This Week in Astrology: September 23 to 29, 2018

This Week in Astrology: September 23 to 29, 2018

 

September 23 to 29, 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 FULL MOON occurs in the sign of Aries on Monday, September 24, 2018, at 10:52 PM EDT.

On Monday night, a Full Moon occurs, when the Sun in Libra forms an opposition to the Moon in Aries.

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.

The Aries-Libra polarity is a relationship axis, where Aries represents “self” and Libra represents “other.” Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise. The energy of the Libra Sun is the awareness of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them–compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Moon, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous.

This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability. The Libra Sun is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Moon, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Neglecting either end of the Aries-Libra axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about emotional declarations. Something has been building inside of us, likely of a personal nature, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this declaration means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates the conflict between “me” and “you”, and between autonomy and sharing. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet. With the Full Moon forming a square to Saturn, sextile to Mars, and the Sun aligned with Mercury, there can be powerful realizations now.

This lunation reminds us to consider how we are honoring ourselves in the context of our close relationships. New revelations can occur now, particularly in the areas of our physical bodies, leadership skills, our ability to initiate and begin new things, and our close partnerships. With this lunation square Saturn, we can struggle with obstacles or what appear to be harsh realities, but we’re persistent and resilient (the Sun and Moon also harmonize with Mars).

This phase of the Moon occurs at 2 degrees and 0 minutes of Libra forming an opposition with the Sun at 2 degrees and 0 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 4 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; 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.

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 Monday, September 24th, from 1:26 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:04 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, September 26th, from 6:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Thursday, September 27th, at 3:16 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, September 28th, from 6:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Saturday, September 29th, at 9:27 AM EDT.

September 2018:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on the 24th – a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 24th – a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week 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

Sun opposition Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through 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 likely as well. We might also be so concerned with keeping others happy that we are afraid to assert our own desires.

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.

Mercury trine Mars. Enthusiasm and energetic communications are likely now. We are productive and take “busy-ness” in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects. Our communications are refreshingly direct and to the point, although not especially sympathetic. Our minds are sharp and quick.

Sun quincunx Uranus. Surprise elements make us feel out of control of our lives or the direction we would like to take. Disrupted plans or schedules. Unexpected events or change of plans.

  Mercury semi-square Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today. Monotonous mental tasks are harder to take under this influence. Our minds are restless.

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.

Sun trine Mars. Energy and vitality are strong. Natural confidence that doesn’t come across as offensive. A good time to take the initiative. Favors physical activity. Effective decision-making is possible now.

Sun semi-square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

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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 23

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and its alignment with Neptune encourages us to be open to imagination, fantasy, and wonder. However, a Mercury-Saturn square influencing the first half of the day can have us focused on the negative possibilities 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. Negative thinking may figure strongly now. We may need to revise a project or idea, and people may seem overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. Trusting our instincts under this influence is difficult. This evening’s Mercury-Mars trine is particularly welcome as it suggests that we get our confidence back, ideally after a grounding experience. Enthusiasm and energetic communications are likely now. We are productive, alert, aware, and take “busy-ness” in stride. This is good energy for turning ideas into workable projects. Our communications are refreshingly direct and to the point, although not especially sympathetic, which is a less-than-ideal match for today’s Pisces Moon.

SEPTEMBER 24

The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 7:04 PM EDT, after which it moves through the sign of Aries, reaching full at 10:53 PM. The Full Moon in Aries tonight reminds us to consider how we are honoring ourselves in the context of our close relationships. New revelations can occur now, particularly in the areas of our health, leadership skills, feelings of independence, our ability to initiate and begin new things, and our close partnerships. With this lunation square Saturn, we can struggle with obstacles or what appear to be harsh realities, but we’re persistent and resilient (the Sun and Moon also harmonize with Mars). The Sun forms a quincunx to Uranus today, and surprise elements of the day can make us feel a little out of control of our lives or the direction we would like to take. Disrupted plans or schedules may be part of the picture now, and they throw us off center a little more than usual. A Sun-Mercury parallel adds mental focus or intensity to the day – our ideas are in sharp focus and highly personal.

The Moon is void from 1:26 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 7:04 PM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 25

Mercury and Jupiter form a semi-square this morning, stimulating some minor mental tension, possibly due to information overload. We may be neglecting details, exaggerating, feeling restless, or attaching more meaning to a situation than it deserves. Monotonous mental tasks are difficult to endure. As the day advances, a Sun-Saturn square can have a more restrictive effect on us. We may face obstacles to our goals, but through them, we can more clearly see the tools with which we have to overcome them. We need to consider the reality or practical side of a situation and may need to assume more responsibility now. We may be facing reality on a matter, and our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately boost our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. The Moon, on the other hand, spends the day in Aries, and the desire to get over things is strong – we don’t want to dwell on problems, although we may need to. The Aries Moon is brave and enterprising.

SEPTEMBER 26

The Moon spends the day in Aries, inspiring our independent spirit, bravery, and sense of enterprise. We prefer to meet situations head-on, and we’re direct and straightforward, although not especially sensitive or sympathetic with this Moon transit. We are intent on starting fresh, being first, or pushing forward. Even so, the Moon forms a square to Pluto this morning, and the challenges of work or tensions related to our ambitions can wear us down temporarily. The determination to get work done is building and commitment levels are strong as Saturn and Vesta head into alignment in productive Capricorn.

The Moon is void from 6:28 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Thursday, September 27th, at 3:16 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 27

Not long into the day, at 3:16 AM EDT, the Moon ends its transit of Aries and begins its transit of Taurus. The Taurus Moon is patient and deliberate. While we tend to want to get comfortable with this Moon position, a Sun-Mars trine active today encourages taking affirmative action. This influence is an energizing one and supports physical activity, initiative, and enterprise. Energy and vitality are strong. There is a stronger than usual desire to put plans into motion, to take the lead, and to keep busy. Enthusiasm and confidence both run high, and our sense of timing is good. Belief in ourselves is natural under this influence. Effective decision-making is possible now. Today is also strong for gaining a better understanding of ourselves and the people we care about through back-stories or expressions of our vulnerabilities.

The Moon continues its void period until 3:16 AM EDT when it enters Taurus.

SEPTEMBER 28

The Moon is in Taurus all day, and we’re inclined to keep things simple. Common sense tends to rule today, and we can put this to particularly good use around the time of the Moon’s trine to Pluto this afternoon. While we tend to crave familiar, safe endeavors with this influence, around the Moon’s opposition to Jupiter this evening, restlessness is stirred, and we can be tempted to go overboard to combat boredom.

The Moon is void from 6:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Saturday, September 29th, at 9:27 AM EDT.

SEPTEMBER 29

The Moon continues its transit of stable Taurus until 9:27 AM EDT, after which the Moon is transiting curious, connected Gemini. The Moon trine Mars and the Sun this evening can boost our confidence and give us a sense that we can do anything. The Sun forms a semi-square to Jupiter, however, and we can feel some levels of discontent now. We’re inclined to overcompensate by taking on more or by going to excess. There can be elevated but unstable moods as they may not be based on reality. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently.

The Moon continues its void period until 9:27 AM EDT when it enters Gemini.

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

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.

 

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