Astrological Report for May 2023

Astrology is a tool of time and space.  As the Solar System runs through its cycles, astrologers follow the patterns the same way a meteorologist follows the weather.  Each month different points in the sky form important relationships, which we call aspects, that indicate emerging, changing, and enduring patterns.

This monthly blog will look at the month ahead and discuss the most prominent and powerful aspects and how they impact life on earth.  These impacts will be connected to both personal and current events to show how the astrological weather report can help you “weather” your life and navigate each month successfully.

What is Ongoing?  Transits, Ingresses, and Retrogrades

Transits

Transits occur when two Points form a certain type of angular relationship with one another. The most powerful among the transits are the conjunction, square, and opposition. Points that conjunct merge together by sharing the same sign and degree. Points that square align by the degree in signs that are 90 degrees (or four signs) apart. Take the sequence Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn – Libra and Capricorn are four signs apart and square one another. Points oppose one another when they are 180 degrees apart.

Conjunct Points merge energy. Points squaring challenge one another. And Points opposing one another try to harmonize and attain balance.

Ingress

Ingress occurs when a Point changes signs, causing the Point to change its tone. If a Point is in Aries, the tone is active, aggressive, and ready for action. But when the Point ingresses into Taurus, the tone becomes slow, steady, and settling.

Retrograde

The term retrograde describes forward motion that “appears” as backward motion. Since astrology views the Solar System from an earth-centric rather than sun-centric point of reference, there are times of the year when Points in the sky “look” like they are going backward. The effect is known as retrograde motion, which occurs when a faster-moving body passes a slower moving body and the observer is on the faster-moving body watching the slower moving body “go backward” as they pass each other.

• The 6 Great Transits of Your Lifetime

Ingresses

The Sun

The Sun changes signs on May 21^st. The Sun ingressing from Taurus and going into Gemini marks the transition from a period of stability and practicality to one of intellectual curiosity and adaptability. Taurus is a grounded Earth sign associated with material possessions, stability, and persistence. In contrast, Gemini is an Air sign associated with communication, curiosity, and flexibility. During this time, people may feel more inclined to communicate, socialize, and pursue new ideas. However, there may also be a tendency to scatter one’s energy and lose focus, so it is important to balance curiosity with discipline.

Mercury

Mercury is in Taurus, and retrograde, when May arrives. Because of the degree it reached when it went retrograde, it will not ingress this month. Mercury transiting through Taurus brings a practical and grounded approach to communication and decision-making. This transit favors slow, deliberate thinking and a focus on tangible results over abstract ideas.

Venus

Venus will ingress into Cancer on May 7^th. Venus ingressing from Gemini and going into Cancer marks a shift from intellectual curiosity and socializing to emotional intimacy and nurturing. Gemini is a curious and communicative Air sign, while Cancer is a sensitive and emotional Water sign. During this transit, people may feel more inclined to seek comfort and security in close relationships and home life. This can also be a time of heightened sensitivity and moodiness, so it is important to be mindful of self-care and emotional boundaries.

Mars

Mars will ingress into Leo on May 20^th. Mars ingressing from Cancer and going into Leo marks a shift from emotional sensitivity and nurturing to self-expression and confidence. Cancer is a Water sign associated with emotions and home life, while Leo is a Fire sign associated with creativity and self-expression. During this transit, people may feel more inclined to assert themselves, pursue their passions, and seek attention and recognition. However, there may also be a tendency towards impatience and impulsivity, so it is important to balance confidence with patience and consideration for others.

Jupiter

Jupiter will ingress on May 16^th. Jupiter ingressing from Aries and going into Taurus marks a shift from bold action and individualism to practicality and material abundance. Aries is a Fire sign associated with initiative and independence, while Taurus is an Earth sign associated with stability and tangible results. During this transit, people may feel more inclined to focus on financial security and material possessions, but there may also be a tendency towards stubbornness and resistance to change. It is important to balance practicality with flexibility and openness to new opportunities.

Retrogrades

Mercury

Mercury went retrograde in April and will remain retrograde until May 14^th. Mercury retrograde in Taurus can bring delays and miscommunications in practical matters. Taurus is a slow and steady Earth sign, so this can be a good time to review finances, but beware of stubbornness and difficulty adapting to changes. Use the retrograde period to reflect and reassess plans before taking action.

Pluto

Pluto will go retrograde on May 2^nd. Pluto retrograde in Aquarius may bring power struggles and transformations related to group dynamics and individuality. Aquarius is an Air sign associated with innovation and community, so this is a good time to reassess relationships and beliefs. Use the retrograde period to dive deeper into personal values and seek inner transformation.

Week to Week Aspects (Outer Points)

May 1^st to May 7^th

Jupiter in Aries squares retrograde Pluto in Aquarius (May 5^th until May 16^th)

Jupiter in Aries squaring retrograde Pluto in Aquarius can bring intense power struggles and conflicts related to individualism and group dynamics. Aries is a Fire sign associated with action and independence, while Aquarius is an Air sign associated with community and innovation. Pluto’s retrograde motion may amplify feelings of manipulation and control, while Jupiter’s expansive energy may exacerbate impulsive behavior. This transit calls for a careful balance between personal power and collective responsibility, and may offer opportunities for transformation and growth through confrontation and negotiation.

May 8^th to May 15^th

Jupiter in Aries squares retrograde Pluto in Aquarius (May 5^th until May 16^th) continues

Mars in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces (May 10^th until May 18^th)

Mars in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces brings a harmonious blend of action and intuition. Cancer is a Water sign associated with emotions and nurturing, while Pisces is a Water sign associated with spirituality and creativity. This transit may inspire compassionate action and bring opportunities for emotional healing and creative expression. However, there may also be a tendency towards escapism or confusion, so it is important to stay grounded and focused on tangible results.

Mars in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries (May 14^th until May 29^th)

Mars in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries is an astrological aspect that can bring about conflicting energies. Mars represents our drive and ambition, while Jupiter signifies expansion and growth. This square can lead to impulsive actions and overconfidence, resulting in conflicts with authority figures. However, it can also inspire us to take bold actions towards our goals.

May 16^th to May 23^rd

Mars in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries (May 14^th until May 29^th) continues

Jupiter in Taurus squares retrograde Pluto in Aquarius (May 17^th until May 27^th)

Jupiter in Taurus square retrograde Pluto in Aquarius is an astrological aspect that highlights the tension between our desire for stability and our need for personal transformation. Jupiter in Taurus emphasizes material wealth and comfort, while Pluto in Aquarius focuses on social and ideological change. This square can lead to power struggles and conflicts between traditional values and progressive ideas. However, it can also inspire us to create innovative solutions and challenge existing structures to achieve a more equitable future.

Mars in Leo opposes retrograde Pluto in Aquarius (May 20^th until May 23^rd)

Mars in Leo opposing retrograde Pluto in Aquarius is an astrological aspect that brings forth the tension between our individual power and the collective agenda. Mars represents our personal drive and desires, while Pluto emphasizes transformation and societal change. This opposition can lead to conflicts between our need for personal expression and our responsibility towards the greater good. However, it can also inspire us to channel our personal power towards creating positive change in the world.

May 24^th to May 31^st

Mars in Cancer square Jupiter in Aries (May 14^th until May 29^th) continues

Jupiter in Taurus squares retrograde Pluto in Aquarius (May 17^th until May 27^th) continues