiac, and it spent the long era of Capricorn (structures, authority) before entering Aquarius (collective, innovation) in recent years. Aquarius emphasizes the group, humanitarian ideals, technology, and radical reform. Pluto’s transit through Aquarius intensifies and transforms those themes. Pluto signifies the creative power to transform as it cycles from death to rebirth.  Thus, Pluto's energy, as it transits other forces, can eliminate what does not serve the highest good. What evolves from this death is the birth of an evolved state, behavior, system, or new consciousness.

How can we say we entered the “Age of Aquarius” when there is currently so much disruption, despair, and destruction?  Here is my thought:  All the crap and decadence in the world are coming to the surface, so we (meaning humanity) can demolish the corruption and build a new world, even a new humanity. Pollyanna thinking?  I see the possibility of a new social order being created to weave sustainable, caring communities that serve all persons, sentient beings, and care for the living earth.

An AI search provided these core meanings for the effects of Pluto in Aquarius:

  • Transforming collective systems: governments, schools, media, and social institutions may undergo deep overhaul to become more inclusive, transparent, and efficient.

  • Radical innovation and disruption: technology, AI, science, and new ways of organizing society (co-ops, open networks, blockchain, decentralized platforms) could accelerate.

  • Emphasis on humanitarian ideals: rights, equality, liberty, and the welfare of the many over the few become central in policy and culture.

  • Power dynamics in groups: leadership, activism, and public opinion can shift rapidly; crowds and networks can wield intense influence.

  • Rebirth through detachment: Aquarius’ cool, fits-with-all approach combined with Pluto’s exposure of hidden truths can catalyze liberation from outdated or oppressive structures.

  • Jupiter is now in Cancer (June 9th, 2025 – June 29th, 2026)

Jupiter is the great benefactor in terms of astrology. In a person’s natal chart, where Jupiter shows up (house and sign), it provides information on what will grow and expand in the person’s lifetime. Jupiter in Cancer has a healing effect on everyone, but particularly those who have their Sun, Moon, and natal Jupiter in this sign. Jupiter in Cancer brings up the power of the divine feminine, the “mother” who nurtures and protects us.

  • Neptune is now in Aries (March 30th, 2025 – March 23rd, 2039)

Neptune is a transcendent force in the cosmos. Neptune is the planet of dreams and spirituality. No matter the sign it is in, Neptune brings heightened imagination, creativity, and intuition. This planet has left its home constellation of Pisces to move to Aries. The time in Pisces allowed the world to witness heightened awareness of our spiritual selves.  Neptune in Aries pushes us to pursue our ideals with courage and creativity.

  • Saturn is now in Aries (March 24th, 2025 – April 12th, 2028)

Saturn is the planet that brings structure, discipline, and long-term success. This ringed taskmaster lends its sobering energy to a single zodiac sign for two to three years. Saturn’s influence allows for long-term planning, involves serious commitments, and hard work.

Saturn in Aries brings out the warrior energy of this sign. Decisive action is needed now, particularly for those with their Sun and Moon in Aries. Watch for impulsivity or impatience.  Saturn will help to bring focus and determination.

We’re in the middle of eclipse season: The solar eclipse in Aquarius occurred near the North Node on February 17th, 2026, and the lunar eclipse in Virgo occurred near the South Node on March 3rd 

The last eclipse on the Pisces North Lunar Node opposite Virgo in the South Node will be the Pisces Lunar Eclipse on August 28th.  The north node directs the evolution of consciousness. In Pisces, there is an urge to demonstrate compassion, imagination, and collective healing. 

The evolving eclipse cycle continues with the North Node in Aquarius opposite the South Lunar Node in Leo.  The Total Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 12th will echo the seismic shift of the “Great American Eclipse” in August 2017. Get ready for powerful themes around courage, creativity, and self-expression.  Eclipses over the Sun Signs of Aquarius and Leo will foster new forms of leadership and bring paradigm shifts.

  • Saturn conjoined Neptune in Aries on February 20th, 2026

Astrologers have been speaking of this event for years.  The Aries Point: On February 20, Saturn and Neptune make an exact conjunction at 0° Aries, which hasn’t happened for thousands of years! As this duo combines their polar-opposite energies in warrior Aries, get ready to navigate a paradox. How can you stay soft in a world that will demand toughness and strength? The tension is palpable, but so is the possibility for soulful, lasting change.

Saturn and Neptune come together every 36 years, and when they do, they make an uneasy pair. Saturn represents discipline, authority, tough lessons, and boundaries, while Neptune is all about imagination, empathy, confusion, and illusions. One is concerned with upholding order and the status quo; the other doesn’t believe limitations exist. What happens when you add them together? It’s hard to get a grip on what’s real and what isn’t. This friction can lead to visionary movements and radical uprisings, or it can burst the bubble of our ideals, leaving us more confused about what we can achieve. Sometimes, it can do both. This transit emphasizes the importance of confronting lies with truth, mourning the dreams that didn’t pan out, and fighting for liberation more strategically.

Each year, when our seasonal shift occurs and the Aries Zero Point starts the new zodiacal year, we can experience fresh starts and renewal.  On February 20th, when Saturn and Neptune conjoined at Zero Point Aries, this conjunction foretold the possibility of a whole new reset of the world. Any conjunction of the Aries Zero point is where personal and collective worlds collide. Last time Neptune in Aries passed over the Zero Aries Point, the US Civil War began in 1861.  In America today, there are similar themes and polarities to those that existed during the period leading up to the Civil War. Except today, there can be wars, yes, but more likely a rising war in the realm of technology. We are in the Robber Baron Era, Part Two. The technocrats have the money and power, even over governmental systems.

The personal aspects of this conjunction greatly impact those with an Aries Sun and Moon. Also, those with other cardinal signs of Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.

  • Uranus enters Gemini on April 25th (and it will stay there until May 22nd, 2033)

The last major transpersonal planet to enter a new astrological sign is Uranus. This planet wraps up its turn in the sign of Taurus since May 2018. Taurus covers the material world from the food on our table to the money in our bank accounts. Uranus is the planet of innovation and paradigm shifts. In Taurus, Uranus brought us cryptocurrency, creator economies, quiet-quitting, and remote work.

Uranus in Gemini from 1941 to 1949 found humanity entering the nuclear age. We split the atom and invented the atomic bomb. Other innovations, such as television, revolutionized our homes and communications. Quantum leaps in innovation are what we can expect from 2026 to 2033. The Artificial Intelligence world is here. The United States is in an arms race with other nations. Gemini rules communications, and this applies to media, social media, and more.  What revolts and disruptions will occur in the world of media and the search for truth?  Who controls the media and the information shared with the public?

Okay, I understand that this newsletter is quite lengthy and perhaps even difficult to comprehend.  But I wanted to share all the important astrological events of this year, and the years to come.  I firmly believe humanity is undergoing a major shift, reboot, and transformation.  Events could bring horrific destruction or a major positive change. Probably both. We can be part of the change we want to see. We are not powerless. Instead, in the age of radical communication devices, we can give voice to our vision for a better world. We can act in ways that emulate the change we want to see.  For me, this may simply be sharing my positive regard with others. Every day, simple acts can multiply into a wave of change. Kindness, compassion, and consideration help bring more peace and harmony.

 As I mentioned above, my peace and sense of well-being that hold me during these turbulent times come from being in community.   These are places where I can connect with others, share my stories, and listen to others. Inclusive communities help us to nurture our sense of well-being and foster our resilience. If you do not have a community that holds you in safety and high regard, create one. Even if you start out with one other person, you are on the pathway to building a space where your spirit is uplifted.

As Stephanie Austin advised in her May 16th – New Moon in Taurus newsletter:

It’s time to slow down, not only to rest and recharge, but so we can be more present and more aligned as the evolutionary pace quickens. The last few months have been incredibly intense. Between three outer planets changing signs, a momentous Saturn-Neptune conjunction, and an extended concentration of planets in fiery Aries, it has become more vital than ever to keep the big picture in mind (Jupiter), be our own authority (Saturn), heal core issues (Chiron), think out of the box (Uranus), trust our intuition (Neptune) and let go of what holds us back (Pluto). 

Cathy Basen

For most of my adult life, I have worked as an educator. Now, semi-retired from public school administration, I work part time as an education consultant.  However, my passion for decades has been my work as a professional astrologer and intuitive advisor.  My love for dialoguing soul-to-soul with people has rewarded me with amazing conversations and discourse.  I feel I have supported countless persons over the years by interpreting their astrology natal chart and also, reading Tarot cards as both serve as tools and methods to provide deep insights into the soul.