Hello fellow stargazers! This waning moon in Aquarius finds us in the midst of 3 big retrogrades—Venus retrograde in Gemini, Saturn retrograde in Aquarius, and Pluto retrograde in Capricorn. As a bonus, Jupiter goes retrograde in Capricorn tomorrow! When a planet is in retrograde, we are in review mode.
During Venus retrograde, old wounds surrounding relationships, finances, and our personal value system can surface. These things come up so that we have a chance to learn from them and heal them, so we can move forward carrying what we’ve learned into a new chapter. Wait for Venus to come back direct before making any big decisions about relationships or money—as Tanaaz from Forever Conscious says, “While we may receive new insights and wisdom, it is always best to wait until Venus has emerged from its retrograde so we can have the full and complete story.”
This Saturn retrograde began in Aquarius on May 10, and will land up back in Capricorn on July 1. It will eventually move back into Aquarius in December, and stay there for about two and a half years. I think in some ways with this Saturn retrograde we are closing a chapter that started at the end of 2017.
”During this period, we may feel a sense of reward for all of our efforts, but we may also be drawn to revisit the past and to look things over one last time.
Saturn will not return to Capricorn for another 28 years, so it really wants to make sure that the work is being done.
To understand what lessons and work you have been moving through, think back to major themes that have been present in your life since the end of 2017.
Where have you been guided to step up and take responsibility? Where have you been guided to set boundaries or to knock them down?
What areas of your life have felt like you were receiving a little tough love?
The answers to these questions are likely to be the work of Saturn…”
—Tanaaz of Forever Conscious
Pluto went retrograde in Capricorn at the end of April, and will come back direct in early October. During these months Pluto asks us to look deeper so that we can transform in the ways that help us grow on our true paths. We will be reviewing the ways in which we’ve dealt with issues surrounding control, power, and the actions we take towards our path:
”Pluto is our mirror here and is shining a light on what needs to be changed and transformed. Pluto just shines the light, it is our actions that determine the way we choose to go.
There is also strong energy here supporting investigation, research, and digging deeper in order to gain new understanding and knowledge. But, it may not be until Pluto goes direct on October 4th, that we will be able to make sense of this knowledge.” —Tanaaz of Forever Conscious
On May 14th Jupiter goes retrograde in Capricorn, and I always find this the gentlest of all the retrogrades—while we can feel a bit restless as things slow down, Jupiter asks us to look inward, and make sure that we are expanding and growing in all the right directions.
“Developments in the outer world slow down or stop so that we have time to assess where we are going and to ensure we are ready for whatever it is we are moving towards.” —Leah Whitehorse
Important Dates
May 13th – Venus stations retrograde in Gemini
May 14th – Last quarter moon in Aquarius; Jupiter stations retrograde in Capricorn
May 21st – Sun moves into Gemini
May 22nd – New Moon in Gemini
May 25th – Mars sextile Uranus
May 28th – Mercury moves into Cancer until August 4th
May 30th – First quarter moon in Virgo square Sun in Gemini
Tarotscopes for Second Half of May
Please make sure to read for your Rising sign as well as your Sun sign for a more accurate picture (especially read your rising sign to see what houses are being affected). I used 3 decks for this reading: Next World Tarot, Star Spinner Tarot, and Modern Witch Tarot.
Gemini & Gemini Rising (May 21 – June 20): As your birthday season approaches, a lot of planetary action is happening in your sign—the North Node just moved into Gemini, Venus is in Gemini, Mercury is in Gemini until May 28th, and of course the Sun moves into Gemini on the 21st. There is transformation on the air for everyone, and for you much of it happens in your first house of personality and self. The cards tell me you are coming back into a place of balance and harmony, especially with loved ones and emotionally. You are still in an introspective energy space, with the Hermit energy having you searching for answers about yourself. The Queen of Swords comes in to ask you to step into your logical side. Do your research, and do your best not to gossip or talk any shit you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. As we all settle into these retrogrades, you too can settle into your birthday month, where everyone may seem almost as communicative as you are naturally for a nice little while.
Cancer & Cancer Rising (June 21 – July 22): Your 12th house of things beyond the physical world, the unconscious, sometimes known as the house of karma and self-undoing, is lit up with all of this planetary action in Gemini. In many ways you are no stranger to diving into the deep emotional waters, so the 12th house can be a pleasant place to roam if you don’t spiral too much in the self-undoing area. The cards tell me you’re coming out of a difficult period, emerging from darkness, and the Star comes in to let you know that the light is just around the corner. You have what it takes to get through this last patch of gloom to the light. You have been working really hard at something, and it’s about to pay off—the 9 of Pentacles comes in with the energy of hard earned success, and sometimes even unexpected rewards. If things have been moving slowly, if you’ve been feeling like you’re treading water and just trying to stay afloat, the Wheel of Fortune is turning, and things are about to get a lot better. We are coming to the end of a cycle, and a new one offers fresh opportunity to keep succeeding on your true path.
Leo & Leo Rising (July 23 – August 22): All of this planetary action in Gemini lights up your 11th house of goals, friendships, and groups. Use this time to think about how you want to feel in your friendships and the groups you belong to, and about whether you are still in alignment with the goals you’re working towards. All of these retrogrades give us time to reflect, so that we can recalibrate and make adjustments where necessary. The cards show you in the energy of the Magician—you have all the tools you need to create exactly what you want, you just need to get clear on what magic you want to make. You are working to get yourself in a really good position with the 9 of Wands, to be protected and unassailable. This card indicates that as you get closer to reaching your goals, you’re at a point of reassessment, and tying up any loose ends or incomplete projects. You are stepping into High Priestess energy here soon—you need only look within for the knowledge you seek, you are highly intuitive, and you have some important wisdom to share or teach to others.
Virgo & Virgo Rising (August 23 – September 22): Your 10th house of public life, career issues, and how you deal with authority is lit up by all of this commotion in Gemini. Use this time to review how you feel about your career (even if your only job right now is taking care of yourself, let your imagination have some room with this subject), and how you interact with the public. This has not been an easy time, and you’ve really had to dig deep to find the strength to carry on. Here comes the Strength card to validate you, and remind you that you absolutely have what it takes to overcome any hardships you’ve been facing. The three of Wands shows me that you’re at a place of reassessment, and are looking forward to see what your next move will be—and move you will. You are moving into the King of Wands energy: creativity and swift action. The King of Wands does not hesitate to create change where it is needed, or to take action when necessary. The advice here, with all of these retrograde planets asking us to slow down and review, take time. You can embrace the King of Wands energy without making rushed or rash decisions. Make sure to really slow down and let the lessons of the past cycle fully process, so that you can make your decisions from a place informed by where you’ve already been and where you actually want to go.
Libra & Libra Rising (September 23 – October 22): This season your 9th house of higher learning, philosophy and spirituality, and intuition is lit up with all of these planets hanging out in Gemini. It could be that this time period has you reviewing your personal philosophies on life, as well as thinking about learning more about something you are really drawn to. It seems you are already in the Gemini energy of the Lovers, and in this deck I often read this as a time where you are learning to fall in love with yourself, to balance self-care with your badassery, and are learning that two seemingly opposite energies can actually come together in interesting ways. The 3 of Pentacles tells me that you’ve set down some pretty good foundations in the realm of health, home, and physical resources, and are entering a time when you’ll be able to expand and build on your success. With all of these planets retrograde, it’s not surprising that you’re headed for more Hermit energy—it’s not quite time to jump back into the hustle bustle, you’re still searching for some answers and needing some introspective quiet time. This isn’t always easy for air signs, especially to feel restricted in any way, but use this time to get really clear on what you want to learn, and what your true outlook is on life.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising (October 23 – November 21): All of these planets in Gemini are lighting up your 8th house of death and rebirth, sexuality, and transformation. Use this time to think about how you see yourself transforming, and look back on the transformation that has already been underway. What parts of your life and yourself are you ready to let go of, to make room for all of this new rebirth energy coming in? You might even be making room for new love, as I pulled the 2 of Cups for your energy right now. Often read as the soulmate card, indicating a new romantic partnership, or a deepening of an existing one, but this is also a card about reciprocal love, and emotional harmony. The 6 of Cups also leapt from the deck for you, which is also a card of harmony, coming back into emotional balance, joyful nostalgia, and a stable time. Harmony is actually a clear theme for you right now, as the 8 of Wands comes in to let you know that hope, change for the better, the ability to take positive action, and general enthusiasm are all coming in for you very soon.
Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising (November 22 – December 21): This season of Gemini action is dancing around your 7th house of relationships, marriage, and partnerships of all kinds. Take this time to review how you’ve been feeling in your partnerships, and look back on all that has been going on in this area of life for the past few years. Now is a time when you can really get clear on what you want in your relationships, how you want to give and receive, how you want to be treated, and how you want to treat your partners. For where you’re at right now, I pulled the 7 of Swords—this is a card about protecting yourself in the face of adversity, guarding yourself against theft, and also the ability to get out of a difficult situation safely using your wits. You are stepping into King of Wands energy—having the ability to come up with unusual and creative solutions, this is a great time to make plans, and to dream big. The Hierophant energy comes in with guidance to look to rituals and routines to help you, seek counsel from someone you trust, and consider taking some time to seek out sound and sage advice. Someone in your circle can help in some way, possibly even with helping you realize your vision, or with this topic of relationships.
Capricorn & Capricorn Rising (December 23 – January 19): Your 6th house of sickness and health, daily life, service to others, and work is seeing a lot of action with all of these planets and the North Node visiting Gemini. This is a good time to review how you’ve been taking care of yourself, and how you feel about your day-to-day routines. What could shift or change to make room for the kind of transformation and growth you’d like to see in your life? As an earthy Capricorn you can often get swept up in feeling like you always need to be responsible, to do the right thing, and to be working. I pulled the 3 of Cups for you—perhaps it’s time to shake up that daily routine with some fun and togetherness with loved ones? Especially lately it’s been more difficult to feel close with our people, but with a little creativity and your Capricorn will, you will find a way. The 8 of Cups shows you possibly having to walk away from a situation or relationship that wasn’t working out, and while it’s with a heavy heart that you walk away, you know it’s for the best. The Page of Coins often comes in with messages about health, home, or finances, but I also get the feeling you’ll find yourself learning something new. You might have to humble yourself a little in order to step back into the position of student, but ultimately what you learn propels you further on your true path.
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising (January 20 – February 18): All of this Gemini action stirs up your 5th house of creativity, self-expressions, romance, and affection. Looking back on the past few years, do you feel you’ve been able to express your true self the way you want to? Have you been able to create what you want to bring into the world? Have you let yourself connect with others in an affectionate way, and been open to romance? This is the area you will see some major transformation in the coming months, and years with the North Node in Gemini for some time. This part of the season finds you in the energy of the 4 of Pentacles—you’ve worked hard, built a solid foundation for your work, home, and/or health, and you’ve got all the resources you need. It might be time to crawl out of the safety of your cave now in some way. Perhaps while we are still distancing for safety you can step out in other ways, and find ways to be a little emotionally vulnerable. As you step into the Emperor energy, it’s time to take charge and step into self-discipline mode. You have what it takes to handle all of your responsibilities, and getting organized now will make room for the fun and creativity this 5th house action is bound to free up. You are headed into the Empress energy here soon—I see this as the Emperor coming in to help you get organized and on track, and the Empress sweeps in to help you breathe life into your projects and fun relationships.
Pisces & Pisces Rising (February 19 – March 20): Your 4th house of family, home life, and roots is lit up as Venus, Mercury, the North Node, and soon the Sun all hang out in the sign of Gemini. When this house is active in the chart, I find that old family and childhood issues can come up, even if they are just on your mind. This period asks us to slow down and review, and see what we have learned so that we can bring those lessons into this new cycle without repeating things we don’t need to. You are currently in the energy of the Page of Cups, which often brings messages of an emotional nature that lead towards harmony. I also see this as a time where you are learning a lot about your emotional self, and perhaps even how childhood events shaped your emotional responses now. The Knight of Wands sweeps in to bring change and fresh new energy in the creative and spiritual realm, and will have you wanting to take action. The 3 of Wands reversed, however, indicates some roadblocks that could delay action or completion of projects for a time. This is pretty par for the course during all this retrograde energy, and the message here is to embrace slowing down for a bit while you process what you’ve been through this previous cycle.
Aries & Aries Rising (March 21 – April 19): This period of intense Gemini activity stirs up your 3rd house of writing, communication, thought patterns, and short journeys. As we enter all of these retrogrades, much of the review right now could surround how you communicate with others, and where your mind has been at the past few years. Are there ways of thinking that you’ve outgrown? What would you like to see change about the way you’ve been getting your messages out there? I pulled the Knight of Wands for where you’re at right now—the Fire Starter could not be a more fitting card for your fiery soul. You are craving action, and ready to create change. The 4 of Wands tells us that you’re entering a harmonious time. You’ve laid down solid foundations for the future, and in some ways you can sit back right now and look back on your successes. Towards the end of the month, as Mercury moves into Cancer, you’re moving into the Knight of Cups energy. Exciting and emotional change is on the horizon, and deep emotions will rise to the surface. Potential for romance to blossom, for deepening existing relationships, and honestly even for a short trip to some water is all there around the corner for you. Keep hope and patience, movement is coming.
Taurus & Taurus Rising (April 20 – May 20): Your 2nd house of physical resources, money, possessions, and what you have to work with materially is lit up with all of this action in the sign of Gemini. With the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the North Node all in Gemini, you can find yourself reviewing how you’ve been doing in this earthy house the past few years. What needs to transform or give way so that you can continue to grow and expand in the physical realm? I pulled the 7 of Pentacles for you—you have worked hard, and that has put you in a position of having many options and possibilities within your reach. However, the message here is that it is too soon to sit back and relax. There is still quite a lot of hard work to be done to get things where they need to be for the long-lasting security you Tauruses crave. You are stepping into the energy of the King of Swords here now, and I see this as a time for you to intellectually master something—whether that’s going back to school or training in a new skill, I just got this flash of you upgrading your knowledge and skills. Of course, as you step into King of Swords energy you benefit from logic and stepping into our left brain more, and you are wise to avoid overly rigid thinking. The Page of Wands sparkles in to bring inspiration and new ideas, and perhaps even good news of some kind. Don’t be dismissive of help from someone younger than you, or with less experience.
That’s all for now, folx! Sending all of you lots of love as we all navigate uncharted waters together. Remember that we have each other, we have enough love, we have enough fire and sparks to get us through this weird and difficult time. Stay true to yourself, stay safe, and I’ll be back soon!
Because these are trying times, I am opening back up for limited slots of personal readings. I will do this on a pay-what-you-can basis, and if you can’t pay anything, I’ll still pull cards for you. The best way to contact me is through direct message on Instagram @starsnspoons or email leahruthe@gmail.com
Lots of love and solidarity,
Leah R. Chatterjee
Stars 'N Spoons 