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This Week in Astrology - Archive

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August 10 to 16, 2008



On this Page:

This week's Moon phase
Planets in signs and in aspect
Retrogrades
This week's astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

 

This Week's Astrology ForecastFull Moon Lunar Eclipse Saturday, August 16th, 2008, at 5:16 PM EDT.

On Saturday, the Full Moon occurs when the Leo Sun opposes the Moon in Aquarius. 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 Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the "team". The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

This Full Moon is a Partial Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar eclipse is an especially potent lunation -- in this case a potent Full Moon. Lunar eclipses are relationship-oriented. The "crisis" that these eclipses tend to elicit is a crisis of lack--a time when we suddenly realize a great need or want. The impact of the crisis can act to sever a relationship--it's possible. But it can also bring two people together with a sudden awareness of a great need for each other. Although Lunar eclipses are more relationship-oriented than Solar eclipses, they are not always about relationships between two people. They can trigger awareness of need in other areas of our lives, such as our relationship to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters come to light--things that have been brewing under the surface.

When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects tend to last longer. Many astrologers believe that the effects of a Lunar eclipse last approximately six months.

Lunar Eclipses are about relationships and polarities. With the Leo-Aquarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives. The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between all that is personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of Leo is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while Aquarius rules the group, more impersonal friendships, and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways. The Leo Sun is proud and intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the "team". The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action.

Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses bring issues in our lives to fulfillment. Our emotions are heightened, and there is often some sort of drama involved with the house, sign, and any contacted planets activated by the Full Moon. Look to 24 degrees 21 of Aquarius in your own chart. This Lunar Eclipse gives us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. The areas of life activated by the eclipse may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear to move forward. Note that whatever "happens" at this time is nothing truly new. The issues have been brewing inside of us, and emotions have been building. Something comes to light at the time of the Full Moon, and if we get in touch with our emotions, we can get a better idea of what needs to change, or what needs to go.

This Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius is bound to thrust us into a state of heightened awareness of flaws in our friendships, attitudes towards others, and group activities. Decisions made now are emotionally-driven.

On August 17, 1989, a Lunar Eclipse fell in Aquarius at a similar degree as the one in August 2008. It might be helpful to think back to issues in your life that were in effect in the second half of 1989 (if you can remember back that far) in order to get an idea of how this 2008 Lunar Eclipse affects you.

If this Lunar eclipse conjuncts a planet in your chart, you may feel its intensity more than others. If it conjuncts your Sun, for example, it can act like a charge of energy. The desire --or necessity-- to turn over a new leaf is strong. See more about this Lunar Eclipse.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 21 minutes of Leo and Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at 22 to 26 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
Aug  1, 2008     6:13 AM  Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Aug  8, 2008     4:20 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Aug 16, 2008     5:16 PM  Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Aug 23, 2008     7:50 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Aug 30, 2008     3:58 PM   Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

 

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


The Sun is in Leo from July 22-August 22. In Leo, the Sun is proud, outgoing, and playful. The Leo Sun is intensely individual—not content with simply being just one of the team. It's time to shine, add a touch of color and drama to our lives, and perform. Like the flowers and fruit of the season--blossoming and ripened--this is a time when we want to enjoy ourselves and express ourselves. We are more generous and grand in our gestures and attitudes. On the shadow side, we can also be self-centered and vain.

Mercury is in Virgo from August 10-28. When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective when we get lost in details.

Venus is in Virgo from August 6-30. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

Mars in Virgo July 1-August 19. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 18th, and will stay in the sign until January 5th, 2009. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Capricorn here.


Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Virgo from August 6-30. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just "being there" for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers' reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues. As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: Venus joins with Saturn on Wednesday, and an air of formality, or increased responsibilities, are brought to our social relationships and romantic partnerships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. We may renew ties with old friends or lovers, or deal with a new sense of responsibility in existing relationships. Venus trines Jupiter on Saturday, and our feelings are expansive. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters figure strongly now.
 

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

Venus in Virgo August 6-30. If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn't you feel guilty about it: that's what it's like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.
Venus conjunct Saturn August 13. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Renewed ties to old friends or lovers are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing relationships.
Venus trine Jupiter August 16-17. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here, and is indicative of the "outcome" of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period, or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Tuesday, August 12th, from 5:05 AM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:43 AM.

VOC Moon on Thursday, August 14th, from 1:10 PM EDT, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:57 PM.

 

Void of Course Moon Table for August 2008:

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

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on August 16th--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week from Tuesday, August 12th, at approximately 7:45 AM EDT, until Thursday, August 14th, at approximately 1 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Capricorn. Another window occurs from Saturday, August 16th, at approximately 6:15 PM EDT, until Sunday, August 17th, at approximately 1 AM, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:


July  1st: Mars enters Virgo 12:21 PM
July 10th: Mercury enters Cancer 4:17 PM
July 12th: Venus enters Leo 2:39 PM
July 22nd: Sun enters Leo 6:55 AM
July 26th: Mercury enters Leo 7:48 AM
Aug  6th: Venus enters Virgo 12:20 AM
Aug 10th: Mercury enters Virgo 6:51 AM
Aug 19th: Mars enters Libra 6:03 AM
Aug 22nd: Sun enters Virgo 2:02 PM
Aug 28th: Mercury enters Libra 10:50 PM
Aug 30th: Venus enters Libra 10:41 AM
Sep  8th: Jupiter Direct 12:16 AM
Sep  8th: Pluto Direct 11:14 PM
Sep 22nd: Sun enters Libra 11:44 AM
Sep 23rd: Venus enters Scorpio 10:59 PM
Sep 24th: Mercury Retrograde 3:17 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2008 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

 

Venusconjunct Venus conjunct Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; or we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Financial discipline, realism, and maturity are possible now. We are more likely to be conservative when it comes to spending. Sound judgment may be exercised. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing friendships.

SunQuincunxUranus 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.

SunOppositionNeptune Sun opposition Neptune. It's easy to get lost in fantasy at this time, as we feel somewhat directionless and less able to face everyday realities. Willpower is low. Not a good time for any financial undertaking or formal agreement.

MercuryconjunctSaturn Mercury conjunct Saturn. Our ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced now. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or work. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.

trine Venus trine Jupiter. Friendliness and optimism characterize this transit. We are big-hearted and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. We are more open and trusting of friends and lovers. Integrity and loyalty are favored. A favorable influence for winning people's trust. Speculation, advertising, publishing, and travel are favored.

Last Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are ET.

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.


What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

August 10
Mercury enters Virgo early today, and stays in the sign until the 28th. During this cycle, precision in speech, thought, and process is especially important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective  by getting lost in details. The Moon is in fiery Sagittarius all day, and new experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need.

August 11
The Moon is in Sagittarius all day. 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". Emotional balance is with us in the hours surrounding the Moon's trine to the Sun at 10:07 AM EDT. What we do and what we feel are in harmony, and we benefit from this clarity. It's also a good time to strengthen relationships.

August 12
With the Moon changing signs from adventurous Sagittarius to practical Capricorn at 7:43 AM EDT, we feel the need to get down to business. With the Moon in Capricorn, our feelings are expressed reservedly and sparingly. We don’t want to expose ourselves to the feeling of being vulnerable. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual, and we aim for efficiency in most areas of life now. Our view of life in general is realistic. We are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions. Flexibility is not a strong point just now, and we might want to learn to relax and avoid attempts to keep control of every situation. Our careers and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this goal-oriented sign.

The Moon is void of course from 5:05 AM EDT, with its last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:43 AM.

August 13
With the Moon in Capricorn all day, we are especially 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. Venus joins with Capricorn's ruler, Saturn, this afternoon. Affections stabilize and mature under this influence, and our feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; or we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Financial discipline, realism, and maturity are possible now. We are more likely to be conservative when it comes to spending. Sound judgment may be exercised. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. We may renew ties to old friends, or experience a new sense of responsibility in existing friendships.

August 14
The Moon is in Capricorn until 6:57 PM EDT, and we are acutely aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We are also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. Nevertheless, the Sun in awkward aspect to Uranus early in the day can suggest some unexpected changes of plans or hard-to-pinpoint stresses. This afternoon's trine between the Moon and Mars, both occupying practical Earth signs, offers us increased stamina and "emotional energy" with which to tackle realistic projects. The Moon enters Air sign Aquarius at 6:57 PM EDT, and we open ourselves to new ideas, methods, and experiences.
 
The Moon is void of course from 1:10 PM EDT, with its last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:57 PM.

August 15
The Moon is in forward-looking Aquarius all day, and we are attracted to all that is new and unusual. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. Early morning, the Sun opposes Neptune. It's easy to get lost in fantasy at this time, as we feel somewhat directionless and less able to face, or cope with, everyday realities. Willpower may be low. This afternoon, Mercury conjoins Saturn, and our ability to concentrate and focus returns. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or work more effectively. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.

August 16
A partial Lunar Eclipse occurs this afternoon at 5:16 PM EDT, triggering awareness of need or lack in our lives, such as our relationship to work, to our health and bodies, and so forth. This is a time when matters come to light--things that have been brewing under the surface. When a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet rationalized. A Lunar eclipse is a more potent Full Moon, and its effects tend to last longer. Many astrologers believe that the effects of a Lunar eclipse last approximately six months. With the Leo-Aquarius axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action. Venus trines Jupiter today, and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. Speculation, advertising, publishing, and travel are favored.

Daily Trends Calendar

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

MoonSagittariusThe 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

MoonCapricornrWe 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 face.

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

MoonAquarius 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...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

 

This Week's Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends):

Sun in Leo "This I do for me" is your motto at a time like this. This is your time to shine, like a swirl of starstuff that has finally reached critical mass and suddenly starts to give off more light than it receives. Issues of pride, mastery, and appreciation become more and more central to your lifestream as this cycle progresses, as does a very important lesson: it's not what you do so much as how you do it, not who you are so much as how you make others feel about themselves. If it doesn't come from the heart, it shouldn't matter now.

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

Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn't you feel guilty about it: that's what it's like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

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

Jupiter in Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.

Saturn in Virgo An emphasis on discipline with regard to work and health is a keynote of the cycle now dawning in your life. Procedures, scheduling, details: you're apt to be weak in these areas unless you take steps to correct deficiencies. Do this, and you make progress; otherwise, you have to run faster just to avoid falling behind.

Uranus in Pisces
Radical mysticism, idealistic visions, new insights into the linkage between the past and future: all these things are accentuated now, as you come into a new cycle. Experimenting with artistic norms and breaking the rules satisfy an inner need, yet may exact a toll if you are not conscientious about it.

Neptune in Aquarius Humanistic ideals and a belief that technology and social reform can create a utopia become powerful and inspiring images at this time. Personal and selfish concerns seem petty and ignorant - and all the more so if they are part of the status quo. Liberty, equality, fraternity: are they the ultimate answers or only the foundations for something that transcends them all?

Pluto in Sagittarius The test of faith, the inquisition, the purging of the superficial: these issues take hold at the very roots of your existence now. This is a kind of spiritual or philosophical rebirth, and it is not always gentle. Ultimate answers come from far away.

What's In Your Forecast?

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


See also:

The Astrology of 2008 - Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month's Ephemeris

This Month's New Moon

This Month's Transits