Welcome to your May forecast! Click on “read article” and scroll down til you find your sign of the zodiac….

TAURUS (APR 20-MAY 20) I know, I know, Mars retrograde hasn’t been easy for you Taureans… but just think, it is almost over! On May 19th at 932 pm EDT to be exact. Mars continues to be the focus all month, since it slows way way down as it enters and leaves its reversal point on the 19th. What does this mean for you? It means you go from a slow burn at some situation in your life to clarity about how it has to be handled – especially if you are a late Taurus, born between May 15th and 18th. This

sense of urgency will be a bit unsettling and won’t be resolved til the first couple of days in June. I am afraid you just have to live with this unsettled feeling, but there are lots of good things happening for you astrologically in the meantime… So do not despair! May starts off with a few days of a chunky Saturn Mercury opposition. You will be stressed and working very hard. It is a good time to do some nudgy detail work, perhaps editing or grading papers or complex data management. This transit is fast, so take advantage. Then you get a nice present or two from the universe. Mars and Pluto move away from Jupiter and Uranus, putting the emphasis on expansive, surprising, and positive rather on than the dramatic and scary we’ve been having – at least for the first two weeks of May. The 9th through 12th brings a Sun -Saturn opposition at the same time as Mercury and Neptune square. That’s a contradictory set of influences – sober and real -world yet out to lunch at the same time…. Hmm. You’ll need a steambath. In addition, Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde from the 11th til the 14th, and this influence is still in place on the Scorpio full moon on the 14th. The Venus –Mars combination will be revealing in terms of shared projects and relationships. You’ll learn something about autonomy and collaboration. Then Venus keeps on moving in Aries and immediately catches up to Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter in quick succession between the 14th and 21st. That‘s nice — making room for fun, positive developments, and a sense of movement along with Mars turning around on the 19th. You’ll be distracted from whatever Mars-related confrontation looms for you at the start of June….The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th, and starting on the 27th it squares Neptune til the end of the month. It’s a good time for creative expression and for getting your spiritual practice in gear. Of course, you could just indulge the other part of Neptune and go see the new Godzilla.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) May is kinda wild, I must say. There is a lot going on – and a lot of it is quite interesting for you. Keep in mind that Mars turns around on the 19th but it slows down to almost a standstill coming and going. It’s not that Mars direct will bring relief exactly – it will bring clarity about what needs to change. You may feel unsettled until the beginning of June, at which point you can resolve things. But in the meantime, the planets are full of surprises. The month starts off with a quickly moving Mercury-Saturn opposition. Don’t be too worried about that but steer clear of your electronics—or just make sure you’ve backed things up. The Grand Cross of Mars retrograde/Jupiter/Uranus/Pluto changes up some this month: Jupiter and Uranus pull away from Pluto, and Mars retrogrades away from the whole business. The Jupiter Uranus effect is more appealing – sudden and more positive developments should be in order, especially during the first two weeks of the month. But from the 9th til the 12th there is the sobering influence of a Sun-Saturn opposition back to back with a Mercury square to Neptune. (Did I mention Mercury enters your own sign on the 7th?) Just take a break from the responsibility and stress and go to the movies, or better yet, to the beach. Meanwhile Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde from the 11th til the 14th, falling right on the full moon in Scorpio. Issues about collaboration and shared responsibility will be up for you, especially when that full moon shines its intense light on you. Prepare to be a bit emotionally raggedy. But this too passes and Venus shortly catches up to Pluto, Uranus and then Jupiter. Nice. You’ll have fun with this. Then finally, finally, Mars turns around late on the 19th. Remember—the day a retrograde planet turns around is always weird as hell. The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th, and by the 26th makes a square to Neptune in Pisces. In fact—if your birthday is between the 26th and 30th the Neptune influence is really strong in your life right now. Talk about divine discontent – you want something and you don’t quite know what it is. Neptune is a tough one – you have to engage your muses or your spiritual side to handle it. Of course, you could always just go out and get a really cool pair of shoes. Neptune is about image, right?

CANCER (JUNE 21- JUL 21) Finally, this month, you get a sense of productive movement. Things are still a bit crazy out there in the cosmos, but you’re learning to roll with it. Here is the drill for May: The first few days bring some tension and a desire to throw your laptop out of the window. Chill. It will pass. Jupiter in your sign of Cancer is moving direct and with full speed ahead. Whew! And so is Uranus for a bit, and lemme tell you, the Uranus Jupiter combination is much more fun without Pluto and Mars retrograde complicating the picture. For the first half of May the emphasis is much more on positive surprise
than on disaster. We like that. There are a few odd days, say from the 9th to the 12th, when the Sun opposes Saturn (sober, serious) and Mercury squares Neptune (darned frivolous). That will make for some interesting TV watching, that’s for sure – Long Island Medium back to back with reruns of Breaking Bad. But then Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde from the 11th to the 14th, highlighting issues of collaboration and partnership, especially on the Scorpio full moon on the 14th. Venus keeps trucking, though, and moves into aspects with Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter. So the middle of the month is fun and productive. Mars turns around on the 19th, bringing some unsettledness as all those Mars –related issues now barrel toward resolution. The Sun in Gemini squares Neptune the last week of the month. Go and be near the water.

LEO (JUL 22-AUG 21) This month brings more possibility for positive change and a bit less sturm und drang. The planetary situation is a-changing, and Mars spends almost the entire month at a standstill. Jupiter and Uranus are moving forward in their respective signs, while Pluto retrogrades and Mars…sits. The Jupiter-Uranus effect is one of surprising developments, and is kind of fun. Other than a few chunky spots, the aspects this month are very interesting. First, May opens with a brief Saturn-Mercury opposition. If you have any writing projects lingering, now is the time. Then around the 9th, the Sun opposes Saturn but Mercury squares Neptune at the same time. This is a contradictory set of influences and I recommend not believing anything you hear for a few days. From the 11th to the 14th Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde, highlighting partnerships and collaborations. The full moon in Scorpio on the 14th will shine a light on your need to work with others and not always be on your own. Then Venus moves on to aspect Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus. The middle of the month is filled with possibility and you are engaging with people and ideas and having a good time. Mars turns around on the 19th and things will continue to feel unsettled in the Mars department all month. Some struggles wont be resolved til the beginning of June.

VIRGO (AUG 22- SEPT 21) The planetary energy really begins to loosen up this month, you will be glad to know! The start of May could have a few days of tension and technological difficulties due to a quick Mercury-Saturn opposition, but the overall feel of the month is one of positive developments. You may feel some trepidation even after Mars turns around on the 19th, because those Mars retrograde-ish unresolved conflicts must lead to a change of course but that wont occur til early June. You just have to live with the unsettledness, and also at the same time enjoy the surprising boons of the Jupiter Uranus square which are easier to see now that they are moving past Pluto and Mars. Mercury in Gemini squares Neptune just as the Sun opposes Saturn from the 9th to 11th, and this influence may make you feel weighed down or confused by your perceptions of others, especially if you feel others aren’t taking sufficient responsibility … Then Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde, bringing to the surface issues of partnership and collaboration and your desire for shared goals. These issues could get really highlighted during the May 14th full moon in Scorpio. But Venus moves forward to aspect Pluto and Jupiter and Uranus and so there is quick resolution. Mars turns on the 19th – that will be a challenging day – and then the Sun in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces the last week of May. Do some creative work—it is a great time for inspiration!

LIBRA (SEPT 22-OCT21) I promise this is the last month of extreme Mars weirdness for you…. Really! It is just that Mars retrograde moves so slowly that it is almost at a standstill until it turns around on the 19th, and then it is still really slow. Kinda stuck. So will Mars direct bring immediate relief? I would say not so much. I would say that you will feel clearer about what needs to change, clearer if a confrontation needs to occur – especially if your birthday is around October 3rd. Yet the resolution won’t occur til the very start of June, so you just have to live with some unsettledness. But try to enjoy the other aspects as much as you can because the planetary energy is shifting for the better…. There are just a couple of chunky spots this month, namely a Mercury Saturn opposition for a few days at the start of May, bringing some tension or frustration about communication or technology. But it’s fleeting. From the 9th til 11th there is a Sun Saturn opposition at the same time as a Mercury Neptune square, making you all serious and sensitive in one big bundle. Then Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde, bringing up issues for you about autonomy and partnership and the importance of having a shared purpose. Venus then aspects Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter, making for great developments and a really good time mid month. The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th and by the 26th squares Neptune. You have a whole week to catch up on grade B movies.

SCORPIO (OCT 22-NOV 21) This is a big month for you, honey. It’s complicated in that messy Scorpionic way that you like. First, there is Mars, a planet which was considered to rule Scorpio before Pluto was discovered. Mars retrograde comes almost to a standstill as it approaches its turning point on the 19th and then even after it turns around it moves just at a crawl. “And?? “ You ask. It means that you will become very clear about a situation that needs to be confronted. Mars retrograde has made a power imbalance clear, and when Mars turns around you’ll be anticipating a struggle. It can’t occur til the beginning of June, however, leaving you a bit unsettled. You just have to live with the unsettledness and pay attention to some more cheering influences this month. But– because May is the Taurus month, those Taurean planets come into quick-moving aspects to Saturn in Scorpio. Mercury opposes Saturn for a few days at the start of May. It’s a good time to get very focused about something and really apply your intellect. Between the 9th and 11th the Sun in Taurus opposes Saturn – that’s kind of serious. Whatever pressure you’re feeling might be compounded by some disappointment due to Mercury in Gemini which squares Neptune at the same time. Okay, we’ve taken care of the hard stuff. Here is the good: Jupiter and Uranus work together this month to bring some surprising and growthful developments. Venus in Aries opposes Mars retro and highlights issues of collaboration, shared effort, and intimacy, especially around the full moon in Scorpio on the 14th. Yes, that’s a full moon in your own sign. Have some intimate time with your partner and let everyone else just deal with their stuff! Venus continues to bring some nice surprises mid month, then Mars goes direct and you regain a sense of forward motion…..

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22- DEC 21) Interesting month! While Mars retrograde slows down to a standstill approaching its turning point, Jupiter and Uranus team up and bring us more pleasant surprises than we’ve had lately….. That’s all good, but let’s take care of the challenges first. Mars retrograde has pulled you into a deeply internalized place about relationships and getting what you need. When it turns around on the 19th you will have some clarity about how to act, about what to do to change some dynamics that have been bothering you. However, the planets wont let you act til early June, so you have to live with some anticipatory energy – not easy for a Sag. We like immediate gratification. Oh well, got to hold those horses! So distract yourself with other planetary things. At the start of the month, use the Mercury-Saturn opposition to deal with technology and communication. From the 9th to the 11th you may feel some work or financial stress so instead, focus on the Mercury Neptune square and make some magic. When will you learn that Saturnian worry doesn’t become a Sagittarius? Use it instead to put some ground under your feet. Venus in Aries opposes Mars retro mid-month, which is great for collaboration and shared purpose. Venus then aspects Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter in quick succession. Have a good time and witness some great returns on prior efforts. Things you’ve been working on will pay off this month! The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th and spends the last week of May squaring Neptune. Engage your inspiration and spread it around the way only you can do!

CAPRICORN (Dec 21-Jan19) You will be glad to know that the energy starts to shift this month but stay aware of how weird Mars can be as it turns around. Mars will be barely moving at all this month – slowing way down in its approach to turnaround and then even after it turns on the 19th. Slo—oo–ow. So it is like the energy of recoil—getting ready for the punch. If there are any situations in your life which need changing, you will gain clarity about what to do about them once Mars goes direct. But – will you be able to act? No, not til June! So you have to live with some anticipatory angst during the second half of May. But take heart – there are lots of good things also happening this month and you need to focus on them. Let’s begin! Use the Mercury Saturn opposition at the beginning of May to write or do some very detailed work. Try not to throw your laptop out of the window, though. Then even when the Sun opposes Saturn from the 9th to 11th it is offset by a Mercury-Neptune square. Nurse your heavy feelings by going to the ocean or to the movies, but definitely be nurturing to yourself. Venus in Aries opposes Mars retrograde from the 11th to the 14th, which will highlight issues of collaboration and shared purpose, especially on the full moon in Scorpio on the 14th. Then Venus moves into aspects with Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter. Nice. Things are coming to fruition and you will be feeling better, more settled and supported. In fact, the Jupiter Uranus influences are strong, bringing some nice surprises your way. Take advantage of the Sun Neptune square during the last week of May to relax.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20-FEB 19) Bring on Jupiter and Uranus! And the hell with Mars retrograde! The energy begins to shift this month, definitely emphasizing positive growth and development more than crisis and drama. Yay! But wait – there is still that pesky Mars retrograde. Mars will be at a virtual standstill all month, and its turnaround on the 19th may not exactly bring relief. It will bring a tremendous sense of anticipation about what you need to do, what plans to you need to put into motion. However – there may not be resolution or movement til June, so you just have to live with the anticipation. Meanwhile there are some nice transits to distract you – or at least some interesting ones! Okay. The first few days of May may bring some mental tension but use Mercury and Saturn to give you focus. Take care of details. Then from the 9th til 11th the Sun and Saturn make you serious and deep but use Mercury and Neptune to free up your intuition and relax. Venus then steps in—it is in Aries and from the 11th to 14th it opposes Mars retrograde. This is a great combination for shared purpose and intimacy, and it is in effect on the full moon in Scorpio on the 14th. Then Venus moves into aspects with Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter mid month. Growth, pay off, fun, surprise, celebration. Go for it. Mars turns around on the 19th and the Sun enters Gemini on the 2oth. The Sun spends the last week of May squaring Neptune – you’ll be a big mush, wide-eyed and romantic. The new moon on the 18th is a powerful one for inspiration.

PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 19) Well, May is certainly….different. Better, I think, a tad easier, but first we have to address Mars. Although it turns around on the 19th, the turnaround may not bring relief as much as a sense of anticipation. You will have clarity about what you need to do but you can’t do anything about it quite yet, at least not until the start of June. If Mars retrograde surfaced any tensions about power and expression, it is these issues you will be anxious to confront. So you will have to put up with a certain amount of unsettledness this month, so all you can do is enjoy the other transits. Use Mercury and Saturn to complete some detail-oriented work at the very start of May. From the 9th to 11th the Sun opposes Saturn while Mercury in Gemini squares Neptune—these could be a confusing or depressing few days. But take heart – Venus kicks in from the 11th to the 14th, opposing Mars retrograde and highlighting relationships and shared purpose. The full moon will illuminate some tensions between your own needs and those of others, but then Venus keeps on moving forward, making aspects to Pluto, Uranus, and Jupiter mid month. So you will have a sense of productiveness, a sense of fulfillment, of rewards for your hard work. The Jupiter-Uranus effect brings some nice surprises your way. Enjoy. Then Mars turns on the 19th – weird – and the Sun enters Gemini on the 20th. The Sun squares Neptune the entire last week of May. Get yourself to the ocean! Pay attention to inspiration on that sweet New Moon on the 28th.

ARIES (MAR 20-APRIL19) This is the last month of Martian intensity for you. Remember—Mars is your ruling planet, and so this two –and- a- half month stretch of Mars retrograde has been really important for you. This month might be the most important of all, since Mars slows down to a near standstill as it approaches and leaves its turnaround point on the 19th. I imagine things have come to a head since the Sun-Mars opposition in mid April. There is urgency brewing about a situation in your life that needs changing, a relationship in which you feel oppressed, or a project you need to start. Once Mars turns around you will not necessarily be able to confront these situations – you will simply be eager to do so but the planets wont really allow it til the start of June. It might be difficult to hold your Arian energy in check and that will leave you unsettled. But there should be enough other planetary activity to distract you this month… For instance, Venus enters Aries on the 2nd, and by the 11th, opposes Mars retrograde. Despite some chunky Saturn aspects at the beginning of May, Venus will highlight issues of collaboration and shared purpose, bringing them to a head on the Scorpio Full Moon on the 14th. Then mid month Venus keeps right on going, making aspects to Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter in quick succession. Nice! This is all about growth and development and payoff, as well as surprises. Enjoy! Jupiter and Uranus are famous for bringing the element of positive change into our lives…. On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini and spends the last week of May squaring Neptune. This is a great week for creative and spiritual inspiration, especially on the new moon on the 28th.