This Week in Astrology: August 2 to 8, 2020

This Week in Astrology: August 2 to 8, 2020

 

August 2 to 8, 2020

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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 occurs on Monday, August 3rd, 2020, at 11:59 AM EDT.

Midday Monday, the Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms an opposition to 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.

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 independence and the team, community, and group spirit. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. In fact, a Full Moon illuminates feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that are already in existence.

This is a time of awakening to the need for others or to answer to humanitarian impulses. This lunation’s square to Uranus suggests that we should watch for prematurity and abrupt changes or rebellion. 

This phase of the Moon occurs at 11 degrees and 46 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 8 to 16 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Cancer until the 4th when Mercury enters Leo; Venus is in Gemini until the 7th, when Venus enters Cancer; Mars is in Aries.

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 Cancer from May 28-August 4. [This was longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde from June 18-July 12.] When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.

Mercury is in Leo from August 4-19. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the more grand 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 Gemini from April 3-August 7. [This was longer than usual due to the retrograde phase of Venus from May 13-June 25 (ended).] With Venus in Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. “Variety is the spice of life” is the attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

Venus is in Cancer from August 7-September 6. 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 are at our best when we feel safe and secure.

Mars is in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

Saturn has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits Taurus May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn 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 Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

Venus is in Cancer from August 7-September 6. We treat lovers with sympathy and tenderness, providing the emotional nurturing they need. We tend to “play it safe” when it comes to relationships. Love and devotion are most important to us, providing 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 devoted and seek familiarity, but we might be possessive, manipulative, or stifling. 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. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are at our best when we feel safe and secure.

This week: On Sunday, we can be a bit flighty with one another, unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily. Tuesday also requires adjustments. Responsibilities to one another can feel weighty, or outside responsibilities cause problems within our relationships. Wednesday, we’re finding the lesson in our connections. We might gravitate toward learning experiences or people/situations that help us grow, improve, and move on. We see cooperation as a positive. Friday and Saturday, we are more communicative and diplomatic. We’re inclined to talk about our feelings, connections, affections, and relationships.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus in Cancer 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 quincunx Pluto July 30. 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 semi-square Uranus August 2. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus quincunx Saturn August 4. 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 conjunct North Node August 4-5. This is a time for reaching out to others and making connections that further our growth. Cooperation brings rewards. There could be a feeling that we’re lucky in love or in our social life now.

Venus parallel Mercury August 7-8. A friendly time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus square Chiron August 16. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus semi-square Mercury August 16. 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 2nd, from 9:59 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 2:11 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, August 4th, from 5:45 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:28 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, August 7th, from 8:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:05 AM EDT (a brief VOC period).

August 2020:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on the 3rd, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning after the Full Moon on the 3rd, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on August 2nd, from approximately 5:55 AM EDT to 9:55 AM EDT (this one isn’t the most ideal window), while the Moon is in Capricorn. Another window runs from August 3rd, at approximately 1:00 PM EDT (better after 6 PM), until August 4th, at approximately 5:40 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

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:

Apr  3,
2020, 1:10 PM  Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020, 12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020, 10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020, 4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020, 3:53 PM   Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 29, 2020, 8:21 PM   Pallas enters Aquarius
May  5, 2020, 1:48 AM   True Node Rx enters Gemini
May 11, 2020, 5:58 PM  Mercury enters Gemini
May 13, 2020, 12:17 AM  Mars enters Pisces
May 20, 2020, 9:49 AM  Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2020, 2:09 PM  Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  2, 2020, 9:04 PM  Pallas Rx enters Capricorn
Jun  3, 2020, 2:52 PM  Vesta enters Cancer
Jun 20, 2020, 5:44 PM  Sun enters Cancer
Jun 27, 2020, 9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020, 7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020, 4:37 AM  Sun enters Leo
Aug  4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug  7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct  4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus enters Libra

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun square Uranus. We can’t expect much of anything when the Sun squares Uranus, except the unexpected! Disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Venus semi-square Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Avoid impulse buys at this time, and hold off on decision-making with regards to finances. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye with a loved one, and we could be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results.

Mercury opposition Saturn. Our thought patterns take on a negative skew, as we think in pessimistic terms and we communicate sparingly or reluctantly. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. We may need to deal with red tape, re-doing tasks we thought we had finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity, and criticism.

Mars square Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do is likely. We can be impatient if results of our efforts don’t materialize right away, and we can also be too focused on what we think should be and lose sight of what is possible. We are ready and willing to fight for our beliefs. We may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences is the inclination, but can be costly. This energy is also associated with lawsuits or struggles involving differences in personal philosophies and principles. A feeling of urgency may make us come on stronger than we intend. The inclination towards taking risks is strong, and patience is short.

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.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and NEW! The Astrology of 2021 – 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 2

The Sun forms a square and Venus a semi-square to Uranus today. Changes made now are out of character or abrupt. Relationships or finances can be/seem unpredictable. Disrupted routines and plans are likely, and while they can be unsettling at first, they can also stimulate the adoption of new approaches. Our strong desire for independence or to break the rules could impair our judgment. Even so, if we’re willing to learn from our mistakes, we might adopt a more careful approach to making necessary changes. Disruptions can pull up buried frustrations, which we should probably examine more closely. It can be a time to learn something new about ourselves. The Moon continues its transit of steady Capricorn until 2:11 PM EDT when it enters Aquarius.

The void Moon occurs from 9:59 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 2:11 PM EDT.

AUGUST 3

The Full Moon occurs midday today in the sign of Aquarius. It’s a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment. The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual–not content with only being one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the team, community, and group spirit. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict with the Leo Sun in opposition to the Aquarius Moon. When a Full Moon occurs, there can be proclamations and outpours that can be raw. This lunation illuminates feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that have been buried or overlooked. It’s a time of awakening to the need for others or to answer to humanitarian impulses. This lunation’s square to Uranus suggests that we should watch for prematurity and abrupt changes or rebellion. Mercury opposes Saturn this afternoon, however, and we can face mental, transportation, or communication blocks. We may meet with some criticism, delays, or challenges to our opinions, ideas, or intelligence. Circumstances are such that we may need to tone down our enthusiasm if our plans are lacking, and think in more practical, realistic terms. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aquarius.

AUGUST 4

Mars forms a square to Jupiter this morning, and we tend to overdo or jump into action too hastily. We’re easily riled up, enthusiastic, or excited under this influence. Be watchful of making too much of a matter that doesn’t deserve the attention. We can be excited about our prospects, but perhaps too hasty, counting our chickens before they hatch, putting money into a venture that needs further review, or overestimating what we (or the world) can do. We may be so focused on what we think should be and lose sight of what is possible. A feeling of urgency may lead to coming on stronger than we intend. However, if we use common sense, this is a good time to stretch our imaginations and to entertain new possibilities. A Venus-Saturn quincunx this evening suggests we might feel torn between two equally appealing desires, situations, or viewpoints. Or, the dilemma could be between pleasure and responsibility, and perhaps not able to fully appreciate or deal with either. Mercury enters the sign of Leo tonight, continuing its transit of the sign until August 19th. The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 10:28 PM, after which the Moon is in Pisces.

The void Moon occurs from 5:45 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:28 PM EDT.

AUGUST 5

Mercury is now transiting Leo until August 19th. With Mercury in Leo, our thinking is confident and grand, and clear goals motivate us. We are especially expressive, convincing, decisive, and persuasive. Today, we embrace our needs to disconnect from obligation so that we can more fully enjoy ourselves or engage with others. It can be an excellent time to connect with those who help move us closer to our objectives, particularly goals related to healthier communication and better understanding. We are more concerned with harmonizing than usual and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We might make fortunate connections. The Moon spends the day in Pisces, and this Moon transit is compassionate, sensitive, giving, and perceptive at its best and noncommittal or avoidant when challenged. It’s a good time to forgive and release, particularly with a creative aspect between the Sun and Neptune forming tomorrow morning.

AUGUST 6

The Pisces Moon, in alignment with Neptune, encourages our imagination. We’re inclined to adjust, help, and make sacrifices, and also to escape uncomfortable situations. We can have powerful dreams, ideas, fantasies, and insights, or tune into these things more readily. It can feel especially good to put our faith in someone or something now, especially with a Sun-Neptune biquintile occurring now. We’re inclined to see the spiritual dimensions or imaginative elements of our pursuits.

AUGUST 7

Venus has spent a longer than usual time in the sign of Gemini and now enters Cancer, where it will transit until September 6th. Venus in Cancer is nurturing, cautious, fertile, protective, and self-protective. We experience many emotional ups and downs with our affections under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure. During this cycle, we may have a greater interest in home life and home improvement, nesting, home business, domestic and family activities, comfort, security, and long-term purchases. The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 9:05 AM EDT when it enters Aries. The Moon in Aries is pioneering, bold, and direct, but a Mercury-Neptune transit today is non-confrontational. Mercury’s minor challenging aspect with Neptune can serve to diffuse our concentration or focus. We’re more likely to perceive situations in an impractical or overly optimistic way under this influence, making it less than ideal for clear thinking and handling details.

The void Moon occurs from 8:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Aries at 9:05 AM EDT (a brief VOC period).

AUGUST 8

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aries, supporting the Leo Sun and helping to boost confidence and enthusiasm. The Moon also forms a square to Jupiter, possibly prompting some missteps due to overblown expectations. We may need to adjust our path if we find our ideals and long-term goals are at odds with what we can realistically accomplish. The Moon in Aries is assertive, direct, and spontaneous. We’re independent and ready to start fresh.

 

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 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.

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.

 

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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits