This Week in Astrology August 25-31

This Week in Astrology: August 25-31, 2024

August 25th to 31st, 2024

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, coming 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.

This is not the best 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 revelations we may have had in the last week and what they mean for us. Next steps may be clearer.

The Last Quarter Moon Chart:

Last Quarter Moon chart: August 26th, 2024

This phase of the Moon occurs at 3 degrees and 38 minutes of Gemini, square the Sun at the same degree of Virgo, and affecting planets at approximately 2 to 6 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) the most.

Previous: Full Moon

Full Moon

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:

Full Moon in Aquarius chart: August 19th, 2024

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.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Aug 4,
2024, 7:13 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Aug 12, 2024, 11:19 AM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 19, 2024, 2:26 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Aug 26, 2024, 5:26 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 2, 2024, 9:55 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Virgo until the 29th, when Venus enters Libra; Mars is in Gemini.

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.

Venus is in Libra from August 29-September 22. 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 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.

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.

Venus is in Libra from August 29-September 22. 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 and Tuesday, we’re especially willing to make changes or venture into new territory with our feelings, tastes, and pleasures. It’s not an ideal time for making commitments, but it’s a good time to experiment and explore.

On Wednesday, we’re open and vulnerable, and we might protect ourselves through believing fantasies rather than the real thing (or person). We may confront our illusions or spiritual and romantic needs through another person or a relationship that seems to hold a mirror up for us to see where or how far we’ve come.

The Venus-Neptune transit can bring us face to face with our illusions in relationships. Emotions and feelings can be draining due to uncertainty and we may be left to feel that decision-making is too difficult. Neptune places a veil over our eyes and may seduce us into believing what we want to believe rather than what really is. If we haven’t been discriminating enough in love (or with money), problems can surface now for resolution. Romantic and idealistic imagination is aroused now, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh.

On Wednesday and Thursday, however, we’re shifting into a more productive frame of mind. Our willingness to go “all in” can improve a key relationship. Strong attractions and powerful feelings are likely.

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 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 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.

Venus opposition Neptune August 28. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.

Venus trine Pluto August 28-29. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

Venus opposition North Node (Venus conjunct South Node) September 3. This is a time for reviewing our attachments in terms of whether they are contributing to our growth.

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 Sunday, August 25th, from 9:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 11:04 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 28th, from 3:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 4:48 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 30th, from 11:25 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:10 PM EDT.

August 2024:

Void of Course Moon Table: Dates in 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 waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some 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 Sunday, August 25th, from approximately 10:30 AM to 9:35 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus.

Another window occurs from Wednesday, August 28th, at approximately 4:50 AM EDT, until Friday, August 30th, at approximately 11:20 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Cancer.

Caveats: Mercury is retrograde until late afternoon on the 28th.

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).

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 25th to 31st, 2024

This Week’s Aspects

Venus trine Uranus. 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 as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not ready to commit. Creative inspiration can be had. We have an offbeat, pleasant attitude and people are more willing to socialize. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities.

Venus opposition Neptune. Problems with love or money matters crop up because of our lack of the ability to discriminate at this time. It’s easy to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is. We may be more vulnerable emotionally, and thus more susceptible to deceit or self-deceit. Romantic and idealistic imagination is aroused now, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh. If possible, put off major decision making regarding social and romantic involvements, as well as finances.

Venus trine Pluto. An excellent time for finances and for relationships, all things equal. Our feelings are intense and impassioned, but not in an offensive or destructive way. The need to share on deeper levels is strong now. A spiritual regeneration through love is possible.

Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

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 25

The Moon spends most of the day in Taurus, only entering Gemini at 11:04 PM EDT. The Taurus Moon boosts our desire for comfort and predictability. Still, the Moon clashes with retrograde Mercury this morning and aligns with progressive Uranus this evening, suggesting that agitations, distractions, or misunderstandings interfere with the calm we hope to achieve. It’s crucial to refrain from pushing matters since miscommunications can figure strongly. Our feelings and words are a mismatch. The Moon enters Gemini at 11:04 PM, shifting our focus as we seek mental stimulation. With the Moon’s trine to Pluto, we’re especially aware of our social skills and need for more effective communication. We’re determined and ready to make long-lasting changes. A Mars-Pluto biquintile coming into influence suggests we’re willing to challenge ourselves, and we tend to gravitate to plans and strategies to get what we desire.

The Moon is void from 9:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 11:04 PM EDT.

AUGUST 26

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this morning at 5:26 AM EDT as the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Gemini, pointing to a possible crisis of consciousness. We’ve processed recent epiphanies and now begin to see what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born again. It’s not ideal to start a significant project now, but it’s a fine time to finish details or tie up loose ends. The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and our need for mental stimulation is strong. As the day advances, we approach a Venus-Uranus trine, exact very early tomorrow, that brings us out of our shells further. This transit encourages our bolder, more innovative natures, socially speaking. We are especially interested in what’s new, fresh, invigorating, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary regarding romantic involvements, entertainment or pleasures, and financial undertakings. We may be experimenting, improvising, and trying new ways of relating and expressing ourselves. We might discover alternative ways to make (or spend) money. Although a little detached, we’re freer with our feelings and find beauty in the unfamiliar or uncommon.

AUGUST 27

The Venus-Uranus trine perfects early today, and there can be unexpected feelings, affections, attractions, and pleasures in the spotlight. Sudden insight into our tastes, wants, or pleasures can figure strongly now, but we can also detach ourselves just enough to find more to enjoy, enjoying a sense of liberation. We’re experimenting. The Gemini Moon aligns with Jupiter this morning and Mars this evening, stirring our curiosity and magnifying our desire to connect. We’re ready to put some muscle behind our ideas and inclined to act on our feelings. We can feel passionately about our pursuits and personal interests. However, on this day before Mercury’s direct station, there can be some confusion with directions and interpretations, suggesting some need to wait and see as the shift occurs.

AUGUST 28

Venus opposes Neptune today, which can play with our expectations. We can feel exasperated or wistful, and problems can emerge if we’ve been indiscriminate with money, pleasures, and relationships. Uncertainty in Venus-ruled areas of life (romance, social life, leisure, and finances) can be prominent. We need to assess the things that have become dysfunctional, and, in the process, we may need to give up on an unrealistic ideal to make gains. We are more emotionally vulnerable and more susceptible to deceit or self-deceit. If possible, it may be best to delay significant decision-making regarding social, financial, and romantic involvements, as things are unclear along these lines.

Mercury stationing today can compound the problem. Mercury turns direct after retrograde motion since August 5th. We’ve been in a good position to reevaluate our routines and habits and have given more thought to the meaning of our creative pursuits, work, or services. Now, Mercury will retrace its steps, completing its transit of Leo on September 9th, when it will enter Virgo once again. Information unclogs. Over the coming weeks, recent problems with communications and decision-making should improve. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive. Further, plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. We can be flooded with energies that are hard to make sense of during the shift today, however, and it’s a better day to take in than to take action. This station can initially magnify problem areas or confusion. It’s also a good idea not to rush conversations or share observations.

The Moon is void from 3:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 4:48 AM EDT.

AUGUST 29

Venus enters Libra today, where it will transit until September 22nd. Venus performs well in Libra, as Libra is its own sign. During this cycle, we’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations. We are quite willing to negotiate and compromise and can be very obliging with others. We’re also idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. We prefer things to be done a particular 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 gloss over deeper issues 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 promotes cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We’re more likely to prosper in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We attract things to us and appeal to others through gentleness and kindness.

Venus forms a trine to Pluto this morning, and we can feel pleasantly passionate and focused on a person, situation, connection, or project. The need to share or enjoy life on more profound levels is strong. This influence helps us connect with what we most love and cherish. We might narrow our focus to our advantage under this influence. We seek to grow, improve, or develop our attachments. Recognizing the value of patience, we’re more strategic and likely to gain new insight into business and personal relationships.

AUGUST 30

With the Sun’s trine to Ceres this morning, we seek nourishment from one another and naturally nurture and support others in turn. Doing so is rewarding. Needs and cravings seem to be in harmony, or at least not in conflict. It’s an excellent time for building or attending to a relationship or creative pursuit. The Moon continues its transit of the sign of Cancer until 1:10 PM EDT, encouraging our desires for familiarity, comfort, and safety. The Moon in Leo from 1:10 PM forward stimulates our need to play, express ourselves, and create. The Moon’s opposition to Pluto shortly after is confrontational and challenging, but it may also get us in touch with our needs, perhaps in a convoluted way. There can be some intensity in our relationships and/or inner emotional turmoil. It may be best to avoid mind games and prioritize self-care. As the day advances, it’s a time when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our unique qualities. It’s a strong time for romance and creative pursuits. We’re enthusiastic and take particular pride in our accomplishments. Showing confidence and backbone brings rewards.

The Moon is void from 11:25 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:10 PM EDT.

AUGUST 31

With a Mars-Uranus semi-sextile this morning, there can be some indecision. We can struggle with the idea of going our own way and being independent. Expressing our originality is choppy and unnatural. The urge to take action is with us, but somehow, we go in circles, primarily because we may wrestle with feelings of rebellion until we settle on a plan and focus on it consistently. However, follow-through is temporarily challenging for us. This minor aspect takes on a little more power because Uranus is coming to a station (Uranus stations and turns retrograde tomorrow). There can be some agitation today. The Moon spends the day in Leo, encouraging our honorable, affectionate, and expressive natures. We might seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

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

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

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 1st to 7th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 8th to 14th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 15th to 21st, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 22nd to 28th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 29th to October 5th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 6th to 12th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 13th to 19th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 20th to 26th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 27th to November 2nd, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: November 3rd to 9th, 2024

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

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 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.

Mars in Gemini Learning, communicating, the exchange of ideas: these are the experiences you crave as a means to make your mark now, as a new phase begins in your life. You’re a person with something to say, and you realize that others have information that is essential to your goals. A time of much mental energy and initiative … perhaps with an element of conflict tossed in for good measure.

Jupiter in Gemini Facilitating the transfer of ideas and information takes on a special priority for you now. Writing, studying, and communicating play a bigger role in your life as a result. The belief that well-informed people will make the right decisions becomes an article of faith. Just remember: sometimes people know the right thing to do and STILL do something different!

Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.

Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.

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

Pluto in 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?

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This Week in Astrology: August 25 to 31, 2024