This Week in Astrology: April 22 to 28, 2018

April 22 to 28, 2018

The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at 5:45 PM EDT. On Sunday, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in 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. Whatever 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 2 degrees and 42 minutes of Leo forming a square the Sun at 2 degrees and 42 minutes Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 6 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

LAST WEEK:

The NEW MOON occurred on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 9:57 PM EDT.

Sunday night, a New Moon occurred in the sign of Aries. The New Moon in Aries is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. It’s time to take action – try something new and innovative, and go at it with gusto and confidence; be assertive without being abrasive; take charge of our lives; start a brand new project, and discover our own personal courage. This is a strong cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship to ourselves.

With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make significant changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid yet 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’ time after the Full Moon occurs. 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 that we might treat ourselves to a little adventure now. It’s also a good cycle from 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.

This year, the New Moon occurs on the same day of Mercury’s direct station and aligns with Uranus. This can be an impulsive and perhaps rebellious time, and not necessarily a time of strong judgment as we don’t yet have all the details. However, clarity is coming, and things are moving forward, perhaps in surprising or abrupt ways. We can feel a strong desire to start fresh after some feelings of sluggishness.

New Moon in Aries Chart on April 15th, 2018

This phase of the Moon occurred at 26 degrees and 2 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Apr 15, 2018, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Apr 22, 2018, 5:45 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Apr 29, 2018, 8:58 PM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 7, 2018, 10:09 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
May 15, 2018, 7:48 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Taurus until the 24th, after which Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Capricorn.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting things! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar, and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

Mercury is in Aries from March 6-May 13. 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.

Venus is in Taurus from March 31-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and 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. 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.

Venus is in Gemini from April 24-May 19. 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 Capricorn from March 17-May 16. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Mercury is no longer retrograde – Mercury is in its post-retrograde shadow until May 3rd.

Mercury’s Retrograde Cycle in Aries from March 22-April 15, 2018

Mercury’s shadow period begins/enters Rx zone: March 8, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury stations and turns retrograde: March 22, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Rx
Mercury stations and turns direct: April 15, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury ends its shadow period/leaves Rx zone: May 3, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′

Times are Eastern

Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th. Mercury’s shadow period begins March 8th, 2018, and ends May 3rd, 2018.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, and this may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized.

Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.

Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (March 22nd and April 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on April 1st (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

With Mercury retrograde in Aries: We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective. This is a time for reconsidering an initiative or venture. It’s strong for returning to an old project or pursuit. It can be a time of tension, however, as Mercury in Aries wants immediate answers and retrograde Mercury can point to delays and indecision. The shortness of Mercury in Aries communications is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of sharp or brusque comments doing some damage run high.

We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new to the old. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. With Mercury in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction, and not listening during this Mercury retrograde period can be especially costly.

Keep in mind that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate (or perhaps more accurately, to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during Mercury retrograde — there can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people, for example, or quick commentary that’s considered careless. Read more about Mercury Retrograde.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from March 31-April 24. 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.

Venus is in Gemini from April 24-May 19. 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.

This week: On Tuesday, we’re getting creative in our relationships, and we’re especially open to love, bonding, and romantic feelings. Thursday to Saturday, Pluto is heavy and influencing our interactions, which can be more intense, problematic, and transformative. Questions of trust or difficult power dynamics can be big topics now.

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

Venus in Taurus March 31-April 24. 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 opposition Jupiter April 16-17. We are easily bored with the everyday responsibilities and routines of our love lives, and are now inclined to dramatize our lives. As a result, our love natures are strong, but insatiable. We may overstate our feelings as we temporarily overvalue someone; or we face challenges in our relationships due to overblown expectations. We are itching for adventure and fun, but the wisest course of action is to avoid ignoring our responsibilities (and reality) in our efforts towards self-gratification.

Venus trine Pluto April 16-17. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn April 19. 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 sextile Chiron April 24. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus contraparallel Pluto April 26-27. 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 sesquiquadrature Pluto April 29. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus contra-parallel Saturn April 29-30. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most. Some pulling back can occur in relationships now, as we are more self-conscious and cautious with our affections.

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 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 for 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 Sunday, April 22nd, from 10:59 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:10 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, April 24th, from 2:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 4:41 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 26th, from 5:50 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:13 PM EDT.

April 2018:

Void of Course Chart: April 2018

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

The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered 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 this week on Tuesday, April 24th, from approximately 12:45 AM to 2:40 PM, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window happens from Wednesday, April 25th, from approximately 9:05 PM to Thursday, April 26th, at approximately 5:45 AM EDT.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Mar 17, 2018 12:40 PM
Mars enters Capricorn
Mar 20, 2018 12:15 PM Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2018 8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde
Mar 29, 2018 9:31 PM Pallas enters Gemini
Mar 31, 2018 12:54 AM Venus enters Taurus
Apr 1, 2018 9:44 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Apr 15, 2018 5:21 AM Mercury Direct
Apr 17, 2018 4:09 AM Chiron enters Aries
Apr 17, 2018 9:47 PM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 19, 2018 11:12 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 22, 2018 11:26 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 24, 2018 12:40 PM Venus enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2018 3:44 AM Juno enters Aries
May 8, 2018 3:52 AM Vesta Retrograde
May 13, 2018 8:40 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 15, 2018 11:16 AM Uranus enters Taurus
May 16, 2018 12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius
May 19, 2018 9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer
May 20, 2018 10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 21, 2018 9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer
May 29, 2018 7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018

This Week’s Aspects

Mars sextile Jupiter. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals. Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes easily. We want to branch out and take on more challenges. A good time for making new goals or to initiate new projects (all things equal). Optimism and enthusiasm; adventurous spirit. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. A spirit of friendly competition prevails, as well as the desire to take beneficial action.

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.

Mercury square Saturn. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge during this transit due to obstacles. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate at this time. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and others could appear overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. Avoid signing on the dotted line at this time.

Mars conjunct Pluto. This is a powerful aspect that helps us to focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want. We won’t take “no” for an answer. We might totally revise something, or we could be bent on getting rid of something in our lives in order to move forward. We might be too forceful or willful just now. We should also watch for overdoing to the point of exhaustion. This can be a compulsive time when power struggles are more likely. On the other hand, it can be a time when we enjoy a strong sense of purposefulness.

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.

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 new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

APRIL 22

Pluto stations and turns retrograde today, and this shift tends to bring about some initial confusion, heaviness, and magnification of problems. Pluto’s retrograde from now until September 30th, however, is an excellent period for research and gaining new insight into our self-destructive tendencies, needs for control, and search for the truth by looking within. Outward pressures may ease during this period. Over the coming months, we may be reassessing how we use our power. The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 1:10 PM, after which the Moon is in expressive Leo. The First Quarter Moon occurs at 5:45 PM EDT today, when the Sun in 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. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. Emotions tend to run high today.

The Moon is void from 10:59 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:10 PM EDT.

APRIL 23

The Moon spends the day in outgoing, confident Leo. This is an expressive, generous transit. As the Moon forms a square to Jupiter tonight, we can be inclined to over-indulge. Today is influenced by a Mars-Jupiter sextile, exact early tomorrow, and we are enthusiastic about taking action to make changes and improvements. Decisive action comes naturally. We are more courageous and energetic than usual, and we can benefit greatly if we direct this energy into efforts to advance our goals. A spirit of friendly competition prevails as we seek to branch out and take on more challenges. This influence encourages enterprise and confidence for taking action on our convictions.

APRIL 24

The Mars-Jupiter sextile discussed yesterday perfects early today. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. Venus enters Gemini today and will transit the sign until May 19th. Venus is curious and sociable, but possibly quite fickle as well, in the sign of Gemini. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. We’re seeking variety. 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 during this cycle. Venus forms a sextile to Chiron later today, and we’re open to learning from one another, and there is subtle healing power in our words and interactions. This transit softens our disposition and might offer us a chance to heal our personal relationships. We more readily see beauty in human weaknesses and imperfections. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships and repairing problem areas. We’re better judges of value, and this benefits both relationship and financial decisions. The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 4:41 PM EDT, after which the Moon transits earthy, helpful Virgo.

The Moon is void from 2:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 4:41 PM EDT.

APRIL 25

Mercury in Aries formed a square Saturn on March 11th before Mercury turned retrograde, and then connected this way again while Mercury was retrograde on April 5th. Now that Mercury is direct, this aspect forms again today. In effect, this aspect has been influencing us in varying degrees since early March, and we may have experienced, more than usual, criticism and pessimism, difficulties getting clear answers, and obstacles to getting our message across. We’re getting over this hump today. Even so, today can be a little tense. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and people can be overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, and the nervous or picky side of the sign can be more prominent as Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, is challenged. However, once beyond this aspect, we may begin to form a more realistic vision of a project or situation.

APRIL 26

This morning, a Mars-Pluto alignment occurs in the sign of Capricorn – an ambitious, determined energy for building or rebuilding. This powerful aspect occurs approximately every two years. We can experience strong desires to take action on a matter today, but impatience and pushiness could trip us up if we are not careful. We should also watch for buried resentments and anger driving our actions and the tendency to ignore reason. However, well channeled, this energy can bring increased focus and motivation. We dare to go after what we want and to take decisive action. We won’t take “no” for an answer. We might entirely revise or rebuild something from the ground up, break something down in order to start anew, or we may be determined to put a difficult situation behind us so that we can move forward. We might be too forceful or willful, however. We should also watch for overdoing to the point of exhaustion. This can be a compulsive time when power struggles are more likely. We can be tested to the limits. Positively, it can be a time when we enjoy a strong sense of purposefulness. The Moon spends much of the day, until 9:13 PM EDT, in the sign of Virgo, after which the Moon transits Libra.

The Moon is void from 5:50 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:13 PM EDT.

APRIL 27

The Moon spends the day in Libra. The more sober side of Libra might dominate midday as the Moon forms an inhibitive Moon-Saturn square and opposes Mercury. We may not express ourselves very warmly or clearly now. However, the Libra Moon inclines us to make an extra effort to be inclusive, compromising, and polite. We’re seeking to find balance in our lives today, and relationships can be in high focus. We tend to weigh all perspectives and to consider all possibilities while the Moon is in Libra.

APRIL 28

The Moon spends another day in the sign of compromising Libra. Its square to Mars and Pluto midday can point to some tensions as the urge or need to socialize and connect with our relationship goals can seem to clash with our ambitions and responsibilities. We tend to weigh all perspectives and consider all possibilities. Moderating, negotiating, and compromise are themes now, but it can be difficult to accommodate everyone. We should stretch our usual boundaries to some degree, but the trick is to avoid taking on far too much. The Sun and Saturn move towards a trine aspect, exact early tomorrow, and this helps us with self-discipline and moderation. We can enjoy a real sense of strength and pride in our ability to meet our responsibilities. We feel grounded and stable. We are more aware of our limitations–and willing to accept them.

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

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 29th to May 5th, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 6 to 12, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 13 to 19, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar for May 20 to 26, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 27 to June 2, 2018

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 Aries New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take on more importance in your life at this time. Teaching, learning, communicating, and social contact have a way of outlining new directions in your life now, and there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues.

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 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 Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues.

Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

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 Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

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