This Week in Astrology: May 5 to 11, 2024

This Week in Astrology: May 5-11, 2024

 

May 5 to 11, 2024

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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 NEW MOON occurs on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, at 11:22 PM EDT. 

Late Tuesday, a New Moon occurs in the Fixed Earth sign, Taurus.

The New Moon in Taurus heralds the start of a fresh cycle. As the Aries New Moon cycle concludes, the Taurus New Moon cycle commences, bringing with it a unique set of energies and opportunities.

The New Moon in Taurus invites us to commit to personal goals that align with the positive energies of the Bull. It’s a time to relish life’s simple and physical pleasures, to indulge in good food, and to engage in activities that reconnect us with nature and our bodies. It’s a time to pause, appreciate the beauty around us, and become more aware of what brings us comfort and security.

This cycle presents a transformative opportunity to reassess our relationship with money and possessions. It’s a time to delve deeper, to understand what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. It’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, offering a chance to redefine our values and priorities.

This New Moon aligns with Uranus and harmonizes with Saturn. We’re listening to our needs for change and innovation, but we’re respecting the process, the need for patience, and what’s worked for us in the past.

With this potent Taurus energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid and realistic plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks after the Full Moon occurs.

The chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 18 degrees and 2 minutes of Taurus, and affecting people with personal planets and points at 14 to 22 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The above chart is good for seeing the most important influences and the chart pattern for this New Moon. The following includes additional points for the nuances:

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Taurus; Mars is in Aries.

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! 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 Aries from March 9-May 15. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

There can be quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions during this cycle, and our responses are similar: quick and perhaps defensive or combative. We value independent thought, and we can be mentally competitive. executive decisions. We prefer to learn through personal experience, not instruction.

Venus is in Taurus from April 29-May 23. In Taurus, Venus is naturally very sensual, content, and possessive. We seek security and value those things that are long-lasting. Our appetite for pleasure is strong.

The sign of Taurus values the here and now and the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance figure strongly during the Venus-in-Taurus cycle. Holding on to someone or something we love is our tendency under this influence.

The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now. With art, tastes, and pleasures, we prefer things that are earthy, natural, and grounded. We can be somewhat indulgent at this time. Uncertainty bothers us more than usual–we favor stability over excitement in love and pleasure.

Mars is in Aries from April 30-June 9. Mars feels at home in Aries, one of the signs that it rules, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident.

Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

We pursue our goals straightforwardly, confidently, unabashedly, and directly with Mars in Aries. The same goes for expressing anger. We want to be first, come first, and do things on our own–our independence, enterprise, and initiative are well-developed.

This transit is better for endeavors that require courage and strong but not necessarily sustained passion and energy. We don’t want to look back or overthink–we only concern ourselves with what we can accomplish right now. Not inclined to beat around the bush, we confidently pursue our desires.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

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.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto retrograded back into Capricorn, and was in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024. Pluto is in Aquarius from January 20th to September 1st, when it will retreat into Capricorn once again. Note: Pluto is slow-moving through the zodiac signs!

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from April 29-May 23. In Taurus, Venus is usually quite content, but can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: On Friday, a Venus-Neptune semi-square points to some tendencies to project our fantasies, whether these are positive or negative, onto others or relationships. Watch for deception and self-deception now.

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

Venus in Taurus A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life – such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Venus semi-square Saturn April 30. 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.

Venus square Pluto April 30. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus semi-square Neptune May 10. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus sextile Saturn May 13. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

Venus conjunct Uranus May 17-18. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence in social relationships. Freedom is more important than intimacy just now. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, May 6th, from 1:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 5:43 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 8th, from 5:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 7:21 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 10th, from 9:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 11:14 PM EDT.

May 2024:

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 7th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). However, the Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 7th, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from approximately 4:45 PM EDT on Saturday, May 4th, until about 1:55 AM EDT, on Monday, May 6th, while the Moon is in Aries. The Cazimi Moon occurs from approximately 10:55 PM to 11:45 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 7th.

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 19,
2024, 11:06 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2024, 7:47 PM, Mars enters Pisces
Mar 29, 2024, 9:18 AM, Pallas Retrograde at  8 Sag 36
Mar 31, 2024, 6:56 AM, Vesta enters Cancer
Apr  1, 2024, 6:14 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 27 Ari 13
Apr  5, 2024, 12:00 AM, Venus enters Aries
Apr 19, 2024, 10:00 AM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 21, 2024, 10:58 PM, Juno Direct at  6 Vir 18
Apr 25, 2024, 8:54 AM, Mercury Direct at 15 Ari 59
Apr 29, 2024, 7:31 AM, Venus enters Taurus
Apr 30, 2024, 11:33 AM, Mars enters Aries
May  2, 2024, 1:47 PM, Pluto Retrograde at  2 Aqu 06
May 15, 2024, 1:36 AM, Ceres Retrograde at 21 Cap 33
May 15, 2024, 1:05 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
May 16, 2024, 1:32 PM, Pallas Rx enters Scorpio
May 20, 2024, 8:59 AM, Sun enters Gemini
May 23, 2024, 4:30 PM, Venus enters Gemini
May 25, 2024, 7:15 PM, Jupiter enters Gemini
Jun  3, 2024, 3:36 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
Jun  9, 2024, 12:35 AM, Mars enters Taurus
Jun 17, 2024, 2:20 AM, Venus enters Cancer
Jun 17, 2024, 5:07 AM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 19, 2024, 6:07 PM, Vesta enters Leo
Jun 20, 2024, 4:51 PM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 29, 2024, 3:06 PM, Saturn Retrograde at 19 Pis 26
Jul  2, 2024, 6:40 AM, Neptune Retrograde at 29 Pis 56
Jul  2, 2024, 8:50 AM, Mercury enters Leo

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Saturn semi-square Pluto. Power struggles, frustration, and manipulation are themes of this long-term transit. Confrontations lead us nowhere. We may desire change, but feel blocked by others or by circumstances. Persistence will pay off in the end, and the need to adjust our expectations becomes obvious.

Mercury conjunct Chiron. Our intuitive understanding increases. This influence can stimulate us to open our minds and to learn from circumstances and from others. Sudden awareness spurs us to grow and improve. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general. There may be some hyper-sensitivity to what is communicated now, however.

Sun sextile Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We are taking into account practical considerations and we are especially aware of the element of time. We are more able to discipline ourselves and put our egos aside in order to get the job done.

Mars semi-square Uranus. A tendency to take risks, to feel restless, to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge us in such a way that we need to change our goals or actions.

Venus semi-square Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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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 5

The Moon spends the day in straightforward, bold, action-oriented Aries. We want to start fresh and move on, and we have no interest in dwelling on the past. We can be excited about our personal plans. However, this Moon can be impatient and hasty. This evening, the Moon aligns with the North Node of the Moon, reminding us to embrace our individuality and assert ourselves confidently.

MAY 6

Saturn forms a semi-square with Pluto, and it’s the first of three, the following two perfections to occur on September 25th, 2024, and January 26th, 2025. This longer-term transit points to possible power struggles, frustration, and manipulation. We may recognize the need for change but feel blocked by others or by circumstances, or we might attempt to stubbornly hold on to what has worked for us in the past. Persistence will pay off in the end, and the need to adjust our expectations becomes obvious. Tonight, Mercury aligns with Chiron. This aspect first formed on March 20th and then April 15th while Mercury was retrograde. It increases our intuitive understanding and brings more sensitivity to our communications. We’re more attuned than usual to communication nuances, and we might now have a fuller picture of an issue that first presented itself in the second half of March.

As the day advances, we approach a Sun-Saturn sextile, exact very early tomorrow, reminding us to plan and organize. It’s an excellent influence for preparing and attending to our practical affairs. We’re giving our priorities extra attention and our best efforts. This transit helps ground us, or at the least, provides us with a sense of rhythm and reminds us to pace ourselves. It has the beautiful potential to teach us that humbling ourselves to accept constructive criticism and advice or recognizing areas that need strengthening can be beneficial. It supports disciplining ourselves to bring more purpose and practicality to our lives. Self-awareness leads to realistic plans and goals. We prefer and benefit from conservative, safe moves now.

The Moon is void from 1:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 5:43 PM EDT.

MAY 7

The Moon spends the day in Taurus and aligns with Venus this morning, guiding us towards activities that bring more beauty and harmony to our lives. This Moon, a steady and pleasant influence, helps us pace ourselves and make decisions that align with our desires. Tonight, the New Moon occurs at 11:22 PM EDT, further influencing our actions and decisions in the days ahead. You might make personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Bull. It’s time to enjoy life’s simple and physical pleasures and activities that bring us in touch with nature and our bodies. This New Moon encourages us to “stop and smell the roses” and become more aware of what makes us feel comfortable and secure. It’s an excellent cycle for re-evaluating our relationship with money and possessions. We’re discovering what truly satisfies and fulfills us. We may build and develop the initiatives and innovations begun in the Aries cycle. With this potent Taurus energy, we have the chance to make significant changes in our lives. This New Moon aligns with Uranus and harmonizes with Saturn. We’re listening to our needs for change and innovation, but we’re respecting the process, the need for patience, and what’s worked for us in the past.

MAY 8

We can be filled with ideas and possibilities on this day after a New Moon in Taurus. While yesterday’s New Moon continues to energize us, we’re coming down to earth on some level, recognizing the value of taking care of business. We’re also inspired, especially with the Taurus Moon’s alignment with Uranus and Jupiter. Today’s Moon in Taurus until 7:21 PM EDT is harmony-oriented, comfortable, and stubborn, and its connections magnify its patient, warm, and indulgent energy. We’re reaching for our joy and seeking to grow, develop, and improve, primarily through embracing our desire for comfort, security, and groundedness. At the same time, we’re looking to improve and make progress. The Moon heads into Gemini at 7:21 PM, and our need for mental stimulation emerges. Our curiosity about what’s happening around us increases. It’s a good time to diversify, put out our feelers, and pick up new ideas or tips.

The Moon is void from 5:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 7:21 PM EDT.

MAY 9

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, encouraging our curiosity. This morning, the Gemini Moon harmonizes with Mars in Aries, awakening our impulses and stirring our passions in pleasant ways. This influence inspires us to take action on our feelings. We are both resourceful and independent, readily turning tensions into winning situations. It’s a good time for activities that engage our emotions. Fortunately, today’s Pluto-Pallas sextile is helpful for strategy and insight. We are wise and willing to invest our energy into solving problems. Our natural talents, as well as acquired resources, are highlighted and positive. It’s a good time for healing and regenerative activities, mainly related to the mind/thinking.

MAY 10

The Moon spends most of the day in communicative Gemini (until 11:14 PM) when it enters careful Cancer. With Venus sextile Vesta this morning, we’re happy to conserve our energy for what we love doing. This transit stimulates our desire to devote, dedicate, and commit to a task, relationship, or person. However, a Mars-Uranus semi-square later today, a potentially challenging aspect, adds an impatient edge to the day’s energies. This could lead to conflicts or impulsive behaviors, especially if we feel trapped, restricted, or limited. We should watch for these tendencies while seeking creative, inventive ways to get ahead. A Venus-Neptune semi-square also in play is distracting in a different way. There can be a tendency to gloss over problems or see what we want to see, imagining the best or the worst. Of course, the truth is somewhere in between. We might have temporary doubts about our lovability, worth, relationships, pleasure, or comfort levels. Alternatively, we might go in the other direction and look the other way in the face of critical flaws and details.

The Moon is void from 9:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 11:14 PM EDT.

MAY 11

The Moon spends the day in Cancer, and we seek more comfort and familiarity. This transit encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. With the Moon’s square to Mars this afternoon, it can be all too easy for frustrations or impatience to interfere with these goals. This temperamental aspect can tempt us to rush things or push our agenda too soon. It can also fire up our feelings and perhaps disruptively stir our need for action, activity, and challenges. However, this Moon favors our attachments and feelings. As well, with today’s Sun-Ceres trine, it’s natural to gravitate toward satisfying, healing activities. We’re asserting our needs more easily than usual today, and our needs and cravings harmonize with those of our loved ones, fostering a sense of unity and support. We feel a deep sense of fulfillment in helping and supporting others.

 

 

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 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.

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.

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 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits