This Week in Astrology: August 18 to 24, 2019

This Week in Astrology: August 18 to 24, 2019

 

August 18 to 24, 2019

 

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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

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, August 23, 2019, at 10:56 AM EDT.

On Friday morning, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Virgo forms a square with 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 and come 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. 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 0 degrees and 12 minutes of Gemini square the Sun at 0 degrees and 12 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 18 to 26 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo until the 23rd when it enters Virgo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Leo until the 21st, when it enters Virgo; Mars is in Leo until the 18th, after which Mars is in Virgo.

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.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 23-September 23. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending 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, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.

Mercury is in Leo from August 11-29. 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 Leo from July 27-August 21. 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, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration. 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.

Venus is in Virgo from August 21-September 14. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

Mars is in Leo from July 1-August 18. 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.

Mars is in Virgo from August 18-October 4. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

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Jupiter entered Sagittarius on November 8th, 2018, and transits the sign until December 2nd, 2019. Read more about the Jupiter in Sagittarius transit.

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.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is now consistently in the sign (since March 6th, 2019) until 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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Leo from July 28 to August 21, 2019. 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, acknowledgment, 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.

Venus is in Virgo from August 21 to September 14, 2019. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: On Monday and Tuesday, we may struggle with our freedom in our relationships, and restrictions or obligations can feel heavier than usual. On Friday and Saturday, Venus and Mars conjoin in the sign of Virgo. Impulsive decisions about love might be made now. It’s creative energy, particularly related to work, hobbies, and crafts. In our relationships, things seem to need to be exciting and spicy to hold our interest. Drama is likely.

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

Venus in Leo July 27-August 21. 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 in Virgo August 21-September 14. If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. Loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

Venus quincunx Pluto August 13-14. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus parallel Uranus August 19-20. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant-garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn August 20. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus conjunct Mars August 23-24. This is a passionate, warm, expressive, lively and sexy energy. We are now able to take the initiative to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. Our creativity and desire to make something beautiful is stimulated now. We are more able to combine warmth with energy. Social relations are impassioned, and perhaps demanding or extreme. In some cases, this impulsive energy generates “love at first sight” scenarios or erotic interludes. Teamwork is more successful now. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it’s likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind. Impulsive purchases are possible.

Venus quincunx Chiron August 24-25. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus parallel Mars August 25. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto August 25. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus trine Uranus August 25-26. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, August 17th, from 6:35 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Sunday, August 18th, at 12:33 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 21st, from 12:07 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Taurus shortly thereafter, at 12:37 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 22nd, from 5:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Friday, August 23rd, at 10:34 AM EDT.

August 2019:

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

The Moon is waning this week and 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 Tuesday, August 20th, at 7:55 AM EDT, until Wednesday, August 21st, at approximately 12:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aries. Another window occurs on Thursday, August 22nd, from approximately 10:25 AM to 5:30 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Another window occurs from Saturday, August 24th, at approximately 8:20 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 25th, at approximately 2:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jun 26,
2019     8:19 PM  Mercury enters Leo
Jul  1, 2019     7:19 PM   Mars enters Leo
Jul  3, 2019    11:18 AM  Venus enters Cancer
Jul  7, 2019     7:14 PM   Mercury Retrograde
Jul  8, 2019     7:39 PM   Chiron Retrograde
Jul 19, 2019     3:06 AM  Mercury Retrograde enters Cancer
Jul 22, 2019    10:50 PM  Sun enters Leo
Jul 27, 2019     9:54 PM  Venus enters Leo
Jul 31, 2019    11:58 PM   Mercury Direct
Aug 11, 2019     9:37 AM  Jupiter Direct
Aug 11, 2019     3:45 PM  Mercury enters Leo
Aug 11, 2019    10:27 PM  Uranus Retrograde
Aug 18, 2019     1:18 AM  Mars enters Virgo
Aug 21, 2019     5:06 AM  Venus enters Virgo
Aug 23, 2019     6:02 AM  Sun enters Virgo
Aug 29, 2019     3:48 AM  Mercury enters Virgo
Sep 14, 2019     3:14 AM  Mercury enters Libra
Sep 14, 2019     9:43 AM  Venus enters Libra
Sep 18, 2019     4:47 AM  Saturn Direct
Sep 23, 2019     3:50 AM  Sun enters Libra
Oct  3, 2019     2:39 AM  Pluto Direct
Oct  3, 2019     4:14 AM   Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  4, 2019    12:22 AM  Mars 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 2019 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more negative manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. This transit is best used for reflection.

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

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 Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time-waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

Venus conjunct Mars. This transit generates passionate, warm, expressive, lively, and sexy energy. We are now able to take the initiative to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence has the potential for bringing satisfaction to the feelings. Our creativity/desire to make something beautiful is stimulated now. Social relations are impassioned, and perhaps demanding or extreme. Venus can act to soften the aggressiveness of Mars, or Mars can make the romantic impulses of Venus more forceful and pressing. Teamwork is more successful now. Some level of competition is present in our interactions and can be pleasurable and challenging. Impulsive purchases are possible.

Mercury quincunx Pluto. Something we write or say could trigger power struggles or hostility from others. We may be plagued with self-doubt in our attempts to make decisions. Decisions made now are unlikely to be objective. Re-assessing decisions we have made already, or adjusting our plans, may be in order. Second-guessing.

 

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. New! See the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also:  The Astrology of 2019 – Overview. The Astrology of 2020 – Overview page is in the works.

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

AUGUST 18

Mars enters the sign of Virgo today. Venus and the Sun will follow on the 21st and 23rd, and then Mercury will enter Virgo on the 29th! Mars is in Virgo until October 4th, and we have a passion for details and a need to do the right thing at just the right time. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of our greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about our performance during this cycle. Jupiter semi-sextile Saturn (exact tomorrow morning) can keep us in the middle or undecided on a matter. The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 12:33 PM EDT, after which it transits Aries. The Aries Moon encourages us to start fresh or take on a new challenge.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Aries at 12:33 PM EDT.

AUGUST 19

With Jupiter semi-sextile Saturn today, we are attempting to feed our enthusiasm as well as our need for realism. However, we may spend too much time on the fence. This is not an ideal theme for the Aries Moon, which inclines us to be active, positive, and assertive. With the Moon in Aries all day, we’re seeking a fresh start–to be first or to start something new. Venus aligns with Juno, and we’re seeking equal, fair, and balanced connections. There can be a stronger inclination towards togetherness and sharing, creating harmony, and sharing power. We may gain an advantage in business or finances or by promoting peace.

AUGUST 20

While we have some highly creative problem-solving energy with us today, a Venus-Saturn sesquiquadrate suggests some reservations. We may be a little more guarded with our feelings or worried about our money under this influence. We’re not feeling especially natural, and our social confidence can decrease now. We might be seeing the less flattering side of people or relationships. Small obstacles or hurdles require patience. This is a better influence for working with details and ironing out problems than it is for bigger decision-making or planning. However, as the day advances, a Mercury-Jupiter trine comes into influence, opening our minds. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aries, supporting the Leo Sun and also helping to boost confidence and enthusiasm.

AUGUST 21

Mercury forms a quincunx to Saturn and a trine to Jupiter this morning. With Jupiter and Saturn semi-sextile, when we get a win, there seems to be a cost, but our hardships seem much more manageable! This combination can produce the energy of “two steps forward, one step back.” The Moon enters steady, deliberate Taurus very early in the day–at 12:37 AM. Venus enters the sign of Virgo today, just days after Mars moved into the sign, and two days before the Sun will follow suit. Venus transits Virgo until September 14th, and we may be paying special attention to details. We may thoroughly enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done during this cycle. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our loved ones. We should watch for a tendency to worry or fret.

The Moon is void from 12:07 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Taurus shortly thereafter, at 12:37 AM EDT.

AUGUST 22

While the morning is good for clarity and openness to new ideas, as the day advances a Sun-Saturn minor square can close us up or narrow our focus. We may feel confined, limited, or restricted regarding our plans and self-expression. Mercury forms a quincunx to Neptune, casting an additional layer of uncertainty over the day. It can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition cohesively. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication. The Moon spends the day in grounded Taurus.

The Moon is void from 5:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Friday, August 23rd, at 10:34 AM EDT.

AUGUST 23

The Sun enters Virgo this morning and will transit the Mutable Earth sign until September 23rd. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the details of our lives. It’s now time to take care of practical concerns. Attending to the details of daily living can free us from the unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. It’s an ideal cycle in which to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve connections and communications on the job. Rediscovering the joy of our work, services, chores, and routines can be in focus in the month ahead. The Moon ends its transit of Taurus at 10:34 AM EDT when it enters Gemini. Shortly after that, the Last Quarter Moon occurs with the Sun in very early Virgo in a square aspect to the Moon in very early Gemini. There can be new awareness now, and in the week ahead, we begin sorting out what works and what doesn’t work in our lives. This process is in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. It’s 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 we conceived at the last New Moon. The Gemini Moon is interested, curious, and adaptable.

The Moon continues its void period until it enters Gemini today at 10:34 AM EDT.

AUGUST 24

Venus aligns with Mars in the sign of Virgo today, heightening our feelings, which can feel pressing now. This transit generates warm, expressive, and lively energy. It can motivate us to do something creative or artistic. In some cases, this impulsive energy produces “love at first sight” scenarios. Venus is diplomatic, gentle, romantic, and sensitive, while Mars is more direct, confrontational, and assertive. Venus can act to soften Mars’ aggressiveness, or Mars can make Venus’ romantic impulses more forceful and pressing. Some level of competition is present in our interactions. While it’s likely of a pleasurably challenging kind, it’s not out of the question that it can be disruptive. We can be impulsive regarding our relationships, pleasure, or money. We may be bringing more creativity to the work we do or to the services we provide, or we’re seeking a new challenge. A Mercury-Pluto quincunx also active today suggests difficulties digesting or accepting a matter, however. It can be challenging arriving at a conclusion without feeling like we’re missing out elsewhere. We might have a hard time getting our message across or coming to a decision/conclusion that feels right, or we trigger negative responses from others. The Moon spends the day in the sign of busy, curious Gemini.

 

 

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 Pisces

 We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

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.

 

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 2019 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits