Horoscopes for May 2020
Words: Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
Image Olia Gozha // Unsplash
The skies are looking slightly less gnarly this month three planets going retrograde. Retrogrades always signal a time to slow down and turn inward; a moment for us to catch our breath.
Venus retrograde in Gemini (13 May – 25 June) will be the most significant on a personal level, inviting us to do a major audit of our relationships, finances and self-worth. Venus retrograde is always a time to reconnect – with ourselves, the people we love and our value system. Venus goes retrograde every 18 months or so (the last was in Scorpio in November 2018), but revisits the same sign every eight years. If you can remember where you were and what you were doing in May and June of 2012, it might hint at some of the themes you can expect this time around. For a deep dive into Venus retrograde, check out our article.
A full moon in Scorpio on 7 May is extra potent, thanks to a wide square with Mars (Scorpio’s traditional ruling planet). Scorpio energy is all about transformation, intensity and truth and with Mars in the mix, the truth bomb may be brutal in its honesty. The truth will set you free, but it might sting a little bit. Be brave, whatever is illuminated needs to be seen.
Speaking of Mars, it enters Pisces on 13 May until 29 June. Mars is all about courage, assertiveness and aggression and in Pisces, those intense emotions can feel overwhelming. Mars in Pisces can be overwrought and hypersensitive so don’t be surprised if you notice that in other people (or yourself). On the plus side, it’s great for creativity so if you’ve been avoiding starting an artistic project, you might feel a little more inspired to make it happen.
Mercury moves out of Taurus into Gemini, its home sign on the 12 May (until 29 May) which should bring a quality of clarity and focus to communications. If you’ve been feeling a bit sluggish or unmotivated expect a surge of mental energy. Take advantage by scheduling any mercurial activities you’ve been putting off (writing, learning, communication) for the back half of May.
The outer planets – which traditionally speak to the more macro, societal shifts – are also slowing down this month, with Saturn turning retrograde on 11 May until the end of September, inviting us to reflect on what the recent restrictions (particularly between February and May) have revealed about ourselves and our society – especially our governments and institutions. Pluto is already retrograde and will remain so until October, while Jupiter also slows and begins its retrograde cycle on 14 May until 13 September, prompting us to reflect on our beliefs and ideological framework.
The events of 2020 have uncovered major flaws in our systems, and these outer planet retrogrades really call for us to consider, what kind of world we want to rebuild. What beliefs and ideals (Jupiter) do we want to inform the new rules, framework (Saturn) and centres of power (Pluto). These are epic philosophical questions but already in the collective consciousness. You don’t need to know the answer, but don’t shy away from pondering, “What if there is a better way?”
As always, I recommend reading forecasts for your rising sign rather than your sun sign. You can discover why this will make your forecast seem more pertinent in this article. Wishing you a sweet and hopefully restorative May. Until next month, sending love.
- Emma xx
ARIES AND ARIES RISING
Monthly Mantra: I reconnect with my ability to listen with an open heart
Decisiveness and moving fast on ideas is one of your superpowers but this month you’re being called to slow down. When Venus goes retrograde through the area of your chart ruling communications, make time to find stillness and consider how your self-expression influences your relationships. What recurrent themes have been popping up around communications? Now is a great time to do an audit on how you show up for the people by simply listening. Most of us listen to respond, not to understand. How would deepening your presence in listening change your relationships?
TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with my sense of self-worth and financial goals
You are security-conscious and financially aware at the best of times but as Venus turns retrograde on the 13th, you’ll feel the pull to regroup and rethink monetary matters. The period until 25 June is the perfect time to take stock of your spending and saving and do some reflection on what you truly value. Create a mission statement of what you care about. Do you yearn for more rest and less work? Do you wish you could travel more or are you dreaming of going fulltime with a creative side hustle? Be honest, and use this as the starting point for a new budget. Surrender to what is right now, and take this time to refine your plan. Having a clear goal is a great anchor in times of uncertainty.
GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with my body and sense of self
The Venus retrograde may feel a little more material for you than other signs as it cruises through the part of your chart ruling your identity. From 13 May, the following six weeks are the perfect time to reflect on the image you project to the world. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself channelling Cher Horowitz (from Clueless) and saying to yourself, “Let’s do a makeover!” This is the time to let your imagination run wild with ideas for reinvention. Whether it’s switching up your workouts, rebooting your skincare or getting bangs, you’ll be inspired to update how you do you.
CANCER AND CANCER RISING
Monthly Mantra: I reconnect with my sense of solitude
You’re a sensitive soul and the intensity of this year has affected you deeply. When Venus goes retrograde around 13 May, take this as your green light to switch off and recharge the batteries. Finding space for solitude can be tricky when you’re working from home and cooped up with partners, family or flatmates, but try to make an effort to take some time and physical space to yourself. Venus retrogrades want you to reconnect with what brings you pleasure, and in with Gemini in your 12th house, it’s all about tapping into your subconscious and allowing yourself the time for seclusion and dreaming. Journal, meditate, have a bath, listen to music – whatever you need to do to switch off and tune out for a while.
LEO AND LEO RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with the people who make my soul sing
With all the drama that’s going on, you might already be noticing your friendships evolving. Maybe some have blossomed while others have faded into the background. Venus retrograde in Gemini is an invitation to sit with the changing makeup of your social life and do a little inventory on which relationships are bringing you joy. It’s not about cutting people out but getting clear on what you want from your friendships. Venus retrograde often brings back people from your past, so if you’ve been thinking about looking up someone for a while, now is the time to reconnect.
VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with what (or who) brings me joy at work
You’re a sign that loves to work, but the question this month is, “Do you actually love what you do?” You might feel the pangs of a career crisis stirring as Venus retrogrades through the area of your chart governing your job. Retrogrades are a time for quiet reflection, and Gemini is a master of exploring all the possibilities. What would your ideal role look like? What makes you feel in flow? What kind of people do you want to work with? Venus in Gemini is all about connecting with people who excite and invigorate. If you’re not feeling it, consider where or who might get you excited to go to work again.
LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with what truly matters to me
With your ruling planet going retrograde on 13 May, you may be feeling a little more introspective than usual. Embrace the quiet, enjoy the urge to go within and take time to take zoom out and look closely at the bigger picture. Venus in Gemini will be moving through the area of your chart governing your spirituality and your quest for meaning. It’s heavy terrain. Be gentle with yourself. Make time for stillness and ask, “What do I truly care about? What matters most to me? Who are the most important connections in my life?” Think about how you can piece those three answers together. Venus wants you to tap more sweetness out of life and find a deeper connection to the things you value most. Now’s the time to figure out exactly what you need to do it.
SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with my shared goals
Sharing is caring, or so the saying goes. This month you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on that phrase as Venus turns retrograde and pulls focus on all your joint resources. Money, property, energy, time, anything of value that goes into a collective pot, you’ll be called to review. Ask yourself, “Is this working for me? Is what we’re doing today helping me move towards an outcome I truly value?” Venus in Gemini is shrewd, so make use of the focus and take stock of what’s going where. Maybe you revise your household budget, or maybe you decide, “I don’t want to save for a home deposit. I’m happy renting!” Stay open to downloads and keep your own needs front of mind.
SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with what you want in love
Love, love love. Relationships will be front and centre this month when Venus spends time in the area of your chart governing your romantic relationships. Whether you’re coupled up or single, it’s the ideal time to take stock and think about what’s working and what’s not. There’s also a chance you might hear from a past love, or you could feel a nostalgic feel called to look up you-know-who from second-year uni. The main thing to remember is that this is a time to slow down, reconnect with what you value in relationships and what brings you pleasure. Get clear on what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING
Capricorn and Capricorn rising
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with what brings me joy daily
Health, work and your daily routine are the focus this month when Venus slows down and goes retrograde. Retrogrades are always a time for reflection and recalibration, and with Venus the planet of relationships, money and peace hanging out in Gemini, you’ll be invited to contemplate whether your daily routines reflect what you truly value – from how much time you spend with your loved ones, to how much time you’re spending with your pets. Whether it’s realising you miss a morning walk or wishing you had more time on the couch cuddling your cat, figure out what little daily rituals you can incorporate that help bring a sense of comfort, tranquillity and connection, every day.
AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING
Aquarius and Aquarius rising
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with my sense of creativity, joy and pleasure
When was the last time you prioritised having fun? You’re partial to getting caught in your own head which can make life a serious affair. This month Venus the planet of beauty, relationships and love is slowing down and inviting you to reconnect with all the juicy, delightful parts of being human. Creative expression, play, sex, art… all the good stuff is begging for your attention. Now’s the time to get serious about what lights you up. Connection. Creativity. Pleasure. Now is the time.
PISCES AND PISCES RISING
Pisces and Pisces rising
Monthly mantra: I reconnect with what I value at home
This month you’re being invited to slow down and reflect on everything behind closed doors. Your relationship to family and the way you communicate and connect with them will be front of mind. As Venus goes retrograde through the part of your chart associated with home and hearth, you’re presented with an opportunity to think about what’s working and what’s not. High-vibe Gemini is synonymous with knowing how to listen with presence, and accept that there is no one “right” way to do things. Where can more effective listening and flexibility improve your family dynamics? Take the time to think about how approaching your family relationships with a sense of fallibility and openness could change the game.