This Week in Astrology: April 30 to May 6, 2017

April 30 to May 6, 2017

On Tuesday night, 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 12 degrees and 52 minutes of Leo forming a square the Sun at 12 degrees and 52 minutes Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 11 to 15 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

LAST WEEK: The NEW MOON occurred on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 8:16 AM EDT.

Last Wednesday, a new cycle began. The Aries New Moon cycle ended and the Taurus New Moon cycle began.

The New Moon in Taurus is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Bull. It’s time to enjoy life’s simple and physical pleasures–savor good food, and enjoy activities that bring us in touch with nature and with our bodies. It’s time to stop and smell the roses and to become more aware of what makes us feel comfortable and secure. This is a good cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship to money and possessions, as well as to discover what truly makes us happy and fulfilled.

With this potent Taurus energy, we have the chance to make important 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. This New Moon forms a trine with the North Node in Virgo and a wide sextile with Neptune, suggesting that it’s easier to connect with a sense of purpose for making changes and starting anew.

New Moon in Taurus Chart – April 26, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurred at 6 degrees and 27 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 2 to 10 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Apr 26, 2017, 8:16 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
May 2, 2017, 10:47 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 10, 2017, 5:42 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 18, 2017, 8:33 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
May 25, 2017, 3:44 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Gemini.

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 20-May 16. 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 Aries from April 28-June 6. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

Mars is in Gemini from April 21-June 4. In Gemini, Mars is considerably more versatile and flexible–and considerably less determined and focused! Our interests become more diversified, possibly to the point of going off on so many tangents that we are scattered and ineffective.

March 27/2017 12:50 am 24 Aries 16′ Mercury Enters Rx Zone

April 9/2017 07:05 pm 4 Taurus 51’Rx Mercury Stationary Retrograde

May 3/2017 12:29 pm 24 Aries 16′ Mercury Stationary Direct

May 20/2017 09:00 pm 4 Taurus 51′ Mercury Leaves Rx Zone

Times are Eastern

Mercury turns direct this week on May 3rd.

Mercury is retrograde until May 3rd and is in its post-retrograde shadow until May 20th.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th, 2016, and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. 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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aries from April 28 -June 6. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

This week: Venus continues to form few aspects, making no major aspects to the major planets this week (although it always connects with the fast-moving Moon). Venus is in its post-retrograde shadow until May 18th. We are gradually finding our finances and relationships clearer and more straightforward. The lack of connections this week continues to suggest some feelings of being disjointed or not connecting as powerfully as we might want.

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

Venus in Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit?

Venus square Saturn April 20-21. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

Venus parallel Chiron May 9-10. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

Venus opposition Jupiter May 18-19. 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.

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 Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, May 1st, from 4:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Tuesday, May 2nd, at 12:12 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, May 4th, from 12:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:47 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, May 6th, from 8:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:21 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – April 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – April 2017

Void of Course Moon – May 2017

Void of Course Table for May 2017

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 from Tuesday, May 2nd, at approximately 11:50 PM EDT, until Thursday, May 4th, at approximately 12:35 AM EDT while the Moon is in Leo. Note that Mercury is retrograde during this window until midday May 3rd.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Feb 3, 2017 10:51 AM
Venus enters Aries
Feb 6, 2017 1:52 AM Jupiter Retrograde (Rx)
Feb 7, 2017 4:35 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2017 6:31 AM Sun enters Pisces
Feb 25, 2017 6:07 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 4, 2017 4:09 AM Venus Rx
Mar 9, 2017 7:34 PM Mars enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 13, 2017 5:07 PM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2017 6:29 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 31, 2017 1:30 PM Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 2, 2017 8:25 PM Venus Retrograde enters Pisces
Apr 6, 2017 1:06 AM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 9, 2017 7:14 PM Mercury Retrograde
Apr 15, 2017 6:18 AM Venus Direct
Apr 19, 2017 5:27 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2017 8:48 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 20, 2017 1:37 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Aries
Apr 21, 2017 6:32 AM Mars enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2017 9:13 AM Venus enters Aries
Apr 29, 2017 11:40 AM Ceres enters Gemini
May 2, 2017 7:53 PM Vesta enters Leo
May 3, 2017 12:33 PM Mercury Direct
May 9, 2017 2:28 PM True Node Retrograde enters Leo
May 16, 2017 12:07 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 20, 2017 4:31 PM Sun enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar – April 30 to May 6, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Saturn square Chiron. There can be fears now of not being competent or effective enough to meet our responsibilities, or we could find it hard to strike out on a unique path, again due to fears or insecurities. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so.

Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Sun semi-square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Sun sextile Neptune. We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.

Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely.

Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

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

This Week

Next Week – may be available in advance.

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 our site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

APRIL 30

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer all day today and tomorrow. We’re looking for a sense of belonging and safety, and home and family matters may come into sharp focus. With the Sun and Moon’s harmonious aspect today, the desire for comfort or security is prominent now. This is a better time for going over the past than for making solid plans for the future. A longer term influence comes into exactitude today: Saturn square Chiron. This is the second in a set of three (the aspect first occurred in December and will perfect again in November). There can be fears of not being competent or capable enough to meet our responsibilities. We can be torn between nursing a problem area or using a “tough love” approach. We may have a hard time striking out on a unique path as much as we might want to. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so. We can be particularly sensitive to criticism, but we might take a hard look at our vulnerabilities as they are triggered now.

MAY 1

The Moon once again spends the full day in Cancer. Feelings of belonging and safety are prime motivators under this influence. We can be self-protective and defensive, as well as protective and nurturing of others. While we seek out comfort and familiarity under this influence, the Moon touches upon a tense configuration involving Jupiter, Pluto, Mercury, and Uranus, and fears of both loss and closeness can make for some complex interactions. This evening’s Moon-Chiron trine can fill us with the courage to get in touch with our innermost feelings, and we are more emotionally involved and present. Learning from one another is easy and natural now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Tuesday, May 2nd, at 12:12 AM EDT.

MAY 2

The Moon leaves Cancer and enters Leo at 12:12 AM EDT. The Leo Moon is bold, proud, can affectionate. However, this morning, we may second-guess ourselves. The Sun dynamically activates the Saturn-Chiron aspect, and it can be difficult to find satisfaction. We easily feel discouraged as people seem rather insensitive or critical. We may have a hard time deciding whether to conform and follow the rules or go our own way. Tonight, the First Quarter Moon occurs with the Sun in Taurus forming 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.

The Moon is void until it enters Leo at 12:12 AM EDT.

MAY 3

Mercury turns direct today after several weeks of retrograde motion. Over the coming weeks, problems with communications and decision-making we may have encountered while Mercury was retrograde should begin to improve. Delayed initiatives may unblock. While Mercury’s direct motion can bring increasing clarity over the coming days and weeks, the station itself can initially magnify problem areas or confusion. Easing us through this transition is a Sun-Neptune sextile. Under this influence, we have better access to our imagination and intuition. What feels like serendipity experienced now may have to do with a good sense of timing and feeling in sync. We are generous and charitable with our time and energy. We can see people and situations from a different perspective–one that allows for–and finds beauty in–differences. Charitable acts can be rewarding. This is also a good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. The Moon is in outgoing Leo all day, and its harmonious aspects to Jupiter, Mercury, and Uranus open up more doors for self-expression. Even if verbal exchanges are unclear today, our actions and body language seem to be communicating well.

MAY 4

The Moon continues to transit playful Leo until 5:47 AM EDT when it enters Virgo. The Virgo Moon reminds us of the importance of attention to details. While it’s a helpful, productive Moon position, Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, is just pulling out of a direct station and is semi-square to Mars. The Virgo Moon also forms a square to Mars in Gemini, also Mercury-ruled, tonight. This can point to a fair amount of nervous tension and likely argumentativeness. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. There can be abrupt interruptions, snappiness, and irritability. Conflicts of interest are likely, but it’s our tense reaction to these that can be most challenging. The Sun is approaching an awkward quincunx to Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning, but influencing us today as well. As much as Mercury-Mars wants us to make quick decisions, the Sun-Jupiter influence challenges us with two choices that seem equal in desirability.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:36 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:47 AM EDT.

MAY 5

The Sun forms an inconjunct with Jupiter early today, which can serve to contrast two very different drives and goals, and it can be difficult to know our next step as a result. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we are not certain about what it is we want. There can be disagreements over values or money matters in partnerships, or perhaps a price to pay that’s higher than initially expected. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits so that we can free ourselves up for experiences that allow us to grow and move forward. The Moon is in Virgo all day, and while its opposition to Neptune this morning can temporarily pull us off our game, its harmonious aspects with the Sun and then Pluto encourage cooperation, focus, and practical ability.

MAY 6

The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 2:21 PM EDT, and we’re particularly concerned about tying up loose ends and dealing with routine matters. Its square to Saturn this morning can point to disappointment or temporary questioning of whether we have the time or energy to handle what we want to accomplish. The Moon enters Libra at 2:21 PM, and while we crave peace and harmony, a lot of tension can be generated with a Mars-Uranus semi-square influencing the day. We may be looking to dominate or to assert our independence if we feel trapped, restricted, or otherwise limited. Watch for impulsive moves, but also look for creative, inventive ways to get ahead.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:21 PM 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 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.

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 Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit?

Mars in Gemini Learning, communicating, the exchange of ideas: these are the experiences you crave as a means to make your mark now, as a new phase begins in your life. You’re a person with something to say, and you realize that others have information that is essential to your goals. A time of much mental energy and initiative … perhaps with an element of conflict tossed in for good measure.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

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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