The key to getting ahead? Look to your past. Mercury is retrograde (backward) from May 8th-31st. While Mercury retrograde can cause technology crashes and miscommunications, it can also reconnect us with important long-lost people. Until the 15th, Mercury will be in Gemini, your eleventh house of groups and friends. Don't turn your nose up at those high school reunion invitations on Facebook or Classmates.com. Someone from your past could prove to be a surprising and valuable ally.

There is one day that your private life takes priority. On May 9th, the Scorpio full moon illuminates your fourth house of home and family. If domestic dynamics have gotten off track, take the reigns powerfully to bring everything back under control.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
Romance isn't a huge part of May, but there are certainly opportunities to enjoy it, especially if you leave city limits. Love-planet Venus and sexy Mars are both in your ninth house of travel and long-distance affairs. Book that Memorial Day weekend vacation and you could kick off summer with a blazing-hot little fling. If you're single, stay open to someone from another culture, or a long-distance affair. Don't let a few frequent flier miles come between you and true love.

The ninth house rules the higher mind and knowledge. Coupled Leos hoping to spice things up should take a class with your sweetie. You love to connect through ideas and conversation, and sharing intellectual passions with your mate is a huge aphrodisiac. Learn a foreign language together or take salsa or ballroom dance lessons.

On May 29th, dreamy Neptune goes retrograde in your relationship sector until November. Neptune rules fantasy, and during this cycle, the blinders will come off. You will see your partner under stark white lights, instead of awash in a rosy glow. With your tendency to romanticize everything, this dose of reality is important. During Neptune retrograde, some of our old subconscious tendencies can come out. Watch for co-dependence, denial and passivity during this cycle.

MONEY & CAREER:
Breathe a sigh of relief. Heavyweight Saturn has been retrograde since New Year's Eve, tightening your purse strings into knots. Money has been scarce (think of your fellow Leo Obama trying to salvage the U.S. economy), or at least, an obstacle course. On May 16th, Saturn returns to direct (forward) motion. While you'll still need to exercise restraint and improve your budgeting until November, life will get a lot easier.

On May 22nd, the moon, Saturn and transformational Pluto form an amazing "grand trine"—a harmonious angle that can bring abundance pouring in. If you've been out of work or struggling with finances, take advantage of this energy. Apply your natural confidence, leadership and charisma to turn the tides. Make a strong case for yourself—the decision-makers are listening.

A word to the wiseasses: check your attitude at the door. From May 15th-31st, Mercury is retrograde in Taurus, your tenth house of career and authority. You could clash with higher-ups, especially if you try to bend the rules. Follow the letter of the law instead of reinterpreting it to suit your needs. During this cycle, you should also reconnect with an old boss, colleague or mentor.

HEALTH & FITNESS:
Wide-open spaces and outdoor activity are calling your name. Motivational Mars is in your freedom-loving ninth house, so don't confine yourself to a cramped, sweaty gym. Head outdoors for hiking, canoeing or biking. Any exercise that works your hip and thigh areas is especially favored. Global and cross-cultural themes are ruled by the ninth house, so break a sweat with Afro-Caribbean dance, Brazilian capoeira or salsa.

The ninth house brings out your inner hippie. Why not kick off your shoes and start a garden? Even a small urban window box can be home to savory herbs like basil, chives and rosemary (check out YouGrowGirl.com for brilliant ideas). If your thumb isn't quite so green, you can still stock your fridge with locally-grown produce from the farmer's market. Brimming with nutrients and enzymes, fresh veggies and early summer fruits will make you feel so healthy. Enjoy!