This Week in Astrology: July 12 to 18, 2020

This Week in Astrology: July 12 to 18, 2020

 

July 12 to 18, 2020

---

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

---

The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 7:29 PM EDT.

Sunday evening, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Cancer forms a square with the Moon in Aries. 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 21 degrees and 3 minutes of Aries forming an opposition with the Sun at 21 degrees and 3 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 19 to 23 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

 

 

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Cancer from June 20-July 22. We are self-protective and insular under this influence. Our attention turns to our nest–our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel “at home”, safe, and secure. Nurturing and taking care of our loved ones and our pet projects comes into focus. Emotions run deep. We are more susceptible to the ups and downs of the Moon while the Sun is in Cancer.

Mercury is in Cancer from May 28-August 4. [This is longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde from June 18-July 12.] When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde phase of Venus from May 13-June 25 (ended).] With Venus in Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. “Variety is the spice of life” is the attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

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.

---

 

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 (last week). 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 first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is 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 Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: Venus is direct, but still moving a little slowly, having been retrograde from May 13-June 25. Venus is in its post-retrograde shadow until July 29th. We’re seeing some forward movement in projects or relationships that seem to have stalled in May and/or June. This doesn’t happen all at once; it’s more of a slow roll. On Friday and Saturday, we can be a little reticent about giving our hearts or ourselves up to a pleasure.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter July 7. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto July 8-9. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus sextile Chiron July 9-10. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn July 17-18. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus quincunx Jupiter July 26-27. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus square Neptune July 26-27. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, July 13th, from 11:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 1:34 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, July 15th, from 11:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, July 16th, at 1:19 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, July 17th, from 5:15 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, July 18th, at 10:25 AM EDT.

July 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, with some 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, July 14th, at approximately 1:00 AM EDT, until Wednesday, July 15th, at approximately 11:15 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Even so, this period is better after 4:00 PM EDT on July 15th. The next window will be on the 21st.

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:

Apr  3,
2020     1:10 PM   Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020    12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020    10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020     4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020     3:53 PM   Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 29, 2020     8:21 PM   Pallas enters Aquarius
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

 

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.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun trine Neptune. We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.

Sun opposition Jupiter. Conflicting urges with regards to what we think we should do and what we want to do can be frustrating now. There can be a tendency to go overboard and to indulge in extravagances. Watch for overestimating your capabilities now. Culminations or surprising changes in a project or ambition might occur now. The urge to grow and expand is strong, but we might overreach.

Mars conjunct Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. This can be a time of a release of suppressed energies. 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).

Sun opposition Pluto. The Sun in dynamic aspect to Pluto suggests willfulness and dealing with issues of power and competition. We may feel on edge, volatile, or even threatened. In extreme cases, infantile rage is possible. There is an inner drama taking place now, and a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness. In the process, we may be able to get in touch with our internal motivations. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

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

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.

---

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.

JULY 12

The Moon spends the day in the sign of assertive Aries. While this Moon transit generally encourages an active approach to the day, Mercury’s station and a Sun-Neptune trine can slow us down. Mercury turns direct this morning after retrograde motion since June 18th. Over the coming weeks, recent problems with communications and decision-making should start to improve. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive, and plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. During the shift today, however, our judgment could be skewed temporarily. It’s a better day to take in than to take action. The Sun forms a trine to Neptune, and we’re likely to see matters, and people, from a perspective that not only allows for but finds beauty in differences. It’s a fluid, graceful influence. We’re tuned into our intuition or access it more naturally now. We seek and find inspiration, and we may be moved to help, support, or give of ourselves. The Last Quarter Moon is exact this evening when the Sun in Cancer forms a square to the Moon in Aries. We’re beginning to see recent events in a more mature light. The next few days are good for reassessing matters from a more experienced viewpoint.

JULY 13

The Moon continues to transit the sign of assertive, innovative Aries until 1:34 PM EDT when it enters Taurus, and a slower, more deliberate approach to the day is favored. Emotions settle a little, but we can be inclined to overindulgence. The Sun and Jupiter are heading into opposition, exact early tomorrow, and recent excesses can come to light, demanding a change or shuffling of priorities. Conflicting urges regarding what we think we should do and what we want to do can be an issue. There are two areas of life where we have a particular need to shine, grow, and improve, represented by the Sun in Cancer and Jupiter in Capricorn, but these may seem to be in direct conflict with one another at this time. Culminations or unexpected changes in a project or ambition might occur, and this can be a time for reaping the rewards. The urge to grow and expand is strong. If we’ve been overreaching, however, it may be time to adjust our expectations. Mars and Chiron are heading into alignment, and we may feel a sense of mission or gain increased courage to address problem areas in our lives, particularly related to self-confidence and independence. There is a drive to take decisive action, possibly defend or help others, or better ourselves. Physical healing can assist with inner healing and vice versa.

The void Moon occurs from 11:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 1:34 PM EDT.

JULY 14

We may have the opportunity to take the lead or take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching with Mars conjunct Chiron early today. It can be a time of a release of suppressed energies. We can feel a sense of mission, and we’re ready to address problem areas. The Moon spends the day in steady Taurus. Earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal now, and we find a sense of peace and contentment with that which is familiar and reliable. We want to get comfortable, but the Moon’s alignment with Uranus late morning suggests we’re open to new or novel approaches for achieving our goals.

JULY 15

The Moon spends another day in the sign of Taurus. While the need to get comfortable is strong with this transit, the Sun opposes Pluto today, which tends to pull up deeper, darker, or buried and unresolved matter. Through feelings, relationships, and events, we can more clearly see areas of life where we’ve been holding onto something too tightly or giving away our personal power. This can feel uncomfortable and can be disruptive, but it can also heighten self-awareness. Outside forces remind us of our need to take charge of our lives, but shortcuts to gaining control will not work out. Instead, we should formulate strategies for managing our fears or worries. A tricky or buried issue might now reach a head. We may feel on edge, volatile, and/or defensive. There can be an inner drama taking place or external circumstances seem to undermine our perception of powerfulness. We may experience a battle within ourselves between light and dark forces, or we can meet this through others.

The void Moon occurs from 11:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Gemini tomorrow, Thursday, July 16th, at 1:19 AM EDT.

JULY 16

The Moon leaves Taurus early today, entering Gemini at 1:19 AM EDT. With a Gemini Moon, we’re particularly curious, spending more time than usual in our minds. This transit encourages us to diversify, put out our feelers, and pick up new ideas or tips. Needs and cravings seem to be in harmony with a Moon-Mars sextile encouraging friendly competition. Our timing is good with business and personal pursuits as we’re inclined to strategize and prepare well with a Mars-Saturn quintile.

The Moon continues its void period until 1:19 AM EDT when the Moon enters Gemini.

JULY 17

The Moon spends another day in the sign of Gemini, stimulating our curiosity and desire to stay in the loop. Early today, we’re drawn to activities that bring more beauty and harmony to our lives, and we’re inclined to use conversation to get there. With the Gemini Moon, we’re reasonable, logical, and communicative, and we seek contacts and activities that stimulate us and satisfy our need for diversity, variety, and knowledge. The Gemini Moon’s square to Neptune this afternoon can point to some listlessness or a temporary dip in inspiration. As the day advances, a Venus-Saturn minor square comes into orb, and there can be some withholding or socially awkward energy later today if we’re overthinking.

The void Moon occurs from 5:15 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer tomorrow, Saturday, July 18th, at 10:25 AM EDT.

JULY 18

Venus and Saturn form a sesquiquadrate this morning, suggesting some emotional reservations. We can be a little more guarded with our feelings or worried about our money under this influence. We might see the more unflattering side of people or relationships. Small social or financial obstacles or hurdles require patience. With Pallas opposite Vesta, we can experience a conflict between the drive to be progressive and push forward, and the desire to stick with what has worked for us in the past. The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 10:25 AM EDT when it enters Cancer. While we begin the day craving more interconnectivity, as the day advances, we seek comfort and familiarity.

The void Moon continues until 10:25 AM EDT today when the Moon enters Cancer.

 

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.

---

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