May opens up like a flower-filled valley blooming at our feet after a long hike through a mountain pass. At first, it might feel like a sweet reprieve, but with so much potential for abundance in this place, we need to step up as stewards of the energy of possibility and profound change. April ends with a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Taurus, ushering us into a season of sowing seeds for the future, cultivating what’s precious to us, and nourishing ourselves and our lives. 

May is a month to take things seriously, especially our desires and responsibilities. Hopefully, these two aspects of our lives are in alignment and we feel that our responsibilities are part of a larger, purposeful movement towards fulfilling our soul’s desires. It’s a month for hard conversations with ourselves and others and telling the absolute truth despite any fears we might have.. 

On the 5th, the Sun will be in conjunction with Uranus. Uranus rules rebellion, freedom, disruption, and individuation. When the Sun shines through this energy, you might get a bust of clarity around your authentic desires and drives. It could be easier to accept parts of yourself that you’ve felt don’t quite fit with society’s values. Review where you’ve been forcing yourself to behave a certain way or adopt particular habits and routines. It’s a great time to separate yourself from what you think you “should” be doing, especially in the context of your goals and dreams. If the way you’re going about the work of accomplishing your soul’s desires makes you feel bad, it’s probably not the right way to do it. 

Mercury goes retrograde in Gemini on the 10th, tracking back into Taurus until June 3rd. This retrograde might feel like a much-needed break from the speed at which we’ve been doing things. Mercury in Taurus prioritises intention and ease, moving communication channels into the body. Mercury is associated with the nervous system (Mercury’s sign, Gemini, rules this part of the body) and a retrograde through Taurus will help us get grounded. 

Any frustrating mishaps and setbacks should be an excuse to take time for yourself, rest, and indulge. Take advantage of the extra time and mental space this retrograde might open up for you. This period gives you permission to be selfish about your physical needs: figure out the best sleep schedule for you, unapologetically leave events early, and take way too long to get your groceries. Delays are sacred invitations, thank the universe for giving you some breathing room. 

Throughout the month, several planets make soft aspects (trine and sextile) to Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto started its summer retrograde on April 29th and will backtrack through Capricorn until October 3rd. This transit happens every year and its effects change depending on Pluto’s relationship to the other generational planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Its flavour is most strongly felt when the personal planets are in aspect to it. With the proliferation of soft aspects with Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter at various points throughout the month, Pluto’s influence will support gentle change. 

Pluto always asks us to go deeper into ourselves and face the darkness in others, and in humanity as a whole. Again, this is a time to make peace with what evokes shame in us and to reimagine our relationship with the disturbing underbelly of life. How can we resist judging ourselves and others? What do we need to bring into the light so that it loses its power over us? 

Mars in Pisces and Venus in Aries seem to be pulling us in opposite directions. As we navigate honing in on our authenticity and unearthing the Plutonian truths that are hiding a little deeper in our psyches, this energy can help us honour our passions, gifts, and joy (Venus in Aries) while acting from our hearts, rather than our minds, in alignment with a divine or collective purpose for our lives (Mars in Pisces). 

Jupiter joins Venus in Aries on the 10th, illuminating that bursting-into-bloom energy. You might feel expansive and excited. Optimism might come a little easier. When it comes to turning towards the work you need to do to achieve your most important goals, the focus will be on how your journey will bring fulfilment and a sense of play to your everyday life. 

On May 20th, the Sun will move into Gemini and there will be a New Moon in the sign on the 30th. Venus will move into Taurus and Mars will be directly conjunct Jupiter in Aries. May ends with a burst of laughter and excitement, it will feel like a time to celebrate. Most likely, the feelings of happiness you have now will be related to the hard work you put in through Taurus season to get yourself into alignment with your authentic joy and self-acceptance. This month, take the time to allow your soul to shine out through your entire life and stop letting fear get in the way of being exactly who you are.

Keagan is a writer, tarot reader, and astrologer. Find her on Instagram @moonsingemini to book a reading. Subscribe to her monthly tarotscope newsletter here.