Hi friends,
The first half of May feels a lot like April, but mid-month is a big shift in vibe. The latter half of May and June offer some sweetness. Read on and hang in there!
MAY AT A GLANCE
1 Full Moon in Scorpio (12°)
2 Mercury enters Taurus
4 Mars in Aries square Jupiter in Cancer
5 Mercury in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius
6 Pluto stations retrograde in Aquarius (5°30’) – only moves 8 minutes all month
10 Sun in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Cancer
12 Mercury in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Cancer
14 Sun conjunct Mercury in Taurus
16 New Moon in Taurus (26°)
17 Mercury enters Gemini & Mercury conjunct Uranus
18 Mars enters Taurus & Venus enters Cancer
19 Mercury in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
20 Sun enters Gemini
22 Venus in Cancer square Neptune in Aries & Sun conjunct Uranus in Gemini
25 Mars in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius
26 Sun in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
28 Venus in Cancer square Saturn in Aries
31 Full Moon in Sagittarius (10°)
WEEKLY FORECAST
May 1-9
The month begins with the Full Moon in Scorpio, and a full house in the martial sign of Aries. Both Mars and Pluto are playing main characters in the sky, and both relish conflict. Some people may find this transit energizing; others, enraging. Possibly both.
Since Mars entered Aries on April 9, I’ve experienced more frustration, interpersonal conflict, and sleep disruption than normal. But I’ve also been able to make progress on long-stalled projects and act quickly when circumstances warranted it. Recognizing these energies can empower you to take control and act decisively during this time.
At the collective level, you’re likely to hear stories of aggression, competition, and conflict over important resources. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive discussion of this Full Moon, scroll down to the “Transit of the Month” at the bottom of this letter.
Your move:
Heavy planetary weather means that news, conversations, and decisions may carry more weight than usual. Slow down before responding to anything that feels charged. If something comes to light this week that’s been simmering since November 2024, you’re seeing the full picture now. What do you want to do with that information? Once you act, there may not be any “take-backs.”
May 10-16
The Sun and Mercury are traveling in Taurus. First, the Sun forms a sextile aspect to Jupiter in Cancer, and Mercury follows behind. On May 14, the Moon enters Taurus while Mercury catches up with the Sun. It’s a relief to find some solid ground.
The New Moon on May 16 occurs at the 26th degree of Taurus with Mercury at 29°. The Sun and Moon are conjunct Algol, a notorious fixed star in the constellation Perseus, positioned on the Gorgon’s head. The old astrological traditions associate Algol with “losing one’s head,” which can show up as literal beheadings, accidents, electrical mishaps, blindness, or disruptions to psychological or mental states. Astrologer George Noonan observed that it can indicate “events affecting large numbers of people, especially those events caused by major meteorological phenomena.”
Although the star can be destructive, it can also offer protection and vengeance for those who have been oppressed or harmed. It’s linked with the energy of Dark Goddesses like Hekate and Kali. Some consider it to be more dangerous for men, and specifically for men who have abused their power and brought harm to others. Hmm.
Your move:
Mercury in Taurus favors patience, practical decisions, and tending to what’s real and tangible in front of you. Use this window to follow through on commitments and decisions from the Full Moon. It’s also a great time for literal grounding. Go outside, walk in the grass or through the forest, and interact with the natural world. Plant a garden.
May 17-23
In the days following the New Moon, the faster-moving planets all enter new signs. This is the vibe shift.
Mercury and the Sun enter Gemini, where each will conjoin Uranus, then trine Pluto. Mercury’s trine is this week, and the Sun’s is next week. It’s an interesting combination, when planets merge forces with disruptive Uranus, who electrifies and excites, innovates and rebels, and then connects with Pluto.
Trines remove barriers and help things move quickly. Obstacles are swept away, and a strong wind reshapes the landscape. Over the summer, Jupiter and Neptune will engage Pluto and Uranus, too. Forces of change will only grow stronger.
While Uranus was in Gemini for a few months in 2025, no planets connected Uranus to Pluto in Aquarius in this way (except the Moon). It will be a novel experience at both the collective and individual levels. It’s particularly fascinating to me, as someone born in 1968, because my life timeline has aligned with the Uranus-Pluto cycle.
In 1965-1966, Uranus and Pluto began a new cycle together at 17° Virgo (conjunction)
In 1995-1997, the cycle’s promise began to emerge (sextile)
In 2012-2015, a crisis and testing period (square)
In 2026-2028, tension resolves, planets work together smoothly and efficiently to bring about the original promise (trine)
Mars leaves Aries for Taurus, which may cool and slow down war-like behavior. Venus joins Jupiter in Cancer, bringing the two benefic planets together. This leads us into the most potentially hopeful and helpful periods of the year. I’m cautiously optimistic.
Your move:
Ideas that seemed impossible last week may suddenly feel obvious. The Golden Hours on May 17–18 are especially useful for brainstorming, breaking a stale pattern, or having a conversation you’ve been postponing. Write things down or record voice notes. Imagine, “What if?”
May 24-31
The last week or so of May still holds a lot of action, with planets pushing on Pluto. On Monday, Mars in Taurus squares Pluto, and on Tuesday, the Sun trines Pluto. Mars in Taurus is a slower, cooler version than the Aries Mars, but it is a fixed sign and can push relentlessly. Use that steady force to follow your heart.
Venus in Cancer squares Saturn in Aries on May 28, which can make or break relationships. It’s followed by a Full Moon in Sagittarius (10°) on May 31. I like this full moon chart, with the Moon disposed to an exalted Jupiter. It offers new perspectives, ideas, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Whether you’re going alone or with a partner, there are new horizons to explore.
Your move:
You may feel grinding resistance, followed by a sudden opening. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on May 31 is one of the better charts of the month — stay open to it. A shift in perspective is available if you’re willing to look up.
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Golden Hours (Central Time)
May 17-18
While these two days may not be comfortable, there is an incredible opportunity to see new possibilities. A great couple of days for brainstorming with the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Uranus in Gemini. Terrific time to break a habit, see new possibilities or potential, and be willing to make a change. Necessity is the mother of invention. Innovate!
May 21
The waxing Moon in Cancer with Jupiter can be big feelings in any direction. Use this context to indulge in experiences that bring you peace and joy. You might find great satisfaction in cooking or taking care of your home.
May 29-30
The Moon in Scorpio is trine Venus and Jupiter in Cancer. It’s a ripe atmosphere for intimate gatherings. Perfect for making new memories at the beach or on a lake. Let the water soothe and support you.
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TRANSIT OF THE MONTH
Full Moon in Scorpio
There is a Full Moon in Scorpio every Spring when the Sun is in Taurus. While it’s an annual affair, each Full Moon is different based on the degree it happens and the other planets in the sky. This one is worth further examination, in terms of world astrology and what’s happening in your life.
Several chart features stood out to me:
- The Moon is in a zodiac segment called the Via Combusta (fiery way), which lies across the last 15 degrees of Libra and the first 15 degrees of Scorpio. Ancient astrologers called it a challenging place for the Moon. Imagine a ball of mozzarella cheese in a hot oven.
- Saturn is at the 10th degree of Aries, activating the Solar Eclipse degree from March 29, 2025 — bringing consequences of that eclipse to the surface. This eclipse had the greatest visibility in the U.S. Northeast, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic, so that is where I’d look for impacts.
- Mercury is approaching a square with Pluto. This transit often corresponds to exposures, secrets, compulsions, or an unavoidable struggle between ideas. It’s messy.
- Pluto is at a standstill, at 5 ½ degrees of Aquarius – this gives the whole week a hefty Pluto seasoning. Pluto represents natural resources, massive wealth and power, and the processes of destruction and regeneration
- Mars-Jupiter square is approaching, while Jupiter is nearly conjunct Mars in the May 29 eclipse chart. This implies an urgent call to action based on ideals or beliefs.
Full Moons culminate the 28-day lunar cycle, but are also part of a larger lunar family that lasts 36 months.
This lunar family started at the November 1, 2024, New Moon in Scorpio, days before the U.S. Presidential Election. Other prominent stories included the escalating Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, the Russia-Ukraine war, and major flooding in Spain.
By the First Quarter Moon (August 1, 2025), the U.S. was experiencing extreme weather and flooding in the Northeast. We began to see the impacts of the Trump administration on tariffs, immigration, and air travel safety, amid increasing attention to the scandalous (and plutonic!) Epstein files.
Given this backstory, what do you anticipate at the Full Moon of this lunar family? It’s likely to be multifaceted, with new information on the consequences of Trump’s policies and on extreme flooding events. Humanitarian and economic concerns will be illuminated.
The Last Quarter Moon in this lunar family will be Jan 29, 2027. The lunar family closes when a new one begins, Oct 29. 2027.
💫 NEED PERSONAL GUIDANCE?
Your natal chart is the key to making these forecasts personal. Each transit lands differently depending on your unique birth chart. Book a 30-minute session for Targeted Insights or plot out the year ahead with Your Next Chapter.
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I’ve been sending monthly forecasts like this through MailChimp for five years. My plan is to consolidate that email list with subscribers here on SubStack and move it all to Ghost Pro soon. Thanks for reading, and for your patience with my technology swaps.
Warmly,
Denise
