This Week in Astrology: October 1 to 7, 2017

This Week in Astrology: October 1 to 7, 2017

 

October 1 to 7, 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 FULL MOON occurs on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 2:40 PM EDT.

On Thursday afternoon, the Full Moon occurs in the sign of Aries.

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Aries-Libra polarity is a relationship axis, where Aries represents “self” and Libra represents “other”. Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise. The energy of the Libra Sun is the awareness of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them–compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Moon, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous.

This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability. The Libra Sun is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Moon, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Neglecting either end of the Aries-Libra 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 emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of a personal nature, 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 declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates the conflict between “me” and “you”, and between autonomy and sharing. 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 new and not particularly rational as yet. With the Full Moon forming a square to Pluto and the Sun aligned with Mercury, there can be intense realizations now.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 12 degrees and 43 minutes of Aries forming an opposition with the Sun at 12 degrees and 43 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 9 to 17 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

 

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Libra; Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Virgo; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Libra from September 22-October 23. Libra rules relationships with others as mirrors of ourselves. Meeting others halfway, compromise, and negotiation come under the rule of Libra. The focus is now on balance–finding balance and harmony through relationships with others and through art. Libra is the sign of the peacemaker. However, life is not always peaceful with Libra in its attempt to restore balance. Decision-making can be more challenging while the Sun is in Libra. Libra weighs both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process seems endless! In Libra, the Sun is concerned about not rocking the boat and not rubbing others the wrong way. Tactfulness, style, tolerance, and sociability are some of the keywords for Libra. On the shadow side, Libra can be self-serving, indecisive, passive-aggressive, and superficial.

Mercury is in Libra from September 29-October 17. When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we are able to bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to think about ways of improving our negotiation skills. In an attempt to see both sides of any given situation, Mercury in Libra can be a vacillating energy. It can be more challenging than usual to make quick decisions, as we can sit “on the fence”. We may too easily accommodate others’ opinions in order to keep the peace. In our negotiations, we don’t want to assert ourselves in such a way as to appear to be the “bad guy”. However, this is a good period for considering others’ points of view. We are more inclined to arrive at fair conclusions.

Venus is in Virgo from September 19-October 14. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

Mars is in Virgo from September 5-October 22. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

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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, after which Jupiter will be in Scorpio. Read about Jupiter in Libra here. Read about the upcoming Jupiter in Scorpio transit 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 Virgo from September 19-October 14. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: Venus aligns with Mars and forms a trine to Pluto from Tuesday to Thursday, exciting our desires and increasing our cravings for meaningful and thrilling connections. There can be strong emotions and intense feelings experienced now. Strong attractions are likely. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it’s likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind.

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

Venus in Virgo September 19-October 14. If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

Venus opposition Neptune September 29. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.

Venus trine Pluto October 3. 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 conjunct Mars October 3-4. This is a passionate, warm, expressive, lively and sexy energy. We are now able to take the initiative to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. Our creativity and desire to make something beautiful are stimulated now. We are more able to combine warmth with energy. Social relations are impassioned, and perhaps demanding or extreme. In some cases, this impulsive energy generates “love at first sight” scenarios or erotic interludes. Teamwork is more successful now. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it’s likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind. Impulsive purchases are possible.

Venus parallel Mars October 5-6. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus square Saturn October 7-8. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, October 2nd, from 7:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:27 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, October 4th, from 3:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:40 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, October 6th, from 6:38 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus at 7:56 PM EDT.

 

Void of Course Moon – October 2017

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on the 5th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. The Moon is waning after the Full Moon on the 5th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity (quite good) occurs this week from Saturday, September 30th, at approximately 12:45 AM EDT, until Monday, October 2nd, at approximately 7:10 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius. With this window, the Moon is waxing, forms a trine to the Sun, and the period ends with the Moon’s trine to Jupiter. Another window occurs from Friday, October 6th, at 8:00 PM EDT, until Sunday, October 8th, at approximately 9:45 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Taurus. Note that there is a Venus square Saturn aspect during this period, however.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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
Sep 5, 2017      5:35 AM  Mars enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2017     7:30 AM  Mercury Direct
Sep 9, 2017     10:52 PM  Mercury enters Virgo
Sep 11, 2017     1:49 PM Pallas Retrograde
Sep 18, 2017     3:47 AM Vesta enters Libra
Sep 19, 2017     9:15 PM Venus enters Virgo
Sep 22, 2017    4:02 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 24, 2017    1:41 AM Ceres enters Leo
Sep 28, 2017     3:36 PM Pluto Direct
Sep 29, 2017    8:42 PM Mercury enters Libra
Oct 10, 2017    9:20 AM Jupiter enters Scorpio
Oct 14, 2017    6:11 AM Venus enters Libra
Oct 17, 2017    3:58 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 22, 2017    2:29 PM Mars enters Libra
Oct 23, 2017    1:27 AM Sun enters Scorpio

 

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

Mars trine Pluto. This is a powerful aspect that helps us to focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others’ toes. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than simply relying on the tried and true. We are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to attempt to overcome obstacles. This is a strong energy for reworking or overhauling a project.

Venus trine Pluto. An excellent time for finances and for relationships, all things equal. Our feelings are intense and impassioned, but not in an offensive or destructive way. The need to share on deeper levels is strong now. A spiritual regeneration through love is possible.

  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.

Venus conjunct Mars. This transit generates a passionate, warm, expressive, lively, and sexy energy. We are now able to take the initiative to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. Our creativity and desire to make something beautiful is stimulated now. We are more able to combine warmth with energy. Social relations are impassioned, and perhaps demanding or extreme. We may also feel compelled to do something creative or artistic. In some cases this impulsive energy generates “love at first sight” scenarios or erotic interludes. The erotic impulses of love, desire, and sexuality are a highly charged focus of our attention. Expressing our passions in harmonious and pleasing ways is the focus. This is a time of balancing and integrating yin and yang energies within ourselves. We have a chance to express our needs, passions, and desires now in effective ways. Venus is diplomatic, gentle, romantic, and sensitive, while Mars is more forceful, sexual, and assertive. Venus can act to soften Mars’ aggressiveness, or Mars can make Venus’ romantic impulses more forceful and pressing. Teamwork is more successful now. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it’s likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind. Impulsive purchases are possible.

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.

Uranus semi-square Neptune. This is a time when we can feel particularly inspired, although we may feel restless if our dreams are no longer fulfilling us or keeping us hopeful. Watch for impractical ventures and unusual tangents that may not last.

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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. and The Astrology of 2018 – Overview (in progress).

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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.

OCTOBER 1

Mars forms a trine to Pluto today, and Venus will do so on the 3rd as both bodies move towards alignment in the sign of Virgo. We have excellent energy with us for focusing on what truly matters to us today, as well as for harnessing the power of desire and make it work for us. We gain determination and a stronger feeling of purpose now. We are willing to explore alternatives rather than simply relying on the tried and true. We are not afraid of a challenge and are ready to overcome obstacles. This is intense energy for reworking or overhauling a project. The Moon is in Aquarius all day, and it’s a good time to break out of a rigid routine or way of thinking, network, brainstorm, update, and connect.

OCTOBER 2

The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 10:27 AM EDT, harmonizing with Jupiter and Uranus before moving on to the sign of Pisces. This morning, we are friendly, open to new ideas, and looking to grow and make progress. The Moon’s transit of Pisces from 10:27 AM forward is a time for decompressing, winding down, and tapping into our intuition. We are more spiritually aware and sensitive, now, but we can also be evasive and shy away from conflict.

The Moon is void from 7:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:27 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 3

The Moon spends the day in Pisces, stimulating our compassionate side. A Venus-Pluto trine leads to insights regarding our relationships and/or finances. We can feel quite passionate and focused on a person, situation, relationship, or object, largely in a pleasant way. The need to share on deeper levels is strong now. A spiritual regeneration through love is possible with this influence. We seek to grow, improve, or develop our attachments.

OCTOBER 4

The Moon continues to transit Pisces until 4:40 PM EDT, when it enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, and we seek to start anew. The Moon will reach full in the sign of Aries tomorrow. However, in an otherwise on-point week, the Sun forming a quincunx to Neptune tonight can plant some doubts in our minds and calls for some slowing down. There can be second-guessing or trouble effectively accessing our intuition now. It can be difficult to concentrate and to formulate clear goals under this influence.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries at 4:40 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 5

Venus and Mars align in the earthy sign of Virgo today, heightening our feelings, which can be passionate and feel pressing now. This transit generates a warm, expressive, and lively energy. We can feel compelled to do something creative or artistic. In some cases, this impulsive energy produces “love at first sight” scenarios. Venus is diplomatic, gentle, romantic, and sensitive, while Mars is more direct, sexual, and assertive. Venus can act to soften Mars’ aggressiveness, or Mars can make Venus’ romantic impulses more forceful and pressing. Some level of competition is present in our interactions, but it’s likely of a pleasurable and gently challenging kind. We’re inclined to make impulsive decisions about relationships, pleasure, or material goods. We may be bringing more creativity to the work we do or to the services we provide. The Full Moon occurs in the sign of Aries at 2:41 PM EDT, boosting the excitement further. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and epiphany, and this one urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability. The Full Moon illuminates the conflict between “me” and “you,” and between self-sufficiency and sharing. 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, and we might want to exercise some care expressing them. With the Full Moon forming a square to Pluto and the Sun aligned with Mercury, there can be intense realizations now. The Moon spends all day in the spontaneous sign of Aries.

OCTOBER 6

The Moon continues its transit of free-spirited Aries until 7:56 PM EDT, and a Venus-Mars parallel also supports spontaneity. However, it can be challenging to make a clear decision today as Mercury forms a quincunx with Neptune. There can be mental tension and disorganization, making this a difficult time to get a clear message across. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition cohesively. We’re also moving towards a semi-square between Uranus and Neptune — a long-term transit that first formed exactly in August and will continue to perfect until May 2019. This is a time when we can feel particularly inspired, although we may feel restless if our dreams are no longer fulfilling us or keeping us hopeful. Watch for speculative ventures and whims, as well as unusual tangents that may not last. The Moon enters Taurus at 7:56 PM EDT, and is a steadier, although somewhat indulgent influence.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:38 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Taurus at 7:56 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 7

The Moon is in earthy Taurus all day, and it’s a time when we seek to set down roots. We are inclined to resist change with a Taurus Moon, as familiarity and simplicity appeal to us on an instinctive level. Money matters may figure more strongly than usual, but significant new financial initiatives are best avoided now with Venus moving into a square to Saturn (exact tomorrow). Not easily provoked under the influence of a Taurus Moon, we tend to keep centered and calm when faced with crises. However, we also tend to have trouble when circumstances require change, preferring to stick with what has worked for us in the past.

 

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

 

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 2017 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits