This Week in Astrology: May 21 to 27, 2017

May 21 to 27, 2017

On Thursday afternoon, a new cycle begins. 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.

This New Moon occurs around the time of a Mars-Saturn opposition, and we may need to watch for see-sawing between aggressively pursuing our goals and withdrawing from doing so completely.

New Moon in Gemini chart on May 25, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 47 minutes of Gemini, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 1 to 8 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

May 25, 2017, 3:44 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Jun 1, 2017, 8:42 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jun 9, 2017, 9:10 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Jun 17, 2017, 7:33 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jun 23, 2017, 10:31 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Gemini from May 20-June 21. 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 Taurus from May 16-June 6. 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 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.

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 forms a square to Pluto this week on Wednesday and Thursday, demanding that we deal with one another in growth-inspired ways rather than falling back on outdated, habitual patterns of relating. It can be too easy to trigger sensitive points, but what works us up can be very revealing to those of us on a journey of self-discovery. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings.

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 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.

Venus semi-square the Sun May 19-20. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and yearnings instead of overindulging or procastinating.

Venus square Pluto May 24-25. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus trine Saturn May 31-June 1. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism and maturity in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor, and have much potential to last.

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 Saturday, May 20th, from 11:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Sunday, May 21st, at 6:12 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, May 23rd, from 3:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 8:33 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 24th, from 3:09 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, May 25th, at 8:16 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, May 27th, from 2:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:25 AM EDT.

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 waning this week until the New Moon on the 25th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 25th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Tuesday, May 23rd, at approximately 8:35 AM EDT, until Wednesday, May 24th, at approximately 3:05 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. The Moon is Balsamic, and this suggests tying up loose ends or letting go of a bad habit are better activities than brand new beginnings or launches.

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
Jun 4, 2017 12:16 PM Mars enters Cancer
Jun 6, 2017 3:26 AM Venus enters Taurus
Jun 6, 2017 6:15 PM Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 9, 2017 10:02 AM Jupiter Direct
Jun 16, 2017 7:10 AM Neptune Retrograde
Jun 21, 2017 12:24 AM Sun enters Cancer
Jun 21, 2017 5:57 AM Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 26, 2017 10:31 PM Pallas enters Taurus
Jul 4, 2017 8:11 PM Venus enters Gemini
Jul 5, 2017 8:20 PM Mercury enters Leo

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 – May 21 to 27, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

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 sesquiquadrate Pluto. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

Venus square Pluto. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. Emotions and issues in a close relationship that have been brewing beneath the surface for quite awhile come to the surface at this time, possibly in a very disruptive way.

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 semi-square Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

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!

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)

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

MAY 21

The Moon completes its transit of Pisces at 6:12 AM EDT when it enters Aries. The Aries Moon inspires us to innovate, start fresh, pioneer, and win. We are looking for quick results. The Moon’s sextile to the Gemini Sun this morning is cooperative and friendly, but also a little impersonal. Mercury forms a semi-square to Mars, and impatience or impulsiveness with communications and movements should be watched. We may be a little too quick 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 quickly interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are possible but not likely to be serious.

The Moon is void until 6:12 AM EDT, when it enters Aries.

MAY 22

With the Moon in Aries all day, we crave instant results, and we’re quick to react. We’re enterprising and ready to take action. We’re seeking out more independence, and while we enjoy others’ company and can benefit from collaboration, it can be difficult to integrate these needs. The Aries Moon finds its support in courageous, action-oriented Mars but runs into some trouble with its square to Pluto in the afternoon, when fears or issues of power and authority can be tricky.

MAY 23

The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 8:33 AM EST, aligning with Uranus and harmonizing with Saturn in the early hours of the day. We’re taking the best of the traditional and progressive worlds and using them to make updates that improve our lives. The Moon in Taurus from 8:33 AM forward is a steadier, more consistent and content influence that encourages us to take pause. However, there is some tendency to resort to trickery, manipulation, and one-upmanship to get our way today. The Moon’s alignment with Mercury tonight may encourage us to clear the air. Ideas and conversations flow smoothly and harmoniously.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 8:33 AM EDT.

MAY 24

The Moon is in Taurus all day, stimulating a need to get comfortable and enjoy ourselves. The Moon is Balsamic, favoring activities that allow us to wind down, close up projects, reflect, and rest. The New Moon tomorrow will stimulate a feeling of fresh, take-charge energy and a sense that we can begin anew. For now, it can be difficult to see exactly where we‘re headed, and it may be best to accept this rather than fight it. Earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal now more than usual. The Sun’s sesquiquadrate with Pluto can stimulate or aggravate fears and any feelings we may have of being powerless or overlooked, however. Buried feelings and motives can surface now. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is persistent with this aspect, and tomorrow’s Venus-Pluto square can extend this theme.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:09 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, May 25th, at 8:16 AM EDT.

MAY 25

The Moon completes its transit of Taurus at 8:16 AM EDT, after which it transits Gemini. The Moon is Balsamic until 3:45 PM when the New Moon occurs. With Venus forming a challenging square to Pluto today, our fears of betrayal or of being in the dark about a matter may be working close to the surface. It can be too easy to trigger sensitive points, but what works us up can be very revealing to those of us on a journey of self-discovery. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. Problem areas that have been working under the surface of things in our relationships can emerge now. A New Moon occurs this afternoon in the sign of Gemini, presenting us opportunities to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Twins in the coming weeks. This is a good cycle for re-evaluating our communication and social skills by questioning just how much we take in information and communicate in a friendly, non-threatening manner. We can come to new thinking that leads us in new directions, or there can be new paths for our projects. With Mercury in minor challenging aspect to Saturn today, however, there can be some difficulties getting our message across.

The Moon is void until 8:16 AM EDT when it enters Gemini.

MAY 26

While our social and romantic interactions may have been complicated in the last couple of days, today we’re striving towards more impartiality. The Moon is in Gemini all day, and while we may not yet have a clear idea of where we’re heading, this is a good time for feeling a building sense of excitement about possibilities on this day after the New Moon. With a Gemini Moon, we suffer no shortage of ideas, but there can often be a sense that our feelings are taking us in two different directions, making it difficult to decide. We’re quick to share our experiences and ask questions. With the Moon’s alignment with Mars in Gemini tonight, our thoughts might race, and we can be very quick (possibly too fast) to respond and react.

MAY 27

The Moon finishes its transit of Gemini at 7:25 AM EDT and moves into the sign of Cancer. We seek out a feeling of safety or familiarity now with a Cancer Moon. This influence is warm, protective, and also sensitive. Mercury forms a semi-square with Chiron and a quincunx with Jupiter today before reaching a sextile to Neptune shortly into the day tomorrow. Communications can be careless or perceived as hurtful. We are prone to worry and struggling with decisions as we flip-flop between alternatives. It can be challenging to get our message across successfully or to come to agreements with others, but as the day advances, we become more skilled at tuning into intentions and meaning behind the words. We may even choose to believe what we want to believe. Our imagination is stirred, and we may be able to apply it to practical matters creatively. We have an increased appreciation for subtleties, which aids our understanding of others.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:25 AM 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 Pisces

We are not inclined to 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 start 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.

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.

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, 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, 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.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

Sun in Gemini The cycle which begins for you now will be marked by a more intense focus on mental and communicative activity than you may ever have experienced before. It’s a time of more involvement with other people, a time for gathering information, and a time when you’re apt to be more on the go than ever. There is likely to be an emphasis on reading, writing, studying, and all forms of exchanging information with others in the years ahead – and it will all serve as a path for self-discovery and personal development.

Mercury in Taurus “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that’s the key to the way you think at a time like this. Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now – putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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