Leo Monthly Horoscope May 2009 | Astrology Zodiac Sign: Leo

(Jul 22 - Aug 22)

Right around the 2nd, you get advance notice that a problem might be brewing, probably due to another's arrogance, out-of-control ambition or need for attention. Just sit tight. Chances are, this problem will burn itself out without any assistance or effort from you.

The 5th brings better news, probably about a recent financial report, purchase or investment. You see the numbers starting to rise against all odds and are heartened. On May 7th, Mercury, bless its pointed little head, goes retro until the 30th. But keep your pants on: Mercury doesn't get out of its 'storm' period until June 9th. So as far as you're concerned, it continues until June 9th. That means to judicially protect your reputation, position, authority and good name during this entire retro/storm phase. Read the fine print – use a magnifying glass if necessary. Don't sign any written in blood long-term documents during this period, and take special care of your credit history. There might be some errors in your credit report – really stupid ones – that you'll catch and correct.

A Full Moon on the 9th brings the weight of the world temporarily face to face with you. You feel so responsible for another's circumstances and do everything possible to make things right. You're one big-hearted true-blue friend and beloved by many, and have earned every bit of affection you receive.

On the 13th, good ole Mercury slips and slides back into Taurus, indicating that for the next month, you need to carefully oversee new ideas, expenses, business relationships and activities. Don't leave important decisions in another's hands. You must oversee every detail, as exhausting and draining as it is. You notice tiny details that others gloss over or make excuses for. You ask questions, even though it requires more time, energy and work for you. It's necessary that you remain in command of an ongoing project until it is completed.

The 16th pushes Saturn into direct mode. This is good. It indicates that you've had your shakedown cruise in a financial matter and now have a better idea about what works and what doesn't. You also have more people joining with you to make concessions and important compromises for the good of everyone involved.

The 17th and 18th offer new information, some of which doesn't make sense to you. You're wise to not take this info at face value. Look into it when you have the time, but don't respond to it until you fully understand whether or not it's reliable. The 20th offers some hopeful news suggesting that you may be able to reach a deadline or timeline just by a whisker, but also creates some doubt about other endeavors. Because some of what you're told on the 20th is exaggerated or flat-out wrong, don't immediately respond. Keep it quiet until you've had a moment to check things out.

Between the 21st and 27th, you finally feel liberated from the usual daily grind. You stop hopping around like a circus poodle and start taking back the control. You create a better atmosphere for yourself and loved ones by filtering out pointless and mean-spirited people and gossip. Don't even bother asking why certain people are so committed to doing you harm. You'll never get an honest answer. Detach and put a wall of love, strength and protection between you and whoever seems dedicated to pulling the rug out from under you. (Sending protection is very interesting because like all energy, it flows both ways.)

On the 29th, Neptune goes retro in your solar partnership sector until November 4th. This suggests that there will still be some unanswered questions or unresolved issues in a business or personal connection until November 4th. At that point, the air should clear and everyone should be in his or her proper position.

On May 31st, Mars moves into Taurus, urging you to have a solid Plan B ready, in the event you need to take aggressive action. Don't take this possibility off the table. Just examine every detail. There is no need to make this known to others until you've made up your mind after June 9th.

Monthly touchstone: Red Tigers Eye