Last Week in Astrology Archive

A First Quarter Moon occurs on Saturday, May 18th, 2013, at 12:35 AM EDT.

Early Saturday, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Taurus squares off with the 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 27 degrees and 25 minutes of Leo, square the Sun at 27 degrees and 25 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 25 to 29 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

(Times are Eastern Time)

The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus until May 15th, when it enters Gemini; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Taurus.

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 Taurus from May 1-15. 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.

Mercury is in Gemini from May 15-31. 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 Gemini from May 9-June 2. 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 in Taurus from April 20-May 31. We are determined, stubborn, and resolute during this cycle. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

Saturn entered Scorpio on October 5, 2012 and will transit the sign until 2015. Read about Saturn's transit through Scorpio here.

Jupiter is in Gemini from June 11th, 2012 to June 25, 2013. Read about Jupiter's transit through Gemini 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 Gemini from May 9-June 2. 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, we should watch for romantic illusions, deceptions, and self-deceptions, as we are  unlikely to be seeing others clearly. Tuesday and Wednesday bring somewhat awkward social energy which can lead to emotional distancing or vague feelings of guilt. Venus parallel Mercury on Friday and Saturday brings a desire to verbalize or intellectualize our feelings, and we can be quite open to new experiences with a sextile between Venus and Uranus on Saturday, but some adjustment or reassessment is necessary in order to move forward.

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

Venus in Gemini May 9-June 2. 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 Neptune May 13. 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.
Venus quincunx Saturn May 14-15. 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 parallel Mercury May 17-18. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.
Venus sextile Uranus May 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 quincunx Pluto May 18. 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.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, May 12th, from 9:33 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the next day, Monday, May 13th, at 5:58 AM EDT, when the Moon enters Cancer.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, May 15th, from 8:15 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:39 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, May 18th, from 12:36 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:34 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon Table for May 2013:

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).

According to the principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Saturday, May 11th, at approximately 5 AM EDT, until Sunday, May 12th, at approximately 9:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini. Another window occurs from approximately 6:45 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 14th, until approximately 8:10 AM on Wednesday, May 15th, while the Moon is in Cancer.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

See also: The Astrology of 2013 - Overview.

Note: Times given Eastern Time (ET).

This Week's Calendar

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.

Mercury semi-square Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don't seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. "Suspicious minds" characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

Venus quincunx Saturn. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

Sun semi-square Uranus. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don't know where we're headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

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

Mercury square Neptune. We find it hard to follow facts, directions, and instructions. Difficulties concentrating on hard, cold facts are likely; and we may question facts altogether or avoid being pinned down for answers. This is a bad time for signing on the dotted line. Perceptions are confused, unrealistic, or too idealistic to carry weight in the real world. Conversations may be vague.

Venus sextile Uranus. This is a favorable influence for social meetings and events, and for situations that call for treating others with equality and respect. 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 as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. A taste for the offbeat is in order.

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 quincunx Saturn. Communication challenges today make it hard to get a point across. Delays, "red tape", and vague feelings of forgetting important details.

Last Week

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.

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 12
This can be another communicative, lighthearted day with the Moon in curious Gemini all day, and the Sun parallel Gemini's ruler, Mercury. The Moon aligns with Jupiter today, and this can be an expansive, prosperous window. Some sort of emotional relief is possible, particularly with regards to our personal or domestic life. Domestic changes and legal affairs are favored, particularly dealings with property and renovations. It's a good time to write, teach, learn, publish, promote, and take tests. Disagreements with others are less likely, generally because we are more likely to take the high road than to resort to pettiness. Jupiter is in its last leg of its journey through the sign of Gemini (Jupiter will leave Gemini and enter Cancer in roughly six weeks), and this is a time for taking advantage of opportunities opening up to us with this transit.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:33 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until tomorrow, Monday, May 13th, at 5:58 AM EDT, when the Moon enters Cancer.

May 13
The Moon leaves Gemini at 5:58 AM EDT, when it enters Cancer, the sign that it rules. A square between Venus and Neptune today can point to illusions, deceptions, or self-deceptions in our relationships, and with regards to money. There is a tendency to see what we want to see, and to ignore those things that make us feel uncomfortable. Mercury forms hard aspects to Uranus and Pluto as they approach a square. There can be irritable tempers, impatience in speech and movement, and some level of stress with this combination. Thinking can be intense, and we might become frustrated if we feel that others are too slow or shallow to follow along with our ideas.

The Moon ends its void period at 5:58 AM EDT, when the Moon enters Cancer.

May 14
The Moon is in Cancer all day, where it feels right at home. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us. However, later today, Venus is moving towards a quincunx with Saturn, and we may be especially sensitive. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

May 15
The Moon is in Cancer until 6:39 PM EDT, when it enters Leo. Early today, Venus is quincunx Saturn. and anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges. This hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing. We may feel the need to choose between a pleasure and a responsibility, having a difficult time blending or combining the two. Later today, Mercury leaves Taurus and enters Gemini, where it will transit until the 31st. During this cycle, 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 digging deeply into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point, and may be attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations. We are also easily distracted.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:15 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:39 PM EDT.

May 16
The Moon is in generous Leo all day, although its square to Saturn this morning can stimulate feelings of being unsupported or alone. Uranus and Pluto are moving towards a square, exact on the 20th, and today, the Sun's hard aspects to both planets bring some of this energy into focus. We can feel trapped or blocked, and desirous of coming back into a position of control. However, stubbornly holding on may only serve to force change. Buried feelings and motives can surface now, possibly erratically. Meeting with obstacles in our paths can force us into the position of drawing upon resources we never knew we had.

May 18
The First Quarter Moon occurs early into the day when the Sun in Taurus squares off with the 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. Mercury squares Neptune early today, and we can have some difficulties concentrating as well as getting straight answers. Venus sextiles Uranus midday, which is favorable for embracing new situations, but then Venus quincunxes Pluto, and we might question our commitments, or those of others. It may be a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Mercury quincunxes Saturn this evening, and our desire to get things right could interfere with a smooth flow of communication.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:36 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:34 AM EDT.

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 Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

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

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead. 　

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...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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