This Week in Astrology: September 16 to 22, 2018

This Week in Astrology: September 16 to 22, 2018

 

September 16 to 22, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at 7:15 PM EDT.

On Sunday evening, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Virgo forms a square with the Moon in Sagittarius. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 2 minutes of Sagittarius forming a square with the Sun at 24 degrees and 2 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 26 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

 

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The NEW MOON occurred on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at 2:02 PM EDT.

On Sunday afternoon, the New Moon occurred as the Moon aligned with the Sun in the sign of Virgo.

A time of new beginnings, this New Moon presented an excellent opportunity for us to formulate some goals regarding “all things Virgo.” We’d do well to concentrate on new ways to get our day-to-day life organized. We might think about the keywords for this particular and earthy sign — such things as analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious — and consider ways to incorporate these traits into our personalities.

The New Moon in Virgo is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Virgin. These include building our powers of healthy, constructive discrimination; rolling up our sleeves and getting down to some serious work; beginning a new project that requires attention to details; making lists, actively ticking off completed activities, and taking pride in our “little” accomplishments; starting a health regime, researching nutrition and nourishment, and paying attention to our diet; setting up specific routines that will help us manage our lives in constructive and mindful ways; and handling the finer details of our day-to-day life in an organized, step-by-step fashion so that we can free our minds of clutter.

This New Moon occurred in opposition to Neptune, which can be a little too uncertain for fact-finding Virgo, and we may need to wrestle with our expectations or perceptions of what’s real and what may be an unrealizable dream. Even so, it harmonized with Jupiter and Pluto which are heading towards a sextile aspect, and we’re determined, ambitious, and ready to make our new beginnings work for us.

This phase of the Moon occurred at 17 degrees and 00 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 21 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

 

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Virgo until the 22nd, after which the Sun is in Libra; Mercury is in Virgo until the 21st, after which Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Scorpio; Mars is in Aquarius.

The Sun is in Virgo from August 23-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.

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 Virgo from September 5-21. When Mercury is in Virgo, we value precision in speech, thought, and process. This is a time when we analyze and discriminate between what we deem useful or 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 an overly factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.

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.

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 doesn’t form any major aspects to major planets this week (Venus is moving slowly as it gears up for retrograde from October 5-November 16.

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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, September 16th, from 7:15 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Monday, September 17th, at 7:07 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, September 19th, from 1:10 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 7:51 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 21st, from 1:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Saturday, September 22nd, at 8:27 AM EDT.

September 2018:

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

The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 9th – a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Monday, September 17th, from approximately 1:30 PM EDT, until Wednesday, September 19th, at approximately 1:10 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Capricorn (better after Mars square Uranus – after 8 PM on Tuesday, September 18th). Another window occurs from Saturday, September 22nd, at approximately 8:30 AM EDT, until Monday, September 24th, at approximately 1:20 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces (better after Mercury square Saturn – after 2 PM on Sunday, September 23rd).

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Aug 12, 2018    10:14 PM
Mars Retrograde enters Capricorn
Aug 19, 2018    12:25 AM Mercury Direct
Aug 23, 2018    12:08 AM Sun enters Virgo
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

Mercury sextile Jupiter. Positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation are themes now. This influence favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, test taking, and making diagnoses and observations. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and we’re open to learning.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mars square Uranus. We have a tendency to take risks, to feel restless, and to act on sudden impulses without considering consequences. We assert our wills and individuality powerfully, and we are willing to fight for freedom. We might feel rebellious in the face of rules and regulations, particularly those we might feel are outdated, or anything that requires us to conform. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge us in such a way that we need to change our goals or actions. Energy is stop-and-go, and it can be hard to focus on only one activity.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Mercury opposition Chiron. Misunderstandings in communications that occur now stem from taking things too personally. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. Doubting our ability to make a clear cut decision comes from a feeling that opposing viewpoints hold the same weight, and thus an inability to choose sides. There can be a sense of shooting ourselves in the foot when we present our ideas or opinions, and a feeling of misrepresenting ourselves when we communicate can figure strongly now.

Mercury quincunx Uranus. It is difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. Uncertainty reigns today. Avoid making hasty decisions that you will later regret. Impulsiveness, disorganization, unreceptive to practical advice and/or your ideas are not well-received.

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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.

SEPTEMBER 16

A Mercury-Jupiter sextile today stimulates positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and open ourselves up to learning. This aspect helps us put things into perspective, although it does also encourage reaching beyond our usual boundaries. We are sharper in our thinking and seeking solutions to problems or the positive side of situations. Our minds open to possibilities. A Mercury-Venus semi-square also influences the day, and there can be some hypersensitivity in our interactions, however. We may take offense quickly. This aspect can also point to a certain amount of mental laziness or lack of discipline. The Moon spends the day in Jupiter-ruled, adventurous Sagittarius, and a First Quarter Moon forms at 7:15 PM EDT. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

The Moon is void from 7:15 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Monday, September 17th, at 7:07 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 17

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 7:07 AM EDT, after which the Moon moves through the sign of Capricorn. The Capricorn Moon harmonizes with Uranus and Venus as well as aligns with Saturn today. We enjoy making small changes that benefit our projects. We have a broader sense of responsibility and naturally take an inventory of our priorities. We are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions with this practical Moon position that encourages us to pay attention to structures, rules, and goals. As the day advances, we may be feeling pleasantly attached, finding it natural and easy to nurture and support people in our lives.

The Moon is void until it enters Capricorn at 7:07 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 18

Mars and Uranus form a square today. This aspect first formed on May 16th shortly after Mars entered Aquarius and Uranus entered Taurus. Later, on August 1st, this aspect was revisited due to a Mars retrograde cycle, and today, Mars and Uranus meet via a square for the final time in this set. This is a potent combination. We’re inclined to assert our independence abruptly or to attempt to enforce changes. We can be tempted to take risks or to act on impulses without considering consequences. There is little patience with restrictions or limitations now. We might feel rebellious in the face of rules and regulations, mainly those we think are outdated, or anything that requires us to conform. There may be changes in work schedules, or life’s circumstances could challenge us in such a way that we need to redirect our enthusiasm or alter our goals. Energy is stop-and-go, and it can be hard to focus on only one activity. Inner tension begs for release now, but we should avoid sudden moves. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Capricorn, aligning with Pluto and harmonizing with both Neptune and Jupiter, helping ground us but also firing up our ambitions.

SEPTEMBER 19

The Moon continues its transit of industrious Capricorn until 7:51 PM EDT, after which it transits Aquarius. The Capricorn Moon harmonizes with Mercury and the Sun (which are heading towards alignment in the sign of Virgo, exact tomorrow), encouraging cooperation and clarity. It’s a fine time to communicate and connect. This is also a powerful time for significant ideas blooming or reaching a turning point, primarily related to our work or health projects and programs. While the Moon’s move into Aquarius is usually feel-good energy that encourages us to let go of tension, the Moon plays into the recently-formed Mars-Uranus square tonight, and it can be relatively easy to work ourselves up!

The Moon is void from 1:10 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 7:51 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 20

The Sun-Mercury alignment in the sign of Virgo today is a superior conjunction and can stimulate an epiphany, illumination of a matter, or a clearing of the air. An idea or plan can come to full bloom now. This alignment can offer us a beautiful little window of opportunity to clearly see our goals. We’re especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, and problem-solving comes easily and naturally. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or for worse! We may want to watch for intellectualizing issues that require more sensitivity, however. The Moon spends the day in original, inventive Aquarius.

SEPTEMBER 21

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aquarius. Mercury enters Libra today and will transit the sign until October 9th. When Mercury is in Libra, we are diplomatic and friendly. During this cycle, we bring a more rational approach to one-to-one relationships. It’s a good time to improve our negotiation skills. In an attempt to see both sides of any given situation, Mercury in Libra can be 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 to keep the peace. However, this is a good period for considering others’ points of view and coming to reasonable conclusions. Tonight, Mercury moves into opposition with Chiron, and we may be questioning our ideas or goals. Misunderstandings in communications that occur now can stem from taking things too personally. Doubting our ability to make a clear-cut decision comes from a feeling that opposing viewpoints hold the same weight, and this can lead to an inability to choose sides. We may be shooting ourselves in the foot when we present our ideas or opinions, and we could be misrepresenting ourselves when we communicate.

The Moon is void from 1:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Saturday, September 22nd, at 8:27 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 22

The Sun enters Libra today, and until October 23rd, we focus on balancing our personal environments and relationships. This is a time for considering alternatives as well as others’ needs, agendas, and desires. 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, or superficial. Today’s Mercury-Uranus quincunx can leave us feeling a little unsettled mentally. It can be a challenge gaining others’ understanding and coming to solid decisions with this aspect active. We’re also heading into a Sun-Chiron opposition, exact early tomorrow. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. We may not be seeing eye to eye with others, and lack of faith in our own decisions is possible as well. We might also be so concerned with keeping others happy that we are afraid to assert our desires. However, this is also a time for seeing something important about ourselves and our vulnerabilities through our interactions with others.

The Moon continues its void period until 8:27 AM EDT when it enters Pisces.

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

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.

 

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

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits