This Week in Astrology: May 16 to 22, 2021

This Week in Astrology: May 16 to 22, 2021

 

May 16 to 22, 2021

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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

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021, at 3:12 PM EDT.

On Wednesday afternoon, the First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun, later in the sign of Taurus, forms a square with the Moon in Leo.

There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Any project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 29 degrees and 1 minute of Leo, square the Sun at 29 degrees and 1 minute of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 27 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 0 to 1 degree of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) the most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Taurus until May 20th, when the Sun enters Gemini; Mercury is in Gemini; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Cancer.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19 to 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 to 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 3 to July 11. When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury feels right at home in Gemini, one of the signs that it rules. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point. We are attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations. We are easily distracted.

Venus is in Gemini from May 8 to 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 is in Cancer from April 23 to June 11. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want. 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 mood of the moment.

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Jupiter is in Aquarius from December 19th, 2020, to May 13, 2021, and then from July 28 to December 28, 2021. Read more about the Jupiter in Aquarius transit.

Jupiter is in Pisces from May 13th to July 28th, when it retreats into Aquarius. Jupiter will return to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. There will be another part to this 3-part act in 2022! Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

 Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

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 how 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. 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. 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. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from May 8 to 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. With this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: Sunday, the 16th, to Wednesday, the 19th, is a potential power period for relationships. It’s a serious time nevertheless, but it’s also a great period for recognizing attachments and commitments. Still, we can be wrestling with suspicion or fears. Fortunately, we’re willing to grow.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally 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 square Jupiter May 7-8. 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. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus contraparallel Pluto May 16. 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 conjunct North Node May 16-17. This is a time for reaching out to others and making connections that further our growth. Cooperation brings rewards. There could be a feeling that we’re lucky in love or in our social life now.

Venus sextile Chiron May 17-18. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus sesquiquadrature Pluto May 17-18. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus trine Saturn May 19. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism and maturity in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor, and have much potential to last.

Venus parallel Mars May 23. This influence favors romantic and sexual relationships. We’re connecting with pleasant but intense passions.

Venus square Neptune May 27. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus parallel Mercury May 27. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus conjunct Mercury May 28-29. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, May 17th, from 2:23 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 8:45 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 19th, from 3:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:00 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 21st, from 3:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:36 PM EDT.

May 2021:

 

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

The Moon is waxing this week, which is generally favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Friday, May 21st, from 10:30 AM to 3:50 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo.

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:

Apr 14,
2021, 2:22 PM  Venus enters Taurus
Apr 19, 2021, 6:29 AM Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 19, 2021, 4:33 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2021, 3:08 AM Vesta Direct
Apr 23, 2021, 7:49 AM Mars enters Cancer
Apr 27, 2021, 4:02 PM Pluto Retrograde
May  3, 2021, 10:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini
May  8, 2021, 4:51 AM Ceres enters Taurus
May  8, 2021, 10:01 PM Venus enters Gemini
May 13, 2021, 6:36 PM Jupiter enters Pisces
May 20, 2021, 3:37 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 23, 2021, 5:19 AM Saturn Retrograde
May 29, 2021, 6:34 PM Mercury Retrograde
Jun  2, 2021, 9:18 AM Venus enters Cancer
Jun 11, 2021, 9:34 AM Mars enters Leo
Jun 20, 2021 11:05 AM Jupiter Retrograde
Jun 20, 2021, 11:32 PM Sun enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2021, 6:00 PM  Mercury Direct
Jun 25, 2021, 3:21 PM Neptune Retrograde
Jun 27, 2021, 12:27 AM Venus enters Leo
Jul 11, 2021 4:35 PM Mercury enters Cancer
Jul 14, 2021 3:40 AM Pallas Retrograde
Jul 15, 2021 12:40 PM Chiron Retrograde
Jul 19, 2021 2:27 AM Vesta enters Libra
Jul 21, 2021 8:37 PM Venus enters Virgo
Jul 22, 2021 10:26 AM Sun enters Leo
Jul 27, 2021 9:11 PM Mercury enters Leo
Jul 28, 2021 8:42 AM Jupiter Retrograde enters Aquarius
Jul 29, 2021 4:32 PM Mars enters Virgo
Jul 31, 2021 4:08 AM Ceres enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun semi-square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Sun trine Pluto. We are able to get to the bottom of things now. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. Endurance, the power to achieve, an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on resources, and strategy are all themes of this influence. This is a very positive aspect for starting a money-making endeavor (all things equal) or a new project. Leadership skills are in focus and strong. We are more able to connect with others in terms of shared goals and interests. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives.

Venus sextile Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto. There can be some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive and suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. Sometimes, this transit correlates with heartbreak, feelings of unreciprocated love, or romantic disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation can color relationships now.

Mars sesquiquadrate Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do is likely. We are ready and willing to fight for our beliefs. We may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences can be costly.

Venus trine Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Affections stabilize and mature. Maturity with others allows us to take the bad with the good, and finds us seeing our relationships realistically. Small advances can be made in business and in partnerships through strengthening and bonding. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or more tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility can be felt in existing friendships. Business sense is good.

Sun square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.

Mercury square Neptune. We find it hard to follow facts, directions, and instructions. Difficulties concentrating on hard, cold facts are likely; and we may question facts altogether or avoid being pinned down for answers. This is a bad time for signing on the dotted line. Perceptions are confused, unrealistic, or too idealistic to carry weight in the real world. Conversations may be vague.

 

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. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe – or the Transits for Here and Now chart.

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

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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.

MAY 16

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Cancer, harmonizing with Neptune this evening. We’re seeking stronger emotional connections, although we also tend to play it safe. It can be helpful to find ways to center ourselves. The Cancer Moon is sensitive, cautious, receptive, and protective. Home or family matters are in stronger focus than usual. We might find creative ways to express and satisfy our increased need for safety. Today is good for respecting our intuition and relaxing rather than pushing forward. As the day advances, we head toward a semi-square to Chiron and a trine to Pluto. While we can wrestle with some self-doubt, we’re exceptionally resourceful and efficient. It’s a strong time to gravitate towards things, people, and situations that help us succeed or advance our goals. We might enjoy an opportunity to draw upon our past and capitalize on our talents and resources. Shared goals and interests connect us with others. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives and going forward with more conviction as a result.

MAY 17

The Sun and Pluto perfect their trine very early today, and delving deeply into a matter can be satisfying and rewarding. The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 8:45 AM EDT when it enters demonstrative Leo. With Venus and the true North Node of the Moon coming together in the sign of Gemini today, it can be an excellent time to connect with those who help move us closer to our objectives, particularly goals related to healthier communication and better understanding. We are more concerned with harmonizing than usual and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We might make fortunate connections now.

The void Moon occurs from 2:23 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 8:45 AM EDT.

MAY 18

Venus harmonizes with Chiron and forms a minor square with Pluto today. While there can be some tension due to fear-based suspicions, we’re open to learning to overcome our insecurities. Issues of trust can re-emerge in relationships, and we might more easily identify the needs and desires that we’ve suppressed. Getting into a healthier relationship with these buried needs can help. We’re more inclined toward intimacy and sharing, and we see the beauty in our imperfections. As we learn what we genuinely value, our choices and decisions about relationships and finances improve. This evening, a Mars-Jupiter minor square can excite our desire to do something new. It can produce some agitation and competitive feelings that can either spur us on to make improvements or distract us. Enthusiasm and motivation can be incredible now if we know where to channel excess energy. Still, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do may lead to poor decisions or regrettable actions. We can also be rather argumentative and reactive with this combination. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Leo, and we’re ready to enjoy and express ourselves.

MAY 19

The First Quarter Moon occurs today when the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Leo this afternoon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. The Moon in Leo wants us to move out of our comfort zones to share ourselves and creations with others. The Moon moves into particular, intelligent Virgo at 5:00 PM EDT. A Venus-Saturn trine helps us sort out our feelings. We’re approaching love, relationships, money, or pleasure-seeking in a more mature, responsible, and level-headed way. It’s a good day for stabilizing relations, as well as for demonstrating our affection through practical support, service, and shows of loyalty. This influence reminds us of the value of constancy and reliability. It can also be a time when we’re enjoying our responsibilities, work, or duties more than usual.

The void Moon occurs from 3:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:00 PM EDT.

MAY 20

The Sun leaves the sign of Taurus and heads into Gemini for a stay of a month. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and curious under this influence that lasts until June 20th. 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, although we can also be unreliable during this cycle. The Moon spends the day in Virgo, and we’re interested in straightening our lives out, starting with the small things. Keeping busy and making headway satisfies us more than usual. With a stronger focus on the details of our lives than on the larger goals, we get the chance to manage essential tasks that help fortify and support our endeavors.

MAY 21

The Sun forms a square to Jupiter this morning, and we can find ourselves eager to expand. While our ideas are big, we’re reminded of the limits of our capabilities and must adjust accordingly. There is an inclination to extravagance and overreaching. While the Sun’s square to Jupiter can stimulate much optimism and elevated moods, our state of mind is fragile as things are overblown or unrealistic. We can feel some discontent, leading us to seek more meaning, growth, or change. We should watch for trying to reach too far, overestimating our energy levels or the time we might invest in a commitment. We would do well to remind ourselves that going bigger isn’t always in our best interests. Watch for glossing over potential problems that leads to poor judgment, especially with Mercury heading toward a square to Neptune, exact tomorrow night. The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 9:36 PM EDT when it moves into Libra. The Libra Moon is compromising and gracious, and its trine to the Gemini Sun tonight promotes cooperation.

The void Moon occurs from 3:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:36 PM EDT.

MAY 22

Mercury squares Neptune today, and we are reminded to tune into our spiritual needs, which might at first feel chaotic as we adjust. It’s not easy to follow facts, directions, and instructions–we can be distracted or we may hear them incorrectly. Uncertainty can keep us from making verbal commitments. Conversations may be vague. While this is not a good time to sign on the dotted line, it can be a good time to let some fantasy into our lives as long as we do so in the appropriate places and at the right moments. This aspect challenges us to see things differently. Mercury will return to this square in early June while retrograde, and then again in early July. Conversations and sistuations we encounter now can return to our attention later. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and we’re more concerned than usual with being fair, balanced, and polite. Harmonizing is important to us.

 

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 Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2021 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits