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Change is in the air once again, starting with Pluto’s retrograde pivot on May 1st in Aquarius, the sign that he just entered in March. Then we have a Scorpio lunar eclipse on May 5th — the last in a series that began in November 2021. Mercury wraps up its retrograde phase in Taurus on the 14th, and Jupiter enters Taurus on the 16th, where it will remain until May 2024. Then Mars arrives in Leo on the 20th for a seven-week stay. What do all these planetary events have in common? They’re taking place in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius — the fixed signs of the zodiac. The fixed modality is known for being loyal and stabilizing but also unbudgeable. And since these signs all form hard angles to each other (squares and oppositions), there’s bound to be some tension this month. Luckily, some of the planets are forming flowing trines — on May 13th, 15th and 21st — balancing out the friction with some much-needed harmony!

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

With Pluto shifting into reverse in your ambition angle on May 1st, the pressure you’re feeling to succeed should ease somewhat for the next several months. Slow down, give yourself time to develop and allow your goals to evolve. A Venus-Neptune disagreement on the 4th could make you unsure of your value to a group. Is it possible that you’re overrating someone and selling yourself short? The lunar eclipse of May 5th is the last in a cycle that began in November 2021, and it could uplevel the commitment in a partnership or trigger a breaking point. If a connection is tested, trust that it’s for a reason. You’re meant to shift your relationship dynamics in search of a healthier balance between me and we. Even though it’s your birthday season, if others seem to need attention, hand them the mic — temporarily. After Venus sashays into your thinking-and-talking corner on May 7th, it feels easier to share what’s in your heart and show people you care. Noticing the warmth in your interactions and the beauty in your environment will lift your spirits in the next four weeks. On the 9th, the annual sun-Uranus summit in your sign exacerbates your restlessness. An impulse to reinvent yourself may strike like a bolt of lightning, and getting out of your routine is the least you can do to satisfy your urge to rebel. Before you fly off in a random direction, ask yourself what liberation means to you. What kind of freedom are you craving? How can you make it happen? You might have a brilliant idea that puts you on a new path, so pay attention to any revelations. Venus cozies up to Saturn on the 13th, helping you to stay positive, give others the benefit of the doubt, use your social skills, do some networking and enjoy what you can accomplish when you connect with the right people. Mercury’s U-turn in Taurus on May 14th will improve your objectivity and communication. If you’ve felt misunderstood or made iffy choices lately, you can make a course correction going forward. The next day, a Mars-Neptune confab facilitates teamwork and socializing. Selfless actions can give you a sense of higher purpose that day. Jupiter blasts into your sign on the 16th, kicking off a year of personal growth for Bulls! Jupiter last toured your sign in 2011 and 2012, lending you loads of optimism and inviting you to envision all the possibilities of who you could become. This is your time to seize opportunities, have new experiences and learn more about yourself and what you can achieve. If you don’t feel like you’re on your true path, experimenting and exploring can put you in touch with your higher purpose. Don’t wait for things to come to you; look for chances to grow, then grab hold of them. Your enthusiasm, confidence and taste for freedom will keep your spirits soaring, and you can inspire people around you. When Jupiter in Taurus spars with Pluto on the 17th, your impetus to spread your wings can inspire you to push for change in your career. While confidence can help you to reach your goals, there’s a chance you’ll seem arrogant to authority figures and spark a power struggle. If you appear to be overreaching, a higher-up could react by trying to maintain control over you. Your ambitions and your professional life are going to evolve slowly over time, and you can channel your enthusiasm into putting the wheels of that process in motion. You don’t need to shoot your whole shot today or go up against anybody. Make this about your personal growth. A new moon lands in your sign on May 19th, inviting you to set your intentions for the coming year. Look at this as your annual excuse to start fresh. A new look or internal tweaks that impact your outer presentation could be in order. Think about how you come across and whether you’re hiding aspects of the real you. You have a tailwind now to begin anew, make a bolder impression and blaze a trail that shapes your identity. After Mars descends to the base of your chart on the 20th, you’ll get busy around the house. You could be working from home or diving into domestic projects with zeal. Repairs and renovations may be in order, but you could also become aggravated with family and roommates. It’s a good idea to run what you’re doing past anyone who shares your space. If you find yourself in a bad mood, try not to engage in petty battles. Instead, spend time alone doing things that relax you. Mars and Pluto face off that night, pitting your home life against your ambitions and requiring you to juggle. Mind your manners, since you’re in danger of undermining your reputation with temperamental behavior. Try harnessing those feelings to power a push forward toward a goal. With the sun exiting Taurus and heading into your worth zone on May 21st, your focus will shift from who you are to what you have and need. It’s time to reflect on your personal values, get your priorities in order and deal with your finances and possessions accordingly. This is a good time of year to examine your relationship with money and things. The sun’s vibe with Pluto hours later hints that putting your resources to good use can fuel your drive. You need to tap into your full array of talents in your quest to reach your objectives. When you make headway in your profession or life, the resulting feeling of strength will boost your confidence. With hopeful Jupiter rejuvenating Taurus, you’re not content to reach for low-hanging fruit. A fighting spirit on May 22nd can propel you to aim even higher, as Mars challenges Jupiter. Plus, a flurry of domestic activity might spark restlessness. Or perhaps discord at home will induce you to make a getaway. You’re not feeling too settled and can use that discomfort as motivation to seek out new experiences. On the 28th, the sun quibbles with Saturn, which might pit your personal values against group interests or make you feel inferior to people. Don’t measure your own worth by the standards of others. But do solicit constructive critiques that can help you shore up your security. Your responsibilities in a team effort can seem onerous under this influence, and you might think an affiliation is costing you too much. While this may not be a fun planetary pairing, it can enable you to figure out what something is worth to you.

GEMINI

May 21–June 20

After Pluto does an about-face on May 1st, your quest for answers to big questions about life will take the form of internal processing. Your belief system is undergoing a long-term transformation. Work on formulating your own personal philosophy in a search for the truth. On the 4th, Venus in Gemini wanders into Neptune’s mists, making you unsure of how people see you. You may think you’re sending clear signals, but people aren’t responding as you’d like. Authority figures are particularly tricky to read, and it might seem like your charms are temporarily lost on them. Feeling aimless? Try doing something creative just for the pleasure of it. When a lunar eclipse lands in your productivity corner, the universe is handing you the year’s best incentive to give up a bad habit for good. A health or work crisis might grab your attention and indicate what needs to change. You could finally admit what you should drop from your schedule, to-do list, job description or routine. It’s probably been an ongoing process, since a series of eclipses has been activating this corner for the past year and a half. If you need help, ask and you shall receive! After Venus lands in your worth zone on the 7th, your desire for nice things will increase. You’ll also have the ability to attract what you want and may have success with a financial negotiation or receive a boost in income. The sun-Uranus meetup on May 9th might inspire a selfless gesture that helps others in need — or a burst of creative energy where you feel like original ideas are coming to you out of the ether. You could also liberate yourself from the past. Listen to your gut, especially when it comes to big changes you need to make or people who are undermining you. But don’t do anything rash that you’re unsure about; it might have long-term repercussions. When Venus and Saturn join forces on the 13th, you can attract what you need, thanks to the work you’re doing. Keep your eyes open for an opportunity to earn income. Be clear on what’s most valuable to you and invest wisely. After Mercury straightens out its act on the 14th, your intuition will be on point, so give it its due. Introspection can reap rewards. On May 15th, a Mars-Neptune alliance will allow you to make the most of your talents and other assets in an effort to achieve an ambitious dream. Direct your thoughts and actions toward providing for yourself — and incorporate creativity and spirituality for maximum success. The next day, Jupiter sneaks into your release-and-retreat chamber, where it will hide out for the next year, asking you to relinquish some control and drift a bit. You’ll need peace and quiet to rest and reflect and should tune into the wisdom of your soul. Your subconscious can make itself known through dreams, psychotherapy and spiritual practice, which will free your emotions and teach you inner truths. Let go of anything — and anyone — that doesn’t serve your growth. Accept mistakes, flaws and losses. Cultivate compassion for yourself and others. This Jupiter cycle underscores the fact that we’re all connected. Let your imagination run wild. Incubate ideas below the radar in preparation for future enterprises. This is also an excellent time to study a metaphysical subject that resonates with you. Jupiter’s discord with Pluto on May 17th is likely to make you question what you know. You need to take the lessons from your past and release the ties that bind you, and you’re also embarking on a journey where your vision of the future will be transformed — sometimes in a painful way. Should you have faith in the divine plan of the universe and surrender to it? Or strive to construct your own personal philosophy that guides you on your chosen path? Those options could feel mutually exclusive now, though they needn’t be. Pay attention to what you’re seeking to understand, what questions you’re asking, what you feel called to learn. If you were to trust that the answers are within you and listen to the quiet voice of your spirit, how would that shift your worldview? The new moon in your soul corner on May 19th coaxes you to begin a new spiritual practice or dream journal; listen to your intuition; make sleep and downtime a bigger priority; do something selfless; and wrap up unfinished business that keeps you emotionally tethered to the past. When Mars arrives in your thinking-and-talking court on the 20th, you’ll get fired up to pitch your ideas and be your own best advocate. Your mind will be very active for the next seven weeks, and you could grow restless. Travel and learning are favored. Don’t worry if you can’t take a long trip; weekend getaways, daytrips and neighborhood outings will suffice. Stand up for what you think, but if you’re getting into pointless arguments, pull back and ask yourself if you’re identifying too strongly with your thoughts and getting defensive. That night, a Mars-Pluto standoff makes it especially advisable to avoid stubborn struggles. Be willing to see both sides and see if you can separate your ego from your views. Don’t make being right your main objective. The sun’s grand entrance into Gemini on the 21st marks the start of your birthday season and fills you with a welcome infusion of energy. This is your month to be self-centered (in a good way!) and make a strong impression. Concentrate on your own concerns and enjoy expressing your personality freely. The sun’s chemistry with Pluto hours later lends you the courage to go out on a limb and might bring an opportunity for a powerful experience that changes you. Mars challenges Jupiter on May 22nd, suggesting that a lively discussion can teach you something subtle — possibly about yourself — while standing up for your ideas can increase your inner faith. You might not see eye to eye with someone, but tolerance for difference and a belief that we’re all connected can raise the level of discourse. The Gemini sun spars with Saturn on the 28th, which could make you feel restricted by rules, a system, a boss or your career. You just want to be yourself and not have to do everything by the book. It might seem like you’re not progressing professionally, and someone or something is blocking your path. But what if that’s not the case? You can flip this negative energy around by turning it into a form of self-discipline.

CANCER

June 21–July 22

When Pluto pivots retrograde on May 1st, the intensity of a passion project; close relationship; obsession; joint venture; financial arrangement; or struggle for control is bound to wane. Between now and June 11th, try engaging with the emotions churning inside you and see if you can come to grips with what needs to change. You’re beginning a slow, powerful process of transforming your psychological wellbeing and will learn to confront deep, dark stuff that scares you. On the 4th, resist the temptation to sacrifice too much for the wrong reason (or the wrong person) when Venus scuffles with Neptune. Maybe you’re trying to help someone and you’re assuming you’re on the same wavelength, but it turns out you’ve misjudged them. Your ideals may be clouding your perspective, and the fantasy of being able to save people is a smokescreen. The lunar eclipse of May 5th gives you permission to stand out from the crowd. This lunation wants you to show off a little, wear your heart on your sleeve and reach for love and happiness with both hands. A love affair could blossom or break up, and it’s important for you to be bravely authentic no matter what. Venus sashays into your sign on the 7th for a four-week visit, filling you with charm and warmth. People will want to be near you thanks to your magnetic vibe, so make the most of this special time by hanging out with your favorite people. When the sun and Uranus convene in your network zone for their annual summit on May 9th, you might get an urge to separate yourself from the pack and rebel against hivemind. Avoid spouting off on social media, because a hasty post can come back to bite you. On the flipside, a brilliant one could go viral. Other possibilities: Your role in a group might suddenly change; you might make a new friend; or you might join or leave an organization. Teamwork will be challenging if you’re marching to the beat of your own drummer. On the 13th, Venus in Cancer joins forces with Saturn, which could help you to charm a potential mentor without even trying, or attract people who have something to teach you. A learning experience, adventure or trip will be extra gratifying today. With Mercury spinning direct on the 14th, group communication gets easier. Going forward, you can clear up any misunderstandings that arose in the past few weeks. Your compassion, ideals or spiritual beliefs can inspire you to take action when Mars in your sign dovetails with Neptune on May 15th. Channel your drive into promoting a vision of the world as you believe it should be. The next day, Jupiter soars into your hopes-and-humanity sector, where it will be camped out for the next year. Aim to expand the circle of people in your life and to grow new dreams. As you develop different interests and aims, you’ll encounter others who share them. You can gain a lot from networking because the contacts you make are likely to educate you, encourage you and lift you up. You’ll also have luck with technology, philanthropic endeavors and team efforts and may increase your social media influence. Relationships go under the microscope when Jupiter and Pluto scuffle on May 17th. Friendship and intimacy don’t mix easily, and sex, jealousy, possessiveness, control and mistrust could pose problems. Maybe you’re casting a wide net and keeping an open mind about new people, but the complex inner workings of close, one-on-one connections feel heavy and hard. Steer clear of gossip now, as secrets are a powder keg. While you may be inspired to expand your reach, perhaps investing your time, energy and emotions in a particular individual and maintaining a strong bond with them seems more arduous. Fortunately, if you join forces with others today (or make maximal use of technology), you can power forward on a passion project or investigation. You could also connect with someone you have intense chemistry with. Honesty is vital, but be sure to respect privacy. The new moon of May 19th activates your network court, doubling down on the theme of Jupiter’s recent arrival. You’re due to make new friends and contacts; join a different group; develop new hopes; grow your social-media presence; or launch a humanitarian effort. Think in terms of what you can do to build your team and also help others. After Mars charges into your worth arena on the 20th, the next seven weeks could bring spending sprees, possession purges or a drive to make more money. You’re motivated to be proactive about dealing with your resources and acquiring what you need. Watch out for impulse splurges if you’re on a tight budget. Evaluate everything you have at your disposal, and use those assets to the best of your ability. With Mars going toe to toe with Pluto that same night, tension could crop up in a close relationship. If you’re going after what you need, that could lead to some sort of struggle. Interdependence feels very complicated now, while self-sufficiency feels much more straightforward. After the sun slips into the last house in your chart on the 21st for its annual monthlong hibernation before the start of your birthday season, your energy is sure to wane. You’ll require more rest and solitude as your solar year draws to a close. This a period for reflection and release. Look back over the past year and evaluate what has transpired — without judgment. Learn from the past, holding on to the lessons and letting go of regrets. Hours later, a sun-Pluto mashup can bring intense introspection that creates movement in your psyche. This potent alliance can shift something deep inside you and heal a wound. Be proactive about using the resources at your disposal on May 22nd when Mars provokes Jupiter. Doing so can benefit other people and strength collaborations, but selfish actions can clash with altruism. Don’t push anyone to support your priorities. If you do, you may wind up in a dispute. On the 28th, the sun’s fight with Saturn can give you a feeling of being stuck between your past and your future. Try not to let it get to you. Part of you wants to drift and see what life brings, while part of you is compelled to work hard learning everything you need to know in order to achieve your goals. A crisis of faith could tempt you to give up, and the challenge is to stay on message. Brief retreats from the world will prevent you from veering off-track.

LEO

July 23–August 22

After Pluto starts backpedaling on the 1st, you might pump the brakes if you’ve been heading toward commitment. If you have unfinished business with an ex or problems with a collaboration, you could work toward resolution this month. Ponder what you want and need from a partner — whether you’re single or in a relationship. Are you drawn to qualities you could and should be developing in yourself? On the 4th, Venus’s dustup with Neptune cautions against ambiguous hookups because it’s difficult to read another person’s signals. Even if you think you can handle a no-strings fling, you might be harboring a fantasy that reality can’t live up to. The lunar eclipse in your foundation angle on May 5th pushes you to attend to your home life, and it may take a domestic or family crisis to get your attention. Your living situation might be due for one last tweak after a year and a half of intermittent change. Do your best to find a work-life balance that suits you. And if you have a major mood swing, that’s your cue to chill at home and double down on self-care. After Venus ducks into your release corner on May 7th, you’ll crave more solitude and private time with loved ones. You might take care of someone who needs you or put others first. Avoid falling into a martyr role by nurturing everyone but yourself. Show off your unique qualities so you can shine on a big stage when the sun and Uranus coalesce on May 9th. You’ll make an impression in a professional or public setting by tapping into your individuality, not by blending in. But you won’t have an easy time answering to authority, since your ambition has an urge for autonomy behind it. Unexpected opportunities and changes have the potential to put you on a different path that’s right for you. Venus’s chemistry with Saturn can save the day on the 13th, coaxing you to put your personal desires second. Selflessness and kindness won’t go unrewarded. You could end up getting what you want while helping someone else. And thanks to Mercury’s direct turn the day after that, you’ll enjoy sharper goal-setting and easier communication with authority figures. Does it seem like you’ve misrepresented yourself lately? Now you can clarify matters. On the 15th, a Mars-Neptune rendezvous favors quiet time by yourself or with another person. You can get closer to your true self or to someone you’re fond of. Dive in deep for a magical experience. Jupiter climbs to the highest point of your chart on the 16th, revving up your ambition for the next year. You could assume a leadership role and receive accolades. Since you’ll be highly visible and feeling sure of yourself, try not to come off as superior. But do aim high! Go for a promotion and chase after chances to climb the ladder. You might score a job that allows you to travel or “takes you places” in your career. Still searching for your true vocation? You might find a professional mentor who will help you plot your path to success. With Jupiter battling Pluto on May 17th, partnership and goals are a tricky mix. You may be hoping for more support than you’re getting in your efforts to achieve your objectives, or it could be challenging to maintain a healthy balance of power in a relationship. Perhaps you’re expecting someone to grow at the same pace or in the same direction as you. If you’re not on the same page regarding future plans, there’s likely to be turbulence in a key connection. Pushing someone to meet your expectations won’t help matters. Your ambition or high hopes could meet resistance. The most productive use of this transit might be to optimistically strive to effect change in a relationship. Just be careful not to come off as imperious and don’t attach too much importance to being the one who’s “right”. The new moon of May 19th encourages you to set new goals, embark on a fresh chapter in your career, create a business plan, assume a high-profile role or change your public image. If you need to start promoting yourself more, this is your cue. Mars barrels into Leo on the 20th, embarking on a seven-week tour of your sign. This go-getter planet only visits every couple of years, so take advantage of the drive he gives you by chasing after personal goals. You can get tons done and execute your own agenda, but try not to run roughshod over others in your zeal to accomplish what you want to. Still, you needn’t hesitate to stand up for yourself and show what you can do. You’re capable of competing and making a big impression during this period. Mars squabbles with Pluto that night, upping the odds that you’ll meet with resistance. Remember that you can only control your own actions. It won’t be easy to find common ground, but if you do, productive change is possible. Your ruler, the sun, arrives in your network zone on May 21st, shining a light on the people around you and calling for you to integrate your ego into the bigger picture. You’ll have more energy for socializing and joining group efforts and will gravitate toward others with whom you can express a side of yourself. It’s easier to fit in when you share common interests, ideals or goals. The people you choose to surround yourself with are, in various ways, a reflection of yourself. Hours later, a sun-Pluto confab suggests you might encounter someone who has a strong influence on you. Welcome a powerful experience now because a bond with a friend could deepen, or you could click with a person who may change your life. Mars in Leo needles outsized Jupiter on May 22nd, so even if you think you’re treading lightly, there’s a chance you’ll come on too strong around people who have authority over you. If you’re able to resist overreaching, this planetary pairing can fire you up to achieve things that require confidence to attempt. Just be mindful of timing and risk assessment. The sun’s skirmish with Saturn on the 28th implies you may find intimacy stifling or feel like someone isn’t coming through for you. Keeping things casual and spending time with your friends probably sounds easier now than maintaining a serious relationship. But maybe there’s a middle ground between lighthearted and hardcore that will enable you to grow on an emotional level.

VIRGO

August 23–September 22

After Pluto goes off the grid in your work-and-wellness corner on May 1st, the new life you’ve started to contemplate constructing may not take shape as quickly as you’d like. Reassess what is required if you’re to change jobs, revamp your schedule, transform your health or improve your quality of life. Check in with your body and note any toll that stress is taking on your wellbeing. Slow down if you’re juggling way too much. When Venus in your ambition angle becomes entangled with Neptune in your interpersonal realm on the 4th, it’s hard to gauge people’s reactions, especially if you’re doing creative work or trying to make a positive impression. Try not to get hung up on what anyone thinks of you. The lunar eclipse of May 5th could bring a development related to writing, a sibling, your community or your mindset. Information overload or sudden busyness could pull you in a hundred directions, so take a breath and process one thing at a time. If you’re overwhelmed or anxious, say so. Venus prances into your network chamber on the 7th, putting you in the mood to be around plenty of people. You’ll have an easy time getting along with others and finding common ground. Get out and see your friends. Say yes to social gatherings and group activities. Enjoy a feeling of camaraderie over the next four weeks. A sun-Uranus mashup in your expansion sector on the 9th could trigger a spiritual awakening or major realization. Even if your consciousness isn’t raised in a dramatic fashion, you can definitely gain some perspective. This meeting only takes place once a year, so allow it to lift your spirits and maybe even point you to a new vision of your future. When Venus gels with Saturn on May 13th, you’re encouraged to enjoy the company of friends and other people you value. Commit to putting in the effort when a bond is important to you. Even the best relationships require work sometimes. Once Mercury gets back in gear on the 14th, life won’t be so fraught with delays, detours and miscommunication. Recent revelations can sink in, helping the big picture to come together. Be patient for a little longer while meaning starts to crystallize. A Mars-Neptune alliance on the 15th paves the way for natural connection, romantic vibes, artistic alliance, spiritual bonding and charitable endeavors. Although you shouldn’t put others on a pedestal, try not to note every flaw either. Recognize what there is to love about people! The next day, Jupiter blasts into your exploration corner for a yearlong stay, inspiring you to spread your wings and soar. Seek opportunities to learn and have growth experiences. You’re on a mission to find more meaning in life. To do so, you’ll need to take risks, expand your perspective, seek out difference and aim for greater awareness of all that the world has to offer. Your sense of adventure will surge, and unfamiliar topics, foreign cultures and beliefs, and people from various places and backgrounds will excite you. Courage and optimism will motivate you to make the most of chances to explore new territory. Work on developing your own philosophy, but remember: You’re not supposed to have all the answers. As Jupiter tangles with Pluto on May 17th, your impetus to break free and broaden your horizons competes with the more pressing need to take care of business. Part of you is excited to explore and grow, while another part of you is compelled to tackle what’s already on your plate. Difference is inspiring, but duty calls. Be careful not to let newfound optimism drive you to overcommit yourself. You’ll increase your stress if you bite off more than you can chew. On the other hand, a positive outlook and faith in the future can fuel you to transform your health, your work or your routine for the better. You could also pursue further education to strengthen your skills and change jobs. Be careful not to sound like a know-it-all, or you’re likely to get pushback from colleagues. There’s often more than one right way of doing things, even if you do have a strong vision. The new moon of May 19th nudges you to broaden your horizons and believe in the future. You’re primed to take a leap of faith for the sake of growth. A trip, entrepreneurial venture or new course of study could be in the works. This is your annual excuse to refresh your belief system and adopt a new mantra. After Mars sneaks into your release corner on the 20th, make peace with operating behind the scenes for the next seven weeks. Working solo in a low-key setting is your best bet, and you might get involved in a selfless endeavor that benefits others. But you could grow frustrated and sabotage yourself, particularly if you want more recognition. The more aware you are of self-defeating tendencies, the better off you’ll be. Try not to slip into a regressive behavior pattern; instead, confront your hidden motives. That night’s Mars-Pluto faceoff generates friction and tempts you to retreat from the world. If you get yanked back into reality to deal with something, avoid squabbling over the so-called right way of going about it. Pragmatic compromise could permit you to produce powerful work. With the sun climbing to the peak of your chart on the 21st for its annual visit, this is your time to prove what you can do and advance your reputation. You’re extra noticeable in the coming month and should be prepared to put your best foot forward. As the sun meshes with transformative Pluto hours later, hard work is likely to bear fruit, so roll up your sleeves and get to it! The next day, when Mars squares off with Jupiter, operating quietly below the radar becomes noticeably incompatible with branching out. Feelings of isolation can irritate you and trigger an urge to escape. If you’re doing humble — even thankless — work, you might aspire to learn and try new things. Do your best to catch yourself in the act if you’re stuck in an old behavior pattern; frustration can motivate you to break free and grow. With the sun and Saturn going at it on May 28th, it may feel like personal obligations or another individual is dulling your shine. You’re trying to make your mark in the world, but maybe you also feel like you owe someone your time and energy. Remember that others can teach you something, even if it feels like they’re just testing you.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

Take a close look at your heart’s desires rather than chasing after them when Pluto pivots retrograde on May 1st. You could direct your passion in a subtly different direction as you question what makes you truly happy. Try looking to the past for answers. When your ruling planet, Venus, gets her wires crossed with Neptune on the 4th, you’re not sure if the pleasure that tempts you is good for you. Plus, your craving for adventure could be undercut by a lack of physical energy. The spirit is inspired, but the body is tired! Find a compromise if you can. The lunar eclipse on May 5th can make retail therapy irresistible, thanks to a tidal wave of emotion surrounding your needs. Conquer the urge to splurge if money is tight. The good news is you could just as easily experience a cash inflow. If you can gracefully juggle your own values, needs, confidence, possessions and priorities with those of another person, you’ve aced this lunation. After Venus ascends to your achievement angle on May 7th, winning over authority figures will come naturally in the next four weeks. Don’t hide what you have to offer. Stay visible so you can impress your boss or someone else who could help you climb the ladder. Your artistic flair and ability to work well with others will score points. A sun-Uranus entanglement on the 9th can bring more kink to your sex life or give you a sudden urge for personal space. You need a change, and there’s a good chance it will impact a close relationship. Because this part of your chart also rules the psyche, be on the lookout for flashes of insight that help you understand yourself better. This planetary pair can liberate emotional blocks, and you might suddenly be flooded with intense feels. If you go along with it, hopefully it will seem like a weight has been lifted off of you. Venus’s chemistry with Saturn on the 13th suggests your work ethic can cast you in a favorable light with higher-ups—so keep your shoulder to the wheel. Thanks to Mercury’s reversal on May 14th, you’ll start to get a firmer grasp on recent discoveries. Whether you’ve been engaged in introspection, a research project or some other investigation, the answers will come together now. As Mars meshes with Neptune the next day, creative work and useful work that helps others will empower you to prove what you’re capable of. On the 16th, Jupiter dives into your depth-and-merging zone for a yearlong stay, offering you incentive to get to the truth in your closest connections and invest in the right ones. Shared resources, gratifying sex and mutual emotional support are a few perks associated with intimacy. If jealousy, control or mistrust have been Achilles heels for you in the past, this transit can be a learning experience. Plus, you can dig deep into a passion project or a process of psychological growth — both of which may call for you to spend some time alone. Outside sources (such as loans and grants) will also offer rewards, so seek what you need. But keep your ask within reason, since Jupiter tends to go overboard. When Jupiter butts heads with Pluto on May 17th, intimacy and romance are a complicated combo. If someone isn’t living up to your expectations, you’re liable to wind up in a conflict. Are you setting a high bar and feel like they’re not giving you what you need? Or you’re attracted to someone who’s different from you, but meshing your personalities is a challenge? Sex may be an exhilarating prospect, but there could be some drama when it comes to matters of the heart. Even if you have the courage to get close, the object of your affection might be cloaked in mystery somehow. Be brave, honest and open-minded. An investigation, passion project or close bond can generate creativity, fulfillment, joy and love if you play your cards right. The new moon on May 19th encourages you to ask for what you want in a relationship. A new sexual connection could begin soon, or a current one might start a new chapter. You could turn a big emotional corner by recovering from a loss, crisis or other challenge and coming out of it stronger. Mars arrives in your hopes-and-humanity court on the 20th, making teamwork a winning proposition for the next seven weeks. The best way to pursue your interests and achieve your objectives now is to seek out people who share them — and then collaborate. It’s a great time to do things that benefit others, so you might join forces on a philanthropic endeavor. Find ways to coordinate your needs and aims with those of others. Mars and Pluto do battle that night, which could up the intensity. If you’re immersed in something fulfilling, just remember to balance personal pursuits with group interests. The sun blasts into your exploration corner on the 21st, fueling you to broaden your horizons. Travel and other experiences that expose you to the unfamiliar are highly favored in the coming month. If you’re staying put out of necessity, the mere act of getting out of your everyday routine can lift your spirits and shift your perspective. Hours later, the sun’s chemistry with Pluto encourages you to seek out a change of scenery and go in search of new adventures, people and ideas. You can get so much pleasure just from moving beyond your wheelhouse, so don’t stick to what you know. When Mars provokes Jupiter on May 22nd, be careful not to push for more than your fair share if you’re engaged in teamwork. Your expectations could be heightened now, spurring you to increase your demands. But if you have faith in what you’re doing, it’s possible to bring out the best in people you’re collaborating with. You might lead by example, rallying the troops to get involved in a worthy cause. On the 28th, as the sun quarrels with Saturn in your productivity camp, you could feel fenced in by daily duties, job responsibilities or physical restrictions and have trouble finding a good compromise between pie-in-the-sky and pessimism. If you yearn to transcend your current reality and explore new possibilities, consider that putting in the necessary work now may be exactly what will get you there. It seems like your options are either escaping or resigning yourself to circumstances, but you have a chance to blend optimism and discipline for the win.