This Week in Astrology: October 15 to 21, 2017

This Week in Astrology: October 15 to 21, 2017

 

October 15 to 21, 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 NEW MOON occurs on Thursday, October 19th, 2017, at 3:13 PM EDT. 

On Thursday afternoon, a New Moon occurs in the sign of Libra. This is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Scales.

We have a chance to build our negotiating skills without compromising our principles or needs, and without resorting to appeasement. It’s a time to work on re-balancing our relationships and to recognize our partners as teammates rather than adversaries.

With this potent Libra energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. Some of Libra’s “lessons” involve learning to make peace with those around us, as well as in our environments, establishing a sense of order and balance in our lives, and recognizing the value of partnerships. This is an ideal time to work on these skills. Libra has an innate ability for, and love of, synthesizing opposites. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a fine balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort.

This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives, and more specifically, into our relationships. This is a cycle in which balancing our close personal relationships becomes an urgent desire. Negotiations may be especially effective, as we are inclined to assert our needs in ways that don’t offend others. However, with the New Moon opposing Uranus very tightly, we’re likely to encounter resistance from others and from within. This energy is rebellious and touchy, particularly if we feel constrained by partnership. Its sextile to Saturn suggests opportunities to make alternative setups work for us.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 35 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 24 to 30 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 until the 17th when it enters Scorpio; Venus is in Libra; 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.

Mercury is in Scorpio from October 17-November 5. When Mercury is in Scorpio, our thoughts and communications are more probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life simply isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. We tend to probe, observe, and focus our thoughts under this influence. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. Our thoughts are profound. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is extremely sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking is inclined to be one-track minded, focused, and even obsessive.

Venus is in Libra from October 14-November 7. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want during this cycle. Although Venus in Libra virtually lives for relationships, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things to be done the “right” way, and we’re turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior. The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so! This is also a time when we are more artistically inclined. We tend to seek balance in our personal environment.

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 Scorpio on October 10th and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about 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 Libra from October 14-November 7. We are more inclined to employ charm rather than aggressive behavior in order to get what we want during this cycle. Although Venus in Libra virtually lives for relationships, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We are very obliging with others–quite willing to negotiate and compromise. We can be especially idealistic about love. We prefer things be done the “right” way, and are turned off by aggressive or uncouth behavior. The shadow side of this position is dependency, inconsistency, and superficiality. In an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over deeper issues at play in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of acquiescing to our partners but privately resenting the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so! This is also a time when we are more artistically inclined. We tend to seek balance in our personal environment.

This week: Venus forms a contra-parallel to Mars on Thursday and Friday, and there can be increased intensity, impatience, or passion with our wants and desires.

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

Venus in Libra October 14-November 7. As this new cycle takes hold in your life, romance and social interaction take on a greater importance for you. Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of truth and beauty – these are some of the things that quicken your pulse now.

Venus parallel Chiron October 13. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

Venus contraparallel Mars October 19-20. Passions are stimulated and intense. There’s a fine line between love and hate. Competitiveness. Questions are raised or ultimatums made.

Venus square Pluto October 27. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, October 15th, from 1:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 7:19 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, October 17th, from 7:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:36 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 19th, from 3:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 9:42 PM EDT.

 

Void of Course Moon – October 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 19th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). After the New Moon on the 19th, the Moon is waxing, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Friday, October 13th, at approximately 4:40 AM EDT, until Sunday, October 15th, at approximately 1:25 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs at the Cazimi Moon on Thursday, October 19th, from approximately 2:42 PM to 3:42 PM. Another window occurs from Thursday, October 19th, at approximately 9:45 PM EDT, to Sunday, October 22nd, at approximately 7:35 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. However, this window is better from Saturday, October 21st, at approximately 2:40 AM forward.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  5, 2017     2:19 PM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov  7, 2017     6:38 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Nov 15, 2017    10:01 PM Pallas Retrograde enters Aries
Nov 15, 2017    11:13 PM Vesta enters Scorpio
Nov 21, 2017    10:05 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 22, 2017     9:21 AM  Neptune Direct
Dec  1, 2017     4:14 AM  Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec  3, 2017     2:34 AM Mercury Retrograde
Dec  9, 2017     3:59 AM Mars enters Scorpio
Dec 16, 2017     2:18 PM Juno enters Aquarius
Dec 19, 2017    11:49 PM Saturn enters Capricorn
Dec 21, 2017    11:28 AM  Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 22, 2017     8:51 PM  Mercury Direct
Dec 25, 2017    12:26 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Jan  2, 2018     9:11 AM Uranus Direct

 

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

  Mercury opposition Uranus. We are distracted. Our communications get lost, are interrupted, or are misunderstood. Disagreements with others are quite possible. It’s not a good time to present an argument or an important idea.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Mars opposition Chiron. We are unlikely to be clear about how to go about getting what we want directly under this influence. We might feel rebellious when faced with others’ plans, but also unclear about our own direction. We may be defensive and touchy, and resentments or frustrations can surface now. Watch for self-righteous, superior, or rebellious attitudes when a gentler approach would work best.

Sun sextile Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We are taking into account practical considerations and we are especially aware of the element of time. We are more able to discipline ourselves and put our egos aside in order to get the job done.

  Mars quincunx Uranus. Making adjustments to our goals may be necessary now, and this can temporarily drain our energy or make us feel restless and impatient.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter. We can visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Travel is favored, all things equal. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a good time to submit ideas, applications, and so forth, all things equal. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We are prone to exaggerating the facts due to enthusiasm. Expressing ourselves verbally comes easily, and public relations and negotiations run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to us in the long run.

Sun quincunx Chiron. Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness, as well as guilt for not facing important issues, can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence. Self-expression can be choppy and unnatural as a result.

Sun opposition Uranus. We want freedom, and we refuse to conform. Our wants are somewhat unstable and changeable. Sudden changes of plans are likely, and could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

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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 15

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 7:19 AM EDT, after which it stimulates our desire to take care of details and organize our lives in the sign of Virgo. This morning, a Mercury-Neptune influence suggests an inclination to gloss over details, however, and a Mars-Chiron opposition can complicate our lives as we may not be seeing how to pursue our interests and desires in a direct, straightforward way. We may be defensive and touchy, and resentments or frustrations can surface now. Watch for self-righteous, superior, or rebellious attitudes when a gentler approach is preferable. As the day advances, however, a Sun-Saturn sextile which will perfect tomorrow comes into influence, supporting the Virgo Moon’s need for order. This influence stimulates a desire to meet our responsibilities. We’re less inclined to allow our egos to get in the way of making practical progress.

The Moon is void from 1:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 7:19 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 16

The Moon spends the day in organized, detail-oriented, helpful Virgo. We enjoy a Sun-Saturn sextile this morning that supports disciplining ourselves to bring more purpose and practicality to our lives. This is a time for self-awareness that leads to realistic plans and goals. The Sun-Saturn influence keeps our feet on the ground. We prefer conservative, safe moves now – slow and steady suits us fine. It’s a good day for taking actions that build trust and a sense of reliability. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a particular task and make headway. We are taking into account practical considerations, and we are especially aware of the element of time.

OCTOBER 17

The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 1:36 PM EDT, after which it transits Libra. This morning, a Mars-Uranus quincunx may temporarily drain our energy or lead to restlessness and impatience. Mercury enters Scorpio today and then moves into conjunction with Jupiter in the sign. Mercury will transit Scorpio until November 5th, and during this cycle, our thoughts and communications are probing and intense. While Mercury in Libra urged us to find balance and to arrive at fair solutions, Mercury in Scorpio instinctively knows that life just isn’t fair. Mercury in Scorpio seeks truths in all that is hidden and undercover. This is a time to probe, investigate, observe, and focus. Looking for motivations–the more deeply buried the better–satisfies an intellectual need now. We throw away superficial manners of communicating in favor of deep conversations. Scorpio is exceptionally sharp, profound, and analytical. Thinking tends to be one-track minded and perhaps obsessive. Mercury is applying to its conjunction with Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning, and we are inclined to think in big terms. Communications are grand, enthusiastic, and perhaps exaggerated. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a time of long-range planning and thinking on a grand scale. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We should watch for overstating and promising more than we are capable of doing, but we might also enjoy good humor and positive vibes. It’s a good time to stretch our thinking to include new possibilities. Verbal expression flows easily. This is an excellent time to come to agreements and resolutions.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:36 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 18

Early today, Mercury and Jupiter reach their alignment in Scorpio, and we’re gaining insight into a problem, talking through issues, and seeing solutions or reasons to feel hopeful. Our opinions are strong and we’re especially decisive now. Even so, the Sun quincunx Chiron aspect later morning introduces some uncertainty. Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness, as well as guilt for not facing important issues, can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence. We’re moving towards a point of full exposure, especially about issues of autonomy and independence and our close relationships, with the Sun and Uranus approaching an opposition, occurring tomorrow shortly before the New Moon. We refuse to conform. The drive to do something new is with us, but we may not have a direction or purpose yet, and it’s best to avoid making hasty major decisions. The Moon is Balsamic today, as a New Moon will occur tomorrow in the sign of Libra, pointing to the benefits of personal reflection rather than new initiatives.

OCTOBER 19

The Moon is in Libra until 9:42 PM EDT, and it reaches the Sun at 3:13 PM. This New Moon launches a good cycle for committing to personal goals that express the positive energies of the Libra sign. We have a chance to build our negotiating skills and work on re-balancing our relationships. The weeks ahead are excellent for learning to make peace with those around us, establishing a sense of order and balance in our lives, and recognizing the value of partnerships. Libra has an innate ability for — and love of — synthesizing opposites. Peace and harmony are the goals, but there’s a delicate balancing act involved along the way that requires some commitment and effort. This New Moon brings fresh and creative energy into our lives. Negotiations may be especially productive. However, with the New Moon opposing Uranus very tightly, we are likely to encounter resistance from others and from within. Surprising events may be part of the picture now, particularly through our relationships and the illumination of a different perspective. This energy is rebellious and touchy, especially if we feel constrained by a partnership. The lunation’s sextile to Saturn suggests opportunities to make alternative setups work for us, however. The Sun’s opposition to Uranus and sesquiquadrate with Neptune today point to the need to deal with distractions and feelings of discontent which could lead us along unexpected tangents. The Moon transits Scorpio from 9:42 PM forward, prompting a desire to explore motivations and understand meanings.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 9:42 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 20

The day, particularly the morning, is strong for dialogues, conversations, and more in-depth thinking about mysteries, hidden meanings, relationships, and motivations. We’re more passionate, intense, and competitive than usual today. In relationships, questions are raised or ultimatums made. Decisions about family, health, or nutrition may feel difficult or pressing today. The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, and our intuition is keen, especially tonight when the Moon forms a trine to Neptune. We’re passionate about what we’re doing today, or we seek out emotionally satisfying and involving activities and challenges. Under the influence of a Scorpio Moon, we tend to see through pretenses.

OCTOBER 21

The Moon spends another day in the sign of Scorpio, encouraging us to read between the lines rather than accept everything at face value, and harmonizes with Pluto and Chiron. Good energy is with us for connecting, healing, research, and purposeful work. This morning is particularly useful for social connections and nurturing or supporting loved ones. By tonight, we can experience some mental tension or disorganization, making it a difficult time to get a clear message across. There can be some mental disconnects now.

 

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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 2017 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits