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This Week in Astrology

 

 

July 20 to 26, 2008



On this Page:

This week's Moon phase
Planets in signs and in aspect
Retrogrades
This week's astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

 

This Week's Astrology ForecastLast 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

 

SunquincunxPluto 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 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!

MercurytrineUranus 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 Mercury quincunx Neptune. Uncertainty and indecision. The urge to daydream is high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

pluto 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.

VenusquincunxJupiter 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.

MercuryquincunxPluto 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.

MercuryMars 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.

MarstrineJupiter 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

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

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

MoonAquarius 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

MoonPiscesWe 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

MoonAriesWe'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

MoonTaurusWe 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.

What's In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.


See also:

The Astrology of 2008 - Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month's Ephemeris

This Month's New Moon

This Month's Transits