Not every retrograde is a reason to panic, and this week is proof of that. Pluto begins its retrograde in Aquarius midweek, and unlike the retrogrades that tend to make everyone nervous, this one is actually welcome. It dials down the intensity of transformation energy that has been running high and gives you space to catch your breath and integrate the changes that have already happened.Â
That is the headline for the week, but there is more going on around it. Keep reading, because the rest of this week is worth getting to!
The week opens on Monday with Mars in Aries squaring Jupiter in Cancer, which is an aspect that can make passion tip into pushiness if you are not paying attention. You may feel strongly about something today, and that conviction is not a bad thing. But there is a difference between advocating for what you believe and bulldozing over anyone who sees it differently. Listen as much as you speak, and your argument will actually land better for it.
Tuesday shifts the focus inward as the Moon moves into Capricorn and Mercury in Taurus forms a square with Pluto in Aquarius. The mood may feel a little combative, like people around you are looking for something to argue about. You do not have to take the bait. Keep your mind open, stay out of power struggles that are not worth your energy, and find a productive outlet for any frustration that builds up. This is a day that rewards self-control.
Wednesday is the pivot point of the week. Pluto stations retrograde in Aquarius, and the energy shifts noticeably.
Pluto retrograde gets a bad reputation by association with other retrogrades, but it is genuinely one of the more manageable ones. What Pluto retrograde actually does is soften the relentless forward pressure of transformation. If the past several months have brought significant changes, whether in your personal life, your career, your relationships, or your sense of identity, this retrograde gives you the next few months to absorb all of it. You do not have to keep up with rapid change right now. You are allowed to pause, look back at how far you have come, and make peace with where you are before the next wave arrives.
Try this reflection today: What major change or transformation from the past few months have you not fully given yourself credit for or time to process?
Thursday keeps the Capricorn Moon in play and a square between the Moon and Mars in Aries can make frustration flare up more easily than usual. The key today is the same as earlier in the week: keep it controlled and keep it constructive. Physical movement or creative work can be a genuinely useful outlet if the energy feels like it has nowhere to go.
Then Friday brings a real shift in tone as the Moon moves into Aquarius and connects with Pluto, now retrograde. The heavy, friction-filled energy of the early week begins to lift. If the last few days left you feeling drained or on edge, Friday is the reset. This aspect supports taking back control of something that has felt chaotic lately, not through force, but through clarity and a calmer approach. The path forward on something complicated may become more obvious today than it has been all week.
Saturday brings the Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius, marking a natural clearing phase for the week ahead. Over the coming days, you may find yourself wanting to clean something up, whether that is a stalled project, a cluttered space, or a block that has been slowing your progress on a goal you care about. Let this lunar phase do its work.
The Moon also connects with Venus in Gemini on Saturday, making it a warm and cooperative day for reaching out to someone you trust or asking for a little help with something. Even small gestures of collaboration feel good under this aspect.
Sunday opens up beautifully as the Moon moves into Pisces and the Sun in Taurus forms a supportive sextile with Jupiter in Cancer. This is optimistic, expansive, and genuinely feel-good energy. Your intuition sharpens under the Pisces Moon, so pay attention to the quiet nudges and impressions you get today. And with the Sun and Jupiter working together, keeping your outlook positive is not just pleasant advice. It is actually a practical way to attract more of what you want. Open your mind, stay receptive, and let Sunday be a lighter day than the ones that came before it.
Try this reflection today: What opportunity or possibility have you been too guarded or too tired to let yourself get excited about lately?
That same Sun and Jupiter sextile carries into Monday, extending the hopeful and open tone into the start of the new week. If Sunday planted a seed of optimism, Monday is a good day to water it. Stay receptive, keep the positive momentum going, and trust that the clearing out and slowing down of this week was not a setback. It was preparation.
This week reminded you that not all change has to be relentless. Sometimes the most powerful thing the cosmos can offer is a pause. Pluto retrograde is giving you exactly that. Use it well!
Planetary Locations This Week
- The Sun: Taurus (April 19 – May 21, 2026)
- Mercury: Taurus (May 2 – 17, 2026)Â
- Venus: Gemini (April 24 – May 18, 2026)
- Mars: Aries (April 9 – June 21, 2026)
- Jupiter: Cancer (June 9, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
- Saturn: Aries (February 13, 2026 – April 12, 2028)
- Uranus: Gemini (April 25, 2026 – May 2033)
- Neptune: Aries (January 26, 2025 – March 2039)
- Pluto: Aquarius (November 19, 2024 – March 8, 2043)
Daily Astrology Snapshots
Monday, May 4th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Sagittarius
Astrological Aspect
Mars in Aries square Jupiter in Cancer – You might be a little too passionate in your beliefs, and need to make sure you’re not just forcing your ideas. Take time to listen, and you can forge a better argument.
Tuesday, May 5th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Moon Enters Capricorn – Your goals and direction can be of greater focus over the next few days. Work on long-term plans with a practical outlook.
Astrological Aspect
Mercury in Taurus square Pluto in Aquarius – It might seem like everyone is in a fighting mood, but that doesn’t mean you have to give in to arguments. Try to keep an open mind, and channel frustrations productively.
Wednesday, May 6th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Capricorn
Astrological Aspect
Pluto Retrograde Begins in Aquarius – Pluto begins its retrograde today, and it now appears to move backward in Aquarius. Pluto retrograde is a nice retrograde because it tamps down on the passionate energy and gives you a chance to adjust to transformations that have already been made. This might include major changes, or developments impacting your future, and you can adjust over the next few months.
Thursday, May 7th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Capricorn
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Capricorn square Mars in Aries – It’s easy to get frustrated right now, but you need to keep that under control. or at least avoid lashing out. Have a positive outlet.
Friday, May 8th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Moon Enters Aquarius – Restore hope over the next few days. If it’s been frustrating over the last few days, this is a chance to bring back a positive outlook.
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Aquarius conjunct Pluto in Aquarius – Take control of something that has been chaotic lately. This can give you more power, and help you solve the problem.
Saturday, May 9th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius – Over the next week, you can work on clearing out and cleaning up unexpectedly, or with blocks to changes that you want to make. This can help you move forward more freely.
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Aquarius trine Venus in Gemini – You might want to work with a partner, or get some help with something. It can be small, but you can be appreciative.
Sunday, May 10th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Moon Enters Pisces – There can be greater intuitive energy over the next few days, and you can pay closer attention to the messages you get. Keep track of them.
Astrological Aspect
Sun in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Cancer – Open up your life and mind, and this can bring more opportunities to you. Keep an optimistic attitude going.
Monday, May 11th
Sun
Taurus
Moon
Pisces
Astrological Aspect
Sun in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Cancer – Open up your life and mind, and this can bring more opportunities to you. Keep an optimistic attitude going.
What’s next? Read your sign’s free weekly horoscope for even more guidance from our expert astrologers!