This Week in Astrology

May 11 to May 17, 2008

On Sunday night, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Taurus squares off with a Leo Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began at the New Moon last week is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 48 minutes of Taurus and Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at 20 to 24 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
May 5, 2008 8:18 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
May 11, 2008 11:47 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 19, 2008 10:11 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 27, 2008 10:57 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
June 3, 2008 3:23 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Gemini; Venus is in Taurus; Mars is in Cancer until May 9th, when it enters Leo.

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 Gemini from May 2-July 10. 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 Taurus from April 30-May 24. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own. On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now.

Mars is in Leo May 9-July 1. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 18th, and will stay in the sign until January 5th, 2009. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Capricorn here.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from April 30-May 24. In Taurus, Venus is quite content, and can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: Venus forms a tense aspect with Pluto on Monday and Tuesday, which can bring up matters of trust. Fear of betrayal or even abandonment is likely at the root of any suspiciousness raised now. We crave intensity, and if we don't get it, we might question our relationships or partners. Passions run high and hot, but there's a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. On Saturday, Venus squares Chiron, and we can be somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship. It's not a commitment-friendly influence.

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

Venus in Taurus April 30-May 24. A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life - such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto May 12-13. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.
Venus square Chiron May 17. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.
Venus sextile Uranus May 17-18. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.
Venus trine Jupiter May 18. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.
Venus square Neptune May 19-20. 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.

The Moon & Timing

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 12th, from 4:10 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:49 PM.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 14th, from 12:39 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Libra at 11:48 PM.

VOC Moon on Friday, May 16th, from 11:30 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Saturday, May 17th, at 11:00 AM.

Void of Course Moon Table for May 2008:

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

The Moon is waxing this week--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

A window of opportunity occurs this week on Wednesday, May 14th, from approximately 8:20 AM to 12:30 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs on Friday, May 16th, from approximately 7:45 PM to 11:25 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Libra.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Apr 19th: Sun enters Taurus 12:51 PM
Apr 30th: Venus enters Taurus 9:34 AM
May 2nd: Mercury enters Gemini 4:00 PM
May 2nd: Saturn Direct 11:07 PM
May 9th: Jupiter Retrograde 8:11 AM
May 9th: Mars enters Leo 4:20 PM
May 20th: Sun enters Gemini 12:01 PM
May 24th: Venus enters Gemini 6:52 PM
May 25th: Chiron Retrograde 7:42 AM
May 26th: Mercury Retrograde 11:48 AM
May 26th: Neptune Retrograde 12:14 PM
June 14th: Pluto Retrograde enters Sagittarius 1:13 AM
June 18th: Venus enters Cancer 4:49 AM
June 19th: Mercury Direct 10:31 AM
June 20th: Sun enters Cancer 7:59 PM
June 26th: Uranus Retrograde 8:01 PM
July 1st: Mars enters Virgo 12:21 PM
July 10th: Mercury enters Cancer 4:17 PM
July 12th: Venus enters Leo 2:39 PM
July 22nd: Sun enters Leo 6:55 AM
July 26th: Mercury enters Leo 7:48 AM
Aug 6th: Venus enters Virgo 12:20 AM
Aug 10th: Mercury enters Virgo 6:51 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2008 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Mars quincunx Pluto. A strong desire to prove ourselves may be at the root of confrontations and bull-headedness at this time. Avoid forcing issues.

Sun sextile Uranus. We are willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations. It's a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events. We can find creative solutions to problems now. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence.

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.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run high and hot, but there's a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Sometimes, this transit correlates with heartbreak, unreciprocated feelings, or romantic disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation and underhanded dealings can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers.

Sun square Neptune. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct your willpower under this influence. It's also a challenge knowing where you stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Last Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are ET.

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

May 11
A quincunx between Mars and Pluto early in the day is a bit awkward--a desire to prove ourselves may be at the root of confrontations and bull-headedness at this time. Avoid forcing issues. The First Quarter Moon occurs tonight at 11:47 PM EDT, when the Sun in Taurus squares off with a Leo Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began at the New Moon last week is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. The Moon is in proud and playful Leo all day.

May 12
The Moon is in sunny Leo until 2:48 PM EDT, when it enters responsible Virgo. Today, the Sun forms harmonious aspects to both Jupiter and Uranus. Under these influences, we're open to new energies, approaches, and attitudes. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of our willingness to entertain the unusual and to think "outside of the box". Our outlook is positive and optimistic, and we are willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations. It's a good day for joining organizations and groups and attending meetings or social events. We are more aware of moral issues, and have a stronger than usual desire to improve and learn. 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 day to schedule new beginnings in business, education, personal relationships, and creative projects.

The Moon is void of course from 4:10 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:49 PM.

Daily Trends Calendar

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 Leo

A need to be the center of attention takes hold in your life now - a craving to give and to be appreciated for your gifts. This can be an expansive, creative, and even romantic phase, a time you'll look back on with pride and fondness.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned now. You crave organization and practicality, and you want to get things accomplished. You aim to have a place for everything and everything in its place - and anything that gets in the way gets on your nerves. Health and work goals take on greater importance for you now.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Refinement and relationships are the keys to emotional satisfaction for you now. Harmony and beauty are deeply satisfying - and the lack of them can be emotionally unsettling. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings - marriage and other partnerships could be a key arena for this.

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...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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 Gemini A walking encyclopedia, a yen to know a little bit about everything (and everyone): these are the icons of the cycle you have just begun. Talking, writing, keeping a finger on the pulse of all that's happening ... this is a time of study and learning, a cycle of mental challenge, curiosity, and social/intellectual growth. Such things are an end in themselves rather than a means to any other end.

Venus in Taurus A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life - such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Mars in Leo The thrill of the chase, the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd: that's what gets your juices flowing now that you've entered a new cycle. To be appreciated, to be admired (adored, even) - that's what you crave. It's a time of creativity, drama, and passion; a time when grabbing the spotlight and stealing the scene gives you a thrill. Is winning everything? No - but it's way ahead of whatever comes in second!

Jupiter in Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.

Saturn in Virgo An emphasis on discipline with regard to work and health is a keynote of the cycle now dawning in your life. Procedures, scheduling, details: you're apt to be weak in these areas unless you take steps to correct deficiencies. Do this, and you make progress; otherwise, you have to run faster just to avoid falling behind.

Uranus in Pisces Radical mysticism, idealistic visions, new insights into the linkage between the past and future: all these things are accentuated now, as you come into a new cycle. Experimenting with artistic norms and breaking the rules satisfy an inner need, yet may exact a toll if you are not conscientious about it.

Neptune in Aquarius Humanistic ideals and a belief that technology and social reform can create a utopia become powerful and inspiring images at this time. Personal and selfish concerns seem petty and ignorant - and all the more so if they are part of the status quo. Liberty, equality, fraternity: are they the ultimate answers or only the foundations for something that transcends them all?

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...