May 2023

May 5 delivers a lunar eclipse in Scorpio. An eclipse is always an acceleration influence and incorporates the unexpected. The May 5 eclipse holds more than average kickstart. Even so, what transpires is likely something that has already been in the works for several weeks (since the solar eclipse of April 19, start of Mercury retrograde on April 21, and likely as early as April 5/6.) Even if jarring to begin with, the eclipse can set you onto a smooth-running track. It could prompt a powerplay, a complete turnabout/turnaround (regarding circumstances, emotions, psychological orientation, enmeshments), or a renovation (actual or metaphorically speaking). One way or another, the Scorpio eclipse provides plenty of incentive. Among the featured topics for this eclipse: finances, debt, taxes, investments, wills, sex, emotional involvements (trust, abandonment issues, entanglements, being used or manipulated, etc.), surgery. Trust what you feel and you will set yourself on the path to greater security and personal fulfillment.

Putting added attention on home, family, feelings, and personal wants and needs, Venus tours Cancer from May 7 to June 5. Invest in yourself, gift yourself more. Mars exits sensitive Cancer for fun loving Leo on May 20. While some may call you self centered, Mars in Leo is well used for putting personal wants and needs first, for making yourself happy. It is your time to shine. Indulge, enjoy, play more, gift more. When you are happy, everyone around you benefits too. This Mars transit can also spotlight your offspring. On another note, this Mars transit is a precursor to Venus in Leo, which will run from June 5 to October 8. The extra long tour is due to the upcoming Venus retrograde cycle which happens from July 22 to Sept 3. Venus retrograde will take you through an important re-evaluation cycle regarding your essential needs, what brings joy and what success really means. It can set up an incubating cycle regarding creative endeavours and matters of heart.

The week following the lunar eclipse of May 5 and preceding the end of Mercury retrograde on May 14, can get it up and rolling well. Watch May 9 (sun/Uranus conjunction) for a breakthrough, or for a time to spring into action. May 12, Venus/Saturn suggest satisfaction can be gained, that things are working out as best can be considering all. May 15, Mars/Neptune (trine) makes for good flow.

Jupiter leaves Aries for Taurus on May 16, tenanting this sign through May of 2024. Jupiter, the planet of increase, can put all matters to do with money and survival (material, emotional) on the upscale. You can earn more or spend more, want more, need more, enjoy more, or indulge more. Jupiter in Taurus is a fruitful transit. It bodes well for exploring more lucrative potentials and for creative endeavours. For those who are looking to get pregnant, know that fertility is enhanced under this transit. Are you watching calories? Jupiter in Taurus is not your best transit for staying trim. It is a good one for bringing in all the senses, and for getting better grounded in your body. One last thing to say, is that Jupiter in Taurus slows down the pace. To the plus, it is a good transit for savouring the good the stuff.

May 1, Pluto in Aquarius stations retrograde. Also on this day, Mercury retrograde and the sun form an inferior conjunction. (An inferior conjunction happens when Mercury is in orbit between the earth and sun rather than on the other/far side of the sun.) This signals a new phase of development for Mercury sun, this in terms of actualization and implementation, or of subjective awareness.

Venus squares Neptune on May 4, just one day prior to the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5. Watch for something (or someone) unexpected to surface and to fill in a missing blank. It could prompt a change of mind, of plans, or of necessity. Please be especially careful with your health and maintain your distance from folks that appear unwell (or unhinged). Venus/Neptune is an exposure archetype. Ceres stations direct on May 6, Venus enters Cancer on May 7. The follow-through time after the eclipse suggests things sort out, again in some unexpected way, perhaps even better than anticipated. No matter what it looks like in the moment, ultimately, it all adds up to progress.

Mercury in Taurus ends retrograde on May 14. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. You should feel this Jupiter transit as a call to action. One way or another, as of mid-month onward, it is time to get moving. Jupiter will grace your sign through May of 2024. The planet of increase sets you onto a significant growth cycle. To the plus it can help you to get more grounded and self-consistent. It is an ideal transit for creative enterprise and for efforts directed toward betterment, and procurement or attainment. Desire is your best baseline. Go exploring, set will to task and watch for fresh and fertile prospects to make their presence known.

Mars begins a two-month tour of Leo on May 20. Use this revitalization transit to full advantage and aim to better your best. May 21, 22 can put fresh fuel in your tank. A dynamic setup between Mars/Pluto (opposition) and Jupiter (T-square) could also mark these few days as critical regarding a big push or facing a reality. May 28, sun/Saturn (square aspect) is good for wrapping up and moving on to what is next on the list.

May 1 marks the midpoint of Mercury’s retrograde cycle. Also adding to a momentum shift, Pluto in Aquarius stations retrograde on this day. Stay alert, do not discount offhand, or underestimate the moment. Venus/Neptune (square aspect) precedes the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5. Eclipses tend to hold an element of surprise. Pump up on the good stuff. Take it as it comes, modify plans as needs be. A weekend off can be ideal.

Venus exits Gemini for Cancer on May 7. In addition to more emphasis on home, family, and the emotional side of life, this shift places more emphasis on self-care and on personal comfort zones. Mars leaves Cancer for Leo on May 20. Both Venus and Mars are actively at work, setting a backdrop for moving relationship dynamics forward (including and most importantly, the one you have with yourself.) Whether subtle or obvious, the coming months mark a karmic completion and/or staging cycle of significance. In hindsight you will come to greater realization.

Mercury in Taurus retrograde ends on May 14. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16. From September to the end of the year, Jupiter will take a retrograde tour at exactly the same degrees! The next couple of weeks could set something into play that can increase in prominence for you as you move through the rest of the year. Stay in observer mode. You may get hints, insights, or premonitions to what is on the road ahead. Jupiter in Taurus will till the soil in preparation for what is around the corner.

As is typical of Mercury retrograde, you can re-meet with folks you haven’t interfaced with in awhile or find yourself occupied with a side track or something temporary.

The lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5 can uncover or reveal something that holds significance or potency. It can prompt you to revamp the strategy or intention, and/or to give it your best shot. Whether the eclipse jettisons you in an opportune or unexpected way, the after effect of the lunar eclipse is likely set you on an improvement curve, to give you more to gain, work with, or strive for.

Venus tenants Cancer from May 7 to June 5. Mars tenants Cancer to May 20. Both transits provide a top up of energy and incentive. May 9, sun/Uranus (conjunction) can spark something fresh. Venus/Saturn, in trine on May 12, ends the week on a productive note. You should feel things are falling into place, that the timing is good, that you are getting a good/better handle on it.

Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. This transit can help you to get better situated, better grounded, more consistent. Through May of 2024, Jupiter in Taurus gives you more to work with, to strive for, and it also sets a backdrop for bringing potentials to fruition.

May 20 to 22, a big push is on as Mars enters Leo and forms dynamic aspects to Pluto (opposition, May 20) and Jupiter (square, May 22). As of May 21, the sun in Gemini mobilizes the action (plans, ideas, communications, negotiations, trends, social activities, etc.)

As of May 1, Mercury is at the halfway point of its retrograde cycle. Also on this day, Pluto in Aquarius turns retrograde. Both transits set up a momentum shift. The run of stellar influences from May 4 to 9 incorporates the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5. This eclipse can change the score, take you on a replay of the past, or see the surfacing of emotions or memories. To the plus, the eclipse can move you or it out of an entrenched pattern or roadblock. It can prompt a significant turnaround regarding circumstances, and/or see you begin the process of reclaiming or rebuilding yourself, your security or powerbase. Renovations (actual, or regarding personal, professional or lifestyle reinvention) are well timed. May 9 can springboard or fast track something fresh. Sun/Uranus (conjunction) sets opportunity, synchronicity, or the unexpected into full swing. You could have a brainstorm or get better clued in. Use this date to try something new, to untether yourself. The week should end on a smooth note.

Mercury ends retrograde on May 14. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. Jupiter’s one-year tour through Taurus (to May of 2024) can be a beneficial influence for professional and material aspirations as well as personal goals. Efforts applied can produce better than average results. The slow and steady program will assist you to maximize on results and/or to gain control over the parts of your life that may require you to tough it out for longer than may be your preference. (You can and you will! It is the only way to think about it.)

Mars enters Leo on May 20. By May 22, you can feel yourself thrust into action and/or on the move in some significant, hit the ground running way. Mars/Jupiter is favourable for travel and promotional activities. Mars will continue to keep you supplied with fresh fuel through the middle of July. Venus enters Leo in mid June and will grace your sign through October. The extra extended stay is due to a retrograde cycle (end of July to the beginning of September). Both planets set a backdrop for bettering your personal best and for optimizing the opportunities at hand.

The lunar eclipse can present you with an advantage or prospect that previously was not within your field of vision. This eclipse can find exceptional on the ball/on-point, shrewder than usual, more strategic approaches to the way you tackle the moment and the choices at hand. Trust issues are dialed up too. It could prompt a major change of heart, mind, or plan. How potent the influence is will depend on if the eclipse makes a significant contact to your natal chart. Otherwise, you will witness the eclipse at work in indirect ways. A sibling, friend, colleague, or neighbour could hit your radar or consume added attention or concern. Immediately following the eclipse, matters can smooth out, ease up or move onto a more fluid track.

Venus tours Cancer from May 7 to mid-June. The transit will find you even more responsive, sensitive, empathic, and expressive. Your nurturing and mothering instincts are a major component of your great appeal (and added popularity – so many people in need!). When it comes to feelings, you are an easy read, and vice versa. May 9 can spark a fresh insight, something spontaneous, and/or provide an incentive boost. Venus/Saturn (trine) ends the workweek on a smooth and satisfying note.

Mercury ends retrograde on May 14. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. This Jupiter action could get you up and rolling in a productive, perhaps lucrative or timely way. May 20 to 22, Mars, freshly into Leo, puts the key in the ignition, first with Pluto (May 20) then with Jupiter (May 22). This Mars action is well timed for a shift of gears, and for Canadians, making the most of the Victoria Day long weekend. Memorial Day weekend encompasses a sun square Saturn aspect. You have earned it, you deserve it. When it comes to how you spend time, heart, or money, vote in favour of quality over quantity.

May 5 delivers a lunar eclipse in Scorpio. Preceding this eclipse, Venus/Neptune (square aspect) precedes this eclipse, adding to the unforeseen element that is typical of an eclipse. Watch for the eclipse to reveal or expose something that might not have been fully on your radar. You could find you hold more sway than you have estimated, or that there is more to be gained from taking a deeper dive. The eclipse could increase your assets or your resourcefulness. Too, you can find yourself with more to go on/to work with or toward. Whether it is an insight, an opportunity or a breakthrough, the sun/Uranus conjunction of May 9 can spark something more. By the end of the week (May 12) Venus/Saturn (trine aspect) keeps it on track and rolling well.

Mercury ends retrograde on May 14 and continues in Taurus to June 11. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. Mars enters Leo May 20 and squares Jupiter on May 22. Additionally, the sun enters Gemini on May 21. This run of stars mobilizes and increases in some significant, added volume way. It is a good time to go in search of new horizons, to travel, cut yourself loose, to take the ball and run with it. For the next two months, Mars in Leo shines a brighter light on self interests and on getting what you deserve – i.e., more reward, more pleasure, more playtime. Make sure to gift yourself more.

May 5 delivers a lunar eclipse in Scorpio. You will feel the fullest workings of the eclipse if your birthday falls on or near Nov 7 – 13. Watch for an illumination, a fresh insight on something that may have plagued you as of late. You could find a sudden/unexpected opportunity to sway things in your favour, to take advantage of the moment, to make a statement, to break a silence, to revamp or resurrect something that you consider is worthwhile. Your radar is especially strong. You are likely to find your master strategist is in full force. The eclipse can dial up matters to do with health or wealth, or unresolved emotions (trust matters, betrayal, intimacy issues). May 9, sun/Uranus can trigger something additional or fresh. Venus enters Cancer on May 7 and trines Saturn by May 12. Along with the end of Mercury retrograde on May 14, you should feel you are making progress, that things are falling into place and proceeding well.

Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16. May 16 to 22, can be the second action peak of the month. Jupiter turns a corner with Pluto on May 17. Mars enters Leo and opposes Pluto on May 20. The sun enters Gemini on May 21, and Mars is in full swing with Jupiter (square aspect) on May 22. Mars in Leo is the trigger point. It puts desire, ambition, and self interest into full swing. While it is a time to take the ball and run with it, guard against excessive impetuousness or impulsivity. Try not to overshoot the moment or the opportunity.

The lunar eclipse can kickstart something unexpected but that has already been in the works. Stay observant. Do not ignore instincts or warning signals. They are your clue to more than meets the eye. It could expose something important and/or provide an advantage. The eclipse can pull strings/trigger something from a background or out of sight position. Of course, how the eclipse transpires for you will be dependent on if it makes dynamic contact to your chart, otherwise you will simply witness it as but another full moon event. (Of course, when Scorpio is in the mix, intensity is on the dial up.) The eclipse is excellent for research, a regroup, a sabbatical or spiritual retreat. (An intimate interlude satisfies the eclipse criteria too.)

Starting May 7, Venus in Cancer puts added attention on caretaking, comfort zones, safety, security, and better-quality self-care. If you have gone underground during the eclipse, by May 9, sun/Uranus could see you resurface. May 9, Venus/Saturn (trine) ends the week on a smooth finish. Mercury ends retrograde on May 14, but continues in Taurus through June 11.

Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and will tenant this sign through May of 2024. To the plus, Jupiter in Taurus can help you to build it better and more consistently where you want and need it the most. It is a good transit for enhancing your skill sets, your paycheck, your health or other good for you regimes. Too, it can help you to enjoy your work more and/or develop a better rapport with helpers, co-workers, or folks you serve. On the other hand, Jupiter increases the need to put yourself to work (regarding health, the learning curve, or the job), to develop better skill sets or coping strategies.

Mars enters Leo on May 20. This two-month transit can keep you inspired, on the move, and in the spotlight. It is a good transit for gaining attention or accolades, for exploring fresh options, for speculative ventures, travel, and pleasure pursuits. May 17 to 22, Jupiter, Mars, and Pluto in dynamic aspect (T-square) are on a forward thrust initiative with a generous supply of high-octane fuel. Watch this week for circumstances to take on a life of their own. It is a good time to hit the ground running, to go in search of greener pastures, to strike out on your own, give it your all. It could be a time to “go big or go home,” but know also that Mars/Pluto (opposition May 20) and Mars/Jupiter (square May 22) can be a willful, impulsive, or impetuous combination. There can be a propensity to overshoot the mark. If you are going to take a risk, make sure it is one you can afford.

Through circumstances or compelling inner prompts, watch for this eclipse to be informing, to clear away any residues of doubt, to prompt a better sense of direction regarding where to take it/take yourself next. If the eclipse forms a dynamic aspect to your natal chart, the eclipse could completely revamp a plan, goal, ambition, or a relationship involvement (one on one, or regarding a group or community). You could gain deeper insight into the “why and wherefore,” into the agenda of another, or into your own motivations or creative process. In monetary ways perhaps, or (of greater importance) in terms of the emotional quotient and personal reward, the eclipse could see you reap benefits for past efforts, to cash in or score in a significant way. Watch for the workings of the eclipse to continue to unfold in the days that follow. May 9, sun/Uranus could prompt a fresh insight or new incentive.

Softening you around the edges, Venus enters Cancer on May 7. In addition to added focus on loved ones and matters to do with real estate, safety, personal comforts, and comfort zones, through June 5, this Venus transit also increases emotional rapport and responsiveness. May 12, Venus/Saturn (trine) finishes the week with a sense of things falling into place and shaping up as they should and with good timing.

Mercury ends retrograde on May 14 but continues in Taurus to June 11. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and immediately sets into a hit the ground running agenda. May 16/17 through 24 marks the second action peak of the month. Jupiter, Pluto, and Mars form dynamic angles to each other (T-square aspect). This is a maximum thrust or “out the gate” configuration. Expect to make significant strides over the course of this week. Mars enters Leo on May 20 (and opposes Pluto). Through the middle of July, Mars in Leo puts more spotlight attention on getting the most out of your investments (of time, money, and heart). Someone special can claim added attention (it could be a lover, a child, or even yourself). You may find yourself even more driven than usual regarding reward and getting what you feel you deserve. May 21, the sun enters Gemini. May 22/23 (depending on your time zone) Mars/Jupiter (square aspect) hits a forward thrust momentum of significance. Instincts and impulses kick up a great big notch. This aspect is also good for travel or for moving onto something fresh or next.

On the same day that Pluto stations retrograde, Mercury reaches the midpoint peak of its retrograde cycle. Both planetary shifts (and the Venus/Neptune square of May 4) are stage setting for the May 5 lunar eclipse in Scorpio. The lunar eclipse could expose more than you estimated was at stake. It could alter or necessitate a change of policy or rules (yours or theirs), the official status or your relationship with an authority figure (or authoritative body). Also, the eclipse could prompt a dramatic shift of judgement, consciousness, plan, or reality. Whether it is advantageous or necessary, the eclipse could prompt you to revamp your professional, personal, or material goals. It could be time to refinance, to shop for a loan or a mortgage. An eclipse continues to unfold over time. May 9 is good for setting it in motion, for trying a new angle or prospect. Sun/Uranus (conjunction) could spark an insight, news, opportunity, or fresh track. The week ends with Venus/Saturn (trine) bringing a sense of accomplishment and/or that matters are on a relative smooth going track.

Mercury ends retrograde in Taurus but continues in Taurus to June 11. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 to stay through May of 2024. Jupiter can increase the value of your property or assets. Jupiter in Taurus puts the focus on an enriched quality of life. This can mean feeling more secure with yourself, which extends to greater home-life stability and enjoyment. Regarding your personal or professional status, perhaps you’ll find you are better off going it alone.

May 17 to 24 dishes up the second action peak of the month. Jupiter turns a corner with Pluto on May 17, Mars enters Leo and opposes Pluto on May 20 and Mars springboards off Jupiter on May 22. It is a good time for travel, relocation, spreading your wings, trying your luck, and/or making your presence better known. Someone or something new could light a spark. Lighting up your social life, Mars will spend the next two months in Leo. This transit also puts more spotlight on getting more of what you deserve. The rewards of life are beckoning you (i.e., pleasure, play, love, pursuit of publicity, etc.)

The lunar eclipse in Scorpio can be clarifying. Watch for this eclipse to ignite a compelling urge that cannot be ignored or downplayed. Listen up! That’s the voice of your soul speaking louder so that the doubt is removed and you stop hitting the brake. Intuition, insight, and desire can be in full force. The eclipse can signal a dramatic shift of life course and set you onto your awaiting future with no ability to turn back. It is an emotional journey to be sure. The element of water is in good flow for the eclipse and following it too. Of course, the dynamism of the eclipse will depend on how it makes contact to your natal chart. Otherwise, you can experience its workings indirectly, through watching the world turn.

Venus tours Cancer from May 7 to June 5. This transit can increase your emotional responsiveness and empathic sensitivity. To the plus, it helps you to be especially expressive which enhances creativity too. By May 12, Venus/Saturn (trine) sets the tone at good flow. You should find that things are falling into place in good time and as they should, that you can ease up, and breathe easier. Allow, and watch how well it pieces together on its own.

Mercury ends retrograde on May 14 but continues in Taurus to June 11. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16 and immediately aims for hit the ground running. Jupiter is on a big move-it-forward agenda with Pluto (May 17) and Mars on May 22/23. Mars exits Cancer for Leo on May 20. The sun enters mobilizing Gemini on May 21. May 16 to 24 marks the second action peak of the month. Use this time to travel, relocate, and/or to explore new options. Through the middle of July, Mars in Leo says, I deserve better than what I have now. I want more. This transit motivates you to make improvement where you want it and need it the most. Mars is setting the stage for Venus in Leo, a transit that will extend from mid June to mid October. You have a lot of living, loving, creating to do! Let’s get on it now!