Another reason to downshift? Mercury, planet of communication, is retrograde (backward) May 8th-31st. Press pause on new initiatives and do a little emotional housecleaning. Get all your personal business in order: your finances, relationships and especially any joint ventures.

Later in the month, reward yourself with a vacation. On May 20th, the Sun moves into Gemini, your ninth house of travel and higher learning. Although Mercury retrograde can throw a wrench in travel plans, with patience and preparation, you can enjoy a sweet escape for Memorial Day. If you can’t get away, take a class or a short seminar to bring fresh perspective to your life. Ask friends to recommend inspirational books or CDs.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
Love has been a major theme for Libras this year—but in an interesting way. You've evolved in what you need from a mate and a relationship. For some Libras, this might bring a few tears, as you realize that you've outgrown your so-called "perfect" match. If that happens, let it simply slide off your back. You’re made of Teflon this year, Libra, so don’t let a little heartbreak stop you. A great pop culture example is Libra Melissa Rycroft. Right after being jilted by The Bachelor’s Jason Meznick on national TV, she was recruited onto Dancing with the Stars, where she flaunted her winning moves—and a new man.

Not that there will be much to cry about. May is poised to be one of your best love months yet. Romantic Venus (your ruler) and sexy Mars are both in Aries, your seventh house of committed relationships. Love turns serious—you could even receive a marriage proposal. If you’re in a stable relationship, you’ll feel the old butterflies and fireworks return.

MONEY & CAREER:
The Sun is in Taurus, your eighth house of wealth, property and shared assets, until May 20th. Take time to concentrate on your long-term financial picture, rather than just the daily grind. If you’re living check to check, strategize (perhaps with an expert) ways that you can build a nest egg. With Mercury retrograde in your eighth house from May 15th-31st, you might want to review bank and credit card statements. Mercury retrograde can cause data errors, and you could have been overcharged. The eighth house rules private information, so it’s also a good time to check your credit score and protect against identity theft.

Excellent job news could arrive around the May 9th Scorpio full moon, which falls in your sector of money and work. A job-related goal you’ve been working toward since November could come together around this date. This full moon is a great day for making connections, so dress your best and make a first-class impression.

HEALTH & FITNESS:
For the first three weeks of May, take a more spiritual approach to fitness (yoga, Pilates), or try swimming. The Taurus Sun is energizing your Water-ruled eighth house of internal health. This would be a good time to try a cleanse or a detox—or to dabble in healthy cooking. Just be careful when handling sharp knives; with Mercury retrograde here, you’re susceptible to accidental cuts. Reduce your salt intake, too, as you’re prone to retaining water. You might even read up about ayurveda, as there are certain “astringent foods” favored for Spring that help relieve Winter bloating and heaviness.

Your mental health improves in May, too. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve been living with a lot of emotional stress this year. Old psychological baggage has dogged Libra; yet, it’s been hard to get a real grasp on it. Saturn has been retrograde in your twelfth house of healing and the subconscious, poking old wounds from your early childhood. Scoff if you want, but you’ve surely overreacted to a situation or two. On May 16th, Saturn resumes direct (forward) motion. It will be easier to clear away these blocks.

After the 20th, the Gemini Sun invites you to combine exercise with outdoor activity. A little beach volleyball for Memorial Day, perhaps? With Mars in your seventh house of partnership all month, teaming up with a trainer, workout buddy or coach could double your results.