This Week in Astrology: September 10 to 16, 2017

September 10 to 16, 2017

After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 40 minutes of Gemini square the Sun at 20 degrees and 40 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 19 to 23 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Full Moon

The FULL MOON occurred on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at 3:03 AM EDT.

On Wednesday morning, a Full Moon occurred, when the Sun in Virgo formed an opposition to the Moon in Pisces.

The Virgo-Pisces polarity is the service axis, and it deals with the balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules our personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spirituality. The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire–we would either be living in chaos or in excessive order.

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.

This Full Moon is tightly tied to Neptune and this can be a dreamy, inspired time but also one when we can be wrestling with expectations.

Full Moon in Pisces Chart – September 6, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurred at 13 degrees and 53 minutes of Pisces forming an opposition to the Sun at 13 degrees and 53 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 11 to 17 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Aug 21, 2017, 2:30 PM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Aug 29, 2017, 4:13 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Sep 6, 2017, 3:03 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Sep 13, 2017, 2:25 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Sep 20, 2017, 1:30 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

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

The Sun is in Virgo from August 22-September 22. Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle–the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from “collecting” odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.

Mercury is in Virgo from July 25-August 31 and then September 9-29. When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don’t lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details. We should also be aware of the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

Venus is in Leo from August 26-September 19. Love is magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warm-hearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

Mars is in 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.

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 Leo from August 26-September 19. Romance becomes an end in itself during this cycle. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth characterizes this cycle. Love is magnificent and grand! We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warm-hearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgment, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

This week: Tuesday favors the practical side of relationships, although we may not be treating one another with sensitivity. Loyalty and reliability are valued now. Thursday and Friday are particularly strong for making connections, cooperating, socializing, and enjoying ourselves. We especially value harmony now. We might make fortunate connections. There can be mild doubts about our relationships stimulated that are likely to do with our own insecurities on Saturday.

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

Venus in Leo August 26-September 19. Romance becomes an end in itself as a new cycle begins for you. It marks a time when love, creativity, and self-expression satisfy a deep yearning to be appreciated and admired – needed, even. A flashy, flirty, stylish splash of color and warmth.

Venus quincunx Pluto September 9. This is a time of adjustments and reassessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

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

Venus conjunct True North Node September 14. We are more concerned about harmonizing than usual and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Venus sextile Jupiter September 15. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable than usual. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

Venus quincunx Chiron September 16-17. There may be vague feelings of discontent in relationships; or a choice that needs to be made regarding personal relationships, money, or possessions. Insecurity involving others might make it awkward for us to express our affections naturally or flowingly.

Venus trine Uranus September 17-18. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

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, September 10th, from 8:55 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Monday, September 11th, at 3:30 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, September 13th, from 2:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:13 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 15th, from 5:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 9:09 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – September 2017

Void of Course Moon Tables for September 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Wednesday, September 13th, from approximately 4:15 AM to 2:35 PM EDT while the Moon is in Gemini. Note, however, that the Sun is applying to a square to Saturn during this window. Another window occurs from Friday, September 15th, at approximately 9:10 PM EDT, until Sunday, September 17th, at approximately 8:50 PM EDT (better before 8:30 PM), while the Moon is in Leo.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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
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 in Astrology Calendar: September 10 to 16, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

Venus trine Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Affections stabilize and mature. Maturity with others allows us to take the bad with the good, and finds us seeing our relationships realistically. Small advances can be made in business and in partnerships through strengthening and bonding. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or more tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility can be felt in existing friendships. Business sense is good.

Sun square Saturn. As we face obstacles to our goals, we begin to see the tools with which we have to overcome them. A heavy dose of realism seems forced upon us under this influence, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. This influence is a somber one.

Venus sextile Jupiter. Cooperation, consideration for others, cheerfulness, positive attitude towards relationships, romantic opportunities, harmony. Favors financial endeavors. Optimistic spiritual energy is brought to relationships. We tend to connect to a higher purpose regarding our personal relationships and our values, attaching meaning to them. We may enjoy a feeling of well-being now. Ease is experienced in social situations. We are freer with our affections (and our money). This is also a favorable transit for entertaining and socializing.

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.

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).

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.

SEPTEMBER 10

The Moon spends the day in Taurus, harmonizing with the Sun in Virgo as well as Neptune and Pluto. This is a steady position of the Moon that encourages us to enjoy ourselves and what we have going for us. There can be a slowing down with this transit – a stabilizing of our feelings and considerably less urgency. It’s a good time for enjoying outings, music, the arts, and gatherings. It’s a strong influence for money as well. Earthy activities and sensual pleasures appeal now more than usual, and we find a sense of peace and contentment with that which is familiar and reliable. We instinctively know that patience is required for matters to naturally move forward.

The Moon is void from 8:55 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Gemini tomorrow, Monday, September 11th, at 3:30 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 11

The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 3:30 PM EDT, favoring a down-to-earth, familiar, or traditional approach to our day, after which we become more communicative and curious with the Moon’s transit of Gemini. The Moon’s square to Mercury and then Mars as these bodies move towards another conjunction can point to building tension related to differences of opinion or worries about deadlines. There can be mental pressures and stress later today. This is not the best time for making or seeking commitments.

The Moon is void until 3:30 PM EDT when it enters Gemini.

SEPTEMBER 12

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, keeping us on our toes mentally. A Mercury-Pluto minor challenging aspect this morning points to second-guessing others and suspicion. Something hidden or disruptive can emerge that changes our view of a situation. As the day progresses, we can tap into a Venus-Saturn trine that’s stabilizing, promoting a realistic and perhaps materialistic view of our relationships. Small advances in business and partnerships come through strengthening and bonding. We value reliability and tradition more than usual. A new sense of responsibility can be experienced in existing friendships. Business sense is good.

SEPTEMBER 13

Early today, the Last Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Virgo forms a square with the Moon in Gemini. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 6:13 PM EDT, after which it enters Cancer, and we become quite a bit more insular. A square between the Sun and Saturn occurs today, and we may face obstacles to our goals, but through them, we can see the tools with which we have to overcome them. A heavy dose of realism seems forced upon us under this influence, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. We need to consider the reality or practical side of a situation and may need to assume more responsibility.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:36 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:13 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 14

The Moon is in Cancer all day, and our needs for comfort, safety, belonging, and familiarity are active and in focus. The Cancer Moon is sensitive and dedicated to loved ones. We might take steps to make ourselves or our families more comfortable and safe today. This is a strong time for tapping into our inner genius or personal potential and putting it to work for us. We are learning from past experiences, love, attachments, family, and even rejection. We’re likely to enjoy helping people, teaching, and growing through our connections. There can be some resistance experienced with the Moon-Pluto opposition tonight when people may be dredging up the past. Intensity in our personal relationships, emotional entanglements, power games, or some inner emotional turmoil are possible now.

SEPTEMBER 15

Venus forms a sextile with Jupiter today – a soft, pleasant influence that promotes cooperation, acceptance, inclusiveness, and optimism, particularly in our relationships. We are a little freer and more generous with our affections, and with our money, as well. This is one of the favorite transits for entertaining and socializing. Optimistic spiritual energy is brought to relationships now. We seek a higher purpose or meaning through our connections and our values. The Moon transits comfortable Cancer much of the day, entering magnanimous Leo at 9:09 PM EDT.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:23 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 9:09 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 16

The Moon spends the day in proud Leo. A Mercury-Mars conjunction in Virgo enlivens the day further. This is a time of motivated, energetic work, particularly related to communications and the mind, and, since it occurs in the sign of Virgo, work and health 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.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology: September 17 to 23, 2017

: This Week in Astrology: September 24 to 30, 2017

: This Week in Astrology: October 1 to 7, 2017

: This Week in Astrology: October 8 to 14, 2017

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Virgo You’re coming into a new cycle centered on taking what you know and what you’ve got and then making the most of it in the real world. Assimilating information and experience, learning lessons and putting them into practice – that’s the focus as this cycle unfolds. It’s a time for prudence and stewardship, a time to tend to the details. You probably already have the grand ideals and visions: now you must get your hands dirty with the bricks and mortar and your mind busy with putting it all together.

Mercury in Virgo Mental discipline and patience are keynoted as you enter into a new cycle. Thinking things through, accounting for all the details, making careful measurements: these and similar experiences keep your mind active and involved. An interest in health and work may come to the fore.

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

Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now.

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.

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.