The cosmic event that I’m most excited about this month is Mars moving into Leo. After spending a very long time in Cancer (since September last year, with intervals in Gemini), Mars finally makes a fresh start by shifting into Leo on Saturday 10 May. A fiery planet in a fiery sign makes a great combination. Most of all, this mix inspires fun, passion and play, which I figure many of us could do with in bucketloads. Yet we still can’t expect everything to be a barrel of laughs due to Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, shifting backwards on Friday 9 May, the day before Mars moves into Leo. This suggests being restrained in our fun and finding simple ways to have a good time. Extravagance doesn’t go down too well with Jupiter Retro in Capricorn.
In fact, the cautious, sensible, goal-focussed energy of Capricorn is flagged as being the way to go this month. May’s first big cosmic event is Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, shifting Direct on 3 May. With the month being introduced by a focus on Saturn, it’s important to acknowledge the Saturn/Capricorn way of things. Capricorn especially encourages being mindful of goals and consequences. For example, a Friday night drinking and partying session after a stressful week might help release stress in the short term, but the weekend’s hangover plus the amount of money spent could bring health and financial consequences. Mars in Leo wants us to party but Jupiter Retro in Capricorn reminds us to be moderate because we’re likely to be more affected by the consequences than usual.
Most of May has a Taurean flavour with the Sun and Venus both in practical, resourceful Taurus. The combination of Taurus and Capricorn energy suggests being careful with cash. Watch you don’t throw caution to the wind with Mars in Leo and spend money you don’t have. For example, Mars in Leo would love to shout everyone a lavish round of drinks, but do your best to show your generosity in ways that are sustainable for you and that don’t unintentionally pressure others to follow suit. Another example - perhaps a new designer outfit might be perfect for a special party but if it’ll set back your cash flow, consider borrowing from a friend or visiting a quality recycled clothes shop. Taurus loves being thrifty and frugal. Yet Mars in Leo wants to be first and best - there’s a competitive edge to Mars - but the thrill of finding a unique outfit in an op shop will keep both Mars and Taurus happy. Or better still, throw a clothes swap party. Mars in Leo will love that party.
The New Moon in Taurus on 5 May brings money matters to mind as well as the importance of environmental sustainability. Jupiter Retro in Capricorn wants us to consider the impact on the environment of what we consume. Taurus is about the things we purchase and use. May’s a month to consider ideas such as swapping what’s on your fruit tree with what’s on a neighbour’s. Perhaps even make an event out of it. I once went to fabulous fig party where every dish featured figs from the host’s backyard. Mars in Leo wants us to have fun but Taurus and Capricorn want us to be sensible about it.
The Full Moon in Scorpio on 20 May is the second in a row in that zodiac sign. This unusual repetition brings a deep emotional chapter to a close. Being in the last degree of Scorpio (29 degrees), endings and rebirthings are possible. We’ve each been dealing with powerful emotions since September when Mars first went into water sign Cancer. This second Full Moon in Scorpio helps us complete the major shake-up created by the alchemical mix of masculine planet Mars in feminine zodiac sign Cancer. It’s been very difficult to avoid emotions since September, and at the first Scorpio full moon on April 20 the difficulties of mixing fire (the masculine Mars energy) with water (the feminine Cancer energy) could well have flared up. It’s likely that a big toxic release took place. But Scorpio is ultimately about recycling, transforming and rebirthing and this second Scorpio Full Moon on 20 May brings a release from nearly 8 months of emotional intensity.
Over those 8 months, something that we have feared has been faced and journeyed through. For myself, it was a fear of deeper commitment to my boyfriend that came to a head when I moved in with him, plus a fear of becoming a more visible professional writer. I’ll certainly be kicking my heels up and finding a Mars-in-Leo way to party around the time of the May 20 Full Moon. Venus and Neptune blend with this Full Moon to bring in the gentle energies of the feminine, including the heights of the compassionate divine feminine. Uranus also aligns harmoniously with this Full Moon bringing liberation and celebration.
Finally the month ends with Mercury and Neptune both shifting retrograde on the 27th. When Mercury, planet of the mind, shifts Retro it’s important to take extra care when communicating or making arrangements as the chances of misunderstandings are emphasised. Yet with Neptune joining Mercury in this retrograde dynamic, the chances of confusion are doubled. Neptune can bring out wishful or doomsday thinking in the best of us. We might put a gloss on what someone has said or we might feel hurt and disappointed. Rather than swing between extremes in our words and thoughts, it’s important to bring some practicalities to bear. Clarify what’s going on in any fuzzy communication exchanges as everyone’s likely to be a little bit vague at this time.
Enjoy the Mars in Leo party vibe and the Full Moon rebirthing, while keeping in mind the Taurus and Capricorn reminders to be resourceful and sensible.