When the moon is waxing, put projects into action and make sure you're not completely on your own. Here's the gardening metaphor: you planted those seeds on the new moon (Mother's Day) – now nurture them. The first day of the quarter (May 19) is sometimes a propitious time to take a break, though, so meditate on how the next seven-day cycle will unfold (from first quarter to full). Can you avoid taking action on May 19? Especially in the early afternoon, when the moon is void of course.

Wednesday, May 15 Waxing moon in Cancer, Mercury retrograde (until June 8). Generosity (especially among water signs) pays off. Cancers, you may have a case of the "cure-alls," and your duty toward others will be difficult to turn inward. Pisces, has your feistiness in the past two weeks gotten you someplace more ... interesting? Scorpios, now is not the time to understand those Virgos, Pisces, Sagittarians, or air signs (well, there's half of everyone!).

Thursday, May 16 Waxing moon in Cancer. Generosity abounds, particularly among water-sign folks (Pisces, Scorpios, and Cancers especially). Crabs – has there been a helpful woman in your life yesterday and today? Embrace her – or at least say thank you in your sweetly shy way. Capricorns may be having difficulties with folks romantically (especially New Year's goats) – if you need solitude, say so.

Friday, May 17 Waxing moon in Cancer-Leo. By lunchtime, Leo rules, and socializing gets unruly. But it's an excellent time to make a festive occasion out of minor events ("Hey, it's hot coffee – let's celebrate!"). Leos, your sense of style is excellent; just don't overlook dropped hems and missing buttons. Taureans, now through the weekend you may think others are agreeing, but perhaps they're just not speaking up? Sagittarians, conflict has your name on it from last week through the May 26 full moon. VOC 3:30 to 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 18 Waxing moon in Leo. Excellent for shopping or a party. This weekend nuptials get an extra sprinkling of happy dust. Leos, work on how you communicate (purrr vs. grrr). Aquarians, you may feel remote from your feelings yet blat them to the one person who's not listening. Aries, go get glamorized, but don't think you can reproduce the stylist's efforts with off-brand products.

Sunday, May 19 First quarter in Leo-Virgo. Who in your life needs more attention? Who needs more soothing? Who really wants a fight? Who could be distracted by renting Gladiator? Evening brings calm, but it's speak-your-mind day, especially for fire (Aries, Leos, Sadges) and air (Geminis, Libras, Aquarians) people. Pisces, you need rest from everyone you need to "help," but will ya get it? VOC noon to 2 p.m.

Monday, May 20 Waxing moon in Virgo. Excellent ingredients for a manic Monday, especially if you disburse small sums or modest privileges. Virgos, if you've spent the past few weeks feeling unloved or moping, relief is at hand – but only if you've learned from conflicts that erupted in the past month. Sagittarians may be feeling punchy – wait until Wednesday to ask them for favors. Geminis, ditto, though early in the week is excellent for therapy.