This Week in Astrology: October 7 to 13, 2018

This Week in Astrology: October 7 to 13, 2018

 

October 7 to 13, 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 NEW MOON occurs on Monday, October 8, 2018, at 11:47 PM EDT.

On Monday night, 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 forming a square to Pluto, we’re likely to encounter resistance from others and from within as our ambitions seem to compete or conflict with our relationship goals.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 48 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 12 to 20 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 9th, after which Mercury is in Scorpio; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Aquarius.

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 21-October 9. 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 9-31. 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 Scorpio from September 9-October 31. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital.

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 Scorpio from September 9-October 31 and then December 2, 2018, to January 7, 2019. Deeply passionate relations are the focus with Venus in Scorpio. Superficial flirtations and contacts do not satisfy now, as we yearn for “body and soul” contact with someone special–contact that breaks the taboos, that is extreme and intense, and that is unforgettable. This is a highly emotional position for Venus. It is a passionate, sensual, and intense energy. Our relationships are immensely important to us, and we may even feel that they consume us. In fact, we tend to want to be consumed by them! Our drive is toward intense closeness, but blind faith in our partners is extremely hard for us now. Fears of being too vulnerable or of giving up our own power to others are strong. Scorpio is an “all or nothing” energy, and relationships tend to be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride as a result. Disdain for mediocrity and superficiality can compel us to create crises in order to feel alive and vital. If a relationship becomes too settled or predictable, we may crave more intensity and catalytic experience. Jealousies, fears of betrayal, and power games are the shadow side of Venus in Scorpio. We may easily become obsessed with a fear that our partners might be betraying us, or that they are not as consumed and dedicated to the relationship as us. This can lead us to try to uncover the “truth”, reading too many negative possibilities in our partners’ actions and words.

This week: Venus is retrograde this week.  (Venus is retrograde from October 5-November 16). Retrograde Venus forms a square to Mars on the 10th, and tensions rise, likely to do with old issues. Our needs and desires seem to clash now, which can lead to some friction.

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

Venus in Scorpio September 9-October 31. This is way beyond love, all the way to obsession – that’s the nature of the cycle that now takes hold in your life. We’re not talking just lukewarm WANT here; we’re talking red-hot GOT TO HAVE! Passion, jealousy, possession: these are the kinds of experiences that can flow from the intensity that courses through you at one level or another now – voracious.

Venus sextile Saturn September 12. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

Venus parallel Mars October 4-5. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus square Mars October 10. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating.

Venus conjunct Mercury October 14-15. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, October 7th, from 10:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:10 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, October 9th, from 4:50 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, October 10th, at 12:09 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, October 11th, from 7:12 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Friday, October 12th, at 5:53 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, October 13th, from 8:59 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Sunday, October 14th, at 3:17 PM EDT.

October 2018:

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon late on the 8th – a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon late on the 8th – a period that 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 Saturday, October 6th, at approximately 8:05 PM EDT, until Sunday, October 7th, at approximately 10:00 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs from October 10th at approximately 6:05 PM EDT, to October 11th, at approximately 7:10 PM EDT (better after 11:30 PM), while the Moon is in Scorpio. Note that Venus is retrograde during these windows, however.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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
Sep  6, 2018     2:23 AM Ceres enters Libra
Sep  6, 2018     7:09 AM Saturn Direct
Sep  9, 2018     5:25 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 10, 2018     8:56 PM Mars enters Aquarius
Sep 17, 2018    11:55 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Sep 21, 2018    11:39 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 22, 2018     9:54 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 25, 2018     8:12 PM Chiron Retrograde enters Pisces
Sep 29, 2018     7:43 PM Juno enters Gemini
Sep 30, 2018    10:03 PM Pluto Direct
Oct  5, 2018     3:05 PM Venus Retrograde
Oct  9, 2018     8:40 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 12, 2018    12:03 AM Juno Retrograde
Oct 23, 2018     7:22 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24, 2018     3:50 AM Juno Retrograde enters Taurus
Oct 31, 2018    12:38 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Oct 31, 2018     3:42 PM Venus Retrograde enters Libra

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview. I am currently working on The Astrology of 2019 – Overview – it’s not quite finished but contains a lot of useful information about the upcoming year.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

  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.

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.

Mercury quincunx Chiron. Decisions can be hard to come by under this influence, as we tend to doubt our perceptions or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now, which can lead to misunderstandings.

  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.

Venus square Mars. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from differences between romantic and sexual needs. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, and invigorating.

Sun square Pluto. Insubordination and abuse of power. Impatience with rules. Compulsiveness. The urge to get to the bottom of matters is with us, but we are too insistent. Avoid beating a dead horse and attempting to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. Circumstances now can push us to discover our own power–power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. Events may occur now that highlight the need to trust.

Mercury sextile Saturn. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now will have tangible results in the future.

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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.

OCTOBER 7

The Sun is forming a quincunx to Neptune midday and can plant some doubts in our minds. This influence 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. With the Moon Balsamic and the New Moon occurring tomorrow, this is a good time, in fact, to slow down, unwind, and decompress. The New Moon in Libra tomorrow can act to redirect our interests and focus. The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 9:10 PM EDT, after which it transits Libra.

The Moon is void from 10:03 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:10 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 8

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and at 11:47 PM EDT, is New. The New Moon in Libra is an excellent 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 delicate 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 forming a square to Pluto, we’re likely to encounter resistance from others and from within as our ambitions seem to compete or conflict with our relationship goals. As well, with Venus, ruler of Libra, now retrograde, we may be looking back before moving forward.

OCTOBER 9

Mercury forms minor challenging aspects to Neptune and Chiron this morning, enters the sign of Scorpio this evening, after which it heads towards an opposition to Uranus. These aspects can challenge our perceptions and/or conversations and judgment. We’re not in the best shape for formalizing agreements or presenting our case, and decisions may be hard to come by. It can be tricky reading the intention behind the words, which can lead to misunderstandings. Even so, and especially as the day advances, we can be a little confrontational or rebellious in our communications. Mercury enters Scorpio today and will stay in the sign for over three weeks — until October 31st. During this cycle, our thoughts and conversations 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.

The Moon is void from 4:50 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio the next day, Wednesday, October 10th, at 12:09 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 10

There can be conflicts experienced today which can pull up old problems or issues to deal with but can also lead to new insights. With Mercury opposite Uranus, we can be confrontational or controversial. Disagreements with others are entirely possible. It’s not the best time to present an argument or an important idea, but the friction stimulated can challenge us to learn more about our minds and opinions. Epiphanies and unusual ideas can occur now. Also today, retrograde Venus forms a square to Mars, awakening many urges and desires, some of which may only be whims or distractions, and can relate to issues stimulated earlier in September. We may be reawakening uncomfortable topics from the past. Discomfort with the status quo can lead to highly creative workarounds and improvements. Disagreements are possible with differences and contrasts standing out more than usual. There can be a real discrepancy between values and desires, and passions run high. Be wary of making impulse purchases and relationship decisions under these conditions. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which may be challenging or refreshing, or perhaps a mix of both! The Moon enters perceptive, passionate Scorpio shortly into the day.

The Moon continues its void period until 12:09 AM EDT when it enters Scorpio.

OCTOBER 11

The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, aligning with Jupiter and magnifying already intense feelings. The desire for an absorbing interest or project can be strong now. The Sun-Pluto square that’s exact very early tomorrow can bring fears and buried matter to the surface, and putting our faith and trust in others (or the universe) can be difficult, however. Positively, circumstances now can push us to discover our own power — power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. It’s best to aim for self-control now. A Mercury-Saturn sextile is also impending, and sorting things out logically and step by step can help. This aspect promotes a deliberate and efficient approach to the world around us. We see the benefits of getting organized, making lists, attending to details, and making sound judgments and decisions.

The Moon is void from 7:12 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Friday, October 12th, at 5:53 AM EDT.

OCTOBER 12

Mercury’s sextile to Saturn this morning can get us into a clear frame of mind. It’s easier to tap into more patience and common sense under this influence. It’s also an excellent time to communicate with those in authority and to be taken seriously, in general. We might make connections with people or information we need to advance our goals now. The Moon ends its transit of Scorpio and enters Sagittarius at 5:53 AM EDT. The Sagittarius Moon encourages us to explore, learn, and discover.

The Moon continues its void period until 5:53 AM EDT when it enters Sagittarius.

OCTOBER 13

The Moon is in optimistic and enthusiastic Sagittarius all day, bringing generally happy, spontaneous, and curious energy to the day. We’re attracted to new situations of conquest or adventure and require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. Bored with the mundane, anything that breaks the routine is appealing now. However, if we’ve attached ourselves to unrealizable dreams, we may feel a little deflated this morning as the Moon squares Neptune. This evening, the Moon sextiles the Sun, encouraging cooperation. This combination also stimulates a desire for social interaction, movement, learning, and discovery. We’re unusually idealistic now.

The Moon is void from 8:59 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Sunday, October 14th, at 3:17 PM EDT.

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

 

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

The Astrology of 2019 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits