This Week in Astrology

First Quarter Moon Monday, June 29th, 2009, at 7:29 AM EDT.

Monday morning, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Cancer squaring off with the Libra Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began at the New Moon on June 22nd is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 52 minutes of Cancer and Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 6 to 10 degrees of the cardinal signs (Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, and Aries) most significantly.

The Sun is in Cancer; Mercury is in Gemini until July 3rd, when it enters Cancer; Venus is in Taurus; Mars is in Taurus.

The Sun is in Cancer from June 21-July 22. We are self-protective and insular under this influence. Our attention turns to our nest--our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel "at home", safe, and secure. Nurturing and taking care of our loved ones and our pet projects comes into focus. Emotions run deep. We are more susceptible to the ups and downs of the Moon while the Sun is in Cancer.

Mercury is in Gemini from June 13-July 3. When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury feels right at home in Gemini, one of the signs that it rules. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point. We are attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations. We are easily distracted.

Mercury is in Cancer from July 3-July 17. When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.

Venus is in Taurus from June 6-July 5. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own. On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now.

Mars is in Taurus from May 31-July 11. We are determined, stubborn, and resolute under this influence. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

Jupiter entered Aquarius on January 5th, 2009, and will stay in the sign until January 17, 2010. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Aquarius here.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from June 6-July 5. In Taurus, Venus is quite content, and can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: Venus squares Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune and sextiles Uranus on Tuesday to Thursday this week, pulling up some tensions in love revolving around how much we are giving, receiving, and accepting, as well as how much of ourselves we are giving up in the name of love. Disappointments that might occur now come from unrealistic expectations--of ourselves, of others, and of love in general. At the same time, we have an opportunity to grow from any revelations occurring now, with our eye on the future. Ultimately, we are learning to give our partners (and ourselves) more freedom.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Taurus June 6-July 5. A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life - such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.
Venus conjunct Mars June 18-27. This is a passionate, warm, expressive, lively and sexy energy. We are now able to take the initiative to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. Our creativity and desire to make something beautiful is stimulated now. We are more able to combine warmth with energy. Social relations are impassioned, and perhaps demanding or extreme. In some cases this impulsive energy generates "love at first sight" scenarios or erotic interludes. Team work is more successful now. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it's likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind. Impulsive purchases are possible.
Venus square Chiron June 30-July 1. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.
Venus square Jupiter July 1-2. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.
Venus sextile Uranus July 1-2. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.
Venus square Neptune July 1-2. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit--a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The "highs" of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying "lows" are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.
Venus contraparallel Pluto July 4-6. Romantic intensity, a feeling of fatedness, possessiveness, fear of betrayal, and insecurity in relationships.
Venus quincunx Pluto July 6-7. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.
Venus semi-square Mercury July 16-17. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.



The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, June 28th, from 11:27 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Libra at 5:25 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, June 30th, from 6:00 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, July 1st, at 12:20 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, July 3rd, from 6:04 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:12 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon Table for June 2009:

Void of Course Moon Table for July 2009:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waxing this week--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week from Monday, June 29th, at approximately 8 AM EDT, until Tuesday, June 30th, at approximately 5:55 PM, while the Moon is in Libra.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

May 31st: Mars enters Taurus  5:18 PM
Jun  6th:  Venus enters Taurus  5:07 AM
Jun 13th: Mercury enters Gemini  10:47 PM
Jun 15th: Jupiter Retrograde 3:50 AM
Jun 21st: Sun enters Cancer 1:46 AM
July  1st:  Uranus Retrograde 3:37 AM
July  3rd:  Mercury enters Cancer 3:20 PM
July  5th:  Venus enters Gemini 4:23 AM
July 11th: Mars enters Gemini 10:56 PM
July 17th: Mercury enters Leo 7:08 PM
July 22nd: Sun enters Leo 12:36 PM
July 31st: Venus enters Cancer 9:28 PM
Aug  2nd: Mercury enters Virgo 7:07 PM
Aug 22nd: Sun enters Virgo 7:39 PM
Aug 25th: Mars enters Cancer 1:15 PM
Aug 25th: Mercury enters Libra 4:18 PM
Aug 26th: Venus enters Leo 12:12 PM
Sep  7th: Mercury Rx 12:45 AM
Sep 11th: Pluto Direct 12:57 PM
Sep 17th: Mercury Rx enters Virgo 11:26 PM
Sep 20th: Venus enters Virgo 9:32 AM
Sep 22nd: Sun enters Libra 5:19 PM
Sep 29th: Mercury Direct  9:14 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2009 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Venus square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy, learning from one another, and commitment can be experienced now, possibly due to fear of rejection.

Mercury trine Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it's not only about what words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to soothe and heal just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

Venus square Neptune. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit--a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The "highs" of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying "lows" are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment. The same goes for finances--what appears to be a great buy is likely to turn out to be a financial drain or money pit.

Mercury trine Neptune. Imagination and intuition run high, and are involved in decisions made today. We are in the right place at the right time. We may easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others. We express ourselves with subtle flair. Favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion.

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation--these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Mercury square Uranus. Our senses are stimulated, and we could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. However, our ideas are not always received well by others and we can be scatter-brained. It's a challenge to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks under this influence. Tasks may be left undone or interrupted. This is not a good time to be understood, so we may want to hold off presenting our ideas for the time being.

Venus square Jupiter. Feelings of elation in love or with regards to the pleasures of life can lead us to overdo, overindulge, overspend, and overstate our feelings. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. We may also feel lazy and we are inclined to procrastinate.

Venus sextile Uranus. This is a favorable influence for social meetings and events, and for situations that call for treating others with equality and respect. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. A taste for the offbeat is in order.

Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It's difficult to formulate -- or stick to -- clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It's also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

Mercury opposition Pluto. This energy produces either a compulsive need to talk or a desire to withhold information. Obsessive thinking, attempts to persuade others to think like we do, insisting on knowing the "truth" or on exposing falsehoods, making mountains out of molehills--these are all possibilities now. This aspect can also represent mental anxiety or concern. On the other hand, it can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Last Week

Next Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

June 28
The Moon is in Virgo until 5:25 PM EDT, trining Venus early morning and then opposing Uranus just before noon. We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice smaller aches and pains more now than usual. If plans are broken midday, when the Moon opposes Uranus, it might be too easy to worry or feel stressed. The Moon enters Libra at 5:25 PM EDT, and our attention turns to finding balance with others. There can be a lot of see-sawing before we reach that balance, and around the Moon's square to Pluto this evening, the urge to push matters is strong, but won't be fruitful.

A void of course Moon occurs from 11:27 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Libra at 5:25 PM EDT.

June 29
The First Quarter Moon occurs this morning at 7:30 AM EDT, when the Sun at almost 8 degrees of Cancer squares off with the Libra Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began at the New Moon on June 22nd is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. The Moon is in compromising Libra all day, and close relationships are the focal point for our emotions.

June 30
The Moon is in gracious Libra all day. Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through employing diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another. Mercury will trine Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron tomorrow, and today's Moon highlights this configuration by completing a grand trine to these bodies, all in Air signs, and offering us fabulous energy for socializing, compromising, and understanding others' points of view.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:00 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1st, at 12:20 AM EDT.

July 1
It's a big day for astrological influences. First, Uranus stations as it turns retrograde, and all things Uranus tend to dominate the day as a result. Uranus will remain retrograde until December 1st, and it's an excellent cycle for getting in touch with the things that have been holding us back from making important changes in our lives. Venus squares Chiron and Neptune today, and will square Jupiter tomorrow, shortly into the day. Relationship epiphanies are likely now, but will probably become clearer tomorrow, as today's energy is dramatic. We are learning about our boundaries, and lack thereof, in our close relationships--just how much we are willing to give and accept. Ultimately, it's about freedom and growth--letting go in order to come back together with renewed spirits. Mercury is helping us out today, trining Chiron, Neptune, and Jupiter, and allowing us to see, from an objective standpoint, the value of these lessons. The Moon enters passionate Scorpio 20 minutes into the day, ET.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Scorpio at 12:20 AM EDT.

July 2
Venus squares Jupiter and then sextiles Uranus early morning (ET), and we stand to learn from our excesses, dramas, and inner discontent. The Sun, however, forms hard aspects to Chiron and Neptune today, which can subtly undermine our confidence, to good end. We are likely to experience more tensions regarding our belief system, who to trust, and what to trust. It remains difficult to formulate -- or stick to -- clear goals today. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking for the time being. Intensity is what today's Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines.

July 3
The Moon moves from intense Scorpio to adventurous Sagittarius at 10:12 AM EDT. The Sun in dynamic aspect to Jupiter today suggests that we might feel some restlessness and discontent with life as it is. Our moods may be elevated moods, but not necessarily stable, as we tend to overestimate. Mercury enters Cancer this afternoon, and will stay in the sign until July 17th. Under the influence of this cycle, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is a little more challenging to be objective.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:04 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:12 AM EDT.
 

July 4
The Moon is in Sagittarius all day. The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it". Nevertheless, Mercury's opposition to Pluto today suggests either a compulsive need to talk or a desire to withhold information. Obsessive thinking, attempts to persuade others to think like we do, insisting on knowing the "truth" or on exposing falsehoods, making mountains out of molehills--these are all possibilities now. This aspect can also represent mental anxiety or concern. On the other hand, it can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Daily Trends Calendar

If it's your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
 

Moon Signs This Week:
 

When the Moon is in Virgo

Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned now. You crave organization and practicality, and you want to get things accomplished. You aim to have a place for everything and everything in its place - and anything that gets in the way gets on your nerves. Health and work goals take on greater importance for you now.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Refinement and relationships are the keys to emotional satisfaction for you now. Harmony and beauty are deeply satisfying - and the lack of them can be emotionally unsettling. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings - marriage and other partnerships could be a key arena for this.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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