This Week in Astrology: September 20 to 26, 2020

This Week in Astrology: September 20 to 26, 2020

 

September 20 to 26, 2020

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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 Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020, at 9:55 PM EDT.

On Wednesday night, the First Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn.

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 1 degree and 29 minutes of Capricorn square the Sun at 1 degree and 29 minutes of Libra, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 4 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Virgo until the 22nd, when it enters Libra; Mercury is in Libra; Venus is in Leo; Mars is in Aries.

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.

The Sun is in Libra from September 22-October 22. 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 5-27. 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 Leo from September 6-October 2. Love is magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, 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, acknowledgement, 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 Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This is longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

Saturn has returned to the sign of Capricorn in retrograde motion (early July). In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus transits Taurus May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Leo from September 6-October 2. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game–a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo can seem 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: On Monday, our desire for the pleasures of life is strong, but we tend to overshoot. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and pleasures. On Wednesday, we’re seeking special meaning through our connections, which makes us a little more vulnerable to influence.

By Thursday, attractions are immediate and pleasant, although perhaps surprising. However, Thursday and Friday bring some awkward energy to our interactions. Issues of power and control can arise, but they can be hard to discern. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge. However, on Saturday, we’re also anxious to grow and improve, and we may draw in situations that help us do just that.

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

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.

Venus square Uranus September 14-15. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting, but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus quincunx Jupiter September 21. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus quincunx Neptune September 23. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus parallel Uranus September 24. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron  September 25-26. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus quincunx Pluto September 25-26. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments 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 sextile North Node September 26-27. There is a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable.

Venus quincunx Saturn September 28. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

Venus trine Mars September 28. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter October 4-5. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, September 21st, from 2:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:31 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 1:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:17 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 25th, from 11:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Saturday, September 26th, at 2:09 AM EDT.

September 2020:

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

The Moon is waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, but 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 from Sunday, September 20th, at approximately 5:45 PM, until Monday, September 21st, at approximately 2:10 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. This window is better from 3:00 AM forward on Monday, the 21st. Another window occurs on Wednesday, September 23rd, from approximately 1:25 AM to 1:25 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. This window is better after 9:00 AM. Caveat: Mars is retrograde for both periods.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jun 27
, 2020, 9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020, 7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020, 4:37 AM  Sun enters Leo
Aug  4, 2020, 11:32 PM Mercury enters Leo
Aug  7, 2020, 11:21 AM Venus enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2020, 7:14 AM Vesta enters Leo
Aug 19, 2020, 9:30 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Aug 22, 2020, 11:45 AM Sun enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2020, 3:46 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep  6, 2020, 3:21 AM Venus enters Leo
Sep 20, 2020, 7:19 AM Juno enters Scorpio
Sep 22, 2020, 9:30 AM Sun enters Libra
Sep 27, 2020, 3:20 AM Ceres Rx enters Aquarius
Sep 27, 2020, 3:40 AM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct  2, 2020, 4:48 PM Venus enters Virgo
Oct  4, 2020, 9:33 AM Pluto Direct
Oct 13, 2020, 9:05 PM Mercury Retrograde
Oct 18, 2020, 1:02 PM Ceres Direct
Oct 22, 2020, 3:34 AM Vesta enters Virgo
Oct 22, 2020, 6:59 PM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 27, 2020, 9:33 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Libra
Oct 27, 2020, 9:41 PM Venus enters Libra
*** Daylight Saving Time ends ***
Nov  3, 2020, 12:49 PM Mercury Direct
Nov  9, 2020, 9:38 AM  Ceres enters Pisces
Nov 10, 2020, 4:55 PM  Mercury enters Scorpio
Nov 13, 2020, 7:35 PM  Mars Direct
Nov 21, 2020, 8:22 AM  Venus enters Scorpio
Nov 21, 2020, 3:40 PM  Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 28, 2020, 7:37 PM  Neptune Direct

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Pluto. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Mercury square Saturn. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge during this transit due to obstacles. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate at this time. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and others could appear overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. Avoid signing on the dotted line at this time.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Mercury opposition Mars. We may be quick on the trigger when it comes to verbal reactions to others, and we may seriously lack diplomacy at this time. People may do the opposite of what they are told or what they think is best! This is not the best time to take a trip. However, this transit stimulates the desire to work and to produce.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview and The Astrology of 2021 – 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 20

With the Moon in Scorpio, our intuition is keen, and we’re passionate about what we’re doing. We seek emotionally satisfying and involving activities and challenges. We tend to see through pretenses. Reading between the lines rather than accepting everything at face value can be beneficial, but we might take this too far as the day advances. Mercury and Pluto are heading toward a square, exact early into the day tomorrow, and there can be mental tension or tense communications. We can become obsessed with getting our message across and for others to agree with our ideas. This aspect may play to our insecurities and fears that we’re not getting all the information we need. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should avoid attempts to force our opinions on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible, but with mindfulness, we might engage in in-depth, penetrating communication or think more deeply about a matter.

SEPTEMBER 21

The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio until it enters Sagittarius at 3:31 PM EDT. The Scorpio Moon is observant, strategic, emotional, and intense, and the Sagittarius Moon is exploratory, philosophical, and spontaneous. Venus forms a quincunx to Jupiter today, and we can feel restless and desirous of something more, but we may not be in touch with what we truly want. Alternatively, we can be frustrated by a predicament or either/or situation. On the one hand, we’re enjoying familiarity, comfort, and steadiness, while another part of us is seeking experience or new horizons to explore. Challenges in relationships today are likely due to overblown expectations.

The void Moon occurs from 2:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 3:31 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 22

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Sagittarius, and we’re brave, seeking new experiences. The Sun enters Libra today and will transit the sign until October 22nd. In the month ahead, we focus on balancing our personal environments and relationships. It’s a time for considering alternatives as well as others’ needs, agendas, and desires. Meeting people halfway, compromising, and negotiating come under the rule of Libra. The focus is now on finding balance and harmony through relationships and 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. We weigh both sides of any situation, and sometimes this process goes on too long! In Libra, the Sun doesn’t want to rock the boat nor rub people 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 when challenged.

SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury forms a square to Saturn this morning, and we tend to focus on the negative possibilities, which can be the first step before we get to a place of realism. We can be preoccupied with serious or weighty issues. There can be difficulties getting our message across or physically getting somewhere. Instead, we may need to revise a project or idea, and people may seem overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s challenging to trust our instincts temporarily. It may be best to seek the motivation to make changes rather than focus too heavily on flaws and limitations. However, it can be challenging with Mercury also heading toward an opposition to retrograde Mars, exact tomorrow morning. This aspect can introduce some tensions related to bottled-up resentment or anger and possible technical problems and issues that seem to slow things down. Watch for sharp words and errors in judgment all day. Also today, a Venus-Neptune quincunx can make it difficult to feel in touch with our intuition on financial, social, and romantic levels. The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until it enters Capricorn at 7:17 PM EDT, and the First Quarter Moon is exact tonight when the Capricorn Moon forms a square to the Sun in Libra. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. It’s a time of stress, but it’s the kind of tension that motivates us to make changes.

The void Moon occurs from 1:32 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:17 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 24

Mercury opposes retrograde Mars this morning – an aspect that occurs approximately every two years. We can be quick on the trigger with verbal reactions to others under this influence. We can feel pressured to get things done quickly, and the pace is hectic or mental tension makes things feel chaotic. We can be agitated, competitive, combative, and argumentative, talking over others, or communicating things that agitate and stir up controversy. Recent nervous tension can reach a release point, and this can be messy at first, but ultimately helps clear the air. The Moon spends the day in resourceful, sensible, and earthy Capricorn, and as the day advances, tempers can even out.

SEPTEMBER 25

Saturn forms a quintile to Chiron today. This aspect first formed in December 2019 and recurred on August 12th. We feel more competent, effective, and secure regarding our responsibilities during this period. We have a strong sense of both tradition and innovation, and we’re good at making these things work for us. We express our unique qualities or go our own way without stirring up controversy, as we act in a professional, respectful manner. The Moon spends the day in responsible and resolute Capricorn, aligning with Saturn this evening, boosting our sense of purpose. Nevertheless, the Moon forms a square to Mars, giving us a hint of the energies of the upcoming Mars-Saturn square that will perfect on the 29th. The need to attend to our duties, obligations, or ambitions might often compete with our personal goals and sense of independence and freedom now and this week. Later today, we can also feel a little out of sync on a social level as Venus heads toward minor challenging aspects to Chiron and Pluto.

The void Moon occurs from 11:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aquarius tomorrow, Saturday, September 26th, at 2:09 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 26

Venus forms a sesquiquadrate with Chiron and a quincunx with Pluto early day, and we may grapple with issues of power and control, insecurity, or jealousy. It’s a time of minor adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships, with our spending or entertainment, or related to our social lives. Fears and insecurities can disrupt the flow but they can help us see our personal blind spots. The Moon exits Capricorn and moves into Aquarius at 2:09 AM EDT, harmonizing with the Libra Sun this morning. There is good energy with us for intellectual stimulation or a team effort, and some emotional detachment can be refreshing today. The Moon’s square to Uranus later today suggests we can be stubborn about sticking with our methods, and we’re inclined to go our own way.

The void Moon period ends at 2:09 AM EDT when the Moon enters Aquarius.

 

 

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 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.

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.

 

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 2020 – Overview

The Astrology of 2021 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits