This Week in Astrology: August 18 to 24, 2024

This Week in Astrology: August 18-24, 2024

 

August 18 to 24, 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 FULL MOON occurs on Monday, August 19th, 2024, at 2:26 PM EDT. 

On Monday, the Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo at 27 degrees and 15 minutes forms an opposition to the Moon in Aquarius at 27 degrees and 15 minutes. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual–not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the team, community, and group spirit. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. In fact, a Full Moon illuminates feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that are already in existence.

This is a time of awakening to the need for others or to answer to humanitarian impulses.

This lunation is square Uranus, suggesting some tense, rebellious energy connected to our realizations and epiphanies. The Sun is aligned with retrograde Mercury, having just formed an inferior conjunction the day before, and our revelations are pivotal and surprising. While we’re anxious to move forward, we’re temporarily focusing on the past.

The Full Moon Chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 15 minutes of Aquarius, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Leo, and affecting planets at approximately 23 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 0 to 1 degree of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

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

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 14-September 9. [Mercury was in Leo from July 2-25, entered Virgo, and due to a Mercury retrograde period from August 5th to 28th, 2024, returns to Leo]. 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 Virgo from August 4-29. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo.

Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual, but Virgo is also quite practical and mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners or relationships, picky, nervous, or worried.

During the Venus-in-Virgo cycle, we can gravitate to, and find some benefits in, holistic healing, acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional boosts. We’re keenly interested in ways to enrich our lives and boost our well-being. “Health is wealth” could be a motto now. In fact, we might enjoy health-boosting activities more than usual. Businesses promoting nutrition, wholesomeness, and well-being might prosper at this time. Commitment and attention to detail are also more prominently considered virtues now.

In love, we’re not very showy, flowery, or demonstrative. Instead, we show our love through being of service. We’re conservative with money, pleasure, and romance at this time, ready to analyze and dissect these matters. This can also be a time when helping others, particularly with good advice regarding these Venus-ruled things, can be prominent and successful. We might meet friends or lovers through our work or health-pursuits. We can take a special interest in handiwork, crafts, lists/sorting, and bookkeeping.

Mars is in Gemini from July 20-September 4. 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 Gemini.

Jupiter began its transit of Gemini on May 24th, 2024, and continues its transit of the sign until June 9th, 2025. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Gemini.

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. Saturn will enter Aries on May 24th, 2025.

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 Virgo from August 4-29. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love.

Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues.

As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: On Sunday and Monday, our desire for pleasure and love is strong, but we can feel blocked, limited, or confined. Our timing is off, and we can be out of touch with whether we want to enjoy new things or stick with the familiar.

On Thursday, someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.

On Friday, we can feel on the fence or undecided. It’s not an ideal time for a full-on expression of feelings.

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

Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

Venus parallel Mercury August 15-16. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto August 17. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus contra-parallel Saturn August 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. Some pulling back can occur in relationships now, as we are more self-conscious and cautious with our affections.

Venus square Jupiter August 18-19. 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. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus opposition Saturn August 18-19. 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 square Mars August 22. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating.

Venus quincunx Chiron August 23. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus trine Uranus August 26-27. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 19th, from 2:26 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:52 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:54 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:02 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 23rd, from 8:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 8:00 PM EDT.

August 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 only until the Full Moon, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 19th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, also with some exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from approximately 12:00 AM to 8:40 AM EDT on Friday, August 23rd, while the Moon is in Aries.

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 20, 2024,
4:43 PM, Mars enters Gemini
Jul 22, 2024, 3:44 AM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 25, 2024, 6:42 PM, Mercury enters Virgo
Jul 26, 2024, 9:59 AM, Chiron Retrograde at 23 Ari 32
Aug  4, 2024, 10:23 PM, Venus enters Virgo
Aug  5, 2024, 12:56 AM, Mercury Retrograde at  4 Vir 07
Aug  9, 2024, 12:36 PM, Juno enters Libra
Aug 14, 2024, 8:15 PM, Mercury Rx enters Leo
Aug 22, 2024, 10:55 AM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 24, 2024, 7:35 PM, Vesta enters Virgo
Aug 26, 2024, 3:38 AM, Ceres Direct at  7 Cap 30
Aug 28, 2024, 5:14 PM, Mercury Direct at 21 Leo 24
Aug 29, 2024, 9:22 AM, Venus enters Libra
Sep  1, 2024, 11:17 AM, Uranus Retrograde at 27 Tau 15
Sep  1, 2024, 7:57 PM, Pluto Rx enters Capricorn
Sep  4, 2024, 3:46 PM, Mars enters Cancer
Sep  8, 2024, 6:25 AM, Pallas enters Sagittarius
Sep  9, 2024, 2:50 AM, Mercury enters Virgo
Sep 22, 2024, 8:43 AM, Sun enters Libra
Sep 22, 2024, 10:36 PM, Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 26, 2024, 4:08 AM, Mercury enters Libra
Oct  9, 2024, 3:05 AM, Jupiter Retrograde at 21 Gem 20
Oct 11, 2024, 8:32 PM, Pluto Direct at 29 Cap 38
Oct 13, 2024, 3:23 PM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 17, 2024, 3:28 PM, Venus enters Sagittarius

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 and The Astrology of 2025 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Uranus. Our senses are stimulated, and we could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. However, our ideas are not always received well by others and we can be scatter-brained. It’s a challenge to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks under this influence. Tasks may be left undone or interrupted. This is not a good time to be understood, so we may want to hold off presenting our ideas for the time being. New information can surface now that upsets the status quo, but can also act to stimulate our minds into new ways of thinking.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Venus square Jupiter. Feelings of elation in love or with regards to the pleasures of life can lead us to overdo, overindulge, overspend, and overstate our feelings. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. We may also feel lazy and we are inclined to procrastinate.

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 square Uranus. We can’t expect much of anything when the Sun squares Uranus, except the unexpected! Disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Jupiter square Saturn. We’re forced to do things by the book, but may not want to. This is not the time to take shortcuts–they won’t work. When we think in big terms, or if we have the urge to expand, we confront obstacles or we are forced to face reality. Some re-structuring of our lives and of our business goals is now in order. We may be looking for new challenges, sometimes because we are forced to do so (because things are not going exactly as we had planned). We have a desire to grow and expand, but our attitude is tempered with some caution and feelings of restriction. There is no “easy fix” just now. It is best to breathe new life into old plans rather than to strike out with a new plan altogether. Take steps to grow, but don’t overextend yourself at this time or you are bound to face frustrations.

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.

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 square Mars. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from differences between romantic and sexual needs. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, and invigorating.

Mercury trine Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it’s not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

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

Mercury sextile Mars. Mental alertness, enthusiasm, and energetic communications figure now. Quick decisions can be made. We are productive and take “busy-ness” in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects.

Mars sextile Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a sense of mission. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas, and self-confidence as well. There is a drive to take positive action, usually to defend or help others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity.

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 and The Astrology of 2025 – 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.

AUGUST 18

Retrograde Mercury forms a square to Uranus this morning and aligns with the Sun tonight. We can be scattered in our communications and thoughts early today. However, the inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun gives us a unique window into the past as it might impact our future. It’s a good time to process recent events and ideas. At this midway point in the retrograde Mercury cycle, we begin looking at problems or issues from a fresh perspective and a new understanding. Significant new ideas are born now and will likely have real staying power or importance in our lives. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or worse! However, we may not have all the facts we need to reach a definite conclusion, and we might have to revise plans or decisions later. Tomorrow’s Full Moon and tense Venus aspects also remind us that emotions are running high and important decisions should wait.

AUGUST 19

Today’s astrology is busy. Venus forms a square to Jupiter and opposition to Saturn this morning, while Jupiter and Saturn perfect their square later today. These transits bring to the surface underlying tensions in social interactions and relationships. We may find ourselves wanting more than the world can currently provide. This is a time when relationship issues or financial/legal matters may come to the forefront. Insecurities about our relationships, money, or comfort levels may also be triggered. Difficulties in socializing could stem from an increased sensitivity to rejection and a certain rigidity in expressing affection.

The Sun forms a square to Uranus, which can temporarily destabilize some aspects of our lives or highlight existing problem areas. Our strong desire for independence or to break the rules could cloud our judgment. Changes we make now may feel out of character or abrupt. Disrupted routines and plans are likely, and while they may be unsettling at first, they can also encourage new approaches. These disruptions can bring to the surface buried frustrations, which we should examine more closely. It’s a time to learn something new about ourselves. However, we should be mindful of being irresponsible in our rebellions and guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making.

The Full Moon, occurring at 2:26 PM EDT, when the Leo Sun opposes the Aquarius Moon, marks a time of culmination. The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual, not content with being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while also individualistic, values independence and the team, community, and group spirit. With the Leo Sun in opposition to the Aquarius Moon, the Full Moon shines a light on this conflict. When a Full Moon occurs, it can lead to proclamations and outpours that are raw. It also brings to light feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that have been buried or overlooked. This is a time to awaken to the need for others or to respond to humanitarian impulses.

With the powerful Jupiter-Saturn square, circumstances present us with an opportunity for personal or professional growth, although the rewards may be delayed. We must restructure our lives or plans in accordance with rules, laws, limits, and the demands of reality. Ultimately, this process can lead to a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves or our projects.

This can be a time of temporary fluctuating finances, increased personal commitments, sudden obstacles to our goals, energy dips, or ups and downs with our faith/outlook. We might ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this?” What for?” or “What’s the point?” more frequently. There can be a sense that we’re not in the right place at the right time during this phase.

This is the first of three perfections of the Jupiter-Saturn square. The second will occur on December 24th, 2024, and the third on June 15th, 2025. During this period, it’s crucial to breathe new life into old plans rather than starting afresh. We may need to make sacrifices in one area of our lives to grow in another. It’s important not to overextend ourselves now and to avoid attempting easy fixes or shortcuts. The need to adjust our expectations is a natural part of the process, and with patience and perseverance, we can confidently navigate current obstacles and challenges.

The Moon is void from 2:26 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:52 PM EDT.

AUGUST 20

With the Sun’s conjunction to Vesta this morning, we can be quite clear about where we want to direct our energies. We tend to become caught up in our personal interests and projects, displaying more dedication and being able to narrow our focus. However, it’s not as straightforward to concentrate as the day advances. The Moon spends the day in creative, compassionate Pisces. Tonight, it aligns with Saturn and squares Jupiter, echoing yesterday’s Jupiter-Saturn square. Responsibilities can come to light, but it’s challenging to get a chance to put in the effort. We might feel the urge to expand a project, but we’re also concerned about the consequences. Decision-making isn’t easy.

AUGUST 21

With the Sun quincunx Neptune today, we may feel a bit off in terms of vitality and more sensitive to stimulants or emotional issues that are difficult to pinpoint. A lack of clarity about our goals or identity can lead to feeling under the weather. Events or circumstances can leave us feeling that we must choose between being realistic and determined or intuitive and receptive. We can feel torn between two drives and see-saw between alternatives. Concentrating or figuring out our next step can be difficult. 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, prompting us to be more introspective and thoughtful. The Moon continues its transit of intuitive Pisces until 7:02 PM EDT when it moves into the bold, direct sign of Aries, and we begin to crave action.

The Moon is void from 5:54 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:02 PM EDT.

AUGUST 22

The Sun exits Leo, enters Virgo today , and stays in the sign until September 22nd. Our focus shifts to the puzzle pieces–the details of our lives. It’s now time to take care of practical concerns. Attending to the details of daily living can free us from the unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. It’s an ideal cycle to get organized, do detailed work, and improve connections and communications on the job. Rediscovering the joy of our work, services, chores, and routines can be our focus in the month ahead. The Sun forms a quincunx to Pluto today, signaling that adjustments are necessary for us to grow and improve. Until we discover how to make these changes, we can feel a bit disgruntled or tense. This transit can trigger jealousy and fears of loss. There may be a power shift or a setback that has us feeling temporarily out of sorts or powerless. It’s a good idea to examine whether we need to let something go to further our psychological growth.

Venus forms a square to Mars tonight, and competitive energy is with us. We can feel some tension or dissatisfaction. This transit awakens different urges and desires, but they may only be whims or distractions. Disagreements are possible as differences and contrasts stand out more than usual. A passive or soft approach may irritate, but an aggressive approach can be grating, too–we seem to have poor timing. We can be temperamental and sensitive. What we value and what we desire can be at odds. Ideally, discontent prompts creative improvements and changes. However, it’s best to be wary of making impulse purchases and relationship decisions under these conditions.

AUGUST 23

Retrograde Mercury forms a trine to Chiron this morning and approaches a sextile to Mars as the day advances (it’s exact very early tomorrow). We can be especially alert and observant, as well as highly resourceful. Even so, this is a better time to go over the past than to make solid plans for the future with Mercury still retrograde. We can strongly desire to do something with our ideas, learn, teach, or discuss (energetically). We are especially alert and aware, although possibly self-focused. We’re also willing to put in the effort and dedication necessary to further a mental interest or project. Reviving a past discussion or project can figure strongly now. Today’s Mercury-Venus semi-sextile can serve to subtly contrast a logical and playful approach. It may be all too easy to say things we don’t mean/feel. However, we seem to be able to make things work, and while we may not be especially focused today, we’re adaptable and we’re making an effort to understand one another. The Moon continues its transit of straightforward Aries until 8:00 PM EDT, when it enters steady Taurus.

The Moon is void from 8:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 8:00 PM EDT.

AUGUST 24

Today’s Taurus Moon is steady and full of common sense. Still, a sextile between Mars and Chiron today is gently motivating, generating enthusiasm and healing power. An opportunity can arise to take the lead or take action that leads to healing, cleansing, or teaching. We can feel a pleasant, motivating sense of mission, and we’re fearless about addressing problem areas. The drive to take affirmative action is with us, most likely to defend or help ourselves and others. We want to fix problems! However, we have the patience to strategize and look at the bigger picture. We’re in a unique position to see behind us and have a good sense of the future as well. It’s a time to latch onto projects and activities that give us a stronger sense of purpose, a clear focus that drives our actions.

 

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 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 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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

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See also:

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

The Astrology of 2025 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits