This Week in Astrology: June 17 to 23, 2018

This Week in Astrology: June 17 to 23, 2018

 

June 17 to 23, 2018

 

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On this Page:

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

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at 6:51 AM EDT.

On Wednesday morning, a First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Gemini forms a square with the Virgo 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 29 degrees and 4 minutes of Virgo squaring the Sun at 29 degrees and 4 minutes of Gemini, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 26 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 2 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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The NEW MOON occurred on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at 3:43 PM EDT.

On Wednesday afternoon, a new cycle began with a New Moon. The New Moon in Gemini cycle presents opportunities to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Twins. It’s time to improve our communication skills by listening to others and enjoying others’ points of view, rather than doggedly seeking to find that one elusive “answer.” This is a good cycle under which to re-evaluate our communication and social skills by questioning just how much we actually take in information and communicate in a friendly, non-threatening manner. With this potent Gemini energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

This phase of the Moon occurred at 22 degrees and 45 minutes of Gemini, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 19 to 27 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

 

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(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Gemini from May 20-June 21. Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable.

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 Cancer from June 12-29. 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 Leo from June 13-July 9. Love is magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

Mars is in Aquarius from May 16-August 12 and September 10-November 15. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit or miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

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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, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Taurus on May 15, 2018, and will transit Taurus until November 6, 2018, and then from March 6, 2019, to 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Uranus 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 Leo from June 13-July 9. Romance becomes an end in itself during this cycle. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth characterizes this cycle. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

This week: While Venus aligning with the North Node of the Moon on Monday and Tuesday can bring us into contact with people or situations that move us forward, a Venus-Saturn quincunx is also active at this time, and we may have a hard time sealing the deal. Timing and confidence may be off. Venus opposes Mars on Wednesday and Thursday, and something comes to a head. Sparks fly! Venus in Leo is personal and direct, while Mars in Aquarius is impersonal and detached. Mars is also heading to a retrograde station (on the 26th), and the pace can be slow and indecisive. There can be conflicts stirred in our relationships, with tendencies towards impulsive decision making. Our desires can be difficult to understand, or difficult to satisfy. Some of us may be stirring up problems in order to fulfill a need for excitement, while important relationship issues can come to a head for others. We can very easily find ourselves at odds with others as if we need to be on opposite sides in order to eventually find a balance.

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

Venus in Leo June 13-July 9.Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus contra-parallel Pluto June 15. Romantic intensity, a feeling of fatedness, possessiveness, fear of betrayal, and insecurity in relationships. Questions of trust can emerge in relationships. Looking for a commitment.

Venus trine Chiron June 15. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus quincunx Saturn June 18-19. 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.

Venus conjunct North Node June 18-19. This is a time for reaching out to others and making connections that further our growth. Cooperation brings rewards. There could be a feeling that we’re lucky in love or in our social life now.

Venus opposition Mars June 20-21. Romantic needs are at odds with assertive, physical, or sexual needs. Relations are heated and erotic, but come with an underlying tension.

Venus square Jupiter June 25. 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 quincunx Neptune June 27. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron June 28. 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 quincunx Pluto June 30-July 1. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, June 17th, from 11:26 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Monday, June 18th, at 4:40 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, June 20th, from 6:51 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:29 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, June 21st, from 9:34 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Friday, June 22nd, at 3:11 PM EDT.

June 2018:

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 this week on Sunday, June 17th, from approximately 3:25 AM to 11:25 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs from Saturday, June 23rd, at approximately 1:35 PM EDT, until Sunday, June 24th, at approximately 10:00 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

May 15, 2018    11:16 AM
Uranus enters Taurus
May 16, 2018    12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius
May 19, 2018     9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer
May 20, 2018    10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 21, 2018     9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer
May 29, 2018     7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini
Jun 12, 2018     3:59 PM Mercury enters Cancer
Jun 13, 2018     9:31 AM Vesta Retrograde enters Sagittarius
Jun 13, 2018     5:54 PM Venus enters Leo
Jun 18, 2018     7:27 PM  Neptune Retrograde
Jun 21, 2018     6:07 AM Sun enters Cancer
Jun 26, 2018     5:04 PM  Mars Retrograde
Jun 28, 2018     5:01 AM Ceres enters Virgo
Jun 29, 2018     1:16 AM Mercury enters Leo
Jul  1, 2018     4:46 AM Juno enters Taurus
Jul  5, 2018    12:46 AM Chiron Retrograde
Jul  9, 2018    10:32 PM Venus enters Virgo
Jul 10, 2018     1:02 PM Jupiter Direct
Jul 11, 2018     5:44 PM Pallas enters Leo
Jul 22, 2018     5:00 PM Sun enters Leo
Jul 26, 2018     1:02 AM Mercury Retrograde
Aug  1, 2018     6:42 AM Vesta Direct
Aug  6, 2018     7:27 PM Venus enters Libra
Aug  7, 2018    12:50 PM Uranus Retrograde
Aug 12, 2018    10:14 PM Mars Retrograde enters Capricorn
Aug 19, 2018    12:25 AM Mercury Direct
Aug 23, 2018    12:08 AM Sun enters Virgo
Aug 27, 2018    10:05 AM Mars Direct
Sep  4, 2018     6:50 AM Pallas enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2018    10:39 PM Mercury enters Virgo

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you off-site to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Venus quincunx Saturn. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation–these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

Mercury trine Neptune. Imagination and intuition run high, and are involved in decisions made today. We are in the right place at the right time. We may easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others. We express ourselves with subtle flair. Favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion.

Venus opposition Mars. Passions run high. Jealousies are possible. Impulsive decisions affect our finances and/or established relationships. We stir up problems in order to fulfill a need for excitement.

Sun sextile Uranus. We are willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and unfamiliar situations. It’s a good time to join organizations and groups and to attend meetings or social events, as these can be enlightening. We can find creative solutions to problems now and effect positive changes. Flexibility is the key to success under this influence.

Mercury opposition Pluto. This energy produces either a compulsive need to talk or a desire to withhold information. Obsessive thinking, attempts to persuade others to think like we do, insisting on knowing the “truth” or on exposing falsehoods, making mountains out of molehills–these are all possibilities now. This aspect can also represent mental anxiety or concern. On the other hand, it can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Sun 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. We might experience a lack of faith in our own decisions. We could too easily follow others’ leads due to self-doubt, or simply to please them and out of fear of asserting our own desires.

 

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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.

JUNE 17

We enjoy a playful, creative Leo Moon with us all day. We’re cooperative and seek out diversity today. It can be a powerful time for mental rapport and useful, two-way conversations as the Gemini Sun harmonizes with the Leo Moon. We are proud and prefer to take the high road today. Creativity blossoms, we are more romantic and generous with our feelings, and we take particular pride in our accomplishments. We can draw upon our inner wisdom or our sixth sense and intuition to understand what’s happening around us today, and previously hidden or unacknowledged talents may emerge today and tomorrow.

The Moon is void from 11:26 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Monday, June 18th, at 4:40 AM EDT.

JUNE 18

The Moon leaves the sign of Leo at 4:40 AM EDT, after which it transits Virgo. The Virgo Moon can stimulate a craving for order and clarity. However, Neptune stations and turns retrograde and will remain retrograde until November 24th, and this station casts a veil over our affairs. As such, it can be difficult to see things clearly this week. However, the retrograde cycle itself points to a period of taking in and of increased receptiveness, even if we’re putting some of our dreams on hold. It can be a time of indecision or feeling in limbo, but it can also be a period of inner discovery.

The Moon is void until 4:40 AM when it enters Virgo.

JUNE 19

The reserved side of today’s Virgo Moon’s expression may be more prominent this morning with a quincunx between Venus and Saturn. This influence can present a dilemma or difficulties feeling entirely at ease with others and making satisfying choices for entertainment or pleasure. It may leave us feeling torn between pleasure and responsibility, and perhaps not able to fully appreciate or deal with either. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to share our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing. However, we’re also under the influence of a trine between Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, and Jupiter, which becomes more evident as the day advances. Listening and speaking skills are excellent with this aspect, and with both planets in Water signs, understanding flows beautifully and intuitively. We want to attach ourselves to meaningful projects now, although with the Sun also in hard aspect to Jupiter, we may think or talk about what we want to do more than apply ourselves! Our outlook is particularly hopeful and positive, and we readily cooperate with others. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now.

JUNE 20

The First Quarter Moon occurs this morning when the Sun in Gemini forms a square with the Virgo 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. The Moon ends its transit of Virgo at 8:29 AM EDT and then enters Libra. We seek out balance and harmony in our environments and interactions with a Libra Moon. Mercury forms a trine with Neptune later today after its trine to Jupiter yesterday, effectively building a grand trine in water signs, and we’re seeking out mental inspiration. We’re inclined to make decisions based on our intuition, imagination, or moral sense now. We may easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others, and we express ourselves with increased flair or panache. This influence particularly favors photography, the arts, poetry, fiction, spirituality, advertising, and promotion.

The Moon is void from 6:51 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:29 AM EDT.

JUNE 21

The Sun enters Cancer today and will transit the sign until July 22nd. 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’s aspects while the Sun is in Cancer. The Moon spends the day in conciliatory Libra. However, Libran ruler, Venus, opposes Mars today, pitting wants and desires against one another. Passions run high and jealousies are possible. Impulsive decisions affect our finances and/or established relationships. We might stir up problems in order to fulfill a need for excitement if we are not aware of the tendency. Our desires can be challenging to understand, or difficult to satisfy. Brewing relationship issues can come to a head. Venus in Leo tends to demand personal attention, but Mars in Aquarius, complicated by its slow pace as it heads towards a retrograde station, is detached. Mixed signals can be frustrating and even maddening now.

The Moon is void from 9:34 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Friday, June 22nd, at 3:11 PM EDT.

JUNE 22

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 3:11 PM EDT, after which the Moon moves through Scorpio. With the Moon in Libra, we tend to weigh all our options, while under the influence of the Scorpio Moon, we’re more deliberate and decided. We move towards a sextile between the Sun and Uranus, exact early tomorrow, which encourages us to focus on making improvements and progress today. We’re embracing new and unfamiliar circumstances, ideas, and situations, and seeking out creative solutions to problems. Flexibility is the key to success under this creative, adaptive, and innovative influence. Even so, we’re also heading towards a Mercury-Pluto opposition, and there can be some mental agitation and a tendency to seek out uncomfortable truths at all costs. However, if we can harness this investigative energy in positive ways, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of a matter.

The Moon is void until it enters Scorpio today at 3:11 PM EDT.

JUNE 23

Mercury opposes Pluto this morning, and we might either feel a compulsive need to talk and question or to withhold information. There can be an insistence on knowing the truth or on exposing falsehoods. We might also feel pressure to come to a decision. There may be some paranoid thoughts or extreme suspicion under this influence. We can be dealing with issues of power and competition, and there can be a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our sense of personal power. In the process, we may be able to get in touch with our motivations. Outside forces can remind us of our need to take better charge of our lives, but shortcuts to gaining control will not work out for us. This influence can bring a tricky or buried issue to a head. The Sun’s square to Chiron today can pull up insecurities and areas of vulnerability, possibly disruptively. We could too easily follow others’ leads due to self-doubt, to please them, or out of fear of asserting our desires. Alternatively, we might go to great lengths to prove ourselves or assert our individuality, when a better approach would be to recognize our feelings of vulnerability that may be stirred by people or circumstances. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Scorpio, and we tend to want to read between the lines, for better or for worse! The Scorpio Moon is a perceptive and probing influence.

 

 

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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 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.

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.

 

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