This Week in Astrology: May 17 to 23, 2020

This Week in Astrology: May 17 to 23, 2020

 

May 17 to 23, 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 NEW MOON occurs on Friday, May 22, 2020, at 1:39 PM EDT.

The New Moon in Gemini marks the beginning of a new cycle. The Taurus New Moon cycle ends and the Gemini New Moon cycle begins. The New Moon in Gemini cycle presents opportunities to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Twins. It’s time to improve our communication skills by listening to others and enjoying others’ points of view, rather than doggedly seeking to find that one elusive “answer.”

This is a good cycle under which to re-evaluate our communication and social skills by questioning just how much we actually take in information and communicate in a friendly, non-threatening manner. With this potent Gemini energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

The New Moon harmonizes with Saturn, supporting our efforts toward a realistic, practical new beginning. Even so, Mercury/retrograde Venus forms a square to Neptune around the time of the New Moon, suggesting our vision can be obscured by wishful thinking. We have a stronger interest in past relationships, connections, and projects, and coming to terms with these seems integral to our new beginnings.

 

This phase of the Moon occurs at 2 degrees and 5 minutes of Gemini, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 0 to 6 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Taurus until the 20th, after which the Sun is in Gemini; Mercury is in Gemini; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Pisces.

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.

The Sun is in Gemini from May 20-June 20. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable.

Mercury is in Gemini from May 11-28. When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury feels right at home in Gemini, one of the signs that it rules. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point. We are attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations. We are easily distracted.

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.

Mars is in Pisces from May 13-June 27. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

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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 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: A Venus-Neptune square that first occurred on May 3rd returns this Wednesday with Venus retrograde. Venus turned retrograde on the 13th, and things are changing. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until June 25th, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life. The Venus-Neptune square on the 20th (Wednesday) brings us back to an old matter, and disillusionment is possible. It can be difficult to understand a situation because our wishes can obscure the reality now. On Thursday and Friday, we’re analyzing or talking about past relationship issues and seeing things in a new way, although we still don’t have the full picture.

With Venus retrograde in Gemini, we may question how much daily involvement and both the quality and quantity of our communications in our relationships. Read more about Venus retrograde in Gemini from May 13-June 25, 2020.

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 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 Sunday, May 17th, from 4:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:36 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, May 19th, from 4:33 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus at 10:11 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 22nd, from 4:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:36 AM EDT.

May 2020:

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 22nd, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 22nd, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Saturday, May 16th, at approximately 5:40 PM EDT, until Sunday, May 17th, at approximately 3:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Another window occurs from Wednesday, May 20th, at approximately 3:05 PM EDT, until Friday, May 22nd, at approximately 3:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus, but is just behind a New Moon, so it’s not ideal for brand new beginnings for longer-term ventures. Note that Venus is retrograde during both these windows.

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 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

Sun trine Jupiter. This influence is about growth and expansiveness. We are more aware of moral issues, and have a desire to improve and learn. Optimism and confidence are basic elements in the energy of this transit. We are more willing to take a risk or two, and we are motivated by a desire to impress others. Enthusiasm runs high, and cooperation comes easy. This is generally a good time to schedule new beginnings in business, education, personal relationships, marriage, creative projects, and so forth, all things equal.

  Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks you thought you finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

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.

Mercury square Neptune. We find it hard to follow facts, directions, and instructions. Difficulties concentrating on hard, cold facts are likely; and we may question facts altogether or avoid being pinned down for answers. This is a bad time for signing on the dotted line. Perceptions are confused, unrealistic, or too idealistic to carry weight in the real world. Conversations may be vague.

Mercury semi-square Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy.

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.

MAY 17

The Moon continues to transit Pisces until 9:36 AM EDT when it enters Aries, and we feel a desire to start fresh or take on a new challenge. A trine between the Sun and Jupiter today stimulates hope, optimism, and a desire to improve, impress, and do good things. We are seeking to grow and expand a venture, a relationship, our knowledge, personal philosophy, or self-improvement program. Enthusiasm runs high, and cooperation comes easily. We might make grand gestures, show off a little, or rise above petty problems and differences. Optimism and confidence are core elements in the energy of this transit. Later today, a Mercury-Jupiter sesquiquadrate can prompt impulsive decisions. Watch for distorted perceptions and communications or news. It’s a little too easy to gloss over important details.

The void Moon occurs from 4:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:36 AM EDT.

MAY 18

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aries, harmonizing with Mercury in Gemini this afternoon. We’re direct and straightforward, although not especially sensitive or sympathetic, with these influences. The Moon in Aries inspires our independent spirit, bravery, and sense of enterprise. We prefer to meet situations head-on, and we can be intent on starting fresh, being first, or pushing forward. Nevertheless, a Venus-Jupiter quintile inspires cooperation in situations that call for it. We give one another the benefit of the doubt.

MAY 19

The desire to pursue our personal interests can seem to clash with our ambitions and responsibilities today. Or, there can be a conflict between wanting to push ahead and needing to use strategy. Otherwise, the Moon in Aries until 10:11 PM EDT is bold and ready to take action. This Moon transit stimulates our pioneering instincts. It’s a fiery and sometimes impatient position of the Moon. We seek a fresh start now, and we’re quick to let go of the past–we want to start fresh or come first. We want immediate results, and if the effect we make is not exciting enough right away, we might quickly drop a project or plan for another one. The Moon moves into the sign of Taurus at 10:11 PM, and we crave comfort and predictability. Common sense rules as we handle domestic or emotional matters and money.

The void Moon occurs from 4:33 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus at 10:11 PM EDT.

MAY 20

With Mercury in a minor challenging aspect to Saturn this morning, we should watch for hypersensitivity, negative thinking, and criticism. It’s a somewhat beneficial influence for doing editing work and identifying flaws or fixing problems. The Taurus Moon (all day) is deliberate and constant. Earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal now more than usual, and we value that which is predictable and reliable. The Sun leaves the sign of Taurus today, however, and heads into Gemini for a stay until June 20th. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, although we can also be unreliable during this month-long cycle. The Venus-Neptune square can bring us back to an old matter, and it can be challenging to understand a situation because our wishes tend to obscure things. This transit suggests some uncertainty with our feelings, affections, and attachments.

MAY 21

Our plans may reach a point of testing or reality checks, and it’s a helpful checkpoint. We seem to find wisdom in traditional methods today and tomorrow as the Sun harmonizes with Pallas and heads towards the same aspect with Saturn. This can be a time of building faith or confidence in our existing skills and talents. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning or purpose and mental stimulation. We see important patterns, and we’re incredibly motivated to solve problems. The Moon spends the day in comfortable Taurus, and the Moon is Balsamic with a New Moon occurring in the sign of Gemini early afternoon tomorrow. It’s essential to wind down rather than push forward now. Still, a useful discussion about or examination of the past may be in focus today or tomorrow. A Mercury-Venus alignment early tomorrow influences today’s energies, and with Venus retrograde, there’s a tendency to analyze relationships and feelings, mainly related to past connections. While this gives us a new perspective on old issues and problems, we still don’t have the full picture.

MAY 22

The Mercury-Venus alignment discussed yesterday perfects early today, and the focus is on analyzing and exploring our feelings and relationships. A Sun-Saturn trine occurs this morning, helping 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. Enjoyment of our duties, work, or obligations can be in focus now. While this is a practical influence, it’s not the time to make big decisions since a New Moon occurs today, and we’re symbolically in the dark. As well, a Mercury-Neptune square obscures our vision. We’re subject to illusions, and wishful thinking can factor into our decisions. We may be without clear instructions or details, or we could find it challenging to follow or clearly communicate facts. However, the Sun-Saturn transit has a more extended influence going forward because it happens so close to the lunation, helping stabilize us in the coming weeks, even if we have some trouble making final decisions or conclusions. The New Moon occurs today at 1:39 PM EDT in the sign of Gemini. This serves as a prompt to communicate and commute more effectively in the weeks ahead. It helps clear a path for new beginnings with learning, sharing, writing, speaking, and connecting. There can be a lot to process. We may need to adjust expectations, as we can see-saw between seeing too much and too little opportunity. Our conversations or thoughts can lead us in new directions, or there can be new paths for our projects in the coming weeks. We have a more vital interest in past relationships, connections, and endeavors, and coming to terms with these seems integral to our new beginnings.

The void Moon occurs from 4:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:36 AM EDT.

MAY 23

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we’re filled with fresh ideas on this day after a New Moon in the sign. We could sense that our feelings are taking us in two different directions, making it challenging to decide, but we enjoy sharing our thoughts. The Moon aligns with Venus today, and we can find ourselves drawn to activities that bring more beauty and harmony to our lives, and we’re inclined to use conversation to get there. A Mercury-Uranus semi-square suggests some nervous energy. We may be rushing to complete something, share an idea, or to communicate, but things may end up half-done if we’re impatient. We are quickly distracted and bored with routine today.

 

 

 

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 Pisces

 We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

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.

 

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