This Week in Astrology: September 30 to October 6, 2018

This Week in Astrology: September 30 to October 6, 2018

 

September 30 to October 6, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at 5:45 AM EDT.

On Tuesday morning, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra squares the Moon in Cancer.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of 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. 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 9 degrees and 9 minutes of Cancer forming a square with the Sun at 9 degrees and 9 minutes of Libra, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 7 to 11 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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The FULL MOON occurred last week in the sign of Aries on September 24th.

Last week, a Full Moon occurred 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 occurred 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 turns retrograde on the 5th and forms few aspects. A parallel to Mars on Thursday and Friday can stimulate insistent feelings that want some form of release. (Venus is 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.

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

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

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, September 30th, from 11:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Monday, October 1st, at 2:01 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, October 3rd, from 4:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 5:13 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, October 5th, from 7:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 7:19 PM EDT.

October 2018:

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 from Tuesday, October 2nd, at approximately 11:30 PM EDT, to Wednesday, October 3rd, at approximately 4:30 AM EDT, which the Moon is in Cancer. Another window occurs from Saturday, October 6th, at approximately 8:05 PM EDT, until Sunday, October 7th, at approximately 10:00 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Aug 27,
2018    10:05 AM Mars Direct
Sep  4, 2018     6:50 AM Pallas enters Virgo
Sep  5, 2018    10:39 PM Mercury enters Virgo
Sep  6, 2018     2:23 AM Ceres enters Libra
Sep  6, 2018     7:09 AM Saturn Direct
Sep  9, 2018     5:25 AM Venus enters Scorpio
Sep 10, 2018     8:56 PM Mars enters Aquarius
Sep 17, 2018    11:55 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Sep 21, 2018    11:39 PM Mercury enters Libra
Sep 22, 2018     9:54 PM Sun enters Libra
Sep 25, 2018     8:12 PM Chiron Retrograde enters Pisces
Sep 29, 2018     7:43 PM Juno enters Gemini
Sep 30, 2018    10:03 PM Pluto Direct
Oct  5, 2018     3:05 PM Venus Retrograde
Oct  9, 2018     8:40 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Oct 12, 2018    12:03 AM Juno Retrograde
Oct 23, 2018     7:22 AM Sun enters Scorpio
Oct 24, 2018     3:50 AM Juno Retrograde enters Taurus
Oct 31, 2018    12:38 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Oct 31, 2018     3:42 PM Venus Retrograde enters Libra

 

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury quincunx Neptune. There can be uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to draw upon intuition or to combine logic and intuition in a cohesive manner. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and often at the expense of productivity and clear communication.

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.

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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 30

The Moon is in communicative Gemini all day, but while we are living in the head with this transit, this morning it can be challenging to communicate or make decisions with confidence. Mercury forms a quincunx to Neptune, and there can be some uncertainty and indecision now, as it can be difficult to combine logic and intuition cohesively. Alternatively, the tendency to daydream can be high, and perhaps at the expense of productivity and clear communication. Also today, Pluto stations direct after retrograde motion since April 22nd, adding intensity to all that we do and feel today and this week. Over the coming weeks and months, our power to make profound changes in our lives is increasingly externalized and becomes more insistent and direct. We are less likely to brood over changes that we feel have been thrust upon us and more likely to take things into our own hands and make necessary changes.

The Moon is void from 11:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Monday, October 1st, at 2:01 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 1

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 2:01 PM, after which the Moon is in Cancer, and while we begin the day craving more interconnectivity, as the day advances, we seek out more comfort and familiarity. The Moon opposes Saturn and harmonizes with Uranus, and we can be frustrated by little things that go wrong or that pull us away from our interests. We can feel some tension due to our drives to perform or the demands of our responsibilities. The Cancer Moon seeks familiarity, but events, people, and circumstances tend to pull (or jar) us out of our comfort zone today. However, we can readily adapt and turn tensions into winning situations now.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Cancer at 2:01 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 2

At 5:47 AM EDT, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Libra squares the Moon in Cancer, pointing to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of the Full Moon, we 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. It’s 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. While the Cancer Moon is catching the energy of an impending Venus-Neptune trine, and we can feel heightened levels of empathy now, a Mercury-Pluto square can overpower this energy, stimulating suspicions. There can be tense communications. We can become obsessed with getting our message across and for others to agree with our ideas. 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. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication. Ideally, we learn more about our vulnerabilities through our reactions.

OCTOBER 3

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 5:13 PM EDT, and we seek comfortable, safe, and familiar faces and places, after which the Leo Moon is prepared to take a risk and solicit feedback. With the Sun semi-sextile Venus today, we may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. It’s best to seek to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other. A Mars-Pluto parallel aspect, however, can help strengthen our resolve or focus. With this influence, we want to make profound changes rather than remain idle or stagnant.

The Moon is void from 4:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Leo at 5:13 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 4

The Moon spends the day in Leo, and we’re confident and prepared to take on whatever comes our way. Our feelings are strong and compelling, and we’re ready and willing to share ourselves with others. The Moon clashes with Venus, as Venus might prefer to brood or dwell while the Leo Moon is seeking something new and fresh, but then harmonizes with the Sun in Libra, stimulating cooperation. With Venus and Mars parallel in declination today, we may wish to take action on making things harmonious, peaceful, and beautiful. This combination generates a competitive, exciting, creative, and pleasure-seeking energy.

OCTOBER 5

Venus in Scorpio stations as it turns retrograde today, and will continue in retrograde motion until November 16th. Until October 31st, Venus transits Scorpio and then retreats into Libra on that date for the remainder of the retrograde. This Venus retrograde cycle can bring us back to unresolved matters, particularly to do with relationships, finances, wants and needs, and values. We may want to avoid significant new beginnings or decisions related to Venus-ruled endeavors, such as finances, partnership, romance, and pleasurable pursuits. However, it’s a good time to assess these matters. This is a cycle in which we review, re-evaluate, and re-assess our love life, personal finances, and the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life. We can get in better touch with our values and needs during this slowdown phase. The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 7:20 PM EST when it enters Virgo. Mercury and Jupiter form a semi-sextile, suggesting some inability to settle on a particular idea, opinion, or project. However, we’re thinking positively, and we bounce back quickly from disappointment.

The Moon is void from 7:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 7:19 PM EDT.

OCTOBER 6

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo. While its opposition to Neptune this evening can temporarily throw us off our game, the Virgo Moon encourages us to take care of business, focus on details, and make improvements. This morning, we may be dealing with scattered thoughts, difficulties in groups and friendships, and restlessness with our current routine or with people’s thinking patterns and attitudes. We are looking for comfort, security, and nourishment as the day advances, and our ability to support our loved ones is more important to us than usual as the Sun heads towards an alignment with Ceres. Needs and cravings are in strong focus, particularly related to our relationships, and we’re drawn to those things we see as wholesome, healthy, and natural.

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

 

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