Among other configurations this unMerry Month of May is one that features a conjunction of MELANCHOLIA and SPHINX with oppositions from ASTRAEA, JUNO and PLUTO, Rx. Planets, asteroids and TNPs are energies and, given their chance to shine in your life, they want to show you their range of manifestations. Even within a short period of time, you can see them acting out by themselves and then in a variety of ways with points in aspect.

Asteroids Melancholia and Sphinx

So let's start with the Melancholia-Sphinx conjunction. At one moment, someone can say, "I don't know why I feel so sad. I just do." At another time, the realization will be that it's "facing the Unknown" is causing sadness or depression. There is the underlying thought that whatever it is that's uncertain, the tone of it is serious.

Now go across the chart and pick up the possible explanations provided by the points in Capricorn in opposition:

  • Melancholia\Astraea: The sadness is a reflection of something from which a person never recovered (and may not be able to get over in any case.)
  • Melancholia\Juno: The depression has some basis in relationship, a lack of fairness or a financial matter.
  • Melancholia\Pluto: The tone of sorrow is connected to the fact that a matter is "out of one's hands" and they can't control how it goes. There may be sadness about debt, loans or mortgage payments. But do note that Pluto can show as a bit of OCD (Obessive- compulsive disorder,) and due to the perfectionistic demands of that disorder, it increases depression. In fact the two support each other: "I'm depressed because nothing's perfect."
  • Sphinx\Astraea: "Will I ever get better? Will this ever End? How will this turn out? What's happening to my eyesight?"
  • Sphinx\Juno: There are questions and Unknowns about another, a partner, what's actually Fair and/or about payments or costs. This is also that simple question: "How are you?" -- then expect aspecting points to answer the inquiry.
  • Sphinx\Pluto, Rx: Some questions are designed to throw a person off-balance and restructure the pecking order; some questions are intended to expose vulnerabilities and test integrity. So if this pattern is up in your chart now, consider the motives that cause some of the questions you're asked. But there can also be Unknowns about things that are Life-Changing. There can be uncertainties about underhanded power plays. There can be Missing Information about past sources of emotional pain and dependence. "What were they up to and why didn't I see it?" can also be themes. It;s one thing to deal with something you don't know or aren't clear about, but when it's Pluto, the stakes are much higher!

Of course you have to include radix points that are participating in this pattern. Maybe it's your:

  • ZEUS and dealing with the mysteries and uncertainties are producing some anxiety and telling you to get better organized and make a five year plan.
  • NEPTUNE and you're feeling confused, uncertain and distrustful.
  • LILITH and, despite all the unanswered questions and sadness, you still have decisions to make & may need to revisit prior choices.
  • URANUS and, among other things, it's a friend who brings these issues to you. At another point, you may need to step back emotionally to maybe get a more clear-headed view of your perception of what's going on.

Easy does it.