This Week in Astrology: August 29 to September 4, 2021

This Week in Astrology: August 29 to September 4, 2021

 

August 29 to September 4, 2021

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On this Page:

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

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, August 30th, 2021, at 3:13 AM EDT.

Early Monday, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Gemini. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness.

After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge, 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.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 9 minutes of Gemini square the Sun in Virgo, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 5 to 9 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Virgo until the 30th, after which Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 22 to September 22. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending 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, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.

Mercury is in Virgo from August 11-30. When Mercury is in Virgo, we value precision in speech, thought, and process. This is a time when we analyze and discriminate between what we deem useful or impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details. We should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in an overly factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

Mercury is in Libra from August 30-November 5. [This is longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde, occuring entirely in the sign of Libra, from September 27-October 18.] When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills. Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any given situation. Making quick decisions can be more challenging than usual, as we can sit “on the fence.” We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves so as to appear to be the “bad guy.” However, this is a reasonable period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.

Venus is in Libra from August 16-September 10. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want during this cycle. Although Venus in Libra virtually lives for relationships, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things be done the “right” way, and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior.

The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt 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 our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so! This is also a time when we are more artistically inclined. We tend to seek balance in our personal environment.

Mars is in Virgo from July 29-September 14. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

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Jupiter is in Aquarius from December 19th, 2020, to May 13, 2021, and then from July 28 to December 28, 2021. Read more about the Jupiter in Aquarius transit. Jupiter is in Pisces from May 13th to July 28th, when it retreats into Aquarius. Jupiter returns to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. There will be another part to this 3-part act in 2022! Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

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

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how 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. 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. 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. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from August 16 to September 10. Venus rules Libra and thus is dignified in the sign. Venus feels right “at home” in Libra, where she seeks to balance and harmonize. With Venus in Libra, we can easily be in love with love. We are more comfortable with a close partner with whom we can seek to have a balanced relationship. We favor employing charm over aggressive pursuit to get what we want.

Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things be done the “right” way, and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior.

The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt 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 our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so!

This week: On Friday, somewhat awkward energy is with us for our relationships. We’re seeking special meaning through our connections, which makes us a little more vulnerable to influence. It’s best to treat it as a shift day rather than one to make big decisions. We’re likely to doubt someone in our lives, or happiness, in general!

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 sesquiquadrate Jupiter August 25. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feeWe 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.lings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.

Venus opposition Chiron August 25-26. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves. Our relationships may open up some inner wound.

Venus quincunx Uranus August 28. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships, or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Venus quincunx Neptune September 3. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus square Pluto September 5. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus trine Jupiter September 5-6. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

Venus parallel Jupiter September 15. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 29th, from 10:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Gemini at 12:42 PM EDT.

V OC Moon on Tuesday, August 31st, from 4:49 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Wednesday, September 1st, at 1:26 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 3rd, from 1:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:59 AM EDT.

August 2021:

September 2021:

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

The Moon is waning this week, which is usually considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Sunday, August 29th, from approximately 5:40 AM to 10:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Another window occurs on Wednesday, August 31st, from approximately 10:45 AM to 4:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini.

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

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jul 21,
2021 8:37 PM Venus enters Virgo
Jul 22, 2021 10:26 AM Sun enters Leo
Jul 27, 2021 9:11 PM Mercury enters Leo
Jul 28, 2021 8:42 AM Jupiter Retrograde enters Aquarius
Jul 29, 2021 4:32 PM Mars enters Virgo
Jul 31, 2021 4:08 AM Ceres enters Gemini
Aug  2, 2021 7:43 PM Juno Direct
Aug 11, 2021 5:57 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 16, 2021 12:26 AM Venus enters Libra
Aug 19, 2021 9:40 PM Uranus Retrograde
Aug 22, 2021 5:35 PM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 30, 2021 1:10 AM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 10, 2021 4:39 PM Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 14, 2021 8:14 PM Mars enters Libra
Sep 20, 2021 12:54 PM Vesta enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2021 3:21 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2021 1:10 AM Mercury Retrograde
Oct  6, 2021 2:29 PM Pluto Direct
Oct  7, 2021 7:21 AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Oct  8, 2021 9:33 PM Ceres Retrograde
Oct 10, 2021 10:17 PM Saturn Direct
Oct 18, 2021 1:30 AM Jupiter Direct
Oct 18, 2021 11:17 AM Mercury Direct
Oct 23, 2021 12:51 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 30, 2021 10:21 AM Mars enters Scorpio
Nov  5, 2021 6:44 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Nov  5, 2021 6:35 PM Mercury enters Scorpio

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

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy. However, fresh and creative ideas may come to us now.

Sun quincunx Saturn. Doubts, the feeling of not being good enough, and lack of self-confidence might plague us under this influence. Lack of faith in ourselves and in life hinders our movements and initiatives.

Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

Mars opposition Neptune. This can be a confusing, devitalizing, and discouraging time. It seems that whatever we try to do goes nowhere or gets lost in a haze of misunderstanding. Taking time off, working quietly, or doing something primarily for the benefit of others without concern for personal gain is favored at this time. Disorganization, lack of drive, lack of forethought, impracticality, and carelessness characterize this energy. Energy and time are too easily wasted. Passive-aggressiveness. It’s hard to know what we want and where we’re headed under this influence.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

  Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Sun quincunx Chiron. Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness, as well as guilt for not facing important issues, can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence. Self-expression can be choppy and unnatural as a result.

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.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview and The Astrology of 2022 – Overview (in progress).

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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 29

Mercury will end its transit of Virgo and enter Libra early tomorrow. Before it goes, however, it forms a minor challenging aspect to Uranus this evening. This transit inclines us to impulsive decision-making and communications, and because Mercury is transiting the last degree of a sign, it’s especially important to watch for hasty moves. It may not be easy following a schedule. This is a scatterbrain aspect – we might have original ideas but difficulty conveying them or making them work just for now. The Moon continues its transit of steady Taurus until 12:42 PM, when it heads into communicative, curious Gemini.

The void Moon occurs from 10:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Gemini at 12:42 PM EDT.

AUGUST 30

Mercury enters Libra early today, where it will transit for a longer time than usual–until November 5th–due to an upcoming retrograde cycle (from September 27th to October 18th). During this cycle, we are diplomatic and friendly, bringing a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills. Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any given situation. While indecisive, this is a reasonable period for considering others’ points of view. Also early today, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Gemini. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a possible crisis of consciousness. We’ve processed recent epiphanies, and we 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 up details or tie up loose ends. The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and our need for mental stimulation is strong. While we enjoy staying busy, we prefer to keep things light with a Gemini Moon.

AUGUST 31

The Sun’s quincunx to Saturn this morning can point to a clash between a desire to enjoy ourselves and our responsibilities. Doubts or lack of faith can slow us down and hinder our movements and initiatives. Even so, this can be a helpful process as we take a break from pushing ahead. We might now see the need to adjust our plans based on new responsibilities or a reality check. Today’s Gemini Moon encourages us to diversify, put out our feelers, and pick up new ideas or tips. While there can be some listlessness or a temporary dip in inspiration, it’s easier to find a direction or mission as the day advances.

The void Moon occurs from 4:49 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Cancer tomorrow, Wednesday, September 1st, at 1:26 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 1

The Moon quickly changes signs early today, entering Cancer at 1:26 AM EDT. With the Cancer Moon, we’re both protective of others and self-protective. Spotlighting the possible defensiveness of this transit, the Sun and Pluto form a sesquiquadrate. This transit can aggravate fears and any feelings we may have of being powerless or overlooked. Buried emotions and motives can surface now. We might crave a sense of control over events, relationships, and circumstances, becoming frustrated at any sign that we don’t have it. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is persistent with this aspect. However, it’s best to rise above this pressure.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Cancer at 1:26 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 2

Today’s Mars-Neptune opposition is a rather confusing and potentially devitalizing influence. It’s not easy to pinpoint our desires or the route to their fulfillment under this influence. We may question our goals and temporarily feel uninspired. Taking time off, working quietly, or doing something primarily for the benefit of others without concern for personal gain are favored at this time. We should try to squash urges to escape essential responsibilities or to play victim or savior. However, if we’ve overlooked our needs for rest or spiritual nourishment, it’s time to make plans to bring our lives into a better balance. While there can be some uncertainty as we sort between fact and fiction, events and realizations occurring now can get us in touch with what may be missing in our lives. The Moon spends the day in moody, tenacious, protective Cancer.

SEPTEMBER 3

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until one minute before noon EDT, after which it transits Leo. With a Venus-Neptune quincunx, we might want to see things realistically on the one hand and prefer to nurture a fantasy or look the other way on the other. Under this influence, there can be insecurity or doubts about others or our own feelings and perceptions. A minor square between Mars and Saturn doesn’t help. Obstacles or impasses we encounter now can be discouraging, although also instructional. Life can feel a little slow due to delays or restrictions. We gravitate to solving problems, but it can be challenging to find solutions right now. Our plans and efforts might meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary, although frustration is possible.

The void Moon occurs from 1:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:59 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 4

Mercury forms a trine to Saturn today, helping 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 at least we remind ourselves to be so. However, the Moon spends the day in Leo, encouraging our honorable, proud, and loving qualities. We might seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential. We’re generally confident and prepared to take on whatever comes our way.

 

 

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

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2021 – Overview

The Astrology of 2022 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits