This Week in Astrology: August 5 to 11, 2018
August 5 to 11, 2018
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
The NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE occurs on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 5:58 AM EDT.
On Saturday morning, the New Moon occurs as the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Leo. This New Moon is a 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 coming 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.
Read more about current and recent Eclipses here.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 18 degrees and 42 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 24 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture
Aug 11, 2018, 5:58 AM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon Solar Eclipse)
Aug 18, 2018, 3:48 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 26, 2018, 7:56 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon Lunar Eclipse)
Sep 2, 2018, 10:37 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 9, 2018, 2:01 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Virgo until the 6th, after which Venus is in Libra; Mars is in Aquarius.
The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 23. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and fruit of the season–blossoming and ripened–this is a time when we want to enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and vain.
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 Virgo from July 9-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.
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.
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 Virgo from July 9-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worried and anxious.
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: Monday and Tuesday are dynamic. We may make a connection with someone from our past or renew an interest with a partner. It’s a creative time. However, Wednesday and Thursday are potentially difficult. We’re fearing the worst and seeing the flaws.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
Venus in Virgo July 9-August 6. If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
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 semi-square the Sun July 30. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. It’s best to get in touch with our needs and avoid overindulging or procrastinating.
Venus semi-square Jupiter August 5-6. 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.
Venus trine Mars August 6-7. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.
Venus semi-square Mercury August 7-8. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.
Venus opposition Chiron August 8. 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. Our relationships may open up some inner wound.
Venus quincunx Uranus August 8-9. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships, or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.
Venus square Saturn August 9. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.
Venus sextile Mercury August 17-18. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.
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 Sunday, August 5th, from 7:46 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:32 PM EDT.
VOC Moon on Tuesday, August 7th, from 3:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Wednesday, August 8th, at 12:01 AM EDT.
VOC Moon on Thursday, August 9th, from 7:21 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Friday, August 10th, at 12:18 AM EDT.
VOC Moon on Saturday, August 11th, from 5:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo at 11:59 PM EDT.
August 2018:
Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on Saturday – a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). After the New Moon on the 11th, the Moon is waxing, which is considered favorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions!
According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Sunday, August 5th, from approximately 3:00 AM to 7:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Another window occurs on Tuesday, August 7th, from approximately 1:40 AM to 3:50 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Gemini. Note that both Mercury and Mars are retrograde during this period, however. As well, we’re in between eclipses, and new beginnings in a general sense are not advised.
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
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.
Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
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 Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.
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, hypersensitivity and criticism.
Sun square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.
Venus trine Mars. Romantic activity, sexual attraction, creative action and self-expression in business and the arts, active participation in social functions, and creative initiative are favored under this influence. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs successfully.
Sun quincunx Neptune. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals just now. Misconceptions abound. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to making clear or definite decisions, and for doing new things.
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 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.
Venus opposition Chiron. Disappointments in love relationships can occur now as we focus on the differences and weaknesses rather than the strong points. We are more aware, and possibly resentful of, imbalances in our relationships. We are less open to romantic feelings and more insecure about whether our affections will be returned.
Mars semi-square Neptune. Disorganization, lack of drive, lack of forethought, impracticality, and carelessness. Energy and time are too easily wasted. Passive-aggressiveness. It’s hard to know what we want and where we’re headed under this influence.
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!
Venus quincunx Uranus. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, and freedom vs. intimacy issues may be themes now. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships (or leisure activities), or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.
Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.
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.
Venus square Saturn. Gaining what we want is challenging under this influence, due to negative attitudes and the tendency to need more than what is possible. Difficulties socializing with others stem from an increased sensitivity to rejection as well as stiffness with the affections. Emotional distance in relationships. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes.
Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.
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.
Sun quincunx Pluto. Adjustments are necessary now in order for our lives to move forward. The need to make changes in our life that will further our psychological development arise now.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
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
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 5
The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 9:32 PM EDT, after which it transits Gemini. The Taurus Moon is patient and stable, content to stick with the tried and true, but with the Moon in Gemini, we’re seeking to diversify. Security drives us until tonight when curiosity becomes a prime motivator. With Neptune opposite Ceres today, we may face some waning motivation, however, if our emotional support systems haven’t met our expectations. Personal problems can interfere with our ability to nurture and care for others, or we could feel unappreciated for our efforts to care for others. We may need to make boundaries clear if we feel taken advantage of. We might consider adjusting our expectations and avoid putting too much pressure on others through our own neediness. On the other hand, we may conclude that something’s missing and take measures to make changes accordingly. As the day advances, we may want to watch for excesses, particularly with our relationships, purchases, and indulgences.
The Moon is void from 7:46 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Gemini at 9:32 PM EDT.
AUGUST 6
Venus forms a semi-square to Jupiter this morning, and the Sun squares Jupiter this evening, suggesting some restlessness or discontent with the status quo. These aspects can stimulate a feeling that we want more from life than the “same old, same old.” We should watch for trying to reach too far, overestimating our energy levels or the time we might invest in a commitment. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We may be glossing over potential problems and judgment can be off as a result. Even so, Mercury forms a dynamic aspect with Saturn today, pointing to some tendency to see the worst of a situation! Aspects generally don’t counterbalance one another — they tend to coexist and appear in different ways or situations, and we may find that we face some challenges getting our communications across clearly or we may be dealing with (or reacting to) criticism. Also today, Venus enters a sign that it rules — Libra — and will stay in the sign for just over a month, until September 9th. We use charm and diplomacy to attract what we want during this cycle. Venus performs particularly well in this sign. There is a stronger desire for companionship, and we’re very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We prefer things are done the “right” way and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior. The shadow traits of this position include dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we might gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. We are more artistically inclined during this cycle, seeking out harmony and balance in our personal environment. The Moon spends the day in communicative Gemini.
AUGUST 7
Today, Uranus begins its yearly retrograde cycle that lasts approximately five months (until January 6, 2019). During this cycle, our desire to make changes in our lives can be turned inward as we get in touch with what it is that may be holding us back from living more spontaneously and authentically. We may be less obviously rebellious, and more inclined to follow the rules or toe the line, especially after Saturn turns direct September 6th, which will serve to highlight a more conservative approach to pursuing our goals. Today as the shift occurs, however, Uranian energy is more challenging, and we can experience some tension until we acclimatize to the energy. The Moon is in Gemini all day, but is void most of the day, suggesting that what we begin now, we may have trouble finishing. Venus forms a trine with Mars, and our timing is good in our relationships, with business affairs, and in the arts. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs successfully with this aspect, although with Mars currently retrograde, we may not be quite as assertive or direct in our approach as we may be otherwise. This influence stimulates friendly competition which can be motivating.
The Moon is void from 3:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Wednesday, August 8th, at 12:01 AM EDT.
AUGUST 8
The Moon enters Cancer minutes into the day, and we can be mainly focused on our personal lives, loved ones, and the need for security. While a Cancer Moon craves some familiarity, today’s astrology is busy. Mercury, Venus, and Chiron challenge one another, the Sun aligns with Mercury, and both the Sun and Mars form minor challenging aspects to Neptune. A Mercury-Venus semi-square can point to some difficulties focusing and getting the right message across. We can be hypersensitive, especially with Chiron involved, and we may lack mental discipline now. This morning, we may have a hard time focusing long enough to sink our teeth into a task. There can be some difficulties with expressing ourselves or enforcing our will directly, and touchiness is possible. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence in doing new things and making definite or clear decisions. We might feel that others seem to be draining our energy, especially if it’s unclear what they want from us. We can be feeling slightly off or out of sorts if we’ve neglected our spiritual needs, and it makes sense to slow down and adjust. Venus opposes Chiron this afternoon, and we are more aware and possibly resentful of imbalances in our relationships. What emerges now, while messy, can be telling, helping us turn a corner. Another turning point potential happens with the inferior conjunction tonight. The Sun aligns with retrograde Mercury, 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 should keep in mind that we may not have all the facts necessary to form a conclusion, and might later have to revise plans or decisions made now. We can be moody today, but what emerges from this bit of emotional chaos can be revealing.
The Moon ends its void period at 12:01 AM EDT when it enters Cancer.
AUGUST 9
The Moon spends another day in the sensitive, caring sign of Cancer. Getting close to one another can be a little tricky today, however, as Venus forms a quincunx to Uranus and a square to Saturn. We may feel a bit discouraged on a social level if we don’t receive the feedback we crave. Gaining what we want is challenging now, possibly due to negative expectations or a tendency to need more than what is currently, and realistically, possible. Difficulties socializing are possible if we are a little more sensitive to rejection than usual. There may be a lesson or reality check when it comes to matters of the heart, pleasures, or finances. We’re cautious and unlikely to be free or generous with money or our hearts now. As well, Mercury forms a quincunx to Neptune, casting an additional layer of uncertainty over the day. It can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition cohesively. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.
The Moon is void from 7:21 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Friday, August 10th, at 12:18 AM EDT.
AUGUST 10
The Moon enters Leo shortly into the day and is Balsamic today with a New Moon Solar Eclipse occurring tomorrow morning. It’s better to wind down or tie up loose ends than to begin brand new ventures. New directions are in the works, but today’s new beginnings may not pick up wind. A Sun-Saturn challenge can turn our attention to the practical side of things, but a Mercury-Jupiter square is forming, and our ideas are big, but we may jump to conclusions or speak on a matter too soon. We could be missing critical details in pursuits that require mental discipline. There is a tendency to overstate, say too much, exaggerate, or latch onto wild ideas under this influence. However, it’s a good time to stretch our minds to entertain possibilities that may not occur to us on another day.
The Moon continues its void period until 12:18 AM when it enters Leo.
AUGUST 11
The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs this morning in the sign of Leo. This partial eclipse points 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. Early today, a Mercury-Jupiter square reaches perfection, and there can be false leads or exaggeration occurring now, as well as tied into the energies of the eclipse/new beginning. A quincunx between the Sun and Pluto tonight suggests adjustments are necessary for our lives to move forward and for us to grow and improve. Until we discover how to make these changes, we can feel a little disgruntled or tense.
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 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.
When the Moon is in Gemini
Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.
The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.
When the Moon is in Cancer
The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.
The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.
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.
Upcoming Weeks: Calendars
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.
Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style. Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in your life.
Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
Venus in Libra 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 in Aquarius The reformer, the inventor, the engineer, the revolutionary – these are important archetypes for you as a new cycle gets underway in your life. They are icons of the ambitions that stir you at a time like this. Independence, freedom from past patterns, and a daring readiness to innovate: such are the paths of achievement for you now.
Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues.
Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.
Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.
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.
Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.
BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT
See also:
The Astrology of 2018 – Overview