 Last
Quarter Moon
Friday,
July 25th, 2008, at 2:42 PM EDT.
On Friday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Leo
squares off with the Moon in Taurus. The Last Quarter Moon phase
points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in
the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the
time of last week's Full Moon, we disperse our
 knowledge
and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for
us—and what doesn't—in preparation for next week's New Moon,
when something new is born once again. This is not the best time
to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon
symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It's time to begin
finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last
New Moon on July 2nd. What revelations did you have last
week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?
This phase of the Moon occurs at 3 degrees and 10 minutes of Leo and Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at
1 to 5 degrees of the
fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
July 2, 2008 10:19 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
July 10, 2008 12:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
July 18, 2008 3:59 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
July 25, 2008 2:42 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Aug 1, 2008 6:13 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
The Sun is in Cancer until the 22nd, when it enters Leo; Mercury
is in Cancer; Venus is in Leo; Mars
is in Virgo.
The Sun is in Cancer from June 20-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.
The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. In Leo, the Sun is
proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not
content with simply being just one of the team. It's time to shine, add a
touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and
fruit of the season--blossoming and ripened--this is a time when we want to
enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our
gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and
vain.
Mercury is in Cancer from July 10-26.
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.
Mercury is in Leo from July 26-August 10.
When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus
is now on the goal--and the more grand a goal the better! The details may
not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and
given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also
more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or
write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.
Venus is in Leo from July 12-August 6. With Venus in Leo, love is
magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money
as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant
placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game--a game that is perpetual, as Venus
in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on
attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be
adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We
have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative
expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect,
as well as extravagance.
Mars in Virgo July 1-August 19. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a
passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the
right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one
of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about
performance.
Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 18th, and will stay in the
sign until January 5th, 2009. Read more about
Jupiter's transit through Capricorn here.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Leo from July 12-August 6. Romance becomes an end in
itself during this cycle. It marks a time when love, creativity, and
self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired - needed,
even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth characterizes this
cycle. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous
with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and
extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game--a game that is
perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a
relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.
Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are
hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives
during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our
feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.
This week: Venus forms challenging aspects to Pluto and Jupiter on
Wednesday to Friday this week. During this period, our desire for pleasure is
strong now, but perhaps excessive. Overstating our feelings is best avoided
because it can lead to disappointment. Romantic troubles or manipulation, angst,
possessiveness, fear of loss and/or betrayal--these are some of the more
challenging possibilities of this combination. Other possible manifestations of
this energy are an intense emotional or sexual attraction, a very revealing,
intimate encounter, or a powerful desire to be close to and share our deepest
feelings with someone. Emotions and issues in a close relationship that have
been brewing beneath the surface for quite awhile come to the surface at this
time, possibly in a disruptive or immature way. All of our relationships
intensify and we need to be aware of a tendency to act in a rather compulsive,
demanding way towards others.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming
Week:
Venus in Leo July 12-August 6. Romance becomes an end in
itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity,
and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired -
needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto July 23-24. Tendencies to look for
something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.
Venus quincunx Jupiter July 24-25. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with
us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in
relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be
challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for
self-gratification.
Venus quincunx Uranus July 30. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear
of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues.
Venus opposition Neptune July 31. Not a good time to start a new relationship,
which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel
emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties
about existing love.
The Moon & Timing
The
Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its
last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of
Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to
begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is
indicated here, and is indicative of the "outcome" of the matter (whether
that is a new project begun before the void period, or the answer to a
question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you
were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in
Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to
any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not
forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The
Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary
Astrology.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, July 20th,
from 7:26 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile
to Pluto), until the Moon enters Pisces
at 9:09 PM.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, July 23rd, from
2:40 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to
Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:23 AM.
VOC Moon on Friday, July 25th, from 7:31 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect
before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:15 AM.
Void of Course Moon Table for July 2008:
Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
The Moon is waning this week--a period that is generally considered
unfavorable
for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See
Best Time to Start a
Business for more details).
There are no windows of opportunity this week.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
June 20th: Sun enters Cancer 7:59 PM
June 26th: Uranus Retrograde 8:01 PM
July 1st: Mars enters Virgo 12:21 PM
July 10th: Mercury enters Cancer 4:17 PM
July 12th: Venus enters Leo 2:39 PM
July 22nd: Sun enters Leo 6:55 AM
July 26th: Mercury enters Leo 7:48 AM
Aug 6th: Venus enters Virgo 12:20 AM
Aug 10th: Mercury enters Virgo 6:51 AM
See also:
The Astrology of 2008 - Overview
Note: Times given ET.
This Week's Calendar
  
Sun quincunx Pluto. Adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move
forward. The need to make changes in our life that will further our
psychological development arise now.
  
Mercury semi-square Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks we thought we had
finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication,
negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism--these are all potentials
now. The energy is best used for focusing on fixing errors rather than
harping on how irritating they are!
 
Mercury trine Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other
organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in
activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics.
Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is
strong, and insights seem to come from "out of the blue". Original, creative
ideas are easy to come by.
Mercury quincunx Neptune. Uncertainty and indecision. The urge to daydream
is high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.
 
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto.
This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive
or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions
run high and hot, but there's a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and
possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the
heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or
someone dear to us. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because
it can be characterized by these energies. Sometimes, this transit
correlates with heartbreak, unreciprocated feelings, or romantic
disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation and
underhanded dealings can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with
friends and lovers.
Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized
now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in
relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be
challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for
self-gratification.
Mercury quincunx Pluto. Something we write or say could trigger power
struggles or hostility from others. We may be plagued with self-doubt in our
attempts to make decisions. Decisions made now are unlikely to be objective.
Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in
order. Second-guessing.
Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this
influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we
feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and
irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen.
Conflicts of interest are likely.
Mars trine Jupiter. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess
willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals.
Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes easily. We want
to branch out and take on more challenges. A good time for making new goals
or to initiate new projects (all things equal). Optimism and enthusiasm;
adventurous spirit. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. A
spirit of friendly competition prevails, as well as the desire to take
beneficial action.
Last Week Note: Times
given in the table/calendar above are 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
July 20
The Moon is in friendly Aquarius until 9:09 PM EDT. This is a time that
promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future,
brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of
doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to
schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us. The Moon aligns with
dreamy Neptune in the morning, and we are more compassionate, giving, and charitable.
It's a strong influence for the arts, especially photography, music, drama,
poetry, and any artistic field that appeals strongly to the emotions. With the
Moon in Pisces after 9:09 PM, we are especially imaginative and our intuition
reigns. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's
a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description. The Moon is
void of course from 7:26 PM EDT, with its last aspect before changing signs (a sextile
to Pluto), until the Moon enters Pisces
at 9:09 PM. July 21
With the Moon in the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, all day, and the Sun
in the last degree of Cancer, the day is best used for closing up projects
rather than embarking on new ones. As well, Mercury and Chiron form a quincunx
today, and our inclination is to second-guess our own decisions and others'
advice. We are inclined to daydream and perhaps stray from our regular routine a
little. Paying attention to details is not a Pisces Moon preference. The
Sun in quincunx to Pluto suggests that adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move
forward. The need to make changes in our lives that will further our
psychological development arise now. July
22
The Sun enters Leo today, and will stay in this fiery, playful sign until August
22nd. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely
individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It's time to
shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the
flowers and fruit of the season--blossoming and ripened--this is a time when we
want to enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in
our gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and
vain. Mercury harmonizes with Uranus and semi-squares Saturn, suggesting that we
can be filled with creative ideas with an eye towards their viability in the
long term. It's a strong day for polishing our skills. July 23
The Moon enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, at 4:23 AM EDT. We're
motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something
new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses
are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. The Leo Sun
and Aries Moon harmonize today, making it easy to put our best face forward and to cooperate with others because
we are not conflicted on the inside. What we do and what we feel are in
harmony, and we benefit from this clarity. Nevertheless, a quincunx between
Mercury and Neptune can lead to some indecision and an urge to daydream
that can often be at the expense of productivity and clear communication.
The Moon is void of course from 2:40 AM EDT, with its last aspect before
changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:23 AM. July 24
Early into the day,
Venus is in dynamic aspect to Pluto, which can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive
or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions
run high and hot, but there's a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and
possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the
heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or
someone dear to us. Avoid power plays with
friends and lovers. The Moon is in energetic and spontaneous Aries all day,
offering us a feeling of newness for the remainder of the day. We favor quick
results and are most interested in instant gratification.
July 25
The Last Quarter Moon is exact today, with the Sun in Leo squaring off with the
Moon in Taurus at 2:43 PM EDT. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort
of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the
full light of the Moon at the time of last week's Full Moon, we disperse our
knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us—and
what doesn't—in preparation for next week's New Moon, when something new is born
once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the
decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It's
time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last
New Moon on July 2nd.
Venus in awkward aspect to Jupiter and Mercury in awkward aspect to Pluto today
suggests possible social blunders. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized
now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in
relationships encountered today are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be
challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for
self-gratification. Something we write or say could trigger power
struggles or hostility from others. Decisions made now are unlikely to be
objective. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans,
may be in order. The Moon enters Taurus at 9:15 AM.
The Moon is void of course from 7:31 AM EDT, with its last aspect before
changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:15 AM.
July 26
Mercury enters Leo today, and stays in this playful sign until August 10th.
During this cycle, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus
is now on the goal--and the more grand the goal the better! The details may
not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and
given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also
more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or
write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.
Mercury in hard aspect to Mars today suggests quick-wittedness. Mars trines
Jupiter, adding more drama to the day. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess
willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals.
Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes more easily, as
long as we watch our tongues. We want
to branch out and take on more challenges. Optimism, enthusiasm, and
spiritedness are themes today. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. A
spirit of friendly competition prevails, as well as the desire to take
beneficial action. The Moon is in solid Taurus all day.
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 Aquarius
 
Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for
improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual
than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this
influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group
ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive
changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the
future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most
important to us.
The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or
radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new,
joining a group.
When the Moon
is in Pisces
 We
are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy,
impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and
compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns
under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges
and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy
description.
The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative
undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and
drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.
When the Moon
is in Aries
 We're
motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something
new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses
are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be
tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical
activity.
The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that
yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality.
(Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning
short-term projects. When the Moon is in Taurus
 We
are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon
is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax,
resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we
get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under
this influence.
The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and
material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those
involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially
long-term relationship, music, home decor.
When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon
through the Signs.
This Week's Planetary
Positions By Sign (General Trends):
Sun in Cancer Being more in touch with your
emotional roots is a keynote of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. This
has to do with feelings, but it's more than that: it's about making the things
you feel and care about a reality. At some levels, this means a greater focus on
family life - parents, children, relatives, the whole domestic scene. On a
somewhat broader scale, you're likely to find that houses and other real
property take on greater significance for you. Nurturing is where it's at in
your life now: making things grow and taking care of them, planting seeds that
will develop and survive far into the future - that's what it's all about.
Sun in Leo "This I do for me" is your
motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of
starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give
off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation
become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as
does a very important lesson: it's not what you do so much as how you do it,
not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it
doesn't come from the heart, it shouldn't matter now.
Mercury in Cancer Gut-level is the way
you think, speak, and perceive in the cycle you have just begun. You aren't
interested in the superficial; instead, you want to get right to the root of
things. You don't care about the universal, only about how things impact you
and yours. Intellect and emotion mix to the point of inseparability.
Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle
you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style.
Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a
certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the
things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in
your life.
Venus in Leo Romance becomes an end in
itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity,
and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired -
needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.
Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in
your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right
thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for
everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if
taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your
greatest incentives now.
Jupiter in Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central
goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to
empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an
article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you
become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.
Saturn in Virgo An emphasis on discipline with regard to work and
health is a keynote of the cycle now dawning in your life. Procedures,
scheduling, details: you're apt to be weak in these areas unless you take
steps to correct deficiencies. Do this, and you make progress; otherwise,
you have to run faster just to avoid falling behind.
Uranus in Pisces Radical mysticism,
idealistic visions, new insights into the linkage between the past and
future: all these things are accentuated now, as you come into a new cycle.
Experimenting with artistic norms and breaking the rules satisfy an inner
need, yet may exact a toll if you are not conscientious about it.
Neptune in Aquarius Humanistic ideals and
a belief that technology and social reform can create a utopia become
powerful and inspiring images at this time. Personal and selfish concerns
seem petty and ignorant - and all the more so if they are part of the status
quo. Liberty, equality, fraternity: are they the ultimate answers or only
the foundations for something that transcends them all?
Pluto in Sagittarius The test of faith, the inquisition, the purging
of the superficial: these issues take hold at the very roots of your
existence now. This is a kind of spiritual or philosophical rebirth, and it
is not always gentle. Ultimate answers come from far away.
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