This Week in Astrology: July 9 to 15, 2017

July 9 to 15, 2017

The Cancer-Capricorn polarity concerns the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Attachments and love are ruled by Cancer, while achievements and rewards/punishments are ruled by Capricorn. In some ways, this polarity deals with the balance between unconditional love and conditional love. Cancer encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public or professional lines. While Cancer may be content to be dependent, Capricorn urges us to be grown-up and responsible. Cancer represents the origin, and Capricorn represents the goal. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

The Full Moon illuminates this conflict between roots and direction. 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 there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is fresh, unrefined, and not particularly rational as yet.

The Sun is approaching a conjunction to Mars, the Moon is applying to a conjunction with Pluto, Jupiter forms a square with the Sun and Moon, and Neptune forms a close trine/sextile to this lunation, making this an important, although possibly difficult, time of letting something go.

Full Moon in Capricorn Chart – July 9, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 17 degrees and 9 minutes of Capricorn in opposition to the Sun at 17 degrees and 9 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 21 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Jun 23, 2017, 10:31 PM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Jun 30, 2017, 8:51 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jul 9, 2017, 12:07 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Jul 16, 2017, 3:26 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jul 23, 2017, 5:46 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Cancer; Mercury is in Leo; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Cancer.

The Sun is in Cancer from June 21-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.

Mercury is in Leo from July 5-25. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal–and the grander a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.

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.

Mars is in Cancer from June 4-July 20. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our mood of the moment.

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.

This week: We’re particularly diplomatic, cooperative, and willing to talk about relationships or feelings on Monday and Tuesday. On Friday and Saturday, a semi-square between Venus and Mars suggests some tension or competitiveness in our relationships. Feelings run hot and cold. Someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.

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 sesquiquadrate Pluto July 7. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus parallel Mercury July 10-11. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus semi-square Mars July 14-15. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus semi-square Uranus July 16. 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 square Neptune July 16-17. 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 trine Jupiter July 17-18. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

Venus parallel the Sun July 18-19. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus quincunx Pluto July 20. 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 parallel Mars July 21-22. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).

Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, July 9th, from 10:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Monday, July 10th, at 1:35 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, July 12th, from 8:41 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:52 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, July 14th, from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:53 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – July 2017

Void of Course Moon Tables for July 2017

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

The Moon is waning after July 9th at 12:07 AM EDT this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Monday, July 10th, at approximately 7:40 PM EDT, until Wednesday, July 12th, at approximately 8:40 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jun 4, 2017 12:16 PM
Mars enters Cancer
Jun 6, 2017 3:26 AM Venus enters Taurus
Jun 6, 2017 6:15 PM Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 9, 2017 10:02 AM Jupiter Direct
Jun 16, 2017 7:10 AM Neptune Retrograde
Jun 21, 2017 12:24 AM Sun enters Cancer
Jun 21, 2017 5:57 AM Mercury enters Cancer
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 in Astrology – July 9 to 15, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mars quincunx Saturn. Awkward, stop-and-go energy. Attempts to force an issue tend to be thwarted. Indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action.

Sun opposition Pluto. The Sun in dynamic aspect to Pluto suggests willfulness and dealing with issues of power and competition. We may feel on edge, volatile, or even threatened. In extreme cases, infantile rage is possible. There is an inner drama taking place now, and a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness. In the process, we may be able to get in touch with our internal motivations. A tendency to want to control our lives through some form of manipulation is strong during this influence. Meeting with obstacles in our paths, however, can force us into the position of using all of our resources to fight back, and we can discover resources we never knew we had in the process.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks you thought you finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity, and criticism.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

Sun quincunx Saturn. Doubts, the feeling of not being good enough, and lack of self-confidence might plague us under this influence. Lack of faith in ourselves and in life hinders our movements and initiatives.

Mercury sextile Jupiter. Positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation are themes now. This influence favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, test taking, and making diagnoses and observations. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and are more open to learning.

Venus semi-square Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.

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.

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 9

A Full Moon occurs shortly after the day begins, at 12:07 AM EDT, with the Cancer Sun’s opposition to the Moon in Capricorn. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of what we started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time—a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships. The Cancer-Capricorn polarity concerns the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. A Mars-Saturn quincunx this morning points to some stop and go energy. Attempts to force an issue meet resistance. Sometimes the resistance is internal –indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action. With a Sun-Pluto opposition coming into play, this can be a time of releasing something we’ve been holding onto too tightly or giving away our personal power, likely through relationships or events. This can feel uncomfortable or can be disruptive, but leads to greater self-awareness. Outside forces can remind us of our need to take charge of our lives, but shortcuts to gaining control will not work out for us. A tricky or buried issue comes to a head. Matters of power and competition can surface for handling. We may feel on edge, volatile, and/or defensive. There can be an inner drama taking place now, or a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness.

The Moon is void from 10:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius tomorrow, Monday, July 10th, at 1:35 AM EDT.

JULY 10

The Sun completes its opposition to Pluto shortly into the day, stimulating a battle within ourselves between light and dark forces, although we may meet this through our interactions with others. The Moon ends its transit of Capricorn at 1:35 AM EDT and enters Aquarius. With the Moon in Aquarius, we seek to be fair and supportive while maintaining our independence. A dynamic aspect between Mercury and Saturn this morning can point to communication blocks, restrictions, or inhibitions. We may need to go over something we previously thought was complete, return to a problem, deal with red tape, or face some skepticism or criticism.

The Moon continues its void period until 1:35 AM EDT when it enters Aquarius.

JULY 11

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, encouraging us to seek out intellectual stimulation and unusual or unconventional experiences. The Aquarius Moon is earnest, friendly, and principled. Our interest in our social life, new ideas, and progressive change increases. The Moon’s trine to Jupiter this morning is sociable and generous, and a parallel between Mercury and Venus today promotes cooperation, diplomacy, and congeniality as well. A sextile between the Moon and Saturn tonight stimulates a need for more order and structure in our lives.

JULY 12

With the Moon in Aquarius all day and harmonizing with Uranus, we’re enthusiastic and hopeful, playing with exciting ideas and making plans. We’re concerned about the underdog and equality under this influence, and we’re especially idealistic. We seek out projects and causes with a broad scope. Our need for freedom is great. We’re more tuned into our friends and social circle and we seek out a forward-looking, positive emotional environment today.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:41 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 11:52 AM EDT.

JULY 13

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and we tend to fill our emotional security needs through solitude or behind the scenes activities. Mercury first forms a sesqui-square to Chiron tonight and then moves towards a quincunx to Neptune. Communications may miss the mark. The intention behind the words may not translate well now, and we may be feeling worried or guilty, interfering with clear communications. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition with confidence or to combine logic and intuition cohesively. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, but at the expense of productivity and clarity.

JULY 14

Much of the day, the Moon continues its transit of Pisces, encouraging imaginative pursuits. From 7:53 PM EDT, the Moon transits assertive, trailblazing Aries. A Sun-Saturn quincunx is an awkward aspect that has us second-guessing our choices and worrying about our responsibilities or performance. The key to handling this energy is to assess areas of our lives that can do with more structure and maturity and plan how to do so going forward. However, a Mercury-Jupiter sextile is also active now and stimulates positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and are especially open to learning.

A void of course Moon occurs from 1:01 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:53 PM EDT.

JULY 15

A semisquare between Venus and Mars occurring today highlights differences in our approaches, desires, and need, and tensions in relationships can result. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence that is often difficult but can also be stimulating and invigorating. Watch for impulsive moves, including purchases. The Moon is in Aries all day, stimulating our desire for independence and enterprise. It opposes Jupiter in Libra today, and the joy of partnership and love of harmony stands in contrast to this desire.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Cancer Being more in touch with your emotional roots is a keynote of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. This has to do with feelings, but it’s more than that: it’s about making the things you feel and care about a reality. At some levels, this means a greater focus on family life – parents, children, relatives, the whole domestic scene. On a somewhat broader scale, you’re likely to find that houses and other real property take on greater significance for you. Nurturing is where it’s at in your life now: making things grow and taking care of them, planting seeds that will develop and survive far into the future – that’s what it’s all about.

Mercury in Cancer Gut-level is the way you think, speak, and perceive in the cycle you have just begun. You aren’t interested in the superficial; instead, you want to get right to the root of things. You don’t care about the universal, only about how things impact you and yours. Intellect and emotion mix to the point of inseparability.

Mercury in Leo The hallmark of the cycle you have just begun is thinking, learning and communicating with style. Intellectual creativity is highlighted, and your social connections have a certain flair of drama to them. Winning the admiration of others for the things you say or write (and the way you do it) takes on more importance in your life.

Venus in Taurus A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life – such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes natural 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.

Mars in Cancer Defensive, aren’t we? With this new cycle getting underway, protecting and preserving you and yours takes on a higher than usual priority. A sensitivity to the needs and wants of others and an appreciation for their frailties (as well as your own) makes you more cautious and conservative … you pick your battles with care.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

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