This Week in Astrology: July 19 to 25, 2020

This Week in Astrology: July 19 to 25, 2020

 

July 19 to 25, 2020

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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 Monday, July 20, 2020, at 1:33 PM EDT.

Monday afternoon, the New Moon occurs in the sign of Cancer.

This is the first New Moon in Cancer that hasn’t been an eclipse since 2017. While this means it is a more “regular” New Moon, it does pack a punch with its tight opposition to Saturn. It’s also the second New Moon in Cancer in 2020. We can feel blocked and throttled, and this can fuel our desire/need to start fresh.

The New Moon in Cancer is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Crab. These include honoring our deepest, most irrational and intimate, feelings; recognizing the sense of security and safety we derive from whatever it is we call home; allowing ourselves to accept support and offering support to others, and starting a project aimed at improving our domestic lives or a major long-term venture. With this potent Cancer energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle.

It’s time to make some plans and set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs. Concentrate on new ways to enhance family life and domestic affairs, and to build up your feelings of security and safety.

This New Moon is tightly opposite Saturn, suggesting some struggle with blocks, outside resistance or obstacles, rules, and expectations that propels our need to start fresh.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 28 degrees and 27 minutes of Cancer, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 24 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and 0 to 2 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The above chart wheel is excellent for visualizing essential chart patterns as it shows the positions of the major or core bodies.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Cancer until July 22nd, when the Sun enters Leo; Mercury is in Cancer; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Aries.

The Sun is in Cancer from June 20-July 22. We are self-protective and insular under this influence. Our attention turns to our nest–our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel “at home”, safe, and secure. Nurturing and taking care of our loved ones and our pet projects come into focus. Emotions run deep. We are more susceptible to the ups and downs of the Moon while the Sun is in Cancer.

The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. 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 Cancer from May 28-August 4. [This is longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde from June 18-July 12.] When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal, and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde phase of Venus from May 13-June 25 (ended).] With Venus in Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. “Variety is the spice of life” is the attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

Mars is in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

Saturn has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits TaurusMay 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: Venus ends its post-retrograde shadow next week, on July 29th. We’re seeing some forward movement in projects or relationships that seem to have stalled in May and/or June. From Sunday to Monday, July 26-27, we can have a hard time seeing our relationships clearly. We may be tempted to go overboard.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn July 17-18. 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 quincunx Jupiter July 26-27. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus square Neptune July 26-27. 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 quincunx Pluto July 30. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus semi-square Uranus August 2. 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 quincunx Saturn August 4. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, July 20th, from 1:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo at 4:17 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, July 21st, from 8:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Wednesday, July 22nd, at 7:41 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, July 24th, from 7:08 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:54 PM EDT.

July 2020:

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 20th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 20th, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Tuesday, July 21st, from approximately noon to 8:25 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs on Friday, July 24th, from approximately 6:40 AM to 7:05 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Apr  3,
2020, 1:10 PM  Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020, 12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020, 10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020, 4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020, 3:53 PM   Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 29, 2020, 8:21 PM   Pallas enters Aquarius
May  5, 2020, 1:48 AM   True Node Rx enters Gemini
May 11, 2020, 5:58 PM  Mercury enters Gemini
May 13, 2020, 12:17 AM  Mars enters Pisces
May 20, 2020, 9:49 AM  Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2020, 2:09 PM  Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  2, 2020, 9:04 PM  Pallas Rx enters Capricorn
Jun  3, 2020, 2:52 PM  Vesta enters Cancer
Jun 20, 2020, 5:44 PM  Sun enters Cancer
Jun 27, 2020, 9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020, 7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020, 4:37 AM  Sun enters Leo
Aug  4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug  7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct  4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus enters Libra

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun opposition Saturn. Our confidence is undermined by feelings of doubt, pessimism, or feelings of guilt. Feeling blocked, encountering obstacles to progress, and inhibitions are prominent under this influence. A heavy dose of realism seems forced upon us under this influence, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. This influence is a somber one.

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 sextile 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. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – 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.

JULY 19

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Cancer. On this day before a New Moon, we should be winding down rather than revving up. Reflection is favored over innovation. It’s best not to begin a new project, relationship, or other significant initiatives during the Balsamic phase of the Moon, as it is a time of endings. It’s an excellent time to connect with or process what we’ve learned during the Moon cycle that is ending tomorrow. Today’s Moon is protective, warm, and cautious. We seek comfort and familiarity with a Cancer Moon, although this may conflict with our desire for new experiences as the Moon forms a square to Mars in Aries. We should make extra effort to respect and validate others when expressing what we need and want.

JULY 20

The Moon continues in Cancer until 4:17 PM EDT when it enters Leo. The New Moon occurs in the sign of Cancer today at 1:34 PM and is the second New Moon in Cancer this year (the first was a Solar Eclipse on June 21st). A New Moon brings a fresh start, and there can be some sense of urgency to make a quick decision or to end a matter so we can move forward. It’s a time for feeding our foundation — all of that which we call “home,” including the foundation we have built inside of ourselves. It’s also a time for recognizing the importance of our family and our personal circle of friends and the security, sense of belonging, and safety we derive from them. Also today, a Sun-Saturn opposition occurs. This transit has a little more power as it occurs close to the time of the New Moon. We can experience a reality check, likely related to our work, responsibilities, or the rules, in general. Feelings of doubt, pessimism, or guilt may undermine our confidence until we make corrections. Feeling blocked, encountering obstacles to progress, and inhibitions are all possible under this influence. While there can be a letdown, our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. Focusing too much on our feelings may not be very productive right now. This is a time for reevaluating goals, taking into better account the limits of time and energy. It can be a good time for developing real solutions to long-term problems and for recognizing the meaning behind recent restrictions or limitations. We might acknowledge the need to adopt a humbler, more mature, and possibly more conservative approach. We might also need to catch up on neglected duties or responsibilities.

The void Moon occurs from 1:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo at 4:17 PM EDT.

JULY 21

The Moon spends the day in the sign of creative Leo, and the Moon’s harmony with Venus and Mars boosts the desire to make or do something special today. We’re devoted, affectionate, and generous. We seek meaning and a higher purpose to the work we do, and we can effectively bring imagination and creativity to our efforts. However, a square between Mercury and Chiron can point to strained, unnatural communications, as well as a time when we can be a little more sensitive to criticism. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems or learning and expressing ourselves. Even so, we’re heading toward an enlightened perspective. A temporary dip might boost our motivation to improve.

The void Moon occurs from 8:28 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Wednesday, July 22nd, at 7:41 PM EDT.

JULY 22

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 7:41 PM EDT, after which it moves through the particular, intelligent sign of Virgo. The Sun enters Leo this morning and will transit the sign until August 22nd. The Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful in its own sign. The Leo Sun is intensely individual, not content with merely being just one of the team. It’s time to shine, perform, and add a touch of color and drama to our lives. 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 under this influence. This morning, it’s a good idea to watch for taking on too much. Also today, Mercury forms a sextile to Uranus, encouraging alternative approaches, new ideas, and scientific thinking. Intuition is strong, and insights are quick and exciting. Original, creative ideas come naturally. We can take advantage of this by solving problems in new, innovative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding, and ideas to do so abound.

The Moon continues its void period until 7:41 PM EDT today when it enters Virgo.

JULY 23

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo. It harmonizes with Uranus and Mercury, boosting our capacity to embrace new ideas and methods. New techniques or options can emerge. The Moon in Virgo is adaptable, helpful, and intelligent. A Venus-Pluto quintile can point to a comfortably strategic approach to our money and relationships. Mercury and Ceres head toward a trine aspect, suggesting we can soothe and nurture through our words and affirmations.

JULY 24

The Moon continues to transit helpful, intelligent Virgo for most of the day, entering gracious Libra at 9:54 PM EDT. We’re more focused on the details of our lives than the larger goals with a Virgo Moon. This gives us the chance to manage essential tasks that help fortify and support our endeavors. The Moon in Virgo is particular and craves some semblance of order. The Libra Moon does too, but instead of seeking order through attention to detail, Libra looks for balance through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in its environment. With the Moon’s transit of Libra from 9:54 PM forward, we’re approaching life with a stronger sense and appreciation of balance and moderation. We tend to weigh the pros and cons, and we seek out the approval of others.

The void Moon occurs from 7:08 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:54 PM EDT.

JULY 25

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and we’re especially sensitive to areas of our lives (and especially our relationships) that have come out of balance. The Libra Moon is fair-minded, just, and diplomatic. The Moon opposes Mars and squares Mercury today, and there can be some restlessness, disagreement, impatience, and combativeness even so. We can be somewhat competitive, quick to react if our passions are met with indifference. There can be some temperamentality and touchiness. We may challenge anyone who challenges us! The Moon-Mars transit excites our passions, although we may feel less in control of them than usual. It stirs up our need for action, activity, and challenges, but it can feel at odds with our emotional orientation.

 

 

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 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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits