May is on the way, and with the new month come vibe shifts, new challenges and plenty of opportunities for growth. We’ll get into each star sign’s individual horoscope ahead, but first, let’s break down the planetary movements for the next few weeks. 

We kick things off with Pluto in retrograde on 1 May (it’s not as disruptive as Mercury retrograde, so don’t panic). This will bring about a mood of introspection. We’ll be pushed to reflect on our inner power and what’s pushed us away from it. Get ready to get deep. 

There’ll be another hit of this with the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on 5 May. Expect to feel a drive to double down on the inner work, with a possible breakthrough moment. This will be the final Scorpio lunar eclipse for a while, so it’s due to be an eye-opening moment. 

Then on 7 May, Venus will enter nurturing Cancer. Prepare to feel a little tender around this point – some old wounds may be reopened, but that’s an opportunity to heal. 

By the 15th, Mercury will be out of retrograde and direct in Taurus, which is great news. You’ll feel a real sense of stability at this mid-point of the month. Use this to reflect on what you’ve learned so far and work out how to put it to practical, concrete use. 

The next day, Jupiter will enter Taurus, which will prompt a moment of reflection and inner conversation. That’ll be followed by the new moon in Taurus on 19 May, which is all about remembering our worth and recognising the value we bring to others. It’s a great time for self-care, which is handy because the day after that, Mars will move into attention-seeking Leo, which might make you feel a bit out of sorts – like you can’t get anything right. Blegh. 

It’s all good, though. That dip will pass, and on 21 May, Gemini season begins. That means big social butterfly energy. Get ready for palomas with pals while the sun shines. 

That’s the general mood for May, but how about the specifics? Read on for your star sign’s horoscope.  

21 March to 19 April

There’s a feeling of expansion that’s roaring inside you. You’re wanting and expecting more out of life: more wins, more friends, more love. That’s great, but wait… is your approach to making this happen a bit off? Hit pause to reflect on some patterns that aren’t working for you. Look within. 

Your consideration will be rewarded in the middle of the month with some progress. You’ll find some clarity and stability, helping you realise just how valuable and special you really are. There will be some little tests along the way this month – these are just reminders to stay on course.

Towards the end of the month, you’ll hit a peak. You’re feeling yourself, Aries. You want to be seen and, let’s be real, show off. Celebrate your brilliance but stay humble, my friend.  

20 April to 20 May

It’s your birthday month and you’re empowered to take charge, especially in the realms of career and love. The key to doing this? Great communication. Keep that in mind. 

In the middle of the month, communication and, well, everything will be easier, as you’ll have clarity on what you need to prioritise. But be warned: you’ll notice some habits that are tough to let go of… maybe because they made you feel like you were in control? The new moon will give you the nudge to release your grip. 

Keep an eye out for frustrations at home, as the stars say these may pop up for you this month. You’re fully equipped to speak your mind while keeping your peace. Always remember that. 

21 May to 20 June

Your current belief system has you feeling uninspired and now you’re wondering if it is right for you. You’re looking for something empowering and exciting that can lift you up when you’re down. So now you’re shopping around to see what fits. 

This may include you changing your daily routine drastically but you’re up for the challenge if it gets you spiritual freedom – whatever that means to you. You’re ready to nurture yourself into feeling and being your best self. Hopefully some material goodies will come along with this, especially since it is your birthday season.

With your ruling planet, Mercury, direct and at the sign behind you this month, you’re noticing the little habits and details that could be blocking certain desires. As Jupiter moves along to Taurus, you may feel some optimism towards addressing and healing those habits in order to get what you want. The universe is on your side. You can do this. 

21 June to 22 July

This month’s theme is relationships for Cancers, but not in the way you think. You’ve been reflecting on hurtful incidents that have made you feel powerless and now you want to blossom from that pain. You’re noticing how that pain held you back – as you’re afraid vulnerability will get you hurt again. But with Venus in your sign, you have a lot of opportunities to see a path through this. You’re ready to let the light in. 

This month, your mind is clear on your vision. There may be moments when you want to close into your shell like a hermit but remember your goals and desires. Remember you are worthy of them. Don’t let these moments dig into your sense of self-esteem. It’s OK to sit back and take a breather, as long as it’s you recharging your battery instead of a full-on pity party. Rest up then get back on it. 

23 July to 22 August

You’re known for having a unique and offbeat approach to love and relationships. Nothing wrong with that at all but have you thought about why? This month, you’re going to start to see why you do the things you do in the romance department and may get pushes from the universe to do something differently. 

Towards the middle of the month, Mercury will be direct and you will want to back off on all the reflecting and push towards excelling in your career or status. Hold on a second: if you try to push forward without addressing some disharmony inside of you, the results are going to come in a maddeningly slow trickle. Make sure you’re feeling great within before going full charge ahead. 

And on the note of charging forward, make sure your passion doesn’t tip into being pushy. Be careful with how you treat people this month, or you might close some doors before they even open. 

23 August to 22 September

You’ve been feeling like there are some changes needed in your life but it’s been hard to take action. Your mindset might be blocking you. What’s holding you back? What do you need to address? Self-belief will be essential in this tricky period; we know it sounds corny, but remember that you really do have the strength to accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Towards the middle of the month, self-confidence will start to steep in. You’re developing a new, more positive view on life. Nice, right? 

However, your motivation is a bit off. You want to make the changes badly but it’s hard to put your foot to the pavement. You may need to rest more or even strategise. You know how you Virgos love keeping busy. Just bask in the accomplishments you’ve made so far and celebrate yourself! 

23 September to 22 October

You’ve been taking life seriously lately. For the Libras who are romantically linked to someone, you want to have a more serious approach to love. For the single Libras, this could be connected to platonic partners. Vulnerability is not seeming so bad, although it can be quite uncomfortable. But you’re willing to let go of any self-serving ways to come together with someone authentically – whether romantically or platonically.

But when vulnerability peaks its head you become a bit standoffish. All of these ‘what ifs’ will start appearing in your mind. Hey, we get it. It’s good to be discerning. But if your gut’s telling you to trust this person, be brave and open up. Wonderful things can happen as a result.  

If it feels like life is coming at you too fast, it’s OK. You may need to reflect and seek advice from some experts in order to feel ready for this plunge. However, if you sit and do nothing, a growing pressure will take over. Don’t let that happen. 

23 October to 21 November

You’re taking a deeper look into how your early life has affected your emotional maturity.  With the lunar eclipse in your sign, you will be shedding parts of yourself that are stopping you from having harmony and love in your life. You may look to self-help books, therapy and deep conversation to help you through the healing process.

Towards the middle of the month, you will be looking to connect with others more. Connecting with your lover, a close friend or even the potential of love as a single person has you giddy and eager. However, those old ways can try to creep back in, so be sure to practise restraint in this healing journey. You’ve come so far, and the love you’re looking for will find you soon enough. Be patient. 

22 November to 21 December

You’ve been reflecting on the power of your words as well as your mind. You’ve also been thinking about the power of others’ words. In that reflection you’ve realised there are some ways that you have that you want to release and grow from. Realisation can be a tough pill to swallow but it’s necessary for the process of growing. Set some time to heal and learn from.

Once you know what you need to change, now is the time to put it into practice. Practise positive thinking and saying encouraging affirmations. Make it a part of your daily routine. There may be days when you want to revert back to your old way of thinking and speaking but stay the course – it’s worth it. 

This month, keep an eye out for a connection with someone who you can chat through all your thoughts and ideas with. They might challenge your way of thinking a little. Embrace the debate. 

22 December to 19 January

Growing up, you’ve always valued following what is most logical and practical. This is a big part of how you function. These values even dictated your dreams and aspirations. But what do you do when you no longer connect with your past goals? You make new ones, silly! You’re not married to them. If it’s hard for you to let go, talk to someone you trust about your feelings and create a game plan.

You may wonder why you’ve become tired of your past aspirations. Don’t stress too much about it. Our interests and priorities change, and that’s OK. This month, try tapping into what brings you joy. What do you actually like to do? What makes you happy? Spend some time doing these things and see if that inspires your next move.

As you head towards the end of the month, you’ll realise that you’ve neglected this fun for far too long. It’s OK to do things that don’t seem ‘productive’, Capricorn. Schedule some creative, fun, not-for-work time going forward. 

20 January to 18 February

You’re currently reflecting on how you’ve grown as a person as well as what may have empowered that growth. Most likely, it’s associated with your reputation, status and career and how you’re craving to change it. Growth is an incredible process, but it’s important that you nurture yourself. You don’t want to burn yourself out emotionally.

In order to make the changes you want, it’s important to build up your emotional foundation. Get back to your roots. Connect with family or your history. Figure out why you do the things you do. This could lead to a greater understanding of what makes you tick, which will empower you to make the next steps. When you are truly grounded, there is nothing that can take you down.

By the end of the month, you’re going to be so proud of the progress you’ve made. Some people might be uncomfortable with the changes you’re creating within yourself. They are used to the old version of you. Sucks for them! Whoever stays around is for you. In the meantime, continue to express yourself and do the things you love. A new group of like-minded people are due to appear. 

19 February to March 20

Digging deep into the unknown has been enticing you. You don’t only want to understand yourself more but you want to have a better understanding of the world. After this journey, you’re going to realise some of your philosophies and beliefs aren’t aligned with who you are right now. This realisation can be jarring so be sure to allot some time for self-care – do some stuff you love!

If this reflection does anything, it will help you see that it’s OK to think for yourself. You don’t always have to look outward for answers. Often the answer is within you.

Now this sounds great and all, but executing this new way of being can be a challenge. There may be some growing pains in the process but be patient with yourself - you will get there. Communicating your feelings, even to yourself (time to get into journaling?) will help.

Main image: Getty; Stylist