Summary
Saturn + Rahu Conjunction April – May
Mars Transits Cancer April 2 – June 6
Mercury Direct in Pisces April 7
Full Moon in Virgo/Chitra April 12
Venus Direct in Pisces April 12
Sun Transits Aries April 13 – May 14
New Moon in Aries/Bharani April 27
May 2025 Headlines

Summary

For an in-depth analysis of specific planetary placements, please continue with the full planetary forecast.

Saturn + Rahu Conjunction April – May

March 2025 gave us an eclipse pair followed immediately by the entrance of Saturn into Pisces on March 29th, which puts the deliberate, contractive, and slow moving Saturn into his next chapter until February 2028.

As Saturn moves across the invisible border between Aquarius and Pisces, he moves into the face of Rahu, the north node of the Moon, currently backing through the very early degrees of Pisces and on the move toward Aquarius, effectively putting Saturn and Rahu into a two-ships-who-pass-in-the-night situation for about six weeks.

This encounter with Saturn will be prominent, setting the scene for April and into May. The latter half of May sees Rahu (mean node) shifting on May 18th and Rahu (true node) shifting on May 30th. Another feature of this Saturn and Rahu rendezvous is that Mercury and especially Venus will be present in the same sky space, putting quite a bit of energy into Purvabhadra nakshatra.

Purvabhadra nakshatra loops Jupiter into this conjunction because Jupiter is both the ruler of Pisces where Saturn and Rahu are joining, as well as Purvabhadra. This is a potent time of sorting through seeds and assessing for viability. Jupiter’s influence brings desired long term growth into our calculations.

Back to Rahu and Ketu; because of the nodal axis moving in a generally retrograde, but sometimes jittery fashion, we can choose to use the true node calculation if we are looking for the exact location of the nodes, including whether they are moving retrograde or sometimes directly, through the zodiac.

Many astrologers choose to use the mean node calculation, which averages out the literal position of the nodes, smoothing out the jitter, and causing the view of the nodes to always and only being retrograde. It is a matter of preference, so let’s just say that by the end of May, the nodes will have shifted, leaving Rahu in Aquarius and Ketu in Leo through November 2026.

Especially in April, we may feel the tight conjunction of Rahu with Saturn, who together act as co-rulers of the sign of Aquarius. Wherever Aquarius is functioning in a personal chart, we can gather clues about what these two planets want for the individual; look for action in that realm during April, as the two lords of Aquarius have a meeting that lasts through mid-May.

Saturn’s energy comes across as slow, pressurized, deliberate, practical, and responsible. Serious, even... While Rahu presents as intelligent, unstable, spontaneous, and opportunistic. Suspicious, even... Together as the rulers of Aquarius, they display the diverse array of life on planet Earth, from wild to civilized, we who emerge from our earthly mother, racing after our desires as we are driven by Rahu, and also living out our inevitably earned karmas, day by day as the clock ticks on, reminding us that life is short and time marches on, pushed forward by Saturn.

What an interesting combination and truly odd couple these two planets make. On one hand, we can predict that things could go very wrong with this kind of strong cocktail, marking a time when consequences of actions could play a long game and fulfillment of seemingly simple desires could similarly reverberate into the future timeline.

On the other hand, what if we approach this strong medicinal combination with reverence, humility, and the utmost attention? What of our goals could we realize? What threads that we have woven into a strong cord will we choose to carry forward? During this time, we could finally begin to understand what it is we’ve really wanted all along and then take responsibility for how we express that desire.

Rahu has the reputation for instability and Pisces is a dual speed sign with the tendency to expand in all directions. This transit has been loosening our footholds since November of 2023. Let that which isn’t hitting home dissolve away so that the true nature of your passion emerges like a buoy in the vast churning ocean.

Saturn brings the gift of practicality, helping us to sculpt that newly emerged form of inspiration. Pressing into the pulsating bundle of chaotic universal energy, Saturn brings boundaries and realistic expression, helping us to build a floating platform in the midst of the churning waves that mark the oceanic environment of Pisces, where we learn what it means to be grounded in the flow. Creative grace comes into the equation via Venus, newly emerging as the "morning star."

Mars Transits Cancer April 2 – June 6

Mars’ last big move was resuming direct motion at 23 degrees Gemini on February 23rd. Mars forging ahead in Gemini further compounded the current aspect attention onto Virgo, with Venus, Mercury, Rahu, and Sun from Pisces pushing onto Ketu, Jupiter from Taurus pushing Ketu, and Mars from Gemini also pushing onto Ketu as he slithers his way out of the early degrees of Virgo.

During late February and through March, Mars continues that transit, which at least brings some focus of power, but with Mars still navigating the busy and overthoughtful environment of Gemini. The Mars within us could be quite ready to move from data analysis and course correction and into implementation. This shift may become possible as Mars enters Cancer for his final voyage through the Moon’s emotional environment on April 2nd.

While we know that Mars is debilitated in Cancer, there are a few mitigating factors for Mars this time around. This will be the last chapter in a longish saga of Mars spending an unusual amount of time in Gemini and Cancer during 2024 and 2025.

Before we begin looking forward, let’s look back and anchor in what Mars may have been pushing at during the first Cancer transit of this saga, which did include a retrograde phase that jetted him back into Gemini. Mars went from Gemini into Cancer on October 20, 2024 and the went from Cancer back into Gemini on January 21, 2025. Retrograde motion began December 6th while Mars was at 12 degrees Cancer.

During that three month transit, debilitated Mars was receiving the aspect of Rahu from Pisces. This destabilized the plans and projects we may have been driving toward, causing doubt and confusion, with Jupiter also in retrograde during that time. This agitated Mars energy then cast forward with its own aspects, pushing out at the signs of Libra, Capricorn, and most notably, Aquarius and its lord, Saturn. Friction, frustration, destabilization...

Mars plunges back into Cancer on April 2nd, making his way through the nourishing waters of Cancer and moving into Leo on June 6th. There are a couple of things to note during this 2nd voyage. As Mars re-enters Cancer, Rahu’s aspect there remains and is most intense in the early degrees of Cancer, so keep both eyes open during the first week of April as Rahu directly aspects Mars mid-air, as he dives back in. By mid-May we begin to feel Rahu’s presence ebbing away from Pisces.

Mars reaches 12 degrees Cancer, where he assumed retrograde motion, by the end of April. So the April portion of this Mars in Cancer transit is especially focused on reviewing what we did during October – January and perhaps offering us the opportunity for re-doing or improving upon what we tried the first time.

Mars in Cancer is challenging for the direct and fiery approach of Mars. Having to implement actions in the face of high seas emotions can be frustrating. Making sure that there are ample snacks and opportunities for naps is a good plan for April. There is work to be done. Or re-done.

The May and June portions of Mars’ Cancer transit could see things starting to come together as far as consolidation of power and trying to assure that the protection of food, clothes, and shelter remains accessable. By mid-May, Rahu recedes into Aquarius and Mars advances out of range, giving Mars some quiet space to finish his transit through Cancer, and perhaps affording us all the opportunity to find our path and readjust to a new set of circumstances.

Mercury Direct in Pisces April 7

At the time of this writing in late March 2025, the compound retrograde effect of conjunct Mercury and Venus near Rahu and the Sun has been quite active, with many reporting exhaustion, anxiety, and scrambling in the face of uncertainty. Mercury regains direct motion at 3 degrees Pisces, still swimming in the same Purvabhadra nakshatra waters with retrograde Venus, Rahu, and Saturn.

Here’s to hoping that Mercury resuming direct motion will help steady things a bit as we navigate a very interesting stack up in the early degrees of Pisces involving all the members of Team Saturn. Rahu is walking back toward Aquarius as Mercury, Saturn, and eventually Venus on April 12th, walk forward toward transitioning to new situations and integrating experiences that have completed.

Direct moving Mercury will gain momentum as April unfolds, following the Sun into Aries on May 6th. By mid-April, when Venus is also moving with the tide instead of against it after resuming direct motion, we may find ourselves reorganizing our homes and vehicles and/or packing up and preparing for a voyage, trip, or move.

While the retrograde motion prevails in early April, shore up unfinished business, let go of projects that aren’t productive, and regroup when it comes to teams, friends, and collaborators. And don’t forget to breathe.

Full Moon in Virgo/Chitra April 12

Mid-April becomes a turning point as the Moon reaches its monthly fullness at 30 degrees Virgo on April 12th. This will be the last in a short series of full Moons that are on the borderline between signs.

The invisible line that we draw between our assignment of zodiac signs is called "sandhi" which translates as a joining between two different things, indicating flexibility at the expense of strength. This transitional and hyperflexible energy has colored our full Moons since November 2024. Times are changing whether we are ready or not AND whether it is the direction we prefer or not... With the full Moons beginning to stabilize over the coming months, the clue here is to be ready and have a preference, because the time to push forward is coming.

The Moon will push from Virgo into Libra just hours after the full Moon, with the Sun moving from Pisces into his exaltation sign of Aries the next day. Thus begins the campaign forward, as the leadership moves into Mars’ fiery first sign of the zodiac, signalling to the group still swimming in Pisces that its time to head up and move out.

Chitra nakshatra, ruled by Mars, associated with design and making pictures, spans between signs ruled by Mercury and Venus, showing the initiative and drive to spark creative projects. After the Moon gains the full gaze of the Sun, the move into Libra also puts the Moon into Mars’ aspect from Cancer for a couple of days.

Mid-April gives a good opportunity to reach a tipping point and to let the ball start rolling. The group of Rahu, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury in Pisces suggest that there is a consolidation of weight, momentum, and gravity already available. If you are attempting to roll that boulder UP the hill, it may be an indication of that particular action needing to find another time.

Venus Direct in Pisces April 12

Just after the full Moon moment, Venus stations at 1 degree Pisces, stopping to catch her breath before resuming direct motion for another pass through her sign of exaltation. By early April, early risers should begin to see Venus shining in the eastern sky before dawn, assuming her role as "morning star" through the remainder of 2025.

Venus represents the element of water and the principle of connection through attraction. The feminine expression of Venus comes through the earth sign Taurus, representing material support, nutritious food, and clean water. We explore all relationships through Venus, who shows us that one cannot truly be isolated or separated from support without that limitation being felt at the collective level. Venus insists on keeping empathy active in all connections, including intimate relationships, business transactions, and politics.

As Venus regains direction and sails forward, the turbulence being caused in Pisces by Rahu’s close embrace with Saturn will lessen as Venus moves away through the latter half of April.

Venus is exalted in Pisces, meaning this watery and spacious environment is the preferred location for Venus to do her work of connection. Pisces is the final sign of the zodiac, always bringing forth the truth that life does flow in cycles, implying that what is born must pass away and what begins will certainly end.

Venus is the master of attaching but struggles when it comes to letting go. The Jupiterian water environment of Pisces is actually wonderful for allowing Venus to keep the connections attached. The retrograde turbulence may be shaking things up to the point that the truth is finally perceived, making it a little easier to let go. Because its time to let go.

Reassure your connective, empathic inner lover that there are in fact more fish in the sea. Recognize what has finished cooking, eat the meal, and clean that countertop. The last two weeks of April could see the creative sparks reigniting.

Remember also that direct Venus exchanging signs with direct Jupiter could help to revitalize, inspire, and grow things in the right direction. Venus will be in Pisces through May 30th. Jupiter will be in Taurus through May 14th. The month between mid-April and mid-May could be quite productive.

Sun Transits Aries April 13 – May 14

April 12th and 13th are the pivot point, with the Full Moon and Venus direct on April 12th, followed by the Sun entering into exaltation for a month in Aries on April 13th.

Once again, the grouping of planets in Pisces who remain after the Sun’s exit to Aries is literally one side of the two divisions of the planets including Saturn, Venus, Mercury, and Rahu. Mercury will be the first to bail, Rahu moves to Aquarius in late May, and Venus moves to Aries on May 30th, leaving Saturn alone to recover.

Think of this time during April and into mid-May 2025 as perhaps the most deeply course corrective time you’ve ever experienced. Saturn, Venus, Mercury, and Rahu are Team For the People, recognizing the karma of actions and how they ripple into both individual and collective experience. Responsibility, unconditional love, accountability, and authenticity are the high vibrations of this team. Be inspired to embody them all going forward.

New Moon in Aries/Bharani April 27

As the Moon wanes in the latter half of April, she moves out from Virgo alone, making oppositions with Jupiter and Mars along the way, finally wading through Team Saturn in Pisces on April 25-26, and then sliding into the halo of the Sun on April 27th at 14 degrees Aries.

Waning phases for the Moon signal an ebbing of mental and physical energy which can manifest in feeling low or vulnerable around the new Moon. Something that may affect actual energy levels is that Mars will be transiting Cancer during this full Moon, creating an exchange of signs that shores up the performance of each of these allied forces.

This observation isn’t a green light to surge forward, unless ample resources are available. If you’re feeling it, go! If you are feeling depleted, this is an amazing time to replenish, nurture, and regroup.

Because of the inherent nature of the new Moon indicating vulnerability, a keyword for Moon’s influence, this particular moment shows the exalted Sun and Mars in strength on a Sunday. The cardinal signs support initiation and progress; both Aries, where the new Moon occurs, and Cancer, where Mars is transiting, are cardinal signs and all three will aspect the other cardinal signs.

If you can wait another few days, we experience Akshaya Tritiya, an annual auspicious day when both the Sun and Moon are in exaltation. This will always fall when the Sun is in Aries, the Moon is in Taurus, and the Moon has advanced to the third tithi after the new Moon in Aries.

This groovy window begins around sunrise on April 29th and concludes before sunrise on April 30th, with the first six hours being the most potent. It is a good day for any important activities that require a boost of planetary auspiciousness! Every twelve years, Jupiter joins the Moon during Akshaya Tritiya, which is especially potent, positive, and fertile. This is that year! We could all use a leg up!

In the world around me, I see change coming unbidden at a rate that no one bargained for. Keep yourself grounded by attending to the basics of life, eating well, staying active, and sharing time with others. Find something to protect, care for, and nurture that IS within your control. Look to others for guidance when you feel lost and be a lighthouse when you’re feeling clear.

The group of planets in Pisces are trying to identify and hold onto the good things, bringing them forward into new forms. When we look deeply, the true gold lies within the others around us, including the Earth and all its creatures. The material forms are constantly in flux, coming and going. We can make more... That is the truth to be discovered and mined. Protect your heart, reach out your hand, and trust your feet.

May 2025 Headlines

Mercury Transits Aries May 6 - 23
Full Moon in 28 deg Libra/Vishaka May 12
Jupiter Transits Gemini May 14, 2025 – June 2, 2026
Sun Transits Taurus May 14 – June 14
Rahu (Mean Node) Enters Aquarius May 18
Mercury Transits Taurus May 23 - June 5
New Moon at 12 degrees Taurus/Rohini May 26
Rahu (True Node) Enters Aquarius May 29
Venus Transits Aries May 31 – June 29