Passion is the theme for May 2009 as loving Venus and lusty Mars travel hand-in-hand through rambunctious Aries throughout the month. Not surprising, Fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius will be especially enflamed (and emboldened!) in their relationships.
It's time to get in touch with your desires and go for what you want, be it a person or a project close to your heart. Whatever fuels your passion is where your focus will be. What's more, you may find yourself being a bit more selfish and competitive than usual because Aries is a highly individualistic sign. This "me first" energy can give you the courage to express your true self.
Planets in motion
Trickster Mercury meddles with communications, paperwork and travel when it turns retrograde on May 6 through 30. Be on the lookout for misunderstandings, misplaced documents and travel snafus.
A major turning point this month is Saturn turning direct on May 16. For more than five months, retrograde Saturn has hindered commitments and business activities for individuals and job growth for the rest of the world. Saturn's direct motion can help you feel more secure and confident in the foundation you've built, which will help you realize your ambitions. It will also help the economy move forward (thankfully!).
Just as we get some relief from Saturn, Neptune turns retrograde on May 28 until November 4, 2009. However, Neptune usually has less influence than Saturn over our daily lives. Because Neptune is the planet of spirituality and the unconscious, its influence is more subtle. The retrograde motion encourages introspection, analyzing the past and enhancing your spiritual life. Meditation, dream analysis, heeding your intuition and taking some quiet time each day to become centered, can help you take advantage of Neptune's gifts. Perhaps most important, anything you've been in denial about in your life will likely be in your face so you can deal with it.
Transit tales
Mercury transiting into earthy Taurus on May 13 casts a practical aura over communications, decision-making and agreements. It favors discussions about money, the environment and art. The Sun entering Gemini on May 20 favors communications, travel and multitasking. Then Mars transits into Taurus on May 31, which deepens sensuality while stabilizing desires. It also favors taking practical action on your aspirations.
Lunar magic
The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 8 intensifies intimate trysts. Actually, it will increase your focus on whomever - or whatever - you're deeply involved with. Objectivity will be difficult, especially if you're emotionally invested in the outcome. Then the New Moon in Gemini on May 24 brings a fresh energy to communications and learning.
Planetary highlights
May 2: Venus square Pluto accelerates passion but can also cause jealousy and controlling behavior, especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
May 5: Sun trine Saturn is a practical influence that can assist you in realizing your creative goals.
May 6 - 30: Retrograde Mercury causes miscommunications, misplaced paperwork and travel delays.
May 8: Full Moon in Scorpio increases passion and focus, but can bring troublesome emotions, like jealousy, fear of rejection, power-plays and secrecy, to the surface, especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
May 13: Mercury entering Taurus favors practical thinking and financial agreements.
May 14 - June 14: Jupiter conjunct Neptune in Aquarius is a highly spiritual influence that brings humanitarian issues to light. It also favors technology and encourages ethical, "transparent" solutions.
May 16: Sun square Jupiter and Neptune heightens optimism but can intensify unrealistic desires, especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Pisces.
- Saturn turning direct helps practical matters move forward.
May 18: Sun conjunct Mercury in Taurus favors creative endeavors that have practical applications.
May 20: Sun entering Gemini energizes communications and travel.
- Mercury square Jupiter and Neptune favors spiritual pursuits but can cause unrealistic thinking, especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Pisces.
May 24: New Moon in Gemini can bring opportunities through networking, education and travel.
May 28 - November 4: Retrograde Neptune encourages introspection and emotional healing.
May 30: Mercury turning direct clarifies communications.
May 31: Mars entering Taurus energizes earthy desires. It also favors practical activities and goal-setting.
