This Week in Astrology - Archive

New Moon Monday, September 29th, 2008, at 4:12 AM EDT.

On Monday morning, the Virgo New Moon cycle ends and the Libra New Moon cycle begins. The New Moon in Libra cycle is a good time for committing to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scales. We have a chance to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasement. It's a time to work on re-balancing our relationships, and to recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries. With this potent Libra energy, we have a chance to make important changes in our lives.

This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. This is a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships becomes an urgent desire. Negotiations may be especially effective, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don't offend others.

This phase of the Moon occurred at 6 degrees and 33 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at 5 to 9 degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

The Sun is in Libra; Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Libra.

The Sun is in Libra from September 22-October 22. Libra symbolizes relationships with others as mirrors of ourselves. Meeting others halfway, compromise, and negotiation come under the rule of Libra. The focus is now on balance--finding balance and harmony through relationships with others and through art. Libra is the sign of the peacemaker. However, life is not always peaceful with Libra in its attempt to restore balance. Decision-making can be more challenging while the Sun is in Libra. Libra weighs both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process seems endless! In Libra, the Sun is concerned about not rocking the boat and not rubbing others the wrong way. Tactfulness, style, tolerance, and sociability are some of the keywords for Libra. On the shadow side, Libra can be self-serving, indecisive, passive-aggressive, and superficial.

Mercury is in Libra from August 28-November 4. When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we are able to bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It's a good time to think about ways of improving our negotiation skills. In an attempt to see both sides of any given situation, Mercury in Libra can be a vacillating energy. It can be more challenging than usual to make quick decisions, as we can sit "on the fence". We may too easily accommodate others' opinions in order to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don't want to assert ourselves in such a way as to appear to be the "bad guy". However, this is a good period for considering others' points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.

Venus is in Scorpio from September 23-October 18. Deeply passionate relations are the focus now with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for "body and soul" contact with someone special--contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an "all or nothing" energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital.

Mars is in Libra August 19-October 4. We tend to use our charm as a means to an end under the influence of this cycle. Because we can see many different sides to an issue, we can be vacillating and indecisive about how to act. We don't want to be the "bad guy", and rarely resort to force. Instead, we attempt to win arguments with style. We are indirect in approach and inclined towards engaging in mental debates, yet we also attempt to make the opposition comfortable! Passive-aggressiveness is the shadow side of this energy.

Mars is in Scorpio October 4-November 16. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the "middle road" is felt to be unsatisfying.

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 Libra from August 30-September 23. Venus rules Libra and thus is dignified in the sign. Venus feels right "at home" in Libra, where she seeks to balance and harmonize. With Venus in Libra, we can easily be in love with love. We are more comfortable with a close partner with whom we can seek to have a balanced relationship. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want. Although Venus in Libra virtually lives for relationships, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others--quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things be done the "right" way, and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior. The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It's probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so!

Venus is in Scorpio from September 23-October 18. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for "body and soul" contact with someone special--contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an "all or nothing" energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital. If a relationship becomes too settled or predictable, we may crave more intensity and catalytic experience. Jealousies, fears of betrayal, and power games are the shadow side of Venus in Scorpio. We may easily become obsessed with a fear that our partners might be betraying us, or that they are not as consumed and dedicated to the relationship as us. This can lead us to try to uncover the "truth", reading too many negative possibilities in our partners' actions and words.

This week: Venus in hard aspect to Uranus on Sunday can make for some distancing in close personal relationships. It's best to give partners their space just for the time being. Attempts to become closer should be saved for a better time. On October 4th and 5th, Venus forms a pleasing aspect to expansive Jupiter, and a hard aspect to Pluto at once. This can be an erotic and fun energy as long as we don't let fears of loss or betrayal dictate our actions.
 

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

Venus in Scorpio September 23-October 18. This is way beyond love, all the way to obsession - that's the nature of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. We're not talking just lukewarm WANT here; we're talking red-hot GOT TO HAVE! Passion, jealousy, possession: these are the kinds of experiences that can flow from the intensity that courses through you at one level or another now - voracious.
Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus September 27-28. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.
Venus sextile Jupiter October 4-5. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.
Venus semi-square Pluto October 4-5. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.
Venus sextile Saturn October 6-7. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.
Venus square Chiron October 6-7. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.
Venus trine Uranus October 9-10. 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 October 11. 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 semi-square Jupiter October 18-19. 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.
Venus sextile Chiron October 31. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, September 28th, from 1:31 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:06 PM.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, September 30th, from 9:49 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, October 1st, at 12:27 AM.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 2nd, from 6:47 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Friday, October 3rd, at 11:15 AM.

Void of Course Moon Table for September 2008:

Void of Course Moon Table for October 2008:

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

The Moon is waxing this week from the New Moon on Monday morning--a period that is generally considered favorable 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:

Aug 19th: Mars enters Libra 6:03 AM
Aug 22nd: Sun enters Virgo 2:02 PM
Aug 28th: Mercury enters Libra 10:50 PM
Aug 30th: Venus enters Libra 10:41 AM
Sep  8th: Jupiter Direct 12:16 AM
Sep  8th: Pluto Direct 11:14 PM
Sep 22nd: Sun enters Libra 11:44 AM
Sep 23rd: Venus enters Scorpio 10:59 PM
Sep 24th: Mercury Retrograde 3:17 AM
Oct  4th: Mars enters Scorpio 12:34 AM
Oct 15th: Mercury Direct  4:06 PM
Oct 18th: Venus enters Sagittarius 2:31 PM
Oct 22nd: Sun enters Scorpio 9:09 PM
Oct 25th: Chiron Direct 4:13 AM
    *** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  2nd: Neptune Direct 1:39 AM
Nov  4th: Mercury enters Scorpio 11:00 AM
Nov 12th: Venus enters Capricorn 10:25 AM
Nov 16th: Mars enters Sagittarius 3:27 AM
Nov 21st: Sun enters Sagittarius 5:44 PM
Nov 23rd: Mercury enters Sagittarius 2:09 AM
Nov 26th: Pluto enters Capricorn 8:03 PM
Nov 27th: Uranus Direct 11:08 AM
Dec  7th: Venus enters Aquarius 6:37 PM
Dec 12th: Mercury enters Capricorn 5:13 AM
Dec 21st: Sun enters Capricorn 7:04 AM


See also: The Astrology of 2008 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships.

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.

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.

Mercury quincunx Uranus. It is difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. Uncertainty reigns today. Avoid making hasty decisions that you will later regret. Impulsiveness, disorganization, unreceptive to practical advice and/or your ideas are not well-received.

Mars sextile Pluto. We are able to successfully focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others' toes under this influence.

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)

September 28
A hard aspect between Venus and Uranus can have us acting on a whim and attracted to unusual people and things. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Mercury trines Neptune today as well, and both imagination and intuition run high, and are involved in decisions made today. We might find that we're in the right place at the right time. We may easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others. We express ourselves with subtle flair. This influence favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion. The Moon is in organized Virgo until 4:06 PM EDT, when it enters balanced Libra.

A void of course Moon occurs from 1:31 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:06 PM.

September 29
This morning at 4:12 AM EDT, a New Moon occurs in the sign of Libra. The New Moon in Libra cycle is a good time for committing to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scales. We have the chance to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasement. It's a time to work on re-balancing our relationships, and to recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries. This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. This is a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships becomes an urgent desire. Negotiations may be especially effective, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don't offend others. Nevertheless, the Sun in hard aspect to Neptune today warns of some lack of focus and inability to see matters clearly. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

September 30
The Moon is in 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 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.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:49 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio tomorrow, Wednesday, October 1st, at 12:27 AM.

October 1
While there could be some impulsiveness and problems making decisions early in the day (thanks to a Mercury-Uranus quincunx), Mars approaching a sextile to Pluto (exact just before the day ends, EDT) offers us focus and power if we harness the energy. We are able to successfully focus on our goals and to go after what we want without stepping on others' toes under this influence. The Moon enters Scorpio early in the day, highlighting the need to weed out what we feel to be superficial or pointless. 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.

The Moon ends its void period at 12:27 AM, when it enters Scorpio.

October 2
The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful with the Moon in Scorpio, all day. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the "middle road" is felt to be unsatisfying. We have the desire to get to the bottom of matters. All that is hidden, taboo, secret, or suppressed interests us. In Libra, we strived towards equality and fairness. Scorpio, however, instinctively believes that life simply isn't fair. Scorpio's energy is provocative, usually in a quiet way, as well as passionate, strong-willed, and intense. It can be an immensely healing and transformative energy. Jealousy, vindictiveness, beating a dead horse, and manipulative are some of the more negative expressions of Scorpio.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:47 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Sagittarius tomorrow, Friday, October 3rd, at 11:15 AM.

October 3
The Moon moves from passionate Scorpio to fiery Sagittarius at 11:15 AM EDT today. 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". Mars is set to change signs, and will do so shortly into the day tomorrow. With Mars at a critical degree, our tendency to jump into action without consideration for consequences is strong.

The Moon ends its void period at 11:15 AM EDT, when it enters Sagittarius.

October 4
Mars enters Scorpio early today, and will stay in the sign until November 16th. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the "middle road" is felt to be unsatisfying. With the Moon in Sagittarius all day, we are generally happy, spontaneous, and curious. We are more inclined to be attracted to new situations of conquest or adventure, and require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. Bored with the mundane, anything that breaks the routine is appealing now.

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.

What's In Your Forecast?

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