This Week in Astrology: May 7 to 13, 2017

May 7 to 13, 2017

The Taurus-Scorpio polarity deals with the balance between all that is mine (Taurus) and all that is yours (Scorpio). It also emphasizes the concept of form (Taurus) versus transformation (Scorpio). While Taurus deals with matter, personal values, material goods, possessions, and security, Scorpio rules the destruction of form, shared possessions, change, and transformation. The Sun in Taurus encourages happiness with the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Moon draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of an intimate nature, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings — we need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between collecting and sharing.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves, and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet. Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with. Where does the Full Moon fall by house in your natal chart? Read more here.

This Full Moon occurs around the time of a Mercury-Uranus alignment, adding to the elements of surprise and revelation.

Full Moon in Scorpio Chart – May 10, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 25 minutes of Scorpio forming an opposition to the Sun at 20 degrees and 25 minutes Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 17 to 23 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 is direct 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. However, Venus does form a parallel with Chiron on Tuesday and Wednesday — our best time for connecting well with others this week. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

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 8th, from 7:00 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Tuesday, May 9th, at 1:02 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 10th, from 5:44 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Thursday, May 11th, from 1:01 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, May 13th, from 10:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Sunday, May 14th, at 1:39 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 waxing this week until the Full Moon on May 10th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 10th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Friday, May 12th, at approximately 7:50 PM EDT, until Saturday, May 13th, at approximately 10:15 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius.

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 – May 7 to 13, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

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.

Mercury conjunct Uranus. The ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high right now. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. The senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

Mars square Neptune. Inspiration comes from unusual sources, but you have a hard time staying focused and organized. Energy may be variable. Intuition is strong, but may be faulty. Not a good time to begin a new project or affair.

Mercury trine Saturn. Clear, realistic thinking characterizes this influence. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now is likely to beget tangible results in the future. Conversations may be spare but to the point. Manifestation and achievement are what satisfy.

Mars trine Jupiter. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals. Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes easily. We want to branch out and take on more challenges. A good time for making new goals or to initiate new projects (all things equal). Optimism and enthusiasm; adventurous spirit. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. Friendly competition. Taking action to better our lives.

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 7

The Moon is in Libra all day, promoting cooperation and harmony. The Moon harmonizes with Mars and aligns with Jupiter today, and we’re resourceful and skilled at negotiating. We’re generous with our energy, happiness, and affection. We are conveying intended meaning and finding it easy and natural to teach, guide, and share our ideas. We are cooperative, communicative, spirited, and generous. Decision making is easy and natural today. We express ourselves genuinely and are received well as a result. We tend to take the high road in our dealings with others, giving one another the benefit of the doubt, and we’re especially fair in our dealings. The Moon-Jupiter connection can have the effect of magnifying our feelings and attachments.

MAY 8

The Moon is in Libra all day. While there can be some friction or rebellion if we feel confined today, we’re also very relationship-oriented and ready to do what it takes to find a good balance or sense of harmony with others. We are taking more pride than usual in our relationships. This is a fine day for attempts at strengthening and supporting others, as well as for building trust and mutually beneficial relationships, both personal and professional. We instinctively know how to behave in ways that boost others’ confidence. We’re feeling pleasantly ambitious now, and by following our passions and interests, there is an excellent chance of success.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:00 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio tomorrow, Tuesday, May 9th, at 1:02 AM EDT.

MAY 9

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 Scorpio from 1:02 AM EDT forward, and we’re emotionally geared to take our experiences seriously and to look for hidden meanings. We approach an alignment of Mercury and Uranus, exact very early into the day tomorrow. This aspect first formed in March and we returned to it while Mercury was retrograde in April. Information can come in that changes our perspective. It can be a powerful time for insights. This can be a time of mental breakthroughs, creative envisioning, innovative thinking, and perhaps nervous energy.

The Moon is void until it enters Scorpio at 1:02 AM EDT.

MAY 10

The Sun in Taurus opposes the Moon in Scorpio at 5:44 PM EDT today. This Full Moon (Flower Moon) in the sign of Scorpio is supported by Pluto, reminding us of the need to consider others’ support, contribution, needs, wants, and input, and possibly forcing awareness of relationship imbalances. If we’ve been focusing too closely on material and comfort needs, we may need this push to embrace intangibles and spiritual growth. Discoveries made now may have a magical or private quality to them. This lunation occurs shortly after Mercury and Uranus have formed a conjunction, pointing to a rather sudden but also natural, positive, and illuminating discovery phase. This influence adds to the elements of surprise and revelation. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which began 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). Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, we find a balance between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. 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. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our lives. These new revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness. An upcoming Mars-Neptune challenge suggests some struggle seeing the reality of a situation, and it makes sense to hold off on major decision-making. The Moon is in Scorpio all day.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:44 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius tomorrow, Thursday, May 11th, at 1:01 PM EDT.

MAY 11

Mars forms a square with Neptune and, later, a trine to Jupiter. We should watch for difficulties with boundaries, rules, and limits, and for attempts to take the easy way out. The Mars-Jupiter trine is excellent for timing and confidence, but the Mars-Neptune square can lead to impractical plans. Desires can be unusual or misleading. From disappointment, we can feel the inspiration to make improvements, and Mars-Jupiter can help pull us out of a rut and re-energize and motivate us later today. The day favors taking action to better our lives. Helping us with the practical side of things is a Mercury-Saturn trine that supports detail work, realistic thinking, and step-by-step approaches to learning and communicating. The Moon is in passionate Scorpio until 1:01 PM, after which it transits Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, reinforcing a need for meaning, truth, and adventure.

The Moon is void until it enters Sagittarius at 1:01 PM EDT.

MAY 12

Mars perfects its trine with Jupiter this morning, stimulating our confidence and enthusiasm, as well as our desire for freedom. We are more decisive and enterprising. It’s a great time to think up an exciting new plan or challenge, and we can be moved to take action to better our lives. We possess willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals. Positive attitudes create winning situations, and we can enjoy friendly competition. The Moon in Sagittarius all day also inspires us to seek out non-routine experiences. We’re cheerful, hopeful, adaptable, and resilient. A change of scenery is in order today.

MAY 13

The Moon is in Sagittarius all day, stimulating a desire for more than ordinary experiences. We are attracted to new situations of conquest or adventure and require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. The Sagittarius Moon seeks out meaning and prompts us to look and forge ahead. Emotional refreshment comes from a change of scenery or interesting topics of discussion or study. With the Moon aligning with Saturn, we‘re reminded of our responsibilities or limitations. However, we can be productive under this influence, and we’re in a good position to cooperate and mingle with others with the Moon’s harmonious aspects to Mercury and Uranus.

A void of course Moon occurs from 10:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Capricorn tomorrow, Sunday, May 14th, at 1:39 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 Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others’ approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

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

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

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don’t want to plan ahead, and prefer to “wing it”.

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve “winging it”, travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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