This Week in Astrology Jul 23-29, 2023

This Week in Astrology: July 23rd to 29th, 2023

July 23-29, 2023

On Tuesday evening, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Scorpio Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error.

Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

First Quarter Moon Chart: July 25, 2023

This phase of the Moon occurs at 2 degrees and 43 minutes of Scorpio, square the Sun at the same degree of Leo, and affecting planets at approximately 1 to 5 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) the most.

Previous: New Moon

The NEW MOON occurs on Monday, July 17th 2023, at 2:32 PM EDT.

On Monday afternoon, a New Moon occurs as the Sun meets the Moon in the sign of Cancer.

The New Moon in Cancer is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Crab. These include honoring our deepest, most irrational and intimate, feelings; recognizing the sense of security and safety we derive from whatever it is we call home; allowing ourselves to accept support and offering support to others; and starting a project aimed at improving our domestic lives or a major long-term venture.

With this potent Cancer energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle.

It’s time to make some plans and set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

We’re in great shape now for concentrating on new ways to enhance family life and domestic affairs, and to build up your feelings of security and safety.

Because this New Moon is opposite Pluto, we should watch for overdoing and paranoid or fear-driven actions. We might face outside resistance or obstacles that propel our need to start fresh. This New Moon harmonizes with Neptune, and our inspiration supports our efforts to begin anew.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 56 minutes of Cancer, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 21 to 29 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

The above chart wheel is excellent for visualizing essential chart patterns as it shows the positions of the major or core bodies. The following chart wheel has additional points such as Chiron, the asteroids, and more, which can be studied for more refinement or additional analysis (click to enlarge):

New Moon in Cancer July 17, 2023 with Additional Points

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Jul 17, 2023, 2:32 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Jul 25, 2023, 6:07 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 1, 2023, 2:31 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Aug 8, 2023, 6:28 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Aug 16, 2023, 5:38 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Leo until the 28th, when it enters Virgo; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 23. 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 Leo from July 11-28. 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.

Mercury is in Virgo from July 28-October 4. [This transit is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mercury in Virgo from August 23rd to September 15th.] When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process are more important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical.

Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules (Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo). Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details, however.

While Mercury is in Virgo, we should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

We gravitate to useful information, and we can enjoy helping others with our knowledge. It’s a time for analyzing and dissecting, but we need other influences to put the pieces together or to see the bigger picture as our confidence in so doing is not strong at this time. It’s a time of conservative thinking and a strong tendency to want facts and certainties.

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 Virgo from July 10-August 27. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

We’re more exacting and concerned with correctness and details in our work, output, or efforts. It’s a time of greater caution, skepticism, and discipline. We tend to focus on details and plans, sometimes losing sight of the bigger picture.

There can be a perfectionistic or workaholic streak. We have a greater interest in excelling or mastering a particular skill. Science and health are most appealing. This transit highlights work with details or requiring precision, such as surgery, bookkeeping, crafts, musical instruments, etc. It also spotlights attention to health and nutrition, the healing arts, and a great interest in how things work, techniques, mechanics, and systems.

It can be a time of irritability, tension, or nervousness. Attention to detail and technique is tremendous, although our vision or confidence may suffer if we limit ourselves. There can be competitive or inflamed situations with co-workers, work, routines, or healthcare.

Our standards for ourselves are high during this cycle, and we work hard to be accurate, precise, and efficient.

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.

This week: Venus is retrograde from July 22nd to September 3rd, and things are changing. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until September 3rd, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life.

With Venus retrograde in Leo, we may question whether we’re getting the romance, ego boost, or attention we need from our relationships and experiences. Read more about Venus retrograde in Leo from July 22nd to September 3rd, 2023.

On Wednesday and Thursday, retrograde Venus aligns with Mercury. We’re more inclined than usual to communicate our affections with Venus conjunct Mercury, but with Venus retrograde, there can be some hesitancy. It can be a time for analyzing our past so that we can understand the present, particularly when it comes to our commitments, relationships, and satisfaction. We tend to talk about and assess past relationships or problem areas in our relationships. This transit can shed new light on an old problem.

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 semi-sextile the Sun July 21. We may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other makes sense, but isn’t straightforward at this time.

Venus conjunct Mercury July 26-27. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

Venus quincunx Neptune July 30. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus parallel Mars July 31-August 1. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects.

The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).

Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart to determine the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass.

The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, July 23rd, from 12:06 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:55 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, July 25th, from 11:05 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 12:56 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, July 27th, from 6:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:24 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, July 29th, from 7:51 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:44 PM EDT.

July 2023:

Void of Course Moon Table: Dates in 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, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no solid opportunity periods this week.

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:

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 Aries 58
Jul 28, 2023, 5:31 PM, Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 15, 2023, 3:29 PM, Juno enters Leo
Aug 23, 2023, 5:01 AM, Sun enters Virgo
Aug 23, 2023, 3:59 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 21 Virgo 51
Aug 27, 2023, 9:20 AM, Mars enters Libra
Aug 28, 2023, 10:39 PM, Uranus Retrograde at 23 Taurus 05
Sep 3, 2023, 9:20 PM, Venus Direct at 12 Leo 13
Sep 4, 2023, 10:11 AM, Jupiter Retrograde at 15 Taurus 35
Sep 13, 2023, 12:35 PM, Pallas enters Libra
Sep 13, 2023, 7:22 PM, Vesta enters Cancer
Sep 15, 2023, 8:47 AM, Ceres enters Scorpio
Sep 15, 2023, 4:21 PM, Mercury Direct at 8 Virgo 00
Sep 23, 2023, 2:50 AM, Sun enters Libra

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 23rd to 29th, 2023

This Week’s Aspects

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

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

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Mercury quincunx Pluto. Something we write or say could trigger power struggles or hostility from others. We may be plagued with self-doubt in our attempts to make decisions. Decisions made now are unlikely to be objective. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in order. Second-guessing.

Sun quincunx Saturn. Doubts, the feeling of not being good enough, and lack of self-confidence might plague us under this influence. Lack of faith in ourselves and in life hinders our movements and initiatives.

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.

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.

JULY 23

The Moon leaves Virgo and enters Libra at 1:55 AM EDT, and the Libra Moon brings kind, cooperative, and fair energy to the day. Chiron stations and turns retrograde and will remain retrograde until December 26th. This cycle is strong for introspection and assessing our mental and physical health programs/efforts. However, the station itself can be disorienting. Indecision is likely as we adjust to the shift. Mercury’s square to Uranus today can add abruptness and tension to our thinking patterns and conversations. Our senses are hyper-stimulated. There can be sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas, but our plans may not come together well just yet. We may be impatient with routine matters or monotonous tasks. Disorganization or bluntness with our communications is likely. Information can surface now that upsets the status quo. Even so, this transit can also stimulate our minds, encouraging new ways of thinking.

The Moon is void from 12:06 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:55 AM EDT.

JULY 24

The Moon spends the day in Libra, motivating us to harmonize and balance our lives. This Moon transit helps us see the other side of a story or situation. We’re accommodating and willing to meet others halfway. We’re in great shape for understanding, teaching, absorbing, and learning today as Mercury and Jupiter form a parallel. We’re also motivated to cleanse, heal, and guide with Mars parallel Chiron. Addressing problem areas mindfully and positively can figure strongly.

JULY 25

The Moon spends the first half of the day in the sign of gracious, respectful Libra, bringing relationship-focused, friendly, pleasant, and considerate energy to the morning. The Moon moves into Scorpio at 12:56 PM EDT, and the First Quarter Moon occurs this evening. We’re inclined to scope out the hidden layers of any given situation with this transit. We can feel some pressure to reach our goals, and obstacles encountered now can motivate us into action.

The Moon is void from 11:05 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 12:56 PM EDT.

JULY 26

The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, increasing the emotional intensity and boosting our ability to focus. We seek emotionally satisfying and involving activities and challenges. The Scorpio Moon’s sextile with Mars this morning brings good energy for research, analysis, and purposeful work. However, as the day advances, we’re influenced by Mercury’s quincunx to Neptune occurring at the end of the day, which can challenge our decision-making confidence. We might waver with uncertainty, or we’re inclined to daydream at the expense of productivity and clear communication. There can be some mental disorganization to manage now.

JULY 27

Mercury aligns with retrograde Venus, and a useful discussion or examination of the past may be in focus. There’s a tendency to analyze relationships and feelings, mainly related to past connections. While this gives us a new perspective on old issues and problems, we still don’t have the complete picture. As well, we may be intellectualizing matters of the heart. With today’s Sun-Uranus quintile, we embrace our uniqueness. We more readily find channels for expressing our need for change and progress in creative and unique ways today. As the day advances, a Mercury-Pluto quincunx comes into play, and we might be too insistent on getting information, but our hearts may not be ready for it. This transit suggests difficulties digesting or accepting a matter. We might have a hard time getting our message across or coming to a decision/conclusion that feels right, or we trigger negative responses from others. Tension today results from fear-based suspicions. Still, it can also be a time for recognizing the needs and desires that we’ve suppressed.

The Moon is void from 6:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:24 PM EDT.

JULY 28

Mercury enters Virgo today, where it will transit for longer than usual–until October 4th. During this cycle, we seek more precision in speech, thought, method, and process. Dealing with details is natural and comfortable. We must be careful not to lose perspective if we find ourselves overly focused on the details. Further, we should be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves too factually, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative. However, it’s an excellent time for organizing, sorting, and analyzing. We gravitate to useful information and enjoy helping others with our knowledge during this cycle. It’s a time of conservative thinking and a strong tendency to want facts and certainties. A Sun-Saturn quincunx comes into play as the day advances and can point to a clash between a desire to enjoy ourselves and our responsibilities. Doubts or lack of faith can temporarily slow us down and hinder our movements and initiatives. Even so, this can be a helpful process as we take a break from pushing ahead. We might need to adjust our plans based on new responsibilities or a reality check.

JULY 29

The Moon spends most of the day–until 11:44 PM EDT–in the sign of Sagittarius, encouraging an enthusiastic approach. We’re especially interested in what’s true and just with the Sagittarius Moon. We set our sights high during this transit, but if too high, the Moon’s square to Neptune this evening can burst our bubble. Optimism is one of the positive traits of this position; neglecting to see the essential details of a plan is a possible weakness. With the Capricorn Moon from 11:44 PM forward, we recognize that reasonable boundaries and rules can reduce worry and chaos and pay more attention to our long-term goals and responsibilities. We crave results, preferring to see the reality of a situation.

The Moon is void from 7:51 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:44 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 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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: July 30th to August 5th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 6th to 12th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 13th to 19th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 20th to 26th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 27th to September 2nd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 3rd to 9th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 10th to 16th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 17th to 23rd, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 24th to 30th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: October 1st to 7th, 2023

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Leo “This I do for me” is your motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as does a very important lesson: it’s not what you do so much as how you do it, not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it doesn’t come from the heart, it shouldn’t matter now.

Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style. Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in your life.

Mercury in Virgo Mental discipline and patience are keynoted as you enter into a new cycle. Thinking things through, accounting for all the details, making careful measurements: these and similar experiences keep your mind active and involved. An interest in health and work may come to the fore.

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.

Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now.

Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care of itself: that’s your orientation now.

Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.

Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small, but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

This Week in Astrology: July 23 to 29, 2023