This Week in Astrology: October 1 to 7, 2023

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

 

October 1-7, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, October 6th, 2023, at 9:47 AM EDT. 

On Friday morning, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra squares the Moon in Cancer.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might now consider our revelations and their meaning.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 13 degrees and 3 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at the same degree of Libra, affecting planets at approximately 11 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 Libra; Mercury is in Virgo until the 4th, when it enters Libra; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Libra.

The Sun is in Libra from September 23-October 23.  Libra rules relationships with others as mirrors of ourselves. Meeting others halfway, compromise, and negotiation come under the rule of Libra. The focus is now on balance–finding balance and harmony through relationships with others and through art. Libra is the sign of the peacemaker.

However, life is not always peaceful with Libra in its attempt to restore balance. Decision-making can be more challenging while the Sun is in Libra. Libra weighs both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process seems endless!

In Libra, the Sun is concerned about not rocking the boat and not rubbing others the wrong way. Tactfulness, style, tolerance, and sociability are some of the keywords for Libra. On the shadow side, Libra can be self-serving, indecisive, passive-aggressive, and superficial.

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.

Mercury is in Libra from October 4-22. When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills.

Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any given situation. Making quick decisions can be more challenging than usual, as we can sit “on the fence.” We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves so as to appear to be the “bad guy.” However, this is a reasonable period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.

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 Libra from August 27-October 12. We tend to use our charm as a means to an end under the influence of this cycle. Because we can see many different sides of any given issue, we can be vacillating and indecisive about how to act. We don’t want to be the “bad guy” and rarely resort to force. Instead, we attempt to win arguments with style.

We are indirect in approach and inclined towards mental debates, yet we also try to make the opposition comfortable! Passive aggressiveness is the shadow side of this energy. We can be angry at ourselves if we’ve done too much conciliating.

We’re adept at predicting when problems and discord will occur well in advance and talented at compromise and conflict management.

We can be warriors for peace and justice during the Mars-in-Libra cycle. We strive for balance and avoid extremes. It’s an excellent time for strategy and teaming or partnering up to reach a goal.

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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: Venus ended its retrograde on September 3rd, and is recovering from the retrograde cycle again this week. Venus is in its post-retrograde shadow (like a hangover) until October 7th. Slowly but surely, we’ll discover that Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, are getting back to a normal pace.

While Venus was retrograde in Leo, we may have questioned whether we were 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.

Venus is almost done its post-retrograde shadow, which ends on the 7th.

This week, we should watch for misrepresenting what we feel on Sunday. There can be a temporary disconnect between the heart and mind. However, on Monday, we are more concerned with harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Tuesday brings awkwardness as we can feel vaguely unsatisfied, especially on romantic, spiritual, and emotional levels. Friday is another day of adjustments–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. At the same time, there is competitiveness lying under the surface of our interactions, and it’s more irritating than motivating.

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 square Uranus September 29. 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 semi-sextile Mercury October 1. It may be all too easy to say things we don’t mean/feel.

Venus trine True North Node October 2. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Venus quincunx Neptune October 3. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus quincunx Pluto October 6. 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 contra-parallel Mars October 6-7. Passions are stimulated and intense. Fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, October 2nd, from 9:20 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Tuesday, October 3rd, at 1:04 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 5th, from 2:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 8:32 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, October 7th, from 3:11 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:24 PM EDT.

October 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, which is considered unfavorable 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, a window of opportunity occurs on Monday, October 2nd, from approximately 5:10 PM to 9:15 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Another occurs on Thursday, October 5th, from approximately 1:40 AM to 2:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini.

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:

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
Oct  4, 2023, 8:08 PM, Mercury enters Libra
Oct  8, 2023, 9:10 PM, Venus enters Virgo
Oct 10, 2023, 9:09 PM, Pluto Direct at 27 Cap 53
Oct 12, 2023, 12:04 AM, Mars enters Scorpio
Oct 17, 2023, 9:27 AM, Juno enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2023, 2:49 AM, Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 23, 2023, 12:21 PM, Sun enters Scorpio
Nov  2, 2023, 9:52 PM, Vesta Retrograde at 7 Can 30
Nov  4, 2023, 3:02 AM, Saturn Direct at 0 Pisces 31
Nov  8, 2023, 4:30 AM, 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 2023 – Overview and The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mars quincunx Uranus. Making adjustments to our goals may be necessary now, and this can temporarily drain our energy or make us feel restless and impatient.

Mercury opposition Neptune. We are mentally lazy, finding that our minds wander when presented with technical facts. It’s hard to get solid answers from others, and we can too easily misrepresent ourselves. Avoid signing contracts or formalizing agreements. There can be misunderstandings, misinformation, wishful thinking, confusion, some depression, carelessness, and deception. Our thinking may be self-defeating.

Mercury trine Pluto. Our mental faculties are attuned to otherworldly impressions, offering us increased insight, psychological understanding and awareness, and focused attention.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today.

Mercury quincunx Saturn. Communication challenges today make it hard to get a point across. Delays, “red tape”, and vague feelings of forgetting important details.

Venus semi-square Sun. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for more and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.

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.

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.

Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

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 and The Astrology of 2024 – 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.

OCTOBER 1

The Moon spends the day in Taurus, and we’re less interested in innovating and more interested in building on what we already have in place. This Moon is a steady, pleasant influence that helps us pace ourselves. Today’s Mercury-Venus semi-sextile can subtly contrast a logical and playful approach. It may be all too easy to say things we don’t mean or feel. However, we seem to be able to make things work, and while we may not be especially focused, we’re adaptable and making the effort to understand one another.

OCTOBER 2

The Taurus Moon is grounded and steady, but Mercury’s opposition to Neptune can obscure our viewpoint. We may vacillate between two very different visions of a matter when the truth is likely somewhere in between. Discrepancies that challenge our thinking can emerge, and concentrating on technical facts can be difficult. We could find ourselves on a mental teeter-totter, see-sawing between fact and fiction. If our minds are wandering, it may be that we’ve recently neglected to feed our imaginations. With this transit, we should watch for misrepresenting ourselves, overlooking critical practical details, and self-defeating thoughts. However, this can be a good time for stretching our thinking to dream up possibilities we might miss on a regular day.

The Moon is void from 9:20 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Tuesday, October 3rd, at 1:04 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 3

The Moon moves into Gemini early today–at 1:04 AM EDT–and we’re inclined to play with ideas and make plans. We seek variety and mental engagement–our need for mental stimulation is strong. While it’s typically a lighthearted transit, Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, forms a trine to Pluto today, increasing our resolve and concentration. There can be an opportunity to gain a mental advantage. Our mental faculties are attuned to otherworldly impressions, offering us increased insight, psychological understanding and awareness, and focused attention. We gravitate to looking for truths and unexplored topics and ideas. It’s a time to gain a deeper understanding of a matter. We might discover new information that gives us an edge or finally “see” the truth of a matter we’ve been avoiding. It’s a good time to let go of something that has kept us bound to negative elements of the past. However, with a Venus-Neptune quincunx later today, we might want to see things realistically on the one hand and prefer to nurture a fantasy or look the other way on the other. Under this influence, there can be insecurity or doubts about others or our own feelings and perceptions. Indecision is possible.

The Moon is void until it enters Gemini today at 1:04 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 4

It’s best to avoid impulsive decisions today with Mercury’s change of signs and a Mercury-Jupiter minor square just before it leaves Virgo. We might make more of an issue than it deserves, either negatively or positively! Exaggerated perceptions and communications or news can be themes. We expect the best but may be seeking better, not knowing where to draw the line. We should also watch for stubbornly holding onto or defending something that no longer supports our growth with Mars conjunct the South Node. In the process, we might be overlooking genuine opportunities to improve. But if we can tap into our desire to make progress, the changes we make now can create fresh opportunities that add to our feelings of joy and freedom. It can be a time of dynamic, positive connections.

After a lengthy stay in Virgo, Mercury heads into the sign of Libra later today. With Mercury visiting Libra until the 22nd, we are diplomatic and friendly, bringing a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways to improve our negotiation skills. Mercury in Libra can be vacillating energy as we attempt to see both sides of any situation. While we can certainly be indecisive, this is a fine period for considering others’ points of view.

OCTOBER 5

Today’s transits suggest a lack of smoothness–they require us to make minor adjustments to our plans before pressing ahead. With Mercury’s quincunx to Saturn, mental anxiety can interfere with making good, practical choices. There can be communication challenges or mental blocks. Doubts might slow down our movements and initiatives. Even so, this can be a helpful process as we take a break from pushing ahead and check in with our objectives.

A Sun-Venus semi-square can pull up irritations. While they can seem to stem from others, they may very well reflect inner uneasiness. We can also be especially hungry for others’ appreciation. What we want to do and think we should do can be at odds now, and we may not be very productive with this kind of discontent. Ideally, we look for creative solutions for dissatisfaction.

However, we also have a Mars-Neptune quincunx in play, and we can feel a little stuck — uncertain about 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 time to recognize our spiritual or emotional needs and make adjustments before pushing forward.

The Moon is void from 2:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 8:32 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 6

There can be a tendency to second-guess feelings, relationships, and even purchases with Venus quincunx Pluto this morning. It’s a time of adjustments and reassessments in our relationships, spending or entertainment, or our social lives. Fears and jealousy can emerge seemingly out of nowhere, pushing us to see our emotional blind spots. The Last Quarter Moon also occurs this morning with the Libra Sun’s square to the Cancer Moon, prompting a turning point as we gain some perspective. We come to a place where we must sort out what works for us and what doesn’t. It’s not the best time in the lunar cycle to start a significant project. During this Moon phase, suitable activities include paying debts, asking for money owed, giving or receiving rewards, making evaluations, taking inventory, and dealing with people and matters from the past.

OCTOBER 7

The Sun forms a quincunx with Jupiter this morning, and we can feel torn between two ideas or drives, perhaps see-sawing between alternatives. It can be challenging to arrive at satisfying conclusions. It’s a time of adjustments and possibly of letting go of old habits so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences. The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 7:24 PM EDT. Its square to Mars and opposition to Pluto this afternoon previews the tense and frustrating energies of the upcoming Mars-Pluto square. The Leo Moon from 7:24 PM forward is bold, proud, authoritative, and affectionate.

The Moon is void from 3:11 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:24 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 Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

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.

 

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

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits