MAY 2026
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in this issue...
BIRTH STONES AND SUN SIGNS
by Bruce Johnson
© 2011 Bruce Johnson – Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter July 2011.
The problem with relating stones to months rather than to astrological sun signs, is that about two thirds of the way through the month, a new sun sign begins. The sign of the last one third of the month is different in nature than the sign occupying the first two thirds of the month and has different affinities. An esoteric association of sun signs and gems is shown below.
• Aries – carnelian, ruby, and red stones
• Taurus – peridot, topaz
• Gemini – green beryl, emerald and green stones
• Cancer – garnet and orange stones
• Leo – lapis lazuli, sapphire and blue stones
• Virgo – rock crystal, diamond and colorless stones
• Libra – zircon, bloodstone
• Scorpio – agate
• Sagittarius – amethyst and violet stones
• Capricorn – chrysolite, citrine and yellow stones
• Aquarius – onyx
• Pisces – jasper
This arrangement includes the three primary colors-red, yellow, and blue, plus their complimentary colors -green, violet, and orange. White, brown, and mixed colors are also shown. The moon sign, ascendant, and ruling planet, also have affinities with gems in addition to those linked to the sun signs. Some people tune to these stones more than those associated with their sun signs.
Be cautious regarding claims of occult power attributed to different metals, gems, and minerals. While it is true that they all radiate unseen forces, it is also true that many contradictory and unfounded claims are made by authors and teachers in this field of study. The Adepts of Esoteric Wisdom have the last word concerning the emanations and soul nature of earths’ metals, gems, and minerals.
Two interesting books to consider are The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz, and The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones by William T. Fernie.
Bruce Johnson has over 30 years of study in the fields of Ancient Wisdom and occultism. He has taught classes on a wide range of topics, from Atlantis to mediums to Zoroaster. He is also a Spiritualist minister, with a background in spiritual astrology. He lives in Colorado with his wife and their cat.
SANDALWOOD
by Bob Romero
One of the most widely used and very powerful metaphysical elements on earth is sandalwood. It mainly comes from Southeast Asia and Malaysia. It has been a part of many different religions and cultures for many different uses for thousands of years. In addition to having similar metaphysical properties to crystals, it is also used for smudging like sage, can be burned as incense, and has many healing benefits as an essential oil. It is also used for building temples and for carved statues.
Like sage, sandalwood is used to clear negative energies and for purification. As an incense, it is used in spiritual practices and in meditation to connect to Spirit. It has a sweet soft wooden smell and is the scent associated with an archangel with a similar name, Archangel Sandaphon. Sandalwood is a very potent essential oil for healing in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It helps cure skin disorders, calms the mind and the nervous system, and helps you sleep. It is being researched for a long list of treatments, that are too many to be listed here. Treatment for cancer and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis are some notable ones. Sandalwood is a high vibrational material and has similar metaphysical characteristics to those of some crystals. It can be used for grounding like black tourmaline or smoky quartz for the root chakra, or for opening the third eye like amethyst, or even paired with other crystals.
The other similarity to crystals that sandalwood has is for prayer beads. Sandalwood beads are used for rosaries and malas. One nice thing about malas is that if you want to have their energy continuously available to you, you can wear them as necklaces or bracelets. They are mainly used to keep count, but having a high vibrational material like Sandalwood or a crystal for the beads will amplify the intention. Both the repetition of a prayer or mantra along with the sacred material will shout your intention to the universe. One of my favorite techniques is to use a Sandalwood mala and just say the intention 108 times. Because energy follows thought, that will create a lot of energy to follow the same thought many times.
Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.
MAY 2026 ASTROLOGY UPDATE
by Roy Neal
We begin the month of May with a Full Moon in the sign of Scorpio on Friday, May 1st. Healing, transformation and empowerment through letting go becomes our emotional process.
Our thoughts and decisions will center around matters of security and tangible value as Mercury enters the sign of Taurus on Saturday, May 2nd.
Letting go of things we no longer desire or value will occur as Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius on Wednesday, May 6th.
A Last Quarter Phase Moon occurs in Aquarius on Saturday, May 9th. Our emotional desire for change and independence may be in conflict with the security and stability of the status quo.
Honoring the special women in our life is our gift to them on Mother’s Day which occurs on Sunday, May 10th.
A New Moon occurs in Taurus on Saturday, May 16th. Earth centered activities involving gardening and nature are favored.
Mercury enters the zodiac sign of Gemini on Sunday, May 17th. Connection, communication and social activities involving dialogue and the exchange of ideas will increase while Mercury is transiting Gemini.
Mars enters Taurus on Monday, May 18th. Actions involving business and financial affairs will require our attention while Mars is transiting Taurus.
Venus enters Cancer also on Monday, May 18th. Relationships involving home, family and personal security are in the spotlight while Venus is transiting Cancer.
The Sun enters Gemini on Wednesday, May 20th. Dialogue, discussion and decisions in all areas of life are likely to be our experience while the Sun is transiting Gemini.
A First Quarter Phase Moon occurs in Virgo on Saturday, May 23rd. Dialogue and decisions involving our health, work and well-being will be a priority.
A Full Moon occurs in Sagittarius on Sunday, May 31st. An emotional need for freedom and travel is likely to inspire plans for a vacation or a weekend excursion.
Roy Neal is a professional astrologer with a private practice in the Denver area. If you would like to know more about how this month impacts you personally, call Roy at 720-962-4633 and schedule an update of your individual birth chart.
TAURUS, THE BULL in 2026
by Roy Neal
April 19 to May 19
The Sun enters the zodiac sign of Taurus on April 19th. Taurus is an earth sign ruled by the planet Venus. It is at this time that the earth begins to display her beauty.
The Taurus person needs to feel valued and valuable; they need to be able to experience financial security, good food, a beautiful place to live and the comforts of life.
Earth Day occurs while the Sun is transiting the sign of Taurus. The Taurus person is a natural friend of the Earth; they enjoy growing a garden and contributing to the beauty of nature.
If you wish to enjoy good food, creature comforts and enjoy the beauty of nature, you would do well to spend some quality time with someone who has the Sun, Ascendant, Moon or other personal planets in the sign of Taurus.
Taurus’ most popular Energetic Healing and Spiritual Power Gemstones
Azurite, Green Calcite, Emerald, Picture Jasper,Blue Kyanite, Malachite, Peridot, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Unakite, Topaz
Roy Neal is a professional astrologer with a private practice in the Denver area. If you would like to know more about how this month impacts you personally, call Roy at 720-962-4633 and schedule an update of your individual birth chart.