Week in Astrology October 9-15, 2016

Last Week in Astrology

October 9 to 15, 2016

There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 19 minutes of Capricorn forming a square with the Sun at 16 degrees and 19 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 18 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Sep 30, 2016 8:11 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Oct 9, 2016 12:33 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Oct 16, 2016 12:23 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Oct 22, 2016 3:14 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Oct 30, 2016 1:38 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Libra from September 22-October 22. Libra rules 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 art and relationships with others. 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 October 7-24. 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 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 emotional 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 Capricorn from September 27-November 9. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger, but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter enters Libra on September 9th and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

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: While we can be a little excessive or tactless at times, Monday and Tuesday are strong for connecting and enjoying one another’s company, relatively free of insecurities. We are willing to go the extra mile for someone we care about.

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

Venus in Scorpio 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 sextile Pluto October 5. Subtly powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions.

Venus semi-square Mercury October 10. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus semi-square Jupiter October 10-11. 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 trine Chiron October 10-11. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus quincunx Uranus October 11-12. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships, or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Venus semi-square Mars October 15-16. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus parallel Saturn October 16-17. 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 parallel Pluto October 17-18. The desire for drama and intensity in relationships is with us. Love feelings and relationship issues can be all-consuming now, assuming more importance in our lives than usual. Interactions with others are intense now, and themes of sharing and trust dominate in relationships.

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, October 9th, from 12:51 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Monday, October 10th, at 2:33 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, October 11th, from 7:49 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Wednesday, October 12th, at 8:43 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, October 14th, from 3:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:09 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – October 2016

Void of Course Moon Tables for October 2016

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

The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Monday, October 10th, at approximately 2:35 AM EDT, until Tuesday, October 11th, at approximately 7:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Sep 9, 2016 7:18 AM   Jupiter enters Libra
Sep 22, 2016 1:30 AM   Mercury Direct
Sep 22, 2016 10:21 AM   Sun enters Libra
Sep 23, 2016 10:51 AM   Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 26, 2016 11:02 AM   Pluto Direct
Sep 27, 2016 4:07 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Oct 7, 2016 3:55 AM   Mercury enters Libra
Oct 18, 2016 3:01 AM   Venus enters Sagittarius
Oct 22, 2016 7:45 PM   Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24, 2016 4:46 PM   Mercury enters Scorpio
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov 9, 2016 12:51 AM   Mars enters Aquarius
Nov 11, 2016 11:54 PM   Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 12, 2016 9:39 AM   Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 19, 2016 11:38 PM   Neptune Direct
Nov 21, 2016 4:22 PM   Sun enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2016 4:53 AM   Chiron Direct
Dec 2, 2016 4:18 PM   Mercury enters Capricorn

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2016 – Overview.

Note: Times given Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 9-15, 2016

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter. We can visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Travel is favored, all things equal. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a good time to submit ideas, applications, and so forth, all things equal. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We are prone to exaggerating the facts due to enthusiasm. Expressing ourselves verbally comes easily, and public relations and negotiations run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to us in the long run.

Venus trine Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and are less inclined to see fault, or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another.

Venus semi-square Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.

Mars sextile Neptune. Inspiration might be found now, and our intuition is strong. This influence favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, entertainment. There can be letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition now.

Venus quincunx Uranus. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, and freedom vs. intimacy issues may be themes now. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships (or leisure activities), or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

Mercury square Mars. Impatience, hastiness, and disagreements characterize this transit. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals. We can be irritable and say all the wrong things. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Mental agitation could dominate. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it.

Sun quincunx Chiron. Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness, as well as guilt for not facing important issues, can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence. Self-expression can be choppy and unnatural as a result.

Mercury sextile Saturn. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now will have tangible results in the future.

Sun opposition Uranus. We want freedom, and we refuse to conform. Our wants are somewhat unstable and changeable. Sudden changes of plans are likely, and 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.

Mercury square Pluto. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Last Week

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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. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

New! See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day. This is my new feature on Astrology Cafe.

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

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

OCTOBER 9

Shortly into the day, the First Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. The desire to action is strong. This is a time of some stress or discord, but also of high energy and motivation. Things are beginning to take off or to turn a corner. The Moon spends another full day in Capricorn, encouraging our ambition. We do best with a clear goal in mind.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:51 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Monday, October 10th, at 2:33 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 10

The Moon enters Aquarius soon into the day – at 2:33 AM EDT. The Aquarius Moon is earnest, friendly, and principled. A semi-square between Mercury and Venus can point to some difficulties focusing and getting the right message across. We can be hypersensitive, and we may lack mental discipline now. Mercury is applying to its conjunction with Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning, and we are inclined to think in big terms. Communications are grand, enthusiastic, and perhaps exaggerated. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We should watch for overstating and promising more than we are capable of doing, but we might also enjoy good humor and positive vibes. It’s a good time to stretch our thinking to include new possibilities.

The Moon ends its void period when the Moon enters Aquarius at 2:33 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 11

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, harmonizing with the Sun midday and stimulating the desire to cooperate and socialize. This morning, Mercury aligns with Jupiter, and verbal expression flows easily. This is a good time to come to agreements and resolutions. We see the big picture and think about what is really important to us in the long run. Venus forms a trine with Chiron today, opening our hearts to the possibility of healing, sharing, and learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and we’re less inclined to see fault – or to concern ourselves with imperfections. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another. There is some tendency towards excess, however, with a Venus-Jupiter semisquare also active. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver. This afternoon’s Mars-Neptune sextile is gently inspiring and boosting. Intuition is useful, and creative arts thrive. There can be the letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:49 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Wednesday, October 12th, at 8:43 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 12

A quincunx between Venus and Uranus very early today can point to indecision about a relationship or money matter. We may have difficulty knowing whether we want to get closer to someone or maintain our independence, for example. The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 8:43 AM EDT, when it enters Pisces, and we are drawn to imaginative, gentle, and emotionally engaging activities. More indecision is likely with a Mercury-Neptune quincunx this evening. It can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and possibly at the expense of productivity and clear communication. It’s not the best day to see matters clearly.

The Moon ends its void period when the Moon enters Pisces at 8:43 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 13

The Moon is in Pisces all day – a typically easygoing, flowing influence – but with a Mercury-Mars square today, there can be real mental agitation. Disagreements and jumping to conclusions can figure strongly. We can be impatient, irritable, and opinionated. We are not especially good at listening to others, opting instead to compete for our chance to speak, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Or, we can be so wrapped up in our own issues that we have little patience for others’ problems or thoughts. This is an unfavorable time for important meetings, starting a new project, and business proposals. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it. Issues that we normally overlook can feel unbearable. Positively, this influence can light a fire under us for taking care of problem areas.

OCTOBER 14

Today’s energies are on the complicated side. This morning, a Sun-Chiron quincunx can stimulate doubts in our effectiveness and can point to some struggles with guilt about not facing critical issues or reaching our goals. However, the Moon’s move into Aries at 11:09 AM EDT inspires us to look forward instead of behind us, and a Mercury-Saturn sextile this afternoon promotes a deliberate and efficient approach to the world around us. We see the benefits of getting organized, making lists, attending to details, and making sound judgments and decisions. As the day advances, we move towards a Sun-Uranus opposition. This yearly influence can pull up the need to review our needs for more freedom. After the morning’s uncertainty with the Sun quincunx Chiron, we can be reaching a point of full exposure, especially about issues of autonomy and independence and our close relationships.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:09 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 15

Tension and emotions are building as we move towards a Full Moon (exact shortly into the day tomorrow). Sudden changes of plans are likely and could stimulate us to try new approaches. The drive to do something new is with us, but we may not have a direction or purpose yet, and it’s best to avoid making hasty major decisions. Adding more tension and impulsiveness to the mix is a square between Mercury and Pluto, and there can be tense communications. We can become obsessed with getting our message across and for others to agree with our ideas. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our opinions on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication. The Full Moon tonight/shortly after midnight tomorrow is in Aries, reminding us to consider how we are honoring ourselves in our close relationships. New revelations can occur now, particularly in the areas of our physical bodies, leadership skills, our ability to initiate and begin new things, and our close partnerships. The element of surprise or a spirit of rebellion can be a theme now.

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 Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don’t want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence–even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It’s a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

Sun in Libra Meeting yourself in another person is the keynote of a new cycle which begins for you now. Relationships – romantic, business, social – are the arena where this drama is played out. In coming to know the other person, forging ties that bind two people, you come to a better understanding of yourself. It’s easy in theory, but it’s only in practice that it comes to mean anything real – so practice until you get it right!

Mercury in Libra A new cycle begins for you, signaling a greater than usual interest in relationships, social connections, and the arts – on a more intellectual level than in the past, most likely. Seeing both sides of an issue, and figuring out resolutions to opposing views: these things take on more importance in your life.

Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

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.

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This Week in Astrology Archives: October 9-15, 2016