This Week in Astrology May 7-13, 2023

This Week in Astrology: May 7th to 13th, 2023

May 7-13, 2023

On Friday morning, the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Aquarius. This Last Quarter Moon phase points to a small crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we arrive at a point where we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. It’s a time to consider our revelations, what they mean to us, and what can be done.

Chart Wheel shows the Sun at 21 Taurus 37 in an Aries wheel square the Moon at 21 Aquarius 37

Last Quarter Moon Chart: May 12, 2023

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 37 minutes of Aquarius square the Sun at the same degree of Taurus, and affecting people with personal planets and points at 20 to 24 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Previous: Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon

The FULL MOON/LUNAR ECLIPSE occurs on Friday, May 5th, 2023, at 1:34 PM EDT.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Taurus forms an opposition to the Moon in Scorpio on Friday afternoon. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Taurus-Scorpio polarity deals with the balance between all that is mine (Taurus) and all that is yours (Scorpio). It also emphasizes the concept of form (Taurus) versus transformation (Scorpio). While Taurus deals with matter, personal values, material goods, possessions, and security, Scorpio rules the destruction of form, shared possessions, change, and transformation. The Sun in Taurus encourages happiness with the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Moon draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries.

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 Full Moon invites us to do. This Full Moon is about emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of an intimate nature, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out.

Over the coming months, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings — we need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between collecting and sharing.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet.

Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with. Where does the Full Moon fall by house in your natal chart? Read more here.

Because this Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse and part of a set of eclipses falling along the Taurus-Scorpio axis (from November 2021 to October 2023), it holds significant weight and is one of several cosmic pushes toward understanding and improving our attachments, financial state, and intimate life. Read more about eclipses. See also Eclipse Dates: Tables.

Our feelings count, and we’ll see and feel their power now, paving the road for new directions. However, this can be an impulsive and misguided time for acting. It’s better to observe, take in, and process before jumping into action.

This is the sixth of seven eclipses in a Taurus-Scorpio set.

Chart wheel showing the planetary positions at the time of the Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on May 5, 2023

What follows is another chart wheel of this eclipse with additional points:

Lunar Eclipse on May 5, 2023: Additional Points

This phase of the Moon occurs at 14 degrees and 38 minutes of Scorpio opposite the Sun at the same degree of Taurus, and affecting people with personal planets and points at 10 to 25 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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 Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Gemini until the 7th, when Venus enters Cancer; Mars is in Cancer.

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.

Venus is in Cancer from May 7-June 5. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to our increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. We could be clingy or sulky during this period.

Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and are at our best when we feel safe and secure. We also want to make our loved ones feel safe and comfortable.

It’s a good cycle for collecting and money related to real estate, accommodation, food, coins, silver, or antiques. We enjoy homey, familiar pastimes and art and simple pleasures.

Cautious with our feelings, we are not always confident about boldly trying or sharing new things during this cycle. However, we do whatever we can to make our loved ones feel special. Our memories are long, and we can be very sentimental.

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.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius.

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.

Venus is in Cancer from May 7-June 5. We treat lovers with sympathy and tenderness, providing the emotional nurturing that they need. We tend to “play it safe” when it comes to relationships. Love and devotion are most important to us, and provide us with a sense of inner security. We seek a deep love in which we can merge souls and personalities with our lover. We are quite devoted to our partners, and we seek such devotion in return.

However, we could also become possessive, manipulative, and stifling. Familiarity is more important to us now. Our fear of rejection is overdeveloped, and we offer our hearts cautiously as a result. We pay more attention to our lovers’ feelings than their words. We feel threatened if a lover acts in an impersonal, overly independent, or detached manner. Safe and solid relationships are more appealing. Romantic and emotional hurts are very hard to forget.

In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and are at our best when we feel safe and secure.

This week: Sunday the 7th brings some awkward energy to our interactions. Issues of power and control can arise, but they can be hard to discern. Jealousy and unreasonable or irrational fears of loss could also emerge.

Wednesday and Thursday bring some unpredictability and rebelliousness to our interactions, but we’re also willing to learn and grow through our connections.

On Friday, the 12th, we’re willing to talk things through and compromise, with a special focus on the past. We’re inclined to believe that clarifications are the key to better compatibility. Sweet talk, clarifying feelings, and making promises are themes.

It’s also a great time to show our love through our actions, commitment, and reliability or loyalty.

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 in Cancer Mothering (or being mothered), sympathy, a yearning to put down roots, and a fondness for things that have stood the test of time – these are some of the hallmarks of the phase that now begins in your life. Romantic and social experiences, as well as artistic tastes, will show evidence of these factors.

Venus sextile Jupiter May 4. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

Venus quincunx Pluto May 7. 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 sextile North Node May 10-11. There is a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable.

Venus semi-square Uranus May 10-11. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus sextile Mercury May 12. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus trine Saturn May 12-13. 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 square Chiron May 24. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus semi-square Sun May 24-25. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for more and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.

Venus sextile Uranus May 25-26. 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.

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, May 8th, from 4:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:33 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 10th, from 7:53 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:06 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 12th, from 11:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Saturday, May 13th, at 12:40 AM EDT.

May 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, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions.(See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Monday, the 8th, at approximately 3:30 PM to 4:25 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. Another window occurs on Friday, May 12th, from approximately 11:30 AM to 11:15 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius. Caveats: these windows occur while Mercury is retrograde. Another window occurs from Saturday, May 13th, at approximately 12:15 PM, to Sunday, May 14th, at approximately 10:55 PM EDT. Caveats: Mercury is stationing direct during this window, compromising our judgment. Stations usually play more with our perceptions than the retrograde cycle itself.

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
May 2, 2023, 12:50 AM, Juno enters Gemini
May 2, 2023, 12:56 PM, Pallas enters Leo
May 6, 2023, 3:27 PM, Ceres Direct
May 7, 2023, 10:24 AM, Venus enters Cancer
May 14, 2023, 11:17 PM, Mercury Direct
May 16, 2023, 1:20 PM, Jupiter enters Taurus
May 20, 2023, 11:31 AM, Mars enters Leo
May 21, 2023, 3:09 AM, Sun enters Gemini
Jun 5, 2023, 9:46 AM, Venus enters Leo
Jun 11, 2023, 5:35 AM, Pluto Retrograde enters Capricorn
Jun 11, 2023, 6:26 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 17, 2023, 1:27 PM, Saturn Retrograde
Jun 21, 2023, 7:22 AM, Ceres enters Libra
Jun 21, 2023, 10:58 AM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 7:40 AM, Juno enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 3:14 PM, Vesta enters Gemini
Jun 26, 2023, 8:24 PM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 30, 2023, 5:06 PM, Neptune Retrograde

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 7th to 13th, 2023

This Week’s Aspects

Venus quincunx Pluto. 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.

Sun conjunct Uranus. A new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins. We are more inclined to accept and appreciate all that is new, unusual, and avant garde. We have an opportunity to shine for what makes us unique. Favors the media, computers, metaphysical subjects. Restlessness and a need for change. Restriction is not tolerated now. Our egos are awakened and we seek new ways to express ourselves. There is a need to be creative and unique in our expression of self. This is usually a time to join with groups and/or to become a group leader. It’s also an easy time to make new friends. Sudden, unexpected events can happen out of the blue.

Venus semi-square Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Avoid impulse buys at this time, and hold off on decision-making with regards to finances. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye with a loved one, and we could be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results.

Mercury sextile Saturn. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now will have tangible results in the future.

Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.

Venus trine Saturn. 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.

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.

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.

MAY 7

Venus enters Cancer today, where it will visit until June 5th. Venus in Cancer is nurturing, cautious, fertile, protective, and self-protective. We experience many emotional ups and downs with our affections under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We show our love through devotion, care, and concern, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure. During this cycle, we are more interested in home life and improvement, nesting, home business, domestic and family activities, comfort, security, and long-term purchases. Today, Venus forms a quincunx to Pluto, however, and some uncertainty is possible. There can be re-assessments with close personal relationships, spending, entertainment, or social life issues. Fears can disrupt the flow, but they can help us see what may have been our personal blind spots.

MAY 8

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 7:33 PM EDT, encouraging us to think big and reach beyond our usual routines. This Moon is exploratory, philosophical, and spontaneous. With the Moon’s trine to Jupiter, we connect to a higher purpose and enjoy a feeling of well-being. We’re inclined to seek freedom, movement, and growth. A responsible theme emerges with the Sun-Saturn quintile and, later, the Moon’s move into Capricorn (at 7:33 PM). It’s a time to sort, categorize, and create order. There can be a willingness to make sacrifices if it seems the best way to make improvements.

The Moon is void from 4:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:33 PM EDT.

MAY 9

The Moon spends the day in Capricorn, and we crave results, preferring to see the reality of a situation. We pay special attention to our responsibilities and the structures in our lives. However, the Sun aligns with Uranus in the sign of Taurus today, stirring change, disruptions, interruptions, new directions, and freedom of movement. It can be time for a new modus operandi. We seek new ways of enjoying and expressing ourselves, handling money and possessions, and getting comfortable. We can be progressive and pioneering but possibly also defiant or rebellious. With Uranus, some level of detachment or decrease in sentimentality seems necessary to break free from limiting situations. We gravitate to what’s unusual or avant-garde. With Uranus in Taurus, we’re changing how we view and use money and personal possessions. Our values are evolving, and today’s energies spotlight this theme. We’re also inclined to break the rules or go against tradition and expectations. Our egos awaken, and there can be sudden changes in store.

MAY 10

The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn for most of the day, encouraging our attention to our practical priorities. This morning, it forms trines to Uranus and the Sun–bodies that just met in a conjunction. An innovative spirit follows us, even with the innate conservatism of the Capricorn Moon. While the Moon’s opposition to Mars around midday can point to tension, distraction, and impatience if we’ve taken on too much, we’re generally in a good place to find wisdom in traditional methods. The Moon in Capricorn is a generally good time for bringing structure to our lives and projects. A Venus-Uranus semi-square occurring very early tomorrow suggests impermanent tastes, attractions, and whims. The need for new challenges or a novel approach may be at the root of this. Changes now can create fresh opportunities that can add to our sense of joy and freedom, but it can take some trial and error to understand our needs and wants.

The Moon is void from 7:53 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:06 PM EDT.

MAY 11

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, and we are attracted to the unusual, extraordinary, and unconventional. Independence, equality, and freedom are vital to feeling emotionally satisfied with this position of the Moon. Misunderstandings can occur in the hours surrounding the Moon’s square to retrograde Mercury, as our feelings and words are mismatched. As the day advances, we approach a Mercury-Saturn sextile, and if we’re feeling tense, reasoning things out logically and step by step can be beneficial and even soothing.

MAY 12

It’s a good time to reflect and see new levels of a situation, particularly practical ones, as retrograde Mercury harmonizes with Saturn this morning. Tonight, retrograde Mercury forms a sextile with Venus, stirring a desire to cooperate, compliment, encourage, and express our affections. We also tend to analyze our relationships, especially past ones, as well as our preferences and feelings. Connecting with people from our past is also possible now.

We’re heading to a Venus-Saturn trine, an energy that also encourages sorting 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 time for stabilizing relations and demonstrating our affection through practical support, service, and shows of loyalty. This influence reminds us of the value of constancy and reliability. It generates a realistic and perhaps materialistic view of our relationships. We’re enjoying our responsibilities, work, or duties more than usual.

The Moon spends the day in fair-minded Aquarius. The Last Quarter Moon occurs this morning with the Aquarius Moon’s square to the Sun–a signal to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon on the 19th, it’s a generally better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. We’re sorting out what does and doesn’t work for us.

The Moon is void from 11:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Saturday, May 13th, at 12:40 AM EDT.

MAY 13

The Venus-Saturn trine early today points to a desire to keep things moderate and even. The Moon moves into Pisces soon into the day, at 12:40 AM EDT, awakening our need for spiritual refreshment or escape. Ideally, this is a time for decompressing, winding down, and tapping into our intuition. While the Moon-Saturn alignment feels heavy or serious, we’re processing and digesting recent events at this time of the lunar month. The Pisces Moon also encourages the need to connect with our inner world, which can be particularly useful on this day before a Mercury station.

The Moon is void until the Moon enters Pisces today at 12:40 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 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 Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We 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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 14th to 20th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 21st to 27th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 28th to June 3rd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: June 4th to 10th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: June 11th to 17th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: June 18th to 24th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: June 25th to July 1st, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 2nd to 8th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 9th to 15th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 16th to 22nd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendear: July 23rd to 29th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 30th to August 5th, 2023

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Taurus The cycle now dawning in your life emphasizes stability, substance, practicality, and the concept of value – value in the material as well as psycho-spiritual sense. This marks a time of building to last, of appreciating the substantial rather than ephemeral. Consolidating past gains rather than focusing on radical new departures is likely to be a major theme for you during this cycle. Appreciating the finer things of life is another hallmark of this phase, which marks a time when you should be concentrating on “smelling the roses” rather than passing them by in such a hurry.

Mercury in Taurus “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that’s the key to the way you think at a time like this. Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now – putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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This Week in Astrology: May 7 to May 13, 2023