This Week in Astrology: December 15 to 21, 2019

This Week in Astrology: December 15 to 21, 2019

 

December 15 to 21, 2019

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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 Wednesday, December 18th, 2019, at 11:57 PM EST. 

Very late in the day on Wednesday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Moon in Virgo.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of 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.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 58 minutes of Virgo square the Sun at 26 degrees and 58 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 25 to 29 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).

 

 

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Sagittarius until the 21st when the Sun enters Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Capricorn until the 20th when it enters Aquarius; Mars is in Scorpio.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 22-December 21. With the Sun in Sagittarius, our focus shifts from the need for an intimate connection with a person and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. While the Sun moves through this fiery, mutable sign, we can take steps to increase our understanding and awareness of the world around us. We are more able to muster up the courage to expand our horizons and branch out into new ways of thinking. We can gain more confidence and optimism by focusing on the “big picture” as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence. Although we may be prone to overdoing our expectations, we have the opportunity to nurture our faith, hope, and vision under this influence.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 20. We are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order. Capricorn derives much satisfaction in completion and accomplishment. Standards, structures, and an appreciation for order are Capricorn themes. Capricorn wants tangible results, knows what is feasible and what is not, and is most comfortable working within an established framework and known boundaries or limits. Working towards a long-term goal is most satisfying with this influence.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from December 9-28. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

Venus is in Capricorn from November 25-December 20. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 20-January 13. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Aquarius can be just as faithful as Capricorn, but it has to be on his own terms! Experimental relationships are more intriguing now. Being friends as well as lovers is important to us during this cycle. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now.

Mars is in Scorpio from November 19, 2019-January 3, 2020. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.De

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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 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.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is now consistently in the sign (since 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 Capricorn from November 25 to December 20, 2019. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships are paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions and somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence. There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 20, 2019, to January 13, 2020. While Venus was in Capricorn, we valued enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We took expressing our feelings seriously, and we also took our sweet time warming up to others! Generally, we kept our “cool” in relationships. With Venus now in Aquarius, we still keep our “cool” in relationships, but in a detached and impersonal sort of way, however. Unconventional set-ups become more appealing. Bringing the spirit of friendship into romantic relationships is a positive use of Venus in Aquarius energy. Relationships that fairly scream “alternative” appeal to us now. It’s all about being open-minded and somewhat detached with Aquarius energy dominating the love arena. With Venus in Aquarius, it’s best to go into dates with new people casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism simply won’t work. We may also find ourselves attracted to—or attracting—people who are not our type.

This week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re inclined to have rather intense but pleasant conversations, or we are trying to get to the bottom of things. Talking about relationships can figure strongly, and the tendency is to psychoanalyze them. On Friday and Saturday, our hearts open, and we’re open to more intimacy and vulnerability through love or romance. Even so, there can be some minor disillusionment that leads us to a better understanding of a situation or person.

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

Venus in Capricorn November 25-December 20. Marry for money and then learn to love ’em: that’s what your heart tells you now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. Does that sound cynical? Maybe so – but it does reflect the yearning you feel for security and stability now, and it suggests the kind of compromises you may be willing to make to accomplish these objectives.

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

Venus parallel Jupiter December 13-14. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus parallel Sun December 13-14. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus semi-square Mercury December 14-15. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus parallel Mercury December 17-18. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus parallel Pluto December 17-18. The desire for drama and intensity in relationships is with us. Love feelings and relationship issues can be all-consuming now, assuming more importance in our lives than usual. Interactions with others are intense now, and themes of sharing and trust dominate in relationships.

Venus semi-square Neptune December 20. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus sextile Chiron December 20-21. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus square Uranus December 21-22. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 16th, from 5:10 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Tuesday, December 17th, at 2:16 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, December 19th, from 3:07 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra at 5:04 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, December 21st, from 6:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:57 AM EST.

December 2019:

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, 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 on Monday, December 16th, from approximately 6:50 AM to 5:05 PM EST while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs on Thursday, December 19th, from approximately 12:30 AM to 3:05 AM EST while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs from Friday, December 20th, at approximately 7:25 PM EST, until Saturday, December 21st, at approximately 6:40 AM EST 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:

Nov 19
, 2019     2:40 AM  Mars enters Scorpio
Nov 20, 2019     2:12 PM   Mercury Direct
Nov 22, 2019     9:59 AM   Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2019     7:28 PM   Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 27, 2019     7:32 AM  Neptune Direct
Dec  2, 2019     1:20 PM   Jupiter enters Capricorn
Dec  9, 2019     4:41 AM  Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 12, 2019    10:47 PM Chiron Direct
Dec 20, 2019     1:41 AM  Venus enters Aquarius
Dec 21, 2019    11:19 PM  Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 28, 2019    11:55 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan  3, 2020     4:37 AM  Mars enters Sagittarius
Jan 10, 2020     8:48 PM Uranus Direct
Jan 13, 2020     1:39 PM  Venus enters Pisces
Jan 16, 2020     1:31 PM  Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 18, 2020     5:31 AM Pallas enters Capricorn
Jan 20, 2020     9:55 AM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 31, 2020     2:59 AM Ceres enters Aquarius

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2019 – Overview and The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Jupiter trine Uranus. We’re open to new energies, approaches, and attitudes under this influence. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of our willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. Favors group activities, financial endeavors associated with groups or organizational efforts, educational pursuits, writing, publishing, speaking, and humanitarian efforts. The outlook is positive and optimistic.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mars semi-square Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do are likely. We are ready and willing to fight for our beliefs. We may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences can be costly.

Mars sextile Saturn. Work takes on definite shape, and we can see results from our efforts. This gives us a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. This is a good time to temper our energy and to exercise better judgment. A good time to get and feel organized. Seniority is favored now. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards.

Mercury square Neptune. We find it hard to follow facts, directions, and instructions. Difficulties concentrating on hard, cold facts are likely; and we may question facts altogether or avoid being pinned down for answers. This is a bad time for signing on the dotted line. Perceptions are confused, unrealistic, or too idealistic to carry weight in the real world. Conversations may be vague.

Venus semi-square Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provide us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

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

Venus sextile Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see the beauty in human weaknesses. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships.

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 are 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 regard to finances.

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. New! See the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also:  The Astrology of 2019 – Overview. The Astrology of 2020 – Overview page is also available.

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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.

DECEMBER 15

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Leo, and we’re open, affectionate, and proud. Today’s Jupiter-Uranus trine helps liberate us from a confining situation, worry, or inhibition. This transit opens us up to new energies, approaches, and attitudes. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of our willingness to entertain the unusual. This influence favors group activities, financial endeavors associated with groups or organizational efforts, educational pursuits, digital learning, writing, publishing, speaking, and humanitarian efforts. Pursuits can thrive if we feed them with progressive, inventive energy, and it’s essential to allow ourselves some breathing room to come up with new ideas. This open-minded theme is particularly useful since it’s happening in primarily traditional signs, helping to round things out. It can uplift our spirits and open our minds to new possibilities, which is invaluable. New methods of doing and viewing business, money, comfort, and career can emerge. Also today, a Mercury-Venus semi-square suggests some challenges focusing and concentrating. It can also point to minor but irritating disconnects as we either rationalize our feelings or emotionalize our observations. We are likely to be feeling sociable and a little indulgent, perhaps lacking concentration when it comes to work or mundane tasks today.

DECEMBER 16

The first half of the day can be on the tense side with the Moon’s square to Mars and a Mars-Jupiter semi-square. We should watch for over-confidence that leads to poor, hasty decisions. Competitive feelings experienced now can be stimulating and invigorating, but we may not get the timing or estimation of our capabilities right. Mars-Jupiter is excitable, combative, enthusiastic, and impulsive. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Leo, and this afternoon, harmonizes with the Sagittarius Sun. We are creative with this combination. Honor and ethics are in stronger focus.

The void Moon occurs from 5:10 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Tuesday, December 17th, at 2:16 AM EST.

DECEMBER 17

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 2:16 AM EST, after which it transits the detail-oriented sign of Virgo. The Moon in Virgo hooks into the energy of the recent Jupiter-Uranus trine, encouraging innovation and openness. We can feel pleasantly motivated to take care of business, to get organized, or to attend to important details. We’re more goal-oriented than usual. With Mercury, Venus, and Pluto moving into parallel, we’re prepared to get to the bottom of a matter. Conversations and interactions are buzzing. This can also be an excellent time to get work done with or for loved ones. We’re motivated to grow and improve a business or project.

The void Moon continues only until the Moon enters Virgo today at 2:16 AM EST.

DECEMBER 18

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo Moon is busy and productive, but can also be a little nervous when under strain. We’re inclined to analyze and probe more than usual with Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, parallel both Pluto and Venus today. We’re easily fascinated and interested in exploring a matter more deeply. The Mars-Saturn sextile occurring tomorrow morning can influence us today, reinforcing a strong work ethic and steady pace. Tonight, the Last Quarter Moon is exact as the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Virgo Moon. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a possible 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 begin the process of sorting out what works for us–and what doesn’t. This prepares us for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. It’s not the best time to start a major project, but it’s a fine time to finish up the details of that which we conceived at the last New Moon.

DECEMBER 19

Early today, the Mars-Saturn sextile perfects, which is a wonderfully practical influence that encourages us to take action to get organized, orderly, and tidy. Traditional methods work and thoroughness brings rewards. Modest ambitions and the appreciation of slow but steady progress are favored. However, a Mercury-Neptune square tonight influences the day, and we can find it challenging to follow or clearly communicate facts, directions, and instructions as the day advances. Perceptions may be confused or too idealistic, influenced strongly by wishful thinking and imagination. We may be dealing with deception or self-deception, and it can be difficult to be discriminating. Our minds open to many different possibilities and options, however. We can feel inspired, or we might be thinking in imaginative or possibly impractical ways. With this aspect in play and because Venus is on the verge of changing signs, it’s best to defer big decisions for a clearer and less emotional time. The Moon continues its transit of practical Virgo until 5:04 AM EST, after which it journeys through gracious Libra.

The Moon is void from 3:07 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra at 5:04 AM EST.

DECEMBER 20

Venus enters Aquarius early today, where it will transit until January 13th. We move towards more unconventionality, independence, and freedom in our social relationships under this influence. Experimental relationships, entertainment, purchases, and pursuits are especially intriguing now. Allowing one another fuller freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes. Our tastes, interests, and pleasures incline towards the avant-garde during this cycle. Venus forms a semi-square to Neptune tonight, affecting our perception of the value of people and things. There is a tendency to gloss over problems or to see what we want to see, imagining the best or the worst when the truth is somewhere in between. We might have doubts about our lovability and worth or about a relationship, pleasure, or comfort levels. Alternatively, we might go in the other direction and gloss over critical flaws and details. However, Venus heads toward a sextile to Chiron, exact tomorrow morning, and there is a simultaneous drive for intimacy and sharing. We more readily see the beauty in human weaknesses. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and we’re particularly invested in our relationships, motivated to create a balance.

DECEMBER 21

Venus forms a sextile to Chiron and is approaching a square to Uranus today. There may be a challenge or struggle as values and tastes clash, or we can feel torn between wanting closeness and freedom. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Still, this can be a time when some relationships go through healing. Ups and downs may lead to new commitments. The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 7:57 AM EST when it enters intense Scorpio. The Sun enters Capricorn today, where it will transit until January 20th. Feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for order motivate us during this cycle. Capricorn derives much satisfaction from completion and accomplishment. We seek tangible results and structures, and we more quickly understand what’s feasible and what isn’t. We’re most comfortable working within an established framework and known boundaries or limits. Working towards a long-term goal is most rewarding with this influence.

The Moon is void from 6:45 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:57 AM EST.

 

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 2019 – Overview

The Astrology of 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits