Shock Factors: May 17th in Action
Saturday, May 17th, brings trickier configurations to the skies. Mercury, Mars, Uranus, and the Sun are all forming aspects which can bring a bit of heat. All of these planets are known for their swift results in different realms so having aspects on the same day is like lighting fireworks with dynamite.
The Sun conjoins Uranus in Taurus on the fixed star Algol, a point associated with intensity and upheaval. This conjunction may trigger unexpected shifts, disruptions to routines, or emotional volatility. Breakthroughs may arrive suddenly, but not always gracefully. Algol is linked to the myth of Perseus beheading Medusa. Configurations to this fixed star can show the loss of rationality or behaving out of the norm.
The same day, Mercury in Taurus squares Mars in Leo, which can spark arguments, hot tempers, or sharp words. The combination suggests strong opinions, stubborn energy, and an impulse to react. Mars in Leo can be dramatic and Mercury in Taurus can be obstinate. The two combined can be like double dog daring you into your worst behavior.
Use caution around Friday and Saturday, especially in sensitive conversations or areas where tempers already run high. Take a step back before responding. Sometimes the best move is no move at all until the dust settles. These aspects can push you to break away from what’s no longer working, but it helps to pause before charging ahead.
Sweet Sparks: Venus trines Mars in Fire Signs
Days after the dramatic weekend, we have one of the nicest days of the month on Thursday, May 22nd when Venus in Aries will trine Mars in Leo. This bright aspect encourages boldness, playfulness, and a fearless approach to desire. Venus and Mars, the cosmic duo of attraction and drive, align in fire signs to boost creativity, magnetism, and confidence. You may feel more willing to put yourself out there, take a romantic risk, or make a bold artistic move. This trine invites you to lead with your heart and express your passion with flair.
With this aspect forming in fire signs, adventure is welcomed. This also gets echoed by the Aries Moon that will cozy up next to Neptune. You may feel encouraged to try something new or follow a flirtatious impulse. This is a fantastic day to start the holiday weekend early. Whether you’re starting a new relationship, pitching an idea, or diving into a personal project, take the reins and move forward with confidence.
Disciplined Action: Saturn in Aries
Saturn enters Aries on May 25th, launching a new chapter of accountability in action. This shift is a defining feature of 2025 and sets the tone for the years ahead. Saturn will remain in Aries until September 1st before dipping back into Pisces for one final review. He then returns to Aries around Valentine’s Day 2026 and stays until early 2028.
Saturn governs responsibility, discipline, and boundaries. He favors a steady, methodical pace that ensures long-term results. But when Saturn moves through Aries, he takes his cues from Mars, a planet known for speed and boldness. It can feel like training for a marathon with a coach who keeps yelling “go faster” before you’ve even stretched. Saturn urges you to build strength over time. Aries pushes for immediate action. Together, they teach you how to pace your passion with purpose.
In traditional astrology, Saturn is in his fall in Aries. That doesn’t mean he’s weak, just that he’s out of his element. Saturn defines limits. He’s the last planet visible to the naked eye and represents boundaries, structure, and solitude. In contrast, Aries wants to break new ground, rush ahead, and learn through action. These two don’t naturally blend, but their tension creates growth. What they both have in common is independence and standing out from the crowd.
Saturn in Aries calls for personal mastery. This is your moment to build confidence by showing up for yourself consistently. At first, it may feel like raising your hand in class and getting the answer wrong. But by speaking up, you help everyone learn. This is how Saturn in Aries works. You grow through courage, effort, and self-trust.
By 2028, your world will look different. Pay attention to what topics are governed by Aries in your birth chart. These areas of your life are due for some leveling up. For some of you, home and family might get the spotlight while others will have the spotlight on their budget or career. It all depends on your natal horoscope.
Whatever you begin now can reshape your habits, goals, and sense of leadership. While slow and steady wins the race, everyone must start somewhere. Let your bold moves become building blocks for the future.
Dates of Note:
May 2: Venus conjoins Neptune + Mercury is out of his shadow. For the first time in 151 years, the planet of love meets Neptune in the sign of the warrior. In 1874, the first Impressionists exhibition opened up in Paris and Strauss debuted his opera, Die Fledermaus. With this aspect, romance that is not for the faint of heart. She demands you leave your ego at the door and commit to her crusade passionately. Don’t lose your head in matters of the heart today, but see where inspiration leads you.
May 4: Pluto stations retrograde. Shadow work can come to the forefront today as the planet of deep transformation stations retrograde today. When you develop too much breadth, you miss the chance to delve deep into intimate focus. Just because there is information, doesn’t mean there is truth and discernment. Use the next 5 months to reconnect with your inner power and where you make a difference.
May 5: Mercury sextiles Jupiter. Use today’s energy to build enthusiasm with the group. With sextiles, it may take a bit more energy to get the spark going, but the reward potential is high. Crowdsource a concept or pitch a compelling solution. Favors asked today will be granted. With the Moon squaring Uranus, pace yourself and read the emotional tone in the room to maintain momentum.
May 6: Venus sextiles Pluto. Tune in to subtle power dynamics in your relationships. With the Moon in Virgo, good intentions may come across as criticism. Clarify your motives or offer space when needed.
May 10: Mercury ingresses into Taurus. Your thoughts slow and stabilize as Mercury shifts from fire to earth. Speak with intention, favoring practical and steady communication. This Mercury is slow to commit. Build your case with clear, concrete evidence deliberately.
May 12: Full Moon in Scorpio + Mercury squares Pluto. Emotions run deep and secrets may come into the open under today’s skies. Mars in Leo rules this lunation. There is definitely more going on behind the scenes, and often what isn’t being said can be a lot louder than the noise. There is some synergy between Mars in Leo and Venus in Aries that can be highly productive in the career and daily habits arenas. Dig a little deeper to figure out what is working for you and what is getting in your way. Inquiries can bring big revelations.
May 17: Sun conjoins Uranus + Mercury squares Mars. Break out of stale patterns as the Sun meets Uranus. Watch for impulsive spending or sharp words that could leave a lasting mark. Hurt feelings may arise on both sides as the Capricorn Moon squares Chiron, though someone might try to keep a stiff upper lip. What feels good now might bring costly adjustments later.
May 20: Sun sextiles Saturn + Sun ingresses into Gemini. Right before Gemini season begins, the Sun makes one last aspect to Saturn. Use the morning to reflect on your emotional maturity and the progress you have made with your boundaries. Later that day, the Sun’s move into Gemini shifts quickens the pace. Here, the Sun radiates joy by bringing focus to curiosity, variety, and connection. Typically, this heralds a new focus on social exchanges and an uptick in everyone’s calendar appointments. Over the next month, broaden your interests and say yes to a variety of experiences.
May 22: Venus trines Mars + Sun sextiles Neptune. Creativity gets the spotlight today as the planets make supportive aspects to one another. Capitalize on painting pictures with words and showing how values support ideals. As the Moon also moves across Neptune midday, you might be more susceptible to buying into illusions or creating dreamscapes for others. Focus on where your passions lead you today, but be aware that your actions might lack grounding. This is a great day to create romance.
May 24: Saturn ingresses into Aries + Mercury conjoins Uranus + Sun trines Pluto. Today features a key transit of 2025. Saturn leaves idealistic Pisces and steps into bold Aries, beginning a new cycle of leadership, independence, and personal responsibility. This is a Saturn that has to play by different rules in Aries. Saturn prefers caution, but Aries pushes for speed. At the same time, Mercury conjoins Uranus, sparking breakthroughs in thinking, unexpected news, or flashes of genius. The Sun trines Pluto, helping you tap into deeper reserves of willpower and uncover hidden strengths. Trust your instincts today.
May 25: Mercury ingresses into Gemini + Mercury sextiles Saturn. The planet of communication and the mind moves back into his home sign today. Mercury in Gemini enjoys talking through decisions quickly, where he can explore the options with ease. Today he promptly makes a supportive aspect with stabilizing Saturn, ensuring that judgements will be sound and the outcomes have lasting effects. Finalize contracts or make solid plans with confidence.
May 26/Memorial Day: New Moon in Gemini + Mercury sextiles Neptune. This curious and conversational New Moon invites fresh starts through ideas, language, and shared dialogue. Mercury sextile Neptune adds intuitive insight, blending logic with inspiration, though messages may feel scattered. With most planets answering to Mercury in Gemini, questions open doors and clever thinking helps diffuse tension. Stay flexible and alert: many things will be said, but you should discern what is important. With Pluto in the mix, make sure your questions get to the heart of the matter.
May 27: Mercury trines Pluto. Follow up is the name of the game today from yesterday’s moon. If there is a conversation that you’ve been avoiding, this is the day to initiate the discussion. You may have more support behind the scenes than you originally thought.
May 29: Mercury cazimi the Sun. If you’ve felt like you’ve been in a mental fog, today the clouds part and insight radiates. The planet of communication moves into the heart of the Sun, where expression flows easily and mutual understanding is established. Set aside time today to follow your train of thought, journal, or prioritize tasks at hand.