This Week in Astrology

This Week in Astrology: May 3-9, 2026

May 3rd to 9th, 2026

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by 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 Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at 5:10 PM EDT. 

On Saturday afternoon, 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 a 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 to you? And, what can be done now?

The Last Quarter Moon Chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 19 degrees and 15 minutes of Aquarius square the Sun at the same degree of Taurus, affecting people with personal planets and points at 17 to 21 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

NEXT WEEK:  The next Moon phase will happen on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, at 4:01 PM EDT, when the New Moon will occur in the sign of Taurus.

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(Times are Eastern)

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

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! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

The Sun in Taurus is the connoisseur and sensualist. It’s patient, stubborn, earthy, stable, and rooted. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building, as well as enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.

Mercury is in Taurus from May 2-17. 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. It’s a time of practical intelligence and comfortably-paced decisions and thought processes. We’re capable of (and content with) rote, routine, deliberate, or monotonous work and methods.

Venus is in Gemini from April 24-May 18. With Venus 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 motto now. We are friendly, communicative, charming, and interested.

While it’s a time when we can be animated and fun, we may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions often begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level while Venus is in Gemini. We’re most attracted to mentally interesting people. Sometimes, our curiosity leads us into relationships that we might not form otherwise. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness or disinterest in profundity.

Venus in Gemini is flirtatious, captivating, and adaptable. We ask questions and want to keep things light and lively. During this transit, we do best when we’re mentally engaged and our desire for variety is addressed. Social stimulation is appealing. Good fortune with transportation and communication can figure strongly.

Mars is in Aries from April 9-May 18. Mars feels at home in Aries, one of the signs that it rules, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident.

Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

We pursue our goals straightforwardly, confidently, unabashedly, and directly with Mars in Aries. The same goes for expressing anger. We want to be first, come first, and do things on our own–our independence, enterprise, and initiative are well-developed.

This transit is better for endeavors that require courage and strong but not necessarily sustained passion and energy. We don’t want to look back or overthink–we only concern ourselves with what we can accomplish right now. Not inclined to beat around the bush, we confidently pursue our desires.

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Jupiter is in Cancer.

Jupiter began its transit of Cancer on June 9th, 2025, and will continue its visit to the sign until June 30th, 2026. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Cancer.

Saturn is in Aries. Saturn is in Aries from May 24th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025, and then from February 13th, 2026, to April 12th, 2028. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aries.

Uranus is in Gemini.

Uranus is in Gemini from July 7th to November 7th, 2025, from April 25, 2026, to August 3, 2032, and then from December 12, 2032, to May 22, 2033. Read about Uranus in Gemini in its calendar page.

Neptune is in Aries. Neptune first transited Aries from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025, but it returned to Pisces. Now, Neptune is in Aries for the long haul: from January 26, 2026, to May 21, 2038, and then October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039. Read about Neptune’s transit of Aries.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto stays in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 24-May 18. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates.

Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: On Monday, there can be some reluctance to commit or to show our affections. Temporarily, our walls are up.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes natural now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus square North Node of the Moon April 29. Social niceties fall by the wayside, and we may be working at cross-purposes with our relationships or relationship goals. There can be a lack of agreement, dissatisfaction, and a sense that our relationships are preventing our growth.

Venus parallel Jupiter April 30. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus sextile Saturn May 1. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

Venus semi-square Chiron May 4. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus semi-sextile the Sun May 10. We may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other makes sense, but isn’t straightforward at this time.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto May 10. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, May 2nd, from 4:48 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Sunday, May 3rd, at 2:34 AM EDT.

VOC on Monday, May 4th, from 5:34 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Tuesday, May 5th, at 3:06 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, May 7th, from 10:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Friday, May 8th, at 3:28 AM EDT.

 

May 2026

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for brand-new beginnings, although with some exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Monday, May 4th, from approximately 4:20 AM to 5:30 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. Another window occurs from approximately 6:15 PM EDT on Saturday, May 9th, until approximately 1:05 AM EDT on Sunday, May 10th, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Mar 10, 2026, 11:30 PM, Jupiter Direct at 15 Can 05
Mar 15, 2026, 1:13 AM, Ceres enters Taurus
Mar 20, 2026, 10:46 AM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 20, 2026, 3:33 PM, Mercury Direct at  8 Pis 30
Mar 29, 2026, 4:50 AM, Juno enters Aquarius
Mar 30, 2026, 12:01 PM, Venus enters Taurus
Apr  9, 2026, 3:36 PM, Mars enters Aries
Apr 14, 2026, 11:21 PM, Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2026, 9:39 PM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 24, 2026, 12:03 AM, Venus enters Gemini
Apr 25, 2026, 8:51 PM, Uranus enters Gemini
Apr 26, 2026, 1:06 AM, Pallas enters Aries
May  2, 2026, 10:57 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
May  6, 2026, 11:34 AM, Pluto Retrograde at  5 Aqu 30
May 13, 2026, 12:12 PM, Vesta enters Aries
May 17, 2026, 6:26 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
May 18, 2026, 6:25 PM, Mars enters Taurus
May 18, 2026, 9:05 PM, Venus enters Cancer
May 20, 2026, 8:36 PM, Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2026, 7:48 PM, Ceres enters Gemini
Jun  1, 2026, 7:55 AM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  5, 2026, 5:55 PM, Juno Retrograde at 11 Aqu 00
Jun 13, 2026, 6:46 AM, Venus enters Leo
Jun 19, 2026, 5:19 PM, Chiron enters Taurus
Jun 21, 2026, 4:24 AM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 28, 2026, 3:29 PM, Mars enters Gemini
Jun 29, 2026, 1:35 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 26 Can 15
Jun 30, 2026, 1:52 AM, Jupiter enters Leo

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview and The Astrology of 2027 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Venus semi-square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

Mars square Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do is likely. We can be impatient if results of our efforts don’t materialize right away, and we can also be too focused on what we think should be and lose sight of what is possible. Ready and willing to fight for our beliefs, we may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences is the inclination, but can be costly.

This energy is also associated with lawsuits or struggles involving differences in personal philosophies and principles. A feeling of urgency may make us come on stronger than we intend. The inclination towards taking risks is strong, and patience is short.

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.

Sun semi-square Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today.

It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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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 Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

MAY 3

The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio only until 2:34 AM EDT, when it heads into Sagittarius. Early today, the Moon opposes Uranus, which can jar us out of our routine with something unexpected, such as a confrontation, a surprising change of plans, or acting on a whim. It’s best to keep our options open because our plans may not materialize. We might be seeking a loophole or a way out of emotional responsibilities, and we’re not very compromising with this transit in play.

However, the Moon harmonizes with Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn today, helping us find a balance between emotion and practical application. Taking responsibility is not only empowering, but it also comes naturally. At the same time, we can find ways to detach and calm ourselves through connecting to our dreams and ideals. The Sagittarius Moon encourages a direct, spontaneous approach to the world, at least on an emotional level.

The Moon is void until the Moon enters Sagittarius today at 2:34 AM EDT.

MAY 4

Venus forms a semi-square with Chiron today, and we may focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships. If we’re creative with this energy, however, we might make it work for us by making a concerted effort to learn from the differences.

Still, Mars squares Jupiter today, which can rev us up, possibly convincing us we can do more or take on more than is possible. There can be “much ado about nothing.” This tense Mars-Jupiter transit brings hot-headed, dynamic energy to the day. We tend to overdo or jump into action too hastily. We’re easily riled up, enthusiastic, or excited under this influence. We can be excited about our prospects but perhaps too hasty, counting our chickens before they hatch, putting money into a venture that needs further review, or overestimating what we (or the world) can do.

We should watch for haughtiness or making too much of a matter that doesn’t deserve so much attention. We may be so focused on what we want to do that we lose sight of what is possible. A feeling of urgency may lead to coming on stronger than we intend. However, if we use common sense, this is a good time to stretch our imaginations and entertain new possibilities. We can consider new ideas, but it’s best to wait on launches and commitments.

Today’s Sagittarius Moon can reinforce some of the over-the-top energy, but its trine to Mars helps somewhat for channeling our energies productively. The mood is right for enjoyable activities and pastimes. There can be a lot of playfulness, warmth, and enthusiasm at this time. With the Sagittarius Moon, we’re curious, spontaneous, and ready for adventure. Anything that breaks the routine is appealing now. We’re seeking out experience and meaning, and the Moon-Mars trine encourages our enterprising side.

The Moon is void from 5:34 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Tuesday, May 5th, at 3:06 PM EDT.

MAY 5

Mercury forms a square with Pluto today, stirring some suspicion. We can be determined to get our message across and have others agree with our ideas, but we could be pushing too hard on this front. This transit may play to our insecurities and fears of not getting all the information we need, or to our concerns that others don’t respect our views. We should strive for healthy skepticism rather than suspicion or paranoia. Obsessive thinking is possible now, but with self-awareness and mindfulness, we might engage in in-depth, penetrating communication or think more deeply about a matter. Because Pluto is heading toward a station, this transit can feel more intense or problematic than usual. However, Mercury is heading toward a sextile with the North Node, and we might connect with information or people who encourage us to grow, improve, or move forward. The Moon continues its transit of forward-looking Sagittarius until 3:06 PM EDT, when it heads into practical Capricorn.

The Moon is void today until it enters Capricorn at 3:06 PM EDT.

MAY 6

Pluto stations and turns retrograde today, and Pluto’s intense and complex energy hangs heavy. This retrograde cycle will last until October 15th. Now and over the coming months, we are not as open, overt, or direct about our desire for control or power, and some of us may be less in touch with it. This shift in direction can lead to initial confusion, heaviness, and an amplification of problems. Pluto’s retrograde cycle, however, is an excellent period for research and gaining new insight into our self-destructive tendencies, our need for control, and our search for the truth by looking within. Outward pressures may ease somewhat during this period. Over the coming months, we may reassess how we use our power.

Today’s Capricorn Moon is responsible and practical. Mercury forms a quintile with Jupiter today, and focusing on intellectual interests and problem-solving can be especially successful now. It’s subtle energy, but good for rounding out our thinking. As well, a quintile between Venus and Neptune boosts our ability to solve interpersonal problems and is strong for intuitively understanding and getting along with others. We appreciate subtleties and nuances more than usual.

MAY 7

The Moon spends the day in earthy, pragmatic Capricorn, and we aim to be more measured and disciplined today. However, it’s not particularly easy to keep things real in the hours around the Moon’s opposition to Jupiter and square to Mars this morning, which can stir restlessness and discontent. We can experience tension from skewed expectations as we swing between rigidity and impracticality.

Additionally, while today’s Capricorn Moon is a practical influence, with the Neptune-Pallas alignment, we can draw on our inner wisdom, sixth sense, and intuition to understand what’s happening around us. Previously hidden or unacknowledged talents may emerge.

The Moon is void today from 10:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Friday, May 8th, at 3:28 AM EDT.

MAY 8

The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn only until 3:28 AM EDT, when it enters Aquarius. Independence, equality, and freedom are vital to feeling emotionally satisfied today. We are cooperative and open to change. We’re connecting with our inventive, innovative sides. Pouring more energy into self-understanding or research can be rewarding. Narrowing our focus to a particular pursuit is beneficial, as it allows us to apply ourselves and prioritize effectively. However, with the Sun’s semi-square to Neptune, there can be some indecision, limbo, or listlessness. Our willpower can plummet as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. This aspect is a gentle reminder to consider our need for downtime, fantasy, or spiritual refreshment.

The Moon is void today until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:28 AM EDT.

MAY 9

The Aquarius Moon brings a wave of friendly, progressive, and intelligent energy to the day. We gravitate towards unusual and different activities. The Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Aquarius Moon squares the Sun today at 5:10 PM EDT, signaling a time for review and sorting, rather than pushing for something new. Until the New Moon on the 16th, it’s a generally better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and most importantly, let go if necessary. This period is about understanding what does and doesn’t work for us, empowering us to take control of our lives. Ideally, we channel the quarter Moon’s crisis-oriented energy into productivity.

 

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 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.

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.

 

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 2026 – Overview

The Astrology of 2027 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits