A new puppy in the house has upended my daily routine. It’s fun but requires adjustments. How are you? Hit reply to share your updates. I’d love to hear from you.
May Highlights
I’m delighted that after a turbulent April, I see three themes of hope and help.
- All planets (except Pluto) are moving forward. Full speed ahead!
- Taurus remains a hotspot, shifting to Gemini in late May. You’ll notice activity in the parts of your life that correlate with those areas of your birth chart.
- Most planetary aspects are conjunctions and sextiles, offering opportunities for cooperation and creative collaboration.
Let’s break it down.
Pluto turns retrograde on May 2nd and stays retrograde until Oct 11. I don’t notice Pluto retrogrades much except at these turning points, called “stations.” There is about a week when dwarf powerhouse Pluto is virtually standing still in the sky, and it may feel like he is grinding down on Earth. I wrote about Pluto in Aquarius in January. From April 29 to May 5, watch for news about paradigm-changing innovations, power struggles, and resource conflicts. If you have planets or points at 0-3 degrees of the Fixed signs (Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, or Scorpio), you will feel Pluto’s pressure strongly on those placements.
The action is in Taurus. Jupiter and Uranus started a new cycle of progress and liberation on April 20th. Fuel will be added as the faster-moving planets pass through. The Sun and Venus do that in May, and Mercury enters mid-month. Ancient astrologers said Venus and Jupiter were benefics—helpful and generally positive for human affairs—so it’s a bonus for us that these two are both in Taurus. And they’ll continue to move together in Gemini.
Planetary aspects describe the connections that planets form with each other based on their geometric relationship in the sky. This month, the planets mostly form conjunctions and sextiles with a couple of trines. Conjunctions represent a union or blend of planetary forces. This month’s conjunctions feature Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus! The Sun, Venus, and Mercury unite with Uranus, and then the Sun and Venus unite with Jupiter (Mercury follows June 4). These connections suggest expansion, innovation, and movements toward liberation, highlighting the Jupiter-Uranus cycle that started on April 25. But wait, there is more! Sweet sextiles enhance the conjunctions with Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. When planets form sextiles, it creates an opportunity for harmonious coordination, even when they are unlikely allies.
May 1 - 4
Just after Pluto stations retrograde, Mars forms a sextile with Pluto on May 3. Get up early on Thursday and exercise! You may notice a boost of energy and the power to push through a challenge. Otherwise, the sky is pretty quiet.
May 5 - 11
On May 7, the New Moon is at the 19th degree of Taurus, picking up all the energy from the conjunctions and sextiles I described above. It’s one of the most promising lunar cycles we've had lately, suitable for setting goals and intentions. The Sun and Saturn form a sextile, encouraging you to commit.
May 12 - 18
On Monday, May 13, the Sun forms its annual conjunction with who-cares-about-the-status-quo Uranus, while Venus sextiles Saturn. On Wednesday, Mercury slows down when he moves into Taurus and forms a harsh square with Pluto (May 17). This sequence makes me think of new passions and alliances resulting in sober consequences. Every time you say yes to one thing, you have to say no to something else. Not everyone will be happy with your choice. That’s okay. You have to do what’s right for you.
Saturday’s transits affirm and uplift. Venus conjoins Uranus, and the Sun meets Jupiter (with a sextile to Neptune). Follow your heart’s desire, and don’t forget your common sense. These two transits can inspire and delight you, but the passion may not last. Enjoy it, but don’t bet your life savings or elope.
May 19 - 25
This week is ACTIVE; frankly, it feels a little manic.
- Sunday’s aspects (Sun sextile Neptune & Mars conjunct the North Node) keep you hungry for MORE.
- On Monday, the Sun enters Gemini, forming an empowering trine with Pluto (exact on Wednesday). This is the first of three planetary ingresses into Gemini, shifting our energy and focus.
- Thursday is a Full Moon, plus Venus meets Jupiter at the very last degree of Taurus. This conjunction happens every year, and it is an auspicious day. I always mark it on my calendar. Venus-Jupiter aspects can be sweet, pleasurable, and fortuitous. This one is a close sextile with Neptune, which raises the risk of immoderation and excess. Do with that what you will.
- Thursday afternoon, Venus lifts off into Gemini and trines Pluto (exact Saturday morning).
- Saturday, Jupiter enters Gemini, where it will remain until June 2025.
Whew.
May 26 - June 1
On Wednesday, Mars forms a conjunction with Chiron in Aries. Mars is a warrior, and Chiron represents wounds, so this could be a painful day. Violent eruptions are possible, so please use caution as you move about this week. The month ends with a Mercury-Uranus conjunction on Thursday, which may be surprising news. It’s also a brilliant aspect for brainstorming, puzzles, and games.
Golden Hours
There are many auspicious times in May! If you plan to launch a project, take a trip, or schedule an event, please call me for suggestions. All times are CST.
Tuesday, May 7 - A strong Venus hosts an exalted New Moon at 10:21 pm. Although the Moon isn’t visible, the day could be pleasant for several activities. Meet an old friend, take a nap, go out to eat. Restful indulgence would be a terrific plan.
Wednesday, May 8 - This is a day for bold moves! The Moon conjoins Jupiter at 11:30 am. The Moon and Jupiter align at 11:30 am, urging you to take a symbolic first step this morning.
Thursday, May 30 - This morning, the Moon in Pisces runs from Jupiter to Venus and the Sun. It’s a last-quarter Moon, so it’s great for taking stock and wrapping things up. Get up early and seize the day