Your May 2023 Astrological Forecast

Why Astrology?

Astrology is often described as the study of the planets and what’s going on "up there" and how it influences us “down here”. But in truth, this ancient wisdom goes much deeper than that.

Astrology is the study of energy and connection. It reveals what’s happening energetically in the cosmos and it explains what you may be feeling and why. In other words, astrology matters because it reminds you that you are not alone. When astrological events affirm and/or validate your experience, you remember the truth: Everything is connected. This means you can lean on the planets for support, guidance, and direction throughout your life. You may not be able to see them in your day-to-day, but you can feel them if you know what to look for.

How to Work with the Stars

You can use astrology to guide your life in multiple ways:

1. You can study your birth chart and what the planets say about your unique nature.
2. You can look at what’s happening astrologically in the present day and how that energy is influencing you based on your birth chart.
3. You can structure your life based on the astrological seasons and moon cycles.

In this article, we will cover the latter and teach you how to live in sync with the stars. Similar to your asana practice, astrology can help you craft a schedule and routine that embraces flow and helps you move through life with ease.

Introducing Taurus Season

Zodiac seasons are determined by where the Sun is in the solar system. When it moves over a new zodiac constellation, we enter a new zodiac season. The Sun radiates and represents our outer world. When we have a new zodiac season, it influences our external world and what we’re drawn to do or focus on.

As of April 20, 2023, we officially entered into Taurus season (April 20 - May 20). And let me tell you—it’s no coincidence that this grounded, stable earth sign occurs during the belly of spring.

Taurus represents the earth/nature, the body/five senses, indulgence, pleasure, simplicity, self care, presence/mindfulness, moving slowly and steadily, and our values. This spring, as you smell the lilacs blooming and feel the first kiss of warm sun, Taurus asks, “What brings you joy? What do you desire?” When you stop to take in the greenery and notice the land coming back to life, Taurus asks, “How can you slow down and be present? How can you take it all in?”

Inspired by the strong foundation of the earth, Taurus asks, “What do you stand for? What do you believe in?” As you feel that familiar pull to work less and enjoy more as the weather improves, Taurus asks, “Where can you simplify?”

Now is a time to reconnect with your body. To do less and be more. To pare down and to rest. Most of all, to enjoy. Come back home to your body this Taurus season. Reconnect to the earth and relish in the steady support of a grounding yoga practice.

Layering in the Moon Cycles

About every 14 days, the moon transitions from new to full. During a new moon, the sky is dark. As it prepares to embark on a new cycle, we hardly see the moon in the sky. New moons represent new beginnings and fresh starts. They’re a great time for planting seeds. Plus, new moons typically occur the same sign as the current zodiac season, so it’s an invitation to embody each season and make it your own.

Full moons are the culmination of a moon cycle, akin to a celebration and arrival. We see the entire face of the moon on these nights. The previously dark sky is at its brightest, boosting our energy and illuminating things that might have previously been unseen. Full moons also represent balance (they occur when the sun and moon are opposite one another in the sky), helping you see where you might be putting too much effort.

What I love about the moon cycles is that it reminds us change is ever-present and inevitable, but we also get to take our time.

May 2023 New and Full Moons

This month’s full moon occurs on May 5th in most major time zones in the sign of Scorpio. Its influence is extra potent because it’s not just a full moon—it’s also a lunar eclipse. Full moon eclipses bring the opportunity for change and new beginnings, sparked by "aha" moments and a newfound ability to see things clearly.

Scorpio is the sister sign of Taurus in the zodiac. While both are fixed signs and enjoy stability, Taurus is an earth sign and Scorpio is a water sign. Taurus loves to keep things simple and even-keeled while staying grounded and present. In contrast, Scorpio loves to investigate the complexities of life and diving deep into one’s emotions.

This particular lunar eclipse asks you to consider, “Where are you keeping things the same for the sake of comfort and stability? Where and how can you bring change into your life? What are you feeling underneath the surface?”

Then, two weeks later on May 19th, we have our Taurus new moon.

As mentioned earlier, new moons are an opportunity to begin again and set intentions. I think of these celestial events as your invitation to double down on the lessons of the current zodiac season. For this specific new moon in Taurus, Where can you simplify? How can you slow down and move with purpose? Where are you acting out of alignment with what you stand for? How can you infuse more pleasure and enjoyment into your days?

Now, as is the case with all celestial events, there’s nothing to explicitly “do” on a full or new moon. Simply get curious about what arises for you that day. Come back to the prompts: How do you feel? What themes are presenting themselves?

Remember, the planets are here to guide, support, and encourage your growth. How does working with them help you get to know yourself and needs better? Leave a comment below with what comes up for you!