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

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

 

April 29 to May 5, 2018

 

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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 FULL MOON occurs on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at 8:59 PM EDT.

The Sun in Taurus opposes the Moon in Scorpio. 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 next two weeks, 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.

This Full Moon occurs around the time of a Mars-Pluto alignment, adding to the themes of transformation, growth, and intensity. Its square to the North Node can feel jarring — it may take us out of our comfort zone with a jolt that feels disruptive and possibly counter-productive at first glance. This lunation’s harmony with Saturn, however, points to an ultimate sense that we’re doing the right things for long-term growth and success.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 9 degrees and 39 minutes of Scorpio forming an opposition to the Sun at 9 degrees and 39 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 6 to 14 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Aries; 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 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.

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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 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

See also Mercury Retrograde, Retrogrades, and Retrogrades in the Natal Chart.

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.

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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 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 Monday and Tuesday, we can experience some tension in our relationships. We’re inclined to make impulsive choices. There is an air of competitiveness now, and while this may be invigorating on some days, it can feel disruptive and complicated. There can be some anxiety or insecurities expressing our feelings, and people can be running hot and cold. The following day, though, we’re considerably more open and obliging, and we can be drawn to experiences that encourage us to grow.

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

Venus in Gemini April 24-May 19. 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 contra-parallel 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 sesquiquadrate 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.

Venus contra-parallel Mars April 30-May 1. Passions are stimulated and intense. Fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness. Questions are raised or ultimatums made.

Venus sesquiquadrate Mars April 30-May 1. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus quincunx Saturn May 1. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

Venus sextile Moon’s North Node May 1-2. 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 5-6. 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 quincunx Jupiter May 8-9. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, April 29th, from 1:32 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:12 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Monday, April 30th, from 10:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Tuesday, May 1st, at 11:20 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, May 3rd, from 8:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 10:06 PM EDT.

April 2018:

 

May 2018:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on the 29th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 29th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Sunday, April 29th, at approximately 10 PM EDT, until Monday, April 30th, at approximately 10:50 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Another window occurs from Wednesday, May 2nd, from approximately 7:15 PM to Thursday, May 3rd, at approximately 8:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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’s Aspects

Sun trine Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We have common sense at our disposal. We are willing to look reality in the eye and to take responsibility for our lives.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive and suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us.

Venus sesquiquadrate Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.

Venus quincunx Saturn. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

Mercury quincunx (inconjunct) Jupiter. We may have big ideas under this influence, but we may also overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as important details are too easy to overlook. Also, avoid making promises you may not be able to fulfill, and read the fine print!

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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.

See also:  The Astrology of 2018 – 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 29

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 3:12 AM EDT, after which the Moon transits Scorpio. The Moon is Full in the sign of Scorpio this evening at 8:59 PM, reminding us of the need to consider others’ support, contribution, needs, wants, and input, and possibly forcing awareness of relationship imbalances. If we’ve been focusing too closely on material and comfort needs, we may need this push to embrace intangibles and spiritual growth. Discoveries made now can have a magical or private quality to them. This Full Moon occurs around the time of a Mars-Pluto alignment, adding to the themes of transformation, growth, and intensity. Its square to the North Node can feel jarring – it may take us out of our comfort zone with a jolt that feels disruptive and possibly counter-productive at first glance. This lunation’s harmony with Saturn, however, points to an ultimate sense that we’re doing the right things for long-term growth and success. The Full Moon is a time of culmination. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our lives. These new revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness. This morning, the Sun forms a trine to Saturn in Earth signs, and we can feel particularly empowered dealing with practicalities and seeing things realistically. Minor tension between Venus and Pluto today suggests some underlying challenges in social interactions and relationships or concerns about power dynamics, trust, money, support, and ownership issues. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us.

The Moon is void from 1:32 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:12 AM EDT.

APRIL 30

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Scorpio, aligning with Jupiter and harmonizing with Mars and Pluto. We’re feeling optimistic and comfortable with how things are progressing. Emotions are felt intensely, and intensity is relished now. It’s a great time of the lunar month to do research, investigate, and probe. Learning what makes people tick can be exciting now. We are excellent at formulating strategies to reach our goals today, and we thoroughly enjoy the process. We’re resolute and can have tremendous inner drive, tend to keep things to ourselves until we’re completely satisfied with them, and we can be very resourceful.

The Moon is void from 10:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Tuesday, May 1st, at 11:20 AM EDT.

MAY 1

The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio until 11:20 AM EDT, after which it moves through Sagittarius. The Sagittarius Moon inspires us to explore, seek, and discover. We’re less inclined to analyze and more inclined to act. Venus forms a tense aspect to Mars today, stimulating some tension in relationships. This aspect can lead to impulsive choices. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, and this can be invigorating, but with a Venus-Saturn quincunx also active today, it’s more likely to feel disruptive. This Venus-Saturn aspect points to some anxiety or insecurities expressing our feelings.

The Moon continues its void period until 11:20 AM EDT when it enters Sagittarius.

MAY 2

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Sagittarius, and we wish to feel free. We’re eager to learn, experience, and explore, at least on an emotional level. We’re not inclined to analyze or question our feelings now. A spontaneous, casual approach to the day makes the most sense under the influence of a Sagittarius Moon. A Venus-North Node sextile today suggests a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable than usual now, and we’re particularly drawn to people and situations that encourage our emotional growth.

MAY 3

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius for most of the day, until 10:07 PM EDT, after which it transits resourceful Capricorn. With the Sagittarius Moon, we continue to seek out new, different, and more meaningful experiences. This influence prompts us to look and forge ahead. We’re emotionally bored with the mundane, and a change of scenery can help. A Venus-Ceres sextile suggests we can be feeling pleasantly attached to others, finding it more comfortable than usual to nurture and support people in our lives, particularly through verbal encouragement. The Capricorn Moon from 10:07 PM forward is resourceful.

The Moon is void from 8:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 10:06 PM EDT.

MAY 4

The Moon transits Capricorn all day, and we seek more order and structure in our lives. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most areas of life now. Our careers, reputation, and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign. The Moon aligns with Saturn in Capricorn this afternoon, which is sobering. We aim to be more responsible, practical, and efficient under this influence. A Sun-Jupiter contraparallel active today, however, has us questioning and philosophizing, not only dealing with the practical world. Moral dilemmas may present themselves.

MAY 5

Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter today, and we may face a challenging decision. Our ideas don’t always feel precisely right under this influence – we can waver quite a bit now, unable to reach a wholly satisfying decision or conclusion. We may overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. It may be best to avoid jumping into something without planning, as necessary details are too easy to overlook. The Moon is in Capricorn all day, harmonizing with the Sun, Jupiter, and Neptune, aligning with Pluto, and forming a square with Mercury. We’re both practical and intuitive today. We’re in good shape for concentration and focus, although in the hours surrounding the Moon’s square to Mercury, we may be easily distracted. It can be challenging expressing what we intend today. The Moon is particularly resourceful in the sign of Capricorn, however.

 

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

 Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

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.

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 2018 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits