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.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
Apr 21, 2012 3:18 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Apr 29, 2012 5:57 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 5, 2012 11:35 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 12, 2012 5:47 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
May 20, 2012 7:47 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern Time)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 is the period of time after the Moon has made
its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign.
During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to
stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last
aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here,
and is indicative of the "outcome" of the matter (whether that
is a new project begun before the void period, or the answer to
a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary
Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for
the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since
the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this
sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming;
any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The
Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in
Horary Astrology.
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:
Apr 3rd: Venus enters Gemini 11:18 AM
Apr 4th: Mercury Direct 6:11 AM
Apr 10th: Pluto Retrograde 12:24 PM
Apr 13th: Mars Direct 11:53 PM
Apr 16th: Mercury enters Aries 6:42 PM
Apr 19th: Sun enters Taurus 12:12 PM
May 9th: Mercury enters Taurus 1:14 AM
May 15th: Venus Retrograde 10:32 AM
May 20th: Sun enters Gemini 11:16 AM
May 24th: Mercury enters Gemini 7:12 AM
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
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.
This Week's Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends):
Sun in Taurus The cycle now dawning in your
life emphasizes stability, substance, practicality, and the concept of value -
value in the material as well as psycho-spiritual sense. This marks a time of
building to last, of appreciating the substantial rather than ephemeral.
Consolidating past gains rather than focusing on radical new departures is
likely to be a major theme for you during this cycle. Appreciating the finer
things of life is another hallmark of this phase, which marks a time when you
should be concentrating on "smelling the roses" rather than passing them by in
such a hurry.
Mercury in Taurus "If it ain't broke,
don't fix it" - that's the key to the way you think at a time like this.
Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now -
putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on
your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.
Venus in Gemini 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.
Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in
your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right
thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for
everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if
taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your
greatest incentives now.
Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle
now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your
thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good
things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care
of itself: that's your orientation now.
Saturn in Libra Relationships and fairness take on a
special importance in your life under the cycle you have just
begun. An insistence on principles that don't allow room for
personal differences can be a self-defeating tendency. True
partnership means commitment and being responsible to the other
person - a lesson that takes on greater importance as this cycle
progresses.
Uranus in Aries A clean break with
the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What
YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the
things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and
originality set you apart.
Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual
and psychic take the driver's seat of your imagination as you begin a new
cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life
importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than
merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is maya
(illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?
Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you,
the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of
seeming necessary and inevitable - and let nothing stand in its
way. It starts out small, but has bigger consequences than you'd
think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and
everyone in their place...
The interpretations in this box are from the
Day
Watch software.
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