This month, I give you the current state of the cosmic union. For starters, Mercury is on the fast track, flying through Taurus and Gemini, entering Cancer at the end of the month. Communications, technology and mental activity are stimulated for these three signs.
Venus stations Rx (retrograde) in Gemini on May 13, through the end of June. Until now she has been seen after dark, like a diamond in the sky. Soon she will disappear for several months then return in the morning before dawn. This is not a favorable time to get a make-over, have your hair done or buy clothes. The results may not turn out well. Since we are quarantined it’s a moot point. Avoid shopping online, too, at this time. With Venus Rx there may be scams or problems with your order. Many ladies are sporting a skunk stripe right now, since hair salons are closed. Maybe it’s time to go natural and see if you can learn to love the real you. Vanity is not favored with Venus Rx. Once when Venus was retrograde on top of my natal Venus in Leo, I had poison ivy on my face and neck. I looked like an old hag for three weeks. I had to have a sense of humor about it and let it pass. Creativity may also be blocked at this time. But keep writing and drawing just the same, and save your ideas. To everything there is a season.
Mars enters Pisces on May 13, which is a somewhat passive influence, without much impact. It is best to use the Mars/Pisces energies to help others, and not think of yourself. Put your ambitions on the back burner for now. Temptation rears its lovely head and you may not recognize it at first. An attractive stranger may enter your life but he is not all that he appears to be. Keep your eyes open, your feet on the ground and your intentions pure. Some people do secretive or dishonest things under this influence, but I promise, if you do, it will backfire. There is a tendency to be lazy and self-indulgent with Mars in Pisces, especially since we are bored and stuck in the house. To that I say, entertain yourself, but keep all things in moderation.
Jupiter stations Rx at the end of Capricorn, near Pluto, also Rx. These two powerful planets in retrograde will slow things down and have a more inward influence.
Saturn stations Rx in Aquarius at the beginning of the sign. He is just getting started. It is an important influence for Aquarius folks, since he co-rules the sign with Uranus. Develop qualities of patience, strength, endurance and wisdom. Saturn is still square Uranus in Taurus, and separating, so that effect is diminished. The pressure is off for the time being, for the fixed signs. For most of you, anyway, depending on your situation. Later in the year Saturn will turn direct and move back into the square. Some people will miss the point, but there is a great opportunity here. Think about long-term changes and better ways of doing things. It’s all about growing up.
The country is trying to re-open in many areas. People are anxious, depressed and lonely. They don’t even know what day it is. It’s quarantine fatigue. That may sound funny but it is the current state of things. With four retrograde planets, it is best to proceed with caution. Retrograde energy slows things down and turns inward. It has a purpose. It’s up you to find the good in it, and it is different for everyone. Next month there will be six retrogrades. That will be interesting.
One last reminder, not astrological but important: The Money Mystique. Granted that many of you are taking a big hit, but remember what goes around comes around. Pay your bills with gladness in your heart. Don’t hold on to your money too tightly. Spend a little and support local businesses. Order a nice take-out meal. The little guys have to survive, too. We can get through this difficult time and keep property taxes down. Send your money out into the universe and it will come back to you, multi-fold. This WORKS. I’ve been on a tight budget for many years but if I make a food donation or other small gesture it always comes back to me. So, be kind. Give generous tips. In the greater scheme of things, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Money is like manure. You have to spread it around. -Dolly Levi.
CELESTIAL ALMANAC: Scorpio Full Moon May 7, Gemini New Moon May 22-23.
And now the forecast for May. Stay together in love, kindness and FaceTime, if not in body.
You may be disoriented, bored or restless this month, probably all of the above. Everyone is a little off right now. Fiery Aries tends to have a short fuse when there is nothing to do. Watch your temper and don’t be hard on loved ones. Find a way to get some exercise and work off the excess energy. What to do when you’re socially distancing and stuck in the house… clean (boring!), watch some good movies, try out new recipes, lift weights, blast the stereo and dance.
The Sun in your sign is usually favorable. If you are still working, you are on good terms with your boss. Mars in your career house is helpful the first half of the month, depending on your situation. Saturn Rx brings a slow-down. Real estate, business agreements and finances are favored, but with Venus Rx, hold back on new investments. If you can get outside, do some gardening. Plant trees, shrubs or flowers. Digging in the dirt is excellent therapy for the earth signs. The Full Moon on May 7 brings results or the climax of a situation.
The Sun, Mercury and Venus in your sign brings more calls and social media activity. It is usually a busy and happy time for you. Things are different right now, unpredictable, but we are all in the same boat. With Venus Rx, new relationships may require a different approach. Same thing with business and group activities. Take advantage of technology and talk to people on Zoom or FaceTime. Romance at this time is of the long-distance variety, but it will be fun meeting new people on line. The New Moon on May 22-23 brings a fresh start.
With Mars entering Pisces, you may have the urge to take a trip. Usually it is a favorable time to go. A trip by car is possible. If you can visit a lake or beach (a water destination) it would be good for Cancers. Gas prices are low now so check it out. Support the hotels and restaurants that are still open. Education and expanding your mind are favored. Take courses online. This is a good time to study art, history or spirituality. Being stuck inside, exercise your creative muscle. Paint, draw, cook or rearrange furniture. Try something different.
With the activity in Gemini, you would ordinarily get together with friends, groups and clubs right now. Miss your book club friends? Set up a Zoom chat with them. I’ve already done this. It’s fun. Get out of the house if you want but have the courtesy to stay six feet apart. Saturn Rx in your marriage house may not be too much trouble. Be understanding, patient and kind to your partner. One of you may need some help. Take care of each other. This period will prove if the relationship is worth sustaining and if it will endure.
Mars will move into your marriage house on May 13 and that could be very interesting. In quarantine, couples will have to face each other 24 hours a day. You may get into fights or conversely, get into bed. It could be a romantic and passionate period. Love is not necessarily impossible during the pandemic. I am predicting a baby boom in nine months. Mars joining with Neptune also brings a tendency to eat, drink and enjoy oneself more, but being stuck inside, what else are you going do? Remember, moderation!
Like Cancers, you would ordinarily travel at this time, with the planets in Gemini. Take a trip by car and support local businesses. You can still have fun. Considering that Gemini is involved, reading, writing and studying new subjects are favored. Take a journey to the center of your mind. Check out the latest bestsellers. You can also be creative now. Libra loves art and beautiful things. Paint, draw, make jewelry or crafts. Even though Venus is about to retrograde, you can make plans for future art projects or re-decorating.
Saturn stationing in Aquarius may impact your home life or career, or it may not do anything. Don’t plan on making career changes at this time. Hopefully you won’t be among those laid off. Lay low and be patient. You are probably working from home right now. Become more familiar with technology. When you get lemons, make lemonade. Mars in Pisces favors romance and children’s activities. If you are at home with your kids and helping them with lessons, you could have a lot of fun. Make it quality time.
Mars in Pisces affects your home life. This ties in with the planets in Gemini, which focuses your attention on relationships. This means not just spouses but people you live with, such as roommates, children, elderly parents, etc. For some people it means business partners. Because of Mars there may be friction or disagreements at home. You are cooped up together too long in a tight space. Find things to do. Cooking, games, home improvement projects. Take walks outside.
Things haven’t changed much and they probably won’t. Hang in there. The Sun in Taurus favors romance, social life and children’s activities. In spite of obvious limitations, you can stay in touch with people. If you are home with your kids, have fun with them. With Mars in Pisces, you should get out more and take drives in the neighborhood. Get some take-out food and support small businesses. Take a walk. Get some fresh air. Any kind of exercise will benefit you.
You may feel the effects of Saturn Rx or you may not. Use this quiet time to take better care of yourself and change your lifestyle. Stay grounded. Enhance your calm. Practice mindfulness. Meditate more. Don’t get depressed. If you feel that coming on, watch some funny movies. This too shall pass. Make a good dinner. Try new recipes. Talk to people as often as you can and keep your friends close. Get into FaceTime or Zoom. You don’t have to be alone all the time. No man is an island.
Read what I wrote about Mars above. That is your advice for the month. Mars in your sign is supposed to give you an energy jolt. It could be great or it could mean trouble. Pisces is a passive sign so the Mars energy is more subtle. Just have common sense. Take care of your health. Don’t party too much but find fun things to do. Swimming (if you have a place to go), dancing, tai chi or yoga are good physical outlets for Pisces.