This Week in Astrology: April 16th to 22nd, 2023
April 16-22, 2023
On this Page:
This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends
The NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE occurs on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, at 12:12 AM EDT.
Early Thursday, a New Moon Solar Eclipse (hybrid total eclipse) occurs, when the Sun and Moon meet in the last degree of Aries.
This is a New Moon annular total Solar Eclipse that occurs in the final degree of Aries: at 29° Aries 50′.
This eclipse is the first in an Aries-Libra set. At the same time, it occurs in the last degree of Aries, pointing to strong impulses and pivotal feelings.
Its effects can be felt for up to six months after the actual date of the eclipse. In the sign of Aries, this eclipse puts matters related to personal plans, courage, independence, and self-assertion in strong focus. It’s about new beginnings regarding any of these issues. Long-term changes are in the works!
This eclipse can highlight and challenge our issues surrounding independence and personal courage. We might take steps towards self-mastery and self-empowerment by tackling things that undermine us.
Circumstances nudge or encourage us to see where we haven’t been true to our authentic selves. Ultimately, we are now in a position to understand that changes or endings are necessary for our own growth, and that we can handle these things.
This is a good time for focusing on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Ram–enterprising, straightforward, sincere, brave–and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Aries New Moons are generally good for taking action – trying something new and innovative, and going at it with gusto and confidence;. It’s a time to be assertive, take charge of our lives, start a brand new project, and discover our own personal courage.
It’s a powerful time to re-evaluate our relationship with ourselves. With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and thus a New Moon in Aries is especially ripe with opportunity for new beginnings. We might consider acting on a constructive impulse and following a hunch or taking a risk. Aries learns through experience and action, so we might treat ourselves to a little adventure now.
It’s also a good cycle under which to discover the benefits of expressing ourselves with authenticity – expressing ourselves as we are, without putting on airs. We might also find ways to learn how to rely on ourselves and to be happy about doing so – it will go a long way towards finding inner happiness when we know that we can be self-sufficient without blaming others for not helping us out. It’s a time to revitalize ourselves through experiences that break the routine and that involve doing something new and fresh.
The New Moon forms a square to Pluto, suggesting some obstacles to clear as we wrestle with our fears and ambitions. However, it aligns with Jupiter, encouraging resourcefulness, courage, and a good sense of opportunity. As well, Mars, the ruler of Aries, harmonizes with Uranus, pointing to a good sense of growing, innovating and improving through our experiences and new projects or initiatives.
With this eclipse, we might experience a strong urge to act on impulse. However, it will be important to avoid jumping to conclusions and asserting ourselves without considering others’ feelings and reactions. There is a big difference between asserting ourselves from a place of healthy confidence, and asserting ourselves brashly and blindly, which can give us a false sense of confidence or bravery.
With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.
Flaws in an important system in our lives reveal themselves around the time of the eclipse, prompting us to redo or to start fresh. Something ends in order for something else to start anew. We may be called to give up something in order to move forward into a new chapter in our lives. Although the “new” may be unrecognizable, it is important to allow the necessary surrender to the unknown… Read more about this Solar Eclipse in Aries.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 29 degrees and 50 minutes of Aries, affecting people with personal planets and points at 25 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and 0 to 5 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
The first chart wheel is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart pattern of this Solar Eclipse/New Moon. The second chart wheel adds more details with additional points, such as asteroids, Chiron, and Eris. Click to enlarge.
Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture
Apr 20, 2023, 12:12 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon/Solar Eclipse)
Apr 27, 2023, 5:20 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 5, 2023, 1:34 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse)
May 12, 2023, 10:28 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
May 19, 2023, 11:53 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
This week: The Sun is in Aries until April 20th, when the Sun moves into Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Cancer.
The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 20. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive and have the urge to initiate, innovate, and come first.
Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little in the way of shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead.
The Sun is in Taurus from April 20-May 21. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting! 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 in Taurus is the connoisseur and sensualist. It’s patient, stubborn, earthy, stable, and rooted. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building, as well as enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.
Mercury is in Taurus from April 3-June 11. [This transit is longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde in Taurus from April 21 to May 14.] 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. It’s a time of practical intelligence and comfortably-paced decisions and thought processes. We’re capable of (and content with) rote, routine, deliberate, or monotonous work and methods.
Venus is in Gemini from April 11-May 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 motto now. We are friendly, communicative, charming, and interested.
While it’s a time when we can be animated and fun, we may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions often begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level while Venus is in Gemini. We’re most attracted to mentally interesting people. Sometimes, our curiosity leads us into relationships that we might not form otherwise. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness or disinterest in profundity.
Venus in Gemini is flirtatious, captivating, and adaptable. We ask questions and want to keep things light and lively. During this transit, we do best when we’re mentally engaged and our desire for variety is addressed. Social stimulation is appealing. Good fortune with transportation and communication can figure strongly.
Mars is in Cancer from March 25-May 20. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want while Mars transits Cancer. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our current mood of the moment.
We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace or comfort and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. In fact, we’re fiercely protective. It’s a powerful period for putting ego matters aside so that we can push our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.
Jupiter is in Aries.
Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022 before it retreated into Pisces. This was part one of two, with the second and final part in progress, occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.
Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.
Uranus is in Taurus.
Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.
There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Gemini from April 11-May 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: On Monday and Tuesday, we seek more meaning or excitement from our relationships, pastimes, and pleasures. Our humor is strong, we may be inspired by our interactions, and we’re open to change. However, we may be restless or not fully appreciative of what we have, feeling that the grass may be greener elsewhere.
On Saturday, the 22nd, it’s just two days after a Solar Eclipse and a day after Mercury has turned retrograde, making it important to avoid major decision-making. However, our feelings and affections are animated. Transits heighten our senses and experiences in our relationships. Passions are strong. We’re motivated to make something special, connect, create, and mingle, and we respond well to friendly competition.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
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.
Venus contraparallel Pluto April 13. Romantic intensity, a feeling of fatedness, possessiveness, fear of betrayal, and insecurity in relationships. Questions of trust can emerge in relationships. Looking for a commitment.
Venus square Saturn April 13-14. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.
Venus semi-square Jupiter April 17-18. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.
Venus parallel Mars April 22. Romantic intensity, a feeling of fatedness, possessiveness, fear of betrayal, and insecurity in relationships. Questions of trust can emerge in relationships. Looking for a commitment.
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto April 24. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.
Venus semi-square Mercury May 2-3. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.
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 the 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 to determine 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 following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 17th, from 2:58 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:10 PM EDT.
VOC Moon on Thursday, April 20th, from 12:13 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:31 AM EDT.
VOC Moon on Friday, April 21st, from 11:42 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Saturday April 22nd, at 6:12 AM EDT.
April 2023:
Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).
The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 20th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). After the New Moon on the 20th, the Moon is waxing, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with some exceptions.
According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Sunday, April 16th, at approximately 6:00 AM EDT, until Monday, April 17th, at approximately 2:55 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Caveat: this window occurs in the few days before a Solar Eclipse on the 20th and Mercury’s station retrograde on the 21st, suggesting impaired judgment.
See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
Mar 7,
2023, 8:35 AM, Saturn enters Pisces
Mar 11, 2023, 11:16 AM, Juno enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 16, 2023, 6:34 PM, Venus enters Taurus
Mar 19, 2023, 12:24 AM, Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2023, 5:24 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2023, 11:50 PM, Ceres Retrograde enters Virgo
Mar 23, 2023, 8:23 AM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Mar 25, 2023, 7:45 AM, Mars enters Cancer
Apr 3, 2023, 12:22 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 11, 2023, 12:47 AM, Venus enters Gemini
Apr 15, 2023, 12:58 PM, Vesta enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2023, 4:13 AM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 21, 2023, 4:35 AM, Mercury Retrograde
May 1, 2023, 1:08 PM, Pluto Retrograde
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.
Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
Venus semi-square Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.
Sun square Pluto. Insubordination and abuse of power. Impatience with rules. Compulsiveness. The urge to get to the bottom of matters is with us, but we are too insistent. Avoid beating a dead horse and attempting to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. Circumstances now can push us to discover our own power–power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. Events may occur now that highlight the need to trust.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.
See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.
Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.
What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends
(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)
See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.
APRIL 16
The Moon spends the day in Pisces, awakening our need for spiritual refreshment or escape. Ideally, this is a time for decompressing, winding down, and tapping into our intuition. With the Moon’s trine to Mars this afternoon, however, we’re braver than usual. This influence heightens our feelings, awakens our impulses, and stirs our passions. We are independent, more in tune with our instincts, and less demanding of people around us. Jupiter’s parallel with Chiron today prompts our need for greater understanding, wisdom, and awareness. We might seek to eliminate negative attitudes that have held us back.
APRIL 17
The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 9:10 PM EDT, aligning with Neptune and bringing on a need to unwind, go with the flow, or accept and forgive. The Pisces Moon is compassionate, sensitive, giving, and wise at its best and noncommittal or avoidant when challenged. The Moon moves into Aries at 9:10 PM, and we want to start fresh. We recognize our need for self-direction and initiative, and the Moon’s sextile to Pluto tonight adds determination to our quest.
The Moon is void from 2:58 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:10 PM EDT.
APRIL 18
The Moon spends the day in bold, innovative Aries. This morning, Venus forms a semi-square with Jupiter, and we can feel some discontent with our relationships or entertainment. The tendency to overdo is present, although not overpowering. Ideally, we tap into a need for change and improvement and tame our impulses to go overboard. This evening, the Moon’s square to Mars fires up our feelings and stirs us into action, although it can also prompt missteps. Rising ambitions, related primarily to family or home matters, can interfere with the autonomy we’re trying to achieve or our personal plans.
APRIL 19
The Moon spends the day in fiery, enterprising Aries. On this day before a New Moon Solar Eclipse in the sign, it’s best to wind down and avoid new beginnings. Instead, it’s a good time to reflect on what we want to improve. We feel good about our attachments, and we aim to keep up-to-date and in the know. The Moon’s alignment with Jupiter this afternoon encourages us to embrace our needs for self-direction, self-expression, and initiative. Our moods lift.
APRIL 20
The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs very early today at 12:13 AM EDT. In the last degree of the sign of Aries, the focus is on personal plans, courage, independence, and self-assertion. It’s about new beginnings regarding any of these issues, and long-term changes are in the works! This eclipse is the first in an Aries-Libra set that will be with us until March 2025. At the same time, it occurs in the last degree of Aries, pointing to strong impulses and pivotal feelings. This eclipse can highlight and challenge our issues surrounding independence and personal courage. We might take steps towards self-mastery and self-empowerment by tackling things that undermine us. Circumstances nudge us to see where we haven’t been true to our authentic selves. Ultimately, we are better positioned to understand that changes or endings are necessary for our growth.
The New Moon forms a square to Pluto, suggesting some obstacles to clear as we wrestle with our fears and ambitions. However, it aligns with Jupiter, encouraging resourcefulness, courage, and a good sense of opportunity. Additionally, Mars, the ruler of Aries, harmonizes with Uranus, pointing to a good sense of growing, innovating, and improving through our experiences and new projects or initiatives.
The Sun moves into Taurus at 4:14 AM, where it will transit until May 21st. During this cycle, we’re more practically, materially, and sensually oriented. The Taurus Sun takes its time–it’s deliberate yet languishing–and brings us patient and receptive energy. Our security needs are strong, and we can be possessive or stubborn. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar, valuing longevity. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building and enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.
The Sun forms a square to Pluto early afternoon, and putting our trust in others (or in life/the process) can be difficult. This aspect, possibly through discord, helps us identify areas of over-attachment. We might clash with those in authority, or we’re frustrated as our sense of responsibility or fear of loss in our professional or public lives conflicts with our personal plans. We may act compulsively and find it difficult to let go and unwind. Positively, circumstances now can push us to discover our own power — power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. It’s best to aim for self-control now. It’s important to avoid trying to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. We should also watch for a bit of paranoia or suspicion that works against us. This aspect can bring fears and buried matter to the surface.
Note that Mercury will station and turn retrograde tomorrow, and we can be in a processing and perhaps confused state today and tomorrow.
The Moon is void from 12:13 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:31 AM EDT.
APRIL 21
Mercury stations and turns retrograde today and will continue its retrograde journey until May 14th. It spends its entire retrograde cycle in the sign of Taurus. Some delays or information clogs are possible. We could have less patience for small talk, or we express ourselves after much deliberation. We may feel stuck in the past with Mercury is retrograde in Taurus. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways if we can move beyond this. Plans may be considered and then reconsidered. We are in a good position to reevaluate financial, security-, and comfort-related plans and goals. It’s possible we discover mistakes or oversights.
During this cycle, our thinking turns inward as we review and reassess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness–times when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are especially in favor. Consider that minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication and transportation can reconnect us with other, possibly more meaningful, means of connecting. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves (the days surrounding the stations — today and May 14th), after which we grow more and more accustomed to the motion.
The Moon spends the day in Taurus, aligning with stationing Mercury and then Uranus this morning. While we’re not inclined to go out of our way today, preferring to settle in, we’re interactive and curious but should watch for communication snafus. It’s best not to bank on others receiving our message clearly.
The Moon is void from 11:42 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini tomorrow, Saturday, April 22nd, at 6:12 AM EDT.
APRIL 22
The Moon finishes its transit of Taurus at 6:12 AM EDT, when it moves into Gemini. The Gemini Moon is thought-oriented, talkative, and curious. We adapt quickly to our environment, and our interests and tastes are flexible. A Venus-Mars parallel today boosts our desire to merge and create. Relationships or connections are tremendous motivators now, and interactions are buzzing. We can feel compelled to take action to make things harmonious, peaceful, and beautiful. It’s also an excellent influence for physical expression, dancing, and arts. A creative aspect between the Sun and Mars today points to creativity when it comes to going after what we want in life. We can maneuver and plan well, and we’re naturally competitive without being antagonistic.
The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Gemini today at 6:12 AM EDT.
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 Pisces
We may not 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 begin 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.
People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.
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.
While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.
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 Gemini
Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.
The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.
Upcoming Weeks: Calendars
THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):
Sun in Aries A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style, a more dynamic approach to life: these are the hallmarks of the cycle that begins for you now. Doubts fade into the background, and reserve is more and more a thing of the past. It’s time for action; your destiny is in your hands, rather than set apart. Full speed ahead (“and damn the torpedoes”) is your motto now, for better or for worse!
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 Cancer Defensive, aren’t we? With this new cycle getting underway, protecting and preserving you and yours takes on a higher than usual priority. A sensitivity to the needs and wants of others and an appreciation for their frailties (as well as your own) makes you more cautious and conservative … you pick your battles with care.
Jupiter in Aries Faith in yourself and your future is emphasized as you begin this new cycle. A feeling that anything is possible leads to new ventures, a clean break from the past. At its best, this is a very positive and optimistic new cycle in your life, but at times, overconfidence can border on foolhardy bravery. Don’t burn your bridges behind you!
Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.
Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.
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 Aquarius Reform, revolution, a rejection of the past and a focus on the future: these are the signatures of the new phase now beginning in your life. Tradition becomes irrelevant, and the conventional wisdom is revealed as dogma or outright nonsense – and what’s the difference, really? Radical changes in all things social and intellectual.
The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.
Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.
BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT
See also:
The Astrology of 2023 – Overview