Next Week in Astrology

Last Quarter Moon on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010, at 12:59 AM EDT.

Early into the day on Tuesday, 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 11th. 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 10 degrees and 47 minutes of Leo and Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 9 to 13 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Virgo until August 6th, when it enters 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.

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 Virgo from July 10-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 8.

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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Virgo from July 10-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just "being there" for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers' reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

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: The

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

Venus in Virgo July 10-August 6. If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn't you feel guilty about it: that's what it's like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
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 semi-square Sun July 31-August 1. 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 parallel Saturn August 2-3. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.
Venus contra-parallel Mars August 3-4. Passions are stimulated and intense. Fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness.
Venus quincunx Neptune August 4-5. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.
Venus contra-parallel Uranus August 4-5.
Venus parallel Uranus August 5-9. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.
Venus quincunx Chiron August 5-6. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.
Venus parallel Jupiter August 5-7.
Venus opposition Uranus August 6-7. Not a good time to start relationships. Independence is the reigning need. Some fickleness. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness.
Venus conjunct Saturn August 7-8. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Renewed ties to old friends or lovers are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing relationships.
Venus contra-parallel Saturn August 8-9. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most. Some pulling back can occur in relationships now, as we are more self-conscious and cautious with our affections.
Venus opposition Jupiter August 9-10. We are easily bored with the everyday responsibilities and routines of our love lives, and are now inclined to dramatize our lives. As a result, our love natures are strong, but insatiable. We may overstate our feelings as we temporarily overvalue someone; or we face challenges in our relationships due to overblown expectations. We are itching for adventure and fun, but the wisest course of action is to avoid ignoring our responsibilities (and reality) in our efforts towards self-gratification.
Venus square Pluto August 9-10. Intense passions, but there's a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.
Venus parallel Mars August 10-13. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.
Venus contra-parallel Mercury August 11-12.

 

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 1st, from 11:55 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Monday, August 2nd, at 4:13 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 4th, from 8:44 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 12:54 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 6th, from 5:22 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:50 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 7th, from 2:46 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Sunday, August 8th, at 7:23 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 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). 

A window of opportunity occur this week from Friday, July 30th, at approximately 11:20 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 1st, at approximately 11:50 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Aries.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jul 22nd: Sun enters Leo 6:21 PM
Jul 23rd: Jupiter Retrograde 8:03 AM
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

Venus semi-square Sun. 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.

Jupiter square Pluto. We can be quite ambitious now, feeling that if we set our sights high enough, we can achieve anything. However, treading lightly now, while it may not come naturally, is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. Our belief system could be challenged now, and the need for a major attitude change arises; or we might have to face narrow-mindedness in others (or in ourselves). Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general, and to ignore the important details. Thinking in big terms is fine, as long as the more practical details of any pursuit are also considered.

Mars opposition Jupiter. Over-estimating what we are capable of doing characterizes this transit. What we want to do may conflict with what is actually possible. We may get fired up over opposing viewpoints, and we may need to adjust our plan of action. Errors in judgment made now are likely due to impulsiveness and the overlooking of crucial details.

Mars square Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals. The desire to get the upper hand is strong, but it's unlikely to happen under this influence. It would be wise to observe whatever powerful feelings that confrontations or conflicts arouse under this influence, as this transit has a way of pulling out suppressed matter, or emotional "slush". Passions run high, and so does sexual energy.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Venus quincunx Chiron. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus opposition Uranus. Sudden attractions that may not last come under this influence. Similarly, impulsive attractions to material items that later prove to be unappealing occur now. This is not a good time to start a new relationship nor for any significant financial undertaking. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness are probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. It's wise to hold off on decision-making with regards to finances and relationships. However, if we can separate rebellion from a sincere need for change, we might open ourselves up to new ways of dealing with others.

Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don't know where we're headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

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 1
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 11:55 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Taurus tomorrow, Monday, August 2nd, at 4:13 AM EDT.

August 2
 

The void of course Moon ends when the Moon enters Taurus at 4:13 AM EDT.

August 3
 

August 4
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:44 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 12:54 PM EDT.

August 5
 

August 6
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:22 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:50 PM EDT.

August 7
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:46 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Leo tomorrow, Sunday, August 8th, at 7:23 PM EDT.

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 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 Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

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

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