Astrology Forecast for May 2026
All dates and times provided are for Pacific to Eastern time.
Overview of May
The "all planets direct" window - an annual green light from the Universe - is about to close: Pluto turns retrograde on May 6. But, there is still lots of momentum in the skies for action and new beginnings. The retrograde season - when several planets are in retrograde all at once - won't start in earnest until June 29, when Mercury turns retrograde.
The thick of the retrogrades will come in October, when Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will all be retrograde from October 3 to November 13. If you're planning any big launches or a wedding, do it either before or after.
We've had a strong and unusual Aries stellium for several weeks — emphasizing bold moves, new beginnings, and initiative, but also war and aggression. In May, the planets are on the move - there is more balance in the skies.
Mercury changes signs twice this month! It enters Taurus on May 2, and Gemini on May 17.
Venus starts the month in Gemini, but does the switcheroo into Cancer on May 18.
And Mars, too, changes signs! It enters peace-loving Taurus on May 18.
And of course, the Sun changes signs as well, entering Gemini on May 20. Happy Birthday to my Gemini readers!
Neptune in Aries and Inflation
To zoom out even more, Saturn and Neptune are now moving away from each other - the Saturn-Neptune conjunction is over, and Saturn is no longer keeping Neptune in check. Some bad news on that front 😕 Neptune in Fire Signs is associated with a period of inflation. We've been feeling it at the pump! And we might not be out of the woods for a while. Regardless of the outcome of the war in Iran, inflation may be rearing its ugly head going forward - throughout 2026 and beyond...
Uranus-Pluto Trine is Coming Up!
On the plus side, Uranus - freshly in Gemini - will start forming a rare trine with Pluto by the end of May. If you think Jupiter transits are beneficial, they have nothing on a Uranus-Pluto trine when it connects with your natal chart!
It will peak on July 18, at 4° Gemini (Uranus) and Aquarius (Pluto). Uranus and Pluto came close to a trine in 2024 and then again in 2025 - and I saw some incredible breakthroughs in my clients' lives under this trine.
I'll write a brief post on it in a couple of weeks, but if you want an in-depth walkthrough on what to watch for, my pre-recorded webinar "Navigating 2026" is for you. It's a teaching webinar this year - I teach you how to interpret this year's biggest transits and eclipses for you personally. Best of all, it's currently on sale!
Pluto Turns Retrograde
Many Excellent Dates for Love and Romance
Venus starts the month in Gemini. As she moves through the Sign of the Twins, she makes some spectacular planetary connections! There are several good dates for love and romance. If you're looking to propose or move in together, May 1 is your day.
But, once she moves into Cancer on May 18, she'll start butting heads with Saturn and Neptune, and that's not as great for romantic matters or for cosmetic surgeries and other beautification procedures. If you can, schedule them prior to May 18.
As always, this post is about the big picture of the month + I provide a quick synopsis of each week. You can find my detailed weekly forecasts here, published every Thursday.
OK, let's take a quick look at each week, to help you plan your month ahead.
May 1-3:
May kicks off with a radiant Full Moon in Scorpio, on May 1 at 10:23 a.m. PDT.
This is a fantastic Full Moon to ask the Universe for help with establishing clear boundaries against drama and manipulation. If you've been carrying dark, Plutonic emotions, such as shame or jealousy, this is your Full Moon to work with, as well.
On a practical note, ask the Universe for help with getting out of debt.
With Venus getting ready to sextile Saturn, April 30-May 1 are also two good days if you're looking to propose or to have a conversation about moving in together. Venus-Saturn aspects support longevity and commitment in relationships.
May 4-10:
You may feel tempted to overcommit early in the week, thanks to the energetic Mars-Jupiter square. Unfortunately, this planetary energy is not the best at being realistic!
Mercury and Pluto butt heads early in the week too. If you need to sign a contract or present an important proposal, wait until mid-week. Otherwise there is too high a chance of clashing opinions.
Pluto turns retrograde on May 6, so the entire week is imbued with the energy of raw power. You decide how you work with it! Do you engage in power games, or do you choose to tactfully but firmly set healthy boundaries?
But, the highlight of the week arrives on the weekend - the Sun sextiles Jupiter. It's one of the loveliest, most optimistic days of the year. How perfect that it falls on Mother's Day here in North America. But, it's best to have an early Mother's Day brunch or dinner later in the day. Avoid lunch - the Moon gets into trouble with Uranus - not the greatest for emotional closeness.
May 11-17:
Mercury is active this week, making a lovely sextile with Jupiter early in the week, and an energizing conjunction with Uranus on the weekend.
Generally it would be a great energy for contracts, proposals, negotiations and other Mercury-related activities. But, Mercury is combust this week - it meets the Sun on Thursday - so for electional purposes (selecting the best date for a specific activity), its powers are weakened. It's too close to the Sun.
So use this week to come up with brilliant ideas, proposals, and innovative solutions. At work, that's a great week to have a brainstorming meeting. The goal should be to inspire and generate ideas, rather than land on concrete solutions.
But, the star of the show is the New Moon in Taurus, on May 16 at 1:01 p.m. PDT. If you work with the Lunar Cycle, this New Moon is THE day of the year to set intentions for attracting financial prosperity, increasing patience and perseverance, and bringing contentment and sensuality into your life.
May 18-24:
The Sun enters Gemini this week, on May 20! Happy birthday to my Gemini readers ♊🎁🎉
Mars and Venus are on the move, too.
Ambitious Mars moves into hardworking Taurus on Monday, ushering in a period that favours tasks, chores and heavy lifting. We have a lot of stimulating Uranus energy available to us too - the Sun and Uranus meet for their annual conjunction on Friday - but sometimes you just need to get things done. Mars in Taurus can help with that. You will be able to make huge progress through the end of June, if you put your mind to it.
Venus enters home-loving Cancer on Monday. Use the next month to spend quality time with family or to spruce up your living situation.
Monday May 18 is the last good date for love and romance though, for a while. Once Venus moves past a lovely sextile with Mars (happening on May 18), she'll be challenged by Neptune and Saturn.
May 19-21 are not the best for a first date. You may not see things as clearly as you need to.
On the plus side, May 21-22 are two good days for contracts and negotiations. Mercury forms a lovely sextile with Saturn.
And the Moon is waxing in Virgo on May 23-24: it's two excellent days to make healthy changes to your diet or start a fitness routine.
May 25-31:
This week is tense.
Mars, freshly in Taurus, gets into trouble with Pluto on Monday. It's a volatile energy - avoid dark places and unstable individuals. If someone in your circle has anger management issues, lay low.
Venus squares Saturn - May 26-28 are not ideal for love and relationships.
But, this is a great week to step into your personal power: the Sun trines Pluto on May 26. If you need to have a boundary-setting conversation you've been avoiding, this will help.
A lovely Full Moon in Sagittarius arrives on May 31. If you're prone to FOMO, it's a great Full Moon to get rid of it! No, the grass is not always greener on the other side…😉
While I love the expansive Sagittarius energy, the dark side of it is that it always wonders, "What if I took the other path? Would I have done better?"
We often compare our real, regular life to the cherry-picked highlights of someone else's life, presented to us on social media. “Why can’t I build THAT life?”, you might be thinking. “What is wrong with me?”
Absolutely nothing! They don’t have THAT life either! You’re seeing their best, happiest, most successful moments - not their everyday life.
This Full Moon can help you let go of the nagging feeling that you’re not doing as well as those around you.
Mother’s Day is Coming Up! Here Are Some Gift Ideas:
1- Is your Mom close to retirement and/or planning to move? This astrology report will help her find a perfect city or town for artistic pursuits, family and friendships, or any other area she is interested in.
BTW, this very report told me where I should look for love. We’ve been happily married for 25 years!
2- Do you have a friend who is a new mom? Gift her a natal report for her child! Written by a former Montessori teacher, it’s incredibly insightful and is packed with tips for a parent.
I have a client in Australia who orders this report for every new addition in her extended family.
3- Is your mom curious about past lives? She will love the Past Life astrology report.
4- Or, gift her a live astrology or Tarot reading with me (on Zoom), so she can ask her most burning questions. Gift certificates are available — just add a note when ordering, and I’ll send you a PDF gift receipt within 24 hours.
Treat her — or yourself — to a personalized reading that speaks directly to her chart, her questions, and this moment in time.
Book a Live Astrology Reading
Or choose a Live Tarot Reading instead →
Both are 10% off right now — a lovely gift, or a treat for yourself.
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