May 2024 | Volume No 5
FOUNDER’S LETTER
“Recognizing the intricate harmony of the cosmos can help us find balance in our own lives,
offering us an opportunity to flow naturally with the rhythms of the universe.”
— Carl Sagan
For the last few weeks, I’ve been reviewing and refining the systems and practices within my business to streamline my daily operations and enhance productivity. I’ve evaluated where I could optimize my time, maximize my energy, and revamp certain aspects of our offerings to improve function and innovation.
Work hours form a foundational aspect of any business’s culture and I’ve primarily maintained a similar structure to when I worked a traditional 9-to-5. However, my perspective shifted recently after attending a business webinar where another founder highlighted the importance of protecting the freedom within entrepreneurship. For many founders, including myself, entrepreneurship represents joy, freedom, and living your purpose. Yet, many of us, especially those working solo or with small teams, end up working longer hours than in our previous traditional jobs, with no days off, often at the cost of personal wellbeing and quality time with loved ones.
The speaker’s perspective was: “The whole point of entrepreneurship is freedom. You need to carve out one or two days a week of rebellion. Otherwise, why sacrifice a well-paying job with benefits for the same rigid structure but an infinite amount of more work?” This inspired me to reassess my schedule and find days where work and energy flowed naturally versus attempting to adhere to traditional structures that didn't always resonate with my style of work. It also prompted me to incorporate more flexibility into my schedule, enabling me to handle unexpected personal matters when they come up without the added stress of losing valuable work hours.
I found that Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays are the most productive for me, while Wednesday and Friday lend themselves best to creative and communicative tasks such as content creation, newsletters, and social media. Saturdays, which many view as the start of the weekend, never felt that way to me, likely due to my freelance background in design and styling when Saturdays were dedicated to campaign photoshoots that required me to be on set as early as 5 a.m. Likewise, Sundays never felt distinctly relaxing, as they were often spent completing house chores, running errands, and prepping for the work week ahead.
It dawned on me that I had stopped planning my week astrologically, a practice I found helpful in the past, and decided to revisit it. As a result, I've since adjusted my work hours and availability, designating Sunday and Monday as personal days to align with the energy of the Sun and Moon. This has notably improved my workflow and internal energy, as well as how I align with external energies. If you have the 2024 Executive Daily Planner, you’ve likely already acquainted yourself with the section explaining the energy behind each day of the week. To accompany that planner section, this month's Athenaeum features a special blog post exploring how each planet influences different aspects of your life throughout the week. By sharing examples from my own personal practice, my hope is that you’ll find it helpful to consider how you can align your schedule with these energies for improved harmony and productivity.
— Elena
MAY 2024 CELESTIAL GUIDE
May 2024 offers a month full of celestial events that bring a mix of cosmic energies. From meteor showers to significant planetary transitions, May offers a chance for introspection and alignment with the universe. Let's explore the astrological highlights of this month and how they may impact you. For all astrological aspects and lunar conjunctions, reference your May Overview Calendar, nestled inside your
2024 Edition of The Astral Planner.
Numerological Insight: EMBRACING THE POWER OF FOUR
May 2024 carries the numerological vibration of the number four, which resonates with energies of stability, discipline, and structure. The number four is often associated with the four elements of nature—earth, air, fire, and water—each representing different aspects of existence that need to be balanced for a harmonious life.
In various spiritual traditions, the number four holds significant meaning. For instance, in Native American culture, the Medicine Wheel is divided into four sections, each symbolizing different stages of life, seasons, and cardinal directions. This cyclical representation emphasizes the importance of harmony with the natural world and the cyclical nature of existence.
From a spiritual perspective, the number four can represent the building blocks of reality. In many religious and philosophical traditions, creation itself is often conceptualized in terms of four key principles or aspects: the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. When these four aspects of self are in balance, one can experience a deep sense of alignment and peace.
The number four is also connected to the tarot, where it is associated with the Emperor card. This card represents authority, structure, and the ability to bring order to chaos. The Emperor encourages you to take control of your life and establish a strong foundation upon which you can build your dreams.
In terms of practical application, the number four emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and habits that support your goals. By creating a structured approach to your daily life, you can achieve greater productivity and efficiency. This might include organizing your workspace, establishing regular work and rest times, and setting clear boundaries between different areas of your life.
May's numerological energy also invites you to focus on the tangible aspects of your life, such as finances, career, and home. By paying attention to these areas, you can create a sense of security and stability that will help you achieve your long-term goals. This is a month to take practical steps towards building a solid foundation for your future.
As you begin working with May’s energy, strive for a sense of balance and grounding in all aspects of your life. The Daily Pages in The Astral Planner are especially equipped to create a stable and structured environment that can lead to lasting success and fulfillment, without compromising on health, sleep, nutrition, and movement. By channeling the disciplined energy of the number four, you can lay the groundwork for future growth and prosperity.
Third Quarter Moon in Aquarius: Embracing Individuality (May 1)
The month begins with the Third Quarter Moon in Aquarius on May 1, highlighting themes of freedom and innovation. This lunar phase encourages you to step back and assess your goals and relationships from a different perspective. Use practices like meditation or journaling to do deep inner work to identify the root cause of outdated beliefs. Visualize your Higher Self and think how they would act towards any challenges you face.
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower: Awakening Inspiration (May 5)
The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower peaks on May 5, with radiant showers originating from the constellation Aquarius. This meteor shower may inspire creativity and new ideas, encouraging you to embrace the unconventional. Look to the night sky for a spectacular show, and use the energy to awaken your sense of wonder and imagination.
New Moon in Taurus: Grounding Stability (May 7)
The New Moon in Taurus on May 7 brings a focus on stability, security, and material possessions. This is an excellent time to set intentions around your financial goals, home life, and personal values. Taurus' grounding energy invites you to be patient and persistent in your pursuits, encouraging you to take practical steps towards achieving your dreams.
Lyrid Meteor Shower: Reviving Cosmic Mysteries (May 8)
The Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks on May 8, originating from the constellation Lyra. This celestial event has been observed for over 2,700 years and is associated with mythological themes of music and creativity. Embrace the cosmic mysteries of this meteor shower, and use the energy to explore your artistic side and connect with your spiritual journey.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation: Communication Clarity (May 9)
Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation on May 9, providing a clear view of the planet in the morning sky. This alignment offers opportunities for communication and decision-making. Be attentive to your thoughts and interactions, as Mercury’s influence can bring clarity and insight.
Mercury at Highest Altitude in Morning Sky: Harnessing Wisdom (May 14)
On May 14, Mercury reaches its highest altitude in the morning sky, providing a strong opportunity for intellectual pursuits and clear thinking. This celestial alignment can help you harness your wisdom and express yourself more effectively. Use this time to articulate your ideas and communicate your thoughts clearly.
First Quarter Moon in Leo: Igniting Passion (May 15)
The First Quarter Moon in Leo on May 15 stirs passion and creativity. This lunar phase encourages you to take bold action and embrace your authentic self. Allow your inner fire to guide you as you pursue your goals with confidence and courage.
Mercury Enters Taurus: Solidifying Communication (May 15)
Mercury enters Taurus on May 15, bringing a grounded approach to communication. This transit encourages patience and careful thought in your conversations and decisions. Focus on practical matters and express yourself with clarity and precision.
Sun Enters Gemini: Embracing Curiosity (May 20)
As the Sun enters Gemini on May 20, a playful and curious energy fills the air. Gemini’s influence encourages you to explore new ideas, engage in stimulating conversations, and embrace adaptability. Use this time to connect with others and share your thoughts and experiences.
Full Moon in Sagittarius: Expanding Horizons (May 23)
The Full Moon in Sagittarius on May 23 brings a sense of adventure and a desire to expand your horizons. This lunar phase invites you to explore new opportunities, travel, and seek out knowledge. Embrace your curiosity and be open to learning from different cultures and perspectives.
Venus Enters Gemini: Celebrating Connections (May 23)
On May 23, Venus enters Gemini, bringing a lively and communicative energy to relationships. This transit encourages you to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the connections you share with others. Be open to new friendships and explore new romantic possibilities.
Jupiter Enters Gemini: Broadening Perspectives (May 25)
Jupiter enters Gemini on May 25, expanding opportunities for learning and growth. This transit encourages you to explore new subjects and broaden your perspectives. Seek out experiences that challenge your beliefs and open your mind to new possibilities.
Third Quarter Moon in Pisces: Embracing Intuition (May 30)
The month ends with the Third Quarter Moon in Pisces on May 30, inviting you to tap into your intuition and spiritual side. This lunar phase encourages you to reflect on your dreams and emotions, and trust your inner guidance. Embrace the healing energy of Pisces and allow it to guide you towards deeper self-awareness.
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