Aries

March 21 – April 20

The beginning of the month may have been hectic for you, Aries. Things may have already started looking up, as the middle and end of the month will be much more tranquil than the first week or so. May can be a challenging time for an Aries, with Mercury in retrograde starting May 19 and other planetary tensions, communication seems clouded and self awareness becomes instrumental. Stay grounded while Mercury is in retrograde by spending time reflecting and unwinding with meditation and paying close attention to communication and financial decisions.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21

The sun is in your first solar house, Taurus —meaning this is your time. Take time to reflect and express gratitude for positive happenings, enjoy the burst of energy from the sun being in your first house. May is almost half way over, which may be good news for you. Mercury in retrograde, amongst other events, brings a lot of challenges to your sign; paying close attention to your interactions with others, including online, and limiting your spending habits are essential for smoothly navigating the rest of May. Be aware of how you feel physically; you may feel your energy is depleted after May 21 and will need to spend extra time for self care. May brings inspiration and a creative spark to Taurus, tap into this energy to regain your own. Don’t feel pressured to make big decisions or take risks, feeling secure and stable will help counter May’s rambunctious and hypnotizing energy.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21

Things are running fairly smoothly for the Gemini this May. Be prepared for a surge of refreshing, focused energy as the sun enters your first house over the 22nd. This energy will help you in finishing out the year, completing old projects and planning your next move. May strengthens you, Gemini; you may feel more independent and confident with little reassurance, embrace this. As Mercury in retrograde begins during the time that the sun transitions into your first house, it is especially important to recall the outcomes of similar decisions.

Cancer

June 21 – July 23

May is a strong month for you, Cancer. The people around you will acknowledge the value of your honesty with yourself and others, and both romantic and friendship relationships will feel stronger and more secure. Cancer, this month brings blooming creativity, and a much needed push of motivation to balance responsibilities and reevaluate the time spent on taxing or toxic relationships and environments. Those around you will feed off of your confident and positive energy, attracting positive energy in return along with attracting romantic relationships or enhancing what already exists. In times of low energy go outside, preferably close to nature, and meditate.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You might feel as though May is racing by for you, Leo. The full moon has passed and affairs in the beginning of the month have come to a resolve or have been put on hold. People are likely to acknowledge the value of your friendship, and if you have to cancel plans they will understand your need for me-time. Your hard work and intelligence will not go unnoticed, you may feel more motivated and appreciated in your career and education. Pay special attention to social interactions while Mercury is in retrograde, and set aside time for yourself between socialization, work and school. Strong focus on certain aspects of your life means others get neglected or put on the back burner. If you are in relationship limbo now is the time to make a decision.

Virgo

August 23 – September 23

May brings inspiration, awareness and confidence to you, Virgo. Mercury in retrograde shouldn’t cause you too many setbacks, but be wary of past mistakes, present stress and energy levels and time management. Dear Virgo, your focus may be on the future, but you are needed in the now—complete existing projects and to-do lists before starting new ones. It is in your nature to stay on top of responsibilities, but newfound inspirations may distract you. Elders and authorities will be especially aware of how bright you are shining right now, Virgo—make an effort to be more self aware of your communication skills especially with these figures.

Libra

September 24 – October 23

May is a scattered time for the Libra with short windows of energy and a strong need for awareness and focus. For Libra, the beginning of the month brought successful, efficient communication and attention to financial matters that prevented financial trouble. Even though communication was strong and clear for Libra in the beginning, Mercury in retrograde may cause a complete 180. It is incredibly important to pay attention to the fine print Libra. One small detail could derail an otherwise successful plan, meaning don’t just check, double check and triple check before proceeding with big decisions.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 

May is a good month to focus inward for you, Scorpio. Your sign is in a dominantly transitional phase throughout May and this should not be taken lightly. May can be good for  building and mending close relationships, but keep in mind that Mercury in retrograde often affects communication, causing chain reactions of misunderstandings and turmoil in relationships and friendships. Looking inward, Scorpio, you might feel somewhat of a downward spiral in energy and emotion as Mercury transitions to retrograde; take extra time for self care. This transition may cause internal turmoil, but from that, fresh perspective and energy will propel you forward into June. Be aware of your pride during this time.

Sagittarius

November 23 – December 21

May is a month for healing, Sagittarius. Restoring both your physical self and your emotional self will be necessary and rewarding during the nuisances of Mercury in retrograde. Clarification is key when it comes to keeping relationships and friendships from entering conflict due to miscommunication, and interactions may be significantly more draining than usual. Tone and body language will play a large part in how others understand your words, pay special attention to these things. Confidence in a particular aspect of your life will be more present than usual, propelling you forward in that area; don’t be afraid to devote your time to working in this area.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 20

May brings a refreshing combination of work and play for you, Capricorn. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a balance that works with your goals and schedule, but revising and editing plans and projects will benefit you during Mercury in retrograde. A creative surge comes to Capricorn in the middle of the month, bringing with it an air of spontaneity and passion. Pay attention to shifts in emotion, the intensity of your emotions and how they affect you in other areas of your life. You may find yourself overstimulated from packing so much into your day, take time to nurse your mental and physical health to stay balanced.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 19

Aquarius, May is a tricky month for you. There are many things to pay attention to throughout May for you, Aquarius. Edit, clarify, and double check information to avoid misunderstandings. Be aware of your tone and body language while Mercury is in retrograde, and take a few moments before making any important decisions. Tensions during Mercury in retrograde may provoke negative responses in the Aquarius. Aquarius has a strong influence on others, friendships and relationships will remain secure during May; be careful with how you approach delicate situations, your tendency to overstate may be amplified by Mercury in retrograde.

Pisces

February 20 – March 20

Pisces, May is your time to truly get organized. Be aware of how many projects you are taking on and try not to overexert yourself. Issues with communication, misunderstanding and adjustments are likely to occur consistently throughout May, allowing for self reflection. Reprioritizing will help with an overcrowded schedule and will help unveil and make time for aspects of your life you weren’t aware need special attention. You are more visible than you feel, Pisces. Your actions do not go unnoticed by your family and friends; in fact they have a much stronger impact than you think. Stay strong during the rest of this hectic month, make time for yourself and for socializing and leisure.

Final Edition Notes:

Reminder: Mercury will be in retrograde May 19 – June 11, pay special attention to communication, pad your schedule to prevent being caught off guard with transportation issues and self reflect.

If you want to know more about your astrological zodiac symbol or how to calculate your own chart there are loads of online and print resources available for free with a quick Google search (Just search natal chart)

You are a precious, beautiful person who deserves to be loved and cherished by yourself and others. Take time everyday to exist in gratitude for your strengths and for the beauty in those around you.

If you have any questions, feedback or want to know more about any of the things I write about email gfavazza01@hamline.edu

In light of the last edition of the year I want to thank you for reading my column and I hope that you found some small bit of comfort or interest in what I had to say. As finals week nears remember to take time for your well being, meditate, or spend time in nature, honor your body and mind and be grateful.

Peace.