Scorpio, May 2016

Both of your ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, are busy this month—and they're both retrograde. But don't feel singled out, Scorpio, it's not a conspiracy against you (as you think most things are!). A bunch of other planets are retrograde as well: Jupiter, Saturn, and most notably, Mercury.

Jupiter is currently retrograde in dependable, analytical Earth sign Virgo, where it's inspiring you to reflect on your friendships and social connections (plus, it goes direct on May 9). Restrictive taskmaster Saturn is retrograde in the sign of optimism and abundance, Sagittarius, activating the sector of your chart that rules finances—you're learning major life lessons around cash and what's valuable to you now, Scorpio.

Mars, your traditional ruling planet from way back in the olden days before Pluto's discovery, is also retrograde in Sagittarius, stirring up issues around cash and also your self-esteem. Mars is the planet of war, but when it's retrograde, it's extra pissed-off, impulsive, and impatient.

Financial problems may be dragging you down at this time, but in the end, they will leave you more disciplined around money and with a much, much better understanding of what's important to you and what you want to fight for: Maybe you don't give a fuck about having a huge place to live, but travel is important to you? Maybe you think clothes are meaningless, but fancy dinners make you super happy? Maybe saving the money you would spend on coffee in the morning could add up to an amount that can serve you way better?

On May 27, Mars will retrograde itself right back into your sign, which will be an important period around how you express your anger and frustration, especially in your relationships (both romantic and otherwise). Think back to late February and early March—things you dealt with back then may come up for examination later this month once Mars reenters Scorpio.

Pluto is currently retrograde in Capricorn, activating the sector of your chart that rules the mind. Pluto is all about power—reflecting on how you use words to manipulate a situation on a bad day, or transform a problem on a good one, is a great way to use the energy of this retrograde.

Lastly, and most obviously (I'm sure your Twitter feed is littered with posts about it), Mercury is retrograde in Taurus until May 22! Mercury retrograde brings chaos and confusion, miscommunications and delays. You can learn more about it, and the other retrogrades, by clicking here.

Because Taurus is the sign of luxury, jewels, art, and beautiful stuff in general, please pay extra attention to where you place your favorite ring, your car keys, and important documents. You're already getting a brutal butt-kicking from Saturn and Mars retrograde in the sector of your chart that rules finances, so having to spend more money to replace the things that the house gnomes stole from you during Mercury retrograde will be really, really annoying.

This retrograde will be stimulating the sector of your chart that rules relationships, so expect plenty of blasts from the past to come by and say hello. If you're not too annoyed by who shows up, definitely take a minute to connect with them because Mercury retrograde will be speaking through them, and you could learn something very special or helpful.

During any Mercury retrograde, it's wise to triple-check who you are texting or emailing before you hit send, but because the part of your chart that rules partnership is being activated, please quadruple check!

Your relationships may feel like they are dragging, or you could be getting very frustrated due to conversations that become fights due to miscommunication; however, there will be a new moon in sensual Earth sign Taurus on May 6, which may help bring a fresh start to any relationships that are facing Mercury retrograde drama. This is a lovely new moon to do any energetic work around relationships, and if you're looking for closure or healing of any kind, this could be a wonderful, Mercury retrograded new moon for you to find it on.

Good vibes arrive on May 12 when Mercury trines (one of the loveliest, easiest astrological aspects) the lord of the underworld, Pluto. Pluto has a bad reputation, being that it rules death, but when it's in a good aspect to curious, magical Mercury, major breakthroughs and transformations can be made. You'll especially notice this energy play out in your relationships—a deep talk could result in some deep understanding and a change in your dynamic. And, of course, because Mercury is retrograde and in review mode, the conversations or intuitive flashes that arrive will likely be about a past situation.

You're famous for being one of the most intuitive signs in the zodiac, but your psychic abilities will be amped up thanks to Mercury and Pluto's connection. The next day, May 13, Venus will also trine Pluto, bringing you an other day of deep connection, but this time on a more sensual, romantic level, thanks to Venus's influence. Not in the mood for romance? No worries: Venus also rules cash, so you might be able to sort out a financial situation with your partners on this day.

Speaking of finances, I know you're probably tired of dealing with cash, since both Mars and Saturn are retrograde in Sagittarius, where they're stirring up drama in that part of your chart, but more news about money will be coming this month! On May 20, the Sun enters Gemini and lights up the part of your chart that rules shared resources, debts and taxes, and inheritances. The full moon in Sagittarius comes soon after, on May 21. Full moons are all about finding balance—and the universe is asking you to find balance in your bank account, between yourself and the IRS, and between you and your loved ones.

This full moon will also stir up issues around worth, your self-esteem and intimacy. On May 22 and 24, we have some rough astrological transits, so during this full moon, I want you to do some deep healing around those themes. You're the sign of depth and transformation—things may feel overwhelming, but you can do it, Scorpio! Reach out to someone who always gives you awesome pep talks or a therapist who can help you process all the shit that's going down around you.

On May 22, the Sun in Gemini opposes Mars in Sagittarius—these are two signs that love to philosophize and overanalyze, and when you get either of these signs talking, they don't stop. Sagittarians have giant mouths, and if you've ever been close to a Gemini, you know that once they start e-mailing, it won't end until they go to bed. Anyway, there will be lots of noise, and because Mars is cranky and retrograde, and because oppositions can bring confrontations, I want you to be careful about wild fights over cash or ego. Same goes for May 24: On this day, sweet Venus will enter Gemini and oppose Mars, stirring up drama, but this time, the vibe will be way more sensitive.

On May 26, Jupiter in Virgo will square Saturn in Sagittarius. Squares are tense aspects, and you do not need any more tension in your life, especially not on the money front. This cosmic combo will call on you to be the most mature, accountable, responsible version of yourself. You may feel some conflict in your social life and in the groups or communities you belong to, and money or having resources will somehow play into the dynamic. Think back to August 3, 2015 and March 23 of this year. Those are the last times Saturn and Jupiter connected in this way, and the events that took place then could inform you on how to deal with the drama this time around.

May wraps up on a lovely note on May 30 with a now direct Mercury trine Pluto (the same harmonious aspect you experienced on May 12) boosting your intuition and your intimacy with others—not a bad way to end the month. See you in June, Scorpio!