This Week in Astrology: August 12 to 18, 2018

August 12 to 18, 2018

On Saturday morning, a First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Scorpio Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 25 degrees and 20 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at 25 degrees and 20 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 27 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE occurred on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 5:58 AM EDT.

On Saturday morning, the New Moon occurred as the Sun and Moon aligned in the sign of Leo. This New Moon is a Solar Eclipse, affecting our lives for the coming six months. In the sign of Leo, confidence, creativity, romance and dating, games, sports, recreation, speculation, hobbies, or children will be a strong focus on a personal level. This eclipse is about new beginnings regarding all of these matters.

This is a time when we can focus on building our self-confidence by discovering our paths as distinct individuals, uncover our unique creative powers, and make a conscious effort to deal with others in a more personal, involved, and loving manner. We might re-commit to our enjoyment of an existing romance, hobby or passion project. We might also commit to adding more leisure time and “play” time to our lives. With this potent Leo energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

Flaws in an important system in our lives are revealed around the time of the eclipse, prompting us to redo or to start fresh. Something ends in order for something else to start anew.

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Leo are likely to occur over the course of the coming months. However, not everyone will feel the effect of the eclipse with the same intensity. Those whose personal planets are activated by the degree of the eclipse will feel its effects on a highly personal level.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Chart August 12, 2018

New Moon Solar Eclipse Chart August 11, 2018

This phase of the Moon occurred at 18 degrees and 42 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 24 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Aug 11, 2018, 5:58 AM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon Solar Eclipse)
Aug 18, 2018, 3:48 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 26, 2018, 7:56 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Sep 2, 2018, 10:37 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 9, 2018, 2:01 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Aquarius until the 12th, after which Mars is in Capricorn.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 23. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and fruit of the season–blossoming and ripened–this is a time when we want to enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and vain.

Mercury is in Leo from June 29-September 5. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the grander a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 9. As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Mars is in Aquarius from May 16-August 12 and September 10-November 15. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit or miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

Mars is in Capricorn from August 12- September 10. Note: Mars is retrograde in Capricorn from August 12-27 and then direct in the sign from August 27-September 10. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Taurus on May 15, 2018, and will transit Taurus until November 6, 2018, and then from March 6, 2019, to 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Libra from August 6-September 9. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want during this cycle. Although Venus in Libra virtually lives for relationships, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things to be done the “right” way, and we are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior. The shadow side of this position is dependence, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so! This is also a time when we are more artistically inclined. We tend to seek balance in our personal environment.

This week: Just before Mercury turns direct, it forms a sextile to Venus on Friday and Saturday. With Mercury coming to a direct station the following day, this time can be a little disorienting – there can be a situation of “too much information” and it can be difficult to sort through it. Fortunately, however, the Mercury-Venus sextile keeps things friendly and cooperative. We tend to go over past problems in our relationships. This can be a time of reaching out and clarifying things. Even so, conversations may not go especially deep.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Libra August 6-September 9. As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Venus opposition Chiron August 8. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves. Our relationships may open up some inner wound.

Venus quincunx Uranus August 8-9. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships, or whether we need freedom from them, yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Venus square Saturn August 9. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

Venus sextile Mercury August 17-18. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).

Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Tuesday, August 14th, from 12:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 12:58 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 16th, from 3:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:55 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 18th, from 11:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 12:46 PM EDT.

August 2018:

Void of Course Moon Dates: Chart for August 2018

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

The Moon is waxing this week – a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Saturday, August 18th, from approximately 4:50 AM to 11:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Note that both Mercury (near its direct station) and Mars are retrograde during this period, however.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jun 26, 2018 5:04 PM Mars Retrograde
Jun 28, 2018 5:01 AM Ceres enters Virgo
Jun 29, 2018 1:16 AM Mercury enters Leo
Jul 1, 2018 4:46 AM Juno enters Taurus
Jul 5, 2018 12:46 AM Chiron Retrograde
Jul 9, 2018 10:32 PM Venus enters Virgo
Jul 10, 2018 1:02 PM Jupiter Direct
Jul 11, 2018 5:44 PM Pallas enters Leo
Jul 22, 2018 5:00 PM Sun enters Leo
Jul 26, 2018 1:02 AM Mercury Retrograde
Aug 1, 2018 6:42 AM Vesta Direct
Aug 6, 2018 7:27 PM Venus enters Libra
Aug 7, 2018 12:50 PM Uranus Retrograde
Aug 12, 2018 10:14 PM Mars Retrograde enters Capricorn
Aug 19, 2018 12:25 AM Mercury Direct
Aug 23, 2018 12:08 AM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 27, 2018 10:05 AM Mars Direct
Sep 4, 2018 6:50 AM Pallas enters Virgo
Sep 5, 2018 10:39 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Sep 6, 2018 2:23 AM Ceres enters Libra
Sep 6, 2018 7:09 AM Saturn Direct
Sep 9, 2018 5:25 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 10, 2018 8:56 PM Mars enters Aquarius
Sep 17, 2018 11:55 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Sep 21, 2018 11:39 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 22, 2018 9:54 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 25, 2018 8:12 PM Chiron Retrograde enters Pisces
Sep 29, 2018 7:43 PM Juno enters Gemini
Sep 30, 2018 10:03 PM Pluto Direct
Oct 5, 2018 3:05 PM Venus Retrograde
Oct 9, 2018 8:40 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 12, 2018 12:03 AM Juno Retrograde
Oct 23, 2018 7:22 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24, 2018 3:50 AM Juno Retrograde enters Taurus
Oct 31, 2018 12:38 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Oct 31, 2018 3:42 PM Venus Retrograde 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 2018 – Overview. I am currently working on The Astrology of 2019 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 12 to 18, 2018

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.

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.

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

AUGUST 12

Mars, still retrograde, returns to the sign of Capricorn after spending over six weeks retrograde in the sign of Aquarius. Mars will be retrograde until August 27th and will remain in the sign of Capricorn until September 10th. While Mars is retrograde in Capricorn, we might return to previous jobs or work projects, traditions, and structures in our lives for a second look. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, harmonizing with Uranus and Saturn this morning. We’re in great shape for taking care of our affairs and getting organized. This is a productive, service-oriented transit. It’s a good time to clear up the clutter in our lives.

AUGUST 13

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, harmonizing with Pluto this morning. It also applies to a trine to Mars in industrious Capricorn. We can feel driven to organize and reorganize or sort things out under these influences. We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities, and we’re inclined to want to pull up our sleeves and get down to work. Being useful satisfies a deep need. This is a time for making improvements to our lives in small ways or for taking care of details. We are inclined to become more analytical, critical, and technical under a Virgo Moon.

AUGUST 14

The Moon ends its transit of Virgo and enters Libra just under an hour into the day. The Libra Moon is involved, fair-minded, and diplomatic. We’re more concerned than usual with balance, equality, peace, and smooth-flowing relationships. The Moon’s square to Saturn this morning may put a damper on our spirits temporarily as we are reminded of all we need to accomplish. However, the Moon aligns with Venus in Libra later today, and the gracious side of Libra comes into full bloom. We’re drawn to activities and circumstances that bring more beauty and harmony to our lives.

The Moon is void from 12:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 12:58 AM EDT.

AUGUST 15

The Moon spends the day in relationship-focused Libra, and we’re emotionally geared to seek out balance and harmony. We aim to be fair and compromising now, and we get help in the cooperation department through the Moon’s sextile to the Sun. Under this influence, it’s easier than usual to focus as we feel more purposeful and less divided. The Sun forms a trine to Vesta today, boosting our commitment to making improvements. We can find satisfying channels for directing our energies now, and we might enjoy increased focus or dedication to a pet project. Narrowing our focus makes sense now. The Sun forms a parallel to Mercury today, encouraging us to talk through and analyze problems, as well as sort our thoughts.

AUGUST 16

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 4:55 AM EDT, forming a square to Mars just before it leaves the sign. We can be restless, impatient, and combative during this brief transit. Something that made us angry from our past can be on our minds now. The Moon then enters Scorpio, and we’re seeking a stronger emotional connection to the world around us or a particular project or person. We’re especially observant and perceptive, and we’re inclined to strategize rather than act spontaneously now. This is a strong time for sharing power effectively in our relationships, as well as for more commitment and intensity or passion.

The Moon is void from 3:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:55 AM EDT.

AUGUST 17

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Scorpio, aligning with Jupiter and harmonizing with Pluto and Neptune. The Moon-Jupiter conjunction has the effect of magnifying our feelings and attachments in an exceptionally comfortable manner. This is a good day to research, investigate, and probe. Learning what makes people tick can be exciting now. We’re resolute and tend to keep things to ourselves until we’re completely satisfied with them. We are both intuitive and resourceful today. We’re heading towards a Mercury-Venus sextile, however, exact tomorrow morning but influencing today, and we’re inclined to talk about our feelings or relationships, seeking ways to cooperate and connect.

AUGUST 18

Shortly before turning direct, retrograde Mercury forms a sextile to Venus. The challenging side of Mercury retrograde can be felt most strongly around the time that it changes direction, which happens tomorrow, so we might want to avoid hard decision-making for the time being. There may be too much happening now to think clearly. However, today’s Mercury-Venus sextile is very helpful for easing this transition. This influence stimulates a desire to cooperate, compliment, encourage, and express our affections. We’re also inclined to analyze our relationships, particularly past ones, as well as our preferences and feelings. Connecting with people from our past is also possible now. The Moon continues its transit of astute, impassioned Scorpio until 12:46 PM EDT, at which time it begins its transit of brave Sagittarius. The Moon in Sagittarius encourages us to seek out new horizons and concerns us with what’s truthful and just.

The Moon is void from 11:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 12:46 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 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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 19th to 25th, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: August 26th to September 1, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 2 to 8, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 9 to 15, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 16 to 22, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: September 23 to 29, 2018

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Leo “This I do for me” is your motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as does a very important lesson: it’s not what you do so much as how you do it, not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it doesn’t come from the heart, it shouldn’t matter now.

Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style. Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in your life.

Venus in Libra As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Mars in Aquarius The reformer, the inventor, the engineer, the revolutionary – these are important archetypes for you as a new cycle gets underway in your life. They are icons of the ambitions that stir you at a time like this. Independence, freedom from past patterns, and a daring readiness to innovate: such are the paths of achievement for you now.

Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues.

Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.

Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.