This Week in Astrology: September 17 to 23, 2023

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

 

September 17-23, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, September 22nd, 2023, at 3:32 PM EDT. 

On Friday afternoon, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Sagittarius.

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 29 degrees and 32 minutes of Sagittarius square the Sun at the same degree of Virgo, affecting planets at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 2 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 Virgo until the 23rd, when it begins its transit of Libra; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Libra.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 23-September 23. Our focus shifts to the puzzle pieces–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Attending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business.

This is an ideal time to get organized, do detailed work, and improve communications on the job. We take more pride in our work, chores, and health efforts. We also want to be more organized and informed during the Sun-in-Virgo cycle.

We’re learning humility and the benefits of developing skills, some level of perfectionism, and the importance of attention to detail. It’s a time of down-to-earth practicality when we prefer to invest our time and energy in things with realistic potential. We’re not inclined to ambition or “going big.” Attracting prosperity involves honest, careful, and attentive work and dedication.

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.

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 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.

This week, on Friday and Saturday (the 22-23), we’re letting love in. It’s easy to connect with and embrace our feelings and romantic needs–we’re ready to open up and be more vulnerable.

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 Mercury September 7. It may be all too easy to say things we don’t mean/feel.

Venus square Jupiter September 16-17. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus trine Chiron September 22-23. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, September 17th, from 9:06 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Monday, September 18th, at 12:58 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, September 20th, from 6:21 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:06 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 22nd, from 3:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:21 PM EDT.

September 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 considered favorable for new beginnings, although 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 Tuesday, September 19th, at approximately 9:50 PM EDT, until Wednesday, September 20th, at approximately 6:15 AM EDT, while the Moon is 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:

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

Venus square Jupiter. Feelings of elation in love or with regards to the pleasures of life can lead us to overdo, overindulge, overspend, and overstate our feelings. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. We may also feel lazy and we are inclined to procrastinate.

Sun opposition Neptune. It’s easy to get lost in fantasy at this time, as we feel somewhat directionless and less able to face everyday realities. Willpower is low. Not a good time for any financial undertaking or formal agreement.

Mars quincunx Jupiter. We tend to take on too much–either expend too much energy or overestimate our capabilities–during this transit. Poor timing is possible now, as we may be out of synch with our instincts and natural rhythm.

Sun trine Pluto. We are able to get to the bottom of things now. We are more decisive than usual, and our abilities to concentrate and focus help us achieve what we set out to do. Endurance, the power to achieve, an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on resources, and strategy are all themes of this influence. This is a very positive aspect for starting a money-making endeavor (all things equal) or a new project. Leadership skills are in focus and strong. We are more able to connect with others in terms of shared goals and interests. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives.

Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

Venus trine Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and are less inclined to see fault, or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another.

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.

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.

SEPTEMBER 17

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and we’re especially invested in our relationships and motivated to create a balance. It’s a fair, balanced, and compromising transit. The Moon’s square to Pluto tonight suggests a tendency for more intensity in our lives and relationships. Our ambitions seem to distract us or limit our comfort in our relationships, or relationship goals clash with material pursuits. The need to gain more control over our lives can feel pressing, and we should guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making. However, if we can focus and divide our time constructively, the day can be strong for getting work done with or for loved ones or the home. We’re motivated to grow and improve a business or long-term project.

The Moon is void from 9:06 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Monday, September 18th, at 12:58 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 18

The Moon continues its transit of Libra only until 12:58 AM EDT, when it heads into Scorpio. With a Scorpio Moon, we tend to scope out the hidden layers of a situation. We pay more attention to our intuition and are observant, resourceful, and ready to get to the bottom of a matter. It’s a period of more emotional intensity and focus. The Moon’s trine to Saturn this morning is stabilizing. We find it easier to discipline ourselves. We’re connecting with our common sense, logic, and sense of responsibility. With the Moon’s sextile to Mercury late afternoon, it’s an excellent time to gather information and do some research.

The Moon continues its void period until the Moon enters Scorpio today at 12:58 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 19

Today’s astrology can produce some misjudgments, but we’re learning more about ourselves and our plans in the process. This morning, the Sun forms its annual opposition with Neptune, and we can feel directionless or not very up to facing everyday realities. We’ve been paying more attention to service to others and our physical health, and we may need to take a step back for spiritual refreshment. The tendency to put people on a pedestal or glamorize others can come to a head now, extending beyond people to situations and objects. It’s a time for seeking a better balance between action and reflection. We are more sensitive and vulnerable today but prone to misperceiving people or situations. We might watch for projecting our unrealized dreams or wishes onto others. With willpower low and perceptions off, there are better times for major financial undertakings or formal agreements. Mars and Jupiter form a quincunx, also stirring discontent. We can feel out of sync with our instincts and natural rhythm. We could have some trouble making decisions or find it challenging to integrate one strong desire with another. Circumstances are such that we need to assess where we’ve been putting too much–or too little–energy. Poor timing is possible, and reshuffling our focus and prioritizing can be necessary.

SEPTEMBER 20

We might recognize the value of organizing and structuring our home life or relationships with loved ones today. Responsibilities to our loved ones are clear, and we readily accept them. The Moon moves from deep Scorpio to outgoing Sagittarius at 10:06 AM EDT, and life feels less pressurized as the day advances. Even so, there continues to be a layer of seriousness and intensity to the day as we head toward a Sun-Pluto trine, exact early into the day tomorrow. This transit helps us focus to our advantage. Delving deeply into a matter can be satisfying and rewarding. We’re exceptionally resourceful and efficient under this influence. It sets up just the right energy for gravitating toward people and situations that help us succeed or advance our goals. Shared goals and interests connect us with others. The focus now is on eliminating negative elements in our lives, particularly in pursuing work or health goals so that we can advance with more conviction. This transit encourages cooperation and practical ability.

The Moon is void from 6:21 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:06 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 21

Today’s Sagittarius Moon is curious, adventurous, and spirited, encouraging us to explore, seek, and discover. While the Moon’s square to Mercury this morning can produce misunderstandings with words, directions, and instructions, its harmony with Mars and Venus as the day advances helps smooth things out through other forms of communication. It inspires us to expand our interests. We want to make or do something special today.

SEPTEMBER 22

Early today, a Mars-Uranus biquintile can help us find channels to express our need for change and progress in creative and unique ways. Still, a Mars-Saturn sesquiquadrate comes into play, and it’s best to slow down in the face of obstacles, as trying to move too fast can create more resistance. Since circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves, patience is necessary. The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 4:21 PM EDT, but before it leaves the sign, the First Quarter Moon occurs. Our initiative is strong but tends to come from conflict or tension. It can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also great energy, motivation, and growth. We may be feeling especially ambitious and competitive. However, it’s not yet straightforward where to go with these feelings. The Capricorn Moon from 4:21 PM forward is organized and practical. It encourages us to pay attention to structures, rules, and goals.

The Moon is void from 3:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:21 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 23

The Sun enters Libra early today and will transit the sign until October 23rd. In the month ahead, we focus on balancing our personal environments and relationships. It’s a time for considering alternatives and others’ needs, agendas, and desires. Meeting people halfway, compromising, and negotiating come under the rule of Libra. Decision-making can be more challenging while the Sun is in Libra–we weigh both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process goes on too long! In Libra, the Sun doesn’t want to rock the boat or rub people the wrong way. Tactfulness, style, tolerance, and sociability are some of the themes. On the shadow side, Libra can be indecisive, passive-aggressive, or superficial when challenged.

The Venus-Chiron trine this morning is friendly for matters of intimacy or commitment. We’re open to learning from one another. It’s not only a strong time for building trust in relationships and recognizing the potential in one another, but we’re also clearer about what we value with material things and pastimes. A Mercury-Pluto minor challenge later today can complicate communications, however. Mental tension is possible now, ideally motivating us to handle problem areas. We can have a slightly suspicious way of looking at how things work. If others do not agree or adopt our ideas, we may take this as a personal affront. Instead of getting where we want to go directly, we could take a roundabout route and manipulate others. Some irritability is likely as we sort things out.

 

 

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 2023 – Overview

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits