This Week in Astrology: January 28 to February 3, 2018

This Week in Astrology: January 28 to February 3, 2018

 

January 28 to February 3, 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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A FULL MOON/LUNAR ECLIPSE occurs on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 8:27 AM EST.

On Wednesday morning, a Full Moon occurs, when the Sun in Aquarius forms an opposition to the Moon in Leo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This Full Moon is especially potent, as it is a Lunar Eclipse. Lunar eclipses are relationship-oriented. The “crisis” that these eclipses tend to elicit is a crisis of lack – a time when we suddenly recognize a great need or want. The impact of the crisis can act to sever a relationship – it’s possible. But it can also bring two people together with a sudden awareness of a great need for each other. Although Lunar eclipses are more relationship-oriented than Solar eclipses, they are not always about relationships between two people. They can trigger awareness of need in other areas of our lives, such as our relationship to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters come to light – things that have been brewing under the surface.

This Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives. The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between the personal (Leo) and the impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of Leo is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while Aquarius rules the group, more impersonal friendships, and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways.

The Leo Moon is proud and intensely individual –not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Sun, while individualistic as well, values independence and the “team.” The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action. Eclipses are tied to changing circumstances. However, we are usually the ones to precipitate or to attract changes because our “inner guides” know that we need it. Human beings are progressive by nature, and although we might stay in situations that are making us miserable for longer than we should, deep down inside we know that change is necessary for growth. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst 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 new and not particularly rational as yet. Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpourings that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects tend to last longer. The effects of a Lunar eclipse last approximately six months.

Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses bring issues in our lives to fulfillment. Our emotions are heightened, and there is often some sort of drama involved with the house, sign, and any contacted planets activated by the Full Moon. Look at 11-12 degrees of Leo/Aquarius in your own chart. This Lunar Eclipse gives us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. The areas of life activated by the eclipse may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear to move forward. Note that whatever happens at this time is nothing truly new. The issues have been brewing inside of us, and emotions have been building. Something comes to light at the time of the Full Moon, and if we get in touch with our emotions, we can get a better idea of what needs to change, or what needs to go. Read more about the Eclipse.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 11 degrees and 37 minutes of Leo opposite the Sun at 11 degrees and 37 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 7 to 17 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn until January 31st, after which Mercury is in Aquarius; Venus is in Aquarius; Mars is in Sagittarius.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 19-February 18, 2018. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

Mercury is in Capricorn from January 11-31. When Mercury is in Capricorn, our thinking is methodical and our focus is sober and practical. It is easier to concentrate on the task at hand under this influence. Our conversations may be quite realistic or focused on business/practical matters. Our thought patterns and communication styles become more logical, orderly, and organized. We are more able to sort out what is relevant and essential. Realism enters the picture, our speech is no-nonsense, and precision becomes important to us. We need to be wary of becoming too rigid in our thinking. We may come across as cold or harsh. For some, there is a fine line between realism and pessimism.

Mercury is in Aquarius from January 31-February 17. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.

Venus is in Aquarius from January 17-February 10. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Aquarius can be just as faithful as Capricorn, but it has to be on his own terms! Experimental relationships are more intriguing now. Being friends as well as lovers is important to us during this cycle. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now.

Mars is in Sagittarius from January 26-March 17. With a Sagittarius Mars, our actions are motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a love of adventure, and of conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with gusto, although we may tend to abandon them rather quickly. This may be because we set our sights too high!

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

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th 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 Aquarius from January 17-February 10. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

This week: On Sunday and Monday, we may be questioning whether some relationships (or elements of our relationships) are good for us. We may be a little indulgent with one another now. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re especially generous and gracious with one another.  We have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence as well now, however.

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

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

Venus semi-square Chiron January 25-26. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus opposition North Node (true) January 28-29. This is a time for reviewing our attachments in terms of whether they are contributing to our growth.

Venus parallel Jupiter January 30-31. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus semi-square Saturn February 2. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus square Jupiter February 3-4. 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. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus sextile Uranus February 6. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, January 28th, from 5:40 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 1:58 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 30th, from 11:41 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:53 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, February 1st, from 5:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:13 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, February 3rd, from 2:07 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:47 PM EST.

January 2018:

 

February 2018:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Lunar Eclipse on the 31st — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Lunar Eclipse on the 31st — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Thursday, February 1st, from approximately 1 AM to 5:55 AM EST, while the Moon is in Leo. However, note that this is too close to a Lunar Eclipse to be useful for brand-new beginnings. Another window occurs from Friday, February 2nd, at approximately 12:30 PM EST, to Saturday, February 3rd, at approximately 2:05 AM EST, while the Moon is in Virgo.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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
Feb 10, 2018    6:19 PM Venus enters Pisces
Feb 17, 2018    11:28 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 18, 2018    12:18 PM Sun enters Pisces
Mar 6, 2018     2:34 AM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 6, 2018     6:45 PM Venus enters Aries
Mar 8, 2018    11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 17, 2018   12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn
Mar 20, 2018   12:15 PM Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2018   8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde

 

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Uranus. Our senses are stimulated, and we could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. However, our ideas are not always received well by others and we can be scatter-brained. It’s a challenge to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks under this influence. Tasks may be left undone or interrupted. This is not a good time to be understood, so we may want to hold off presenting our ideas for the time being. New information can surface now that upsets the status quo, but can also act to stimulate our minds into new ways of thinking.

Mercury sextile 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.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Sun semi-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.

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

Mars semi-square Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals.

Mercury sextile Mars. Mental alertness, enthusiasm, and energetic communications figure now. Quick decisions can be made. We are productive and take “busy-ness” in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects.

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

 

Daily Trends Calendar

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

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

See also:  The Astrology of 2018 – Overview

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

JANUARY 28

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 1:58 PM EST, after which the Moon transits Cancer. The Cancer Moon is protective and self-protective. We pay more attention to our feelings under this influence. Mercury forms a sextile to Chiron, providing an opportunity period for opening up healthy dialogues. We can interpret the intention or meaning behind the words communicated, and we can effectively use words to heal and comfort others. We are approaching problems in a holistic manner, and problem-solving skills are high. This influence brings subtle but enhancing energy for communications. It’s a good time to speak of matters that are important to us.

The Moon is void from 5:40 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 1:58 PM EST.

JANUARY 29

We can be a little more self-indulgent than usual today. The Moon spends the day in its own sign, Cancer. This strong and sensitive Moon gets support from Neptune and Jupiter today, boosting our imagination, and also opposes Pluto, reminding us of the need to take a break from pursuing our goals from time to time. Mercury’s semi-square with Neptune points to some cloudy thinking or a tendency to daydream rather than pay attention to the facts. We may not express ourselves clearly, or others are not reading our messages well. As well today, we can see more clearly behaviors, indulgences, or attachments that may be holding us back from expressing ourselves creatively and confidently as Venus in Aquarius aligns with the true South Node of the Moon.

JANUARY 30

This morning, the Sun forms a semi-square with Chiron, and we have a strong desire to learn and grow through our relationships and experiences, but this may be hindered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. However, as the day advances, we’re stimulated to stand out and express ourselves confidently. The Moon is in Cancer until it enters Leo at 1:53 PM EST. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will occur tomorrow morning in the sign, and we’re likely to feel building emotional energy. This is a time of significant epiphanies. The Moon’s trine to Mars this evening encourages us to be bold.

The Moon is void from 11:41 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Leo at 1:53 PM EST.

JANUARY 31

The Full Moon occurring this morning is especially potent, as it is a Lunar Eclipse. This eclipse occurs in the sign of Leo, pushing emotions to the surface and pressing us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our true feelings on a matter or of something we’re missing, and this understanding can propel us into affirmative action. Eclipses are tied to changing circumstances. However, we are usually the ones to precipitate or to attract changes because our inner guides know that we need it. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic illumination occurs in our own lives. This Lunar Eclipse is part of a set of eclipses occurring along the Leo-Aquarius axis that will complete in January 2019. Also today, Mercury enters Aquarius, where it will transit until February 17. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We think outside of the box, and our thinking is progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous and liberal and perhaps fragmented at times. Inventive thinking is at a peak during this cycle. The Moon spends all day in the creative sign of Leo.

FEBRUARY 1

The Moon continues its transit of demonstrative Leo until 2:13 PM EST, after which it transits Virgo. The Virgo Moon is particular and discriminating. We can feel tested by circumstances around the Moon’s square to Mars this evening. We might also feel divided between a need to take care of details and a desire to break free of routines. We may need to make minor adjustments today as our judgment of what we should do seems to conflict with our fundamental values or ideals. However, we’re generous and accommodating now.

The Moon is void from 5:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:13 PM EST.

FEBRUARY 2

The Moon spends the day in Virgo, and we’re especially aware of the parts that make a whole. It can be difficult to concentrate in the morning, however, with the Moon’s opposition to Neptune. After midday, we find it easier to take care of business. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into stronger focus. Venus forms a semi-square to Saturn today, which can also have the effect of magnifying problem areas and flaws. There may be small difficulties relating to others under this influence. People can be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. There may be anxiety or troubles connected to our feelings and some difficulty judging the value of things.

FEBRUARY 3

Mars forms a semi-square with Pluto this morning, and our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. Deeper feelings arise suddenly, and possibly in a disruptive way. We may be overreacting or going to extremes. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals rather than acting in the heat of the moment. Helping us out is a Mercury-Mars sextile. Under this influence, we can be especially alert and observant, as well as incredibly resourceful. Our minds are busy, and our speech is enthusiastic; or, we may quickly get to the point or a decision/conclusion. We find it rather easy to “walk the talk” and to put ideas into motion. This can be a very productive time. However, as the day advances, we are under the influence of a Venus-Jupiter square, and feelings of elation or restlessness in love or with regards to the pleasures of life can lead us to overdo, overindulge, overspend, and overstate our feelings. Impulsive spending and haughty decisions may be a problem. We may procrastinate under this influence, but we can also be a little braver socially. As well, the Sun aligns with the true South Node of the Moon, and there is a tendency to cling to old or comfortable ways of doing things. The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 4:47 PM EST when it transits Libra.

The Moon is void from 2:07 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 4:47 PM EST.

 

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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 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.

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.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

 

See also:

 

The Astrology of 2018 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits