May 2025 Vedic Astrology Forecast
The best days for creativity, when to be extra cautious, and much more!
At last came the golden month of the wild folk-- honey-sweet May, when the birds come back, and the flowers come out, and the air is full of the sunrise scents and songs of the dawning year. (Samuel Scoville Jr., Wild Folk)
If you like reading my monthly forecasts, you can let me know by liking this article or leaving a comment. Every comment and like means a lot to me. Thank you so much for supporting my work.
Happy May! As we move deeper into spring, the universe is going to send us some major Vedic holy days, big planetary movements, and a very lucky lunar event. We're also going to have a lot of creative energy this month, so if you've been thinking about starting a writing project, podcast, or other artistic work, now might be the time to begin!
Don't have time to read my forecast? Starting this month, I've added a podcast option for those of you who prefer to listen instead of read. You can hear my son Jared (who studies Vedic astrology and often helps me with my work) reading the May forecast here.
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 a very special month in the northern hemisphere because it always begins with the sacred festival of Beltane. This is the ancient seasonal Gaelic festival that is also known as May Day. This event marks the beginning of the pastoral summer season, and the cross-quarter point between spring equinox and summer solstice. At this sacred turning point in the seasonal wheel, we celebrate the awakening solar fire, fertility, abundance, and optimism.
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)
In the southern hemisphere, May 1 marks the Samhain festival. This is the end of the harvest season. It is halfway between fall equinox and winter solstice, and it is the beginning of the darker part of the year
May 3: Ganga Saptami - Mata Ganga-ji Blesses the World!
Ganga Saptami will be celebrated on May 3, 2025. This Vedic festival commemorates the descent of Ganga Devi who ultimately came down from Heaven to purify the world. Ganga Saptami is celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing Moon (saptami tithi) in the Vaisakha month, and primarily along the River 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 4: Pluto Will Station Retrograde - Potent Transformational Energy
On May 4, the annual five-month Pluto retrograde cycle will begin. At this time, Pluto will appear to stop and start to move backward. This is known as a retrograde station. It will occur at 11:28 AM EDT (3:28 PM UTC). Pluto will station at about nine-and-a half degrees of Capricorn. After it moves back to seven degrees of Capricorn, Pluto will station direct (begin moving forward again) on October 13 at 10:53 PM EDT (October 14 at 2:53 AM UTC).
Pluto stationary periods comprise ten days on either side of its retrograde or direct stations. During these stationary 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.
During Pluto’s retrograde period (and especially during its stationary periods), we may experience an intensification of various social, political, and economic crises that are already happening in the world. This influence may be especially strong in the United States because Pluto is transiting retrograde in a close conjunction with natal Pluto in the United States chart. I have discussed this matter at length previously, including in my article titled The First-Ever United States Pluto Return. In this article, I mentioned that Pluto's movements indicate a period of economic instability in 2024-25.
May 5: Baglamukhi Jayanti - Celebrating the Power of the Eighth Wisdom Goddess
The celebration of Baglamukhi Jayanti will occur on May 5 this year. 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 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. You should gain extra support if you perform these measures on May 5th.
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 6-23: Mercury Will Transit In Aries - Fiery, Impassioned, and Determined
On May 6, Mercury will transit into Aries, where it will remain until May 23. 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 12-13, Mercury will square Pluto, and on May 17-18, Mercury will square Mars. Both of these aspects can be quite turbulent in regard to interpersonal communication, transportation, travel, and electronics. There may be some aggravation of crime and terrorism (including cyber crime), violence, treacherous political machinations, and natural or human-caused disasters including fires or floods. I consider these transits to be in effect a few days on either side of their exact aspects.
May 12: The Full Moon in Libra (Buddha Purnima or Wesak) - Time for Respite and Deep Prayer
The Full Moon in Libra will occur on May 12 at 12:56 PM EDT (4:56 PM UTC). You can use the World Time Buddy to convert to your time zone if it is different. May's Full Moon is known as the Full Flower Moon due to the flowers that bloom in the northern hemisphere now.
In Vedic and Buddhist traditions, this Moon is also known as Buddha Purnima or Wesak. Gautama Buddha is said to have been born on this day. The Buddha’s 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 especially rewarding on the nights of May 11 and 12. Note that the Full Moon will occupy Vishakha nakshatra in Gemini navamsa. This lunation brings an emphasis on any activities which require strong mental focus. As such, this is a good time for making resolutions, working toward new goals, and performing executive functions. This Full Moon is also a great time for holding ceremonies and hosting parties or events.
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. It will remain in this sign until June 14.
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 own lives.
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 as donations.
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 14, 2025 to June 1, 2026: Jupiter Will Transit Into Gemini - A Combination for Levity, Lightheartedness, and Learning
Jupiter will transit in Gemini from May 14 to June 1, 2026. It will transit out of Gemini for about seven weeks from mid-October to early December. Jupiter in Gemini generally reflects levity, lightheartedness, and a love of learning.
Vedic Astrologer Barbara Pijan Lama equates Jupiter in Gemini with the following: "multiple angels...many messages...short-term, inspirational liturgy...iconic community-linking, group-mind tuning...[and] the ability to apprehend and simply share great truths."
Please stay tuned for my upcoming article about Jupiter’s transit in Gemini, which will include what we might expect in the world during this transit, as well as a sign-by-sign guide for my paid subscribers.
May 17: Uranus Will Conjoin the Sun in the Fiery Krittika Nakshatra - Expect the Unexpected
On May 17, Uranus and the Sun will conjoin at three degrees of Taurus in the fiery Krittika nakshatra. For those whose charts are being activated by these planetary placements, this transit can represent sudden shifts in consciousness, intuitive insights, instability, or impulsivity. It can also indicate emergency situations, setbacks, shocks, and upsets, so it’s a good day to be mindful and to hold steady. Uranus and the Sun will also be conjoining the fixed star Algol, known as the Demon Star. This can add some further unpredictable, chaotic, or explosive energy to the mix.
May 18, 2025 to December 5, 2026: Rahu Will Transit in Aquarius, and Ketu in Leo - Activating a Significant Paradigm Shift
Using the mean lunar node calculation, Rahu and Ketu will change signs on May 18, 2025. Rahu (which always moves retrograde) will move from Pisces back into Aquarius, and Ketu (which always moves retrograde) will move back from Virgo into Leo. They will remain in this new sign axis for a year-and-a-half, until December 5, 2026. Some astrologers prefer the true node calculation, which places Rahu and Ketu in Aquarius and Leo from May 29, 2025 to November 25, 2026.
No matter which calculation we use, the transit of the lunar nodes into these new signs will activate a significant new direction for the karmas that are unfolding on the world stage and within our lives. The transit of Rahu in Aquarius and Ketu in Leo marks a period of fresh insights, truth-seeking, exploration, scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and cultural shifts, but also wars, social upheaval, economic transformation, and significant concerns with the global food supply. If you would like to know more about how this transit will impact your personal life, you may benefit from having a Vedic Astrology reading with Juliana.
May 23 to June 5: Mercury Will Transit in Taurus - A Good Time to Practice Mindfulness
Mercury will move into Taurus on May 23, where it will remain until June 5. Mercury in Taurus is in the sign of its friend Venus. Therefore, Mercury in Taurus generally indicates a creative, intelligent, balanced, and discerning nature. Yet, Mercury will combust the Sun during this current transit in Taurus, which may contribute to dogmatism, stubbornness, miscommunication, bizarre or even cruel behavior. At the same time, Mercury will conjoin Uranus from May 23-25, which in its higher expression could activate new understanding. I feel that it will be extremely important to practice mindfulness during this transit.
May 23-26: The Balsamic Moon Phase - Rest, Reflect, Retreat, and Realign
The deeply waning Balsamic Moon phase will occur from May 23 up to the New Moon on May 26. 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 26-27: Shani Jayanti - Happy Birthday to Lord Saturn!
This year, Shani Jayanti will be celebrated on Monday, May 26 in North and South America, Africa, and Europe, and on Tuesday, May 27 elsewhere in the world (including in India). Shani Jayanti is an important Vedic holy day which commemorates the birth of Shani Dev (Saturn), the lord of truth and karma. Shani Jayanti occurs annually around the New Moon in the Jyeshta Masa, the lunar month which will extend from May 27 to June 25 this year. More specifically, it is calculated for the darkest day of the lunar month preceding the New Moon (amavasya tithi).
Prayers, pujas, and other rituals are traditionally performed in honor of Shani Dev on his birthday, according to a variety of Vedic traditions. Shani Jayanti is an especially important day to honor one's ancestors (shraddha or tarpana), and to make offerings to Lord Saturn. It is also a wonderful day to offer respect, service, and charity to the elderly and infirm, to spend time in contemplation, and to commune with Mother Nature. Lord Shiva is also propitiated on Shani Jayanti because Shani worships Shiva. For all of us, Saturn is the servant of the Divine who teaches us to humbly surrender and serve the divine power that exists within ourselves and the world.
Shani Jayanti will occur on a Monday in the western half of the world this year, which is another powerful celebration known as Somvati Amavasya. This is a rare occasion which occurs when the amavasya tithi falls on a Monday, the Vedic day of the week known as Somwar or Somavaar. The importance of this date is related to the fact that amavasya tithi and the Moon’s Day of the week each are connected to the worship of Lord Shiva. Again, this is a wonderful time to make charitable donations, perform ancestral healing and worship, take holy dips in sacred waters, and to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, all toward the purpose of cleansing karma, seeking divine redemption and grace, and serving the common good.
May 26-27: New Moon in Taurus and Rohini Nakshatra - Bringing A Focus on Creativity, Home, Family, and Security Matters
The New Moon will occur in Taurus and Rohini nakshatra on May 26 at 11:02 PM EDT (May 27 at 3:02 AM UTC). You can use the World Time Buddy to convert to your time zone if it is different. It is also known as Jyestha Amavasya in the Vedic tradition as it occurs in the Jyestha month.
The Rohini New Moon is typically considered to be auspicious, abundant, and great for creative endeavors. It is traditionally a good time for farming and planting, healing, beginning a new self-improvement practice, and organizing your home or office. It's also an ideal day to shop for clothing, cars, jewelry, or even a new home. Yet, the New Moon will also occupy the ninth-harmonic (navamsa) of Aries, which may activate some extremism, impatience, overindulgence, or extravagance, so some restraint or caution is also advised.
May 29 to June 2: The Sun and Mercury Will Conjoin the Fixed Star Aldebaran: A Renewed Sense of Clarity and Purpose
Every year from May 29 to June 2, the Sun conjoins the fixed star Aldebaran, the Red Eye of the Bull. Aldebaran is the thirteenth brightest in the sky, and its diameter is 45 times that of our Sun! It is located at 15 degrees and 55 zodiacal minutes in sidereal Taurus. Symbolic of our Third Eye of mystical intuition and divine inspiration, Aldebaran is known as the Eye of God, the Eye of Illumination, and the Eye of Revelation.
Aldebaran is the abode of Archangel Michael, the first angel who is the armor of God and the leader of all the heavenly armies. Carrying a great sword of light, Michael is the embodiment of courage, truth, and spiritual protection. We should call upon Michael at this time to release us from negativity and help us feel a renewed sense of vitality, vision, clarity, and purpose.
This year, Mercury will conjoin the Sun and Aldebaran, during a cosmic event known as Mercury’s Superior Conjunction. This occurs when Mercury is moving forward and very fast on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth. It is called the “superior” conjunction because when it occurs Mercury is “superior to” or “above” the Sun.
This Superior Conjunction of Mercury happens three times a year. It is akin to a Full Moon, only it is happening with Mercury rather than the Moon. This means it can activate a culmination, fulfillment, or turning point. We may experience profound insights at this time, in the form of divine messages or everyday oracles that can guide us to new awareness and understanding.
The Superior Conjunction is also known as a cazimi Mercury (in the heart of the Sun), which can signify a mental reset that brings clarity, especially for those who are tuned- in through contemplative practices. Occurring in conjunction with the “Eye of God,” this particular Superior Conjunction of Mercury will be even more powerful than usual!
May 31-June 29: Venus Will Transit in Aries - The Two Sides of Passion
Venus—the planet of wealth, values, love, beauty, peace, and harmony—will transit in the vivacious and feisty sign of Aries from May 31 to June 29. Venus in Aries is considered to be in its detriment, where it becomes overheated, and can sometimes reflect self-absorption, strong opinions, belligerence, and immoderate behavior. When functioning in its higher state of expression, Venus in Aries can be quite enthusiastic, charismatic, daring, passionate, charming, and creative!
What a month! As my forecast shows, May will be full of ups and downs. Although there will be some sizzling Aries energy and difficult transits, these will be balanced by some wonderful lunar movements and spiritually enriching holy days.
Love the podcast! Wonderful to have in this form. I really enjoyed listening. I am more of a reader and was surprised how much I enjoyed the oral teaching. Thank you both for experimenting in this new way!
Thank you Juliana! A great analysis of the transits to guide my journey 😃. Thank you for the wonderful reading in April. I plan my year around it 🙏🏻💕