This Week in Astrology: May 6 to 12, 2018

This Week in Astrology: May 6 to 12, 2018

 

May 6 to 12, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, May 7, 2018, at 10:09 PM EDT.

On Monday night, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Aquarius.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 17 degrees and 27 minutes of Aquarius forming a square to the Sun at 17 degrees and 27 minutes Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 15 to 19 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

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

The Sun in Taurus opposed 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 occurred 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 occurred 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.

 

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from 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.

This week: On Sunday, we can be a little fickle, although it’s more about seeking some excitement, change, or growth. A change of pace may be exactly what we need to refresh things. On Tuesday and Wednesday, our desire for the pleasures of life is strong, but we tend to overshoot. 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. On Friday and Saturday, once again we’re making adjustments or reassessments. Issues of power and control can arise.

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 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.

Venus quincunx Pluto May 11-12. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus conjunct Pallas May 15-16. This is a time for connecting with others who share similar ideas and ideals.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, May 6th, from 9:48 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:49 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, May 8th, from 10:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:11 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 11th, from 5:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 8:41 AM EDT.

May 2018:

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

The Moon is waning this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable 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 this week from approximately 1:15 AM to 10:25 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 8th, while the Moon is in Aquarius. Another window occurs from approximately 1:45 PM EDT on Thursday, May 10th, to approximately 4:55 AM EDT on Friday, May 11th, while the Moon is in Pisces.

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 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.

Venus semi-square Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Avoid impulse buys at this time, and hold off on decision-making with regards to finances. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye with a loved one, and we could be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results.

Mercury square Pluto. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Venus square Neptune. 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. The same goes for finances – what appears to be a great buy is likely to turn out to be a financial drain or money pit. Lines can blur when it comes to pursuit of pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to believe.

Sun opposition Jupiter. Conflicting urges with regards to what we think we should do and what we want to do can be frustrating now. There can be a tendency to go overboard and to indulge in extravagances. Watch for overestimating your capabilities now. Culminations or surprising changes in a project or ambition might occur now. The urge to grow and expand is strong, but we might overreach.

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges 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.

Sun trine Pluto. We are able to get to the bottom of things now. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. Endurance, the power to achieve, an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on resources, and strategy are all themes of this influence. This is a very positive aspect for starting a money-making endeavor (all things equal) or a new project. Leadership skills are in focus and strong. We are more able to connect with others in terms of shared goals and interests. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives.

Venus quincunx Pluto. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Mercury square Mars. Impatience, hastiness, and disagreements characterize this transit. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals. We can be irritable and say all the wrong things. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Mental agitation could dominate. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it.

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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.

MAY 6

The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn until 10:49 AM EDT, after which the Moon is in Aquarius. This morning is complicated. The Sun forms a semi-square with Chiron and Venus semi-squares Uranus, while the Sun also forms a sextile to Neptune. We can be a bit commitment-shy now, but we’re also inspired. We have better access to our imagination and intuition, although we may be distracted by shiny things — all that’s brand new, different, or unusual. 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 perspective that allows for and finds beauty in our differences. Philanthropic acts can be rewarding. This is also a good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Later today, though, mental anxiety or troubles could manifest with a Mercury-Pluto square coming into influence. This aspect may play to our insecurities and fears that we’re not getting all the information we need. Attempts to push our ideas onto others too intensely should be avoided.

The Moon is void from 9:48 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:49 AM EDT.

MAY 7

The Mercury-Pluto square perfects early today, generating some suspiciousness or possibly a bit of paranoia. We may fear not knowing. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is compelling and can readily stir up trouble. Later today, a square between Venus and Neptune can stimulate infatuations, fantasies, and dreams of people or things, but also a tendency to be unrealistic enough to let ourselves down. Ups and downs are possible now on a social level. Our perceptions of the value of people in our lives, business affairs, or personal possessions can be off as we’re influenced by our dreams of what we’d like these things to be. Blurred lines are possible now. The Moon spends the day in Aquarius. Tonight, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Aquarius Moon forms a square to the Taurus Sun. This begins a phase for sorting out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. It’s not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. Instead, we might begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon.

MAY 8

The Moon spends most of the day in the sign of Aquarius and moves into the sign of Pisces at 11:11 PM EDT. While the Aquarius Moon is detached, objective, and reasonable, the Sun’s opposition to Jupiter today is immoderate and inclines us to go over the top. Recent excesses can come to light, demanding a change or shuffling of priorities. Conflicting urges regarding what we think we should do and what we want to do can be an issue now. There are two areas of life where we have a particular need to shine, grow, and improve, represented by the Sun in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but these may seem to be in direct conflict with one another, at least for now. Culminations or unexpected changes in a project or ambition might occur, and this can be a time for reaping the rewards. The urge to grow and expand is strong. If we’ve been overreaching, however, it may be time to adjust our expectations.

The Moon is void from 10:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:11 PM EDT.

MAY 9

With a quincunx between Venus and Jupiter today, we can feel restless and desirous of more, but we don’t necessarily know what we want. Alternatively, we may be in a predicament or either/or situation. It can be tricky to find a balance between pleasure and responsibility right now. On the one hand, we’re curious and want to keep things light, while another part of us is seeking truth or depth from our interactions. Challenges in relationships today are likely due to overblown expectations. The Moon is in Pisces all day, which can reinforce the indecision of this transit. Decisions or commitments may not be easy with a Pisces Moon, but we’re also better able to move on and accept life for what it is.

MAY 10

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Pisces, aligning with Neptune and harmonizing with Jupiter, the Sun, and Pluto, and forming a square with Venus. Idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses figure strongly today. We’re building our faith, and the ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. We might take steps to better ourselves. We’re generous and want to do things in big, happy ways today. The Moon in Pisces offers us a beautiful window for getting in touch with our dreams and imagination. Today is also useful for connecting with people who share our desire to grow, improve, and expand or with projects that are similarly involving and encouraging.

MAY 11

The Sun forms a trine to Pluto today, and we’re exceptionally resourceful and efficient. It’s a strong time for gravitating towards things, people, and situations that help us to succeed or advance our goals. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. We might enjoy an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on our talents and resources. Strategy is successful, and leadership skills are active. Shared goals and interests connect us with others. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives and going forward with more conviction as a result. It’s a good time for starting a money-making or career project. The Moon is in Pisces until 8:41 AM EDT, after which the Moon transits Aries, and we’re looking for a fresh start on an emotional level. As the day advances, however, a Venus-Pluto quincunx comes into play, and we may be grappling with issues of power and control or jealousy in our close relationships.

The Moon is void from 5:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 8:41 AM EDT.

MAY 12

The Moon spends the day in direct, assertive Aries. Very early today, Venus perfects its quincunx with Pluto, and there can be a tendency to second-guess feelings, relationships, and even purchases. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships, with spending or entertainment, or with regards to our social lives. Fears and jealousy can emerge, seemingly out of nowhere, and they can push us to see our personal blind spots. Mercury forms a square to Mars this morning, and communications and thoughts can be aggravated, agitated, or intense. This transit can stimulate impatience, hastiness, and disagreements. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it. Mercury will change signs tomorrow, but just before entering Taurus, it aligns with Uranus late in the sign of Aries. We’re quick to latch onto progressive approaches and methods. We may seek to stir things up or shock with our ideas and communications. Our senses may be overloaded to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, or nervous, however. While disruptive, though, it’s a time of breakthrough thinking or conversations.

 

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

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.

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