Pisces, May 2016

May opens with the Sun in Taurus stimulating the sector of your chart that rules the mind, but with Mercury retrograde, not much is making sense. That's okay with you, Pisces, because as the sign of imagination and magic, you basically live in wonderland anyway.

Mercury isn't the only planet going retrograde: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is retrograde in Virgo, inspiring you to reflect on your partnerships, both romantic and nonromantic. Jupiter turns direct on May 9, so expect some shifts in your relationships around then.

Power planet Pluto is also retrograde in Earth sign Capricorn, highlighting power dynamics in your friendships and within the groups and organizations you're a part of. Taskmaster Saturn is retrograde in Fire sign Sagittarius, pushing you to step up and be more mature and responsible— your reputation depends on it, and big shifts in your public or professional life could go down this month.

Saturn isn't the only planet retrograde in Sagittarius—so is warrior Mars, and when Mars is moving backward, it's extra irritable, hasty, mean, and (your least favorite) confrontational. Having Mars pissed off in the sector of your chart that rules fame and fortune will certainly bring some drama, Pisces, but sometimes a scandal is what you need to solidify superstar status. That said, handling your public life with grace, patience, and maturity will win you big rewards.

Later this month, on May 27, Mars will reenter Scorpio, which will find you rethinking what your vision is, what you believe in, and what you stand for. You're a philosopher, Pisces, a deep thinker, and Mars retrograde in intuitive Water sign Scorpio will be a time for you to take space to reflect.

This will also coincide with a pause you may take from traveling, studying or being on social media. Think back to late February and early March. Themes you were working with back then will come up for review at the end of the month, thanks to Mars reentering Scorpio.

But back to Mercury retrograde, the most annoying retrograde of them all (actually, it's not so terrible and you can read why here). This is not a great time to plan trips, shop for anything important, sign contracts, or have important conversations. Because this retrograde is taking place in the sector of your chart that rules the mind, Pisces, you'll likely feel that nothing you say makes sense or that everyone is being confusing. Expect some mixed messages! If you have siblings, some drama with them may get stirred up now.

But don't worry, it won't be all bad vibes around communication: The new moon in Taurus on May 6 will bring some grounded energy and a chance to start fresh. If you've been battling gossip, this new moon will help dispel the nonsense and help you move on. If there's a long delayed piece of closure you've been waiting for so that you can move on, you could get it now.

Or you may just wake up this morning, having decided that you actually don't give a fuck about the closure and that you're totally over it. New moons are all about new beginnings, and it's spring time, Pisces! It's a time for rebirth and new experiences! Before we get too far ahead, let's rewind and talk about two days early in the month that I'm excited about for you.

On May 1, the Sun in chill Taurus will sextile (one of the most helpful astrological aspects) dreamy Neptune, which is currently hanging out in your sign, and which happens to be your modern ruling planet (which means this is extra lucky! Yay!). This combination is super psychic, so even though communication may be strained due to Mercury retrograde, under this astrological aspect, you still could get some understanding.

On May 3, the Sun in Taurus will trine (one of the easiest astrological aspects) your traditional ruling planet, Jupiter, which is currently in your opposite sign, Virgo. This will create a fun, generous, and happy vibe in your relationships, and even though Mercury is retrograde, you'll enjoy a boost in feeling connected and confident with your partners!

On May 9, seductive Venus in sensual Taurus will sextile Neptune, bringing even more magic: Expect another boost in your psychic abilities. Also, Venus will likely send some flirtatious messages your way, so watch out for that! But if you send any sexy notes, please triple-check that you're not sending them to your boss or mom by accident—Mercury is retrograde, remember! And accidents will happen.

On May 20, the Sun enters Air sign Gemini and lights up the sector of your chart that rules home and family. So much of this month has been about your career, popularity, and your place in the public eye, but now that the Sun is in Gemini, your focus will also be pulled toward domestic concerns. This is especially true during the full moon in Sagittarius, which will ask you to find better balance between your personal life and your public life.

Also, keep in mind that full moons are all about illumination and culmination. Expect to learn something new about yourself and your relationship to both your home and your public life and to reach some kind of climax around a situation involving one of these themes. May comes with quite a bit of tension, and something (or someone) is likely to burst around this full moon.

May 26 will be a day that pushes you to be the most mature, polished version of yourself: Jupiter in Virgo will square (a stressful astrological aspect) Saturn in Sagittarius, and your relationships (both in your personal life and in your public or work life) will be tested. It's likely that this transit will make you want to behave more maturely, to have better boundaries, or to be more professional.

May is a busy month, Pisces, but I'm sure you'll find a way to sneak off and have fun—playing hooky without getting caught is one of your best talents (just please don't do this on May 26)! See you in June!