This Week in Astrology

Last Quarter Moon on Sunday, May 12th, 2012, at 5:47 PM EDT.

On Sunday, the Last Quarter Moon was exact, when the Sun in Taurus squared the Moon in Aquarius. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week's Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us--and what doesn't--in preparation for next week's New Moon, when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It's time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon on April 21st. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurred at 22 degrees and 33 minutes of Taurus and Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 21 to 25 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting things! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar, and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

Mercury is in Taurus May 9-24. When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, solid, and grounded. Common sense reigns over more fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds are oriented to the world of the five senses. We prefer the tried and true rather than new ways of thinking. Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we may be in danger of narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. With Venus in Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. "Variety is the spice of life" is the attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

Mars in Virgo November 10, 2011-July 3rd, 2012. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

Jupiter is in Taurus until June 11th. Read about Jupiter's transit through Taurus here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: Venus semi-squares Mercury on Sunday, which can stimulate some hypersensitivity to what is being said or how it's being said. Communications between lovers may be superficial, unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Gemini April 3-August 7. Saying (or writing) it with style comes natural now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.
Venus semi-square Mercury May 13. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.
Venus parallel Mercury May 31-June 1. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.
Venus conjunct Mercury June 1. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, May 12th, from 8:54 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Sunday, May 13th, at 7:43 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, May 15th, from 8:01 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aries at 5:47 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, May 17th, from 5:46 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Friday, May 18th, at 6:04 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon Table for May 2012:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waning this week -- a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week on Tuesday, May 15th, from approximately 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Another window occurs from Friday, May 18th, when the Moon enters Taurus at 6:04 AM EDT, until Sunday, May 20th, at approximately 8:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

See also: The Astrology of 2012 - Overview.

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Sun conjunct Jupiter. Vitality increases as we build our confidence. We feel more generous, optimistic, and sociable under this influence. We might hunger for increased recognition and respect, and, with our generous attitude and concern for others' well-being, we might just get what we want. This is a good time to take steps to grow something--our business, our significant relationships, and so forth. This transit also favors legal, educational, religious, and cultural endeavors.

Mercury trine Mars. Enthusiasm and energetic communications are likely now. We are productive and take "busy-ness" in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects. Our communications are refreshingly direct and to the point, although not especially sympathetic. Our minds are sharp and quick.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mercury trine Pluto. Our mental faculties are attuned to otherworldly impressions, offering us increased insight, psychological understanding and awareness, and focused attention.

Mercury sextile Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it's not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

Sun quincunx Saturn. Doubts, the feeling of not being good enough, and lack of self-confidence might plague us under this influence. Lack of faith in ourselves and in life hinders our movements and initiatives.

Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

  Mars semi-square Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Mars trine Pluto. This is a powerful aspect that helps us to focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others' toes. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than simply relying on the tried and true. We are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to attempt to overcome obstacles. This is a strong energy for reworking or overhauling a project.

Jupiter quincunx Saturn. Whether to feel optimistic about the future or to be pessimistic, it's hard to say right now. When we feel confident, something undermines the feeling. If we think too cautiously or negatively, we don't feel right either. This is an ambivalent energy.

Mars opposition Chiron. We are unlikely to be clear about how to go about getting what we want directly under this influence. We might feel rebellious when faced with others' plans, but also unclear about our own direction. We may be defensive and touchy, and resentments or frustrations can surface now. Watch for self-righteous, superior, or rebellious attitudes when a gentler approach would work best.

Jupiter sesquiquadrate Pluto. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided.

Last Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

May 13
The Moon leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces at 7:43 AM EDT. The Sun aligns with Jupiter this morning, stimulating a feeling of abundance. We are likely to feel generous and optimistic under this influence. This is a good time to take steps to grow something--our business, our significant relationships, and so forth. This transit also favors legal, educational, religious, and cultural endeavors. Mercury trines Mars and semi-squares Venus today, and we can communicate quite enthusiastically and readily. We should watch for a tendency to be a little abrupt or possibly insensitive in our communications, however. With Mercury approaching a trine to Pluto, exact tomorrow, a grand trine is forming between Mercury, Mars, and Pluto in Earth signs, pointing to some potentially piercing insights into our lives, and particularly practical matters.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Pisces at 7:43 AM EDT.

May 14
This morning, Mercury trines Pluto and sextiles Chiron, suggesting that we can more easily find solutions to difficult problems, and can communicate with both sensitivity and acuity. However, the Sun forms challenging aspects with two bodies that are especially heavy influences, Saturn and Pluto, and our own doubts and insecurities may undermine our confidence. Tensions can result. The Moon is in sensitive Pisces all day.

May 15
Venus stations and turns retrograde today. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as finances and romance, become heavy issues; and major decision-making in these areas is best avoided for the time being. The Venus retrograde cycle lasts from today until June 27th, and represents a cycle in which we review, re-evaluate, and re-assess our love life, personal finances, and the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life. With the shift today, we may be feeling confused. Complicating matters is a semi-square between Mars and Saturn. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks. The Moon is in Pisces until 5:47 PM EDT, when it enters Aries.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:01 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aries at 5:47 PM EDT.

May 16
The Moon is in Aries all day, and Aries' fiery ruler, Mars, forms a pleasing trine to Pluto midday. This is a powerful aspect that helps us to focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others' toes. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than simply relying on the tried and true. We are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to attempt to overcome obstacles. This is a strong energy for reworking or overhauling a project. However, with Jupiter quincunx Saturn exact this evening, decision making can be compromised as we can have difficulty seeing our alternatives in a realistic light. As well, Mars opposes Chiron early into the day tomorrow, and we can be unclear on which way we want to go.

May 17
Mars opposes Chiron early today, and we may be unclear on how to go about getting what we want. We might feel rebellious when faced with others' plans, but also unclear about our own direction. We may be defensive and touchy, and resentments or frustrations can surface now. Watch for self-righteous, superior, or rebellious attitudes when a gentler approach would work best. Jupiter in hard aspect with Pluto this evening suggests a tendency to take on too much in an attempt to make more of our lives or to compensate for a feeling of powerlessness. The Moon is in Aries all day.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:46 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus tomorrow, May 18th, at 6:04 AM EDT.

May 18
 

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Taurus at 6:04 AM EDT.

May 19
 

Daily Trends Calendar

If it's your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
 

Moon Signs This Week:
 

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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