This Week in Astrology: August 9th to 15th, 2026

This Week in Astrology: August 9-15, 2026

August 9th to 15th, 2026

---

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

---

---

The New MOON Solar Eclipse occurs on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at 1:36 PM EDT.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Moon is New in Leo. This lunation is a total Solar Eclipse, and this eclipse is the second in a Leo-Aquarius set.

The New Moon occurs as the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Leo. This New Moon is a total Solar Eclipse, which is a more potent lunation, affecting our lives for the coming six months. In the sign of Leo, confidence, creativity, romance and dating, games, sports, recreation, speculation, hobbies, or children are a strong focus on a personal level. This New Moon eclipse might challenge these matters and present opportunities for new beginnings. Long-term changes are in the works!

This is a time when we can focus on building our self-confidence by discovering our paths as distinct individuals, uncover our unique creative powers, and make a conscious effort to deal with others in a more personal, involved, and loving manner. We might re-commit to our enjoyment of an existing romance, hobby or passion project. We might also commit to adding more leisure time and “play” time to our lives.

With this potent Leo energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

Flaws in an important system in our lives reveal themselves around the time of the eclipse, prompting us to redo or to start fresh. Something ends in order for something else to start anew.

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Leo are likely to occur over the course of the next six months. However, not everyone will feel the effect of the eclipse with the same intensity. Those whose personal planets are activated by the degree of the eclipse are likely to feel its effects on a highly personal level.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 2 minutes of Leo.

Solar Eclipses occurred around the same degree as this one on August 11, 2018, August 11, 1999, August 10, 1980, and August 11, 1961. The last times we had eclipses falling along the Leo-Aquarius axis were from August 2016 to January 2019, from February 2008 to August 2009, and from August 1998 to July 2000. Similar themes may emerge in our lives.

This eclipse can highlight and challenge our issues surrounding our romantic connections, pursuit of entertainment, and attitude toward expressing and enjoying ourselves. We might take steps toward improving in these areas by tackling things that undermine our goals or connections.

Circumstances nudge or encourage us to see where we haven’t been true to our authentic selves. Ultimately, we are now in a position to understand that changes or endings are necessary for our own growth, and that we can handle these things!

It’s a powerful time to re-evaluate our need to stand out, express and share our talents, and play and enjoy our pastimes.

An eclipse occurs close to the nodal axis, and this eclipse is closer to the South Node of the Moon. Eclipses close to the South Node tend to feel a little more challenging than those conjunct or closer to the North Node, as we can concentrate too much on the idea that we might have to let something go.

Those of us with planets and points strongly stimulated by this eclipse can feel especially drained and tired, both physically and emotionally. There is a need to let go, forgive, cleanse, and release.

The New Moon Solar Eclipse Chart:

The above chart is excellent for seeing the fundamental influences and chart pattern of this New Moon. The chart below adds more details with additional points:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 2 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 15 to 25 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

This Solar Eclipse is part of a set of eclipses falling along the Leo/Aquarius sign axis from February 2026 to January 2028.

NEXT WEEK:  The next Moon phase will happen on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, at 10:46 PM EDT, when the First Quarter Moon will occur.

---

 

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Cancer only until the 9th, when it enters Leo; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Gemini until the 11th, when Mars enters Cancer.

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.

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 Cancer from June 1-August 9 [a longer than usual transit due to Mercury’s retrograde from June 29th to July 23rd, entirely in the sign of Cancer]. When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity with information to the need for quality. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level. We have less interest in what is universal and more interest in what affects us personally and the people close to us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, making it more challenging to be objective.

We have outstanding and detailed memories during this cycle. We’re more likely to absorb information about the emotional background or atmosphere/setting around us, picking up on moods and tones in addition to facts.

While we may not have great confidence in our ability to generate new or original ideas, we have a well-developed sense of humor and radiate warmth in our communications. We take great interest in (and notice of) personal issues and interactions during this period. We don’t care much for intellectual stands if they’re devoid of a personal or heartful element, and we need intimate settings to express ourselves fully.

Mercury is in Leo from August 9-25. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the grander a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence.

We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. With this transit, we may not listen as well as we normally do since we’re very focused on our own ideas.

We’re also strong about making decisions ourselves and letting our voices and input be heard. This is not a time when we’re content with letting others make all the moves or decisions–we need to be involved. We take the lead, manage, direct, and create while Mercury is in Leo. We need to relate to information or create stories about it to absorb it well. During this cycle, we should watch for being too inflexible, proud, or haughty to change course.

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 10, and later, from October 25-December 4 [this is longer than usual and in two steps due to an upcoming retrograde Venus cycle from October 3-November 13]. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

The shadow expression of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. To avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to partners while privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so.

While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and we’re skilled at mediation.

We’re more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations, hands down. We attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.

Mars is in Gemini from June 28-August 11. In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

Mars is in Cancer from August 11-September 27. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want while Mars transits Cancer. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our current mood of the moment.

We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace or comfort and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. In fact, we’re fiercely protective. It’s a powerful period for putting ego matters aside so that we can push our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.

---

 

Jupiter is in Leo.

Jupiter is in Leo. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Leo that began on June 30th, 2026, and will last until July 26th, 2027.

Saturn is in Aries. Saturn is in Aries from May 24th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025, and then from February 13th, 2026, to April 12th, 2028. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aries.

Uranus is in Gemini.

Uranus is in Gemini from July 7th to November 7th, 2025, from April 25, 2026, to August 3, 2032, and then from December 12, 2032, to May 22, 2033. Read about Uranus in Gemini in its calendar page.

Neptune is in Aries. Neptune first transited Aries from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025, but it returned to Pisces. Now, Neptune is in Aries for the long haul: from January 26, 2026, to May 21, 2038, and then October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039. Read about Neptune’s transit of Aries.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto stays in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 10, and later, from October 25-December 4 [this is longer than usual and in two steps due to an upcoming retrograde Venus cycle from October 3-November 13]. We favor charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. Usually quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very obliging with others. We’re also very idealistic about love, and we seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done the “right” way, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

The shadow expression of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. To avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to partners while privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so.

While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and we’re skilled at mediation.

We’re more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership, through one-to-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not fond of out-and-out competition or aggressive pursuit, preferring win-win situations, hands down. We attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.

This week: On Monday, our need for depth, magic, meaning, complexity, and imagination in our interactions, hobbies, and relationships is strong now. We want to be moved! However, it can be complicated, as we may wrestle with our perceptions and expectations. 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.

By Tuesday, we’re ready to move forward. We’re especially open to making changes or venturing into new territory with our feelings, tastes, and pleasures. It’s a fine time to experiment and explore.

We’re gracious and generous on Thursday. This can be a trusting, cheerful, and romantic time.

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 parallel Neptune August 4. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus quincunx Chiron August 7. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus trine Pluto August 10. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

Venus opposition Neptune August 10. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.

Venus trine Uranus August 11. 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 contra-parallel Saturn August 12. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most. Some pulling back can occur in relationships now, as we are more self-conscious and cautious with our affections.

Venus sextile Mercury August 13. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus sextile Jupiter August 17. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 9th, from 1:27 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 3:46 AM EDT.

VOC on Monday, August 10th, from 3:31 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Tuesday, August 11th, at 4:39 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 12th, from 1:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Thursday, August 13th, at 6:19 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 13th, from 3:24 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Libra two days later, on Saturday, August 15th, at 10:21 AM EDT.

 

August 2026

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 until the New Moon eclipse on the 12th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 12th, which is considered favorable for new beginnings, also with some exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no clear windows of opportunity occurring this week. Note that we’re also in the week of a Solar Eclipse, which is generally not ideal for clarity.

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 22,
2026, 3:13 PM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2026, 6:57 PM, Mercury Direct at 16 Can 19
Jul 26, 2026, 3:56 PM, Saturn Retrograde at 14 Ari 45
Jul 26, 2026, 8:46 PM, True Node Rx enters Aquarius
Aug  3, 2026, 4:10 PM, Chiron Retrograde at  0 Tau 52
Aug  6, 2026, 3:12 PM, Venus enters Libra
Aug  9, 2026, 12:28 PM, Mercury enters Leo
Aug 11, 2026, 4:30 AM, Mars enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2026, 10:43 AM, Juno Rx enters Capricorn
Aug 12, 2026, 10:54 AM, Ceres enters Cancer
Aug 14, 2026, 5:41 AM, Pallas Retrograde at 22 Ari 39
Aug 22, 2026, 10:19 PM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2026, 7:04 AM, Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2026, 2:01 PM, Vesta Retrograde at 27 Ari 49
Sep 10, 2026, 4:07 AM, Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 10, 2026, 12:20 PM, Mercury enters Libra
Sep 10, 2026, 2:27 PM, Uranus Retrograde at  5 Gem 42
Sep 16, 2026, 9:09 PM, Juno Direct at 25 Cap 40
Sep 17, 2026, 9:52 PM, Chiron Rx enters Aries
Sep 22, 2026, 8:05 PM, Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2026, 10:49 PM, Mars enters Leo
Sep 30, 2026, 7:44 AM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  3, 2026, 3:16 AM, Venus Retrograde at  8 Sco 30
Oct 15, 2026, 10:40 PM, Pluto Direct at 3 Aqu 04
Oct 23, 2026, 5:38 AM, Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2026, 10:40 PM, Juno enters Aquarius
Oct 24, 2026, 3:12 AM, Mercury Retrograde at 20 Sco 59
Oct 25, 2026, 5:09 AM, Venus Rx enters Libra
Nov 13, 2026, 10:53 AM, Mercury Direct at  5 Sco 02
Nov 13, 2026, 7:27 PM, Venus Direct at 22 Lib 52
Nov 22, 2026, 1:00 AM, Ceres Retrograde at 23 Can 57
Nov 22, 2026, 2:23 AM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2026, 6:37 PM, Mars enters Virgo
Nov 28, 2026, 8:28 AM, Vesta Direct at 12 Ari 41
Nov 30, 2026, 11:34 PM, Pallas Direct at  3 Ari 18

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

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview and The Astrology of 2027 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Chiron. Communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now.

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.

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.

Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Mercury opposition Pluto. This energy produces either a compulsive need to talk or a desire to withhold information. Obsessive thinking, attempts to persuade others to think like we do, insisting on knowing the “truth” or on exposing falsehoods, making mountains out of molehills–these are all possibilities now. This aspect can also represent mental anxiety or concern. On the other hand, it can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Mercury trine Neptune. Imagination and intuition run high, and are involved in decisions made today. We are in the right place at the right time. We may easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others. We express ourselves with subtle flair. Favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion.

Venus trine Uranus. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not ready to commit. Creative inspiration can be had. We have an offbeat, pleasant attitude and people are more willing to socialize. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities.

Mars sextile Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a sense of mission. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas, and self-confidence as well. There is a drive to take positive action, usually to defend or help others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity.

Mercury sextile Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding.

Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter. We can visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Travel is favored, all things equal. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a good time to submit ideas, applications, and so forth, all things equal. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We are prone to exaggerating the facts due to enthusiasm. Expressing ourselves verbally comes easily, and public relations and negotiations run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to us in the long run.

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

Daily Trends Calendar

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

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

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

---

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

AUGUST 9

Mercury enters Leo today, where it will transit until August 25th. With Mercury in Leo in the weeks ahead, our thinking is confident and grand, and clearly defined goals motivate us. We are expressive, convincing, decisive, and persuasive. We want our voices and input heard. It’s not a time when we’re content with letting others make all the moves or decisions–we must be involved. We take the lead, manage, direct, and create while Mercury is in Leo. For maximum absorption and understanding, we need to relate to information or create stories about it. During this cycle, we should be mindful of being too inflexible or too proud to change course.

With Mars conjunct Ceres, we might enjoy a stronger sense of encouragement. We more readily support or defend others. Mercury heads toward a square to Chiron, however, pointing to possibly strained, unnatural communications later today. We can be more sensitive to criticism than usual. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems, learning, or expressing ourselves. Even so, a temporary dip might boost our motivation to improve.

The Moon is void from 1:27 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 3:46 AM EDT.

AUGUST 10

Venus forms a trine to Pluto and later, an opposition to Neptune today. Our need for depth, magic, meaning, complexity, and imagination in our interactions, hobbies, and relationships is strong now. We want to be moved! With the Venus-Pluto trine, we can feel happily passionate and focused on a person, situation, connection, or project. The need to share or enjoy life on more profound levels is pleasantly intense. This trine helps us connect with what we love and cherish. We might narrow our focus to our advantage, or we seek to grow, improve, or develop our attachments. Recognizing the value of patience, we become more strategic and are more likely to gain new insights into business and personal relationships.

The Mars-Node harmony today can move us to pursue our goals, participate, or make a special connection. This influence supports taking on a challenge.

However, with Venus opposite Neptune this evening, our expectations can cloud our vision. We can feel exasperated or wistful, and problems can emerge if we’ve been indiscriminate with money, pleasures, and relationships. Uncertainty in Venus-ruled areas of life (romance, social life, leisure, and finances) can be prominent. We need to assess what has become dysfunctional, and in the process, we may need to give up an unrealistic ideal to make gains. We are more emotionally vulnerable and more susceptible to deceit or self-deceit.

The Moon is void from 3:31 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Tuesday, August 11th, at 4:39 AM EDT.

AUGUST 11

Mars enters Cancer today and will transit the sign until September 27th. We are cautious and conservative under this influence, but we will fight for, about, or on behalf of those people and things that are dearest to our hearts. Much of what we do depends on our current mood, although we are strong and patient during this cycle. We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace, comfort, and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. It’s a powerful time to set ego aside so we can move our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.

The Moon continues in Cancer only until 4:39 AM EDT, when it moves into Leo, and we’re especially happy and generous with our love and energy. Note that on this day before an eclipse, it’s important to wind down, observe, and reflect rather than push ahead. It’s best to keep in mind that we can be missing some information.

Mercury opposes Pluto and trines Neptune today, and again, we want to be moved by our observations. We’re drawn to conversations, mental activities, and thoughts that are meaningful, intense, and complex.

Mercury’s trine to Neptune inspires us to present our ideas and information in creative ways. We’re more curious about mysteries and illusions, and we’re better at seeing potentials and possibilities. With this transit, we readily tune into and respond to our hunches. It encourages us to tap into our imagination. We may easily sense others’ thoughts and feelings, and our words, musings, and ideas can be more imaginative and colorful, subtle, or creative. We experience a sense of knowing and understanding with minimal explanation or instruction. While we may not be direct or definite under this influence, we see the way around obstacles. This transit favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion.

With Mercury’s opposition to Pluto, however, we may face pressure to address problem areas. There can be mental tension, paranoid thoughts, or excessive suspicion to manage. We may feel either compelled to talk and ask questions or to withhold information. We can too quickly become embroiled in power struggles. If we aim to learn from our resentment, as the Mercury-Neptune helps us to do, it can bring us closer to understanding what we truly want.

Venus forms a trine to Uranus, encouraging our bolder, more innovative natures socially. We are especially interested in anything new, fresh, invigorating, unusual, or out of the ordinary regarding romantic involvements, entertainment or pleasures, and financial undertakings. We may be experimenting, improvising, and trying new ways of relating and expressing ourselves. It’s possible that we discover alternative ways to get around or communicate. Although we can be a little detached, we’re freer with our feelings and find beauty in the unfamiliar or uncommon. Because this trine occurs in Air signs Libra and Gemini, we can delight in approaching our relationships, projects, and communications in new ways.

The Moon continues its void until it enters Leo today at 4:39 AM EDT.

AUGUST 12

 

The Moon is void Wednesday, August 12th, from 1:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Thursday, August 13th, at 6:19 AM EDT.

AUGUST 13

 

The Moon continues its void period until it enters Virgo today at 6:19 AM EDT. Another void period begins today at 3:24 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Libra two days later, on Saturday, August 15th, at 10:21 AM EDT.

AUGUST 14

 

The Moon is void all day.

AUGUST 15

 

The Moon continues its void period until the Moon enters Libra today at 10:21 AM EDT.

 

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 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.

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.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

---

BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2026 – Overview

The Astrology of 2027 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits