If May was a fragrance, it would be unusual but strangely invigorating–a blend of big, look-at-me top notes followed by an earthy base that develops into something you didn’t see coming. And just like a hard-to-wear scent, this month is all about reserving judgement and waiting to see how things develop.

With Mercury retrograde (until 15 May) in one of the zodiac’s slowest signs, it’s not the time to expect (or make) quick decisions. So don’t sweat it, and bide your time. My favourite part? Venus moving into Cancer (5 May), inspiring a major dose of beauty bag nostalgia. Revisit a fragrance you loved in high school, pucker up in Lady Danger for old time’s sake or just lose a few hours going through old photos and revisiting your signature hair looks. A little bit of aesthetic reminiscing will be the perfect escape to the month’s tense moments.

I always recommend reading for your rising sign rather than your sun sign. You can find out your rising sign by casting your chart here. Want to learn more? Check out my new book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart or find me on Instagram at @emma_vee

May is nothing if not eventful, which should keep you on your toes and leaning into that famous make-it-up-as-you-go-along Aries reflex. A sense of start-up scrappiness will serve you well, but responding rather than initiating should be your main play in the first half of the month. Expect Mercury retrograde (until 15 May) and eclipse season (until 20 May) to deliver more drama than a Real Housewives reunion and you won’t be disappointed. Come the new moon on 20 May, set a new financial goal for the next 12 months.

Tip: If there’s a big, bold beauty move you’ve been mulling over, the 16th and 17th are your days to throw caution to the wind and go all-in.

Beginnings and endings are the order du jour for Taueran folks in May, with eclipse season AND Mercury retrograde promising to clear your path and clarify what’s truly important. There will be question marks over many things, and the good news is, there’s no rush for you to decide (at least until the last 10 days of the month). Make space for stillness, connect with nature, and lean into embodied practices (yoga or Pilates are ideal) to help stay grounded when it feels like the earth is moving beneath you. Trust that the things wrapping up are making way for lush new starts – especially after the middle of the month.

Tip: Indulge in something deliciously decadent on the new moon (on 20 May) to celebrate the end of eclipse season.

Putting your health first is essential this month as intense astro weather brings all the drama. With your ruling planet (Mercury) retrograde until 15 May, it could feel like you’re running on low power mode. Honour your body’s natural cycles and make space to recharge, rather than trying to push through. Now is not the time for heroic acts of stamina. Rest, recalibrate and experiment with practices that help you connect to your senses (think: hiking, dancing, Ayurvedic body work). Come 21st, Gemini season signals a breezy change.

Heightened sensitivity – both emotionally and intuitively – are an occupational hazard during eclipse season (until 20 May) for Cancer people. Move through the first few weeks of the month knowing you may need more nights on the couch than usual. Once Venus moves into your sign (8 May), finding solace in beauty will be extra juicy. With Mercury retrograde also stirring the pot – especially with friends – staying in never felt so good. Let yourself surrender to the joy of a Big Night In.

Tip: Agree to forgive (even if you can’t forget) with a friend on the new moon (20 May).

May is many things, but it’s certainly not beige. With Mercury retrograde (until 15 May) and eclipse season (until 20 May) making it difficult to decipher which way is up, the skies are offering an intriguing window for big breakthroughs and new beginnings. Loosening your grip to let go (both emotionally and professionally) will be tricky, but cutting dead wood in your life is absolutely necessary to make room for new growth. If you’re not sure where to start, sit back and wait, you’ll figure it out.

TIP: Reignite your relationship with the reformer (or challenge yourself to take things up a notch at the gym) once Mars moves into your home sign on 21 May.

Clearing the air with extended family (or siblings, if you have them) could be a focal point this month as the eclipses highlight an ongoing issue that needs your attention. While the actual conversation itself may be difficult, the root cause has been lingering well beyond its use-by date. No one wears ‘be the bigger person’ quite as well as Virgo people, so rally your reserves and get ready for some D&Ms. The last 10 days of the month look much rosier, as the mood lightens and you begin a new 12-month chapter of expanding your horizons.

Tip: Use the new moon (20 May) to ponder where you want to travel overseas next and commit to making it happen in the next 12 months.

Maintaining a sense of equilibrium in the midst of uncertainty is always tricky, but this month’s eclipse season (until 20 May) and Mercury retrograde (until 15 May) will force you to focus on the little speed bumps directly in front of you. As doors close and new windows open, look for recurrent themes – potentially around money, shadow and your willingness to share. Digging deeper may be uncomfortable, but there is wisdom to be gleaned once the dust has settled.

TIP: Catch a wave of career serendipity and seek a second opinion from a trusted mentor around 13th May.

There’s huge progress to be made in May, but before you get to advance to the next level, there’s some emotional decluttering you’ll need to do first. As eclipse season (until 20 May) highlights old patterns – especially in your closest relationships – letting go of that which doesn’t serve will be unavoidable. Don’t rush the process, these things take time. Nurture yourself through it all by finding joy in practices (and people) who are familiar, grounding and above all, make you feel safe. Remember, love doesn’t have to be hard.

Tip: Break up with drama and agree to a fresh start with your most treasured people around the new moon (20 May).

It’s shake-up and shake-out season in May as an eclipse (5 May) and Mercury retrograde (15 May) challenge you to get real. Whether it’s culling an overcrowded sweater drawer or saying no a sneaky vape on the weekend, it’s time to let go of something you’ve been scared to ditch. Like anything hard to quit, it’s less about the thing itself, and more about what it represents. Skip the guilt trip and reframe the situation. Ask yourself, ‘What would I have time/space/energy for without that outdated attachment hanging around?’ 

Tip: Treat yourself to new kicks around 17 May when the moon and Jupiter bring you all the good vibes to start a major fitness overhaul.

Avoiding getting caught in the crossfire (rather than being at the centre of the storm) may require some strategic manoeuvring this month. As friendships (and hook-ups– if you have them) feel more complicated than usual, your mission is to remain calm and let things unfold. As much as you’ll want to, you don’t have to fix anything. What’s meant to endure will endure. Lean on the person you trust the most, and make space for one-on-one time together. Once Gemini season kicks off (21 May) things look decidedly less intense.

Tip: Take the day off on 17 May when big Taurus energy is reason enough to do something outrageously luxurious.

Between Mercury retrograde (until 15 May) eclipse season (until 20 May), May is full of surprises for Aquarians. With unexpected insights coming in hot, seeing things differently will be unavoidable by the time Gemini season rolls around (21 May). The key is to try to stay present as it all unfolds. Try not to plan too much (no easy feat for Aquarian people), this is not a time to race to find the solution. Trust the new perspective will help reframe your home, career, relationships and your place in it all by the end of the month.

Tip: Set a home or family-related goal on the new moon (20 May) which coincides with the start of a new 12-month cycle of domestic abundance.

Finding your way by feel rather than sight (a Piscean superpower) will be a necessary flex in May. It’s a time to stay open to possibility and unattached to outcomes, as big changes with family, or friends overseas have you rethinking the bigger picture. Gemini season (from 21 May) looks like a breath of fresh air, offering space and light to integrate the lessons you learned in the first three weeks of the month. Until then, try to relax and go with the flow.

Tip: Consider committing to a 12-month goal and upskilling in something that makes you feel completely relaxed.