This Week in Astrology: August 19 to 25, 2018

This Week in Astrology: August 19 to 25, 2018

 

August 19 to 25, 2018

 

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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 FULL MOON will occur on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at 7:56 AM EDT.

On Sunday, August 26th (next week), a Full Moon will occur, when the Sun in Virgo forms an opposition to the Moon in Pisces. The Virgo-Pisces polarity is the service axis, and it deals with the balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules our personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spirituality.

The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire–we would either be living in chaos or in excessive order. 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 occurs in between a Saturn-Uranus trine, and events or epiphanies happening now are likely to feel right – things seem to fall into place now.

This phase of the Moon will occur at 3 degrees and 12 minutes of Pisces opposite the Sun at 3 degrees and 12 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 29 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and approximately 0 to 7 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurred on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 3:48 AM EDT.

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.

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Leo until August 23rd, from which the Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Libra; 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.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 23-September 22. 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 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.

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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: Venus is influenced by Neptune this week, first on Sunday and then Wednesday, and this can be a dreamy time in love. On the one hand, we’re inclined to see what we want to see in others and our relationships, and it can at least feel blissful at times, but on the other (more likely on Wednesday), we may be second-guessing our impressions and feel a little lost as to what to believe.

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 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.

Venus parallel Neptune August 18-19. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A magical time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus quincunx Neptune August 22. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus square Pluto August 26. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus contra-parallel Uranus August 30-31. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 20th, from 7:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Tuesday, August 21st, at 12:01 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 23rd, from 10:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 12:55 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 25th, from 12:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Sunday, August 26th, at 1:32 AM EDT.

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 from Sunday, August 19th, at approximately 8:15 PM EDT until Monday, August 20th, at approximately 7:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. Another window occurs from Friday, August 24th, at approximately 11:00 PM, until Saturday, August 25th, at approximately 12:35 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius. Note that Mars is retrograde during these periods, 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 – it’s not quite finished but contains a lot of useful information about the upcoming year.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Jupiter trine Neptune. Idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses surface now. Making connections with others from a different background may figure. Widening our minds through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Practical considerations could take a back seat now. Generosity and compassion increases, and our faith is boosted. We more easily make personal sacrifices for what we believe to be the better good.

Sun quincunx Mars. A tendency to fly off the handle easily characterizes this transit, due to inner tension between the will and performance. It’s hard to find satisfaction or a sense of peace at this time. We may feel decidedly “out of sorts”.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Sun quincunx Chiron. Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness, as well as guilt for not facing important issues, can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence. Self-expression can be choppy and unnatural as a result.

Sun trine Uranus. An original, unique approach to life is in order with this transit, and works to our benefit. Flexibility is the key to success at this time, and pleasant changes are in store. We may make some creative changes and discoveries, experiment with new possibilities, or invent a new way of doing things. This is a dynamic and exciting period, one in which taking advantage of unusual or unconventional opportunities may reap rewards.

Jupiter sesquiquadrate Chiron. This can be a time when we are hungry for meaning and understanding, but it can be difficult to align ourselves with a personal philosophy or belief system that truly reflects our core. We might be led astray by beliefs and ideas now, or we might experience some form of crisis of faith. It is important to look within and come to a greater understanding of what we truly need or believe, rather than blindly following something that doesn’t truly serve our purpose. New business endeavors may require a closer look before pushing forward.

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.

 

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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 2018 – Overview

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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 19

Mercury turns direct today after a retrograde period that began on July 26th. Over the coming weeks, problems with communications and decision-making we may have encountered while Mercury was retrograde should start to improve. Delayed initiatives may unblock. While Mercury’s direct motion can bring increasing clarity over the coming days and weeks, the station itself can initially magnify problem areas or confusion. Easing us through this transition is a Jupiter-Neptune trine. Under this influence, we have better access to our imagination and intuition, and we have more faith in our plans. This longer-term aspect first formed in December 2017, reconnected in May, and is now forming exactly for the final time while Jupiter transits Scorpio. Idealistic and humanitarian goals or impulses are strong now. Making connections with others from a different background and widening our minds through unusual or different experiences can be part of the picture. Practical considerations may take a back seat now, although Saturn in Capricorn helps out in this respect. Generosity, faith, and compassion increase. We more readily make personal sacrifices for what we believe to be the greater good. The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, harmonizing with Mercury and Venus and inspiring our cooperation and enthusiasm for sharing ideas.

AUGUST 20

The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, entering Capricorn a minute into tomorrow (EDT). With the Moon in Sagittarius, we seek out non-routine, spontaneous experiences. We’re also hungry to learn new things. This Moon position blends well with the fiery energy of the Leo Sun, encouraging a “can do” attitude, and the Moon and the Sun form a trine this evening. We’re confident, proud, and enthusiastic now.

The Moon is void from 7:47 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Tuesday, August 21st, at 12:01 AM EDT.

AUGUST 21

The Moon enters Capricorn a minute into the day (EDT), and we’re competitive, practical, and resourceful. A Sun-Mars quincunx today can present some mild challenges and disrupt the flow. There can be a dilemma between what we want and what we think we should do. Tension is possible due to divergent needs or desires. Desires can be compelling, but we may be on the fence about how, or whether, to fulfill them. We may feel a little out of sorts, which can ultimately prompt us to make some useful edits.

The Moon is void until it enters Capricorn today at 12:01 AM EDT.

AUGUST 22

The Moon spends the day in Capricorn–a practical, goal-oriented influence. Our sense of responsibility is strong, and our desire to be efficient and useful increases. Our view of life, in general, is realistic under this influence, or at least we seek to see things in practical terms. Uncertainty in Venus-ruled areas of life (romance, social life, and finances) can be a theme today, however. A Venus-Neptune quincunx suggests some struggle between wanting to see things realistically and preferring to look the other way or nurture a fantasy. There can be some insecurity or doubts about others or our own feelings and perceptions under this influence.

AUGUST 23

The Sun enters the sign of Virgo early today and will transit Virgo until September 22nd. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It’s now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of daily living may not sound like loads of fun, but it can undoubtedly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal cycle in which to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job. The desire to reawaken an old project can be compelling this morning. We might encounter some problems related to an overloaded schedule today, however, or involving divided attention to work and personal or family matters. We might also have troubles getting the support we want or need and have difficulty asking for it.

The Moon is void from 10:19 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 12:55 PM EDT.

AUGUST 24

Under the influence of an Aquarius Moon all day, we are attracted to the unusual, extraordinary, and unconventional. Independence, equality, and freedom are vital to feeling emotionally satisfied with this position of the Moon. Sticking to a schedule is not exceptionally easy under this influence, but socializing and sharing ideas with others is. Even so, there can be some misunderstandings and sensitivity today with the Moon opposite Mercury and a Sun-Chiron quincunx. The Sun’s quincunx to Chiron can stimulate some self-doubt or guilt about not dealing with problems head-on. Self-expression may be choppy and unnatural as a result. Dealing with doubt and guilt today can help clear the path for opportunities tomorrow as the Sun moves into a trine to Uranus and then Saturn.

AUGUST 25

The Sun forms a trine to Uranus and then Saturn today, and while Uranus and Saturn don’t officially meet in a trine, they come close, bringing forth a sense that we can make good progress without compromising on security and stability. Original ideas may take form, or they might be developed quite successfully now. There is an opportunity to combine stability and improvement or excitement with excellent results. The same can be said of innovation and tradition. Even though some of the things we’re pursuing now may be reevaluated later, this is a good time for groundedness, common sense, and satisfaction with our responsibilities, particularly as we look forward to new developments in the future. These influences can help center us with a couple of days of somewhat destabilizing energy ahead of us with tomorrow’s Full Moon and Venus-Pluto square and the following day’s Mars direct station. Keep in mind that the Moon is void in Aquarius most of the day (from 12:39 AM EDT forward), reinforcing the idea that brand new beginnings are best not attempted today.

The Moon is void from 12:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Sunday, August 26th, at 1:32 AM EDT.

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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 Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

 

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 2018 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits