As above, so below. That’s the main idea behind astrological forecasting. The solar system is a macrocosm that reflects our world back to us. Astrologers read the signs and signals in the heavens to get an idea of what’s coming. We can relate these cosmic guideposts to an individual’s birth chart, gleaning insight and guidance. Astrologers also read the sky itself, for an idea of the energies that affect us all, which are sometimes easygoing, and other times are very tense. It’s something like a weather forecast of times to come.

May 1-10
There are a couple of heavy alignments powering up now. Jupiter inconjunct Uranus signals surprises or sudden changes that throw our plans off course and require us to adjust. Technological glitches, miscalculations, travel snafus, people changing their minds. All of these are more likely to be throwing us curve balls during the first ten days of May.

If that wasn’t enough, Saturn squares the Lunar nodes at this time. The north and south node of the Moon are the points where the Moon crosses the Ecliptic, or the apparent path of the Sun and planets around us. In astrology, these points have to do with growth, relationships, and connections. The Nodes are currently in the signs Aries and Libra. These two signs are all about relating. Aries relates to self, and Libra relates to and seeks balance with others. Saturn squaring those nodes brings us all some work to do: tests and challenges relating to this polarity. Boundary issues. Maintaining balance and harmony is important at this time, but you must maintain your focus on yourself. It’s time to speak up, to follow your impulses. If you are a people-pleaser, it’s time to get clear on what your wants and needs are. You cannot be effective in a partnership when your own needs are not satisfied! Stay connected with others, but don’t wait for them to make those key decisions for you.

May 1-3 are positive and upbeat, with a last quarter waning Moon supporting us in tying up loose ends, getting ready for a new cycle. Venus, money and love, forms a positive sextile to long-term, responsible Saturn, making this a great time to talk about relationship issues or deal with finances.

May 4-8, Mercury in fast-talking Aries tangles with grumpy Saturn in a challenging square, and the Sun tangles with Neptune. Here we may have a combination of rigid, pessimistic ideas as well as confusion. Take it easy during this time, and wait for the New Moon on Sunday morning to clear the emotional slate. Don’t forget to call Mom!

May 9-12 looks like a productive week, with the Sun aligned in harmony with hardworking Saturn. Schedule the office picnic for Friday the 13th and the void of course Moon, which begins at 11 am eastern and lasts through the rest of the day. People tend not to accomplish much while the Moon is v/c anyway.

May 13-24
Big issues start creeping in around the 13th. Saturn always brings a time of testing, and usually brings up issues of personal boundaries. This week, Saturn pays a visit to Pluto. These two meeting in a stressful alignment called an inconjunct symbolizes shifts in power, mass movements, and the need to make changes to adjust to the new situations brought about by uncontrollable forces.

When outer planets like Saturn and Pluto come into contact with each other, there is not just one simple contact, but a series of usually three and sometimes five. This series describes a process. The first stage is when we meet the energy. This happened in July 2004. The second stage is usually the toughest. It becomes more personal; we have to make changes. That was January 2005. The third stage is the easiest. We have become used to it, and are ready to move on to the next thing. We are currently in this third stage. Some of us have transformed our lifestyles, others our beliefs, our relationships, our attitudes about money. Now we are sorting through and putting the pieces together again.

May 13-14, feisty Mars meets jumpy Uranus. This is the classic accident aspect, as Mars represents speed, and Uranus represents sudden change. Of course, this does not mean everyone will have an accident. But do use extra care when driving and working with sharp tools.

May 23, things come to a head as the Moon waxes to full at 4:18 pm eastern. Take a moment to check in with yourself and take the emotional temperature in the room. With the full Moon in playful Sagittarius, humor may be just the thing to lighten a crummy mood.

May 25-30
Some of the stress dissipates, but not all of it. Saturn will tangle with his old rival Uranus in early June. This is also a 3rd phase, final pass. We certainly are doing a lot of finishing up these days! And preparing for a new cycle. This combination brought us a clash between the establishment, the old and entrenched power structures (Saturn) and new technologies, ideas, or innovations— or rebellious people. What has not bent, is likely to have broken by now. Because both of these planets are in emotional water signs, you should honor your feelings and hunches in both your personal and your professional decisions.

Mark your calendar!
The best days for your top priority plans are May 2, 3, 12, 17, 19.
Slow down and simplify on May 4-10, 13-15, 20-24, 28, 31.