How to make your week as productive as possible, by living each day according to the planets – by astrologer DAISY FORREST

Have you ever wondered why your energy changes so significantly throughout the week?

One day you really don’t feel like tackling tasks and everything seems to go wrong, while on other days you would like to go to the gym, do your tax return or have a difficult conversation with your boss.

Before you assume it’s all about how well you slept the night before, it’s worth looking at the impact the planets have on our daily lives.

Because according to astrology, each day of the week is ‘ruled’ by a different planet (plus the sun or moon) in our solar system, which brings its own energies and effects. And for thousands of years, astrology students like me have known how to harness these planetary energies to get the most out of their week.

You may scoff at it, but just look at the names of our days of the week to see how closely they are connected to the planets.

Take Monday, or ‘Monday’. The Latin for moon is ‘luna’, hence Monday is Lundi in French and Lunes in Spanish. Tuesday, which has its origins in Mars, is Mardi in French and Martes in Spanish.

So, from knowing which day is best for an important meeting, to which one is preferable for a first date or financial windfall, here’s how learning to work with the planets can transform your week…

Monday – Moon

The Boomtown Rats sang I Don’t Like Mondays, and Monday’s astrology agreed. We would all prefer to spend this day at home.

Monday is ruled by the moon, associated with mothers, homes and comfort. It represents activities at home such as cleaning, baking, taking care of your space and generally spending as little time outside as possible.

Monday also rules our emotions, making it a good day to call our loved ones, have a therapy session, or have a heart-to-heart with a friend. Any other outlet for your emotions, such as journaling or creating works of art with Monday energy, is also possible.

Tuesday – March

I consider Tuesday to be the ‘real’ start of the week.

Tuesday is ruled by Mars, the planet of physical activity, dynamic action and getting things done. It stands for ambition, strength and drive. It’s the best day of the week to do something physically strenuous, whether it’s a session at the gym, helping someone move or running errands.

The planet also represents leadership and power, so this is the day to choose whether to present a project at work.

Mars deals with competitiveness and conflict, so use Tuesday to choose (and win) your battles.

Wednesday – Mercury

Mercury embodies intellectual energy and communication, meaning anything that involves talking to each other gets a harmonious boost on Wednesday.

Work meetings will go very well because everyone can express their concerns and feel heard. It is a good day for job interviews, new business meetings and the best day to sign contracts. It’s also a great day to hold community or neighborhood meetings, as Mercury is in charge of local networking.

However, too much mercury energy can lead to overthinking, so beware of anxious rumination.

Thursday – Jupiter

Jupiter is seen as an abundant planet that heralds good fortune and is associated with money – so plan an important meeting, send bills or buy a scratch card!

As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter expands everything, including ideas, making it a good day to visionboard, manifest, or plan that dream vacation.

Jupiter is also associated with higher education, so if you want to learn a foreign language or start an Open University course, this is the day to do so.

However, Jupiter expands indiscriminately, so be warned that it can make the good even better or the bad even worse.

Friday – Venus

Venus is the planet of love, romance and pampering. It’s no surprise that many couples consider Friday as date night, and all that passionate energy makes it the perfect day for a first date.

But it’s not just personal relationships that are the focus on Friday; professional one-on-one conversations will also benefit from this.

Venus also rules beauty and self-care, meaning this is the best day to schedule a beauty appointment or haircut without risking buyer’s remorse.

Saturday – Saturn

Saturn is the task master of astrology. The planet represents discipline, responsibilities and obligations. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Parkrun – the weekly 5km running or walking event – ​​has taken off because it’s organized on Saturday mornings.

This day is about structure and working on long-term goals, so that weekly shopping, meal plans, budgeting, lessons or workshops and making lists are better tackled on Saturday.

Sunday – Sun

The Sun is about self-expression, growth, positivity and finding ways to relax. Think sleeping in, lazy brunches and having fun. All the better when it comes to going out in nature.

Sunday does not contain any dynamic energy – this is a day meant to take it easy. The sun is also associated with joy, so fill your cup for the week ahead with activities that really make you happy.

• As told to Samantha Brick