With the pre-shadow of Mercury retrograde upon us, and multiple planets in Air signs, the month of May holds an energy of quick thinking and the desire to take quick action, but the astrological weather is just right for a couple of foot-in-mouth moments, and the careful consideration of our words and actions will be essential in helping us to avoid later embarrassments. With the Sun in Taurus, a focus on the practical day-to-day routines and the enjoyment of the small beautiful moments in between the daily grind, combined with an array of trine aspects, will help us to deal with any of the challenges that arise.
On the 2nd of May Mercury in Taurus is trine to Pluto in Capricorn and Venus in Taurus is sextile to Neptune in Pisces. This is an excellent moment to set out your plans for success in the business sector and to implement transformational changes in the way that communications are made, both in personal and professional relations. Idealistic visions of a better future seem believable and worth working towards in this climate.
On the 3rd Mercury in Taurus makes a square aspect to Jupiter in Aquarius before Mercury moves into Gemini. Despite the easy communication style of the previous day, expansion and growth may seem limited by difficult conversations, so rather set your meetings for another day, or if you must have the meeting, be prepared to deal with some hurdles. After Mercury moves into Gemini communication becomes much easier, until the 8th when the pre-shadow of retrograde begins to slow everything down. Maximise on the communicative ease until then.
The 6th holds a favorable trine aspect between Venus in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn, where groundedness and practicality allow us to implement important changes within our relationships. Use this beautiful energy to cultivate harmony by implementing improved habits that cultivate self love such as: saying loving affirmations, washing yourself with loving touch, eating healthier foods, starting a new or reviving an old daily spiritual practice. Whatever you cultivate upon this day, may well be the saving grace for some of the more difficult aspects ahead.
Venus moves into Gemini on the 8th, and we enter the pre-shadow of the dreaded Mercury retrograde. Venus in Gemini normally ushers in a flurry of social activity and witty conversations, but just as the Gemini energy attempts to speed things up, its ruler Mercury, also in Gemini, begins to slow down. Be considerate about the words you use, as they may be misinterpreted, and with Mars still in Cancer, feelings are bound to be hurt. Instead of dreading the Mercury retrograde, you have the opportunity to use this time as a way to exercise your ability to be conscious, flexible and kind to yourself and others.
The 11th heralds a New Moon in Taurus and a glorious sextile between Mars in Cancer and Uranus in Taurus, marking a deep moment of sensitivity that is perfect for aligning our inner and outer worlds. Take this opportunity to check in with your dreams and goals, as well as with your special relationships; you have the opportunity to bring about some fundamental shifts for the better, if you are specific about your intentions here.
The 12th holds a blessed trine between Mercury in Gemini and Saturn in Aquarius; if we choose to think before we speak, then this energy can help us to resolve problems and overcome challenges.
On the 13th, Jupiter moves into Pisces and Neptune in Pisces makes a sextile to the Sun in Taurus. With both the traditional and modern ruler of Pisces at home, our intuitive senses are heightened and our spiritual callings speak louder. The sextile with the sun helps to illuminate our deepest and most devotional desires, or if we are inclined to it, it highlights our most delusional tendencies.
A trine between the Sun in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn occurs on the 17th, which throws light upon the shadowy facets of our careers and finances on a personal level, and our monetary and economic systems on the collective level. The possibility for transformation and change presents itself as achievable.
Venus in Gemini trines Saturn in Aquarius on the 19th, opening up an opportunity to resolve any disputes or miscommunications within our interpersonal relationships, by making us all aware of our own limitations and therefore more tolerant of others’ shortcomings - a humbling of sorts.
On the 20th the Sun enters Gemini, further activating our desire to be social butterflies, flitting from flower to flower, however, because of the Mercury retrograde pre-shadow growing darker, we are cautioned to hold our tongues, lest we get ourselves in trouble for gossiping. Words may be twisted and misinterpreted, and with Mars in Cancer it is likely that people will overreact. The next day, on the 21st we have a difficult square aspect between the Sun in Gemini and Jupiter in Pisces, where the risk of putting your foot in your mouth is even higher. Rather spend time in meditation developing your sensitivity, instead of engaging in scandalous story-telling.
Another square occurs on the 22nd between Mercury in Gemini and Neptune in Pisces, creating a murkiness around our visions for the future and the achievements of our dreams. Don't allow this to make you give up or give in. Rather spend the day doing some of the nitty-gritty ground work at a slow and calm pace, but refrain from engaging in communications and logistics above and beyond what is absolutely essential.
A full moon full lunar eclipse in Sagittarius bequests us with some powerful energy on the 26th. This is not a great moment for setting new intentions or starting new projects. Use this energy, instead, to bring loose ends to a conclusion and to finish things that have been lingering on your to-do-list.
The 27th presents another challenging square aspect between Venus in Gemini and Neptune in Pisces, causing the perfect conditions for tidal waves of misalignments within our relationships, possibly to do with our differing spiritual viewpoints. Try and resist the urge to hop onto the metaphorical soapbox to shout your truth where it won't be heard, and remember that another day will present a better opportunity to be apprehended.
And finally we exit the shadow and enter into the full effect of the Mercury Retrograde in Gemini on the 29th; we shall traverse this energy for three weeks. To make matters more intensified, Mercury also makes a conjunction with Venus in Gemini. Sharpen your ability for self-control, self-consciousness and acceptance. Strive to not jump to conclusions. Don't make assumptions. Communicate with clarity. And especially on this day, be kind to your loved ones. Avoid travel. You can do this. Those of us with strong Gemini placements will be the most affected; and those with strong Virgo placements will also feel the strong pulls of the retrograde.
After a series of difficult aspects we end the month with a blessed trine between Mars in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces on the 31st, which cultivates a transcendental energy. Sensitivity to the other realms, psychic abilities and intuitive senses are heightened. It is a great moment to do a ritual, to open up the senses, or to call for deep listening and guidance from the angelic realms. Time in nature is always amazing, but could be twice as magical upon this day.