This Week in Astrology: July 30 to August 5, 2017

This Week in Astrology: July 30 to August 5, 2017

 

July 30 to August 5, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at 11:23 AM EDT.

On Sunday morning, a First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Scorpio Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 39 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at 7 degrees and 39minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 5 to 11 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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The NEW MOON occurred on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 5:46 AM EDT.

On Sunday morning, the New Moon occurred early in the sign of Leo.

The New Moon in Leo is an excellent time for formulating goals regarding “all things Leo.” We might concentrate on new ways to enhance our romantic life, creative endeavors and hobbies, and relationship with children, as well as to build our self-confidence and healthy pride in ourselves.

Some of Leo’s “lessons” involve taking pride in ourselves as unique individuals, assuming responsibility for our lives, and giving ourselves warmly and generously to others. This New Moon period is an excellent time to meditate upon some of the characteristics of Leo. Keywords for this self-expressive fire sign — such things as proud, magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open — are traits that might be incorporated into our personalities. We all have Leo somewhere in our charts. Seek this month (and next) to improve those areas of life. It’s time to awaken the “inner child” in ourselves and to find ways to creatively express ourselves.

With this potent Leo energy, we have the chance to make significant changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle. It’s time to make some plans and to 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.

Next month, a New Moon will occur again in the sign of Leo, this time late in the sign, and will be a Solar Eclipse and particularly potent. With the New Moon occurring at the very beginning of the sign of Leo, new beginnings are emphasized. Events occurring now and next month may relate to January and February 2015. With the Sun and Moon applying to a conjunction to Mars, we should watch for prematurity and impulsiveness. However, it can be a courageous, proactive time. The desire to win, initiate, innovate, and take action is strong, particularly when it comes to creative and romantic matters.

This phase of the Moon occurred at 0 degrees and 44 minutes of Leo conjunct the Sun at 0 degrees and 44 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 26 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and approximately 0 to 6 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 Leo; Mercury is in Virgo; Venus is in Gemini until July 31, when it enters Cancer; Mars is in Leo.

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 Virgo from July 25-August 31 and then September 9-29. When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details. We should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

Venus is in Gemini from July 4-31. 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.

Venus is in Cancer from July 31-August 26. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure.

Mars is in Leo from July 20-September 5. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

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

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th, 2016, and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra 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 Gemini from July 4-31. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Inconsistency 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.

Venus is in Cancer from July 31-August 26. We treat lovers with sympathy and tenderness, providing the emotional nurturing that they need. We tend to “play it safe” when it comes to relationships. Love and devotion are most important to us and provide us with a sense of inner security. We seek a deep love in which we can merge souls and personalities with our lover. We are quite devoted to our partners, and we seek such devotion in return. However, we could also become possessive, manipulative, and stifling. Familiarity is more important to us now. Our fear of rejection is overdeveloped, and we offer our hearts cautiously as a result. We pay more attention to our lovers’ feelings than their words. We feel threatened if a lover acts in an impersonal, overly independent, or detached manner. Safe and solid relationships are more appealing. Romantic and emotional hurts are very hard to forget. In Cancer, Venus is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure.

This week: After an early-day Venus-Uranus sextile that opens our hearts to experimentation occurs on Sunday, Venus doesn’t form any major aspects to the planets.

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

Venus in Gemini July 4-31. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Inconsistency 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.

Venus in Cancer July 31-August 26. Mothering (or being mothered), sympathy, a yearning to put down roots, and a fondness for things that have stood the test of time – these are some of the hallmarks of the phase that now begins in your life. Romantic and social experiences, as well as artistic tastes, will show evidence of these factors.

Venus square Chiron July 29-30. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus sextile Uranus July 29-30. 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.

Venus sextile Mercury August 9-10. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus trine Neptune August 11-12. We perceive romantic situations as if they were “designed” just for us. A magical, romantic time. The pleasures of life are experienced fully. Romance is highly favored. We see the very best in people now, and this eases our interactions and takes the pressure off in personal relationships.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, July 31st, from 7:10 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Tuesday, August 1st, at 8:02 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 3rd, from 5:39 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 8:37 PM EDT.

 

Void of Course Moon – August 2017

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

The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable 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 from Sunday, July 30th, at approximately 12:35 PM, until Monday, July 31st, at approximately 7:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jun 26, 2017    10:31 PM
Pallas enters Taurus
Jul  4, 2017     8:11 PM   Venus enters Gemini
Jul  5, 2017     8:20 PM  Mercury enters Leo
Jul 10, 2017     7:44 AM  Ceres enters Cancer
Jul 17, 2017     7:13 PM  Vesta enters Virgo
Jul 20, 2017     8:19 AM Mars enters Leo
Jul 22, 2017    11:15 AM  Sun enters Leo
Jul 25, 2017     7:41 PM  Mercury enters Virgo
Jul 31, 2017    10:54 AM  Venus enters Cancer
Aug  3, 2017     1:31 AM  Uranus Retrograde
Aug 12, 2017     9:00 PM Mercury Retrograde
Aug 22, 2017     6:20 PM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 25, 2017     8:08 AM  Saturn Direct
Aug 26, 2017    12:30 AM Venus enters Leo
Aug 31, 2017    11:28 AM  Mercury Retrograde enters Leo

 

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Venus square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy, learning from one another, and commitment can be experienced now. Insecurities on a social level can be magnified.

Venus sextile Uranus. This is a favorable influence for social meetings and events, and for situations that call for treating others with equality and respect. 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 as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. A taste for the offbeat is in order.

  Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Jupiter square Pluto. We can be quite ambitious now, feeling that if we set our sights high enough, we can achieve anything. However, treading lightly now, while it may not come naturally, is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. Our belief system could be challenged now, and the need for a major attitude change arises, or we might have to face narrow-mindedness in others (or in ourselves). Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general and to ignore the important details. Thinking in big terms is fine, as long as the more practical details of any pursuit are also considered.

Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

  Sun quincunx Neptune. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals just now. Misconceptions abound. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to making clear or definite decisions, and for doing new things.

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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.

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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)

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

JULY 30

The First Quarter Moon occurs today at 11:24 AM when the Sun in Leo forms a square with the Scorpio Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles! We’re likely to feel determined today, wanting to leave our mark. A dynamic aspect between Mars and Saturn suggests we’re drawn to solving problems, but it can be difficult to find solutions right now. Our plans and efforts might meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is possible. Life can feel a little slow now. The Moon spends the full day in Scorpio.

JULY 31

The Moon spends another full day in the sign of Scorpio. We seek out activities that are intensive and deeply fulfilling now, and we may take on an “all or nothing” approach. Venus enters Cancer today, where it will stay until August 26th. Venus in Cancer is nurturing, protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and we’re at our best when we feel safe and secure. During this cycle, we may have a greater interest in home life and home improvement, nesting, home business, domestic and family activities, and purchases of long-term items.

The Moon is void from 7:10 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Tuesday, August 1st, at 8:02 AM EDT.

AUGUST 1

The Moon finishes its transit of Scorpio this morning at 8:02 AM when it enters Sagittarius. While the Moon is in Sagittarius from now until Thursday night, we seek out non-routine, spontaneous experiences. This Moon position blends well with the fiery energy of the Leo Sun. We’re also hungry to learn new things now. Even so, today is excellent for focusing on a particular mental interest or project, as we enjoy ferreting out the facts and details. We may be a little perfectionistic now, which can narrow our focus a bit too much. We find it easy to reconcile our mental and emotional perceptions today, making it straightforward to come to decisions and satisfying conclusions.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Sagittarius at 8:02 AM EDT.

AUGUST 2

Uranus turns retrograde today and will remain so until January 2nd, 2018. During this cycle, our desire to make changes in our lives can be turned inward as we get in touch with what it is that may be holding us back from living more spontaneously and authentically. We may be less obviously rebellious, and more inclined to follow the rules or toe the line, especially after Saturn turns direct August 25th, which will serve to highlight a more conservative approach to pursuing our goals. At least on the surface of things, we tend to follow the rules. Today as the shift occurs, however, Uranian energy is more challenging, and we can experience some tension. The Moon is in Sagittarius all day and is free-spirited, spontaneous, and direct. The desire to take action and the courage to do something new or pioneering is healthy now. The need to address the practical details and viability of our plans should set in by early tomorrow when the Moon aligns with Saturn.

AUGUST 3

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 8:37 PM EDT, and we’re seeking more meaning and experience in our lives. The routine may not be attractive now. We’re more adventurous than usual, and we prefer to play things by ear rather than map everything out. We might experience a conflict of values, or the differences between ourselves and those close to us are exaggerated in our minds as the day advances. Even so, through conflict, we can get to a better state of understanding of ourselves, our needs, and others. The Moon transits Capricorn from 8:37 PM forward, and we begin to seek more order and structure. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most areas of life now. Our careers, reputation, and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:39 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 8:37 PM EDT.

AUGUST 4

The final in a set of three squares between Jupiter and Pluto occurs today. Jupiter first formed a square with Pluto in November and then connected again in March. Today’s exact square is the last in the set, and we might throw ourselves into working on resolutions. This Jupiter-Pluto square stimulates our ambition and can fuel us up, but we may be overreaching. We feel that if we set our sights high enough, we can achieve anything. However, treading lightly now, while it may not come naturally, is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition or to put undue pressure on ourselves. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. We can be overly attached to our opinions or beliefs. Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general and to ignore time and energy limits or important details. Our plans are big, which can be a good thing as we realize we can do more. However, we may be expecting too much and the pressure we place on ourselves or others can lead to unnecessary stress. Relationships may be a driving force behind our ambitions, and we may be trying hard to prove ourselves. As this is the final aspect of the set and as Jupiter moves towards a sextile to Saturn, exact later this month, we’re more inclined to moderate ourselves and get our expectations down to earth. The Moon spends the full day in practical, productive Capricorn.

AUGUST 5

The Moon is in Capricorn all day, and we crave some order and structure. However, with the Sun sesquiquadrate Chiron this morning and forming a quincunx with Neptune this evening, we may have a hard time focusing long enough to really tackle a task. There can be some difficulties expressing ourselves or enforcing our will directly, and some touchiness is possible. Fear of being ineffective can undermine our confidence when it comes to doing new things and making clear or definite decisions. We might feel that others seem to be draining our energy, especially if it’s unclear what they want from us. We can be feeling slightly off or out of sorts if we’ve neglected our spiritual needs, and it makes sense to slow down and adjust.

 

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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 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.

 

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

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits