Aries, May 2016
Illustration by Shawna X

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horoscopes

Aries, May 2016

Five retrogrades will make May an interesting month, but you're not afraid of anything, Aries.

I feel sorry for the Cancers and Taurii of the world—it must be hard to get into astrology when every horoscope you read says you're whiny and stubborn. But for you, Aries, it's a joy to read about your personality: brave, independent, innocent and childlike, yet fierce. Of course, there are also some not-so-nice used to describe you: impatient, impulsive, confrontational, and angry. Unfortunately, because your ruling planet, Mars, is retrograde, these words may be better descriptors of you at this time.

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You might be one of the more mature, tempered Aries who have learned to stay chill in tough situations, but even so, Mars retrograde brings out unexpected angry feelings, so do allow yourself to vent in a healthy way. May opens with Mars retrograde in fellow Fire sign Sagittarius. In addition to bringing out your less desirable qualities, this is also likely make things drag around school, travel, and even things like publishing and your spiritual life.

On May 27, Mars will reenter psychic, mysterious Water sign Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of depth and psychology, so this could be a very profound time to do some major self-exploration. If you've been thinking about doing some therapy, this would be a wonderful time to start (again, you do need to vent).

Think back to late February and early March—situations from that time period will come back up for you to work with when Mars reenters Scorpio. Also expect themes around sex, debts and taxes, and even death and difficult transitions to come up.

Mars retrograde brings out unexpected angry feelings, so do allow yourself to vent in a healthy way.

Remember, Mars is the planet of war, and war can bring permanent endings and changes. The best way to use Mars retrograde, in addition to learning how to deal with anger in a healthy way, is to reconsider what you're "fighting" for and whether it's worth your energy. Is it time to shift your focus to a new conquest?

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Mars is far from the only planet going retrograde in May. Jupiter is also retrograde in Virgo (until May 9), activating the sector of your chart that rules your habits and daily routine. Taskmaster Saturn is retrograde in Sagittarius, pushing you to be more mature, especially in the face of Mars retrograde.

Power planet Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn, bringing major transformations to your career and reputation—but this is a longstanding transit (Pluto is retrograde until 2023!), so you'll be working with this energy for a while.

That said, at the end of last month, you might have experienced a shift in power around your public life. Perhaps people are seeing you as bigger "threat"? Whether that's an exciting or bad thing probably has to do with how well you're managing Mars retrograde and your anger! At the start of May, you'll still be processing that experience.

At the end of last month, you might have experienced a shift in power around your public life. Perhaps people are seeing you as bigger "threat"?

Lastly, Mercury is retrograde in relaxed, luxurious Earth sign Taurus until May 22. During Mercury retrograde, it's unwise to sign new contracts, plan trips, or shop for anything important. Expect delays and miscommunications, and don't be surprised if you run into people from your past. Because Taurus is a materialistic Earth sign and it rules cash and jewelry, be careful not to lose your wallet or any of your important belongings. Also, watch out for thieves!

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Retrogrades are rough, but you can learn more about Mercury retrograde here, and about all the current retrogrades here.

This Mercury retrograde in Taurus will be causing chaos in the sector of your chart that rules cash, income, and also self-esteem. Things could become really frustrating on the financial front, but don't despair, Aries—the new moon on May 6 in Taurus will bring a fresh start around your cash flow and sense of self worth. This New Moon is perfect for doing money magick as well as more boring, mundane stuff like working out a budget.

Taurus is one of the most opulent signs in the zodiac. It's ruled by Venus, which in the planet of beauty, harmony, love, and money. It also has a supportive, stable energy… so why is it that these things scare us so much? Love freaks us out, whether it's a fear of commitment or of being alone. Money makes us anxious, whether or not we are broke. Venus might be a planet that rules all the "good stuff," but we're often too damaged to enjoy it.

One of my favorite things about Taurus's energy is its ability be in the present. It's the sign of "now." Cows, Taurus's symbol, always seen to be serenely meditating, unlike Taurus's opposite sign on the zodiac wheel, Scorpio, which is always digging through the muck, plunging to emotional depths, and destroying itself to be reborn.

Accept your beauty, the state of your love life, and the state of your bank account. Find peace and harmony in the present moment.

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During this new moon, find a sunny spot to sit in and meditate. Instead of "om-ing," maybe try mooing for your mantra. Be the chill Taurus cow. Accept your beauty, the state of your love life, and the state of your bank account. Find peace and harmony in the present moment and see if you can carry this tranquil energy through the day.

On May 20, the Sun enters curious, chatty Air sign Gemini, and you'll enjoy an uptick in social activity. Soon after, on May 22, Mercury will go direct, and communication will feel so much clearer! The full moon on May 21 in Sagittarius will also push you toward adventure. This is a fantastic full moon to spend by taking an interesting class or attending an exciting lecture. People think of Aries as being the jock of the zodiac, but during this full moon you'll be in intellectual mode.

Just watch out for being irritable. While you're doing all kinds of neat, nerdy intellectual stuff, try not to be a condescending snob. Your ruling planet, Mars, is retrograde, and it's cranky AF! And, on May 22, the Sun will opposite Mars, which could get you into some fights. On May 24, Venus will enter Gemini, which is super nice and will be bringing you some flirty messages your way; however, on that day Venus will also oppose Mars, sparking jealous and bitchy vibes. Be the chill cow, Aries!

One of the most intense days this month is May 26, when Jupiter in Virgo will square (one of the tensest astrological aspects) Saturn in Sagittarius. This is a super important day to be on your best behavior, no matter how pissed off Mars retrograde is making you. This combination will call you to be mature and responsible—this is not the day to "forget" your homework or slack off. Think back to August 3, 2015 and March 23 of this year: These are the last times that Jupiter and Saturn connected this way. Whatever you went through then could give you some good information on how to handle the vibes now.

Spend May in the moment, Aries! And see you in June!