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May 4 through May 10, 2026

The highlight of the week is Pluto turning retrograde on Tuesday, but because this planet is so far out in the heavens, we may not notice much change on the day. However, for the next five months, we’ll be able to observe some karmic shifts happening and some recent injustices reversing themselves. This aspect also carries the power to bring people or opportunities from the past back into the forefront. With a Sagittarius Moon overhead on Monday, it’s best to stay focused in the moment, as changes can occur on an hourly basis, without notice. If we remain flexible, the shifts shouldn’t cause much trouble. The Moon travels through Capricorn from Tuesday through Thursday, making these three days the most productive of the week. Our focus will be on physical and financial stability, inspiring a new exercise routine or revision of current budgets and investments. Friday and Saturday unfold under an Aquarius Moon, making for a fun-filled start to the weekend as we engage in social events or try our hands at something completely different! Friendship is a theme under this Moon, so reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up! Sunday’s Scorpio Moon could have us hiding under the covers as energies wane and we gravitate to easy-going and relaxing activities.

Shapeshifters: Werewolves, Tricksters, Monsters, and More, by Nick Redfern

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

While the traditional image of the werewolf is, without a doubt, the first thing that springs to mind when a discussion of shapeshifters takes place, the truth of the matter is that there is a veritable menagerie of such infernal things in our midst. Were-cats, were-tigers, were-hyenas, and were-coyotes are also near the top of the monstrous list. Then, there are the ancient beliefs that those who died violent deaths—or those who were, themselves, murderers—were often destined to return to our plane of existence in the forms of hideous beasts, including wild and savage ape-like animals, fearsome black dogs with glowing and blazing red eyes, and mermaid-like things. There are also beings from other worlds: aliens, extraterrestrials, and Men in Black.

Even the legendary monsters of Loch Ness, Scotland, are believed—in certain monster-hunting quarters—to be paranormal beasts that have the ability to alter their appearances at will. As are legendary vampires, who, the old legends suggest, can transform into the likes of bats and wolves.

Collectively, all of these "things" amount to an absolute army of otherworldly creatures, and half-human monsters that have plagued and tormented us since the dawning of civilization. And, they show zero signs of slowing down anytime soon. The things you thought were only fit for campfire tales, late-night stories intended to thrill little children, and entertaining monster-movies, are, in actuality, creatures of the real world. Of our world. Shapeshifters are everywhere: they lurk in the shadows, in the deep woods and expansive forests, in dark and dank caves, and in the murky waters of our lakes and rivers. Maybe even, after sunset, in the recesses of your very own backyard, patiently waiting to pounce. And many of them like nothing better than to terrorize and torment us, the human race. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Werewolves
The latter part of the 1800s saw the surfacing of a tale of shapeshifting out of Germany—a country that has a long and checkered history of encounters with werewolves. It's specifically to the town of Ludwigslust we have to turn our attentions, a town with origins that date back to 1724.  One particular creature that became almost legendary in 1879 was a large, wild wolf that seemingly was completely unaffected by bullets. The brazen beast would even creep up on hunters and steal their bounty—their dinner, in other words. It's no surprise that word soon got around that maybe the wolf was more than just a nimble animal that had been lucky enough to avoid getting shot. Some thought it was supernatural in nature. Others, in quiet tones, suggested Ludwigslust had its very own werewolf. They were right. Witnesses claimed to see a wizened old witch transform into the deadly beast—and back again.

In April 2016, a very strange story surfaced out of the north of England. And to the extent that not just the local media, but the national media, too, were busy chasing down the strange and sinister story of what has become known as the "Werewolf of Hull," reportedly an eight-foot-tall, hair-covered monster. The case was, however, notable for the fact that several of the witnesses claimed the beast shape-shifted from a terrible, foul monster into the form of a black-cloaked old witch.

Most of the reports surfaced in and around the vicinity of what is called the Beverley and Barmston Drain, a land drainage operation, the origins of which date back to the latter part of the 1800s. A tunnel that carries the drain can be found below an old bridge on Beverley Beck, a canal in East Riding, Yorkshire, England—a location where a number of the encounters with the hair-covered thing have taken place.

So, what might the creature have been? The UK's media picked up—and picked up quickly and widely—on a local legend of an abominable beast known as "Old Stinker." It's a terrifying half-human/half-animal thing that has a long history in the area, a history that dates back centuries. So the story goes, the name came from the legend that the creature allegedly suffered from severely bad breath! And its physical appearance was said to have been no better either: it was covered in hair, and had piercing and glowing red eyes. On top of that, it regularly devoured the corpses of the recently deceased.

Were-cats
Jennifer's encounter occurred in her small Oregon hometown in the fall of 2011. Late one night, Jennifer saw what she assumed was a large black dog walking towards her, on the sidewalk. As the creature got closer, Jennifer was horrified to see it was actually a significantly-sized cat. As in the size of a jaguar. Jennifer was about to make a run for cover—but to where, at that time of night, she admitted she had no idea—when the cat suddenly stood upright, changed its appearance and ran across the road, at a phenomenal speed, and vanished into an alley on the other side of the road. Notably, Jennifer said that the cat did not lose its black color as it changed into human form, nor did it lose its cat-like head. It was, according to Jennifer, something that appeared half-human and half-cat. A definitive were-cat.

Elementals
Of the many and varied kinds of "elementals" that were said to possess the awesome powers of shapeshifting, certainly one of the most mysterious, and strangest of all, was the Dryad. It was a definitive entity of magical proportions that took shapeshifting to a truly unique level. The Dryad was a supernatural entity that features heavily in ancient Greek mythology, and which was exclusively associated with forests, woods, and trees. There was a very good reason for that: the Dryad had the uncanny and eerie ability to transform itself into a tree!

Coyotes
Perceived almost unanimously by Native Americans as a trickster-like animal, the coyote is said to have the ability to control the weather, specifically rain and storms. And, like so many other trickster entities—such as fairies and goblins—the coyote can be friendly, playful, and helpful. But, and also like all tricksters, the coyote has a dark side: it can be manipulative, deceitful, and even deadly, and as the mood takes it. As for what Native American lore says of the shapeshifting abilities of the coyote, we are told that the animal can take on human form, usually in the guise of a man with a large mustache. Coyotes are said to be able to transform into the forms of birds, fish, and cats. Also according to Native American mythology, witches and those familiar with magical rituals can transform themselves into coyotes. Thus, a coyote seen running wildly late at night may well be a shapeshifting witch or wizard, embarking on some dark and disturbing mission.

The Kitsune
Japan has its very own shapeshifter: the Kitsune. It is a word that means "fox." Japanese lore has long maintained that each and every fox that lives—and that has ever lived—has the ability to take on the appearance of a human, whether that of a man or of a woman. And, like many of the shapeshifters that we have focused on so far, the Kitsune alternates from being a malevolent creature to a placid and helpful entity. Mostly, however, it acts as a classic Trickster – manipulating people, and playing endless mind-games.

And that's just the start of things: the Men in Black who terrorize UFO witnesses have been seen to morph into the forms of blazing-eyed, black dogs. The legendary Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia has been described variously as a winged humanoid, as giant bat-like animal, and as a huge bird. Clearly, the beast is able to take on multiple guises. Bigfoot witnesses tell of the creatures changing into bright balls of light. The legendary creatures of Loch Ness are said to have the ability to take on the forms of beautiful women and large black horses.

If you think that shapeshifters are merely the things of folklore, mythology and legend, it's time to think again. Shapeshifters are here, there, and everywhere—and in multiple, monstrous forms, too...

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2017. All rights reserved.

I had a very vivid dream a few years back that was mind blowing. I was with my best friend and some other friends in my front yard and it was a clear night. We would look into the dark sky and could see all of the planets perfectly aligned. Saturn stood out the most, and then all of a sudden Saturn's rings started to spin faster and faster. Then they spun off into the left side of the sky where it was empty. The rings opened up and a beautiful light came out of the rings, then out stepped a man in a long gown-like outfit. He had long beautiful hair, kind of like Jesus. He opened his arms and a light beamed down onto me and my friend. I started to panic but she was calm. We lifted into the air and I started to cry because I thought I was dying. I didn't get to finish the dream because someone woke me up - they thought something was wrong. The colors and everything were so real and bright and beautiful that I couldn't do anything but smile for days afterwards. What could this dream possible mean?

Kathy

Astrea:

That was a very exciting dream. You saw all of the planets in alignment! Usually, seeing the planets in your dreams means that you are totally in harmony with yourself or you are exploring your inner self in order to find that harmony.

Our planets are all ruled by spiritual beings. In your dream, there was a person who looked like Jesus representing all the beings who rule the different planets. In being taken up by this being, you weren't dying - you were just going to explore those planets in your dream.

The meaning of these combined symbols seems to be that you are in a constant and profound search for your own kind of harmony and inner peace. This is a great goal! I wouldn't be surprised if seeing the planets in alignment and opening with beautiful colors was a reflection of your own astrological chart. If you haven't had a chart done yet, do so immediately. You'll see many of the things this dream was telling you in your natal chart.

If you already have a natal chart, pay particular attention to what Saturn is doing right now. The rings were so striking in your dream that there must be some special meaning for you in this symbol.

The Universe can be thought of as a big restaurant. Everything is food here; if it's not food for humans, it's food for something else. Where do you fall in that food chain? What do you need to consider in your current career or your relationships?

Things are going to change in a big, positive way for you in the next nine months (as indicated by the nine planets!) and you need to be ready to accept the good things that you deserve. The fact that you were frightened in your dream suggests that you may not think yourself worthy of all of the abundance that is about to rain down on you, so you have some inner work to do.

That figure you saw is a clue to your dreams coming true. The Universe must be on your side to reveal such things to you. Your friend wasn't frightened in your dream because these things won't affect her life as drastically as they will yours. She is in line for some good things to come too, perhaps because you'll share your joy with her.

Be sure to rest so you're ready for what's coming and won't feel overwhelmed with what will be happening. Also, be sure to look for your Ascendant, your Moon and where Saturn falls in your chart in order to get new clues every day. I believe you'll have a great time with what's coming, and will soon be filled with happiness.

*****

Susyn:

Dreams can be interpreted in many ways. To determine this dream's messages, the most important thing is to concentrate on how the dream made you feel, not only during the dream but after you awoke.

At the start of the dream, you were in a familiar place with familiar friends around you, simply admiring the night sky. Once the rings of Saturn began to spin off center, you realized that something unnatural was about to take place.

Next you saw the vision of a man similar to Jesus, surrounded by light and welcoming you with open arms. This is consistent with well-known images of Jesus as well as the light people claim to see when crossing over to the other side. Bearing all of that in mind, it is no wonder you started to cry and thought you were dying.

The intensity of the dream, the profound colors and unusual circumstances would naturally create an image that would remain with you. These elements speak to the fact that this dream has some important messages for you.

If anyone who was with you in the dream experienced a similar dream at the same time, it would suggest that this was an out of body experience or group message dream. Some people might assume that you were actually astral projecting and because someone woke you up midway through, your transformation was short-circuited. Obviously, the dream was having a big effect on you or the people around you would not have awakened you to make sure you were okay.

Most likely this dream was designed to awaken your spiritual side. Because Saturn is a planet of design and structure and is noted for its ability to center and align you with the laws of the Universe, it represents your spiritual foundation. The rings of Saturn that spun out of control and off to the side may have served as a warning to alert you to the fact that you might be off center and out of touch with your spiritual self.

The vision of the man who appeared in a Christ-like form is a wonderful reminder that our higher selves or higher powers are always looking out for us and will protect us no matter how far out of balance we may get. In this dream, he is inviting you back into his world, for he wants you to return to a higher plane of spiritual awareness.

I would interpret this dream as a wake-up call to reconnect with the Universe and build on your spiritual life. You might begin by meditating on this dream, for that will encourage your intuitive side to awaken and play a bigger role in your life.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.