This Week in Astrology: August 13 to 19, 2017

This Week in Astrology: August 13 to 19, 2017

 

August 13 to 19, 2017

 

---

On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

---

The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, August 14, 2017, at 9:15 PM EDT.

On Monday night, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. 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 a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 22 degrees and 25 minutes of Taurus square the Sun at 22 degrees and 25 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 20 to 24 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Note that a Total Solar Eclipse will occur on August 21, 2017, late in the sign of Leo. Read more about current and recent Eclipses here.

---

 

The FULL MOON/LUNAR ECLIPSE occurred on Monday, August 7, 2017, at 2:11 PM EDT.

On Monday afternoon, the Full Moon occurred when the Leo Sun opposed the Moon in Aquarius. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time—a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This Full Moon is a partial Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar eclipse is an especially potent lunation — in this case a potent Full Moon. Lunar eclipses are relationship-oriented. The “crisis” that these eclipses tend to elicit is a crisis of lack–a time when we suddenly realize a great need or want. The impact of the crisis can act to sever a relationship–it’s possible. But it can also bring two people together with a sudden awareness of a great need for each other. Although Lunar eclipses are more relationship-oriented than Solar eclipses, they are not always about relationships between two people. They can trigger awareness of need in other areas of our lives, such as our relationship to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters come to light–things that have been brewing under the surface.

Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Leo-Aquarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives. The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between all that is personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of Leo is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while Aquarius rules the group, more impersonal friendships, and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways. The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values the team. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action. Read more about the Lunar Eclipse here.

---

This phase of the Moon occurred at 15 degrees and 25 minutes of Aquarius opposition the Sun at 15 degrees and 25 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 10 to 20 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

---

(Times are Eastern)

---

The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Cancer; Mars is in Leo.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. 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 Virgo from July 25-August 31 and then September 9-29. When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now 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. 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. 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.

Venus is in Cancer from July 31-August 26. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure.

Mars is in Leo from July 20-September 5. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

---

 

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th, 2016, and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

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 Cancer from July 31-August 26. We treat lovers with sympathy and tenderness, providing the emotional nurturing that they need. We tend to “play it safe” when it comes to relationships. Love and devotion are most important to us and provide us with a sense of inner security. We seek a deep love in which we can merge souls and personalities with our lover. We are quite devoted to our partners, and we seek such devotion in return. However, we could also become possessive, manipulative, and stifling. Familiarity is more important to us now. Our fear of rejection is overdeveloped, and we offer our hearts cautiously as a result. We pay more attention to our lovers’ feelings than their words. We feel threatened if a lover acts in an impersonal, overly independent, or detached manner. Safe and solid relationships are more appealing. Romantic and emotional hurts are very hard to forget. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure.

This week: Venus opposes Pluto on Monday and Tuesday, forms a square to Jupiter on Wednesday and Thursday, and forms an awkward quincunx to Saturn on Friday — all in all, not the ideal week for smooth relations! The tendency is to go overboard, exaggerate our feelings, or take things too seriously and personally with these influences. Fears of betrayal or of being out of the loop are likely on Monday, or buried resentments come to a head. On Wednesday, feelings of elation or a restless desire to attach more meaning to our feelings can lead to overdoing and over-promising. We may feel a little burdened by our relationships or fearful of rejection on Friday, and this can lead to unconfident decision making.

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

Venus in Cancer July 31-August 26. Mothering (or being mothered), sympathy, a yearning to put down roots, and a fondness for things that have stood the test of time – these are some of the hallmarks of the phase that now begins in your life. Romantic and social experiences, as well as artistic tastes, will show evidence of these factors.

Venus trine Neptune August 11-12. We perceive romantic situations as if they were “designed” just for us. A magical, romantic time. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. Romance is highly favored. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.

Venus opposition Pluto August 14-15. This is a period of intense feelings, as well as possible emotional distress and tension caused by romantic troubles or social manipulation. An experience of being used or abused physically, emotionally or sexually may cause us suffering or disappointment. Sexually driven emotions are likely now. Fears of betrayal may get the best of us.

Venus square Jupiter August 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 quincunx Saturn August 18. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

Venus semi-square Mercury August 20. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, August 13th, from 4:02 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 6:41 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Monday, August 14th, from 9:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Tuesday, August 15th, at 10:07 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 17th, from 9:39 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 12:14 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 19th, from 11:18 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:55 PM EDT.

 

Void of Course Moon – August 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable 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 from Wednesday, August 16th, at approximately 10:45 PM, until Thursday, August 17th, at approximately 9:35 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini. Note that we’re in between eclipses and Mercury is retrograde during this period, suggesting that we may not be seeing matters clearly.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jul 17, 2017     7:13 PM
Vesta enters Virgo
Jul 20, 2017     8:19 AM Mars enters Leo
Jul 22, 2017    11:15 AM  Sun enters Leo
Jul 25, 2017     7:41 PM  Mercury enters Virgo
Jul 31, 2017    10:54 AM  Venus enters Cancer
Aug  3, 2017     1:31 AM  Uranus Retrograde
Aug 12, 2017     9:00 PM Mercury Retrograde
Aug 22, 2017     6:20 PM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2017     8:08 AM  Saturn Direct
Aug 26, 2017    12:30 AM Venus enters Leo
Aug 31, 2017    11:28 AM  Mercury Retrograde enters Leo
Sep 5, 2017      5:35 AM  Mars enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2017     7:30 AM  Mercury Direct
Sep 9, 2017     10:52 PM  Mercury enters Virgo
Sep 11, 2017     1:49 PM Pallas Retrograde
Sep 18, 2017     3:47 AM Vesta enters Libra
Sep 19, 2017     9:15 PM Venus enters Virgo
Sep 22, 2017    4:02 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 24, 2017    1:41 AM Ceres enters Leo
Sep 28, 2017     3:36 PM Pluto Direct
Sep 29, 2017    8:42 PM Mercury enters Libra
Oct 10, 2017    9:20 AM Jupiter enters Scorpio
Oct 14, 2017    6:11 AM Venus enters Libra
Oct 17, 2017    3:58 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 22, 2017    2:29 PM Mars enters Libra
Oct 23, 2017    1:27 AM Sun enters Scorpio

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun trine Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We have common sense at our disposal. We are willing to look reality in the eye and to take responsibility for our lives.

Venus opposition Pluto. An intense emotional or sexual attraction, a very revealing, intimate encounter, or a powerful desire to be close to and share our deepest feelings with someone is very likely now. Emotions and issues in a close relationship that have been brewing beneath the surface for quite awhile come to the surface at this time, possibly in a very disruptive way. All of our relationships intensify and we need to be aware of a tendency to act in a rather compulsive, demanding way towards others. This is an “all or nothing” energy. Manipulative behavior, fear of betrayal, and power struggles are possible.

Mars quincunx Pluto. A strong desire to prove ourselves may be at the root of confrontations and bull-headedness at this time. Avoid forcing issues.

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.

Venus quincunx Saturn. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

---

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 2017 – Overview.

---

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 13

The Moon ends its transit of Aries at 6:41 AM EDT when it enters Taurus. A Taurus Moon is stable and focused on the practical, and with the Sun and Saturn forming a trine, we’re in especially great shape for productivity, groundedness, and common sense. We feel stable under this influence, making it a good time to lean or pare down the areas of life where we’ve been excessive or have too much going on. We are more able to tune out distractions and concentrate on what matters, although we can also be a little stern at this time. We face reality now and feel stronger for it, and we are most satisfied when meeting our responsibilities. It’s easy to stick to a particular task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. This can be a time of humbling ourselves to good advice or tried and true methods, although with Mercury newly retrograde we may shy away from a full commitment.

The Moon is void from 4:02 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 6:41 AM EDT.

AUGUST 14

The Moon is in Taurus all day, but while we seek out peace and harmony and can achieve it in some ways, the Moon’s square to Mars late morning and square to the Sun tonight suggests some friction, resistance, and digging in of our heels. The Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Moon in Taurus at 9:16 PM. 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 a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. Venus is moving towards an opposition to Pluto, influencing the latter half of today, and fears or underlying resentments in our relationships may reach a head.

The Moon is void from 9:16 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Tuesday, August 15th, at 10:07 AM EDT.

AUGUST 15

The Moon is in comfortable Taurus until 10:07 AM EDT. However, Taurean ruler, Venus, opposes Pluto this morning, and there can be intense emotions and attractions, as well as confrontations or events that bring complex feelings and fears to a head. We may be making uncomfortable discoveries, and while some of these can be helpful in the long run, we may be pushing too far for answers right now. Manipulative behavior can arise with insecurities or fear of betrayal at their root, and this should be watched for. We’re also moving towards a Mars-Pluto quincunx, adding more difficult Pluto themes to the day. We should avoid the inclination to push our agendas or to go to great lengths to prove ourselves. The Moon transits communicative, friendly Gemini from 10:07 AM forward.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Gemini at 10:07 AM EDT.

AUGUST 16

The Moon is in Gemini all day, but while this influence is typically light and airy, a Mars-Pluto quincunx perfects this morning, and it can be difficult to let go of problem areas, concerns, and frustrations, particularly if we’ve been holding onto anger. Resentment or competitive feelings can be operating just under the surface, and it can be difficult to know how to manage or express it adequately. A strong desire to prove ourselves may be at the root of confrontations and bull-headedness at this time. We might second-guess our first impulses. Avoid forcing issues if possible. We’re moving towards a Venus-Jupiter square, exact early tomorrow. This influence can have the effect of exaggerating or expanding our feelings, and this state of mind can lead to overdoing, overstating our feelings, and overindulging. However, if we keep this in check, it can be a useful time for entertaining new ideas and approaches related to pleasure, money, and love.

AUGUST 17

Venus and Jupiter form a square very early in the day, generating sociable but not very disciplined energy. The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 12:14 PM EDT, and we’re quick to adapt to changes as we crave variety. We’re able to see two sides of a situation. This can be a communicative time, and we may prefer to skim the surface of issues rather than delve more deeply. The Moon gets between the Sun and Uranus this morning, forming sextiles to both, and facilitating making connections. The Moon moves into the sign of Cancer at 12:14 PM, and we tend to seek refuge in familiar places and faces.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:39 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 12:14 PM EDT.

AUGUST 18

The Moon spends the day in protective Cancer, and we are inclined to seek out cozy atmospheres and familiar activities. A quincunx between Venus in Cancer and Saturn in Sagittarius can present a dilemma or difficulties feeling truly at ease with others and making satisfying choices for entertainment or pleasure. This aspect can leave us feeling torn between pleasure and responsibility, and perhaps not able to fully appreciate or deal with either. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to share our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

AUGUST 19

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer, stimulating our need to connect with loved ones and feel a sense of belonging or safety, until 1:55 PM EDT, after which it moves into the sign of Leo. The Cancer Moon connects with Chiron and Uranus this morning, stimulating an ongoing struggle with our confidence about going our own way. We are seeking comfort, but we don’t want to do so at the expense of our individuality or freedom, which presents a dilemma. The Moon’s entry into Leo this afternoon has the effect of pulling us out of our protective shells as we want to share ourselves with others. Creativity blossoms, we tend to be more romantic and generous with our feelings, and we take pride in our accomplishments.

A void of course Moon occurs from 11:18 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:55 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 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.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

---

BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

 

See also:

 

The Astrology of 2017 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits