May Overview:
If your recent experience has been one of lack of encouragement, disappointment, or frustration, you will appreciate knowing that Saturn, the labor-rich, tough-it-out planet, completes retrograde on May 2. Manifesting, productivity, and accomplishment should move along better now. Those who have been able to draw from the more positive expression of Saturn’s retrograde tour over these past five months, namely an inner buck-up and do-it-yourself reservoir of ambition, determination, and self reliance, should find this next stage of the journey to be a much shorter jaunt to the next goal post. The lucrative New Moon in Taurus, May 5, revs up a fresh momentum for all. Get to work, gardens planted during the nutrient rich May 3 to 8 dates can deliver an especially bountiful harvest by the time September comes. Jupiter’s retrograde tour (May 9 to Sept 7) intensifies our need to be the author of our own reality, to harness our own vision and to stay grounded in our own truth. This is not the time to allow ourselves to succumb to rationalizations that keep us trapped in less than desirable circumstances. Rather it is a time to acknowledge necessity; the simple fact is that bigger steps and larger investments are absolutely essential – even critical – to the designing of future prosperity.
Mercury and Neptune both station retrograde on the morning of May 26, this is Memorial Day in the US; it could be a good stay-in-bed morning. Expect a hazy or foggy start to your day; we could feel somewhat lost, dissipated, or vulnerable. As you venture out, keep track of belongings. Neptune is a collective attunement influence; creative or intuitive types can be downloading from the ethers quite well. We can all feel under the same influence of contemporary trends, and we can also voice from the same creative pools, be they suspicions or idealism. Mercury tours the sign of Gemini through its retrograde cycle (which ends on June 19); the usual trickster shenanigans can be even more prevalent – communication, transportation, and paperwork challenges can get the better of us. Double check everything you do, ask more questions, put added safeguards in place re computer and vehicle maintenance; leave decisions open-ended so you can change your mind if you want to; delay on major purchases. Mercury begins retrograde well ignited by Uranus, the surprise planet. This influence can be disruptive, accident prone, and edgy; it can bring sudden insight or confrontation, communications or negotiations can sudden breakdown or break-off. Mercury, approaching, but not quite perfecting the square aspect to Uranus, can deliver a sudden pull-the-plug, close call, or an almost-but-not quite feel. Typical of Mercury retrograde periods, labor unions go on strike; weather patterns takes an unexpected turn. Positively, the social opportunity/connections is greatly enhanced. There’s plenty more in circulation to keep us very well entertained; gossip mills, curiosities, and intrigue can keep us coming back for more. Watch for reconnections, always a more frequent occurrence during the Mercury retrograde cycle, to be especially surprising, informing, and/or opportune.
ARIES (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)
Saturn’s return to direct motion can help you to become more organized and productive, especially re practicalities, work related details, or administrational requirements. You will also find greater ability to stay on track with health, diet and exercise programs. Between New Moon (May 3) and Full Moon (May 19) is the optimum time to make your approach, to pitch it, or put in your bid. Write tests, go for medical examinations, clear up outstanding debts or financial matters, and negotiate better fees. Mars, your ruler, enters Leo on May 9, the same day Jupiter turns retrograde, providing you with a stronger sense of what you need to get out of the moment and the ability to get it too. You’ll create with confidence; and you’ll gain more notice – professionally, socially, and personally. Your kids are also attention-getters this month. The month ahead is sure to bring plenty of social opportunity, one way or another, Mercury’s retrograde tour puts you back into circulation. Perhaps best of all, Mars in Leo, May 10 to July 1, enhances your love life/romantic prospects.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
You are gaining on yourself now. Saturn’s return to direct motion can help you to make improvement where it counts the most. Venus in Taurus, through May 24 can increase your popularity and makes most things (and most people) much easier to take. May 4/5, it can fall into place beautifully; the New Moon ignites greater tenacity and staying power, and is a beneficial time to instigate just about anything new. Jupiter’s retrograde tour will prove that there is no ceiling on how far you can go when you put the extra effort into it. Keep goal oriented. You may not be exactly where you want to be just yet, but you are getting a lot closer. Take yourself and your ambitions seriously and others will give you more respect too. Once Mercury turns retrograde, things (plans, ambitions, inklings, and anxieties) that have been previously swept aside could mushroom, both plus and minus. Watch for the eventful (and perhaps fateful) Full Moon May 19 to dish up a social opportunity, unexpected considerations, or a break in the routine. You could get hints of Mercury’s retrograde influence in this third week of the month; stay alert, heed the signals. Mercury retrograde can bring a sudden interruption, a break-off of an agreement, arrangement, a relationship (lover, friendship, social network, group), or an income source. With Mercury in Gemini, you could have more than one person or challenge to deal with; things can come in pairs, or even multiples. Half-truths or deceptions can prove costly and/or difficult to swallow. Choices are challenging; try not to finalize matters until after Mercury retrograde completes (as of June 19.)
GEMINI (May 20 – June 20)
Family dealings, home improvement projects, self-employment and real estate matters can move long more productively now as Saturn’s retrograde cycle completes. You should be feeling safer and more confident now too. In fact, while the New Moon May 5 says there’s still plenty of pending or background stuff to wade through, Mercury’s entrance into Gemini, starting May 2, and the advance of Mar’s into the sign of Leo as of May 9 brings release (and relief) from that cooped up feel. You will find greater success and satisfaction as you reach out; more physical activity is a good perk-me-up too. Once Mercury turns retrograde, there can be some backtracking. This influence can also cause health flare-ups, so make sure healthy habits, including rest, stay at the top of your to-do list. If something is bothering you, take care of it right away, don’t wait until it is too bothersome to ignore. The Full Moon May 19 could bring you very close to something you did not expect was going to come your way. It could be an exceptional job opportunity, standout recognition, an early release, a lay off, or an off the hook situation. Narrow escapes, medical, physical, material, or legal challenges are potentials too. If you are worried about loosing out, missing the boat, letting that good one slip away, etc., know that opportunity has not completely escaped you. (July 19 – 22 could be dates to watch.)
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
The end of Saturn’s retrograde cycle can relieve some of the pressures to do with studies, paperwork, accounting, mundane errands, sales, and marketing. This planetary redirection can also help you to be more effective in communications and time management, not only with customers and clients, but also with teammates, neighbors, friends, and siblings. Now is the time to hire an agent or rep, to revamp your business cards, resume, or advertising, to start looking through the classifieds, or to register for the next season’s courses. Mars, the positive initiative planet, continues in your sign through the first ten days of the month; make the most of it and strike while your iron is hot. The New Moon cycle beginning May 5 can start you onto a lucrative new path, whether it has to do with an increase to your income or more pleasurable pursuits. May 5 – 9 can bring an opportune time to explore all your options; to get a niche market going for yourself, to settle into a social groove, to dive into a creative project, or to handle adoption proceedings or other legal matters. For your sign, Mercury’s retrograde workings will be most active behind the scenes. Pay attention to hints and intuitive hits, they can be revealing. Secrets may be kept or they may be exposed. It’s quite easy to miss what’s really there. Your techie, mechanic, or medical professional can be misled too; it’s wise to get a second opinion. Note that if things go missing during Mercury retrograde, they usually reappear. Still, pay more due diligence and don’t take chances with safety either. Take a regular walk about to see if you have left any vulnerable spots exposed, and make sure to lock up properly.
LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22)
You’ll make better headway now as Saturn returns to direct motion (May 3) and Mars enters Leo on May 10. In fact, your physical energy level should rev up noticeably too. One cycle ends and another vibrant one begins. Fresh start Mars will tenant your sign through July 1; make the most of it. The show is all important now. The New Moon cycle beginning May 5 can put you into higher professional visibility and bring you more respect, status, and acclaim. Along with this higher profile comes added responsibility, of course, but you may be already acquainted with at least some of this territory. The New Moon could also bring an important financial matter to a head (a professional contract, a business investment, or a home purchase.) Marriage or a deeper relationship commitment could also be in the works. No matter which of these possibilities ring true, the stars suggest it will be sustained for a long haul. Jupiter’s retrograde tour brings the need to be more self-reliant and is set to teach you how to handle the ropes. Don’t wait for anyone to tell you what to do, figure it out on your own. (As if you would listen much anyway!) It is also a time when you may not want to go the traditional route – re work, investments, health regimes, parenting, intimacy, or fertility issues. You may be prompted to question the system more – it’s best to work it from the inside out; find ways to fit into the program while you work around it. Be more vigilant re what and whom you know during Mercury’s retrograde cycle. Appearances matter, you could be implicated by association. Group dynamics or involvement and social politics can give you a run for it too. A particular friendship or association can grow more complex; a promise made or words spoken may not do too well on the follow through. Then again, Mercury retrograde could simply bring a fun social cycle, a workshop, or conference to attend, or the opportunity for a quick getaway or two.
VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21)
The past five hands-full months of Saturn retrograde have most likely forced you to uncover vital information about yourself, leading you to a deeper exploration of your response mechanisms and essential needs. For some, caustic circumstances have poked at very raw cords. This Saturn experience has been one of pulling back, and of peeling away the layers, strip at a time; some of you are likely to have felt stripped completely bare. Although Saturn retrograde has gifted you (well, it’s one way to look at it) with enough isolation in order to immerse yourself in the tasks at hand, it’s always harder to see your way clear when you are in the thick of it. Saturn’s return to direct motion as of May 3 signals that it is now time to get out of yourself and to put a degree of separation between you and “it” or “them”. While you may not have all the answers or solutions just yet, at least you will feel a new momentum arise from within. Experience is our best teacher; the stars have pushed you through an intensified program in order to help you learn how to surpass a karmic stalemate. The New Moon cycle May 5 sets up more lucrative potentials and circumstances, and backs you with ample “can-do” trust in knowing that you deserve to draw from a better pool. Your will/your spirit is not/cannot be broken; your experiences from this point forward are meant to teach you to accept this fact and to believe in yourself more. Jupiter’s retrograde tour prompts you to get a better handle on self-love and to formulate better boundaries to halt the draw from the beating-yourself-up wellspring. The Full Moon, May 19 can help you to make a social or personal breakthrough; scholastic ambitions, contracts, professional partnerships, and legal matters can take a big step forward/advance successfully too. Try not to get overly anxious; Mercury’s retrograde cycle, May 26 to June 19 is likely to bring backtracking, dismantling, added factors or considerations. It can be difficult to judge how to play it/which way to go, especially when nothing is as solid or secure as it could be. Remember that Mercury retrograde brings temporary challenge, pressure or limitation. Take it a step at a time, adopt a wait and see attitude, give things (or people) a trial run, accept a temporary set-up or short term position.
LIBRA (Sept.23 – Oct.22)
Saturn now tours a background position in your chart and so its effects can be subtle, but are important all the same. As Saturn resumes forward motion (as of May 3) and Jupiter turns retrograde (as of May 9), inner security and resolve grows. Now starts the next settling-in phase for the new life you are creating. Some of you can feel very on track and blessed; for those of you who have been struggling through, at least you’ll get clearer re what is workable and what is not. The New Moon May 9 puts the focus on your assets and pluses, and encourages you to embrace and appreciate your self-sufficiency. The more you do for yourself, the richer life becomes. This New Moon brings financial matters to the foreground and bodes well for real estate transactions, self-employment prosperity, gain through family support or inheritance. Still, it is important to rely more on yourself than others. Don’t wait for things to be handed to you or asked of you – take it upon yourself. As May is a money month, it is likely you could increase your debt load too, but if it is to invest in your future, don’t hold back. (Spend the money on your business, education, appearance, etc.) Too, it can be time for lovers to talk of making a more lasting commitment to each other. The Full Moon May 19 could bring a discovery or a connection that could be financially lucrative. Early warning signals come too – pay attention and avoid bigger headaches down the road. Mercury in Gemini keeps your social life active; quick trips are likely too. Mercury’s retrograde tour (May 26 – June 19) can keep you scouting. Don’t let yourself get frustrated by the one that got away or the less than satisfactory – there is more one out there for you. If you find yourself between jobs, exploring options, waiting for news, settlements, or official paperwork, try not to get too winged out by anxiety. Mercury retrograde challenges are temporary for the most part. Once the cycle is done, improvement and better options come into being.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Progress comes better and faster now. The New Moon in Taurus helps you to establish greater rapport, with the public, and those who are most important to you. In fact, you can be establishing very solid relationships now, including a solid client base too. If you need financing, try to get it sorted out by mid month, anywhere from May 3 to 19 offers good timing. In fact, things could come together surprisingly well on the Full Moon (May 19.) A business partnership with a friend or sibling could be lucrative, but know that the Mercury retrograde cycle can bring challenges and added complexity in this regard. You could get very close to sealing the deal and then suddenly change your mind (or perhaps they’ll get cold feet.) Once Mercury retrograde is underway, the score sheet changes; things pile up or compound and it can be tricky to keep on track with it all. Suddenly nothing seems like a sure best; second-guessing can keep you spinning wheels nowhere fast. Whatever is revealed during the Mercury retrograde cycle could work to your advantage or prove to be a saving-grace. Heed the usual Mercury retrograde advice – stay opened minded and open ended, and try not to get caught up in the small stuff.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22 – Dec. 21)
It is a month to get to work and to nail down a system that works for you. Saturn’s return to direct motion can help you to establish yourself more solidly and to create more effectiveness, especially re ambitions and/or damage control (career, reputation, personal life, health and financial matters.) Mars in Leo, May 10 to July 1, puts you on the winning streak and brings the performer out in you. Your popularity soars; you’ll get the attention you deserve and more. The New Moon May 5 bodes very well for favorable work conditions and pleasant work environments; added job security is a bonus. You can feel well supported by the people around you; give and get seems to be working quite well. May 3 to 19, things can run very smooth; you should be able to stick with the program and see projects through to successful completion. (May 11 can bring good news, a bonus or financial gain, an award or recognition.) Stay focused; use your time productively. Once Mercury turns retrograde, it can be harder to carry on or to get agreements, deals, or plans nailed down. People can be non-committal, inconsistent, or scattered. You can succumb to this Mercury retrograde condition too. Watch for something disruptive, strained, or unexpected re home or family matters May 21 to 28. Positively, Mercury retrograde can bring plenty of invitations and delightful reconnections. Spontaneity works like a charm for you. Your community profile can swing into a more public view too.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
possibilities in front of you, while Pluto’s trial run tour of your sign (to June 14) advances the process of familiarizing yourself with the new blueprint. The New Moon, beginning May 5, delivers a success and abundance attraction cycle. Your popularity, opportunity, and satisfaction increases. Creativity and romantic potentials are greatly enhanced now too. Spread the love, feel it returned in spades. Jupiter’s retrograde cycle, May 9 to Sept 7, says faith in yourself is great, a make it happen philosophy is also wise; but stop taking control or responsibility for everyone and everything else around you too. Do what you know will produce the best results and don’t let yourself get distracted by the shoulds of life or the shortfalls of others. Having said that, Mercury retrograde can put your faith in your vision, skills, and decision-making process to a test; your trust in information sources, teachers, agents or advisors can also come under more scrutiny. Know challenges are a temporary blimp and don’t buy into overly high expectations from May 26 to June 19. Appliance, communication, co-worker or employee problems can arise, transportation repairs can be necessary too. Mercury retrograde can also affect your health; be careful not to stretch yourself too thin and stay extra vigilant if you have food or drug allergies. The Full Moon could bring a fantastic event or social function; you could be surprised by someone you did not expect, or by a piece of news or gossip, or an announcement or a spontaneous invitation. Mars in Leo, May 9 to July 2, can put major financial deals on the table; advantage, gain or financial increase can come through your significant other, or from your business partner’s successes. This placement of Mars can see you needing and/or gaining more recognition, love, and special attention from your significant other, or see them making more demands of you.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)Family, home, and financial security are the focus of the coming month ahead. The New Moon, May 9 can see you putting down new roots, whether the plan is to buy a new home or plant yourself in some other way. It is also a good time to enhance your living space with a spring cleanup, to invest in your own business or to start fresh re a family relationship. Saturn’s return to direct motion can relieve some of your recent pressures, worries, or isolation. (Whew, isn’t it good to get the taxes out of the way?) Mercury’s tour of Gemini brightens your social life and your love life. Your kids can keep you coming and going plenty more too. Once Mercury turns retrograde, you may find it even harder to keep up with them. Mercury retrograde can stretch your finances or emotions; it can seem like everything comes at once. May 23 onward can put you into a guessing game or find you readying to take a big step forward. Put major purchases or final decisions on hold until Mercury retrograde completes (July 18). If you can’t delay any longer, know that down the road you’ll need or want to make a change. When things don’t turn out as you had hoped, trust that losses were simply not meant to be and that alternate paths will prove better for you.
PISCES (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Resistance, pressure, financial, or relationship impasses can lift once Saturn returns to direct motion (as of May 3.) You will find a better ability to lay it on the line with people who challenge you, and to negotiate more reasonably for the things you want and need. The New Moon May 5 helps you to stay your ground, in both professional and personal arenas. This New Moon could also find your entertainment or marketing budget increasing significantly. Stocking up for the season ahead, preparing for a move, shopping for new transportation (recreational or utilitarian) can do it to you too. Mercury’s retrograde tour can put you on the unexpected move. If you need to find a new place, don’t wait to the last minute, do it prior to the Full Moon May 19 when there is plenty of availability. Appliance trouble and such are typical of Mercury retrograde cycles. Shared custody issues, family schedules, or family visitors can keep you scrambling, perhaps more than you’d prefer. Renters or rentals can be a cause of annoyance too. Think safety first, don’t take risks with your health, don’t accept second hand information, double-check the facts yourself, ask more questions and know that you probably won’t find out everything you need to know until sometime in the future (probably mid July or later.) Be prepared for anything goes from May 23 to end of the month.