This Week in Astrology: August 26 to September 1, 2018

This Week in Astrology: August 26 to September 1, 2018

 

August 26 to September 1, 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 occurs on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at 7:56 AM EDT.

On Sunday, August 26th, a Full Moon occurs as 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 occurs 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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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Capricorn.

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: Insecurities about not being “in the know” or fears of having the rug pulled from under our feet in our relationships can be stimulated on Sunday with Venus square Pluto. It can be difficult to get close to one another under these conditions, but with self-honesty, it can be a good time to get in touch with our vulnerability.  Mars turns direct on the same day, signaling more straightforward approaches to come, but give it a few more days to start feeling natural.

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 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.

Venus sextile Mercury September 2-3. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course 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.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, August 28th, from 9:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 12:35 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 30th, from 7:04 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:30 PM EDT.

August 2018:

 

September 2018:

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

The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon occurs on the morning of August 26th  – a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Sunday, August 26th, at approximately 9:30 PM EDT, until Tuesday, August 28th, at approximately 9:50 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Note that Mars stations and turns direct during this period (on August 27th). Another window occurs from Saturday, September 1st, at approximately 4:10 PM EDT, until Sunday, September 2nd, at approximately 1:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus.

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

Venus square Pluto. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run 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. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. Emotions and issues in a close relationship that have been brewing beneath the surface for quite awhile come to the surface at this time, possibly in a very disruptive way. All of our relationships intensify and we need to be aware of a tendency to act in a rather compulsive, demanding way towards others. This is an “all or nothing” energy. Manipulative behavior, fear of betrayal, and power struggles are possible.

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.

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 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.

Mercury square Jupiter. Information overload is possible today. It is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. We may exaggerate, have a hard time putting our ideas to practical use, or overstate under this influence. This is an unfavorable transit for travel. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. We could have a hard time convincing others of our point of view, and we could too easily jump to conclusions. There could be a lot of talk about nothing. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can concentrate.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks you thought you finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism.

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.

Venus semi-square Sun. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and yearnings instead of overindulging or procastinating.

 

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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 26

The Moon ends its transit of Aquarius and its lengthy void period today at 1:33 AM EDT and then enters Pisces. A Full Moon occurs in the sign of Pisces this morning when the Sun in Virgo opposes the Moon at 7:56 AM EDT. We are challenged to find a balance, and this lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Illumination of a dream or a desire to find more meaning in our lives can figure strongly now. It’s essential to avoid looking for salvation through a relationship, person, project, or business, as we may be putting too-high expectations on these things when we should be looking within for happiness. Fortunately, this Moon harmonizes with Saturn and Uranus, and events or epiphanies happening now are likely to feel right – things seem to fall into place now. Pluto is strong today – Venus forms a square and the Sun heads towards a sesqui-square to Pluto. This complicates feelings although what emerges now may very well be important to address. There can be some paranoia and suspicion, primarily driven by fear of loss of power. These aspects can stimulate difficult dynamics, awareness of hidden agendas, and attempts to manipulate others and situations to get our way. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Mars coming to a direct station, exact tomorrow, can complicate matters further, as desires are confused as we adjust to the shift. A quincunx between Mercury and Neptune suggests problems combining logic and intuition as well as some difficulty feeling confident about our perceptions.

The Moon ends its void period today when it enters Pisces at 1:33 AM EDT.

AUGUST 27

Mars turns direct today after over two months of retrograde motion (Mars was retrograde since June 26th). This morning, the fiery planet is stationary as it begins direct motion. Mars energy hangs heavy in the air today and in the next couple of days as Mars changes direction. Slowly but surely over the coming weeks, we are likely to regain our enthusiasm, projects that have stalled move forward, and we begin to feel more confident and assertive. We may change our mind about recent decisions or projects as priorities become clearer or new information emerges. We can feel rushed to make a decision when it may be better to wait. Our ideas can be big, but we may jump to conclusions or speak on a matter too soon. There is a tendency to overstate, say too much, exaggerate, or latch onto wild ideas. The Moon spends the day in imaginative, sensitive, and artistic Pisces.

AUGUST 28

The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 12:35 PM EDT, at which time it begins its transit of Aries. Aries is a brave and direct sign, and with the Moon here, we can be emotionally impulsive. The Moon aligns with Chiron in Aries and then forms a square to Saturn, and it’s easy to trigger our vulnerabilities today. It’s a good time to confront sensitive areas where we may be in some level of denial. However, talking about things can lead to misunderstandings now with Mercury in minor challenging aspect to Saturn. Watch for hypersensitivity, negative thinking, and criticism. It’s a good influence, though, for doing editing work and for identifying flaws and fixing problems.

The Moon is void from 9:54 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 12:35 PM EDT.

AUGUST 29

The Moon spends the day in bold Aries, and now that Aries’ ruler, Mars, is no longer retrograde, Aries energy is a little happier and natural — more direct, spontaneous, and uninhibited. We’re looking for a new challenge or fresh start now. A Mercury-Pluto quincunx points to a recurring problem or predicament emerging, however. It can be difficult coming to a conclusion without feeling like we’re missing out elsewhere under this influence! We can have a hard time getting our message across or coming to a decision/conclusion that feels right, or we trigger negative responses from others. Alternatively, we may find it difficult digesting or accepting certain news or information.

AUGUST 30

The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 9:30 PM EDT. Its opposition to Venus and square to Mars can draw out the more impulsive side of this influence, but competitive feelings experienced now can also be stimulating and invigorating. With the Moon’s transit of Taurus from 9:30 PM forward, earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal more than usual, and we find a sense of peace and contentment with that which is familiar and reliable. Life may seem to move a little more slowly now, mostly in a pleasant way. However, a Venus-Uranus contra-parallel can serve to raise some questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation in our relationships and even our pastimes, purchases, and pleasures, stimulating some disdain for routine.

The Moon is void from 7:04 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:30 PM EDT.

AUGUST 31

The Moon continues its transit of Taurus all day. The Taurus Moon is deliberate, sensual, and constant, and its harmony with the Sun today promotes cooperation. However, with a Sun-Venus semi-square today, we can be especially sensitive to imbalances in our environment and relationships. The inclination can be to overindulge as a result of this internal discontent. What we want to do and think we should do can be at odds now. We might look for a creative solution for our dissatisfaction now, and aim to worry less about what others may be thinking of us.

SEPTEMBER 1

The Moon spends another day in the sign of Taurus. We’re seeking a little more comfort and predictability in our lives now, although the Moon’s opposition to Jupiter this morning can stir restlessness or tension. We should look out for the tendency to take on too much at once. Otherwise, this is a steady position of the Moon that encourages us to enjoy ourselves and what we have going for us. There can be a slowing down with this transit as well as the stabilizing of our feelings. Earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal now more than usual, and we find a sense of peace and contentment with that which is familiar and reliable.

 

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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 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.

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.

 

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