The week of 12 – 18 May 2025 brings a mix of introspection, introspective growth, and dynamic energy for transformation. We’ll experience shifts in communication, creativity, and emotional release. With Mercury in Taurus moving into its retrograde shadow by 18 May, and some supportive aspects from Venus and Pluto, the week offers opportunities for deep reflection, solid decisions, and transformative action. Let’s look at the most important astrological events and how to work with them.

Mercury enters its retrograde shadow – 12 May

On 12 May, Mercury enters its retrograde shadow, marking the beginning of the pre-retrograde period. As Mercury moves through the degrees where it will later retrograde (starting on 18 May), we begin to feel the influence of potential miscommunications, technical glitches, and delays. It’s not quite retrograde yet, but the themes of reflection, re-evaluation, and slowing down are starting to take shape.

Tip: Be mindful of your communications and try to clarify important details, especially in emails, contracts, and negotiations. While the retrograde shadow is not as intense as the full retrograde itself, it’s still a good idea to double-check plans, avoid making major commitments, and keep an eye on the fine print. If you need to make decisions, ensure that you have all the information you need, as the retrograde period might bring some unexpected twists.

Venus in Cancer square Jupiter in Libra – 13 May

On 13 May, Venus in Cancer squares Jupiter in Libra, activating the realms of love, beauty, and relationships. Venus in Cancer seeks emotional connection, comfort, and security, while Jupiter in Libra encourages harmony, growth, and expansion in our relationships and social connections. This square can create tension between wanting stability and seeking freedom or growth in relationships, leading to overindulgence or overextending ourselves.

Tip: While Venus square Jupiter can bring a sense of abundance, it’s important to watch for excess or overpromising. In relationships, try to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself or others. There may be a tendency to over-idealise situations or people, so keep your expectations realistic. This is also a good time to explore ways to bring more balance and harmony into your social and personal connections. Take time to reflect on your needs and desires, but avoid impulsive actions.

Sun in Taurus sextile Neptune in Pisces – 14 May

On 14 May, the Sun in Taurus forms a supportive sextile with Neptune in Pisces, enhancing our ability to connect with our intuition, imagination, and creativity. The Sun in Taurus is practical, stable, and grounded, while Neptune in Pisces invites us to explore our dreams, spirituality, and artistic potential. This aspect can bring a harmonious blend of realism and imagination, helping us to manifest our dreams into practical form.

Tip: This is a great time to bring your creative ideas or spiritual pursuits into reality. Whether you’re working on an artistic project, considering a spiritual practice, or seeking inspiration, the energy of this sextile will support you in making your visions tangible. Trust your intuition, and take time to nurture your creative self. If you’ve been feeling a little “stuck,” this aspect will offer a refreshing burst of inspiration and clarity.

Mercury retrograde enters full retrograde – 18 May

The 18 May marks the start of the official Mercury retrograde period, which will last until 1 June. During this time, Mercury’s retrograde motion can lead to delays, miscommunications, travel disruptions, and technological glitches. It’s a time when the cosmic energies encourage you to pause, reflect, and revisit past projects or relationships. While Mercury retrograde is often feared for its disruptive nature, it’s also a powerful time for reflection, revision, and inner growth.

Tip: While Mercury retrograde is in full swing, embrace the energy of slowing down. Avoid signing new contracts or launching major projects if possible. Instead, focus on reviewing and refining past work, reconnecting with old friends or family members, and tying up loose ends. If you’ve been procrastinating, this period may bring an opportunity to revisit and finish what you’ve left unfinished. Mercury retrograde can also be an excellent time for introspection and reconnecting with old goals or dreams that may have fallen by the wayside.

A week of reflection and slowing down

The week of 12-18 May is one of reflection, growth, and transformation. As Mercury enters its retrograde shadow on 12 May, it signals a time to begin slowing down and reassessing. Venus square Jupiter on 13 May encourages us to reflect on our relationships and make sure we’re not overextending ourselves, while the Sun sextile Neptune on 14 May offers the chance to bring our dreams into reality. By 18 May, when Mercury retrograde officially begins, we’ll be deep in a period of reflection, introspection, and revisiting past decisions.

This is a week where you can benefit from slowing down, focusing on relationships, and revisiting your goals. Avoid making new commitments or starting fresh projects, and instead focus on fine-tuning, reviewing, and finishing up past work. Trust that by the end of this retrograde period, you’ll have a clearer understanding of where you’ve been and where you’re headed.