This Week in Astrology: June 18 to 24, 2023

This Week in Astrology: June 18th to 24th, 2023

 

June 18-24, 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 NEW MOON occurs on Sunday, June 18th, 2023, at 12:37 AM EDT. 

Early Sunday, the Sun and Moon meet in the sign of Gemini.

The New Moon in Gemini cycle presents opportunities to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Twins. It’s time to improve our communication skills by listening to others and enjoying others’ points of view, rather than doggedly seeking to find that one elusive “answer.”

This is a good cycle in which to re-evaluate our communication and social skills by questioning just how much we actually take in information and communicate in a friendly, non-threatening manner. With this potent Gemini energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

This lunation forms a square to Neptune, and some disillusionments are likely before we embark on a new path. We can be wrestling with perceptions and expectations. It’s hard to see our direction, but our discomfort with the past can be very real now, motivating new beginnings.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 43 minutes of Gemini, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 1 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

This second chart is of the same New Moon event, but with additional points for further details.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Gemini to June 21st, when the Sun is in Cancer; Mercury is in Gemini; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Leo.

The Sun is in Gemini from May 21-June 21. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies due to this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable.

Gemini represents duality and mediation. Gemini’s energy is intelligent, optimistic, observant, and adaptable. It’s skeptical, ready to consider alternate ways of thinking. We’re prepared to trade, share, exchange, pass on news, teach, guide, and learn.

We gather information during the Sun-in-Gemini cycle, and we benefit from this transit’s objectivity. We’re quick-witted, cheerful, engaging, and we easily adapt, observe, and listen–it’s a clever and crafty influence.

On the downside, we can be gossipy, overly intellectual, or too rational when a softer touch would be more appropriate. As we relay and process information, we could be living too much in our heads, disconnected from what’s in our hearts.

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 Gemini from June 11-26. When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury rules Gemini and feels right at home in the sign. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic.

When it comes to making a point or debating, we are especially astute while Mercury is in Gemini. We are attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations, and we’re easily distracted. It’s a time when we’re more interested in trivia, information tidbits, and detached observations. There can be frequent changes of mind and subject. We’re flexible and quick to grasp topics.

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.

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 Monday, the 19th, there are tendencies to project our fantasies, whether these are positive or negative, onto others or relationships. Watch for deception and self-deception now. On Wednesday and Thursday, we’re ready to explore, experiment, and change things up. We want to move forward fearlessly into the future.

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 parallel Mercury June 14-15. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune June 19. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus parallel Uranus June 21-22. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

Venus semi-square Mercury June 28. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

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

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, June 18th, from 2:24 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:57 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, June 20th, from 5:43 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:04 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, June 22nd, from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Friday, June 23rd, at 6:35 AM EDT.

June 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 waning this week only until early on the 18th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. From the New Moon on the 18th, the Moon is waxing, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, but also with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no windows of opportunity 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:

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

Sun square Neptune. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct your willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where you stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Jupiter sextile Saturn. We’re balanced in our approach to new endeavors, seeing both the potential benefits and pitfalls, and this improves our judgment. This influence helps to crystallize and lock down lessons learned and endeavors begun recently. This is a period of constructive accomplishment. We are practical, and realistic, and our judgment is especially sound. We derive much satisfaction from practical accomplishments and find a good balance between planning and discovering. It’s also a time when we value learning and valid information from trustworthy sources. We respect reasonable, ethical, and sound approaches. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is identifying and finding pleasure in the simple things that make us happy.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

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

Sun quincunx Pluto. Adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move forward. The need to make changes in our life that will further our psychological development arise now.

Mercury sextile Mars. Mental alertness, enthusiasm, and energetic communications figure now. Quick decisions can be made. We are productive and take “busy-ness” in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects.

Mercury sextile Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it’s not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

Mars trine Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a sense of mission now. 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). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity.

  Mercury semi-square Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today. Monotonous mental tasks are harder to take under this influence. Our minds are restless.

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.

JUNE 18

A New Moon occurs in the sign of Gemini early today–at 12:37 AM EDT, presenting us with opportunities to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Twins in the coming weeks. The New Moon in Gemini clears a path for new beginnings with learning, sharing, writing, speaking, and connecting. There can be a lot to process, and we may feel that so many factors are involved that it’s challenging to make a decision. We may need to adjust expectations, as we can be see-sawing between seeing too much and too little opportunity. Our conversations or thoughts can lead us in new directions, or there can be new paths for our projects. This lunation forms a square to Neptune, and some disillusionments are likely before we embark on a new road. We can be wrestling with perceptions and expectations. It’s hard to see our direction, but our discomfort with the past can be very real now, motivating new beginnings.

In fact, the Sun forms a square to Neptune tonight, and we might question our purpose, goals, or sense of duty. If we’ve lacked inspiration or motivation, we can feel it more acutely now. We may be dealing with some disorganization, impracticality, or a temporary energy drain. This transit challenges us to consider our needs for inspiration and imagination, which might conflict with our plans and goals. We may need to confront the areas of our lives where reality isn’t measuring up to our ideals. Until we find ways to incorporate more spirit into our lives, there can be problems with feeling motivated. It can be a time of increased spiritual awareness and vision, even if we initially struggle with this. There may be detours or distractions to deal with now. Ideally, we come up with ideas for refueling, and this new energy is more authentic and fulfilling.

The Moon is void from 2:24 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:57 AM EDT.

JUNE 19

With today’s longer-term influence–Jupiter’s sextile to Saturn–there can be opportunities to put our plans into motion. We’re balanced in our approach to new endeavors, seeing both the potential benefits and pitfalls, and this improves our judgment. This influence helps to crystallize and lock down lessons learned and initiatives begun recently. It’s a period of constructive accomplishment. We are practical and realistic, and our judgment is especially sound–we derive much satisfaction from practical achievements. We find a good balance between planning and discovering. It’s also a time when we value learning and valid information from trustworthy sources. We respect reasonable, ethical, and sound approaches. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is identifying and finding pleasure in the simple things that make us happy.

Still, there are a couple of picky aspects also in play today. A Mercury-Pluto challenge can complicate communications. The Venus-Neptune minor square might seduce us into believing things we want to believe. While glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and people might feel good at the moment, it’s best to hold off on making important purchases or relationship decisions until the veil lifts.

JUNE 20

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 6:04 PM EDT, and we’re especially focused on our needs for nurture, familiarity, roots, support, and a sense of belonging. We may revisit an old struggle between our attention to our personal affairs and outside obligations today with the Moon’s opposition to Pluto, which recently returned to the sign of Capricorn. The Leo Moon from 6:04 PM forward is bold and expressive, encouraging our honorable, proud, and loving qualities. We seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential.

The Moon is void from 5:43 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:04 PM EDT.

JUNE 21

The Sun moves into Cancer today, marking the solstice. Until July 22nd, we are self-protective and insular. Our attention turns to our nests–our families, homes, base of operations, and anything that makes us feel safe and secure. Nurturing and caring for loved ones and pet projects become a sharper focus. We’re more invested in our personal lives in the month ahead. This morning, before the Sun leaves Gemini, it forms a quincunx to Pluto, which can complicate decision-making. An adjustment may be necessary before we feel we’re moving forward. There may be a power shift or a setback that has us feeling temporarily out of sorts or powerless, prompting us to make changes. We might need to let something go to further our psychological growth.

However, as the day advances, Mercury forms a sextile to Mars, and then Chiron (Mars and Chiron are heading toward a trine aspect), and our minds engage. We want to do something with our ideas, learn, teach, or debate. We are exceptionally alert, resourceful, and aware. There is enthusiasm in our conversations and excitement about our interests and discoveries. We approach problems holistically, and our problem-solving skills run high.

JUNE 22

The Moon spends the day in the sign of demonstrative Leo and aligns with Mars this morning, stirring our passions. We’re spirited, desirous, and creative. Mars in Leo forms a trine with Chiron today, and we may have the opportunity to take the lead or to take action with matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching. We’re fearlessly addressing problem areas! It’s a time to defend and help others, and we’re in great shape for cooperation and purposeful activity. This transit opens us up to regeneration and repair. It’s straightforward to channel our energy constructively. We’re ready to stand up for others and feel vital, spirited, and positive. It’s a time of seeing the way around–or over–obstacles and hurdles.

The Moon is void from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Friday, June 23rd, at 6:35 AM EDT.

JUNE 23

The Sun’s sextile to the North Node of the Moon today encourages us to aspire to our goals, rise to a challenge, and grow and improve. We’re in good shape to strengthen and support one another and, in the process, build trust. A Mercury-Jupiter semi-square impacts our perceptions and decision-making as we try to make sense of the information before us and attempt to find meaning in it. We tend to inflate the positive of a situation. We may feel a little overwhelmed with information or, on the other side, overlook essential details. There’s a tendency to exaggerate or dramatize as tedious mental tasks are especially difficult to digest. However, a Mercury-Pluto quintile tonight inclines us to want to pay special attention to a particular project or idea and develop it more fully. We’re pleasantly dedicated or attentive now.

A void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Virgo at 6:35 AM EDT.

JUNE 24

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, encouraging our desire to help, sort, and analyze. We find it easier than usual to tap into novel ideas for getting practical things done, particularly as the day advances. This can be an especially good time to get work done with or for loved ones, and it’s a fine time to apply ourselves to the home and hearth. We can be motivated to grow and improve a business or long-term project.

 

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 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.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

 

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