This Week in Astrology

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs on Saturday, May 25th, 2013, at 12:25 AM EDT.

Early Saturday, a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs with a Sagittarius Moon opposing the Sun in Gemini. Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Gemini-Sagittarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives concerning the balance between Gemini-ruled and Sagittarius ruled areas of life. The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is a mental axis, where Gemini represents the "lower mind" and Sagittarius represents the "higher mind". The Gemini Sun encourages us to think logically, while the Sagittarius Moon persuades us to intuit, and to think in a broader manner. Sagittarius symbolizes the quest for meaning and ideas that expand upon the "here and now". Gemini is quite comfortable in his or her immediate environment or neighborhood, while Sagittarius stimulates us to venture beyond it. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Lunar Eclipse invites us to do. This eclipse is about communication, attitude, and our sense of adventure. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the coming weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can't sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action, although there can be some level of chaos initially.

This is the final eclipse in a series along the Gemini/Sagittarius axis that began in December 2010, and can be considered the final cosmic push to address issues stimulated by the series. This Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are in difficult aspect to the Saturn-Neptune trine, which may suggest that revelations now can throw us off track from our goals. We must watch for illusions and self-deceptions. Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter are conjunct in Gemini at the time of the eclipse, and there can be a lot of talk and positivity, but again, we should be aware that people may be stretching the truth or could be misinformed. This is a time for opening ourselves up to possibilities, but finalizing plans should probably be saved for a later date. Read more about the Lunar Eclipse here.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 8 minutes of Sagittarius, opposite the Sun at 4 degrees and 8 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 29 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and approximately 0 to 9 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

(Times are Eastern Time)

The Sun is in Taurus until May 20th, when it enters Gemini; Mercury is in Gemini; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Taurus.

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.

The Sun is in Gemini from May 20-June 21. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable.

Mercury is in Gemini from May 15-31. 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 May 9-June 2. 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 Taurus from April 20-May 31. We are determined, stubborn, and resolute during this cycle. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

Saturn entered Scorpio on October 5, 2012 and will transit the sign until 2015. Read about Saturn's transit through Scorpio here.

Jupiter is in Gemini from June 11th, 2012 to June 25, 2013. Read about Jupiter's transit through Gemini 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 May 9-June 2. 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: On Monday, Venus squares Chiron, and we can shy away from commitment. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship. On Tuesday, however, Venus is parallel Jupiter, and we are especially open to romantic feelings. Our desire for love and pleasure is stronger now than usual. On Thursday and Friday, we can be especially interested in talking about our relationships or affections. This is a time for playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

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

Venus in Gemini May 9-June 2. 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 sextile Uranus May 18. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.
Venus quincunx Pluto May 18. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.
Venus square Chiron May 20. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.
Venus parallel Jupiter May 20-21. We are generous and open under this influence that expands the appetites.
Venus conjunct Mercury May 23-24. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.
Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn May 26. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, May 20th, from 12:49 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until 1:08 PM EDT, when the Moon enters Libra.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 3:36 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:56 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 24th, from 9:56 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 5:50 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon Table for May 2013:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on May 25th - a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to the principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Sunday, May 19th, at approximately 10 PM EDT, until Monday, May 20th, at approximately 12:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs from Tuesday, May 21st, at approximately 10 AM EDT, until Wednesday, May 22nd, at approximately 3:35 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Libra.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

See also: The Astrology of 2013 - Overview.

Note: Times given Eastern Time (ET).

This Week's Calendar

Jupiter sesquiquadrate Saturn. We're forced to do things by the book, but may not want to. This is not the time to take shortcuts--they won't work. When we think in big terms, or if we have the urge to expand, we confront obstacles or we are forced to face reality. Some re-structuring of our lives and of our business goals is now in order. We may be looking for new challenges, sometimes because we are forced to do so (because things are not going exactly as we had planned). We have a desire to grow and expand, but our attitude is tempered with some caution and feelings of restriction. There is no "easy fix" just now. It is best to breathe new life into old plans rather than to strike out with a new plan altogether. Take steps to grow, but don't overextend yourself at this time or you are bound to face frustrations.

Venus square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy, learning from one another, and commitment can be experienced now. Insecurities on a social level can be magnified.

  Uranus square Pluto. This aspect can stimulate dissatisfaction with the way we've been living our lives, and with what we consider to be restrictions. whether these are internal or external ones. We may no longer be satisfied with superficial elements of our lives, humdrum routines, or situations that keep us feeling tied down or locked in. Buried feelings and motives can surface now, possibly erratically. Major changes can occur, and these help us to break out of monotony and to break bad habits. This is not the best time to make major commitments.

Mercury quincunx Pluto. Something we write or say could trigger power struggles or hostility from others. We may be plagued with self-doubt in our attempts to make decisions. Decisions made now are unlikely to be objective. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in order. Second-guessing.

Mercury sextile Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from "out of the blue". Original, creative ideas are easy to come by. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding.

Mercury square Chiron. Communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we're not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more "pleasant" things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Mars sesquiquadrature Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals.

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 19
The Moon is in Virgo all day. We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In order to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. An outer planet transit comes exact: Jupiter sesquiquadrate Saturn. This is not the time to take shortcuts, as they're unlikely to work. When we think in big terms, or if we have the urge to expand, we confront obstacles or we are forced to face reality. Some re-structuring of our lives and of our business goals is now in order. We may be looking for new challenges, sometimes because we are forced to do so (because things are not going exactly as we had planned). It is best to breathe new life into old plans rather than to strike out with a new plan altogether. We should take steps to grow, but it's best not to overextend ourselves at this time or we are bound to face frustrations.

May 20
Two longer term influences come exact today: Jupiter sesquiquadrate Saturn and Uranus square Pluto. When we think in big terms, or if we have the urge to expand, we confront obstacles or we are forced to face reality. Some re-structuring of our lives and of our business goals is now in order. We can experience dissatisfaction with the way we've been living our lives, and with what we consider to be restrictions, whether these are internal or external ones. We may no longer be satisfied with superficial elements of our lives, humdrum routines, or situations that keep us feeling tied down or locked in. Buried feelings and motives can surface now, possibly erratically. Major changes can occur, and these help us to break out of monotony and to break bad habits. A square between Venus and Chiron this morning can magnify insecurities when it comes to social and love matters. The Sun enters Gemini today, where it will transit until June 21st. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable. The Moon is in Virgo until 1:08 PM EDT, when it enters Libra.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:49 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until 1:08 PM EDT, when the Moon enters Libra.

May 21
The Moon is in Libra all day, and creating order is the focus through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems diplomatically and tactfully under this influence. Balancing our personal desires with those of another is likely to figure strongly now. "Paralysis by analysis" could be an issue, as the tendency to weigh all perspectives and to consider all possibilities can leave us sitting on the fence, afraid to make a definite decision. Moderating, negotiating, and compromise are themes today. However, with the Moon triggering the Uranus-Pluto square this morning, there can be some tensions if we feel that others are fencing us in or dictating our moves. Later today, the Moon trines Venus, increasing our desire to establish a balance and to cooperate with others.

May 22
Mercury squares Chiron early into the day, and communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. The Moon continues to transit Libra until 4:56 PM EDT, and we are focused on bringing order and balance to our personal environments and to our relationships. The Moon enters Scorpio at 4:56 PM EDT, and we are less inclined to avoid important issues. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting under the influence of a Scorpio Moon.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:36 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:56 PM EDT.

May 23
 

May 24
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:56 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 5:50 PM EDT.

May 25
 

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 Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead. 　

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

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

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