May Forecast

Although this forecast article is long overdue, it does seem fitting to post at the tail-end of the eclipse portal and during Mercury retrograde. May is quite a crazy month! After a few months of rather nice astrological weather, we can expect to experience an immense change of momentum during May as the Pisces stellium dissolves in a flash and as the retrograde season takes us on a wild ride. Each twist and turn is slightly chaotic but welcomed nonetheless as the energy continues to grow with fervor. So, what will May bring us?

Major Transits

Beginning on May 2, Venus will become exiled in Aries. The peaceful watery abyss Venus has enjoyed seems to evaporate at a moment’s notice. Due to traditional astrology, Venus in Aries is considered determent. But each type of transit can have its pros and cons aside from the debility or dignity of the transit! Now reporting to Mars, Venus is no longer a supple love goddess attracting endless possibilities to it. Action-focused Mars encourages Venus to become the chaser, not the chased. This is way out of Venus’s comfort zone! After all, who in the world expects Aphrodite to be the aggressor? Venus becomes red-hot in Aries. Venus in Aries is bold and ferocious as it oozes a rich sex appeal thanks to its underlying intense masculine energy masked by its divine feminine beauty. So, this is the perfect time to be daring with your style, aesthetic, and design. Venus in Aries isn’t afraid to don rich colors or a daring style. Sharp and warrior-like, the beauty momentum is one of a kind. Even feminine styles will have a strong confident vibe. Venus in Aries is not one to follow trends as Aries is the first in the Zodiac. Expect to see many new fun independent trends pop up during this transit! As each person comes into their own aesthetic, Venus in Aries will radiate with dominance. There’s no telling anyone what they can or cannot wear during this transit! Each interior design, accessory, make-up look, haircut, and more will exude a forceful assertiveness as if to say, “Here I am, world!” It’s more than likely that Venus in Aries will make changes on a whim. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly chopping off all of your hair or throwing out your clothes! Given the qualities of Venus in Aries, there may be apparent red hues, loud choices, and sensual cuts. Heavy metal accessories, bones, teeth, and sharp objects (like knives) could be stylized. Great examples are stiletto nails or wearing metal armbands. No matter what, Venus in Aries will use style as armor. Whatever makes you feel confident, seductive, and hot will be your greatest weapon! Once you are ready for the battle, Venus in Aries is ready to chase after love and financial conquests. Love is a whirlwind, a spark gone wild as it blazes with passion. Venus in Aries is quick and decisive in love. This is the transit that we will know who we want and when we want them. Usually, that is a rather instinctual decision that better brings the object of desire to us effective immediately. But realistically, Venus in Aries loves the chase. So, denying someone during this transit will spark a frenzy of raging affection. Hot on the chase, Venus in Aries is unbothered as it rises to the challenge of love. It will be as subtle as a shotgun since the object of desire will know how Venus in Aries burns for them (Bridgerton, anyone?). But as quickly as Venus in Aries falls in love, the quicker it can fall out of love. Sometimes, Venus in Aries loses all passion once the game is up. The second the chase ceases to exist, so does the yearning. Venus in Aries can turn off at a moment’s notice, and honestly, it just doesn’t take much. Commitment is fleeting as Venus in Aries knows exactly what it wants. It’s sayonara when Venus in Aries gets the “ick” or realizes that their lover falls short of fantastical expectations. How does this work for the collective? On one hand, we will be feeling pushy and courageous as we compete to win our crushes over. The pugnacious Aries energy will drive us to be bolder than usual, like asking someone outright on a date or how they feel about us. On the other hand, we may find that our love burns rather quickly, so once the gig is up, it’s up. Love could be a fleeting rendezvous! But there is something insanely attractive about the puppy-dog love of Venus in Aries. Similarly, money is the same. Venus in Aries is determined to seek out financial gains, looking avidly for opportunities to apply or bet as it may. Gambling extends to all parts of finances. Venus in Aries isn’t afraid to take on a bet, or daringly ask for a raise. Once we’ve set our eyes on a financial goal, Venus in Aries is driven to complete it. But we may fall short when success isn’t imminent or when Venus in Aries becomes burned by overspending. Money is a fine line to walk during this transit! Your best bet is to have a rainy day fund, and not be so impulsive when making a purchase. No matter what, the instinctual side of Venus in Aries will know a good deal when it sees one so there’s no need to rush.

About a week later, Jupiter will join Venus in Aries while Mercury stations retrograde in Gemini on May 10.

Now reporting to minor malefic Mars, Jupiter in Aries is ready to unleash everyone’s inner trailblazer! Mars gives Jupiter a combustible life force full of vigor and fury. Jupiter in Aries can reclaim its power easily, using the strength of the warrior to forge forward with gumption. Independent and assertive, Jupiter in Aries is not one to mess around. Each action, step, and goal is reinforced with expectant luck. Jupiter in Aries is ready to take the lead by encouraging each of us to tap into our inner trailblazers. So, we may feel notably more confident in our abilities to launch new ideas, stand up for ourselves, and decidedly mark our places in this world. As this coincides with Venus and eventually Mars, we will also see how the Lover planets encourage Jupiter to take the lead with those planets’ attributes. So, this could be a lusty transit! Sexual encounters may bloom readily, explosively, and passionately. Venus and Jupiter can first meet to discuss the availability of options one may have in love. Then Jupiter and Mars can meet up to explore the execution of sexual escapades and the plausible action one could take with a partner. Since sex is brash yet instinctual, Jupiter in Aries could lead to a rising boom in the sex industry. There could be an expansion of pornography, erotica, steamy scenes, and even good ol’ fashioned flirting! But with this comes the potential cons of sexual energy, such as a rise in sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy scares, and unplanned pregnancies. Plan accordingly and act responsibly!

Aside from this, Jupiter in Aries is expansively aggressive. If you think about the history of Jupiter, then a significant indication of how Jupiter in Aries unleashes its expansion is the U.S.’s history in 1845. History buffs will know that this was the year when Manifest Destiny had begun to take off! So, this may be telling of what at least the USA can expect during this transit. The expansion of combat, fighting for what one believes in, and conquering new terrain will be apparent throughout Jupiter in Aries. It can be remarkable as Jupiter in Aries can help the collective become outspoken about their opinions, belief systems, and destinies. But this can become exceptionally aggressive as Jupiter is essentially expanding upon the sign ruled by the God of War. With this in mind, we may find that “putting up a good fight” can also turn into spiritual and physical bloodshed. Everyone may believe they are in the right when pursuing their Manifest Destiny, so it can be challenging to see how particular adventures, spiritual experiences, and religious practices are not meant for everyone. Cultural, spiritual, and religious awareness will be necessary to appreciate, not appropriate, a different way of life. Jupiter in Aries may also become forcefully spiritual and religious, possibly to the point of literally shoving one’s beliefs down another person’s throat. An excellent recent example of that is the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade which has sparked a collective fight to maintain bodily autonomy. If you are are looking for resources to plan accordingly for the potential outcome of what may happen, I would strongly suggest Handbook for the Post-Roe America. I also suggest watching Valerie Mesa’s take on the astrological influence with Roe v Wade on Instagram.

If you want to see how this may pan out for you, then you may want to consider what happened in 2010, which was the last time Jupiter was in Aries. If you remember this time to be more chaotic, then you may expect fewer riveting twists and turns this time around since Uranus is not traveling with Jupiter this time around.

The second Mercury retrograde of the year begins in Mercury’s domicile of Gemini. Since it starts in a domicile state, this is almost like the purest form of Mercury retrograde. Retrogrades are a time to rethink, review, then revise. As a result, this is usually not the time to take on new opportunities or commitments since it’s typically more focused on what is already on our plate. Mercury retrograde usually entails a reconsideration of communication style, conversational flow, topics to discuss, subjects of interest, educational matters, short-term/local travel, and even interpersonal group dynamics in centralized communities. As Mercury retrograde unfolds, there will be an upswing in miscommunication. Facts may not be completely true and pertinent details could be lost in translation. Even paper trails are not 100% reliable since Mercury retrograde can cause technical issues. So, there might be issues with conveying the right tone via text or being concise in emails. As the disruption of communication ensues, close-knit communities won’t even be safe from it! Friends, siblings, lovers, and more may have some issues being as direct as they usually would. Seemingly simple commutes to places you usually go to will have unexpected troubles, like taking the wrong turn or getting involved in a fender bender! Mercury retrograde in Gemini reiterates these aspects along with the duality of Gemini. Since Gemini is the sign of the twins or two faces, there could be a double meaning associated with conversations, a desire to learn, or even travel! Real or presumed, the double-edged sword is going to cause additional stress. The heady nature of Gemini could cause us to be especially introverted since our minds will be darting in multiple directions. Stress management is necessary to move through the confusing aspects of Mercury retrograde in Gemini. Writing your thoughts down, or speaking aloud, even to yourself, can help you work through the inner workings of your mind. Aside from this, be as clear as possible in conversation and triple-check travel details!

Afterward, the eclipse portal comes to an end during the full moon total lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 16. Full moons represent a culmination or chapter closing, usually spanning six months. But this lunation coincides with an eclipse that provokes chaotic astrological periods full of uncertainty yet fated events that speed up each person’s intended timeline. Considering the nature of this lunar event, this would be a total lunar eclipse which can only occur if the moon is blocked by the sun by being in the Earth’s shadow. As if it cannot become any more intense, this is also a blood moon which gives the moon a blood-red hue. Finally, it’s also a super moon which means that the moon will appear larger as it is as close as it can be to the Earth. Woah! Everything considered, this is pretty on par for it also being in intense Scorpio, which is the moon’s fall position. Fall is considered debilitated as the moon does not typically do well operating in Scorpio’s energy. But this traditional association can have its pros and cons.

The powerful, evocative lunation is karmically charged. Scorpio’s intensity comes to light in a largest and in charge manner. Super-charged Luna will likely shine a light on Scorpio’s themes. This may include the following; karma, power, control, obsession, jealousy, intimacy, transcendence, metamorphosis, regeneration, psychology, penetration (in all senses of the word), and mystery. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact manifestation of an eclipse, we can expect to feel immensely turbulent during the event. Any karma inflicted over the last six months will likely come to light, encouraging us to go deeper with our psychological mastery than we have ever before. Since this is a destructive yet hypnotic way to end our first eclipse portal, it would be wise to take it easy as we seek out emotional outlets.

Typically, I don’t recommend manifesting or witchery during eclipse portals unless you want to gamble with the Universal odds. @the_french_witch refers to it as a “Russian roulette”, so take that as you will before you cast your spell!

Aside from this, the lunation squares Saturn in Aquarius and trines Mars in Pisces. The square is tough as it holds us accountable for the unprecedented events of the eclipse portal. Saturn encourages the fallen moon to leave its decrepit state, to lean into an individualistic style of self-mastery through sensitive reformation. The intensity of the emotional lunation and the cold emotional distance of Saturn could clash in an ugly way. But instead of fighting how you feel or leaning in full-throttle, the square can help us restoratively mediate our reactions. Sharp and painful, Saturn can still encourage the eclipse portal to end on a high note. The trine to Mars is a soft, gentle push in the right direction since Mars can intuitively guide the lunation to take a more spiritually resounding route. But Mars can also overload the provoked lunation with reactivity, so we may feel more emotionally triggered than usual.

The Rising signs will experience an unexpected yet fated culmination unfolding in these Houses:

• Aries Rising: 8th House of Merging, Joint Assets/Finances, Marriages/Divorces, Taboo, Occult, Psychology, Sexual Bonds
• Taurus Rising: 7th House of Contracts, Commitments, Partners (of all kinds)
• Gemini Rising: 6th House of Work, Daily Grind, Routine, Healthy Habits/Practices, Pets
• Cancer Rising: 5th House of Joy, Fun, Hobbies, Past-Times, Pregnancy/Children, Dating/Romance, Drama
• Leo Rising: 4th House of Home, Family, Heritage, Mother/Mother-Figure
• Virgo Rising: 3rd House of Neighborhood, Local Community, Local/Short-Distance Travel, Communication, & Siblings
• Libra Rising: 2nd House of Personal Finances, Financial Security, Material Items, Personal Property, Values
• Scorpio Rising: 1st House of the Self & Perception
• Sagittarius Rising: 12th House of Self-Undoing, Hidden Enemies, Hidden Weaknesses, Hidden Talents
• Capricorn Rising: 11th House of Greater Community, Friends, Friend Groups, Social Groups, Technology, Dreams, Humanity
• Aquarius Rising: 10th House of Career, Legacy, Recognition, Public Status
• Pisces Rising: 9th House of Long-Term Travel, Higher Education, Spirituality, Law, Ethics, Morals, Beliefs

Then Taurus Season ends when the sun enters Gemini on May 20! Gone is the placid pace of Taurus season as Gemini season delights our curiosities. Gemini is a mutable, masculine air sign ruled by Mercury. As a mutable sign, we can expect to feel more lackadaisical throughout Gemini season. There is an easygoing fluidity associated with the sun being in Gemini, allowing for a shift of ambitions and energy. Since Gemini is a masculine sign, we may feel more extroverted throughout Gemini season. Masculine energy is forthright and active, unafraid to go after what it wants. As the sun reports to Mercury, there is an insatiable desire to learn and connect through conversation. Gemini season is incredibly focused on building interpersonal groups that foster like-minded curiosities through open-minded discussions. But since Gemini is the sign of the twins, be mindful of accidentally acting two-faced throughout the season! Instead, use the duality of Gemini to consider opposing opinions. 

Part two of Mercury retrograde begins two days later when Mercury retrograde leaves Gemini and re-enters Taurus. Now back in Taurus, the second half of Mercury retrograde can commence. The general themes of what a retrograde is and what Mercury retrograde still apply to this shift in direction. However, Taurus adds some new aspects to the mix to consider. Since Taurus is associated with love, romance, commitment, stability, security, beauty, and finances, these may pop up during Mercury retrograde. Throughout Mercury retrograde in Taurus, the collective may reconsider what it holds to be true in love. Potential changes in ongoing relationships, the pressure to decipher what commitment means to someone, and even the standards for love will be in review. Mercury retrograde in Taurus can help us better understand what we deserve and need from our romantic partners! So, this could be a great time to affirm what you will stick to in your love life. However, I would caution you from making any sudden decisions about a partner or relationship. Take what comes up into consideration, but pass judgment after Mercury has stationed direct. What is valued will be prevalent not only in love but in every aspect of someone’s life during Mercury retrograde in Taurus. A redirection with what’s valued could especially apply to money and security. Mercury retrograde in Taurus could feel financially insecure or unstable, especially if unexpected expenses are popping up. Generally speaking, this may also refer to inflation and a rise in prices that could feel like a surprising kick in the teeth from the Universe. With stability being rocked, Mercury retrograde in Taurus may need to take a step back to evaluate what is worth paying the price. Luckily, the fixed earth aspect of Taurus can come in handy for slowing down Mercury’s retrograding mind. Slow but sure Taurus can encourage Mercury retrograde to take a moment to reflect on everything that has come up before coming to a decision. However, the fixed earth aspect will also be unmoving once judgment has been passed.

The last of the Pisces stellium fizzles when Mars enters Aries on May 24! Burning with enthusiasm, Mars is now back in its domicile of Aries. Talk about a long-awaited return for the Warrior planet and sign! Lusty Mars in Aries has a deep desire to conquer all that it pursues – especially sexually. This isn’t a loving or particularly romantic Martian expression. Flowers, silk sheets, and sweet nothings are not part of the Mars in Aries sexual style. Although Mars in Aries lacks romance, it does not lack seduction. When Mars in Aries wants to seek pleasurable experiences, it will stop at nothing to have it. Charming yet fierce, Mars in Aries is direct with who it wants to bed. Mars in Aries works quickly in and out of the bedroom, so wooing a partner is done with forceful determination. Flirting is hot, childish, and daring. The childish quality will come across as immature jokes and naive desire. Although Mars in Aries wants to be a Casanova, it can also be very similar to flirting for the first time in junior high. Sexual innuendoes are preferred for Mars in Aries, mainly to see what kind of sex is on the table. Once in the bedroom, Mars in Aries attacks like fervor. Sex is fast, dirty, hot, and sweaty. It’s the type of sex someone has in the bathroom of a bar after only knowing the person for 10 minutes. Between partners, it’s the type of fucking that goes all night long. Even if sex is quick, the stamina returns even quicker. But since the lust of Mars in Aries runs red-hot, it may not burn for very long. Mars in Aries will likely feel satiated in its passions once it’s had a few good romps in. So, if you want to keep someone during this transit, keep playing into the fierceness of Mars in Aries. Maintain a high level of enthusiasm in the bedroom by getting ready for a few rounds and taking turns leading each other sexually. Keep the passion alive by introducing new techniques, positions, and even partners into the bedroom. If not, Mars in Aries will happily go somewhere else for pleasure. This will also apply to ambition since Mars in Aries has much to do in such little time. Excitement comes from all sorts of directions since Mars in Aries is never short on inspiration or energy. Ambition is self-led and self-focused. Mars in Aries doesn’t have time to cater to everyone else’s needs so your desires will come first during this transit. Although gung-ho with a course of action, Mars in Aries needs imminent results, or else the desire for success will fade rapidly. Short-term goals might be the way to go to keep Mars in Aries on the move. If you do want to launch a long-term plan, set up smaller goals along the way so that minor successes help you maintain a sense of drive to work toward the overarching goal. With the right amount of assertion and a can-do attitude, Mars in Aries will be an unstoppable force of nature! But this gumption can also be pugnacious, especially since the temperament of Mars in Aries is fickle. Impatient and lacking a filter, Mars in Aries wears anger openly. Expressing annoyances, grievances, and frustrations comes easily to Mars in Aries. So, we may all feel short-tempered during this transit. Having a short fuse is a little scary, especially with the warrior qualities of Mars in Aries. It could very well result in a temper tantrum thrown with childish rage and impetuousness. But it could spike violence as well, so it may be wise to find healthy outlets for anger during this transit. 

But just as Mars joins the Aries party, Venus leaves to enter Taurus on May 28. Escaping a fiery hell comes quicker than expected now that Venus is domicile in earthy Taurus. Venus feels like itself again in Taurus as this energy is perfectly stable and undeniably feminine. Taurus is a fixed, feminine earth sign, so Venus tends to favor these qualities. Beautiful and soft, Venus in Taurus has a passive presence when it comes to style. Venus in Taurus tends to be more introverted with how it reflects on aesthetics and design. Stylish choices are made with a simple thought process, oriented to having a luxurious finish but earthy execution. Venus in Taurus typically prefers earth tones, soft metals, breathable fabrics, and high-quality materials. Luxury can refer to the price point, and even the type of materials used to accessorize or design. Ideally, Venus in Taurus can create a comfortable yet elegant look. It can be a classier style to embody that will play upon and accentuate the natural beauty of a face, body, or space. Once something has been decided upon, Venus in Taurus will stick with the look. So, Venus in Taurus may be a fantastic transit to nail down personal style, create a capsule wardrobe, or add lasting pieces to your sacred spaces. Venus in Taurus does like to covet, so there may be a more profound desire to buy clothing, accessories, make-up, and decorative household items. We will desire beautification of this transit through our material items so that our belongings reflect the process of our style! Since Venus in Taurus radiates divine feminine energy, everyone will want to bring out their inner goddess. The inner goddess will also come out in love. Venus in Taurus is slow yet steady in its search for commitment. For singles, this could be an amorous transit where a slow-burning romance comes to fruition. Venus in Taurus can help with cultivating a stable love life by narrowing down the long list of suitors to commit to one lucky person. For couples, Venus in Taurus can help stabilize the romance of an ongoing relationship. Conversations to further merge into each other’s life by sharing property, resources, and money may also come up due to Venus in Taurus. Couples may find that their relationships have grown a little vanilla, but there is comfort in a secure relationship. Luckily, there is no shortage of passion due to the fun Aries energy between Mars and Jupiter! As a result, Venus in Taurus could be like a voice of reason in love as it comes to pass a well-thought, grounded judgment on who and what is worth committing to. Once committed, Venus in Taurus is in it for the long haul, so choose wisely! The same mindset extends to financial security. Venus in Taurus can be a fun mix of scrupulousness and extravagance. If Venus in Taurus is committed to frugality as this is the perfect transit to have a tight budget and set goals to reach. Venus in Taurus can be overly loyal, even stubborn, with where its money goes! If affluent, then Venus in Taurus will commit to spending money on rich pleasures. It can become a hedonistic transit where money is spent lavishly. There’s no “one night out” when Venus in Taurus is in a splendid spending phase. Luckily, Venus in Taurus has a pretty strong grip on balancing these financial appetites, so money is likely more stable than ever during this transit.

Finally, the new moon in Gemini on May 30 concludes the major transits and events for this month! Now that the eclipse portal is over, the lunation is back on schedule. A new cycle or chapter unfolds with a new moon, usually coming to fruition throughout six months until there is a full moon in the same sign. Under the new moon in Gemini, there will be an airy quality to appreciate after the emotionally involved eclipse portal. The new moon in Gemini will adopt a curious thought process when considering the varying routes that the future may hold. Embodying this inquisitiveness can help with researching, exploring, and talking about the many ways your path could unfold. Gemini’s two-faced energy could lead to an eventual fork in the road, or double meaning to be discovered throughout this lunar cycle. Aside from this, the lunation can expect to have the Gemini elements of learning, editing, publishing, writing, and communicating associated with this cycle. Since there is a Mercurial influence, manifesting should be executed through speaking or writing. You could tell the Universe what you want to do by speaking openly or aligning your mentality with your desires. The new moon in Gemini would be a fantastic time to write a letter to your future self with your intentions for this cycle which you can unfold once the cycle is over under the full moon in Gemini. Consider signing up for a course, agreeing to a mentorship, or buying educational materials associated with your goals. If you want to make it witchier, you could always write your wishes on a bay leaf or candle and then burn the materials.

The Rising signs will experience a new cycle unfolding in these Houses:

• Aries Rising: 3rd House of Neighborhood, Local Community, Local/Short-Distance Travel, Communication, & Siblings
• Taurus Rising: 2nd House of Personal Finances, Financial Security, Material Items, Personal Property, Values
• Gemini Rising: 1st House of the Self & Perception
• Cancer Rising: 12th House of Self-Undoing, Hidden Enemies, Hidden Weaknesses, Hidden Talents
• Leo Rising: 11th House of Greater Community, Friends, Friend Groups, Social Groups, Technology, Dreams, Humanity
• Virgo Rising: 10th House of Career, Legacy, Recognition, Public Status
• Libra Rising: 9th House of Long-Term Travel, Higher Education, Spirituality, Law, Ethics, Morals, Beliefs
• Scorpio Rising: 8th House of Merging, Joint Assets/Finances, Marriages/Divorces, Taboo, Occult, Psychology, Sexual Bonds
• Sagittarius Rising: 7th House of Contracts, Commitments, Partners (of all kinds)
• Capricorn Rising: 6th House of Work, Daily Grind, Routine, Healthy Habits/Practices, Pets
• Aquarius Rising: 5th House of Joy, Fun, Hobbies, Past-Times, Pregnancy/Children, Dating/Romance, Drama
• Pisces Rising: 4th House of Home, Family, Heritage, Mother/Mother-Figure

The Dates

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• May 2 – Venus enters Aries
• May 10 – Jupiter enters Aries, Mercury stations retrograde in Gemini
• May 16 – Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio
• May 20 – Sun in Gemini
• May 22 – Mercury retrograde enters Taurus
• May 24 – Mars enters Aries
• May 28 – Venus enters Taurus
• May 30 – New Moon in Gemini