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.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
May 9, 2013 8:28 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
May 18, 2013 12:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 25, 2013 12:25 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 31, 2013 2:58 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jun 8, 2013 11:56 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(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 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 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:
Apr 20th: Mars enters Taurus 7:48 AM
May 1st: Mercury enters Taurus 11:37 AM
May 9th: Venus enters Gemini 11:03 AM
May 15th: Mercury enters Gemini 4:41 PM
May 20th: Sun enters Gemini 5:09 PM
May 31st: Mercury enters Cancer 3:07 AM
May 31st: Mars enters Gemini 6:39 AM
Jun 2nd: Venus enters Cancer 10:13 PM
Jun 21st: Sun enters Cancer 1:04 AM
Jun 25th: Jupiter enters Cancer 9:40 PM
Jun 27th: Venus enters Leo 1:03 PM
Jul 13th: Mars enters Cancer 9:22 AM
Jun 7th: Neptune Retrograde 4:25 AM
Jun 16th: Chiron Retrograde 5:17 AM
Jun 26th: Mercury Retrograde 9:07 AM
Jul 8th: Saturn Direct 1:11 AM
Jul 17th: Uranus Retrograde 1:20 PM
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
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 17
The Moon is in theatrical
Leo all day, and we're hungry for a touch of drama, passion, and color in our
lives. Mercury is approaching a square to Neptune, and it can be all too easy to
be misled, not just by others but by our own perceptions, which can be
skewed by wishful thinking or unrealistic expectations. We're
disinclined to notice let alone focus on important and realistic details today.
The desire to
escape the daily routine is strong now. The Moon's presence in Leo adds a
yearning for drama as well. We crave attention, admiration, and
appreciation with this position of the Moon. Satisfaction comes from
positive feedback from others.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
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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.
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 Taurus "If it ain't broke,
don't fix it" - that's the key to the way you think at a time like this.
Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now -
putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on
your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.
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 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.
Mars in Taurus Making the most of what
you've got, striving for security and stability: that's the impulse that
stirs in you as a new cycle begins in your life. New frontiers? That's kid's
stuff for you now! What you want is to build something that will last: a
pyramid, a Great Wall - you know, that sort of thing. Steady, patient,
solid: that's your style now.
Jupiter in Gemini Facilitating the transfer of ideas and information
takes on a special priority for you now. Writing, studying, and
communicating play a bigger role in your life as a result. The belief that
well-informed people will make the right decisions becomes an article of
faith. Just remember: sometimes people know the right thing to do and STILL
do something different!
Saturn in Scorpio This new cycle signals a need to recognize that
there are powers beyond your control, that things are not what they seem on
the surface. Trying to stay in control and on top only sets you up for a
fall. There is a need for the resources of others. Failure to recognize this
and deal with it can stop you in your tracks.
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.
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