This Week in Astrology: August 27 to September 2, 2017

This Week in Astrology: August 27 to September 2, 2017

 

August 27 to September 2, 2017

 

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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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, August 29, 2017, at 4:13 AM EDT.

On Monday morning, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Virgo forms a square with the Moon in Sagittarius.

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/eclipse is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 6 degrees and 11 minutes of Sagittarius forming a square with the Sun at 6 degrees and 11 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 8 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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The NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE occurred on Monday, August 21, 2017, at 2:31 PM EDT.

On Monday afternoon, the New Moon occurred 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.

Read more about current and recent Eclipses here.

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This phase of the Moon occurred 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.

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Virgo; Mercury is in Virgo until the 31st, when it re-enters Leo in retrograde motion; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Leo.

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.

Mercury is in Leo from August 31-September 9. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the grander a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.

Venus is in Leo from 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.

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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, after which Jupiter will be in Scorpio. 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 Leo from August 26-September 19. Romance becomes an end in itself during this cycle. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth characterizes this cycle. 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.

This week: Venus doesn’t form any major aspects to the Sun or major planets this week.

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

Venus in Leo August 26-September 19. Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus 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 Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, August 28th, from 5:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:48 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 31st, from 12:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:19 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, September 2nd, from 12:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 4:08 PM EDT.

 

Void of Course Moon – August 2017

Void of Course Moon – September 2017

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 Wednesday, August 3oth, at approximately 10:45 AM EDT, to Thursday, August 31st, at approximately 12:40 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius.

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’s Aspects

Jupiter sextile Saturn. This is a period of constructive accomplishment. We are practical, realistic, and our judgment is especially sound–and we derive much satisfaction from practical accomplishment. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is to identify and find pleasure in the simple things that make us happy.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

Sun semi-square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

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

Mars quincunx Chiron. We might doubt the effectiveness of our efforts to go after what we want under this influence, which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, defensiveness, or frustration.

Mars trine Uranus. Bursts of energy and creativity. We are willing to take risks, possess personal courage, and can readily effect positive changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. Our ideas may be groundbreaking, and at the very least progressive. A strong desire to make things happen is with us now.

 

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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 2017 – 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 27

An aspect that has been close to forming much of the year comes exact today: Jupiter sextile Saturn, which is one of the better aspects for constructive accomplishment. Under this influence, there are opportunities to put our plans into motion. We’re balanced in our approach to new endeavors, seeing both the potential benefits and pitfalls, and this improves our judgment. We are exceptionally practical and realistic yet also optimistic. We may team or pair up with somebody to get something important done. This can also be a favorable time for making amends and for laying down reasonable rules in our relationships. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is to identify and find pleasure in the simple things that make us happy. This comes towards the end of Jupiter’s transit of Libra, helping to crystallize and lock down lessons learned and endeavors begun during the Jupiter in Libra transit. The Moon transits Scorpio all day, and we’re passionate, proud, and unafraid of a challenge.

AUGUST 28

The Moon continues its transit of perceptive, passionate Scorpio until 3:48 PM EDT. Mercury forms a hard angle to Pluto, Scorpio’s ruling planet, and we can be particularly curious about — or suspicious of — hidden agendas. It can be a good time to get to the bottom of a matter, but we may take this a little too far and miss the point. Watch for stressing out over small problems or spending far too much time on matters of little consequence now. The Moon moves into Sagittarius at 3:48 PM, and we’re seeking meaning, but now it’s about the bigger issues. We might wrestle with our tendency to overthink things this evening, after which we find it much easier to enjoy ourselves.

The Moon is void from 5:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:48 PM EDT.

AUGUST 29

The First Quarter Moon occurs this morning when the Sun in Virgo forms a square with the Moon in Sagittarius. 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/eclipse is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. The desire to take care of business and pay attention to details is at odds with a need to expand, explore, and experiment. The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, and the Sun forms a semi-square to Jupiter, Sagittarian ruler. We can feel some levels of discontent now, and we’re inclined to overcompensate by taking on more or by going to excess. There can be elevated but unstable moods as they may not be based on reality. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently.

AUGUST 30

The Moon is in Sagittarius all day, promoting a happy, spontaneous, and curious attitude. We have a desire to venture out and about and require less prompting than usual to get moving. Bored with the mundane, something that cuts through monotony or breaks the routine can serve as emotional refreshment. We’re inclined to take a philosophical attitude to problems or challenges in our lives. A change of scenery is in order today. Even so, with the Moon conjunct Saturn this morning, we may need to take care of some business or deal with a responsibility that comes to light. Unlike yesterday, we’re ready to bring something down to earth, and we’re less inclined to go over the top. We’re also in a good position to cooperate and mingle with others and enjoy ourselves in the process.

AUGUST 31

Retrograde Mercury retreats into the sign of Leo today and will remain in the sign until September 9th, after turning direct on September 5th. We may be especially distracted during the retrograde period. When Mercury is in Leo, we are more expressive, even theatrical, convincing, and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. During the retrograde in Leo, we can be learning (or relearning) what we love doing, looking back to analyze past romantic relationships or creative projects, and preparing, rehearsing, and redoing scenarios before expressing them. We may be reviewing or reassessing our attitudes or decisions related to romance, creative projects, entertainment, children, and leisure until the 5th. The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 4:19 AM EDT, after which it transits practical Capricorn. This is a more serious transit of the Moon, and a Venus-Saturn aspect active today furthers this theme. We’re taking our relationships, interactions, exchanges, and pleasures more seriously with this influence, and perhaps taking this too far to the point that we feel awkward or emotionally distant. We’re not feeling especially natural, and our social confidence can decrease now. We might be seeing the less flattering side of people or relationships. Small obstacles or hurdles require patience. We’re also moving towards a Mars-Chiron quincunx, exact early tomorrow. We might doubt the effectiveness of our efforts to go after what we want under this influence, which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior, defensiveness, or frustration.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 4:19 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 1

Today, the Moon is in Capricorn all day, aligning with Pluto and forming a sextile with Neptune. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced, although we should probably avoid trying to maneuver or micro-manage too closely. Our careers and objectives are in strong focus. While the Capricorn Moon today tends to stimulate our instincts to follow a practical path, a Mars-Uranus trine in Fire signs influencing the day (exact tomorrow morning) encourages us to branch out a little and explore our more adventurous side.

SEPTEMBER 2

The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn until 4:08 PM EDT, and while we’re inclined to stick closer to rules and traditions with this influence, a Mars-Uranus trine this morning wants us to get out of a rut and entertain new methods. This transit nudges us to move out of our normal bounds or comfort zones. We are in tune with our desire to make positive changes and improvements in our lives. We want to feel freer in thought and action, to move forward, and to live our lives on our own terms now. We are willing to take a few risks, or we feel more courageous than usual now. A strong desire to make things happen is with us, but we may not tolerate routine or monotony very well. The Moon enters Aquarius at tonight, at 4:08 PM EDT. Mars and retrograde Mercury are moving towards a conjunction, exact tomorrow morning, and this can stir up a lot of mental energy. This meeting occurs at the same degree of August’s Solar Eclipse, suggesting movement on themes begun then.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:31 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 4:08 PM 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 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.

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.

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 2017 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits