Ready, set…slow your roll! On Monday, May 1, game-changing Pluto hits the brakes and pulls its annual “shift-into-reverse” maneuver by kicking off its five-month retrograde. That’s business as usual. What’s UNIQUE about 2023’s backflip is that it begins in Aquarius and your tenth house of career goals and ambitions and then reverts to Capricorn for a few months. A change in trajectory or speed is likely, but you won’t be settling in for a five-month catnap—Pluto is famously strategic, so you may find yourself entrenched in behind-the-scenes planning and painstaking project-review mode. When Pluto backspins into Capricorn on June 11, this will be one of its final hurrahs in your visionary ninth house and could offer a wider perspective and enough objectivity to make the important adjustments. While you may be frustrated at the (seeming) lack of forward progress, you’ll probably also feel a sense of relief at not having to rush this thing to the finish line before it’s ready. This is actually a perfect opportunity to hire a consultant or coach to get you to the level you’re aiming for. Take the time to get everything right now so come mid-October, you’ll be ready to hit the gas and soar!
Friday’s lunar (full moon) eclipse in Scorpio and your partnership house puts relationships squarely in the spotlight. Things can accelerate and come to a head quickly under these turbo-charged moonbeams. If you’ve been casually dating someone, you may feel a sudden need to define what you’re actually doing together. Your security-seeking sign doesn’t relish uncertainty, so it’s worth having a direct conversation—even if you’re afraid of what they’ll say. (But better to know for sure one way or another so you can take YOUR next steps.) Solid couples can double down on their commitment, perhaps planning a first-time or renewal ceremony scheduled after Mercury turns direct on May 14. And if you’ve been squabbling, this no-nonsense eclipse can help you get to the heart of the matter, even if it stings a bit in the process. Regardless of your romantic status, this pulse-quickening eclipse can intensify your urge to merge over the coming two weeks. If you’re single, get proactive in all the ways you’re comfortable with—and maybe one or two that stretch your limits (safely, of course). Keep an open mind because a surprisingly different “type” might just reveal themselves to be a true diamond in the rough!
Love catches a breezy vibe this Sunday as your ruler, ardent Venus, swings into Cancer and your sociable third house until June 5. She’ll join fellow love planet Mars there until he relocates to passionate Leo on May 20. Don’t be surprised if “practical” and “long-term” are less alluring than “fun and playful” over the next four weeks! Of course, if the LAST thing you want is a no-strings dating spree, then you’ll have to find a way to stay strong in those flirty settings you’re likely to find yourself in. Attached? During this sweet cycle, couples can discuss sensitive subjects, knowing your bond is secure. But don’t forget to schedule some favorite shared activities, like road trips, music festivals and starlight strolls.
More From ELLE
Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (a.k.a. The AstroTwins) are ELLE.com’s resident astrologers. They have written several astrology books, including Momstrology and Supercouple, and star as the astrological matchmakers for Prime Video’s Cosmic Love. The Eduts have read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Roberts. For their spot-on predictions, books, and online courses, check out our horoscopes coverage or visit astrostyle.com.
