This Week in Astrology: December 10 to 16, 2017

This Week in Astrology: December 10 to 16, 2017

 

December 10 to 16, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, December 10th, 2017, at 2:51 AM EST. 

Early Sunday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Moon in Virgo.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 18 degrees and 26 minutes of Virgo square the Sun at 18 degrees and 26 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 15 to 21 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).

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The FULL MOON occurred on Sunday, December 3rd, 2017, at 10:47 AM EST. 

On Sunday morning, the Moon is full–the Gemini Moon exactly opposed the Sagittarius Sun.

The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is a mental axis, where Gemini represents the “lower mind” and Sagittarius represents the “higher mind”. A Gemini Moon encourages us to think logically, while Sagittarius persuades us to think in a far broader manner. Sagittarius symbolizes the quest for meaning and ideas that expand upon the here and now. Gemini is quite comfortable in their immediate environment or neighborhood, while Sagittarius stimulates us to venture beyond. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. This Full Moon is about communication, attitude, and our sense of adventure. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

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. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet.

This Full Moon is especially complicated. The Full Moon in Gemini is curious and hungry for ideas and information. It can bring sudden awareness to our lives and a rather urgent “need to know,” to get an important message across, to finish a communications project, or to make an announcement. Travel and communications are in sharp focus. However, Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is stationary retrograde and moving back towards another alignment with Saturn. Adding to the confusion is Neptune, which is very tightly (partile) square the Sun and Moon. We may return to a past problem or discussion with a critical eye, but it’s important to keep in mind that we don’t have the full story. Many signs point to misinformation now.

This phase of the Moon occurred at 11 degrees and 40 minutes of Gemini opposing the Sun at 11 degrees and 40 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 8 to 16 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 Sagittarius; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Sagittarius; Mars is in Scorpio.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 21-December 21. With the Sun in Sagittarius, our focus shifts from the need for an intimate connection with a person and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. While the Sun moves through this fiery, mutable sign, we can take steps to increase our understanding and awareness of the world around us. We are more able to muster up the courage to expand our horizons and branch out into new ways of thinking. We can gain more confidence and optimism by focusing on the “big picture” as we move away from our focus on the details of mundane existence. Although we may be prone to overdoing our expectations, we have the opportunity to nurture our faith, hope, and vision under this influence.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from November 5-January 11. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

Venus is in Sagittarius from December 1-25. Moving from Scorpio to Sagittarius, romantic energy shifts from intense to buoyant. Sagittarius, of course, has its intense moments, considering it is a fire sign. However, its energy is considerably less focused; and, while Scorpio is most concerned with intimacy with a specific person, Sagittarius’ love is of a more universal kind. Romantic adventures, as well as a straightforward–even blunt–approach to love, are on the agenda. Gone are the intricacy and complexity of Venus in Scorpio. Truth and higher meaning are things that take priority with Sagittarius.

Mars is in Scorpio from December 9-January 26. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.

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Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 19/20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

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 and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit 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 Sagittarius from December 1-25. Moving from Scorpio to Sagittarius, romantic energy changes from intense to buoyant. Sagittarius, of course, has its intense moments, considering it is a fire sign. However, its energy is considerably less focused; and, while Scorpio is most concerned with intimacy with a specific person, Sagittarius’ love is of a more universal kind. Romantic adventures, as well as a straightforward–even blunt–approach to love, are on the agenda. Gone are the intricacy and complexity of Venus in Scorpio. Truth and higher meaning are focal points for Sagittarius. Venus in Sagittarius is forward-looking, not very specific, outgoing, and energetic. Freedom is most important in our love relationships now. We take a happy and enthusiastic approach to love, and we might find too much intensity or seriousness depressing. We have a taste for the exotic as well as for adventure with Venus in Sagittarius. The shadow side of this position is restlessness, the inability to “settle down”, and endlessly searching for something bigger and “better.”

This week: Wednesday and Thursday are good for attention to the practical elements of our relationships. It’s also a time when we are thinking about the future or the long view. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate, useful connections might be made now. Thursday and Friday can involve quite a bit of ruminating or conversing about past relationships. This can be a time of new reveals about old issues. Watch for impulsiveness and impatience on Saturday.

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

Venus in Sagittarius A yearning for adventure and far horizons stirs in you now. To roam, to wander and wonder, to seek freedom and go where no one has gone before – these things are deep and powerful longings. A time of romantic crusades, a universal love that might not be too particular.

Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus December 8. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus parallel Pluto December 9-10. The desire for drama and intensity in relationships is with us. Love feelings and relationship issues can be all-consuming now, assuming more importance in our lives than usual. Interactions with others are intense now, and themes of sharing and trust dominate in relationships.

Venus square Neptune December 9-10. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus parallel Saturn December 13-14. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.

Venus trine North Node December 13-14. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Venus conjunct Mercury Rx December 14-15. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. With Mercury retrograde, there can be a focus on analyzing feelings or relationships now, particularly past ones. We are inclined to chat, socialize, and flatter when Mercury and Venus meet, and with Mercury retrograde, we may be looking back and clarifying feelings or connections, learning new things about old relationships.

Venus semi-square Mars December 16-17. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, December 10th, from 10:03 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Monday, December 11th, at 12:02 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, December 13th, from 7:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 8:59 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, December 14th, from 8:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Friday, December 15th, at 8:08 PM EST.

December 2017:

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

The Moon is waning this week — 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 Tuesday, December 12th, from approximately 11:50 PM, until Wednesday, December 13th, at approximately 7:25 AM EST, while the Moon is in Libra. Another window occurs from Thursday, December 14th, from approximately 7:40 AM to 8:40 PM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Oct 22, 2017
2:29 PM Mars enters Libra
Oct 23, 2017    1:27 AM Sun enters Scorpio
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  5, 2017     2:19 PM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov  7, 2017     6:38 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Nov 15, 2017    10:01 PM Pallas Retrograde enters Aries
Nov 15, 2017    11:13 PM Vesta enters Scorpio
Nov 21, 2017    10:05 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 22, 2017     9:21 AM  Neptune Direct
Dec  1, 2017     4:14 AM  Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec  3, 2017     2:34 AM Mercury Retrograde
Dec  9, 2017     3:59 AM Mars enters Scorpio
Dec 16, 2017     2:18 PM Juno enters Aquarius
Dec 19, 2017    11:49 PM Saturn enters Capricorn
Dec 21, 2017    11:28 AM  Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 22, 2017     8:51 PM  Mercury Direct
Dec 25, 2017    12:26 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Jan  2, 2018     9:11 AM Uranus Direct
Jan 11, 2018    12:09 AM  Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 14, 2018    11:42 PM  Vesta enters Sagittarius
Jan 17, 2018     8:43 PM   Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 19, 2018     9:29 PM   Pallas enters Taurus
Jan 19, 2018    10:09 PM  Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 26, 2018     7:56 AM   Mars enters Sagittarius
Jan 31, 2018     8:39 AM   Mercury enters Aquarius

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview and the Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury trine Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by.

Venus square Neptune. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit – a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment. The same goes for finances – what appears to be a great buy is likely to turn out to be a financial drain or money pit. Lines can blur when it comes to pursuit of pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to believe.

Mercury square Chiron. Communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now.

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!

Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Sun square 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. We might experience a lack of faith in our own decisions. We could too easily follow others’ leads due to self-doubt, or simply to please them and out of fear of asserting our own desires.

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.

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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. and The Astrology of 2018 – Overview (in progress).

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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.

DECEMBER 10

The Last Quarter Moon is exact early today when the Sun in Sagittarius forms a square with the Moon in Virgo. This phase of the Moon suggests a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. This prepares us for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. Mercury forms a trine to Uranus and a square to Chiron today, and we’re ready to think in fresh, original ways. Creative ideas are easy to come by, although we may second-guess them. This can be a time for returning to a recent plan or problem for further thought or insight. There can be some lack of confidence and possible misunderstandings as a result, however. We should try to avoid shooting ourselves in the foot with communications that might provoke or undermine/misrepresent us. The Moon is in practical Virgo all day, but as productive as we’d like to be under this influence, its square to both Mercury and Saturn can point to distractions, some of which are coming from within. We can struggle with putting our hearts into our work or efforts today. As well, a Venus-Neptune square occurs this morning, casting a veil over our needs, wants, and perceptions. Wishful thinking can impair our judgment of value, and we may be lacking discrimination especially when it comes to people, our relationships, and material things. Lines can blur when it comes to the pursuit of pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to believe.

The Moon is void from 10:03 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Monday, December 11th, at 12:02 AM EST.

DECEMBER 11

The Moon enters Libra two minutes into the day. Balancing our desires with those of another may come into focus. We seek to solve problems diplomatically and tactfully now. Moderating, negotiating, and compromise are themes today. This is a good time for motivation and dedication levels regarding work or projects, research, and personal interests. There can be opportunities to pursue absorbing topics and projects of interest. More joy and meaning can be found in our work, duties, and responsibilities, and we are exceptionally resourceful today. Conversations are meaningful as we come up with new insights on old problems or uncertainties.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Libra today at 12:02 AM EST.

DECEMBER 12

Mercury in retrograde motion aligns with the Sun today, bringing illumination to our thoughts. This is a critical time for new ideas, although they’re very new and raw at this “birthing” stage. There is an awakening happening now as we release old patterns of thought and communication and begin anew. Technically, Mercury passes between the Earth and the Sun at its inferior conjunction, and this marks the halfway point in Mercury’s retrograde cycle. It’s a good time for processing recent events and ideas, as well as for beginning to look at problems or issues from a new perspective and with a new understanding. Significant new ideas may be born 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. The Moon spends the day in Libra, and we’re doing a balancing act. We draw upon our negotiation skills now.

DECEMBER 13

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 8:59 AM EST, after which it moves through Scorpio. The Moon in Scorpio encourages us to reach into our depths and get a little closer to understanding and exploring our needs and desires. The Moon aligns with Mars this afternoon, awakening emotional desire and stimulating some level of urgency. Even so, we tend to express ourselves reservedly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. We are especially interested in harmonizing, and we’re more agreeable and cooperative than usual as a result.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 8:59 AM EST.

DECEMBER 14

The Moon is in Scorpio all day, aligning with Jupiter midday, and stimulating a tendency to indulge and possibly go over the top. This transit also has the effect of magnifying our feelings and attachments. Mercury forms a semi-square with Mars, and we can be quick to come up with ideas or retorts. We can be a little nervous and snappy under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions if we allow ourselves to succumb to the pressure to get things done quickly. We may too easily interrupt others rather than listen, and conflicts of interest are likely. With Mercury approaching a conjunction to Venus, exact tomorrow morning, we’re inclined to analyze and sort out the tension or disputes we experience now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Friday, December 15th, at 8:08 PM EST.

DECEMBER 15

The morning is all about compromising, slipping into someone else’s shoes, negotiating, and harmonizing. Retrograde Mercury conjuncts Venus in Sagittarius now, and the tendency to think and talk about our feelings, beliefs, and relationship is strong. We may be intellectualizing feelings and affections. This is a cooperative influence that stimulates our desire for harmony and balance, and as a result, we may not dig too deeply. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, preferring to chat with others and to think about pleasant things. It’s a sociable time, but it’s also a time for looking back at old issues in a new, although possibly glossed-over, way. Whether or not glossing over is helpful may be the question — some things belong in the past. We can feel as if we are starting fresh, and certainly, our ideas feel new and exciting, even if we are doing some recycling of old perspectives. Later today, the Sun and Chiron form a square, and a dip in confidence or faith in our resolutions or principles can lead to following others’ leads, which can later be regrettable. The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio until 8:08 PM EST when it moves into the sign of Sagittarius.

The void period ends when the Moon enters Sagittarius today at 8:08 PM EST.

DECEMBER 16

The Sun forms a trine with Uranus and Pallas, and an original, unique approach to life works to our benefit now. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation. 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. Taking advantage of unusual or unconventional opportunities may reap the rewards. As the day progresses, we move into a semi-square between Venus and Mars, and we can feel quite competitive. This can be tense and destructive or stimulating and invigorating, depending on how we approach it! The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, encouraging us to think big and reach out beyond our usual routines.

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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 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.

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.

 

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 2017 – Overview

The Astrology of 2018 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits