This Week in Astrology: August 9 to 15, 2020

This Week in Astrology: August 9 to 15, 2020

 

August 9 to 15, 2020

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and 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 11th, 2020, at 12:45 PM EDT.

On Tuesday, 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. This is 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’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider recent revelations, what they mean to us, and what might be done about them.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 19 degrees and 28 minutes of Taurus, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 17 to 21 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. 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 August 4-19. 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.

Venus is in Cancer from August 7-September 6. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and are at our best when we feel safe and secure.

Mars is in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

Saturn has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits Taurus 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 Cancer from August 7-September 6. We treat lovers with sympathy and tenderness, providing the emotional nurturing they need. We tend to “play it safe” when it comes to relationships. Love and devotion are most important to us, providing us with a sense of inner security. We seek a deep love in which we can merge souls and personalities with our lover. We are devoted and seek familiarity, but we might be possessive, manipulative, or stifling. Our fear of rejection is overdeveloped, and we offer our hearts cautiously as a result. We pay more attention to our lovers’ feelings than their words. We feel threatened if a lover acts in an impersonal, overly independent, or detached manner. Safe and solid relationships are more appealing. Romantic and emotional hurts are very hard to forget.

In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are at our best when we feel safe and secure.

This week: Venus doesn’t form any major aspects to the major bodies this week.

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

Venus in Cancer Mothering (or being mothered), sympathy, a yearning to put down roots, and a fondness for things that have stood the test of time – these are some of the hallmarks of the phase that now begins in your life. Romantic and social experiences, as well as artistic tastes, will show evidence of these factors.

Venus parallel Mercury August 7-8. A friendly time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus square Chiron August 16. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus semi-square Mercury August 16. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus sextile Uranus August 18. 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 Jupiter August 25. We are easily bored with the everyday responsibilities and routines of our love lives and are now inclined to dramatize our lives. As a result, our love natures are strong but insatiable. We may overstate our feelings as we temporarily overvalue someone, or we face challenges in our relationships due to overblown expectations. We are itching for adventure and fun, but the wisest course of action is to avoid ignoring our responsibilities (and reality) in our efforts towards self-gratification.

Venus trine Neptune August 27. We perceive romantic situations as if they were “designed” just for us. A magical, romantic time. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. Romance is highly favored. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 9th, from 3:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:28 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 12th, from 3:56 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:47 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 14th, from 7:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:36 PM EDT.

August 2020:

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

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 11th, at approximately 1:50 PM EDT, until Wednesday, August 12th, at approximately 3:50 AM EDT while the Moon is in Taurus. Another window occurs on Friday, August 14th, from approximately 2:20 AM to 7:15 AM 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:

May  5,
2020, 1:48 AM   True Node Rx enters Gemini
May 11, 2020, 5:58 PM  Mercury enters Gemini
May 13, 2020, 12:17 AM  Mars enters Pisces
May 20, 2020, 9:49 AM  Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2020, 2:09 PM  Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  2, 2020, 9:04 PM  Pallas Rx enters Capricorn
Jun  3, 2020, 2:52 PM  Vesta enters Cancer
Jun 20, 2020, 5:44 PM  Sun enters Cancer
Jun 27, 2020, 9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020, 7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020, 4:37 AM  Sun enters Leo
Aug  4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug  7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct  4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus 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 2020 – Overview and The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

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

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

Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

  Sun quincunx Neptune. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals just now. Misconceptions abound. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to making clear or definite decisions, and for doing new things.

Mars square 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. The desire to get the upper hand is strong, but it’s unlikely to happen under this influence. It would be wise to observe whatever powerful feelings that confrontations or conflicts arouse under this influence, as this transit has a way of pulling out suppressed matter, or emotional “slush”. Passions run high, and so does sexual energy.

Mercury quincunx (inconjunct) Jupiter. We may have big ideas under this influence, but we may also overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as important details are too easy to overlook. Also, avoid making promises you may not be able to fulfill, and read the fine print!

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

Sun quincunx Pluto. Adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move forward. The need to make changes in our life that will further our psychological development arise now.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and NEW! The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

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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 new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

AUGUST 9

Mercury forms a trine to Chiron, opening our minds to learning from one another. We tend to focus on healing methods and holistic thinking. This influence helps us communicate our feelings in constructive ways. Good energy is with us for discussing or giving further thought to sensitive topics. As the day advances, we could suffer from some disorganization on a mental level, but we’re open to new ideas and methods. It’s an excellent time to build trust and strengthen and support one another. We instinctively help boost others’ confidence. The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 9:28 PM EDT. The Aries Moon is bold and direct, and it’s particularly impulsive early today when it aligns with Mars. Its squares to Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn suggests we may be dealing with obstacles and pressures. With the Taurus Moon after 9:28 PM, we crave stability, favoring steadiness over innovation.

The void Moon occurs from 3:50 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:28 PM EDT.

AUGUST 10

Mercury forms a square to Uranus this morning, and our senses are hyper-stimulated. There can be sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas, but they may not come together well just yet. We may be impatient with routine matters or monotonous tasks. Further information can surface now that upsets the status quo, but can also act to stimulate our minds into new ways of thinking. With the Sun about to form a quincunx with Jupiter, we can be feeling torn between two ideas or drives, perhaps see-sawing between alternatives. There can be some problems coming to satisfying conclusions. It’s a time of adjustments, and possibly of letting go of old habits so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Taurus.

AUGUST 11

The Sun forms a quincunx to Jupiter early today and is heading toward a quincunx to Neptune. Mercury will do the same on Friday and Saturday. These transits point to hesitation, a feeling of being in limbo, minor dilemmas, and the need for adjustment. We may recognize a need to make changes or let go of a method or habit so as to free ourselves up for different or more fulfilling experiences. The Last Quarter Moon occurs today 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 it’s 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. Mercury heads toward a creative quintile to Neptune, and we’re inclined to discuss or incorporate our dreams and spiritual or romantic needs into our plans. The Moon spends the day in down-to-earth Taurus. A gentle approach makes the most sense today.

AUGUST 12

The Sun forms a quincunx to Neptune this morning. We might feel that others are draining our energy, especially if it’s unclear what they want from us. 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. A Mars-Pluto square, exact early tomorrow, is also in influence. We crave a sense of control over events, relationships, and/or circumstances, and become frustrated at any sign that we don’t have it. There may be arguments, standstills, and power games now. Our desires are intense and challenging to satisfy. A tendency to bully, confront, or provoke might dominate. It would be wise to observe and learn from whatever powerful feelings arise from confrontations or conflicts now, as this transit has a way of pulling out emotional “slush” or matter we’ve suppressed in perhaps disruptive ways. The Moon continues its transit of placid Taurus until 9:47 AM EDT when it enters curious Gemini.

The void Moon occurs from 3:56 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:47 AM EDT.

AUGUST 13

Saturn forms a quintile to Chiron early today. This longer-term aspect first formed in December 2019 and will perfect again on September 25th. We can feel more competent, capable, and secure regarding our responsibilities during this period. We have a strong sense of both tradition and innovation, and we’re good at making this work for us. We are also more able to express our unique qualities or go our own way without stirring up controversy, as we act in a professional, respectful manner. Mars perfects its square to Pluto early today, and we can feel tremendous pressure to achieve our goals. It’s best not to push too hard, as we may be giving our fears too much power under this transit’s influence. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Gemini, and the mood lightens as the day advances. The Gemini Moon is connected, intelligent, and obliging. We’re adaptable and attracted to situations that stimulate our minds.

AUGUST 14

The Moon continues its transit of busy Gemini until 7:36 PM EDT, after which the Moon is in protective Cancer. Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter today, and it’s heading toward a quincunx to Neptune. We might waver, unable to reach a wholly satisfying decision or conclusion, making it better to reserve judgment. We may overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. We should aim to avoid jumping into something without planning, as necessary details are too easy to overlook at the moment. We can be see-sawing between alternatives, finding it challenging to combine logic and intuition cohesively. Or, the tendency to daydream comes at the expense of productivity and clear communication. There can be some mental disorganization to manage today.

The void Moon occurs from 7:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:36 PM EDT.

AUGUST 15

A quincunx between the Sun and Pluto this morning suggests adjustments are necessary for us to grow and improve. Until we discover how to make these changes, we can feel a little disgruntled or tense. Fears of loss or jealousy could emerge. Also today, Uranus stations and turns retrograde until January 14th, 2021. During this cycle, our desire to make changes in our lives can turn inward as we get in touch with what may be holding us back from living more spontaneously and authentically. We may be less overtly rebellious and more inclined to follow the rules. As the shift occurs this week, however, Uranian energy is more challenging, and we can experience some tension until we acclimatize to the energy. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Cancer, and we can be rather focused on our personal lives, loved ones, and the need for security.

 

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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits