Sugar + Spice: Venus and Mars in Domicile
It’s a sprinkle of sugar to have one planet in their home sign, but to have two at the same time is like icing on the cake! May features both Venus in Taurus and Mars in Aries. When a planet is in domicile, it is like a homecoming for the planet where their work flows easily and they can solve problems with all the tools at their fingertips. Here, they can follow their own rules and set the agenda to their liking. This is an upgrade for both of the planets. Take note to maximize each planet before May 23 when Venus will move into Gemini.
Venus in Taurus can definitely pause to savor the sweeter elements of life, smell the roses, and indulge in the chocolate. Her mission is all about connection and appreciating the resources she has in her treasure chest. It can be a wonderful time to accept and appreciate your physical gifts and attributes. Don’t sweat the small stuff and instead notice the gleaming gifts you’ve acquired. During her time in Taurus, she will make a series of aspects to the outer and social planets. This provides her a dialogue partner to talk things out and bring her own sense of value on what is happening in the larger context of the world. Over the next three weeks, take the small breaks, reconnect with those who ground you, and really enjoy what you’ve created.
Mars is a different story in Aries where his solitary drive for individual goals launches in the sign of the ram. While Venus’s story is about connection, Mars’s story is more about individuation and figuring out what sets you apart from others. In this cardinal sign, fiery visions burst into life, though actions can feel a tad impulsive. Initiative comes easy when Mars is in his home sign with the idea that consequences are par for the course.
For the month ahead, ignite your initiative and tackle projects head on with Mars, but also relish the sweeter moments Venus in Taurus provides.
A Curious Adventure: Jupiter in Gemini
Starting May 25th, the grand master of blessings and generosity, Jupiter, sets up camp in Gemini. Usually, he hangs around each zodiac sign for about a year, so now’s your last chance to milk all the potential out of your Taurus segment of the chart. He was last here in 2012. During his last tour of Gemini, we saw advancements of social media platforms and app development, innovative group spaces like WeWork pop up, and the spilling of information like Edward Snowden exposing government mass surveillance. Jupiter’s latest journey of mutable air will last until early June 2025.
Jupiter, the planet of expansion, justice, wealth, and fortune, loves to ponder ideas and evaluate the broader impact. He is a natural for waxing philosophical, taking a panoramic view, and settling into a decision that is best for everyone.
In an air sign like Gemini, Jupiter can inflate ideas, revel in social chatter, and lead you down the rabbit hole of curiosity. Even those moments of boredom or projects left half-done have value for Jupiter in Gemini, offering insights into what you don’t fancy as much as what you do. Jupiter relishes clever games, especially ones involving intricate trivia, wordplay, or collaborative problem-solving. Game night is his idea of a blast.
Under Gemini’s influence, Jupiter becomes a whirlwind of opinions and interests. But, it’s a double-edged sword—Jupiter in Gemini isn’t short on words or ideas, but he might jump to conclusions or poke his nose where it doesn’t belong. When this happens, his once reliable judgment comes into question, and he might criticize the system with a cynical twist. Sometimes, he just loves to sow doubt rather than address the questions already on the table. It’s like he wants to be judge, jury, and cross-examiner all at once!
Gemini poses a challenge for Jupiter; it’s not his most comfortable spot. Here, he must adapt his strategies. While Gemini loves gathering information from various sources, Jupiter can feel overwhelmed by the abundance of choices. It’s like having a hundred tabs open in your browser when you only need one. The real challenge lies in picking the right one to focus on.
Jupiter’s journey through Gemini shines a light on the psychology of decision-making. While research makes us feel informed, too many options can lead to “analysis paralysis”, halting all progress. Too many choices can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s best to just close the browser and reopen it with a fresh new window.
Over the next year, embrace your interests and curiosity. Explore freely and don’t fret over abandoned projects—they’re just as informative as the ones you pursue. But beware of overcomplicating decisions and falling into analysis paralysis. Narrow down your choices to the top two when it’s time to decide.
Dates of Note:
May 2: Pluto in Aquarius stations retrograde. Today Pluto changes course and poses a crucial question: Am I adding to the problem or the solution? In social Aquarius, playing devil’s advocate can divert attention from oneself to the group. As the planet of transformation turns inward, it urges everyone to reflect on their contribution.
May 3: Mars sextiles Pluto. If there is a complicated problem that needs tackling, this is the day to roll your sleeves up. Changing your perspective will energize your endurance. Try talking it out to open new avenues.
May 5/Cinco de Mayo: Moon in Aries conjoined the North Node. Muy caliente! Impulsivity and having a good time take over. It’s a good day to burn off some steam at the gym or do a last-minute margarita and salsa night.
May 7: Sun sextiles Saturn + New Moon in Taurus. This is my most favorite new moon of the year! Venus in Taurus governs this New Moon, which values practicality and resourcefulness. Sometimes the best choice is the most obvious one. Be honest about your need for reassurance and stability from others. Getting grounded in the little things can be the fertile ground needed to build success. There is support in the shadows. Just look offstage to see who is waiting in the wings to celebrate your success. This is a very nurturing day. Launch new projects with ease.
May 9-10: Moon besieged by Mars and Saturn. For about 18 hours, you may feel anxious, like you are working through a bit of an inferiority complex. While Mars will encourage you to take emotional risks, Saturn may ask you to adjust your sense of responsibilities. This is a global feeling, so as much as you may feel you are alone, this isn’t the case. By looking at all the different vantage points, you can gain emotional support. Use that talkative Gemini moon to your advantage.
May 12/Mother’s Day: Moon in Cancer sextiles Venus and trines Saturn. The sky eloquently expresses the symbolism of the day of celebrating moms! Acknowledge who nurture the house into home with the Moon in Cancer. Flowers, meals at home, and time spent reminiscing get rewarded tenfold.
May 13: Sun conjoins Uranus + Venus sextiles Saturn + Mercury shadow clears. Today may bring some interesting dynamics of needing freedom and desiring security. You could see how far you have come from dependence and want to spread your wings. With the moon opposing Pluto, there is a sense of feeling like there is a choice of what makes you happy versus what is good for the group. It is an informative day as Mercury moves beyond its shadow from being retrograde in Aries. Make sure you celebrate the milestones.
May 15: Mercury ingresses into Taurus. The planet of communication moves back to the basics in fundamental Taurus. Look for concrete items and specific examples to build your case. Over the next three weeks, seek to build connections slowly and provide tangible proof.
May 17: Mercury squares Pluto. Smaller mistakes could feel amplified today. This could be something as small as an accounting error or responding to the wrong person on the team. Try to tone down that inner critic with the Virgo Moon and instead look at how you rose to the occasion to problem solve.
May 18: Venus conjoins Uranus + Sun conjoins Jupiter. This is a very energetic and enthusiastic day. Small surprises and luck lead to incredible joy. Romance and love gets an infusion of energy. Innovative Uranus is up for taking some risks and doing something different. Jupiter is bolstering your self-confidence. This is a fantastic day for initiating a new relationship, taking a leap of faith, or launching a new venture. Make sure your venture is feasible though, with Jupiter on Algol. Planets with this fixed star can give an impression of someone losing their head and going overboard – it’s kind of like having all of your eggs in one basket or getting too big for your britches. The Moon in Libra adds a social quality that lends itself to nurturing your special someone.
May 19: Sun sextiles Neptune + Mars conjoins North Node. Look for the inner confirmation of knowing which direction you need to be heading. The planet of imagination lends a spark of intuition to your inner authority. While the inspiration is there, make sure you have those inner checks firing on all cylinders. Mars conjoined the north node can act as a strong encourager of prioritizing your own needs over preserving the harmony within the relationship. Only you know what is best for you.
May 20: Sun ingresses into Gemini. The Sun enters the sign of the twins today. These individuals are superb at changing direction and juggling last minute workings for deadlines. Geminis possess a gift for self-expression and have a core need for people to recognize their intellectual ability. They are witty and can talk their way in and out of trouble, and have the latest information. They can literally be news junkies or gossip queens. It actually serves as a great defense mechanism; if they can distract you with details about others, then the spotlight doesn’t have to be on them personally. One of their jobs in life is to distinguish lies from truth. Sure, they can see both sides of the argument, but they will not confuse conviction with evidence. Because their minds move so fast, they can come across as intellectual snobs and flighty sometimes. They also love games of any kind. They doubt constantly, but unlike questioning Aquarius’ or evaluating Libras, Geminis will just continue to gather more information. During this next month, embrace this energy by expanding curiosity and extending social connections.
May 22: Sun trines Pluto. Social ambition reigns supreme today. If you were needing a boost to your willpower or influence, this is the day to seize the moment.
May 23: Venus ingresses into Gemini + Venus conjoins Jupiter + Venus sextiles Neptune + Jupiter sextiles Neptune + Full Moon in Sagittarius. This is another busy one in the skies! Jupiter in Taurus rules this full moon. Adventure and following your idealistic heart are the themes of today. Optimism, truth seeking, and believing the best about others are key strategies. Exploring values while focusing on the similarities and assuming good intention are wonderful approaches to the day. The planets that govern what is possible are all in sparkling configurations today. It is a day of finding like-minded friends who are ready to seize the moment.
Later today, Venus moves into sociable Gemini, ready to spread her wings. She moves from comfort to curiosity for the next 4 weeks. When Venus is in this sign, it allows scheduling fluidity for last-minute play dates or coffee dates on the go. Expect your social agenda to be busier until mid-June.
May 25: Venus trines Pluto + Jupiter ingresses into Gemini. When the planet representing relationships aligns favorably with Pluto’s deep influence, it offers valuable insights into why we connect with others. You might notice yourself adjusting your behavior depending on who you’re with, and this alignment brings attention to your understanding of how relationships work.
Today marks another significant shift in 2024 as Jupiter transitions into Gemini. You might feel your curiosity piqued and your interests branching out in various directions. In the realm of the twins, the optimistic planet of wisdom is driven to seek numerous sources of information, sometimes struggling to set boundaries. Jupiter faces challenges in Gemini; his strength lies in judgment, philosophy, and drawing conclusions. However, here he must adhere to Mercury’s need to consider all options, gather diverse sources, and leave room for alternatives.
At his worst, Jupiter in Gemini can appear snarky and exhibit tones of intellectual superiority. In this sign, Jupiter keeps exploring, refusing to limit his possibilities. However, too many choices can lead to indecision and analysis paralysis.
Useful strategies to employ over the next year are honoring your curiosity, but be self-aware of feeling overwhelmed. The rabbit hole and hedge maze are tempting. When you feel your momentum waning, consider setting arbitrary boundaries for decision-making or focus on areas where your strengths lie for greater success. If in doubt, focus on what is probable, not just possible.
May 27/Memorial Day: Mercury sextiles Saturn. If you needed a day to sort through old things for a yard sale and donations, this is the day to do it. Saturn in Pisces has a knack for prioritizing what is useful versus what is sentimental. Mercury can help see what hidden treasures you already have that need repurposing. It’s also a great day to reconnect with your elders and old friends.
May 31: Mercury conjoins Uranus. Be innovative today and be alert for any sudden moments of insight. This is about those sparks of connection and synchronicity. If you are seeking a solution, go with the most obvious and simplest one. With this conjunction happening in Taurus, often the answer is right in front of us all along. With the Aquarian moon in a lovely sextile to this configuration, ask questions you normally wouldn’t.