This Week in Astrology: August 20 to 26, 2017

August 20 to 26, 2017

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

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

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

Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Leo are likely to occur over the course of the next 3-6 months. However, not everyone will feel the effect of the eclipse with the same intensity. Those whose personal planets are activated by the degree of the eclipse will feel its effects on a highly personal level.

Solar Eclipses (annular and partial) occurred around the same degree as this one on August 20, 1952, August 20, 1971, August 22, 1979, and August 22, 1998.

New Moon in Leo chart on August 21, 2017

New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Leo chart August 21, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 28 degrees and 53 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 0 to 5 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Aug 21, 2017, 2:30 PM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Aug 29, 2017, 4:13 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Sep 6, 2017, 3:03 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Sep 13, 2017, 2:25 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 20, 2017, 1:30 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Leo until the 22nd, after which the Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Cancer until the 26th when it enters Leo; 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.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 22-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 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.

Venus is in Leo from August 26-September 19. Love is magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warm-hearted, 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.

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: Something to watch for on Sunday, the 20th: while there are other excellent aspects on this day, a Mercury-Venus semi-square can point to hurt feelings as we may be intellectualizing something someone takes to heart. This aspect happens frequently enough but as it occurs so close to (and just behind) a Solar Eclipse, a small issue can become larger than life. A Solar Eclipse occurs on Monday in the sign of Leo — a sign that rules, amongst many other things, romantic relationships. This suggests the possibility of a new beginning in love, whether this is a new relationship or new lease on one, in the months ahead. On Wednesday and Thursday, Venus forms a harmonious aspect to Chiron and a challenging aspect to Uranus — this kind of exchange (and the reverse) has been occurring for years now since Uranus and Chiron have been in a semi-sextile relationship for some time. This time, it’s complicated by a minor challenging aspect between Venus and Neptune. While we can find opportunities to grow in love during this time, it doesn’t come easily as it comes out of conflict. It can be challenging to get close to someone now.

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 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.

Venus trine Chiron August 23-24. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune August 23-24. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deception may come to light now.

Venus square Uranus August 24. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron September 4-5. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus quincunx Neptune September 4-5. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus quincunx Pluto September 9. This is a time of adjustments and reassessments 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 trine Saturn September 12. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism and maturity in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor, and have much potential to last.

The Moon & Timing

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

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

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 21st, from 2:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 4:25 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, August 23rd, from 4:03 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:05 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, August 26th, from 1:40 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:53 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – August 2017

Void of Course Moon Tables for August 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 21st — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 21st — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no clear windows of opportunity this week. Big decisions and launches should probably be avoided with an eclipse and retrograde Mercury this week.

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 in Astrology Calendar: August 20 to 26, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

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.

Mars sextile Jupiter. Decisive action comes naturally now. We possess willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving our goals. Success in contracts, negotiations, and business deals comes easily. We want to branch out and take on more challenges. A good time for making new goals or to initiate new projects (all things equal). Optimism and enthusiasm; adventurous spirit. Positive attitudes create winning situations now. A spirit of friendly competition prevails, as well as the desire to take beneficial action.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

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.

Mars trine Saturn. Work takes on definite shape, and we can see results from our efforts. This gives us a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. This is a good time to temper our energy and to exercise better judgment. A good time to get and feel organized. Seniority is favored now. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards.

Venus trine Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and are less inclined to see fault, or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

Mercury semi-square Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today. Monotonous mental tasks are harder to take under this influence. Our minds are restless.

Venus square Uranus. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. Hold off on decision-making with regards to finances.

Sun sesquiquadrate Pluto. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

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

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

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

AUGUST 20

We’re energized by a Mars-Jupiter sextile, encouraging enterprise and confidence for taking action on our convictions, as well as an approaching Sun-Uranus trine, encouraging us to embrace change and progress. While these are energizing and motivating influences and we should take advantage of them to inspire confidence in our plans, the Moon is Balsamic as the New Moon occurs tomorrow and is a total Solar Eclipse, and we should make some effort to wind down. New directions are in the works, and today’s new beginnings may not pick up wind. A Mercury-Venus semi-square can point to some difficulties focusing and getting the right message across. We can be hypersensitive, and we may lack mental discipline now. However, we’re enthusiastic and open.

AUGUST 21

The Solar Eclipse in late Leo occurs this afternoon, pointing to new beginnings and challenges that set us along a new path regarding the themes of confidence, creativity, romance and dating, games, sports, recreation, speculation, hobbies, or children. With this potent Leo energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives over the coming weeks and months. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters. We are encouraged to let go of the past in a significant way so that we can move forward. The Moon enters Virgo at 4:25 PM EDT, stimulating our desire to take care of business, and with Mars and Saturn moving towards a trine, we have a constructive attitude on our side. Eclipses can stimulate impulsiveness, and this aspect helps moderate this tendency.

The Moon is void from 2:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 4:25 PM EDT.

AUGUST 22

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, encouraging us to focus on making things work. Helping us with this goal is a trine between Mars and Saturn that stimulates productivity, attention to traditional or tried and true methods, pacing ourselves, and moderation. We feel more directed and purposeful, which is particularly useful and grounding after an eclipse. We’re inclined to pay attention to details and to be thorough in our efforts under this influence. The Sun enters Virgo this afternoon, where it will transit for one month, 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 helps free us from the unnecessary stress resulting from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal month to get organized, do detail work, and improve communications on the job.

AUGUST 23

The Moon continues its transit of practical, detail-oriented Virgo until 9:05 PM EDT, helped along by a Pluto-Vesta trine that encourages commitment to our work or self-improvement goals. We can be happy to tackle our to-do list now. The Moon moves into Libra when it leaves Virgo tonight, and we’re looking to build more harmony and balance in our lives, particularly in our relationships. We’re moving towards a trine between Venus and Chiron, exact early tomorrow, which provides us with beautiful opportunities to open ourselves up to learning and growing through our relationships. We are inclined to see less fault in others, we’re open to new ways of interacting, and we see more potential in one another than usual.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:03 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:05 PM EDT.

AUGUST 24

The Moon spends the day in Libra, and we’re particularly focused on restoring or maintaining balance in our lives. Relationships are in stronger focus now. However, with Venus, Libra’s ruler, in hard aspect to Uranus today, it can be difficult to get close to one another. Venus in Cancer seeks comfort and familiarity in its interactions and pleasures, while Uranus challenges this with its drive for freedom and independence. Circumstances now can seem to pit freedom versus intimacy or closeness. We may be acting on whims, or we might experience sudden, unusual attractions, likely because of our fears that we’ll lose our independence.

AUGUST 25

The Moon spends another day in gracious Libra, aligning with Jupiter this morning and getting between Mars and Saturn, forming harmonious sextiles to both. While the Moon also forms challenging aspects to Pluto (early morning) and Uranus (tonight), we get the chance to come to a moderate, realistic, and balanced frame of mind today. Saturn turns direct today after a retrograde cycle that started April 6th and is a strong reminder to take care of our responsibilities and to bring our goals down to earth. With Saturn’s direct turn, there can be a magnification of our responsibilities and limitations. Gradually, our long-term goals and plans become clearer. We accept our responsibilities more automatically now and in the coming weeks. With Uranus retrograde, Saturn direct, and Jupiter moving towards a sextile to Saturn (exact on the 27th), this is a less rebellious and more responsible time, generally speaking. At least when it comes to appearances, we are more likely to follow the rules!

AUGUST 26

Venus enters Leo very early in the day and will stay in the Fixed Fire sign until September 19th. During this transit, we take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. It’s a warm-hearted, teasing, expressive, and proud placement for Venus. We feed on attention, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration during this transit. We can have a high ego investment in our money, love life, children, or pastimes. We should watch for extravagance and for overstating our feelings simply for effect. The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 4:53 AM EDT when it enters Scorpio. The Moon in Scorpio is incisive, attached, and perceptive. The inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun occurs today, giving us a unique window into the past as it might impact our future. This is a good time for processing recent events and ideas, and for beginning to look at problems or issues from a new perspective and with a new understanding. Significant new ideas can be birthed at this time, and these are likely to have real staying power or importance in our lives. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or for worse. However, we may not have all the facts necessary to come to a conclusion, and might later have to revise plans or decisions made now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 1:40 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 4:53 AM 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 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.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

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

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

Sun in Virgo You’re coming into a new cycle centered on taking what you know and what you’ve got and then making the most of it in the real world. Assimilating information and experience, learning lessons and putting them into practice – that’s the focus as this cycle unfolds. It’s a time for prudence and stewardship, a time to tend to the details. You probably already have the grand ideals and visions: now you must get your hands dirty with the bricks and mortar and your mind busy with putting it all together.

Mercury in Virgo Mental discipline and patience are keynoted as you enter into a new cycle. Thinking things through, accounting for all the details, making careful measurements: these and similar experiences keep your mind active and involved. An interest in health and work may come to the fore.

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.

Mars in Leo The thrill of the chase, the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd: that’s what gets your juices flowing now that you’ve entered a new cycle. To be appreciated, to be admired (adored, even) – that’s what you crave. It’s a time of creativity, drama, and passion; a time when grabbing the spotlight and stealing the scene gives you a thrill. Is winning everything? No – but it’s way ahead of whatever comes in second!

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

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

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

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

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