This Week in Astrology: August 6 to 12, 2023

This Week in Astrology: August 6th to 12th, 2023

 

August 6-12, 2023

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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 Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, at 6:28 AM EDT. 

On Tuesday morning, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again.

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

This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 39 minutes of Taurus, square the Sun at the same degree of Leo, and affecting planets at approximately 14 to 18 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 23. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform.

We’re blossoming–it’s a time when we want to enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and vain.

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

Mercury is in Virgo from July 28-October 4. [This transit is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mercury in Virgo from August 23rd to September 15th.] When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process are more important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical.

Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules (Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo). Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details, however.

While Mercury is in Virgo, we should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

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

Venus is in Leo from June 5-October 8. [This transit is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Venus in Leo from July 22nd to September 3rd.] Love is magnificent and grand while Venus is in Leo. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

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

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

Mars is in Virgo from July 10-August 27. 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.

We’re more exacting and concerned with correctness and details in our work, output, or efforts. It’s a time of greater caution, skepticism, and discipline. We tend to focus on details and plans, sometimes losing sight of the bigger picture.

There can be a perfectionistic or workaholic streak. We have a greater interest in excelling or mastering a particular skill. Science and health are most appealing. This transit highlights work with details or requiring precision, such as surgery, bookkeeping, crafts, musical instruments, etc. It also spotlights attention to health and nutrition, the healing arts, and a great interest in how things work, techniques, mechanics, and systems.

It can be a time of irritability, tension, or nervousness. Attention to detail and technique is tremendous, although our vision or confidence may suffer if we limit ourselves. There can be competitive or inflamed situations with co-workers, work, routines, or healthcare.

Our standards for ourselves are high during this cycle, and we work hard to be accurate, precise, and efficient.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

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.

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 has retrograded back into Capricorn, and is in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Leo from June 5-October 8. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

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

This week: Venus is retrograde from July 22nd to September 3rd, and things are changing. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until September 3rd, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life.

With Venus retrograde in Leo, we may question whether we’re getting the romance, ego boost, or attention we need from our relationships and experiences. Read more about Venus retrograde in Leo from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023.

This week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, we can be flighty with one another, unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily. Reactions can be rebellious.

On Saturday, the 12th, we see the past in a new light, particularly related to our relationships and pleasures. We can be symbolically in the dark regarding our feelings or relationships as a new cycle begins. This is a time for redefining what we want and need, particularly from relationships but also related to our material affairs and goals. We are infinitely more invested in our ability to harmonize, love, connect, and relate.

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

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

Venus parallel Mercury August 4-5. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus square Uranus August 8-9. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting, but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus conjunct the Sun August 12-13. Good relating is the focus, although some may find this energy superficial in that surface charm, diplomacy, and harmony is the goal. The pursuit of pleasure is emphasized.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 7th, from 12:12 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 2:25 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 9th, from 6:39 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:06 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 11th, from 1:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:53 PM EDT.

August 2023:

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, but 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 from Tuesday, August 8th, at approximately 9:25 PM EDT, until Wednesday, August 9th, at approximately 6:35 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus, with the caveat that Venus is retrograde and applying to a square to Uranus.

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:

Jun  5,
2023, 9:46 AM, Venus enters Leo
Jun 11, 2023, 5:35 AM, Pluto Retrograde enters Capricorn
Jun 11, 2023, 6:26 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 17, 2023, 1:27 PM, Saturn Retrograde
Jun 21, 2023, 7:22 AM, Ceres enters Libra
Jun 21, 2023, 10:58 AM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 7:40 AM, Juno enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 3:14 PM, Vesta enters Gemini
Jun 26, 2023, 8:24 PM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 30, 2023, 5:06 PM, Neptune Retrograde
Jul 10, 2023, 2:52 AM, Pallas enters Virgo
Jul 10, 2023, 7:40 AM, Mars enters Virgo
Jul 11, 2023, 12:11 AM, Mercury enters Leo
Jul 17, 2023, 3:59 PM, True Node Retrograde enters Aries
Jul 22, 2023, 9:33 PM, Venus Retrograde at 28 Leo 36
Jul 22, 2023, 9:50 PM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2023, 8:42 AM, Chiron Retrograde at 19 Aries 58
Jul 28, 2023, 5:31 PM, Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 15, 2023, 3:29 PM, Juno enters Leo
Aug 23, 2023, 5:01 AM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 23, 2023, 3:59 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 21 Virgo 51
Aug 27, 2023, 9:20 AM, Mars enters Libra
Aug 28, 2023, 10:39 PM, Uranus Retrograde at 23 Taurus 05
Sep  3, 2023, 9:20 PM, Venus Direct at 12 Leo 13
Sep  4, 2023, 10:11 AM, Jupiter Retrograde at 15 Taurus 35
Sep 13, 2023, 12:35 PM, Pallas enters Libra
Sep 13, 2023, 7:22 PM, Vesta enters Cancer
Sep 15, 2023, 8:47 AM, Ceres enters Scorpio
Sep 15, 2023, 4:21 PM, Mercury Direct at  8 Virgo 00
Sep 23, 2023, 2:50 AM, Sun enters Libra

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

Venus square Uranus. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. Hold off on decision-making with regards to finances.

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation–these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Mars quincunx Chiron. We might doubt the effectiveness of our efforts to go after what we want under this influence, which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, defensiveness, or frustration.

Sun trine Chiron. A sense of purpose or a “mission” is with us now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

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 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – 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 6

Today’s Aries Moon is assertive, direct, and enthusiastic. The Sun forms a square to Jupiter this evening, and we can find ourselves eager to expand. While our ideas are big, we’re reminded of the limits of our capabilities and must adjust accordingly. There is an inclination to extravagance and overreaching. While the Sun’s square to Jupiter can stimulate much optimism and elevated moods, our state of mind is fragile as things are overblown or unrealistic. We can feel some discontent, leading us to seek more meaning, growth, or change. We should watch for trying to reach too far on this quest, overestimating our energy levels or the time we might invest in a commitment. We would do well to remind ourselves that going bigger isn’t always in our best interests.

AUGUST 7

The Moon leaves Aries early today–at 2:25 AM EDT–and enters Taurus. Mercury’s parallel to Mars lends spontaneous, forthright, and energetic elements to our communications and can stimulate lively thoughts and interactions. However, a strong desire to feel at peace and stable motivates us with the Moon in Taurus, as stability and permanence satisfy a deep emotional need. Sticking with tradition is the likely route we take just now, simply because we are not feeling incredibly motivated to expand our horizons. We may have the desire to make purchases that, at least temporarily, satisfy a deep yearning to be free from want. Tonight, moderation comes naturally with the Moon’s sextile to Saturn. This transit is grounding and practical-minded and encourages us to do what it takes to bring more order to our domestic life or emotional world.

The Moon is void from 12:12 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 2:25 AM EDT.

AUGUST 8

This morning, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. We’re ready to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. It’s not an ideal time to start a major project but an excellent time to tidy up details and tie up loose ends. We might consider recent revelations, what they mean to us, and what to do about them.

The Moon continues its transit of sensual, practical Taurus all day, offering us down-to-earth energy. As the day advances, a Mercury-Pluto minor challenge comes into play, which can complicate communications. Mental tension is possible now, ideally motivating us to handle problem areas. We can have a slightly suspicious way of looking at how things work. If others are not agreeing or adopting our ideas, we may take this as a personal affront. Instead of getting directly where we want to go, we could take a roundabout route and manipulate others. Some irritability is likely as we sort things out.

AUGUST 9

Retrograde Venus forms a square to Uranus this morning, and tensions rise, likely due to old or long-standing issues. We can feel torn between wanting closeness and freedom. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness are possible themes in our relationships. We might feel some discontent with our current pleasures or pastimes, but taming restlessness and avoiding abrupt moves may be best while considering our needs for growth and a change of pace. Ideally, discomfort with the status quo can lead to highly creative workarounds and improvements. As the day advances, a Mercury-Jupiter trine in play boosts our confidence and faith. Through conversations or musings, a positive outlook or hopefulness can emerge. We have more trust in the future, we seek a little extra meaning to our projects and experiences, and we can benefit from big-picture thinking. Our ideas are grand, our intentions noble, and we have a greater interest in learning and sharing the truth. We might receive good news or offers now. Curiosity grows.

The Moon is void from 6:39 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:06 AM EDT.

AUGUST 10

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, stirring our curiosity and inspiring us to connect. The Gemini Moon keeps things busy and moving. We’re reasonable, logical, and communicative, and we seek contacts and activities that stimulate us and satisfy our need for diversity, variety, and knowledge. As focused as we may be on communicating and connecting, today’s Neptune-Juno trine encourages us to connect with our intuition. It’s an excellent time for understanding one another and feeling good about giving others the benefit of the doubt. We can feel empowered by our charitable qualities.

AUGUST 11

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 6:53 PM EDT, and we enjoy playing with ideas and making plans. We might crave more interconnectivity, but we seek familiarity after the Moon’s move into Cancer at 6:53 PM. With the Cancer Moon, we more readily get in touch with our emotional needs. Mars forms a quincunx to Chiron today, and we could be doubting the effectiveness of our assertions or efforts to go after what we want, which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, defensiveness, or frustration. We can find it challenging to be both assertive and sensitive now, possibly see-sawing between one and the other. It can be difficult to assert ourselves effectively without provoking, annoying, or concerning others. The trick is to combine both sensitivity and directness instead of narrowing our choices to either/or.

The Moon is void from 1:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:53 PM EDT.

AUGUST 12

The Sun forms a beautiful, easy trine to Chiron today, and both bodies sextile Vesta, which is at their midpoint. These transits encourage a holistic approach to problem-solving. There can be opportunities to learn, grow, and improve, mainly through spontaneity, self-assertion, and courage. With less concern about who’s right or wrong, we’re open to learning and growing. Our egos don’t get in the way, which helps us make real progress. Fortunately, we’re putting our respect in the right places. The chance to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” can arise now, increasing our confidence. We might commit to working through complex problems now. It’s a vital time for tapping into our inner genius or personal potential and putting it to work for us. We can be determined to take better care of ourselves, and discoveries made now can fuel or reignite our motivation to pursue a particular path.

 

 

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 Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

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

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

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

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

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.

 

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 2023 – Overview

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits