This Week in Astrology: August 8 to 14, 2021

This Week in Astrology: August 8 to 14, 2021

 

August 8 to 14, 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 NEW MOON occurs on Sunday, August 8th, 2021, at 9:50 AM EDT.

The New Moon in Leo is an excellent time for formulating goals regarding “all things Leo.” We might concentrate on new ways to enhance our romantic life, creative endeavors and hobbies, and relationship with children, as well as to build our self-confidence and healthy pride in ourselves.

Some of Leo’s “lessons” involve taking pride in ourselves as unique individuals, assuming responsibility for our lives, and giving ourselves warmly and generously to others. This New Moon period is an excellent time to meditate upon some of the characteristics of Leo. Keywords for this self-expressive Fire sign — such things as proud, noble, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open — are traits that we might enhance, develop, and incorporate into our personalities.

We all have Leo somewhere in our charts. Seek the coming month to improve those areas of life. It’s time to awaken our “inner child” and find ways to express ourselves creatively. With this potent Leo energy, we can make significant changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle. It’s time to make some plans and set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, approximately two weeks after the Full Moon occurs.

With the Sun and Moon square Uranus, we should watch for prematurity and abrupt changes or rebellion. However, it can be a courageous, proactive time. We can feel sudden urges to act, start new, and clean the slate. Or, unexpected events prompt a new approach. The desire to change and improve creative and romantic matters is strong.

The above chart is helpful for seeing the fundamental energies of this New Moon along with chart patterns.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 14 minutes of Leo, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 12 to 20 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Leo to the 11th, after which Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Virgo; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22 to 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. Like the flowers and fruit of the season–blossoming and ripened–this is 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.

Mercury is in Leo from July 27-August 11. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the more grand 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. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.

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.

Venus is in Virgo from July 21-August 16. 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 also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. 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, picky, or worrisome.

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 Virgo from July 21 to August 16. 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 Monday, there can be some confusion or disillusionment. We’re especially 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. Emotions and feelings can be draining due to uncertainty and we may be left to feel that decision-making is too difficult. If we haven’t been discriminating enough in love (or with money), problems can surface now for resolution. Transits now arouse romantic or idealistic imagination, and we may be especially put off by anything vulgar or harsh.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, while we can wrestle with restrictions or insecurities, ultimately, our willingness to go “all in” can improve a key relationship. Strong attractions and powerful feelings are likely.

On Friday and Saturday, our desire for the pleasures of life is strong, but we tend to overshoot. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and pleasures.

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 trine Uranus August 2-3. 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 9. 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 sesquiquadrate Saturn August 10-11. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus trine Pluto August 10-11. 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 quincunx Jupiter August 13-14. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus August 15. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 9th, from 8:23 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:56 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 11th, from 7:22 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:08 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 13th, from 4:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 8:02 PM EDT.

August 2021:

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

The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 8th, which is usually considered favorable 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 Wednesday, August 11th from 4:20 AM to 7:20 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs on Friday, August 13th, from 12:25 PM to 4:35 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Libra.

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

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 quincunx Pluto. Something we write or say could trigger power struggles or hostility from others. We may be plagued with self-doubt in our attempts to make decisions. Decisions made now are unlikely to be objective. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in order. Second-guessing.

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.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

Mercury opposition Jupiter. In an attempt to attach greater meaning to our thoughts and ideas, we may exaggerate, overstate, or overestimate. We strive to find both meaning and purpose to our lives. However, it is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can focus.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more negative manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. This transit is best used for reflection.

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.

  Mars quincunx Saturn. Awkward, stop-and-go energy. Attempts to force an issue tend to be thwarted. Indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action.

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Mars sesquiquadrature Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals.

 

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 8

Today’s New Moon occurs in the sign of Leo, bringing the chance for a fresh start. We might concentrate on new ways to enhance our romantic life, creative endeavors and hobbies, and relationship with children. It’s a time to build self-confidence and healthy pride in ourselves. We might strive to assume more responsibility for our lives and give of ourselves warmly and generously. We might aim to spend the coming month improving the Leo-ruled areas of our charts. It’s time to awaken our “inner child” and find ways to express ourselves creatively. With the Sun and Moon square Uranus around the time of this New Moon, we should watch for prematurity and abrupt changes or rebellion. However, it can be a courageous, proactive time. We can feel sudden urges to act, start new, and clean the slate. Or, unexpected events prompt a new approach. The desire to change and improve creative and romantic matters is vital. The Moon spends the day in Leo. As the day advances, we head toward a Mercury-Pluto quincunx, and decision-making can be fraught. This transit suggests difficulties digesting or accepting a matter. We might have a hard time getting our message across or coming to a decision/conclusion that feels right, or we trigger negative responses from others.

AUGUST 9

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 10:56 AM EDT, after which the Moon is in Virgo. We’re especially focused on straightening out our lives with a Virgo Moon, but the day’s energies can find us quite distracted. Venus opposes Neptune today, and we can feel a little exasperated or wistful. We may be wrestling with expectations and perceptions. If we’ve been indiscriminate with money, pleasures, and relationships, problems can emerge now. Uncertainty in Venus-ruled areas of life (romance, social life, leisure, and finances) can be prominent. We need to assess those things that have become dysfunctional, and, in the process, we may need to give up on an unrealistic ideal so that we can 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 not clear along these lines.

The void Moon occurs from 8:23 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:56 AM EDT.

AUGUST 10

Mercury forms a minor square to Chiron and an opposition to Jupiter today. We can be excited and enthusiastic about our ideas and anxious to share them, but also somewhat sensitive to how they’re received. We need room to explore and create, visualize new solutions to problems, and express ourselves freely. However, we are inclined to exaggerate or to miss the bigger point. It’s best to watch for a strong tendency to overstate or overestimate in our quest for meaning. Mental anxiety could manifest as we can swing from blind faith to doubt, making it difficult to make good, practical choices. We’re stretching our minds now, and while this is an excellent mental exercise, we should avoid making commitments until we’re more realistic and confident. We should also watch for scattering our energies or taking on too many activities at once–we could be looking so far ahead that we forget the important details or disclaimers. Positively, we might entertain possibilities that we wouldn’t normally consider. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo.

AUGUST 11

Venus forms a minor square with Saturn and a trine with Pluto today. Rumblings of the need to change unhealthy patterns with relating and spending can lead to a more robust commitment to improving. Anxiety or troubles with matters concerned with feelings and affections are possible until we get in touch with our actual needs and wants. We want to share or enjoy life on deeper levels, and it’s natural to get in touch with what we most love and cherish. The Venus-Pluto transit aids us in narrowing our focus to our advantage. We are more strategic and can see the value of patience, both with others and our own relationship goals. We might gain new insight into business and personal relationships now. Mercury enters Virgo today, where it will transit until the 30th. We’re especially interested in more precision in our speech, thought, method, and process during this cycle. Dealing with details is natural and comfortable now. We need to be careful not to lose perspective if we find ourselves overly focused on the details. 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. However, it’s an excellent time for organizing, sorting, and analyzing. We gravitate to helpful or useful information, and we can enjoy helping others with our knowledge. The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 4:08 PM EDT when it moves into gracious Libra.

The void Moon occurs from 7:22 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:08 PM EDT.

AUGUST 12

The Moon spends the day in Libra, and we’re particularly skilled at mediation, negotiation, or compromise. The desire for balance, harmony, and cooperation is in focus. We aim to be reasonable, fair, and rational, and we have more self-control. Our minds and emotions work well together today. Counseling and advising can figure strongly. With the Moon’s trine to Saturn, we appreciate people we know and can count on, and we’re far more patient with others than usual. Family or home improvements might also figure strongly.

AUGUST 13

Mars forms a quincunx to Saturn today, pointing to some stop-and-go energy. Attempts to force an issue are likely to meet resistance. Sometimes the resistance is internal –indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action. This transit has a way of stimulating a glass-half-empty perspective. Rules, restrictions, and limits feel heavy and difficult to coordinate or synthesize with our wants and desires. Timing is off as a result, and the need to adjust our plans can become apparent. The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 4:40 PM EDT, after which it’s in Scorpio.

The void Moon occurs from 4:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 8:02 PM EDT.

AUGUST 14

This morning, a Venus-Jupiter quincunx is a minor aspect, but it can stir some further restlessness along with some indecision about putting ourselves out there. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is in emphasis, although our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs. Challenges in relationships today are likely due to overblown expectations. Just for now, it can be challenging to find a balance between what we want to do and what we think we should do. Also this morning, Mars and Pluto form a minor square, and we should watch for putting too much pressure on ourselves to make change happen. The other side of this is stubbornly resisting it, and either way can be problematic now. We may feel at battle with ourselves and others, as putting faith and trust in people–and perhaps life itself–can be difficult. There can be a tendency to want to manipulate or connive to get what we want now. It’s better to draw upon self-control and wait things out to gain some perspective. As the day advances, we head towards a Sun-Neptune quincunx. With this transit, we might feel that others are draining our energy, especially if what they want from us is unclear. We can be feeling slightly off or out of sorts, and there can be difficulties concentrating or figuring out our next step. 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.

 

 

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 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.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

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

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

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