This Week in Astrology: December 2 to 8, 2018

This Week in Astrology: December 2 to 8, 2018

 

December 2 to 8, 2018

 

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The NEW MOON occurs on Friday, December 7th, 2018, at 2:20 AM EST. 

Early Friday, the New Moon is exact, when the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Sagittarius.

The New Moon occurs in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius and represents a new beginning. It’s a time when we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Archer – optimistic, enthusiastic, adventurous, honest, outspoken, independent – and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Now, we can focus on goals that will increase our understanding and awareness, give us the courage to expand our horizons, and gain confidence and optimism from a broader perspective. We can too easily get lost in the details of mundane existence. With this potent Sagittarius energy, we can find ways to transcend these details of day-to-day life and nurture our faith, hope, and vision.

Because Sagittarius thinks in big terms, we may have a tendency to overdo our expectations – something to watch for. With the New Moon forming a square to Mars and Neptune as both bodies head towards an alignment, we should watch that we don’t go over the top or attach ourselves to impractical ventures. This is a creative time, but not especially realistic. We are setting the stage for reaping the rewards from our braveries, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 7 minutes of Sagittarius conjunct the Sun at 15 degrees and 7 minutes of Sagittarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 11 to 19 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Sagittarius; Mercury is in Scorpio; Venus is in Libra until December 2nd, when it enters Scorpio; Mars is in Pisces.

The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 22-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 Scorpio from December 1-12. When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is extremely sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking is inclined to be one-track minded, focused, and even obsessive.

Venus is in Scorpio from September 9-October 31, and then December 2, 2018-January 7, 2019. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital.

Venus is in Libra from October 31-December 2. 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 that things be done the “right” way, and 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.

Mars is in Pisces from November 15-December 31. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

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Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Sagittarius on November 8th, 2018, and transits the sign until December 2nd, 2019. Read more about the Jupiter in Sagittarius transit.

Uranus transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to 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 returned to the sign of Aries for a four-month stay.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and continued its transit of Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

 

Venus is in Libra from October 31st to December 2nd. Venus rules Libra and thus is dignified in the sign. Venus feels right “at home” in Libra, where she seeks to balance and harmonize. With Venus in Libra, we can easily be in love with love. We are more comfortable with a close partner with whom we can seek to have a balanced relationship. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want. 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 that things be done the “right” way, and 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!

Venus is in Scorpio from December 2nd, 2018, to January 7, 2019. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital. If a relationship becomes too settled or predictable, we may crave more intensity and catalytic experience. Jealousies, fears of betrayal, and power games are the shadow side of Venus in Scorpio. We may easily become obsessed with a fear that our partners might be betraying us, or that they are not as consumed and dedicated to the relationship as us. This can lead us to try to uncover the “truth”, reading too many negative possibilities in our partners’ actions and words.

This week: Venus forms few aspects these days. This week, it forms a contra-parallel with Uranus on Friday and Saturday, the 7-8, which can raise questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation in our relationships.

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

Venus in Libra October 31-December 2. 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 in Scorpio December 2, 2018, to January 7, 2019. This is way beyond love, all the way to obsession – that’s the nature of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. We’re not talking just lukewarm WANT here; we’re talking red-hot GOT TO HAVE! Passion, jealousy, possession: these are the kinds of experiences that can flow from the intensity that courses through you at one level or another now – voracious.

Venus opposition Uranus November 30. Not a good time to start relationships. Independence is the reigning need. Some fickleness. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness.

Venus contra-parallel Uranus December 7-8. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

Venus sextile Saturn December 15-16. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 3rd, from 1:16 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 2:55 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, December 5th, from 4:54 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:50 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, December 8th, from 5:01 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:02 AM EST.

 

December 2018:

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

This week, the Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 7th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 7th — generally favorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Monday, December 3rd, at approximately 3:00 PM EST, to Wednesday, December 5th, at approximately 4:50 PM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Another window occurs at the Cazimi Moon from approximately 1:55 PM to 2:50 PM EST, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. Note that Mercury is retrograde during the first window.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Oct 31, 2018
12:38 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Oct 31, 2018     3:42 PM Venus Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 31, 2018     3:42 PM Venus Retrograde enters Libra
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  4, 2018     8:27 PM Pallas enters Libra
Nov  6, 2018     1:09 PM True Node Retrograde enters Cancer
Nov  6, 2018     1:59 PM Uranus Retrograde enters Aries
Nov  8, 2018     7:38 AM Jupiter enters Sagittarius
Nov 11, 2018     4:34 PM Ceres enters Scorpio
Nov 15, 2018     5:21 PM Mars enters Pisces
Nov 16, 2018     5:51 AM Venus Direct
Nov 16, 2018     8:33 PM Mercury Retrograde
Nov 22, 2018     4:01 AM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2018     8:08 PM Neptune Direct
Dec  1, 2018     6:12 AM Mercury Retrograde enters Scorpio
Dec  1, 2018     3:39 PM Vesta enters Aquarius
Dec  2, 2018    12:02 PM Venus enters Scorpio
Dec  6, 2018     4:22 PM Mercury Direct
Dec  9, 2018     2:52 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 12, 2018     6:43 PM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 21, 2018     5:23 PM Sun enters Capricorn

 

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 and The Astrology of 2019 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury quincunx Uranus. It is difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. Uncertainty reigns today. Avoid making hasty decisions that you will later regret. Impulsiveness, disorganization, unreceptive to practical advice and/or your ideas are not well-received.

Sun square Mars. We have “spring fever” no matter what the season. Driven by a restless desire to do something, without a well-defined goal we tend towards impulsive actions and get ourselves into needless arguments. Our reactions tend to be defensive or competitive. We are not very willing to compromise or negotiate. We are more inclined to injury and accident. Energy output can run high if we choose to focus.

Mercury trine Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it’s not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

Sun square Neptune. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct your willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where you stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Mars conjunct Neptune. Our impulses and desires may be confusing, peculiar, hard to explain, or difficult to understand now. Not content with our regular routines, we tend to crave more drama, glamour, or meaning now. Concentration on practical concerns and affairs may be lacking. We act on our intuition now, sexual fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.

  Mars semi-square Uranus. A tendency to take risks, to feel restless, to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge us in such a way that we need to change our goals or actions.

 

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

 

Daily Trends Calendar

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

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

See also:  The Astrology of 2018 – Overview and The Astrology of 2019 – 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.

DECEMBER 2

Venus enters Scorpio today and will transit the sign until January 7th, 2019. Venus first moved into Scorpio on September 9th, but before completing its transit, it turned retrograde and later retreated into the sign of Libra. Today, Venus returns to Scorpio in direct motion, and this time will go all the way. Our appetite for intimate connection is powerful now. This morning, a quincunx between Mercury and Uranus can make it difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. We may suffer from some disorganization on a mental level now. The Moon spends the day in peace-seeking Libra, but the Sun forms a square to Mars later today, which can rile us up. We may have a hard time settling down, entertaining a strong urge to do something, to take action, and to make something happen, but we may not know how to direct this excess energy. This can be a sign that we’re in need of more challenge, enterprise, and initiative. Reactions tend to be defensive or competitive now, and we can be averse to negotiation or compromise under this combative influence.

DECEMBER 3

The Moon continues its transit of relationship-centered, gracious, and fair Libra until 2:55 PM EST, after which it moves through perceptive, passionate, and determined Scorpio. Mercury is heading towards a trine to Chiron, and we can be especially alert, observant, and willing to learn and understand today. We may be discovering new ways of looking at problems or life itself. It’s easier than usual to communicate our message now, although this is less about getting the exact wording right and more about conveying our intentions. This can be a time of building faith or confidence in our skills and talents. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation, and we see important patterns in our lives.

The Moon is void from 1:16 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Uranus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 2:55 PM EST.

DECEMBER 4

The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, harmonizing with both Mars and Neptune, which are heading towards an alignment, exact on Friday. This can be an excellent time for creative action or physical art. We’re intuitive in our choices today. We may be craving a little extra drama, glamor, or meaning. We’re ready to jump in and tackle problems. A Mercury-Node trine suggests that we may be connecting with information or people that/who encourage us to grow, improve, or move forward.

DECEMBER 5

The Sun clashes with Neptune and Uranus today, with a square between the Sun and Neptune the main attraction. There can be a temporary drain of energy as we are challenged to consider our spiritual needs, which might at this point seem to contradict with our plans and goals; or we may need to confront the areas of our lives where reality isn’t measuring up to our ideals. Until we find ways to incorporate imagination and spirit into our lives appropriately, there can be problems feeling inspired or motivated. This influence takes away our sense of certainty, and we can either go with that flow or resist it and feel a little lost and without direction. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on things that require straightforward, factual thinking makes the most sense now, and this general theme will extend further with Mars and Neptune heading towards an alignment (exact on the 7th). Winding down is made even more appropriate with the Moon a waning crescent today and tomorrow. The minor square between the Sun and Uranus suggests an urge for action, but we may not know where to begin or go with our intentions for now. The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio until 9:50 PM EST, after which it enters Sagittarius, further stirring our desire for something different, bigger, or better.

The Moon is void from 4:54 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:50 PM EST.

DECEMBER 6

Mercury turns direct today after almost three weeks of retrograde motion. With the planet of communication switching gears, the shift itself can point to some disorientation and crossed wires today. It also means that in the coming days and weeks, problems with communications and decision-making we may have encountered during Mercury’s retrograde cycle will clear up. We’ll be able to apply our observations and new perspective to our lives going forward. We could feel flooded with energies that are hard to make sense of today, however, and thus important decision-making should be avoided for the time being, as our thinking can be skewed and illogical temporarily. It’s a better day to take in rather than take action! This comes at the time of a Balsamic Moon, with the New Moon to occur early into the day tomorrow–another indication that we should be winding down rather than revving up. We’re also headed towards a Mars-Neptune alignment, exact tomorrow morning. The Moon spends the day in the forward-looking sign of Sagittarius.

DECEMBER 7

The New Moon occurs shortly into the day, at 2:22 AM EST, in the sign of Sagittarius, offering us the chance to start fresh. It’s a time when we get a blast of optimistic, enthusiastic, adventurous, frank, and outspoken energy in our lives. In the weeks ahead, we might focus on goals that will increase our understanding and awareness and give us the courage to expand our horizons. It’s a time to nurture our faith, hope, and vision. With the New Moon forming a square to Mars and Neptune as both bodies head towards an alignment, we should watch that we don’t go over the top or attach ourselves to impractical ventures. This is a creative time, but not exceptionally realistic. With Mars conjunct Neptune in Pisces today, our impulses and desires may be confusing, peculiar, hard to explain, or difficult to understand, or we can be finding wonderful inspiration now! Not content with our regular routines, we tend to crave more drama, glamor, or meaning. Concentration on practical concerns and affairs may be lacking. We act on our intuition, fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. Either we consciously pull back, or our energy levels lag under this influence. Creative pursuits that involve physical movement are highly favored and could provide excellent outlets for excess, undirected energy. This influence favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment. There can be much building inside of us, but we may not yet know where we want it to take us, or if we do, how to get there! There is a strong need to release pressure and tension. We may actively seek out inspiration or seek to put our fantasies into motion.

DECEMBER 8

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 7:02 AM EST, after which it journeys through the sign of Capricorn. While yesterday’s New Moon continues to energize us, we’re coming to down to earth on some level, recognizing the value of taking care of business. With a Capricorn Moon, we strive for increased self-sufficiency. After gaining inspiration while the Moon was transiting Sagittarius, we’re now especially goal-oriented and particularly aware of our responsibilities and performance. Our judgment is sound, and practical matters are a significant focus.

The Moon is void from 5:01 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:02 AM EST.

 

 

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 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.

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.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

 

The Astrology of 2018 – Overview

The Astrology of 2019 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits