This Week in Astrology Aug 16-22, 2026

This Week in Astrology: August 16-22, 2026

August 16th to 22nd, 2026

On Wednesday night, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Scorpio Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become 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 First Quarter Moon Chart:

First Quarter Moon Chart: August 19th, 2026

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 8 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at the same degree of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 25 to 29 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

NEXT WEEK: The next Moon phase will happen on Friday, August 28th, 2026, at 12:18 AM EDT, when the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will occur.

Previous: New Moon Solar Eclipse

The New MOON Solar Eclipse occurs on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at 1:36 PM EDT.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Moon is New in Leo. This lunation is a total Solar Eclipse, and this eclipse is the second in a Leo-Aquarius set.

The New Moon occurs as the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Leo. This New Moon is a total Solar Eclipse, which is a more potent lunation, affecting our lives for the coming six months. In the sign of Leo, confidence, creativity, romance and dating, games, sports, recreation, speculation, hobbies, or children are a strong focus on a personal level. This New Moon eclipse might challenge these matters and present opportunities for new beginnings. Long-term changes are in the works!

This is a time when we can focus on building our self-confidence by discovering our paths as distinct individuals, uncover our unique creative powers, and make a conscious effort to deal with others in a more personal, involved, and loving manner. We might re-commit to our enjoyment of an existing romance, hobby or passion project. We might also commit to adding more leisure time and “play” time to our lives.

With this potent Leo energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

Flaws in an important system in our lives reveal themselves around the time of the eclipse, prompting us to redo or to start fresh. Something ends in order for something else to start anew.

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Leo are likely to occur over the course of the next six months. However, not everyone will feel the effect of the eclipse with the same intensity. Those whose personal planets are activated by the degree of the eclipse are likely to feel its effects on a highly personal level.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 2 minutes of Leo.

Solar Eclipses occurred around the same degree as this one on August 11, 2018, August 11, 1999, August 10, 1980, and August 11, 1961. The last times we had eclipses falling along the Leo-Aquarius axis were from August 2016 to January 2019, from February 2008 to August 2009, and from August 1998 to July 2000. Similar themes may emerge in our lives.

This eclipse can highlight and challenge our issues surrounding our romantic connections, pursuit of entertainment, and attitude toward expressing and enjoying ourselves. We might take steps toward improving in these areas by tackling things that undermine our goals or connections.

Circumstances nudge or encourage us to see where we haven’t been true to our authentic selves. Ultimately, we are now in a position to understand that changes or endings are necessary for our own growth, and that we can handle these things!

It’s a powerful time to re-evaluate our need to stand out, express and share our talents, and play and enjoy our pastimes.

An eclipse occurs close to the nodal axis, and this eclipse is closer to the South Node of the Moon. Eclipses close to the South Node tend to feel a little more challenging than those conjunct or closer to the North Node, as we can concentrate too much on the idea that we might have to let something go.

Those of us with planets and points strongly stimulated by this eclipse can feel especially drained and tired, both physically and emotionally. There is a need to let go, forgive, cleanse, and release.

The New Moon Solar Eclipse Chart:

Astrological chart wheel depicts the Sun and Moon at 20 Leo 02.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo Chart: August 12th, 2026

The above chart is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart pattern of this New Moon. The chart below adds more details with additional points:

New Moon Eclipse in Leo Chart 2026: Additional Points

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 2 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 15 to 25 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

This Solar Eclipse is part of a set of eclipses falling along the Leo/Aquarius sign axis from February 2026 to January 2028.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Aug 12
, 2026, 1:36 PM, Sun conjunct Moon (New Moon/Solar Eclipse)
Aug 19, 2026, 10:46 PM, Sun square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 28, 2026, 12:18 AM, Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse)
Sep 4, 2026, 3:51 AM, Sun square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 10, 2026, 11:27 PM, Sun conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo until the 22nd when it enters Virgo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Cancer.

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.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 22-September 22. Our focus shifts to the puzzle pieces–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Attending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business.

This is an ideal time to get organized, do detailed work, and improve communications on the job. We take more pride in our work, chores, and health efforts. We also want to be more organized and informed during the Sun-in-Virgo cycle.

We’re learning humility and the benefits of developing skills, some level of perfectionism, and the importance of attention to detail. It’s a time of down-to-earth practicality when we prefer to invest our time and energy in things with realistic potential. We’re not inclined to ambition or “going big.” Attracting prosperity involves honest, careful, and attentive work and dedication.

Mercury is in Leo from August 9-25. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the grander a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence.

We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. With this transit, we may not listen as well as we normally do since we’re very focused on our own ideas.

We’re also strong about making decisions ourselves and letting our voices and input be heard. This is not a time when we’re content with letting others make all the moves or decisions–we need to be involved. We take the lead, manage, direct, and create while Mercury is in Leo. We need to relate to information or create stories about it to absorb it well. During this cycle, we should watch for being too inflexible, proud, or haughty to change course.

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 10, and later, from October 25-December 4 [this is longer than usual and in two steps due to an upcoming retrograde Venus cycle from October 3-November 13]. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

The shadow expression of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. 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 partners while privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so.

While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and we’re skilled at mediation.

We’re more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations, hands down. We attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.

Mars is in Cancer from August 11-September 27. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want while Mars transits Cancer. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our current mood of the moment.

We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace or comfort and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. In fact, we’re fiercely protective. It’s a powerful period for putting ego matters aside so that we can push our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.

Jupiter is in Leo.

Jupiter is in Leo. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Leo that began on June 30th, 2026, and will last until July 26th, 2027.

Saturn is in Aries. Saturn is in Aries from May 24th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025, and then from February 13th, 2026, to April 12th, 2028. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aries.

Uranus is in Gemini.

Uranus is in Gemini from July 7th to November 7th, 2025, from April 25, 2026, to August 3, 2032, and then from December 12, 2032, to May 22, 2033. Read about Uranus in Gemini in its calendar page.

Neptune is in Aries. Neptune first transited Aries from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025, but it returned to Pisces. Now, Neptune is in Aries for the long haul: from January 26, 2026, to May 21, 2038, and then October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039. Read about Neptune’s transit of Aries.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto stays in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 10, and later, from October 25-December 4 [this is longer than usual and in two steps due to an upcoming retrograde Venus cycle from October 3-November 13]. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

This week: On Monday, we’re especially forgiving, understanding, and generous at this time, although perhaps not very practical. This can be a trusting, cheerful, and romantic time,

By Thursday and Friday, there can be a need to be mature in love. We assess our relationships from a practical standpoint, and we can feel inhibited when it comes to expressing our feelings. This can be a time when May-December romances are prominent. We can also be especially sensitive to rejection.

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

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

Venus sextile Mercury August 13. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus sextile Jupiter August 17. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

Venus opposition Saturn August 20-21. We keep others at arm’s length, unsure of whether we are loved or not. This is a somewhat inhibiting influence when it appears that people value utility over true love. An element of seriousness permeates our love relationships. We may feel criticized and inhibited, unloved and unsatisfied, but our worst enemies may be ourselves and our own fears of getting close to others.

Venus contra-parallel the Sun August 26. We are more strongly aware of our relationships (or lack) and the pride they give us. Dissatisfaction experienced now is likely due to inner discontent and yearning for more appreciation from our partners. Going out of our way to make others feel wanted, appreciated, and recognized is appropriate now.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the 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 to determine 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 following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 17th, from 7:32 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 5:47 PM EDT.

VOC on Wednesday, August 19th, from 10:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Thursday, August 20th, at 4:30 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 22nd, from 4:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:59 PM EDT.

August 2026

Void Moon Dates & Times for August 2026

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, which is considered favorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window occurs from approximately 4:35 PM EDT on Thursday, August 20th, until Saturday, August 22nd, at approximately 4:30 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. This window is better after the Venus opposition Saturn aspect, but also note that we’re between eclipses, which is not ideal for clarity, in general.

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 22,
2026, 3:13 PM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2026, 6:57 PM, Mercury Direct at 16 Can 19
Jul 26, 2026, 3:56 PM, Saturn Retrograde at 14 Ari 45
Jul 26, 2026, 8:46 PM, True Node Rx enters Aquarius
Aug 3, 2026, 4:10 PM, Chiron Retrograde at 0 Tau 52
Aug 6, 2026, 3:12 PM, Venus enters Libra
Aug 9, 2026, 12:28 PM, Mercury enters Leo
Aug 11, 2026, 4:30 AM, Mars enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2026, 10:43 AM, Juno Rx enters Capricorn
Aug 12, 2026, 10:54 AM, Ceres enters Cancer
Aug 14, 2026, 5:41 AM, Pallas Retrograde at 22 Ari 39
Aug 22, 2026, 10:19 PM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2026, 7:04 AM, Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2026, 2:01 PM, Vesta Retrograde at 27 Ari 49
Sep 10, 2026, 4:07 AM, Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 10, 2026, 12:20 PM, Mercury enters Libra
Sep 10, 2026, 2:27 PM, Uranus Retrograde at 5 Gem 42
Sep 16, 2026, 9:09 PM, Juno Direct at 25 Cap 40
Sep 17, 2026, 9:52 PM, Chiron Rx enters Aries
Sep 22, 2026, 8:05 PM, Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2026, 10:49 PM, Mars enters Leo
Sep 30, 2026, 7:44 AM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 3, 2026, 3:16 AM, Venus Retrograde at 8 Sco 30
Oct 15, 2026, 10:40 PM, Pluto Direct at 3 Aqu 04
Oct 23, 2026, 5:38 AM, Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2026, 10:40 PM, Juno enters Aquarius
Oct 24, 2026, 3:12 AM, Mercury Retrograde at 20 Sco 59
Oct 25, 2026, 5:09 AM, Venus Rx enters Libra
Nov 13, 2026, 10:53 AM, Mercury Direct at 5 Sco 02
Nov 13, 2026, 7:27 PM, Venus Direct at 22 Lib 52
Nov 22, 2026, 1:00 AM, Ceres Retrograde at 23 Can 57
Nov 22, 2026, 2:23 AM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2026, 6:37 PM, Mars enters Virgo
Nov 28, 2026, 8:28 AM, Vesta Direct at 12 Ari 41
Nov 30, 2026, 11:34 PM, Pallas Direct at 3 Ari 18

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

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 16th to 22nd, 2026

This Week’s Aspects

Mars quincunx Pluto. A strong desire to prove ourselves may be at the root of confrontations and bull-headedness at this time. Avoid forcing issues.

Mars square Neptune. Inspiration comes from unusual sources, but you have a hard time staying focused and organized. Energy may be variable. Intuition is strong, but may be faulty. Not a good time to begin a new project or affair.

Mercury trine Saturn. Clear, realistic thinking characterizes this influence. 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 is likely to beget tangible results in the future. Conversations may be spare but to the point. Manifestation and achievement are what satisfy.

Venus sextile Jupiter. Cooperation, consideration for others, cheerfulness, positive attitude towards relationships, romantic opportunities, harmony. Favors financial endeavors. Optimistic spiritual energy is brought to relationships. We tend to connect to a higher purpose regarding our personal relationships and our values, attaching meaning to them. We may enjoy a feeling of well-being now. Ease is experienced in social situations. We are freer with our affections (and our money). This is also a favorable transit for entertaining and socializing.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely.

Venus opposition Saturn. We keep others at arm’s length, unsure of whether we are loved or not. This is a somewhat inhibiting influence when it appears that people value utility over true love. An element of seriousness permeates our love relationships. We may feel criticized and inhibited, unloved and unsatisfied, but our worst enemies may be ourselves and our own fears of getting close to others. Not a good influence for financial endeavors. Burdens are magnified.

Sun sesquiquadrate 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.

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.

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

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 16

Today’s Libra Moon is conciliatory and gracious. Harmony is a goal during this Moon transit, and its absence can be emotionally unsettling. As a result, we tend to negotiate and accommodate more, especially early today, when the Moon aligns with Venus.

However, Mars is quincunx Pluto, which can stir some edginess and tension. Feelings of anger or competitiveness can be challenging to manage, process, integrate, or understand, especially when they’re displaced or unresolved, having built up over time. It’s best to avoid forcing issues. As well, Mars and Neptune are approaching a square, exact tomorrow morning, and we may struggle to focus on our priorities. Energy is up and down, particularly if inspiration wavers.

AUGUST 17

The Mars-Neptune square early today can point to waning motivation or energy levels as we feel overwhelmed with possibilities and uncertain about our next step. Desires are hard to pin down. On the other hand, inspiration can come from unusual sources. There can be a change of course or a break from the action. We should watch for difficulties with boundaries and limits. Attempts to take the easy way out will probably backfire under this influence. However, from disappointment, we might find the motivation to make improvements.

Later morning, however, a Mercury-Saturn trine helps us ground and center our thoughts and communications. Conversations may be spare but instructive. It’s a good time for systematic thinking and a step-by-step approach to tasks and problems. This transit supports work with details. We’re cautious with our expectations or remind ourselves to keep things moderate.

At the same time, Venus forms a sextile with Jupiter today, which lightens things up considerably. We’re exceptionally cooperative and ready to give one another the benefit of the doubt. This influence stirs a mood or atmosphere conducive to tolerance, consideration for others, warmth, and openness. We are more forthcoming, optimistic, and generous than usual. It encourages us to loosen up as we tap into our spirit for enjoyment. We are freer and more generous with our affection, time, and money. Romantic opportunities can emerge, or there can be lucky finds, pleasing purchases, and a hopeful financial outlook or prospects.

Today’s Libra Moon, with its balanced and diplomatic nature, focuses our attention on harmonizing our relationships and environment. The Scorpio Moon from 5:47 PM EDT onward brings intense, perceptive energy.

The Moon is void from 7:32 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 5:47 PM EDT.

AUGUST 18

AUGUST 19

The Moon is void from 10:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Thursday, August 20th, at 4:30 AM EDT.

AUGUST 20

The Moon continues its void period until it enters Sagittarius today at 4:30 AM EDT.

AUGUST 21

AUGUST 22

The Moon is void from 4:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:59 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 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.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 23rd to 29th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 30th to September 5th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 6th to 12th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 13th to 19th, 2026

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Leo “This I do for me” is your motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as does a very important lesson: it’s not what you do so much as how you do it, not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it doesn’t come from the heart, it shouldn’t matter now.

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

Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style. Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in your life.

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

Mars in Cancer Defensive, aren’t we? With this new cycle getting underway, protecting and preserving you and yours takes on a higher than usual priority. A sensitivity to the needs and wants of others and an appreciation for their frailties (as well as your own) makes you more cautious and conservative … you pick your battles with care.

Jupiter in Leo High drama, big romance, a creative bonanza: this is the stuff dreams are made of now. The world is your stage, the spotlight is your goal, and the love and appreciation of others is the air you breathe. Children, lovers, admirers: these are the people who figure large in your life as this cycle progresses. A willingness to gamble on the future.

Saturn in Aries Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your life as a new phase begins for you. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back – as can coming on too strong. The trick is learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities, working within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them.

Uranus in Gemini New ideas, new input, and new ways of exchanging these things with others – all these and more become increasingly important factor in your life now, as you enter into a new phase. This is a period of enhanced mental activity, a nonstop stream of consciousness, of trying out new concepts and perspectives.

Neptune in Aries The frontier spirit is alive and well as a new cycle dawns in your life. Independence and originality take on a kind of primal importance for you; you tend to put these qualities on a pedestal, above all else. Fresh starts, new possibilities … these are the visions that light a spark in your soul. But what of the weak, the ones who aren’t free, the ones who get left behind?

Pluto in Aquarius Reform, revolution, a rejection of the past and a focus on the future: these are the signatures of the new phase now beginning in your life. Tradition becomes irrelevant, and the conventional wisdom is revealed as dogma or outright nonsense – and what’s the difference, really? Radical changes in all things social and intellectual.

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

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

This Week in Astrology: August 16th to 22nd, 2026