Vedic Astrology Forecast for May 2024
One of the luckiest days of 2024, Pluto retrograde, and more!
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May…(Shakespeare)
Happy May! The next several weeks will be full of intense highs and lows.
May will start off strong, with many of the planets in the aspiring, creative, and action-packed cardinal signs. At the same time, all the planets will form a tight bundle chart pattern, which can signify a hyper-focused and intense quality—a bundle of energy indeed! In addition, Uranus and Jupiter will continue in their expansive and revolutionary conjunction during the first week.
We will also see five different celestial bodies crossing the Aries-Taurus cusp in May (Jupiter, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Uranus). Two fierce fixed stars are located on this cusp, known as Capulus and Algol, and they have been associated with disasters and other difficulties. Fortunately, we will also experience some positive events, including several celebrations and one of the luckiest days of the year!
Let's take an in-depth look at the month ahead:
May 1: The Beltane Festival - The Beginning of the Pastoral Summer Season
May is very special because it always begins with the sacred festival of Beltane. This is the ancient seasonal Gaelic festival also known as May Day. Marking the beginning of the pastoral summer season, Beltane is the cross-quarter point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.
A photograph of a painted Wheel of the Year from the Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle. Painted by Cornish artist Vivienne Shanley, on wooden disc made by Mark Highland.
At this sacred turning point in the seasonal wheel, we celebrate the awakening solar fire, fertility, abundance, and optimism. In the southern hemisphere, this date marks the Samhain festival, the end of the harvest season halfway between fall equinox and winter solstice, and the beginning of the darker part of the year.
I breathe in the fire of the sun!
This world is alive, and I am alive with it!
The fire in my heart is a Beltane fire,
A fire raging with passion and purpose!
Today I honor the sun,
And the movement of the earth.
The Earth Mother provides,
And the Sky Father encourages
New life on the land.
This is the moment to remember
That even while I practice in solitude
I am a living being, interconnected with all life.
I am the tree. I am the river.
I am of the earth, growing into fullness,
Supported by the Kindred.
Hail, the fire of Beltane! (Excerpt from the Solitary Druid Fellowship’s Beltane Devotional)
May 1, 2024 to May 14, 2025: Jupiter Will Transit Into Taurus - A Powerful New Cycle for Creative Manifestation
Jupiter will transit into Taurus on May 1 at 3:28 AM EDT (7:28 AM UTC). This planet will remain in Taurus for a little over a year, until May 14, 2025. Please refer to my two previous articles about this important event: Jupiter’s Transit in Taurus (free to read) and How Jupiter’s Transit in Taurus Will Change Your Life (available for paid subscribers).
May 2: Pluto Will Station Retrograde - Potent Transformational Energy
On May 2, the annual Pluto retrograde cycle will begin when Pluto will appear to stop and start to move backward. This is known as a retrograde station. It will occur at 1:47 PM EDT (5:47 PM UTC). Pluto will station at about eight degrees of Capricorn, and will move back to five-and-half degrees of Capricorn, at which point it will station direct (begin moving forward again) on October 11 at 8:33 PM EDT (October 12 at 12:33 AM UTC).
Pluto stationary periods comprise ten days on either side of its retrograde or direct stations. During these periods, we may experience intensified inner or outer pressures, struggles, or big changes. This is all dependent on where Pluto is transiting in relation to an individual or mundane horoscope.
When Pluto is retrograde, it becomes stronger, which may manifest as intense negativity, and also cleansing and transformation. At its retrograde station, Pluto will square Venus. This powerful aspect will set the stage for the entire Pluto retrograde cycle. The influence of Venus suggests that you might need to reevaluate your priorities. For the world at large, this aspect can suggest further economic upheaval, major earthquakes, storms, terror events, maritime disasters, discord, chaotic events, wars, or assassinations.
Pluto’s retrograde period (and especially during the ten days on either side of the retrograde and direct stations) can also intensify social, political, and economic crises happening across our planet. This influence may be especially strong in the United States because Pluto will be stationing retrograde in close conjunction with natal Pluto in the United States chart. I have discussed this at length previously, including in my article titled The First-Ever United States Pluto Return.
May 3 to June 4: Jupiter Will Be Combust - A Time to Be Extra-Mindful
Jupiter will be combust the Sun from May 3 to June 4. At this time, Jupiter will be within an 11-degree orb of conjunction with the Sun. When a planet is combust, it is so close to the Sun so that it becomes invisible to us. Specifically, Jupiter will be lost in the evening sky in late April or early May, and will slowly begin to reappear in the early-morning sky in mid-June.
When Jupiter is combust, we need to stay strong and maintain equanimity. If we become agitated, we might lose our direction and our sense of meaning and purpose. We could experience hopelessness, self-doubt, and a sense of scarcity.
Jupiter combustion occurs once every year, so we all have had experience with it. More importantly, this is happening as part of the overall karmic curriculum in our “Earth School of Life.” Just as gold is fashioned in the intense heat of the refiner's fire, Jupiter at this time is being symbolically “burnt up" by the Sun in order to give us an opportunity to purify our faith and realign with our highest purpose and path in life.
May 4-7: The Balsamic Moon Phase - Rest, Reflect, Retreat, and Realign
The deeply waning Balsamic Moon phase will occur from May 4 up to the New Moon on May 7 (or May 8 in some areas). This is the time of the month when we are meant to heal, and when we should cleanse, release, rest, reflect, retreat, and realign with the Light of the soul which is within us. This Light is more accessible than usual during the Balsamic Moon phase. It has the innate power to bring us back to harmony in body, mind, and spirit. This is an important phase that prepares us for the New Moon ahead.
May 7: New Moon in Aries - A Time for Rebirth and a Fresh Start
The New Moon will occur in courageous, energetic, and progressive Aries on May 7 at 11:22 PM EDT. This will be May 8 at 3:22 PM UTC. Refer to World Time Buddy for the exact time and date if your time zone is different. The New Moon will occur in the highly emotional Bharani nakshatra and in the deep-feeling Scorpio navamsa. Venus and Uranus will conjoin the New Moon, and Saturn will aspect the Moon by its third (sextile) aspect. All of these influences signify a very unusual mix of energies.
The conjunction of the Moon with Uranus and Venus suggests the potential for unexpected relationship dynamics, sudden new realizations, and a significant change in fortune or a new direction. A counteractive stabilizing force arises out of Saturn’s aspect as well as from Bharani nakshatra, as both can add a healthy dose of discipline and self-control to the mix.
Both the New Moon and the sign of Aries represent starting anew, whereas Bharani nakshatra symbolizes the principle of rejuvenation. Therefore, the Bharani New Moon is associated with both literal and symbolic endings and new beginnings (death and rebirth). It is a good time for spontaneous actions; lovemaking, gardening and all kinds of creative activities. This is also an ideal day to take care of anything that you've been putting off!
May 10: Akshaya Tritiya - The Day of Eternal Golden Success
The very auspicious Vedic holy day known as Akshaya Tritiya will occur on May 10 this year. According to Vedic tradition, a few days of every year are considered to be highly auspicious. These are known as abuj muhurta (or muhurat). On these special days, any “seeds” that we plant have the potential to be especially fruitful.
Akshaya Tritiya (or Akha Teej) is known as the Day of Eternal Golden Success. It is believed that whatever we set forth this day will be indestructible and will “turn to gold."
Akshaya Tritiya commemorates the time that Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began to write the Mahabharata, the Sanskrit epic of ancient India. The Lights of our solar system, the Sun and Moon, also known as the King and Queen of the Planetary Kingdom, are both especially "bright" (exalted or uccha) on this day. At the same time, the waxing Moon will transit in its prosperous, nourishing, and lucky third day known as tritiya tithi. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu on Akshaya Tritiya can bring good fortune and prosperity in our lives.
This is an excellent day to commence any significant projects. You might make an important sale, purchase, or investment; start a new class or business; quit an old job or begin a new one; or initiate a new job search. You could also launch a website or make an important announcement. In addition, this is an ideal day to begin a new relationship, whether personal or professional. Traditionally, this is also a special day for pujas, making offerings and prayers, fasting, and other Vedic spiritual practices.
May 10-31: Mercury Will Transit In Aries - Potentially Fiery and Disruptive
On May 10, Mercury will transit into Aries, where it will remain until May 31. Mercury was recently in Aries in March and April during its pre-retrograde and early retrograde period. The higher expression of Mercury in the sign of the warrior Mars can be impassioned, assertive, decisive, determined, and confident.
However, a lower expression of Mercury in Aries also exists, which can be aggressive, irritable, rash, impatient, and accident prone. Mercury in Aries often inspires violent political or social activism. Although this placement is sometimes associated with anxiety and insomnia, its specific impact will depend on how it interfaces with a natal or mundane horoscope.
On May 17, Mercury will exactly square Pluto. This aspect will be within an effective three-degree orb of influence from May 14-21. The influence of Pluto on Mercury in Aries can be quite turbulent in regard to interpersonal communication, transportation, travel, and electronics. There may be some aggravation of crime and terrorism, violence, treacherous political machinations, and natural or man-made disasters.
May 13: Uranus and the Sun Will Conjoin at 29 Degrees of Aries - Breakthrough Versus Breakdown
On May 13, Uranus and the Sun will conjoin at 29 degrees of Aries. They will be within an effective three-degree orb of conjunction from May 9 to 16. The Sun will conjoin Uranus in this same part of the zodiac where Uranus and Jupiter recently conjoined (which I wrote about in my April forecast).
Uranus and the Sun come together annually in different areas of the zodiac. This time they are conjoining at the end of Aries in the sharp, cutting, and warlike Krittika nakshatra where two malefic fixed stars reside (Capulus and Algol). This conjunction can bring fateful, radical, and rapid shifts out of the blue, especially for those who have important chart points or planets near 29 degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn).
With the Sun and Uranus joining at the 29th degree of Aries, some of us might feel restless, or will sense an important change in the air, and we should expect the unexpected. The 29th degree of any sign is a fated degree that is often associated with rebellion, destruction, and breakdowns followed by new beginnings. The Sun being the significator of leaders could suggest surprising leadership changes brewing within academia, industry, or politics and government.
May 13-29: Angaraka Yoga and Post-Eclipse Activation - Fiery, Passionate, and Explosive
Using an effective three-degree orb, transiting Mars will conjoin Rahu in Pisces from May 13 to 22. The conjunction of Mars with Rahu is known in Vedic astrology as Angaraka Yoga. In a positive sense, the fiery, ardent, and fervent nature of this combination can inspire leadership, advocacy, and peaceful activism.
In its lower expression, Mars in conjunction with Rahu transforms into Angaraka Dosha. A dosha in Vedic Astrology is a flaw or defect, which in this case suggests violence, aggression, and explosive events. The conjunction will be exact and most intense on May 18.
From May 21 to 29, using the same three-degree effective orb, Mars will transit over the recent April 8 solar eclipse points at 25 degrees of Pisces. Their conjunction will be exact (and most intense) on May 25. This along with the Angaraka Yoga or Dosha can precipitate tense or explosive events occurring in the second half of May.
Since Mars will be in Pisces and in Revati nakshatra, its placement can activate any of the issues that were signified by the recent Pisces eclipse. You can go back and read more about these in my previous article. On a personal level, we should guard against excessive emotionalism, irrational thinking and behavior, escapist habits, and unhealthy personal boundaries while Mars is in this position.
May 14: Ganga Saptami - Mata Ganga-ji Blesses the World!
Every year, Sri Mata Ganga-ji is commemorated on the seventh day of the waxing Moon (saptami tithi) in the Vaisakha month. This year, the celebration will occur worldwide on May 14, and of course is mainly celebrated along the River Ganges (Ganga-ji) in India.
Ganga Devi is one of the luminous forms of the divine creative energy of Shakti that streams from the Source of Everything:
The holy Ganga descended from the heavenly planets to deliver all the conditioned souls from the vast ocean of material existence. Ganga Devi emanated from the lotus feet of Lord Hari, and so everyone happily glorifies her. The water of the Ganga is enjoyed by the demigods who reside on the peak of Mount Sumeru. By bathing in Her water, all one’s sins (karmas) are vanquished. By pleasing Ganga Devi, one can easily gain release from the bondage of material existence... Oh holy river, when will I reside on your shore, bathe in your pure water, chant your holy name, discuss your appearance and activities, engage in your worship, and joyfully wander throughout the world singing your glories? (from Kalki Purana, Ch. 34)
Ganga Saptami is also known as Ganga Jayanti, the birthday of Ganga Devi (Sri Mata Ganga-ji). In Vedic tradition, she is worshiped at midday on this date, when pujas are performed and charity given in Her name.
May 14: The Sun’s Transit into Taurus - A Very Holy Day for Prayer and Spiritual Remembrance (Vishnupati and Vrishabha Sankranti)
The Sun will transit into Taurus on May 14 and will remain in this sign until June 14. As the Sun enters Taurus, it activates the aforementioned fiery edge of Krittika nakshatra occupied by the potentially violent fixed stars Capulus and Algol. Also at its Taurus ingress, the Sun will be hemmed between Uranus on one side and Jupiter on the other. This speaks to the revolutionary energies of the recent Uranus-Jupiter conjunction which are continuing to emerge.
Every three months, the Sun transits into one of the fixed signs (sthira rashi), which are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. According to Tamil astrology, the day when the Sun comes into one of these signs is called Vishnupati. This day reflects the power of Lord Vishnu who upholds the divine creation and all the laws within it. Lord Vishnu and the fixed signs share similar qualities of stability, perseverance, and sustenance.
The Sun represents our confidence, will, life force, determination, and purpose. On the day when the Sun transits into a fixed sign, Lord Vishnu is said to come down among us to offer miracles for humanity. This is a good time to pray for more of what we want to see within ourselves and in our life.
In Vedic astrology, the day when the Sun enters the Taurus constellation is also known as Vrishabha Sankranti. This is an important celebration in many parts of India and within Vedic culture. On this date, prayers will be offered for ancestors and family members, and propitiation made for a prosperous and happy life. Pujas will be performed in temples according to specific muhurta times, holy baths will be taken, many will observe fasts, and cows will be offered to Brahmins for donations (this is known as godan).
Vrishabha Sankranti is connected to fertility and abundance, which is symbolized by the cow. This day is also associated with the divine bull Nandi, Lord Shiva's vahana (Shiva’s mount or vehicle). Nandi represents spiritual protection, blessings, power, virility, joy, and delight.
Note that Vrishabha, the Sanskrit name for Taurus, means "bull," which is a symbol deeply related to solar energies. Vrishabha Sankranti is thus associated with determination, strength, and, of course, life-giving power. Thus, great spiritual significance is associated with this holy day when devotees pray for the eternal Light of God to bring salvation to the world.
May 15: Baglamukhi Jayanti - Celebrating the Power of the Eighth Wisdom Goddess
May 15 is the celebration of Baglamukhi Jayanti. On this day, we recognize the birth of the eighth Mahavidya/Tantric goddess Baglamukhi (or Bagla). Her name has been broadly translated and interpreted as “the crane faced one, one who checks the mouth, and one whose look has the power to stun, compel and control.” She is one of the goddesses that some Vedic astrologers choose to propitiate to open the throat chakra and give vak siddhi (the power of speech and ability to foretell the future).
Another name for Bagla is Brahmastra Roopini, referring to Her supernatural power. This power gives her a weapon against evil and ignorance. In her iconography, She is shown pulling out the tongue of a demon while also striking the demon with her cudgel. This is said to symbolize Her power to help us destroy all our inner and outer demons.
The shakti of Bagla is stambhana, the power to stop, restrain, or paralyze. More superficially, She can help us stop and overcome our enemies. I frequently recommend Bagalamukhi pujas (yagyas) and mantras for clients who are having legal, custody, or tax problems, or for those who are being stalked or attacked in any way (such as with libel or defamation). If you are dealing with any of these issues, these practices can be extremely helpful.
At the deepest level, stambhana refers to achieving a still point within the world of duality. This is the practice of resting in the sushumna nadi which is the Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient Source of Divinity existing beyond all polarities. Jai Maa Baglamukhi!
May 18-19: Jupiter Conjunct the Sun (Cazimi) - New Awareness or Revelations
On May 18, Jupiter and the Sun will exactly conjoin at 4 degrees of Taurus, and from May 18-19, Jupiter will be cazimi. This means that Jupiter will be passing behind the Sun. As discussed in my Jupiter’s Transit in Taurus article, Jupiter will be in combustion during this time, meaning it will be under some duress. During this cazimi transit, Jupiter may bring a new awareness or revelation.
May 18 to June 12: Combust Venus Will Transit in Taurus - Emphasizing the Darker Side of Life and Human Nature
Venus will transit into Taurus from May 18 to June 12. As Venus crosses from Aries to Taurus, it activates the aforementioned potentially violent energies of the fixed stars Capulus and Algol. Venus in Taurus is generally considered to be a very fortunate and refined sign placement because Taurus is the abode of Venus.
However, in this case, it will not be auspicious as usual because Venus will be too close to the Sun in combustion (which is in place from the last week of April until early July). Combustion aggravates all things Venus, including relationships, material resources (finances), values, peace, harmony, the arts, culture, and beauty. Venus in combustion also depletes ojas, the sweet nectar of life (vigor). Therefore, this transit of Venus may tend to emphasize the darker side of life and human nature.
May 22-25: Venus and Jupiter Will Both Be Combust and Fighting a Planetary War (Graha Yuddha) - Out-Of-Control Behavior, Excess Materialism, and Heightened Conflict in the World
From May 22 to 25, Venus and Jupiter will be very closely conjoined in early Taurus. This is called a planetary war or graha yuddha in Vedic astrology. This is an especially difficult situation because both Jupiter and Venus will also be simultaneously combust (meaning too close to the Sun). This therefore suggests out-of-control behavior, excess materialism, and heightened conflict in the world.
It is important to note that Jupiter is the guru of the Devas, and Venus is the guru of the Asuras. These two groups represent the dual powers of light and darkness which are eternally at battle in the world. With the combust graha yuddha between these oppositional forces, we could see an even greater surge of violence and aggression, economic upheaval, or an intensification of corruption within the political realm. I believe the last time that Jupiter and Venus came together in early Taurus while being simultaneously combust was in May 1941 during the World War Two Blitz.
May 23: Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima) - Time for Respite and Deep Prayer
The Full Moon in Scorpio will occur on Thursday, May 23, at 9:53 AM Eastern Time (1:53 PM UTC). May's Full Moon is known as the Full Flower Moon, and also Buddha Purnima, Wesak/Vesak, or Vishakha (or Vaishakha) Puja. Gautama Buddha is said to have been born on this day in the Vaishakha masa (the month which extends from April 20 to May 20). His enlightenment is also celebrated at this time.
According to legend, the Buddha promised to come back on this day every year, to join with many other divine beings to regenerate the Earth. The Theosophists teach that the Christ (Maitreya) gathers the entire spiritual hierarchy together in prayer and meditation at this Full Moon to invoke the forces of a heavenly realm known as Shambhala. This invocation increases the input and output of the divine light within us and on Earth.
Meditation, healing, and other contemplative practices will be so very rewarding on the night of May 22 and into the morning of May 23 during the Purnima tithi leading up to the culmination of the Full Moon. Note that the Scorpio Full Moon will occupy the heavenly and auspicious Anuradha nakshatra which is connected to divine friendship, cordiality, and cooperation. Now we should especially remember that with our thoughts, we make our world.
May 28-31: Mercury and Uranus Will Conjoin On the Cusp of Aries and Taurus - Caution is Advised
Mercury will conjoin Uranus at 29 degrees of Aries from May 28 to 31 (these two planets will be in exact conjunction on May 31). Mercury will then transit into Taurus later on May 31, followed by Uranus moving into Taurus at 4 AM on June 1. Here, as we have seen earlier in the month, there is an emphasis on the cutting and fiery nature of Krittika nakshatra, with the end-of-the-rope transformative and fated quality of the 29th degree, and the potentially dangerous and destructive nature of the fixed stars Capulus and Algol.
May 30-June 2: Mars Will Transit In the Gandanta - A Period of Intensity and Transition
We have an intense Mars transit happening From May 30 to June 2. This is happening as Mars transits from the last degree of Pisces through the first degree of Aries. The cusp between a water and fire sign (such as Pisces to Aries) is called the gandanta in Vedic Astrology.
It’s a complicated relationship at the juncture of these two elements, as fire is extinguished by water, whereas water vaporizes in the heat of fire. This combination can be steaming hot and quite potent. Therefore, gandanta placements in astrology can be emotionally strained, unstable, and volatile. They represent the promise of transformation, but with a gandanta Mars, this transformative energy can also be turbulent and unpredictable.
In the mundane sphere, Mars transiting in the gandanta has been associated with heightened storm activity, explosions, political turmoil, and accidents. During this time, we should manage our emotional tension, exercise moderation, and avoid waging war or trying to push too hard. Some of us may also feel very tired during this time.
The world is very chaotic now, but with Mercury and Uranus transiting on the difficult edge between Aries and Taurus, and Mars in the gandanta between Pisces and Aries, it may feel like things are teetering on edge more than usual. At this time, we should be extra-mindful with electronics, appliances, computers, transportation, travel, and all communication matters. Be careful not to jump to conclusions, and as the saying goes, keep your head down.
I hope that you enjoyed reading my Vedic astrology May 2024 forecast! If you did, please share with others.
We will be in for a bit of a wild ride this month, with some intense planetary energy that will be centered around the cutting edge between Aries and Taurus in Krittika nakshatra. The Venus-Jupiter planetary war and Pluto's retrograde period may also present some challenges. That said, we will be receiving some positive, protective power this month. The Day of Eternal Golden Success, the Sun's entry into Taurus, and several Vedic celebrations should give us hope and light.
I wish everyone happiness and strength during the month of May!
O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you.
To your messengers the Four Winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children.
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace of mind.
Let us learn to share all the good things you provide for us on this Earth. (Native American Prayer for Peace, Author Unknown)
Thank you, Juliana, for these calendars!