This Week in Astrology: July 2 to 8, 2023

This Week in Astrology: July 2nd to 8th, 2023

 

July 2-8, 2023

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The FULL MOON occurs on Monday, July 3rd, 2023, at 7:38 AM EDT. 

Monday morning, a Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Cancer forms an opposition to the Moon in Capricorn. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

To understand this Full Moon, we need to recognize that the Cancer-Capricorn polarity concerns the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Attachments and love are ruled by Cancer, while achievements and rewards/punishments are ruled by Capricorn.

In some ways, this polarity deals with the balance between unconditional love and conditional love. Cancer encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public or professional lines. While Cancer may be content to be dependent, Capricorn urges us to be grown-up and responsible.

Cancer represents the origin, and Capricorn represents the goal. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between roots and direction. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is fresh, unrefined, and not particularly rational as yet.

This lunation connects with Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn, and there are solid, practical ideas associated with the realizations and epiphanies occurring now.

The following is a chart of this Full Moon with additional points:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 11 degrees and 19 minutes of Capricorn, affecting planets at approximately 7 to 15 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Cancer from June 21-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 caring for our loved ones and pet projects come into focus. Emotions run deep, and we easily tune in to the world of feelings. Note that we are more in tune with the Moon while the Sun is in Cancer.

We may not want to grow up and face responsibilities or the outside world during the Sun-in-Cancer cycle. We should watch for dependence when we’d do better for ourselves otherwise. However, it’s a robust transit for recognizing our needs for comfort, safety, and familiarity. We’re inclined to form strong bonds and protect our loved ones.

Mercury is in Cancer from June 26-July 11. 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.

Venus is in Leo from June 5-October 8. [This transit is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Venus in Leo from July 22nd to September 3rd.] Love is magnificent and grand while Venus is in Leo. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

The Venus-in-Leo cycle can be a strong or profitable time for contests, lotteries, parties, recreation, drama, adornment, jewelry, costumes, art dealing, and all things golden. Generosity and warmth contribute to our ability to draw in the right resources. We can have a compelling desire to stand out, be remarkable, and feel special during this period.

Mars is in Leo from May 20-July 10. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Mars in Leo can awaken a competitive spirit or drive. We’re more willing to take risks to get what we want. We also tend to make a splash, and we want to be in the driver’s seat. This transit is passionate, ardent, and dramatic. We seek to appear strong and prefer to be in the lead or the center of attention. We can be particularly angry if we feel disrespected or in an undignified position.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn 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. Above all, 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. In general, 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. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto has retrograded back into Capricorn, and is in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Leo from June 5-October 8. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration.

Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

This week: On Sunday, the 2nd, we can wrestle with our simultaneous needs for freedom and closeness. Reactions can be rebellious. Tuesday, the 4th, can be powerful for connecting in dynamic, exciting ways. Our feelings and affections are animated, and transits now heighten our senses and experiences in our relationships. Passions are strong. We’re motivated to make something special, connect, create, and mingle, and we respond well to friendly competition.

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

Venus in Leo Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus trine Chiron June 28-29. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus square Uranus July 1-2. 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.

Venus parallel Mars July 4. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus parallel Jupiter July 4. 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 quincunx Neptune July 15. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, July 2nd, from 9:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 1:21 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, July 4th, from 12:46 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 1:31 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, July 6th, from 9:42 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 1:33 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, July 8th, from 2:22 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 3:19 PM EDT.

July 2023:

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 waxing this week only until the 3rd, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). After the Full Moon on the 3rd, the Moon is waning, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Friday, July 7th, at approximately 1:50 AM EDT, until Saturday, July 8th, at approximately 2:20 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces.

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  7, 2023,
10:24 AM, Venus enters Cancer
May 14, 2023, 11:17 PM, Mercury Direct
May 16, 2023, 1:20 PM, Jupiter enters Taurus
May 20, 2023, 11:31 AM, Mars enters Leo
May 21, 2023, 3:09 AM, Sun enters Gemini
Jun  5, 2023, 9:46 AM, Venus enters Leo
Jun 11, 2023, 5:35 AM, Pluto Retrograde enters Capricorn
Jun 11, 2023, 6:26 AM, Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 17, 2023, 1:27 PM, Saturn Retrograde
Jun 21, 2023, 7:22 AM, Ceres enters Libra
Jun 21, 2023, 10:58 AM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 7:40 AM, Juno enters Cancer
Jun 22, 2023, 3:14 PM, Vesta enters Gemini
Jun 26, 2023, 8:24 PM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 30, 2023, 5:06 PM, Neptune Retrograde
Jul 10, 2023, 2:52 AM, Pallas enters Virgo
Jul 10, 2023, 7:40 AM, Mars enters Virgo
Jul 11, 2023, 12:11 AM, Mercury enters Leo
Jul 17, 2023, 3:59 PM, True Node Retrograde enters Aries
Jul 22, 2023, 9:33 PM, Venus Retrograde at 28 Leo 36
Jul 22, 2023, 9:50 PM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2023, 8:42 AM, Chiron Retrograde at 19 Ari 58
Jul 28, 2023, 5:31 PM, Mercury enters Virgo

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

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 is 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 regards to finances.

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.

Mars quincunx Neptune. We can feel vaguely discontented and without direction under this influence. The tendency to be careless is also strong now. Poor judgment or laziness can prevent us from realizing our plans.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks you thought you finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism.

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.

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

Daily Trends Calendar

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

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

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

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

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

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

JULY 2

Venus forms a square to Uranus today, presenting a potential challenge or struggle. Values and tastes may clash, and social activities could suffer. We can feel torn between wanting closeness and freedom. It’s possible that impulsive attractions to people or material goods can lead us astray. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness are possible themes in our relationships. It may be best to hold off on decision-making regarding finances, as there is a tendency to act on a whim rather than reason. We might also feel some discontent with our current pleasures or pastimes, and a change may be satisfying now. It’s probably best to tame restlessness or avoid abrupt moves but consider our needs for growth and a change of pace.

The Moon is void from 9:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 1:21 PM EDT.

JULY 3

A Full Moon occurs in Capricorn today at 7:39 AM EDT, reminding us that we can’t ignore our commitments to the outside world. We must take care of our responsibilities, attend to business, act maturely, and take charge. This Full Moon in Capricorn connects with Mercury, Jupiter, and Uranus, suggesting solid, practical ideas associated with our realizations and epiphanies. It’s a time of turning points and events that nudge us to balance our commitment to our careers and families. The Moon is in practical, responsible, earthy Capricorn all day. We are more willing to commit and find more value in security and stability in our relationships. For the most part, we are patient and fair with one another as the day advances.

JULY 4

While today’s Capricorn Moon until 1:31 PM EDT is grounded, with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter parallel today, we have large appetites for love and pleasure and the generosity of spirit to match. We seek meaning in our activities and relationships. It’s a fertile, creative, go-getting time for relationships, business, and new enterprises. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, but our intentions are generally good, and we promptly offer people the benefit of the doubt. We’re also inclined to take the high road. We readily open ourselves to new possibilities and prioritize growth and discovery. We’re making the best out of situations now. A spirit of friendly competition prevails as we seek to branch out and take on more challenges. We’re confident about acting on our beliefs and convictions. This combination boosts our desire to merge and create. Relationships or connections are tremendous motivators now, and interactions are buzzing. We can feel compelled to take action to make things better. The Moon’s transit of Aquarius from 1:31 PM forward is forward-looking and fair-minded.

The Moon is void from 12:46 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 1:31 PM EDT.

JULY 5

Today’s Aquarius Moon is impartial, kind, and progressive. We more readily express and embrace our independence while including others. We’re more intellectual and principled today, striving toward greater honesty and a broader viewpoint. Independence, equality, and freedom are vital to feeling emotionally satisfied today. However, as the day advances, a Mercury-Chiron square comes into influence, pointing to possibly strained, unnatural communications. We can be more sensitive to criticism than usual. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems or learning and expressing ourselves. Even so, a temporary dip might boost our motivation to improve.

JULY 6

With today’s Mars-Neptune quincunx, we can feel a little stuck — uncertain what we truly want and where to head — until we get in touch with the spiritual or emotional needs we may have overlooked. This transit can temporarily undercut our confidence in taking action or asserting ourselves. However, if our plans are running counter to our ideals, it’s a time to recognize our spiritual or emotional needs and making adjustments before pushing forward. As the day advances, we approach a Mercury-Uranus sextile that encourages alternative approaches, new ideas, and scientific thinking. Intuition is strong, and insights are quick and exciting. Original, creative ideas and theories come naturally. We can take advantage of this by solving problems in new, innovative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding, and ideas to do so abound.

The Moon is void from 9:42 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 1:33 PM EDT.

JULY 7

The Moon spends the day in Pisces, harmonizing with Jupiter this morning and the Sun in the afternoon. This Moon awakens our need for spiritual refreshment or escape. Ideally, this is a time for decompressing, winding down, and tapping into our intuition. We’re tolerant and mellow, and we’re easily touched. Emotional or mental refreshment can come through stepping back from a situation, helping us gain perspective. However, even if we’re somewhat withdrawn and connecting with our inner world, we’re also cooperative and appreciate one another. We quickly tune into the vibrations around us and are psychically open.

JULY 8

The Moon continues its transit of understanding Pisces until 3:19 PM EDT, when it enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. We’re easily touched and swayed as the Moon aligns with Neptune toward midday, rousing our imaginations for better or worse. The Aries Moon, from 3:19 PM forward, is direct, action-oriented, and enterprising. Mercury forms a semi-sextile with Venus today, subtly contrasting a logical and playful approach. This influence makes it too easy to say things we don’t mean or feel. However, while we may not be especially focused, we’re adaptable and putting in the effort to understand one another.

The Moon is void from 2:22 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 3:19 PM 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 Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

 We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

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.

 

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 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits