Astrology for May
May begins with a full Moon in Scorpio
“Wesak Moon”
Full Moon in Scorpio
The full Moon in Scorpio rises on May Day, which the Celtic people celebrate as Beltane, one of the great fire festivals. Beltane honors the quickening of life, fertility, and the flowering of Spring. When a Full Moon coincides with this sacred seasonal threshold, its potency is enhanced and amplified.
This potent Moon also marks the day of the ‘Wesak’ full Moon. The Wesak Moon is considered the most sacred festival in the Buddhist tradition, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. As the Sun moves through Taurus and the full Moon finds its illumination in Scorpio, it is believed to bring a massive downpour of divine energy, allowing for spiritual purification and renewal, often celebrated with meditation, prayer, and acts of kindness.
Under the Scorpio full Moon feelings and perceptions are heightened. Scorpio follows Libra, the sign of balance, harmony and diplomacy. The air sign, Libra, represents that 1st stage of relatedness, where there is consideration of the other, a turning toward another. The following sign, Scorpio plunges us into the watery emotions of relationship, ruled by both Mars and Pluto. It reveals the deeper parts of the psyche that are stirred and often reactive, or courageous, in partnership, family, and friendship. What gets set aside in Libra, rises to the surface in Scorpio and stirs the dynamics of relationship for ultimate transformation. In this way, Scorpio becomes a crucible.
It is a day to honor the mystery and depth of our psyches, the power of release and renewal, and even the role of conflict as a catalyst for greater awareness. When we are willing to see clearly the deeper patterns that bring about reactions, the deeper needs hidden in the patterns, transformation becomes possible. And from that transformation a wider horizon begins to open, the movement toward meaning and vision that finds its expression in Sagittarius.
It’s no wonder that during the pairing of the fixed signs Taurus and Scorpio, Buddha found enlightenment. There is a profound symbolism in the Taurus–Scorpio polarity. Taurus, the sign of stability and embodiment, reflects the fullness of spring, the rootedness of life, steady and enduring as the Earth itself. Scorpio, by contrast, holds the power of change, the deep waters of feeling, the intensity of emotional truth, and the courage required to face what lies beneath the surface. It possesses the power of the warrior to face and move through challenges. Together, they form a sacred axis of life and death, holding and releasing, grounding and transforming
Under this Full Moon we are invited into that sacred terrain, the embracing of depth and renewal.
We might ask ourselves, “What needs to be seen in my patterns of relationship? What deep feelings need to be seen and acknowledged, so I become more conscious? What way of reacting can be released and transformed? Can I give myself time to grieve as I let go? Where is resentment or anger needing to be acknowledged and understood so transformation can take place? Where am I courageous in transforming myself and my life? Where am I daring myself to change?”
May 1 – Full Moon at 11 Scorpio, 9:23 am PDT
Affirmation for Full Moon in Scorpio
“I feel into the mysteries of this life, earth, and cosmos. I feel into the depth and intensity of the emotions within this time and I find the ground of being that lives in me and lives in us all.
Uranus into Gemini – now and for the next 7 years
Apr 25 – Uranus entered Gemini – With Uranus now fully in Gemini for the next 7 years, our thinking can be inspired with innovative ideas and new perspectives, as it speeds up our information age, rapidly sharing ideas that broadens our thinking, and making new connections with innovative ideas. (for more on Uranus into Gemini, sign up for Susan’s May 8th monthly astrology talk)
With Uranus into Gemini, we may experience a more awakened intelligence, evolving over the next 7 years. In Gemini, Uranus heightens breakthroughs that reshape thought and development of ideas. We can reflect upon how might we think clearly and authentically in times of rapid change and competing realities. Because Gemini also represents Twins, we may begin to realize more fully our material physicality with our spiritual dimension, and how to live in and navigate both. On a personal level check where Gemini is in your chart, for this area of your life will be activated and you will be encouraged to lean into new possibilities, to realize you are much more than who you think you are. Last time Uranus was fully in Gemini was May 1942-1949.
Apr 26-28 -Venus at 3 Gemini sextiles Neptune in Aries, Venus at 5 Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius, lighting up the Aries Vortex – Ask yourself, “What’s changing in how I connect with others? Where would I like change? How might I integrate deeper parts of myself into everyday life or into my creative pursuits? Am I open to refinement and transformation of myself, my personal values, and my relationships?”
Celestial Events for May
May 1 – Full Moon at 11 Scorpio – (see above)
May 1 – 2 – Mercury at 27 Aries conjuncts Chiron, then enters Taurus – a day for healing communications, a message from the wounded healer. Mercury, our thought processes, slow their pace in earthy Taurus. How can we simplify information over load and hear the messages of Spring and the Earth?
May 4 – Mars at 19 Aries squares Jupiter in Cancer – Bold action meets a sensitive protective energy. Overdoing large actions. Greater consciousness seeks a new relationship between the warrior and the King (the ruler).
May 5 – Mercury at 5 Taurus squares Pluto in Aquarius – our perceptions and communications are challenged to find meaning in a deeper and larger perspective. Tense communications bring out what has been hidden.
May 6 – Pluto goes retrograde at 5 Aquarius – the collective and the community at a threshold. Feeling the shadow of what we, the collective, have created. Power to transform through community effort.
May 10 – The Sun at 20 Taurus sextiles Jupiter in Cancer – uplifting energy, encouragement, care and protection.
May 12 – Mercury at 20 Taurus sextiles Jupiter in Cancer – giving voice to that uplifted energy. Excellent time for learning, teaching, and writing.
May 14 – Mercury conjuncts the Sun, “Cazimi”, 23 Taurus – exact conjunction of Mercury and the Sun, brilliancy, insights that are grounded and then integrated.
May 16 – Mars conjuncts Chiron at 28 Aries (12:33 am PDT) – the Warrior meets the Wounded Healer in fiery active Aries. Potential for healing and or wounding of the masculine. Bold acts toward healing.
The New Moon In Taurus
The energy of the New Moon in Taurus is deep and steady, holding the beauty and wisdom of nature. If you are wanting to stabilize a project that takes patience, that takes working with earth, working with creativity, and what you deeply value, now is the time to set your intention. This Taurus New Moon aligns with Mercury in Taurus, sending messages to us to slow and listen, to walk outside in the garden, by the sea, or in the hills, and feel the power and energy of nature and this Earth from which we are born. What message is coming to you?
The planetary ruler of this Taurus Moon is Venus, which is now in Gemini. In Gemini, it speaks of harmonizing polarities, of being the eager to study what your soul is longing to learn.
May 16 – New Moon at 25 Taurus, 1:01 pm PST
Affirmation for New Moon in Taurus
“I now tune into my body and listen. I open myself to the beauty and abundance of nature and find ways to care for her. I find ways to continually ground myself through breath, mindfulness, and body as I meet these changing times.”
May 17 – Mercury enters Gemini and conjuncts Uranus – a day for revelations, breakthroughs, and thinking outside the box. Innovative thoughts and discussions.
May 18 – Mars enters Taurus – Mars leaves fiery, confrontive, Aries and slows to deliberate actions.
May 18 – Venus enters Cancer – Venus in this water sign seeks emotional bonding and nurturing in relationship, both to give and receive.
May 18 – Mercury at 3 Gemini sextiles Neptune in Aries – a day to dream up new ideas, imaginative discussions and creative writing.
May 18 – Venus at 1 Cancer sextiles Mars at 1 Taurus – a wonderful day to love the one you’re with, sweet meetings, slow walks with the one you love. Appreciation expressed.
May 19 – Mercury at 5 Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius – Great ideas to transform systems, to communicate those ideas with others. Understanding deeper issues leads to change.
May 20 – The Sun enters Gemini – The Sun enters airy Gemini, connections are made, communications quicken. Great month for networking, writing, learning, and teaching.
May 21 – Venus at 3 Cancer squares Neptune in Aries – Ideals in love and peace-making are tested.
May 22 – The Sun conjuncts Uranus at 1 Gemini – Sparks fly, lightening thoughts, breakthroughs, being open to new ways of thinking and perceiving.
May 22 – Mercury at 11 Gemini sextiles Saturn in Aries – new ideas find forms to manifest, serious thinking and communicating proves productive.
May 24 – The Sun at 1 Gemini sextiles Neptune in Aries – Ideals, compassion, and imagination are felt and experienced through connections and communications with others.
May 25 – Mars at 5 Taurus squares Pluto in Aquarius – a day with powerful energy, hidden things are revealed, and actions or reactions taken. Test of power.
May 26 – The Sun at 5 Gemini trines Pluto in Aquarius – Emboldened within community, sharing ideas, transformational possibilities, enacting power positively.
May 28 – Venus at 11 Cancer squares Saturn in Aries – a time for thoughtfulness in relationship. Careful deliberations. Looking at ones deeper needs for nourishment and belonging, a solitariness to access deeper reflections.
May 31 – Full Moon at 9 Sagittarius – (1:45 am)
May 31 – Full Moon at 9 Sagittarius, 1:45 am PDT
“Blue Moon”
The second full Moon in one month is known as a ‘Blue Moon’, as in ‘Once in a Blue Moon’. This takes place about every 2 1/2 to 3 years. The last monthly Blue Moon was August 30, 2023
The Full Moon in Sagittarius brings adventure, movement, and going for it with gusto.
Affirmation for Full Moon in Sagittarius
“I expand my vision as if sitting on a mountain top, taking time to see where I have been, and perceiving the journey ahead. I find what, or who, is uplifting and inspiring to guide me forward.”
The Twelve signs for May 2026: Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, under this full Moon in Scorpio, when there is a gathering of 5 planets in Aries, there is an intensity to breakthrough, to transform. You may be considering both the deep Scorpio waters of shared emotional interchange, of powerful processes for release and renewal, as well as the courageous and creative movement of your intuition, leading you forward at this time. The powerful pairing of Taurus Sun and Scorpio Moon activate the use of resources, talents and values, both shared and personal, to solidly move through transformation. Your ruling planet, Mars, now in Aries, gives you courage and forward movement. With Uranus now in Gemini, your mind is quickened, and as you give time to contemplations insights arrive. The New Moon on the 16th in Taurus highlights the opportunity to value yourself, and to set intentions for embodying what you truly value, both within your daily life and through your creations. With Mars entering Taurus on the 18th, slowing, grounding and pacing yourself will bring the desired outcomes.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, this is a powerful and intimate Full Moon for you, as the Full Moon in Scorpio illuminates your opposite sign, bringing relationships into sharp focus. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity lives directly across your 1st and 7th houses, asking you to balance self-worth with shared vulnerability. Something in the realm of partnership may reveal deeper emotional truths, inviting both honesty and renewal. Your ruling planet, Venus, moves through Gemini, activating your 2nd house of values and resources.There is curiosity now about what truly sustains you. As Uranus enters Gemini, a longer cycle begins of awakening your relationship to money, voice, and self-value in unexpected ways. The New Moon in Taurus on the 16th is your personal reset, a return to embodiment, to your own rhythm, where intentions seeded now carry unusual potency.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, the Scorpio Full Moon draws your attention inward, into the subtle terrain of body, psyche, and daily patterns. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 6th and 12th houses, revealing where habits either support or drain your vitality. There is a call to release what no longer nourishes your well-being. Your ruling planet, Mercury, is moving through Aries, energizing your 11th house, conversations, ideas, and connections with others spark momentum and vision. With Uranus entering your sign, you are stepping into a profound awakening cycle, your identity, voice, and direction will evolve in liberating and surprising ways. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites rest and renewal, a quiet planting of seeds within the unseen realms of your inner life.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, under the Scorpio Full Moon, your heart is illuminated. The Taurus–Scorpio axis activates your 5th and 11th houses, bringing awareness to the balance between personal joy, creativity, and your place within the collective or in the community. Emotional truths around love, expression, or children may arise, asking for deeper authenticity. Your ruling planet, the Moon, is especially potent now, amplifying your intuitive sensitivity. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 12th house awakens and is stimulated ,dreams, inner guidance, and unconscious material begin to stir in new ways. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th offers grounding through friendship and shared vision, inviting intentions around belonging and future pathways.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, the Scorpio Full Moon brings a deep illumination into your very foundation. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 4th and 10th houses, highlighting the interplay between home and public life, inner security and outer responsibility. There may be a need to release old emotional patterns rooted in the past to support your evolving role in the world, or what you are inspiring toward. Your ruling planet, the Sun, in Taurus, grounds you in your career and purpose, asking for steady embodiment of your rich gifts, of expression and playful creativity. With Uranus moving into Gemini, your 11th house becomes electrified, new communities, visions, and alliances begin to form. Be willing to take a risk. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th seeds new intentions in your public life, offering a steady path forward.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, this Full Moon in Scorpio opens a gateway of perception. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 3rd and 9th houses, bringing insight into how you think, communicate, and understand the larger meaning of your life. A shift in perspective may occur, dissolving old beliefs and inviting deeper truth. Your ruling planet, Mercury, in Aries energizes your 8th house. There is courage now to face deeper emotional or psychological material. Transformation is possible as is shared depth with another. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 10th house awakens, signaling unexpected changes and innovations in your career or community path. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites you to set intentions around learning, teaching, and expanding your horizons.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, the Scorpio Full Moon brings attention to your values and exchanges. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 2nd and 8th houses, illuminating the balance between what you own and value and what you share with another. There may be emotional clarity around finances, intimacy, or energetic investments. You uncover deeper layers of responses to situations. This grows your consciousness. Your ruling planet, Venus, in Gemini, activates your 9th house, opening curiosity, connection, and new perspectives, bringing more profound insights to you. With Uranus entering Gemini, your worldview begins to shift in liberating ways, new teachings or travels may call. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites deep inner renewal, a planting of intentions around trust, intimacy, and transformation.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, this is your Full Moon, a powerful mirror reflecting your inner world. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 1st and 7th houses, bringing awareness to self and other, independence and connection. Emotional truths may surface, guiding you toward deeper authenticity in relationships. Your traditional ruler, Mars, in Aries, energizes your 6th house, supporting action in your daily life and well-being, while Pluto continues its deeper evolutionary work within your very foundations of being and family. What is arising in family dynamics? It’s an opportunity for becoming consciously skillful. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 8th house awakens, initiating a cycle of profound transformation and insight. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th plants seeds in your relational field, inviting stability and grounded connection.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, the Scorpio Full Moon draws you inward. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 6th and 12th houses, illuminating the relationship between your daily life and your inner spiritual landscape. There is a call to release what drains you and to cultivate practices that restore your vitality. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, brings expansion through emotional awareness and growth. It opens the door to deep transformation in your intimacy with others and how transformation will take place for you in this time. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 7th house of relationships awakens. Partnerships may shift in surprising and liberating ways. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites grounded intentions around health, work, and daily rhythm.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, the Scorpio Full Moon illuminates your connection to others and your future path. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 5th and 11th houses, bringing awareness to the balance between personal expression and creativity and collective engagement. Something in your social or creative life may transform. Your ruling planet, Saturn, continues its steady influence, asking for maturity and clarity. You are creating a new inner foundation, a new stability for yourself and your family, seeing and releasing old patterns that no longer sustain you. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 6th house awakens. Your work and daily routines may shift in innovative and unexpected ways. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites you to plant seeds of joy, creativity, and heartfelt expression.
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Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, the Scorpio Full Moon brings a powerful focus to your public and private life. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 4th and 10th houses, revealing the need to balance inner emotional foundations with outer commitments and responsibilities. There may be a turning point in how you hold these two worlds, bringing more flow and trust in the universe as situations unfold. You are held by the love of the universe. Your ruling planet, Uranus, now entering Gemini, activates your 5th house. Creativity, joy, and self-expression awaken in unexpected ways. Let yourself be expressive of your unique life through writing, art, or music. You are a unique being. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th offers a grounding reset in your home and inner life, inviting intentions around stability, healing, and belonging.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, the Scorpio Full Moon opens to a gateway of meaning and insight. The Taurus–Scorpio polarity activates your 3rd and 9th houses, bringing awareness to your thoughts, communication, and larger vision. A deeper truth may emerge, guiding your path forward. The 9th house is the area that describes your larger journey in life, your connection with meaning, and your connection with a deeper wisdom within you. Take your time to feel this support of the unique, caring, and sensitive being you are. Your ruling planet, Neptune, continues to shape your sensitivity and imagination, qualities that you share with others, while Jupiter, now in Cancer, expands your sense of possibility through expressing your love and creativity. Have some fun this month. With Uranus entering Gemini, your 4th house awakens. Changes in home, family, or inner foundations may unfold. The Taurus New Moon on the 16th invites you to plant intentions around communication, learning, and connection, especially with siblings and neighbors.
Susan Heinzis a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 44 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com