The Stars This Week: April 30 - May 6, 2012

Don't Overreact!

You're reminded this week that you can't make everyone happy all the time. Your challenges begin on April 30 as Mars in Virgo forms a square to the north and south nodes; at this time, you'll need to assess whether you're wasting time on a current project. Then, a lovely conversation offers needed relief on May 3, when Mercury sextiles Venus. Finally, expect your ideas to come into question as Saturn opposes Mercury during a full Moon in Scorpio on May 5.

April 30: Mars squares the north and south nodes
Last December, Mars in Virgo squared the Sagittarius north node and Gemini south node. These were challenging transits that asked you to not only be more practical, but also analyze if your beliefs and ideas were holding you back. Now that Mars is direct after its long retrograde period, you have an opportunity to incorporate everything you've learned. Don't get buried by information that doesn't help you; instead, be sure to keep the big picture in mind. Sometimes it's possible to work so diligently toward a goal that you lose sight of what's truly important. This dynamic aspect reminds you to ensure that your actions support your goals.

May 3: Mercury sextiles Venus
Few aspects are as fun and interesting as when Mercury is in creative Aries and Venus is in curious Gemini! This is a time when brainstorming can lead to new projects and helpful social connections. To make the most of this aspect in an otherwise challenging week, keep your conversations light and save the heavier topics for another time, when you'll be able to work out the finer details without getting bogged down.

May 5: Mercury opposes Saturn
Don't wing it! No matter how inspiring your ideas may be, they'll be challenged by this transit -- and you'll be asked to explain yourself. If you know what you're talking about, you'll do just fine. However, if you're uninformed but act otherwise, you'll be found out once people in positions of authority call in the fact-checkers. Pay extra attention to what people tell you, and if you don't have anything worthwhile to add to a conversation, keep silent.

May 5: Full Moon in Scorpio
No sign is more passionate than intense Scorpio, and when mixed with the increased emotions of a full Moon, you can expect to feel strongly about everything! What did you set in motion at the new Moon on April 21? Now is the time to step back and see what you should retain ... and what you should release. With Jupiter joining the Sun, as well as a pair of trines occurring (Venus to Saturn and Mars to Pluto), you'll get plenty of help.