This Week in Astrology: April 14 to 20, 2024

This Week in Astrology: April 14 to 20, 2024

 

April 14 to 20, 2024

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On this Page:

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

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, April 15th, 2024, at 3:13 PM EDT. 

On Monday afternoon, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Moon in Cancer. 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.

If we began a project or initiative around the New Moon, it might now get off the ground and may face its first obstacles.

The chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 18 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at the same degree of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 24 to 28 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aries until the 19th, when it enters Taurus; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Pisces.

The Sun is in Aries from March 19-April 19. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive and have the urge to initiate, innovate, and come first.

Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little in the way of shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

The Sun in Taurus is the connoisseur and sensualist. It’s patient, stubborn, earthy, stable, and rooted. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building, as well as enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.

Mercury is in Aries from March 9-May 15. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

There can be quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions during this cycle, and our responses are similar: quick and perhaps defensive or combative. We value independent thought, and we can be mentally competitive. executive decisions. We prefer to learn through personal experience, not instruction.

Venus is in Aries from April 4-29. With Venus in Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past–it’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now.

Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to the sign. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

While Venus is in Aries, we gravitate to Aries-like activities, pleasures, pastimes, and objects of interest. Our tastes can veer toward action, new enterprise, conquests, courageous or daring acts, and so forth. We can be somewhat impulsive with our money or entertainment choices.

Our interests can be insistent and strong, but possibly short-lived. It’s not the best time for holding onto money. We might pour our resources too quickly into new ventures or projects but tire of these things just as rapidly.

Mars is in Pisces from March 22-April 30. During this cycle, we are less interested in pursuing traditional goals and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives. We dislike confrontation while Mars is in Pisces. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down.

We may prioritize others’ needs over our own, and our more idealistic side may emerge. During this cycle, pursuing what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

However, compassion drives us while Mars is in Pisces. We can be spiritual warriors, or we achieve our goals intuitively and with faith. We can be chameleons, adapting to the current situation quite expertly, although we can also be escape artists, preferring to avoid rather than confront. Our behavior may be passive-aggressive, or we fight for ourselves through confusing or placating our opponent.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto retrograded back into Capricorn, and was in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024. Pluto is in Aquarius from January 20th to September 1st, when it will retreat into Capricorn once again. Note: Pluto is slow-moving through the zodiac signs!

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aries from April 4-29. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now.

Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

This week: On Wednesday, we can be a little off, vacillating between strong feelings and coolness or withdrawal, making it difficult to get close to someone.

On Thursday and Friday, we’re inclined to analyze feelings or relationships, particularly past ones. We tend to chat, socialize, and flatter when Mercury and Venus meet, and with Mercury retrograde, and we may be looking back and clarifying feelings or connections. We tend to intellectualize emotions and affections. It’s a friendly time, but it’s also a time for looking back at old issues in a new, although possibly glossed-over, way. Whether or not glossing over is helpful is the question — some things belong in the past.

We can also feel as if we are starting fresh. Certainly, our ideas feel new and exciting, even if we are doing some recycling of old perspectives.

On Saturday, we’re opening up to love, romance, and connection. Powerful energy is with us for breaking through a problem area in relationships with the goal of repairing and healing. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing than usual to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

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

Venus in Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit?

Venus contra-parallel Neptune April 10-11. Confusing questions or sudden doubts can figure strongly now.

Venus semi-sextile Saturn April 16-17. We may feel somewhat reserved, not quite able to let our hair down without remembering our responsibilities. However, we’re capable of great balance and understanding.

Venus contra-parallel Mars April 17. Passions are stimulated and intense. Fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness.

Venus conjunct Mercury April 18-19. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

Venus parallel Mercury April 20. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus conjunct Chiron April 20-21. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

Venus parallel Chiron April 25-26. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them.

Venus semi-square Saturn April 30. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus square Pluto April 30. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 15th, from 7:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo at 10:24 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, April 18th, from 8:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:11 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, April 20th, from 8:20 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra at 11:09 PM EDT.

April 2024:

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waxing this week, which 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 on Monday, April 15th, from approximately 4:15 PM to 7:20 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Cancer. Another window occurs from Wednesday, April 17th, at approximately 6:20 PM EDT, until Thursday, April 18th, at approximately 8:00 AM, while the Moon is in Leo. Note that Mercury is retrograde during these windows, however.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Mar 19,
2024, 11:06 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2024, 7:47 PM, Mars enters Pisces
Mar 29, 2024, 9:18 AM, Pallas Retrograde at  8 Sag 36
Mar 31, 2024, 6:56 AM, Vesta enters Cancer
Apr  1, 2024, 6:14 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 27 Ari 13
Apr  5, 2024, 12:00 AM, Venus enters Aries
Apr 19, 2024, 10:00 AM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 21, 2024, 10:58 PM, Juno Direct at  6 Vir 18
Apr 25, 2024, 8:54 AM, Mercury Direct at 15 Ari 59
Apr 29, 2024, 7:31 AM, Venus enters Taurus
Apr 30, 2024, 11:33 AM, Mars enters Aries
May  2, 2024, 1:47 PM, Pluto Retrograde at  2 Aqu 06
May 15, 2024, 1:36 AM, Ceres Retrograde at 21 Cap 33
May 15, 2024, 1:05 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
May 16, 2024, 1:32 PM, Pallas Rx enters Scorpio
May 20, 2024, 8:59 AM, Sun enters Gemini
May 23, 2024, 4:30 PM, Venus enters Gemini
May 25, 2024, 7:15 PM, Jupiter enters Gemini
Jun  3, 2024, 3:36 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
Jun  9, 2024, 12:35 AM, Mars enters Taurus
Jun 17, 2024, 2:20 AM, Venus enters Cancer
Jun 17, 2024, 5:07 AM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 19, 2024, 6:07 PM, Vesta enters Leo
Jun 20, 2024, 4:51 PM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 29, 2024, 3:06 PM, Saturn Retrograde at 19 Pis 26
Jul  2, 2024, 6:40 AM, Neptune Retrograde at 29 Pis 56
Jul  2, 2024, 8:50 AM, Mercury enters Leo

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury conjunct Chiron. Our intuitive understanding increases. This influence can stimulate us to open our minds and to learn from circumstances and from others. Sudden awareness spurs us to grow and improve. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general. There may be some hyper-sensitivity to what is communicated now, however.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Mars sextile Jupiter. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals. Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes easily. We want to branch out and take on more challenges. A good time for making new goals or to initiate new projects (all things equal). Optimism and enthusiasm; adventurous spirit. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. A spirit of friendly competition prevails, as well as the desire to take beneficial action.

Mars sextile Uranus. This is a period in which we are more willing than usual to take risks and to make necessary changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. Our ideas may be ground-breaking, and at the very least progressive. A strong desire to make things happen is with us now.

Sun semi-square Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Jupiter conjunct Uranus. The need for progressive change suddenly becomes apparent under this influence. We might take risks (perhaps, but not necessarily, foolish ones) for the sake of freedom. We can open ourselves up to new ways of thinking now. However, we could also too easily avoid taking responsibility for things that truly matter, or we could feel exceptionally restless. We’re open to new energies, approaches, and attitudes. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of our willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. We are feeling brave, positive, and optimistic. Enthusiasm runs high, the desire for freedom from restrictions is strong, and thirst for adventure is with us.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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

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

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

APRIL 14

Mercury and Jupiter form a semi-sextile today, suggesting some inability to settle on a particular idea, opinion, or project. However, we think positively and bounce back quickly from disappointment. Today’s Cancer Moon is warm, comfortable, and protective. We seek familiar faces and spaces. Safety, comfort, and warmth are the most appealing now. We crave a stronger sense of belonging. Still, we’re inclined to want to give a personal pursuit some special attention, but we can be frustrated by little things that go wrong or pull us away from our interests. While the overriding need is to detox and calm down, there can be tension resulting from conflicts between desires for independence and needs for nurturing.

APRIL 15

Mercury is conjunct and parallel Chiron today, and there can be opportunities to learn and heal through our thoughts and conversations. Mercury first aligned with Chiron on March 20th and is now returning to the aspect in retrograde motion. This transit increases our intuitive understanding and brings more sensitivity to our communications. As we return to an old problem or examine the past, we gain a new perspective. We’re more attuned than usual to communication nuances.

The First Quarter Moon occurs this afternoon when the Moon in Cancer forms a square to the Aries Sun. A crisis theme surrounds any quarter Moon phase as we feel compelled to take action. We can face obstacles now, and ideally, they’re motivating. The Moon later heads into determined, dramatic Leo at 10:24 PM EDT.

The Moon is void from 7:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo at 10:24 PM EDT.

APRIL 16

A Mars-Ceres sextile today provides a subtle boost of confidence. We feel supported and encouraged to assert ourselves or pursue our desires. It’s a good time to make ourselves feel more secure and safe, and family or domestic activities are in favor. We more readily support or defend others. A Venus-Pluto quintile can point to a strategic approach to our money and relationships. Today’s Leo Moon encourages our theatrical, playful, and competitive side, however.

APRIL 17

Venus aligns with the true North Node of the Moon today, and we’re striving to break free from limitations or habits that keep us from connecting more heartfully with our loved ones and needs. It can also be a time when we meet people or experience things that help move us closer to our objectives, particularly goals related to authenticity and independence. We are more concerned with harmonizing than usual and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. Still, as the day progresses, passions are stirring, and questions are raised or ultimatums made in our relationships.

APRIL 18

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 10:11 AM EDT, when it heads into analytical Virgo. While the Leo Moon is expressive and fiery, the Moon in Virgo is modest and practical-minded. As the day advances, we approach an alignment of Venus and retrograde Mercury, and there can be quite a bit of ruminating or conversing about past relationships. This can be a time of new reveals about old issues. We’re inclined to analyze feelings or relationships, particularly past ones, and intellectualize our affections. We tend to chat, socialize, and flatter when Mercury and Venus meet, and with Mercury retrograde, we may be looking back and clarifying feelings or connections. This is a cooperative influence that stirs our desire for harmony and balance, and as a result, we may not dig too deeply. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, preferring to chat and think about pleasant things. It’s a friendly time, but it’s also a time for looking back at old issues in a new, although possibly glossed-over, way. Whether or not glossing over is helpful is the question — some things belong in the past. We can feel as if we are starting fresh. Certainly, our ideas feel new and exciting, even if we are recycling some old perspectives.

The Moon is void from 8:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:11 AM EDT.

APRIL 19

The Sun enters Taurus today, where it will transit until May 20th. We’re more practically, materially, and sensually oriented during this cycle. The Taurus Sun takes its time–it’s deliberate yet languishing–and brings us patient and receptive energy. Our security needs are strong, and we can be possessive or stubborn. Taurus values longevity and is loyal to all that is familiar. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is good for maintaining or building and enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.

This morning’s Mercury-Venus alignment is friendly and past-oriented. We tend to analyze or intellectualize our feelings. However, as the day advances, today’s Mars sextiles are highly forward-looking. Mars harmonizes with Jupiter and Uranus on this day before these planets are set to align, stirring up great enthusiasm and optimism, in fact. We’re motivated and inspired, and we may be acting on our desire to make improvements and sharing our excitement with others. We might also act on hunches or instincts, confidently taking on challenges. We are more courageous and energetic than usual, and it can benefit us greatly if we direct this energy into worthwhile projects or causes.

A spirit of gentle competition prevails as we seek to branch out and take on special initiatives today. These Mars influences inspire enterprise and confidence in acting on our beliefs and convictions. We may be going to bat for the underdog. We’re also quite willing to experiment or try new things. It’s easy and natural to break through obstacles, try alternative methods, and take progressive action or take the lead. It’s also a time when we more readily support or defend others. We are naturally bold and assertive, ready to take a chance, and conscious of a need to act independently or spontaneously.

APRIL 20

The Moon continues its transit of particular Virgo until 11:09 PM EDT, when it moves into relationship-focused Libra. Jupiter aligns with Uranus today in the sign of Taurus. With this powerful influence, we’re ready to discover, explore, and innovate, and we can be particularly focused on how to upgrade our attitudes toward money, things, and comfort. Increased financial freedom can be a goal. This transit is exciting, futuristic, and original. The need for progressive change becomes glaringly apparent! It’s a time when we’re itching to update, refresh, and renew ourselves, projects, circumstances, and connections. We might take risks (perhaps, but not necessarily, foolish ones) for the sake of freedom during this transit.

We could too easily avoid taking responsibility for things that truly matter, or we can feel exceptionally restless. Still, we’re open to new energies, approaches, and attitudes under the influence of this transit. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of our willingness to entertain the unusual and think outside the box. We feel brave, positive, and optimistic. Enthusiasm runs high, the desire for freedom from restrictions is strong, and a thirst for adventure is with us. There can be happy coincidences and new developments, especially with money and valuables or our feelings of comfort, safety, and security. Note also that Jupiter will be parallel Uranus in early May.

The Moon is void from 8:20 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra at 11:09 PM EDT.

 

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 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 Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

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

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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits