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?

Some days you really don’t feel like tackling tasks and everything seems to go wrong, whereas on others you positively embrace going to the gym, doing your tax return or having a tricky conversation with your boss.

Before you assume it’s just down to how well you slept the night before, it’s worth taking a look 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 – bringing with it its own energies and effects. And for thousands of years, students of astrology like me have known how to harness these planetary energies to get the most out of their week.

You may scoff, but just look at the names of our days of the week to see how closely they’re tied to the planets.

Take Monday, or ‘Moon Day’. The Latin for moon is ‘luna’, hence Monday being 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 favoured for a first date or financial windfall, here’s how learning how to work with the planets can transform your week…

Monday – Moon

The Boomtown Rats sang I Don’t Like Mondays, and the astrology of Monday would agree. Ideally we’d all spend this day at home.

Monday is ruled by the Moon, associated with mothers, homes and comfort. It represents home-based activities such as cleaning, baking, ­taking care of your space and generally being outside as little possible. 

Monday also rules our emotions, making it a good day to call our loved ones, have a therapy session or a heart to heart with a friend. Any other outlet for your emotions such as journalling or art works with Monday’s energies, too.

Tuesday – Mars

I consider Tuesdays 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 represents ambition, strength and drive. It’s the best day of the week to do something physically strenuous, be it a session at the gym, helping someone move house or running errands.

The planet also represents leadership and power, so this is the day to choose if you are presenting a project at work.

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

Wednesday – Mercury

Mercury embodies intellectual energy and communication, meaning anything that involves talking to one another is given a harmonious boost on Wednesday.

Work meetings will go really well as everyone will feel able to voice their concerns and feel heard. It’s 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 meetings or neighbourhood get-togethers, as Mercury presides over local networks.

However, too much mercurial energy can result in over-­thinking, so watch out for anxious rumination.

Thursday – Jupiter

Jupiter is perceived as an abundant planet that heralds good fortune and is associated with money – so schedule an important appointment, send out bills or buy a scratch card!

As the biggest planet in our solar system, Jupiter expands everything, including ideas, making it a good day to vision-board, manifest or plan that dream ­holiday.

The planets in our solar system have a significant impact on our daily lives

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 it.

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 indulgence. It’s no surprise many couples view Friday as a 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 starred on Fridays – professional one-to-ones will benefit, too.

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

Saturday – Saturn

Saturn is astrology’s taskmaster. 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 as result of being organised on Saturday mornings.

This day is about structure and working towards long-term goals, so the weekly shop, meal plans, budgeting, classes or workshops and list-making are better tackled on Saturday.

Sunday – Sun

The sun is about self-expression, growth, positivity and finding ways to relax. Think lie-ins, lazy brunches and being sociable. All the better if it involves getting out in nature.

Sunday doesn’t contain any dynamic energy – this is a day designed to take things slowly. The sun is also associated with joy, so fill up your cup for the coming week with activities that really light you up.

• As told to Samantha Brick