This Week in Astrology: September 3 to 9, 2023

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

 

September 3-9, 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 Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, at 6:21 PM EDT. 

On Wednesday, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Gemini. 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, coming to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. This is 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 consider revelations we may have had in the last week and what they mean for us. Next steps may be clearer.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 14 degrees and 4 minutes of Gemini, square the Sun at the same degree of Virgo, and affecting planets at approximately 12 to 16 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) the most.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Virgo; 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.

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 ends its retrograde on September 3rd, and is recovering from the retrograde cycle this week. Venus is in its post-retrograde shadow 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.

On Monday, the 4th, it feels like our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, leading to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other makes sense, but isn’t straightforward at this time.

We should watch for skittishness, unreliability, and saying things we don’t mean/feel on Thursday, the 7th.

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 the Sun August 28. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus semi-sextile the Sun September 4. We may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other makes sense, but isn’t straightforward at this time.

Venus 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, September 3rd, from 7:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:00 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, September 5th, from 12:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 4:08 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, September 7th, from 6:22 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Friday, September 8th, at 1:01 AM 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 waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but 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, September 4th, at approximately 9:15 AM EDT, to Tuesday, September 5th, at approximately 12:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Note that Mercury is retrograde during this window.

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

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation–these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

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.

Sun trine Jupiter. This influence is about growth and expansiveness. We are more aware of moral issues, and have a desire to improve and learn. Optimism and confidence are basic elements in the energy of this transit. We are more willing to take a risk or two, and we are motivated by a desire to impress others. Enthusiasm runs high, and cooperation comes easy. This is generally a good time to schedule new beginnings in business, education, personal relationships, marriage, creative projects, and so forth, all things equal.

Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus. A tendency to take risks, to feel restless, to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences.

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 3

Venus stations and turns direct today after a little over six weeks of retrograde motion. Gradually, over the next few weeks, matters ruled by Venus (including love, pleasure, and money) should move forward more straightforwardly. Our confidence in ourselves and the universe builds, and we express warmth and affection more comfortably, openly, and directly. Tact and diplomacy re-emerge, and more clarity will likely come to our love and social relationships. However, while the shift occurs today, there can be confusion or blurred perception of value. It’s best to be patient and take our time processing our feelings. The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 11:00 AM EDT, when it moves into steady Taurus. While we begin the day seeking excitement or innovation, we begin to favor predictability and comfort towards midday.

The Moon is void from 7:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:00 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 4

Retrograde Mercury forms a trine to Jupiter shortly before Jupiter stations and turns retrograde today. Jupiter will remain retrograde until December 30th, and slowing down projects or plans may be appropriate to gain perspective. Initially, our enthusiasm and confidence might wane, and we may experience a crisis of faith or hope. “Luck” may be less overt while Jupiter is retrograde until near the end of the year, but it’s a good time to look within and reassess recent goals. Note that Jupiter spends its retrograde entirely in the sign of Taurus. Retrograde Mercury returns to form a trine to Jupiter this morning. This aspect first formed on August 9th and will perfect for a third and final time on September 25th. Today, we might return to a previous idea from a new perspective. Mercury in harmony with Jupiter boosts our optimism and faith. We gain a positive outlook through conversations and a sense of hope or trust in the future. We are seeking out a little extra meaning to our projects and experiences. The Moon spends the day in Taurus, aligning with stationing Jupiter this afternoon, and our hearts are in our projects, plans, dreams, and ideals.

SEPTEMBER 5

The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 4:08 PM EDT, helping ground and moderate us. This Moon encourages patience and savoring the moment. Finances, belongings, comfort, and security are in focus. The Moon in Gemini from 4:08 PM forward is lively, less deliberate, and more curious. We prefer to keep our options open with a Gemini Moon, and we’re especially communicative and connected. While it’s a lighthearted transit, the Sun’s sesquiquadrate with Pluto today can stimulate or aggravate fears and feelings of being powerless or overlooked. Buried emotions and motives can surface now. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is persistent with this aspect in play.

The Moon is void from 12:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 4:08 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 6

The inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun occurs this morning, giving us a unique window into the past as it might impact our future. It offers a good time to process recent events and ideas. At this midway point in the retrograde Mercury cycle, we begin looking at problems or issues from a fresh perspective and a new understanding. Significant new ideas are born at this time and will likely have real staying power or importance in our lives. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or worse! However, we may not have all the facts necessary to reach a definite conclusion, and we might have to revise plans or decisions later. The Sun formed a sesquiquadrate with Pluto yesterday, and retrograde Mercury connects with Pluto in the same way today, and we can be particularly curious about — or suspicious of — hidden agendas. We might get to the bottom of a matter, but we may take this too far and miss the point. Watch for stressing out over minor problems or spending too much time on issues of little consequence now.

The Last Quarter Moon occurs today as the Sun in Virgo forms a square to the Moon in Gemini, pointing to a possible crisis of consciousness. We’ve processed recent epiphanies, and we begin to see what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born again. It’s not ideal to start a significant project now, but it’s a fine time to finish up details or tie up loose ends. The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and our need for mental stimulation is strong.

SEPTEMBER 7

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we’re curious and communicative. The Gemini Moon is interested and perhaps a bit scattered. We’re reasonable and logical, and we seek contacts and activities that stimulate us and satisfy our need for diversity, variety, and knowledge. However, the Gemini Moon’s square to Neptune this evening can point to some listlessness. Today’s Mercury-Venus semi-sextile can serve to subtly contrast a logical and playful approach. With this influence, it’s too easy to say things we don’t mean or feel. However, while we may not be especially focused, we’re adaptable and making an effort to understand one another.

The Moon is void from 6:22 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Friday, September 8th, at 1:01 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 8

A Sun-Jupiter trine this morning boosts our confidence. We’re ready to give one another the benefit of the doubt. Enthusiasm runs high, and cooperation comes easily. This transit stimulates hope, optimism, and a desire to improve and impress. We seek to grow and expand a venture, a relationship, our knowledge, personal philosophy, or a self-improvement program. We might make grand gestures and tend to rise above petty problems and differences. Optimism and confidence are core elements in the energy of this transit. Later today, a Mars-Uranus minor challenging aspect can leave us on edge. We may be itching for a change, but we are unsure where to start. Of course, this can get us into trouble if we’re not mindful. There is some tendency to act on impulses or to take risks.

The Moon continues its void period until the Moon enters Cancer today at 1:01 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 9

The Moon spends the day in Cancer, harmonizing with Jupiter, the Sun, and Uranus. While we thrive in familiar settings and activities, we’re also ready to do our routines a little differently. The Cancer Moon encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. It’s sensitive, cautious, protective, and receptive. The day can also be pleasantly heady with Pluto’s trine to Pallas and a parallel between the Sun, Mercury, and Pallas. We’re wise and willing to invest our energy into solving problems. Our natural talents, as well as acquired resources, are highlighted and positive. This is a good time for healing, and regenerative activities, particularly to do with the mind/thinking. We’re in excellent shape for strategy and insight.

 

 

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 Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

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.

 

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