This Week in Astrology: April 26 to May 2, 2020

This Week in Astrology: April 26 to May 2, 2020

 

April 26 to May 2, 2020

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 4:38 PM EDT.

On Thursday afternoon, the 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. Any project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 10 degrees and 57 minutes of Leo square the Sun at 10 degrees and 57 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 9 to 13 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Aries until the 27th when it enters Taurus; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Aquarius.

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 April 11-27. 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.

Mercury is in Taurus from April 27-May 11. 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.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. 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 Aquarius from March 30-May 13. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit or miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods, and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is now consistently in the sign (since March 6th, 2019) until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, we can be sensitive to what’s said or implied. It can be difficult to get a straight answer. We’ll likely return to conversations occurring now at a later date.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn April 25. 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 semi-square Mercury April 28-29. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus square Neptune May 3 and then May 20. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus conjunct Mercury May 21-22. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 27th, from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer at 1:28 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, April 29th, from 3:30 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 9:06 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 1st, from 12:04 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Saturday, May 2nd, at 1:35 AM EDT.

April 2020:

 

May 2020:

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

The Moon is waxing this week which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, although 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 from Sunday, April 26th, at approximately 7:35 PM EDT, until Monday, April 27th, at approximately 12:55 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini.

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,
2020    11:49 PM  Sun enters Aries
Mar 21, 2020     1:06 AM  Vesta enters Gemini
Mar 21, 2020    11:58 PM  Saturn enters Aquarius
Mar 30, 2020     3:43 PM  Mars enters Aquarius
Apr  3, 2020     1:10 PM   Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020    12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020    10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020     4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020     3:53 PM   Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 29, 2020     8:21 PM   Pallas enters Aquarius
May  5, 2020     1:48 AM   True Node Rx enters Gemini
May 11, 2020     5:58 PM  Mercury enters Gemini
May 13, 2020    12:17 AM  Mars enters Pisces
May 20, 2020     9:49 AM  Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2020     2:09 PM  Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  2, 2020     9:04 PM  Pallas Rx enters Capricorn
Jun  3, 2020     2:52 PM  Vesta enters Cancer
Jun 20, 2020     5:44 PM  Sun enters Cancer
Jun 27, 2020     9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020     7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020     4:37 AM  Sun 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 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Jupiter. Information overload is possible today. It is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. We may exaggerate, have a hard time putting our ideas to practical use, or overstate under this influence. This is an unfavorable transit for travel. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. We could have a hard time convincing others of our point of view, and we could too easily jump to conclusions. There could be a lot of talk about nothing. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can concentrate.

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.

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.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Mercury conjunct Uranus. The ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high right now. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. The senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

Mars semi-square Chiron. We can be easily offended under the influence of this transit. Touchiness. Difficulties expressing our anger or desires in a direct manner.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

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

APRIL 26

The Sun and Uranus form an alignment early today, stimulating change, a new modus operandi, interruption or disruption, and a strong desire to feel free. 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 are drawn to what’s unusual or avant-garde. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Gemini, encouraging our curiosity and adaptability.

APRIL 27

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 1:29 PM EDT. We’re curious about others and especially communicative under this influence. We can enjoy sharing ideas and news and making connections. The Moon then transits the sign of Cancer, and we begin to crave more comfort, familiarity, and a sense of security. Mercury enters Taurus today, where it will transit for two weeks–until May 11th. When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, stable, and grounded. Common sense reigns over fanciful thinking. We communicate quite deliberately under this influence. We gravitate towards tried and true methods, and we don’t seek out new ones quite so quickly. Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives during this cycle, but we should watch for overly conservative or rigid thinking.

The void Moon occurs from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer at 1:28 PM EDT.

APRIL 28

Mercury forms a square to Saturn today, and while we want to be productive, to move something forward, or to put an idea into motion, we can also feel blocked. As enthusiastic as we may be to communicate our message, there can be difficulties getting it through flowingly. We can be preoccupied with serious or weighty issues. There can be difficulties physically making progress as delays can be part of the picture. Rules, restrictions, and limits feel heavy and complicated, or we can be mentally stuck on a matter. Interesting solutions can result, although there can be a struggle getting there. Our communications can be critical and not especially sympathetic, which is a less-than-ideal match for today’s sensitive Cancer Moon.

APRIL 29

Mercury forms a semi-square with Venus today and will semi-square Neptune early tomorrow. We may be in two minds about a matter–decisions can be hard to come by under these influences. It’s not easy to concentrate, and we can be quite sensitive to what we feel people mean in their communications. There can be minor but irritating disconnects as we either rationalize our feelings or emotionalize our observations. We are likely to be feeling sociable and a little indulgent, perhaps lacking concentration when it comes to work or mundane tasks. However, from a bit of discontent or confusion today, we might arrive at uniquely innovative ideas with tomorrow’s Mercury-Uranus alignment. The Moon continues its transit of warm, protective Cancer until 9:06 PM EDT when it enters proud, creative Leo.

The void Moon occurs from 3:30 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 9:06 PM EDT.

APRIL 30

Mercury forms a semi-square to Neptune early today and aligns with Uranus tonight. We can feel inspired to think and connect or communicate in new, fresh ways. This can be a time of mental breakthroughs, creative envisioning, innovative thinking, and perhaps nervous energy. We’re not content merely recycling old ideas or performing repetitive processes, and we are quick to latch onto progressive approaches and methods. We may seek to stir things up or shock others with our ideas and communications. Our senses may overload to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, we can come up with inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased ideas and methods. We’re looking for inspiration today. Also today, the First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Leo this afternoon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. The Moon in Leo wants us to move out of our comfort zones to share ourselves and creations with others.

MAY 1

The Moon spends the day in the playful, creative sign of Leo. We are proud and prefer to take the high road today. Creativity blossoms, we are more romantic and generous with our feelings, and we take particular pride in our accomplishments. Our emotions are strong and compelling, and we’re ready and willing to share ourselves with others. The Moon opposes Mars midday, and we can be somewhat competitive or combative, quick to react if our passions are met with indifference. There can be some temperamentality and touchiness. We’re heading toward a Mars-Chiron semi-square, exact early tomorrow, and standing up for what we believe in may not be comfortable just for now. There can be difficulties expressing our anger or desires in a direct manner, which can lead to some challenges but possibly also some interesting detours.

The void Moon occurs from 12:04 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Saturday, May 2nd, at 1:35 AM EDT.

MAY 2

The Moon moves into the sign of Virgo early today, at 1:35 AM EDT. The desire–or need–to tidy up our affairs is prominent. Keeping busy and making headway satisfies us more than usual. Still, the Moon’s connections today encourage innovation and openness. We can feel pleasantly motivated to take care of business and to get organized. We’re more focused on the details of our lives than the larger goals. This gives us the chance to manage essential tasks that help fortify and support our endeavors.

The void Moon continues until 1:35 AM EDT when the Moon enters Virgo.

 

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 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.

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.

 

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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits