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Last Week in Astrology Archive

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August 22 to 28, 2010



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

 

Full Moon in Pisces on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, at 1:05 PM EDT.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Full Moon occurs in Pisces, opposite the Virgo Sun. 

The Virgo-Pisces polarity is the service axis, and it deals with the balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules our personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules our tools that we use to deal with our spirituality. The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs, while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire—we would either be living in chaos or in excessive order.

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time—a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 1 degree and 26 minutes of Pisces and Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 29 to 30 degrees of Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 0 to 3 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
Aug  9, 2010    11:08 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Aug 16, 2010     2:14 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 24, 2010     1:05 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Sep  1, 2010     1:22 PM  Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep  8, 2010     6:30 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

 

The Sun is in Leo until Monday, when it enters Virgo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Libra.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 23. 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.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 23-September 22. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle--the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from "collecting" odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.

Mercury is in Virgo from July 27-October 3. When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details. We should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 8. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want during this cycle. 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! This is also a time when we are more artistically inclined. We tend to seek balance in our personal environment.

Mars is in Libra from July 29-September 14. 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.

Jupiter entered Aries on June 6th, and will stay in the sign until September 8th. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Aries here.

Uranus re-entered Pisces on August 13/14th.


Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 8. 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!

This week: Venus contraparallel the Sun on Thursday and Friday points to a stronger awareness of our relationships (or lack) and the pride they give us. Dissatisfaction experienced now is likely due to inner discontent and yearning for more appreciation from our partners. Going out of our way to make others feel wanted, appreciated, and recognized is appropriate now.

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

Venus in Libra August 6-September 8. As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty - these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.
Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron August 20-21. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.
Venus contraparallel Sun August 26-27.
Venus parallel Neptune September 2-3. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A "magical" time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.
Venus semi-square Sun September 2-3. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for more and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.
Venus semi-square Mercury September 3. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.
Venus trine Neptune September 3-4. We perceive romantic situations as if they were "designed" just for us. A magical, romantic time. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. Romance is highly favored. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.
Venus trine Chiron September 4-5. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.
 


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 Tuesday, August 24th, from 4:30 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:11 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 26th, from 9:59 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:49 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon Table for August 2010:

 

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on Tuesday--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on Tuesday--a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions.

A window of opportunity occur this week from Saturday, August 21st, at approximately 9:40 PM EDT, until Tuesday, August 24th, at approximately 4:20 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius. Another window occurs from Saturday, August 28th, at approximately 5 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 29th, at approximately 4:45 AM, while the Moon is in Aries.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:


Jul 27th: Mercury enters Virgo 5:43 PM
Jul 29th: Mars enters Libra 7:46 PM
Aug  6th: Venus enters Libra 11:47 PM
Aug 13th: Uranus Retrograde enters Pisces 11:36 PM
Aug 20th: Mercury Retrograde 3:59 PM
Aug 23rd: Sun enters Virgo 1:27 AM
Sep  8th: Venus enters Scorpio 11:44 AM
Sep  9th: Jupiter Retrograde enters Pisces 12:50 AM 
Sep 12th: Mercury Direct  7:09 PM
Sep 14th: Pluto Direct  12:36 AM
Sep 14th: Mars enters Scorpio 6:38 PM
Sep 22nd: Sun enters Libra 11:09 PM
Oct  3rd: Mercury enters Libra 11:04 AM
Oct  8th: Venus Retrograde  3:05 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2010 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

 

SunQuincunxUranus Sun quincunx Uranus. Surprise elements make us feel out of control of our lives or the direction we would like to take. Disrupted plans or schedules. Unexpected events or change of plans.

Sunsemi-squareMars Sun semi-square Mars. Circumstances spur us into action. Aggressiveness and conflicts are possible now. As long as we channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting our time arguing, we can accomplish much. We may have "spring fever" now, no matter what the season! We could find ourselves driven by a restless desire to do something; but without a well-defined goal, we tend towards impulsive actions and get ourselves into needless arguments.

Sunquincunx Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don't know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

SuntrinePluto Sun trine Pluto. We are able to get to the bottom of things now. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. Endurance, the power to achieve, an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on resources, and strategy are all themes of this influence. This is a very positive aspect for starting a money-making endeavor (all things equal) or a new project. Leadership skills are in focus and strong. We are more able to connect with others in terms of shared goals and interests.

Last 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)

August 22
Under the influence of an Aquarius Moon all day, we have an emotional need for freedom and independence. We thrive on intellectual stimulation, change, and unusual or unconventional experiences. Trying to pin us down to deadlines and routines could be a lesson in frustration today. The Sun quincunx Uranus can introduce surprise elements into our day that tend to make us feel out of control of our lives or of the direction we would like to take. We can be a tad rebellious, not only with others, but possibly even of our own impulses under this influence. Saturn contraparallel Uranus echoes this theme--impatience with rules is likely, yet uncertainty about whether we'd really like to go against them.

August 23
The Sun enters Virgo early today, and will stay in the sign until September 22nd. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle--the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from "collecting" odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job. The Sun semi-squares Mars today, and circumstances are likely to spur us into action. As long as we channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting our time arguing, we can accomplish much. We may have "spring fever" now, no matter what the season! We could find ourselves driven by a restless desire to do something; but without a well-defined goal, we tend towards impulsive actions and get ourselves into needless arguments. The Moon is in unconventional Aquarius all day.

August 24
The Moon leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces at 10:11 AM EDT. A Full Moon occurs in Pisces, opposite the Virgo Sun, early afternoon. The Virgo-Pisces polarity is the service axis, and it deals with the balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules our personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules our tools that we use to deal with our spirituality. The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs, while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire--we would either be living in chaos or in excessive order. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time--a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships. New revelations or epiphanies can occur now. Our emotions are heightened. This evening, the Sun quincunx Jupiter points to a desire to experience something new, or for more freedom, which can take the form of restlessness as we are not certain how to go about achieving these things. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:30 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:11 AM EDT.

August 25
The Moon is in dreamy Pisces all day, and we are more spiritually aware and sensitive. Boundaries dissolve, and we are more idealistic than usual. We can also be evasive and shy away from conflict, especially direct confrontation under this influence. 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 is approaching a trine to Pluto, exact very early into the day tomorrow, so that as the day draws to a close, we are likely to feel more empowered, directed, and purposeful.

August 26
The Sun trines Pluto early today, and we are instinctively able to get to the bottom of things. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. Endurance, the power to achieve, an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on resources, and strategy are all themes of this influence. We are more able to connect with others in terms of shared goals and interests. The Moon is in intuitive Pisces until 10:49 PM EDT, when it enters Aries. In the two hours before this sign change, the Moon's conjunction to Uranus in Pisces gives us a window in which intuition is powerful, particularly regarding anything in our lives that needs to be left behind as we begin a new Moon cycle.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:59 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:49 PM EDT.

August 27
The Moon is in assertive, independent, and fiery Aries all day. Energy is fresh and forward-looking. We want immediate results, and if the effect we make is not exciting enough right away, we might easily drop a project or plan for another one. With Mercury contra-parallel Jupiter and Uranus also active today, we are likely to communicate energetically and with great enthusiasm. We should probably double-check any plans we might make now in terms of their practicality, as the tendency now may be to overlook details. It's a good day for feeling renewed or for starting over, but not especially strong for making long-term plans.

August 28
With the Moon in Aries all day, 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, particularly in the hours surrounding the Moon's opposition to Aries' fiery ruler, Mars, exact at 12:09 PM EDT. Tempers may be quick, but tend to blow over quickly, too. We can also experience sudden and intense passions for something, but these feelings might also subside quickly. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

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...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

 

This Week's Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends):

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.

Sun in Virgo You're coming into a new cycle centered on taking what you know and what you've got and then making the most of it in the real world. Assimilating information and experience, learning lessons and putting them into practice - that's the focus as this cycle unfolds. It's a time for prudence and stewardship, a time to tend to the details. You probably already have the grand ideals and visions: now you must get your hands dirty with the bricks and mortar and your mind busy with putting it all together.

Mercury in Virgo Mental discipline and patience are keynoted as you enter into a new cycle. Thinking things through, accounting for all the details, making careful measurements: these and similar experiences keep your mind active and involved. An interest in health and work may come to the fore.

Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty - these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Mars in Libra "I'm giving you a definite maybe" - that's the motto of the cycle you're now entering. It's a time of refinement and tact, of an urge to please others that is so strong as to make it hard to decide or act for fear of offending someone. You'll quickly learn to balance this out, or you'll discover that there is no peace in compromise - and this can be tough on close relationships. The trick is to find the win-win solution to the no-win situation - and if anyone's ever up to it, you are now.

Jupiter in Aries Faith in yourself and your future is emphasized as you begin this new cycle. A feeling that anything is possible leads to new ventures, a clean break from the past. At its best, this is a very positive and optimistic new cycle in your life, but at times, overconfidence can border on foolhardy bravery. Don't burn your bridges behind you!

Saturn in Libra Relationships and fairness take on a special importance in your life under the cycle you have just begun. An insistence on principles that don't allow room for personal differences can be a self-defeating tendency. True partnership means commitment and being responsible to the other person - a lesson that takes on greater importance as this cycle progresses.

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 Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable - and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small, but has bigger consequences than you'd think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place...

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

What's In Your Forecast?

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See also:

The Astrology of 2010 - Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month's Ephemeris

This Month's Transits