Here is the Ask the Astrologers Weekly Forecast for the week of May 11, 2020 – May 17, 2020:

This week we have two planets (Mercury and Mars) changing signs, three planets (Saturn, Venus and Jupiter) and an asteroid (Pallas Athena) all turning retrograde and an out of bounds Venus.

From an astrological perspective, retrogrades motivate us to review, revisit, refine and resolve challenges that are holding us back from progressing in the area related to the planet involved. They may relate to unfinished business from past lives, or they may refer to repeating patterns in our present lifetimes.

We start with Saturn going retrograde on Monday, just as Mercury moves into Gemini and squares Mars. With respect to the Saturn retrograde, which takes place at 1° Aquarius 57: You may be thinking about what (and whom) you want to retain in your life vs. what (or whom) you want to leave behind. You may feel the need to step back and regroup. This can mean ironing out the kinks in a union that’s been faltering or it can manifest as bringing someone new in.

Saturn will move back into Capricorn on June 30th and the go direct again (at 25 Capricorn) at the end of September. The Saturn retrograde cycle can coincide with life seeming harder than it actually is. And because this change in direction is more about going back and fixing things than it is about putting them to rest, you’d be much better served to take some time to figure out what you need rather than rushing to judgment. Depending on where this transit is occurring in your natal chart, it can apply do areas that are in need of resolution.

Mercury is at home in Gemini — the sign it co-rules with Virgo. But it can be testy when forced into a confrontation with Mars. it can be argumentative and combative, and it can manifest as harsh words, confrontations, temper tantrums and impatience. It can also be careless and / or reckless which translates to “accident prone.” Watch your step during this transit, in more ways than one.

Fortunately things though be calming down the following day (Tuesday) when Mercury forms a harmonious aspect — a trine — with Saturn. This is a very productive aspect that can see you getting a lot down around the house or in the workplace. It’s a good time to make plans and to assess progress that’s already been made. This is an incredibly disciplined and productive aspect, so if you want to get something done now is the time to do it.

Mercury / Saturn is focused and rational. It’s good for ironing out details and expressing yourself in a clear and concise way. It is also good for serious discussions: you can go a long ways toward clearing up uncertainties and getting everyone on the same page with this aspect, especially since both Mercury and Saturn are posited in their own signs.

Then on Wednesday, Mars moves into Pisces just as Venus goes stationary retrograde. Mars in Pisces is sensitive, romantic, idealistic and intuitive. It’s a gentle and accommodating placement that prefers to go with the flow rather than make waves.

The astrological symbol for Pisces is the “bundled fishes,” i.e. two fish swimming in opposite directions — one swimming toward God and one swimming away from God. This refers to the entire spectrum of extremes that are seen with this archetype — from victims to saviors, preachers to drug addicts, nuns to prostitutes, and so on.

Mars is not entirely comfortable in Pisces and may find itself floundering in this sign. It may be lacking in confidence or struggling with feelings of inadequacy. It’s idealistic and altruistic, but may also be gullible, misguided or delusional. But this is a naturally a very spiritual archetype that strives to see the good in others and to live up to its own higher ideals.

This transit can have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9, or pummeling down toward the abyss. It may be hard to keep your bearings, especially in the midst of all these planets turning retrograde.

Speaking of retrogrades, Venus spends less time retrograde than any other planet: only approximately 41 days in its 584 day synodic cycle. So when it does go retrograde it’s generally a big deal. Especially in the love and romance departments. Don’t be surprised if old lovers resurface during this time or if you start feeling the urge to reach out to those from your past. If so, keep in mind that this is going to be more about resolving unfinished business or typing up loose ends, and you’re likely to see things change again once Venus goes direct.

Because of this retrograde, Venus will have spent just over four months in Gemini before it changes signs. Venus is the esoteric ruler of Gemini, as the catalyst through which the concept of “Love” first emerges — through connecting, interacting and most importantly communicating with others. It will remain in Gemini — turning direct on June 25th — until it moves into Cancer on August 7th. 

The following day — Thursday — Mars trines the North Node and Jupiter goes retrograde, bringing the total number of planets changing direction this week to three. The Mars trine the North Node automatically sextiles the South Node, since the Nodes are always in opposition. This aspect is great for working with others on shared goals and ideals. It speaks of cooperation and collaboration, putting partnership or group needs ahead of individual ones.

Jupiter is the planet associated with higher consciousness and spiritual pursuits. It emphasizes personal growth, expansion and individuation. When it’s retrograde, all of those spiritual and higher-mind impulses are turned inward. It can bring greater insights and awareness based on what resonates with us personally rather than through external doctrines. Here you can read more about Jupiter retrograde (involving a previous retrograde cycle) for more insights into this phenomenon. 

Jupiter will be retrograde for four months (until September 15th). Use this time to think about what makes you feel fulfilled on a Soul level, rather than the objects and accomplishments that bring you external comfort and satisfaction. It’s a time for pursuing altruistic or charitable goals. And a time to build on your personal relationship with your own higher power.

This theme continues on Friday with the Sun trining Pluto. This transit is all about harnessing your personal power and channeling it in productive / transformative ways. It’s excellent for business and financial matters since both of these planets are in Earth signs. It can also be used to make positive changes in yourself — as in how you wish to present yourself to the outer world and how you want to be perceived.

With Jupiter retrograde now and moving back toward its conjunction with Pluto, it will also trine the Sun (again) along the way. This is a recurrence of the same transit we saw last week while Jupiter was still direct. It’s exact on Sunday, with both of these planets at 27°.

This transit brings with it the inspiration and enthusiasm that is needed to accomplish great things. This aspect is considered fortunate. It brings the planet that rules growth, expansion and personal evolution into harmony with the Self. It represents feeling good about yourself. Feeling upbeat, optimistic, generous and carefree. It can manifest as expecting only the best and having the Universe respond in kind.

This is a good day to transmit your intentions and expectations out into the Universe, in whatever way you see fit. Sending out resumes is a good example. Or working on a dream board. Or think of some creative ways to announce your intentions with the kind of warmth and confidence that the Sun and Jupiter posses,

That’s it for this week. See you next week!

Here is this week’s astro calendar; click on it to view it full-sized.

Weekly Astro Forecast —

May 11, 2020 – May 17, 2020

By

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This article also appears on the Psychic Scoop website.