This Week in Astrology: July 26 to August 1, 2020

This Week in Astrology: July 26 to August 1, 2020

 

July 26 to August 1, 2020

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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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, July 27, 2020, at 8:32 AM EDT.

Monday morning, 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 are made 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.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 56 minutes of Scorpio, square the Sun at 4 degrees and 56 minutes of Leo, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 3 to 7 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

 

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and fruit of the season–blossoming and ripened–this is 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.

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.

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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 has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). 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 transits Taurus 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 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 ends its post-retrograde shadow on July 29th. We’ve seen forward movement in projects or relationships that seem to have stalled in May and/or June. From Sunday to Monday, July 26-27, we can have a hard time seeing our relationships clearly. We may be tempted to go overboard. Thursday brings some awkward energy to our interactions. Issues of power and control can arise, but they can be hard to discern. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

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 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.

Venus quincunx Pluto July 30. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus semi-square Uranus August 2. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus quincunx Saturn August 4. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, July 26th, from 9:09 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Monday, July 27th, at 12:12 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, July 29th, from 12:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:25 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, July 30th, from 8:08 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Friday, July 31st, at 7:58 AM EDT.

July 2020:

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable 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 from Monday, July 27th, at approximately 7:10 PM EDT, until Tuesday, July 28th, at approximately 11:55 PM EDT, while the Moon in Scorpio.

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
Aug  4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug  7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct  4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus enters Libra

 

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

Jupiter sextile Neptune. Idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses surface now. Making connections with others from a different background may figure. Widening our minds through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Practical considerations could take a back seat now. Generosity and compassion increases, and our faith is boosted. We more easily make personal sacrifices for what we believe to be the better good.

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges 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. 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 same goes for finances – what appears to be a great buy is likely to turn out to be a financial drain or money pit. Lines can blur when it comes to pursuit of pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to believe.

Mercury square Mars. Impatience, hastiness, and disagreements characterize this transit. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals. We can be irritable and say all the wrong things. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Mental agitation could dominate. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it.

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

Mercury opposition Jupiter. In an attempt to attach greater meaning to our thoughts and ideas, we may exaggerate, overstate, or overestimate. We strive to find both meaning and purpose to our lives. However, it is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can focus.

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

Venus quincunx Pluto. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus semi-square Sun. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and yearnings instead of overindulging or procastinating.

Sun trine Chiron. A sense of purpose or a “mission” is with us now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

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

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 and NEW! The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

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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.

JULY 26

The Moon continues its transit of Libra today, and we seek fairness and harmony. There can be some restlessness or competing ambitions and needs to manage. We can see a more sober side of Libra with the Moon’s square to Pluto and then Saturn this afternoon. The urge or need to socialize and connect with our relationship goals can seem to clash with our ambitions and responsibilities. However, we tend to make an extra effort to be inclusive, compromising, and polite with the Libra Moon. A Jupiter-Neptune long-term transit perfects tomorrow, and we’re inclined to seek and find inspiration.

The void Moon occurs from 9:09 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Monday, July 27th, at 12:12 AM EDT.

JULY 27

The Moon heads into the sign of Scorpio early today, at 12:12 AM EDT, and the First Quarter Moon occurs later morning. We’re inclined to scope out the hidden layers of any given situation. We can feel some pressure to reach our goals, and obstacles encountered now can motivate us into action. Jupiter forms a sextile to Neptune this morning–the second of three exact hits. The first time this aspect perfected was in February, and the third and last time, while Jupiter is in Capricorn, will be on October 12th. This longer-term transit reminds us to check in with our needs for imagination, dreams, or spirituality, helping us moderate some of the more extreme expressions of the Jupiter in Capricorn transit. It helps us maintain a sense of proportion and consider our morals and spiritual values as we pursue our objectives. Even so, other aspects in force today are challenging. Venus forms a quincunx to Jupiter and square to Neptune, and the Sun heads into minor challenging aspect with Neptune. We might wrestle with our expectations and perceptions as the day advances. We can feel restless and desirous of more, but we may not be in touch with what we want. We can lack discrimination today, particularly when it comes to love and material things. We should make an effort to separate fact from fiction so that we don’t set ourselves up for disappointment, as we can be too close to a situation. Examining discontent experienced now may be an opportunity to identify where we’ve neglected our spiritual, idealistic, or imaginative needs. A Mercury-Mars square adds a layer of impatience and irritability to the mix. We should watch for hasty communications, especially since judgment is poor.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Scorpio today at 12:12 AM EDT.

JULY 28

The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, encouraging us to get in touch with our feelings. There can be a boost to our intimate life or self-understanding. We might discover new information or uncover hidden information or items. Its harmony with Mercury, Jupiter, and Neptune stimulates our ability to empathize, converse, and trust our intuition. Even so, Mercury and Mars both clash with Pallas, suggesting there can be mental tension and disorganization. Plans temporarily seem less doable, or enthusiasm blows out of steam. It’s best to avoid pushing ideas or projects.

JULY 29

The Moon moves into the sign of Sagittarius early today, at 3:25 AM EDT, and we seek out new horizons and non-routine, spontaneous experiences. We’re also hungry to learn new things. This Moon position blends well with the fiery energy of the Leo Sun, encouraging a “can do” attitude, and the Moon and the Sun form a trine this evening. We’re confident, proud, and enthusiastic now. Mercury is heading into opposition to Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning. While we can be quite excited about our ideas and plans, we’re inclined to exaggerate or miss the bigger point. We might overstate or overestimate.

The void Moon occurs from 12:01 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:25 AM EDT.

JULY 30

Mercury opposes Jupiter this morning and forms a trine to Neptune this afternoon, boosting our desire for ideas, inspiration, or more meaning. We can miss or gloss over technical details and mundane facts and figures. We’re stretching our minds now, and this is an excellent mental exercise, but we should avoid making commitments until we’re clearer. We tend to make decisions based on our intuition, imagination, or moral sense. The Moon spends the day in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius, reinforcing a striving for meaning, truth, and adventure. We’re cheerful, hopeful, adaptable, and resilient. However, with Venus forming a quincunx to Pluto tonight, we may have a hard time shaking a feeling that we’re missing something. We may be grappling with issues of power and control or jealousy. It’s a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships, with our spending or entertainment, or related to our social lives. Fears and jealousy can emerge, seemingly out of nowhere, and they can help us see our personal blind spots.

The void Moon occurs from 8:08 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Friday, July 31st, at 7:58 AM EDT.

JULY 31

This morning, a semi-square between the Sun and Venus can stir up some discontent. We can be especially hungry for appreciation. What we want to do and think we should do can be at odds now, and we may be indecisive and less than productive. We should look for creative solutions for dissatisfaction. A Sun-Chiron trine this evening encourages a holistic approach to problem-solving. There can be opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. We’re putting our respect in the right places. The chance to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” can arise now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and people helps improve relationships and problem-solving. Thinking is uniquely innovative with a creative aspect between Mercury and Uranus also in play. The Moon continues its transit of spirited Sagittarius until it enters industrious Capricorn at 7:58 AM EDT.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:58 AM EDT.

AUGUST 1

Mercury opposes Pluto this morning, and we can face some pressure to deal with problem areas. There can be mental tension, paranoid thoughts, or excessive suspicion. We might either feel a compulsive need to talk and question or to withhold information. We can too quickly become embroiled in power struggles. However, if we aim to learn from our resentment, it can bring us closer to understanding what we truly want. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Capricorn, aligning with Jupiter this evening. We’re reaching for our joy, and we are seeking to grow, expand, and improve. The Moon in Capricorn is earthy, practical, and wise, and Capricorn’s particular wisdom is most apparent around the Moon’s alignment with Jupiter. Our ability to plan for the future benefits us now. However, we should watch for impulsive moves and hot tempers with the Moon square Mars.

 

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 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

 

 

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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits