Leo, May 2016
Illustration by Shawna X

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horoscopes

Leo, May 2016

By the time May is through, you will have learned a lot about what you have to offer the world.

I know this isn't news to you, Leo, but you're special. Five planets are retrograde at the opening of May, but your planet, the Sun, never goes retrograde. Sure, Cancer's planet is the Moon, and that never retrogrades either; however, we're talking about you here and how glorious and dependable you are. Every morning, you rise from your bed, ready to shine for the world.

Anyway, let's talk about retrogrades: Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn, encouraging you transform your relationship to health and your well being. Saturn is going backward in fellow Fire sign Sagittarius, encouraging you to enforce better boundaries between yourself and your lovers and friends. Jupiter is retrograde in Virgo (it will go direct on May 9, so expect a shift!), where it's inspiring you to question what abundance and material security mean to you. You can read a bunch more about all of this here.

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The two retrograde planets you really need to watch out for this month are Mercury and Mars. Mercury is retrograde in hardworking Earth sign Taurus, and it's highlighting the sector of your chart that rules fame and fortune. Miscommunications and delays around your career or public life are likely to go down during this transit. If you're waiting for a promotion or some kind of recognition, some annoying delays may get in your way. However, sometimes Mercury retrograde can be great for getting things moving that had previously been stalled, so if a raise is longer overdue, a conversation to make it happen may come your way!

Because Taurus is the sign that rules cash, jewelry, and other movable objects of value, be careful not to lose any important documents or belongings during this retrograde. Another common occurrence during Mercury retrograde is running into people from your past. Engage these folks if you can—our retrograde Mercury will be speaking through them!

Five planets are retrograde at the opening of May, but your planet, the Sun, never goes retrograde.

Mars is retrograde in Sagittarius, and it will soon back into Scorpio. It's currently stirring up the sector of your chart that rules romance and creativity. This is an intense combo—the planet of war in one of the funnest areas of your chart would typically bring you passion, but Mars is hasty and unruly when it's retrograde, so you might get flustered around your love life and creative projects during the first part of May. The vibe will shift when Mars enters Scorpio, but we'll get to that later.

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May 1 brings a soft, dreamy vibe when the Sun sextiles (one of the most helpful astrological aspects) dreamy Neptune in Pisces. Expect a boost in your intuition! Part of your journey during this Mercury retrograde is sorting out how you want to be seen by the world, and this combination will help you gage what your current reputation is. If you owe anyone a favor, this is an excellent time to repay it.

More good vibes come you way on May 3 when the Sun in Taurus trines (a super easy astrological aspect) Jupiter in Virgo. Jupiter is an energy that's all about abundance, generosity, and luck! So this is definitely excellent news: Expect massively good vibes around money and other material concerns.

The new moon on May 6 in Taurus will bring some fresh energy to the sector of your chart that's being pounded by Mercury retrograde: your public life. This is an excellent new moon to do any energetic work around your career, fame, and popularity. Wear extra gold today—fuck it, wear a tiara. Incorporate anything that symbolizes success and fame to you into your day and allow the new moon to manifest more recognition of your talents in your life. A new job could be on the way, but, again, take it slow and expect some chaos with Mercury retrograde.

A new job could be on the way, but, again, take it slow and expect some chaos with Mercury retrograde.

Your ruling planet brings more good news on May 7 when the Sun trines power planet Pluto, creating a good environment for you to work out some wellness issues, kick a bad habit, or rearrange your work schedule for the better. Pluto is currently in Capricorn, a sign that's all about drive and material success. While it's true that Mercury retrograde is testing the fuck out of you, Leo, you do have plenty of opportunities to explore what wealth, luxury, and success means to you this month, and, surely, being healthy and having a daily routine that supports you instead of breaks you down is a huge part of success.

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On May 20, the Sun enters chatty, curious Gemini and lights up the sector of your chart that rules friendships and social connections, as well as your wishes for the future. So much of this month has had you focused on material success, but with the Sun in Gemini, happiness in your community will also become a priority.

The next day, May 21, there will be a full moon in fellow Fire sign Sagittarius. Full moons bring big reveals and confrontations, but they're also good times to find balance. Again, you've been working super hard this month, but spending time with your friends and lovers, partying, and expressing yourself creatively will all be themes during this full moon.

Because warrior Mars is retrograde at this time, and because it will be hanging out right next to the full moon in the sky, you might need to heal some pissed-off vibes emanating from your lovers who want more of your attention (of course they do), or you may be the one who is feeling fired up about receiving more affection. Either way, full moons are times of culmination, so something will shift!

You might need to heal some pissed-off vibes emanating from your lovers who want more of your attention (of course they do).

Mercury ends its retrograde on May 22, which will be a relief, not just because Mercury retrograde is annoying, but also because how much people talk about Mercury retrograde is annoying.

Charming, charismatic Venus enters Gemini on May 24, bringing lovely vibes to your social life; however, Venus will oppose Mars today, and Mars is in a shit mood. Watch out for jealous people and bitchy attitudes.

On May 26, Jupiter in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius, which will bring up themes like responsibility and maturity. Think back to August 3, 2015 and March 23 of this year—those are the last times Jupiter and Saturn connected this way, and reflecting on what you learned from the events that took place around then could give you great information one what to expect and how to deal with the vibe now. Jupiter is all about growth and good luck, but Saturn's the taskmaster who's all about commitment and confinement—when these two clash, you better have your shirt tucked in and your homework ready.

Mars re-enters Scorpio on May 27, which will stir up some drama concerning your home and family. Think back to about two months ago, late February and early March. What was going on for you regarding home, family, or themes around security and safety then? It will bubble back up again for you to work with now.

You have so much to be proud of Leo: You're mega talented and a natural star! By the time May is through, you will have learned a lot about what you have to offer the world. See you in June!