This Week in Astrology: August 14 to 20, 2022

This Week in Astrology: August 14 to 20, 2022

 

August 14-20, 2022

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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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, August 19th, 2022, at 12:36 AM EDT.

Very early Friday, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a 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. This is in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again.

It’s not an ideal time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider recent revelations, what they mean to us, and what we might do about them.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 12 minutes of Taurus, square the Sun at the same degree of Leo, and affecting planets at approximately 24 to 28 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Taurus until the 20th when it enters Gemini.

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

We’re blossoming–it’s 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.

While the Sun is in Leo, we take the high road, and we’re very often motivated by the idea of gaining respect and affection. We more naturally express joy, humor, and warmth during the Sun-in-Leo cycle. We also tend to take the lead or become the center of attention and activity.

Mercury is in Virgo from August 4-25. [Later, during Mercury’s retrograde, Mercury will return to Virgo from September 23-October 10, 2022.] When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process are more 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 (Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo). 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, however.

While Mercury is in Virgo, 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.

We gravitate to useful information, and we can enjoy helping others with our knowledge. It’s a time for analyzing and dissecting, but we need other influences to put the pieces together or to see the bigger picture as our confidence in so doing is not strong at this time. It’s a time of conservative thinking and a strong tendency to want facts and certainties.

Venus is in Leo from August 11-September 5. Love is magnificent and grand while Venus is in Leo. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

The Venus-in-Leo cycle can be a strong or profitable time for contests, lotteries, parties, recreation, drama, adornment, jewelry, costumes, art dealing, and all things golden. Generosity and warmth contribute to our ability to draw in the right resources. We can have a compelling desire to stand out, be remarkable, and feel special during this period.

Mars is in Taurus from July 5-August 20. During this cycle, we are determined, stubborn, and resolute. Mars in Taurus can be passive until provoked, and is at its strongest when digging in its heels, outlasting, or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. We seek longevity and long-term satisfaction.

While Mars is in Taurus, we’re slow to change course or get started but persevering. Preferring methodical work over creative methods, we seek predictability and stability. We can be stubborn and resistant to change, and we’ll work hardest for material security. It’s not a time when we readily take risks. Instead, we seek concrete, long-lasting results. Our stamina is great, and our cravings and physical needs/desires are prominent.

Mars is in Gemini from August 20, 2022-March 25, 2023. [This is much longer than usual due to a Mars retrograde cycle from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023.]

In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

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Jupiter is in Aries.

Jupiter is in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022. This is part one of two, with the second and final part occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

Jupiter will head back into Pisces from October 28 to December 20, 2022–the final part of three in the Jupiter-in-Pisces transit. Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

 

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Leo from August 11-September 5. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

This week: On Wednesday and Thursday, the two Benefics, Venus and Jupiter, form a trine–a wonderful influence for opening up our hearts, giving one another the benefit of the doubt, and optimism. In Fire signs, it’s a generous, warm, and wholehearted transit. Increased cheerfulness, trust, and confidence are likely in love and social matters. Venus parallel Mars adds more punch to our feelings and connections.

On Friday, there’s a tendency to project our fantasies, whether these are positive or negative, onto others or relationships. Watch for deception and self-deception now.

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

Venus in Leo Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus opposition Pluto August 8-9. This is a period of intense feelings, as well as possible emotional distress and tension caused by romantic troubles or social manipulation. An experience of being used or abused physically, emotionally or sexually may cause us suffering or disappointment. Sexually driven emotions are likely now. Fears of betrayal may get the best of us.

Venus trine Jupiter August 17-18. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

Venus parallel Mars August 18-19. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune August 19. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus parallel Uranus August 23-24. 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 trine Chiron August 23-24. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 14th, from 11:11 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:44 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, August 16th, from 4:19 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 10:24 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 19th, from 7:06 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:07 AM EDT.

August 2022:

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 waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable 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 Saturday, August 13th, from approximately 4:05 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 14th, at approximately 11:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces.

Another window will occur next week, on Sunday, August 21st, from approximately 11:30 AM to 6:05 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini.

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:

Jul 17,
2022, 9:32 PM Venus enters Cancer
Jul 19, 2022, 8:35 AM Mercury enters Leo
Jul 19, 2022, 11:21 AM Chiron Retrograde
Jul 22, 2022, 4:07 PM Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2022, 1:26 PM Ceres enters Leo
Jul 25, 2022, 2:48 AM Juno Retrograde
Jul 28, 2022, 4:37 PM Jupiter Retrograde
Aug  4, 2022, 2:58 AM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 11, 2022, 2:30 PM Venus enters Leo
Aug 20, 2022, 3:56 AM Mars enters Gemini
Aug 21, 2022, 6:48 AM Vesta Rx enters Aquarius
Aug 22, 2022, 11:16 PM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 24, 2022, 9:54 AM Uranus Retrograde
Aug 25, 2022, 9:03 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  5, 2022, 12:05 AM Venus enters Virgo
Sep  6, 2022, 12:58 AM Pallas enters Cancer
Sep  9, 2022, 11:38 PM Mercury Retrograde
Sep 22, 2022, 9:04 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 23, 2022, 8:04 AM Mercury Rx enters Virgo

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

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun opposition Saturn. Our confidence is undermined by feelings of doubt, pessimism, or feelings of guilt. Feeling blocked, encountering obstacles to progress, and inhibitions are prominent under this influence. A heavy dose of realism seems forced upon us under this influence, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. This influence is a somber one.

Mercury quincunx Chiron. Decisions can be hard to come by under this influence, as we tend to doubt our perceptions or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Mars trine Pluto. This is a powerful aspect that helps us to focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others’ toes. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than simply relying on the tried and true. We are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to attempt to overcome obstacles. This is a strong energy for reworking or overhauling a project.

Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

Mercury trine Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by.

  Sun quincunx Neptune. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals just now. Misconceptions abound. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to making clear or definite decisions, and for doing new things.

Venus trine Jupiter. Friendliness and optimism characterize this transit. We are big-hearted and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. We are more open and trusting of friends and lovers. Integrity and loyalty are favored. A favorable influence for winning people’s trust. Speculation, advertising, publishing, and travel are favored.

Mercury quincunx Saturn. Communication challenges today make it hard to get a point across. Delays, “red tape”, and vague feelings of forgetting important details.

Sun quincunx Pluto. Adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move forward. The need to make changes in our life that will further our psychological development arise now.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

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.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview and The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section.

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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.

AUGUST 14

The Sun opposes Saturn today, and we can experience a reality check related to our work, responsibilities, or the rules in general. Feelings of doubt, pessimism, or guilt may undermine our confidence until we make corrections. Feeling blocked, encountering obstacles to progress, and inhibitions are all possible under this influence. While there can be a letdown, our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. Focusing too much on our feelings may not be very productive right now. This is a time for reevaluating goals, considering the limits of time and energy. It can be a good time to develop real solutions to long-term problems and recognize the meaning behind recent restrictions or limitations. We might acknowledge the need to adopt a humbler, more mature, and possibly more conservative approach. We might also need to catch up on neglected duties or responsibilities.

A Mars-Pluto trine helps us make the best of our circumstances. We are in an excellent position to harness the power of desire and make it work for us. This transit helps us gain determination and a stronger feeling of purpose. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than fall back on the tried and true. Not afraid of a challenge, it’s more important to us that we overcome obstacles. It’s excellent energy for reworking or overhauling a project. We are incredibly effective and possibly a little ruthless about getting rid of what we don’t need.

The void Moon occurs from 11:11 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:44 PM EDT.

AUGUST 15

The Moon spends the day in assertive and straightforward Aries. A Mercury-Node trine this morning suggests that we may connect with information or people that/who encourage us to grow, improve, or move forward. With a Sun-Jupiter sesquiquadrate later today, we want more from our lives. Channeled well, this transit enables us to make improvements, but otherwise can stir up restlessness and lead to over-indulgence, immoderation, or exaggeration. We should watch for overestimating our capabilities now since we may feel we can take on more than is reasonable.

AUGUST 16

Mercury’s trine to Uranus today encourages inventiveness. With this mind-opening aspect, we seek answers that aren’t the most obvious, and we can get to some exciting places on a mental level. We’re expressing ourselves in different or unique ways rather than falling back on old habits of thinking and communicating, and it’s successful. Conversations can be gently provocative, leading to new ideas and perspectives. Insights or creative ideas come suddenly, unexpectedly, and brilliantly. The Moon transits straightforward Aries most of the day, entering Taurus at 10:24 PM EDT. With the Moon in harmony with the Sun this morning, we feel vital and confident. Optimism and enthusiasm propel us ahead.

The void Moon occurs from 4:19 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 10:24 PM EDT.

AUGUST 17

The Sun forms a quincunx to Neptune, and we could feel that others are draining our energy, especially if it’s unclear what they want from us. We may feel slightly off or out of sorts, and there can be difficulties concentrating or figuring out our next step. These things are more likely if we’ve neglected our spiritual needs, and it makes sense to slow down and adjust. Incorporating and recognizing the need for more imagination in our lives seems necessary now. Later today, with Venus heading into a trine to Jupiter, energy flows more smoothly. The Moon spends the day in down-to-earth Taurus, and a gentle approach makes the most sense today.

AUGUST 18

This morning, the benefics Venus and Jupiter form a trine, generating friendly energy, encouraging our desire for the ideal, and lifting our spirits. It helps to both soften and strengthen us. We are big-hearted, and our feelings are big, begging expression. Gestures tend to be thoughtful, and we’re particularly hopeful, cheerful, and cooperative. It can be a somewhat lazy or self-indulgent time. Our tolerance for rudeness or crassness decreases. We are especially open and trusting of others, expecting the best, and both integrity and loyalty are favored. However, this afternoon, a Mercury-Saturn quincunx occurs, pointing to some sensitivity to how others receive our ideas. Mental anxiety can interfere with making good, practical choices, and there can be communication challenges or mental blocks.

AUGUST 19

Early into the day, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. We’re ready to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. It’s not an ideal time to start a major project, but it’s an excellent time to tidy up details and tie up loose ends. We might consider recent revelations, what they mean to us, and what to do about them. The Moon continues its transit of sensual, practical Taurus until 8:07 AM EDT, after which it’s in communicative, adaptable Gemini. A quincunx between the Sun and Pluto midday suggests adjustments are necessary for us to grow and improve. Until we discover how to make these changes, we can feel a little disgruntled or tense. Fears of loss or jealousy could emerge. Venus forms a minor square with Neptune, which might seduce us into believing things we want to believe. While glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and people might feel good at the moment, it’s best to hold off on making important purchases or relationship decisions until the veil lifts.

The void Moon occurs from 7:06 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:07 AM EDT.

AUGUST 20

Mars enters Gemini today, where it will transit for much longer than usual–for over seven months compared to the typical two months. The lengthiness of this transit is due to the upcoming retrograde Mars cycle (Mars will be retrograde from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023). Mars in Gemini is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective and making hasty or nervous decisions. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications. We’re strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever and know how to use words effectively. Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. When passionate about a topic, we’re very talkative and animated.

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we crave mental stimulation or a variety of interests and things to do or learn. We’re exceptionally responsive, sensitive to what’s happening around us, and more adaptable than usual. While we crave mental engagement and clarity, as the day advances, the Mercury-Neptune opposition early tomorrow comes into influence, and we might see others in an unrealistic light. Discrepancies can emerge that challenge our thinking, and concentrating on technical facts can be difficult. We could find ourselves on a mental teeter-totter, see-sawing between fact and fiction. If our minds are wandering, it may be that we’ve recently neglected to feed our imaginations. With this transit, we should watch for misrepresenting ourselves, overlooking critical practical details, and self-defeating thoughts. However, this can be a good time for stretching our thinking to dream up possibilities we might miss on a regular day.

 

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 Pisces

 We may not 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 begin 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.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

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.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

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, spirited, 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, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

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 2022 – Overview

The Astrology of 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits