So, Taurus: what do you want to do with your life? That’s the kind of lofty question you’ll be pondering, just in time for your birthday. Before you answer, you might want to look back and do a “life review.” Mercury, planet of communication and the mind, is retrograde (backward) in Taurus from May 15th-29th. Have you thrown out the baby with the bathwater? Look through old papers, files, journals and pictures. There may be a clue as to what’s next for you—or what’s standing in your way.

On the 20th, the Sun moves into Gemini, your second house of money and material security. Take those nascent ideas and shape them into form. Move from talk into action. For example, if you realize that you’ve always wanted to be a writer, sign up for a fiction workshop. May 22nd could be one of your best days to try. The Moon, Pluto and Saturn will form a “grand trine” in Earth signs—a wonderfully harmonious energy flow where your power is unparalleled. Approach every situation like an alchemist: someone who transforms lead into gold. No situation is too great for you to handle, or transform into a beautiful opportunity.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
At last, some good news for your love life! On May 16th, slumbering Saturn ends its five-month retrograde in your fifth house of romance. This heavyweight planet has been like an iron chain around your neck (or perhaps more like a chastity belt at your waist). Sex? Fun? Romance? You can barely remember what those are. Retrogrades turn our attention to the past, and you may have exorcised some heavy-duty emotional demons this year. Never mind the old fears and skewed perspective (“will it ever happen to me?” or “am I just old, washed-up and hopeless?”). Saturn’s return to direct (forward) motion will do away with that drama. The fifth house rules pregnancy, so any challenges in that area should ease up, too.

On May 9th, the Scorpio full moon illuminates your seventh house of partnership. It could be a golden moment for proposals, renewed vows and taking relationships to a deeper level. Or, this full moon could shine a spotlight on your own romantic resistance. Are you unconsciously choosing a go-nowhere relationship to avoid getting hurt? The seventh house helps us see partners (and ourselves) from a birds-eye view. You may discover you’re projecting your own problems onto your partner. All those issues you claim your mate has? Hmmm…perhaps they’re actually yours. Or, if you’re being codependent, you can cut the cord—accept the things you cannot change, as the twelve-steppers say. Either way, surrender and let the Scorpio full moon rebalance your most important relationships.

MONEY & CAREER:
The second half of May has some great money moments. On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini, your second house of daily income. Put your horns to the ground and plow through the groundwork. Your Taurean persistence could lead to a new job or career path, especially at the May 24th Gemini new moon.

If you owe money—or are owed payment—handle that from May 8th-15th. Mercury is retrograde in your finance sector, an important time to reconcile any cash issues. You might need to review your budget during this week. Do you really have the cash for that new Spring wardrobe or to make a downpayment? Make sure you haven’t overlooked any expenses. You don’t want to live beneath a certain margin or comfort level.

On May 29th, dreamy Neptune goes retrograde in your career sector until November. Unlike other retrogrades, this is actually a positive thing. The fog around your goals lifts, and you can see the flaws in your structure. Use this time to correct your blueprints and set yourself back on course.

HEALTH & FITNESS:
Your tank is still a little empty this month. Energetic Mars is in Aries until May 31st – your twelfth house of sleep, healing and the subconscious. Taurus, by now you probably realize how much emotional processing you’ve been doing—even through your dreams at night. Much of your energy has gone into this, and it will for one more month.

Holistic treatments, yoga, massage and extra rest will help sustain you. You’ll also need to say “no” to certain demands that tax your resources. You’re a natural provider, but check: where are you giving from guilt, versus genuine joy? Make a list of all your obligations then consider each item. Which ones excite when you think of them, and which drain you? Let go of the energy suckers, and use that time to nurture yourself instead.