This Week in Astrology: June 25 to July 1, 2017

June 25 to July 1, 2017

On Friday evening, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Cancer forms a square with the Moon in Libra. 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 9 degrees and 24 minutes of Libra forming a square with the Sun at 9 degrees and 24 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 7 to 11 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

The NEW MOON occurred on Friday, June 23, 2017, at 10:31 PM EDT.

On Friday night, a New Moon occurred, marking the beginning of a new cycle. The Gemini New Moon cycle ends and the Cancer New Moon cycle begins.

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. With this New Moon, we are particularly alert and observant, ready to put our plans in action. This is a particularly creative and magical New Moon as it occurs around the same time as two significant and powerful trines: Venus trine Pluto and Mars trine Neptune.

New Moon in Cancer chart on June 23, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurred at 2 degrees and 47 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 29 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 7 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 Cancer; Venus is in Taurus; 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 Cancer from June 21-July 5. 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 Taurus from June 6- July 4. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own. On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now.

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 Taurus from June 6-July 4. In Taurus, Venus is usually quite content but can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: Venus doesn’t form any major aspects with the major planets this week.

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

Venus in Taurus June 6-July 4. 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 trine Pluto June 23-24. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

Venus sextile Chiron July 2-3. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter July 3-4. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.

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.

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, June 25th, from 2:45 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:08 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, June 27th, from 5:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 8:43 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, June 29th, from 4:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Friday, June 30th, at 3:04 AM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – June 2017

Void of Course Moon Tables for June 2017

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 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 on Tuesday, June 27th, from 7:30 AM to 5:10 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs on Thursday, June 29th, from approximately 3:55 PM to 4:35 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

May 20, 2017
4:31 PM Sun enters Gemini
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 – June 25 to July 1, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mars square Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do is likely. We can be impatient if results of our efforts don’t materialize right away, and we can also be too focused on what we think should be and lose sight of what is possible. We are ready and willing to fight for our beliefs. We may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences is the inclination, but can be costly. This energy is also associated with lawsuits or struggles involving differences in personal philosophies and principles. A feeling of urgency may make us come on stronger than we intend. The inclination towards taking risks is strong, and patience is short.

Mars trine Neptune. We act on our intuition now, sexual fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.

Mercury square Jupiter. Information overload is possible today. It is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. We may exaggerate, have a hard time putting our ideas to practical use, or overstate under this influence. This is an unfavorable transit for travel. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. We could have a hard time convincing others of our point of view, and we could too easily jump to conclusions. There could be a lot of talk about nothing. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can concentrate.

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.

Mercury conjunct Mars. This is a good energy for debate or energetic mental work. We may be called upon to make a decision, but it may be a hasty, ill-considered one. We may be argumentative and irritable under this influence, and particularly impatient with vagueness. Be careful to avoid cutting words and aggressive driving. Our minds may be especially clear and active, and this can be a good time to eliminate wasteful activities. This influence excites and over-stimulates the whole nervous system.

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 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.

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.

JUNE 25

Very early today, the Mars-Jupiter square perfects, and we can overestimate what we’re able to do. We may be too focused on what we think should be and lose sight of what is possible. This energy is also associated with lawsuits or struggles involving differences in personal philosophies and principles. A feeling of urgency may lead us to come on stronger than we intend. The inclination towards taking risks is strong, and patience is short. As the day advances, however, Mars moves into a trine with Neptune. We act on our intuition or a fantasy now, take action towards fulfilling a dream, or bring more imagination to what we’re doing. We strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment. We need a break from the usual routine and from pushing ourselves ahead. We are not inclined to follow rigid rules, directions, and schedules, but tend to follow our intuition or inner guidance/gut feelings. The Moon is in Cancer much of the day until 6:08 PM EDT, after which it transits Leo.

The Moon is void from 2:45 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:08 PM EDT.

JUNE 26

The Moon is in Leo all day, and we are proud, noble, and respectful. The Leo Moon is devoted, affectionate, and generous. We might seek out channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential today, and a sextile between the Moon and Jupiter this afternoon can be helpful in this respect. Our moral sense is strong, and we’re motivated to do right by others.

JUNE 27

Mercury forms a square to Jupiter and then a trine to Neptune today. Our ideas can be big, but we may jump to conclusions or speak on a matter too soon. Imaginative activities thrive, but we may miss important details in pursuits that require mental discipline. There is a tendency to overstate, say too much, exaggerate, or latch onto wild ideas. We’re inclined to make decisions based on our intuition, imagination, or moral sense now. Mercury is moving towards an alignment with Mars, and this can be a particularly fertile, creative time on mental levels. The Moon continues to transit playful, creative, and dramatic Leo until 8:43 PM EDT, when it enters Virgo. The Virgo Moon is helpful, earnest, and particular.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 8:43 PM EDT.

JUNE 28

We can be very interested in producing, analyzing, fixing problems, and sorting things out today with a Virgo Moon all day and Mercury and Mars coming into alignment. The Mercury-Mars conjunction is a good influence for motivated, energetic work, particularly related to communications and the mind, and, since it occurs in the sign of Cancer, home and family may be involved. We want to get right to the point so that communications can be on the insensitive side, but also direct and clear. Taking care of business is a major theme now. Keeping busy and making headway satisfies us more than usual, and it will be especially important to channel excess mental energy constructively. Otherwise, we feel nervous, impatient, and irritable. There can be aggressive or excited thinking or communications. Tonight, Venus forms an awkward quincunx to Saturn, suggesting the need to make some adjustments or to make a difficult choice. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Underlying anxieties or worries can prevent us from expressing ourselves naturally in social or love situations. Emotional distancing and inhibitions may be present now. While there is a balance to be found between business and pleasure, it’s hard to know how to get there under this influence.

JUNE 29

The Moon transits Virgo all day, and Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, opposes Pluto today, pulling up some tension. 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 a lot of pressure to come to a decision. There can 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 being powerful. In the process, we may be able to get in touch with our internal 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.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Friday, June 30th, at 3:04 AM EDT.

JUNE 30

The Moon finishes its transit of Virgo at 3:04 AM EDT when it enters Libra. With the Moon in charming Libra, we find the most emotional satisfaction when our interactions and environment are felt to be balanced and harmonious. The First Quarter Moon occurs today at 8:51 PM EDT when the Sun in Cancer forms a square with the Moon in Libra. 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 finishes its void period at 3:04 AM EDT when it enters Libra.

JULY 1

The Moon is in Libra all day, stimulating our need to make peace with others. The Libra process of getting to a state of peace and balance is not always very peaceful! In fact, there can be some arguments involved, but learning experiences as well, and the latter is more likely this morning as the Moon aligns with generous Jupiter. As the day advances, the Moon gets in between the oppositions of Mercury and Mars to Pluto, pointing to some tensions and a sense that we must manipulate to get our way. Harmony and beauty are deeply satisfying with the Libra Moon, and the lack of them can be emotionally unsettling. We may be attempting to settle arguments or reverse stalemates. One-to-one relationships are in focus.

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.

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.

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.

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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