This Week in Astrology
August 5 to 11, 2007
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Last Quarter Moon Sunday, August 5th, 2007, at 5:20 PM EDT.
Sunday afternoon, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Leo squares off with the Moon in Taurus. 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 on July 14th. 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 13 degrees and 05 minutes of Leo and Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at 11 to 15 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
July 14, 2007 8:04 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
July 22, 2007 2:29 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
July 29, 2007 8:48 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
August 5, 2007 5:20 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
August 12, 2007 7:03 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
The Sun is in Leo; Mercury is in Leo; Venus in Virgo (Retrograde), re-enters Leo on August 8th; Mars is in Taurus, enters Gemini on August 7th.
The Sun is in Leo from July 23-August 23. 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 Leo from August 4-19. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal--and the more grand a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. We may not listen as well as we normally do under Mercury in Leo.
Venus is in Virgo from July 14-August 8. 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.
Venus returns to Leo from August 8-October 8. Love is magnificent and grand when Venus is in Leo. 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 Taurus from June 24-August 7. When Mars is in Taurus, we are determined, stubborn, and resolute. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.
Mars is in Gemini from August 7-September 28. In Gemini, Mars is considerably more versatile and flexible--and considerably less determined and focused! Our interests become more diversified, possibly to the point of going off on so many tangents that we are scattered and ineffective.
Jupiter entered Sagittarius on November 23rd, and will stay in the sign until December 18th, 2007. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Sagittarius here.
Venus stationed and turned retrograde on July 27th.
Venus is Retrograde in Virgo and Leo from July 27th to September 8th, 2007.
23 Jun 2007 08:42 pm 1635' Enters Rx Zone
27 Jul 2007 01:26 pm 0257'Rx Stationary Retrograde
08 Sep 2007 12:19 pm 1635' Stationary Direct
11 Oct 2007 06:47 pm 0257' Leaves Rx Zone
As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that most astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period as well. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking action in the areas of finance and love is not advised until Venus turns direct again.
Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.
On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus in Leo for much of its retrograde cycle, our needs for attention may be especially strong. We may question the romance factor in our current relationships. With Venus in Virgo for some of this retrograde cycle, the tendency to focus on flaws (and to criticize) may be strong.
Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We are called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It can be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.
Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. For singles, this is a good time for "eyes wide open" or experimental dating. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to complete them, or some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them. This period is good for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends in September.
On the subject of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or other big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you; or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase.
Think back to what may have happened during the last few Venus retrograde cycles (December 24th, 2005 to February 3rd, 2006, April through July 2004, September through December 2002, February through May 2001). Although each retrograde cycle is different, similar issues may arise. In fact, some of the issues we faced then may need to be dealt with now.
Particularly around the days of Venus' stations (July 27th and September 8th, 2007), hold your tongue. If you are itching to argue with a lover, try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of heart once the station passes, and you can do a lot of damage in the meantime.
Where is Venus Retrograde transiting by house in your natal chart? Does it conjunct a natal planet, your Ascendant, or Midheaven? Read interpretations of Venus Retrograde in Transit for a more personalized meaning of this transit cycle. See also Venus Retrograde.
Romance & Relationships
Venus is in Virgo from July 14-August 8. 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.
Venus re-enters Leo in retrograde motion on August 8 and stays in the sign until October 8. Romance becomes an end in itself during this cycle. 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 characterizes this cycle. 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.
This week: Venus is retrograde all week. This is a period of review, rethinking, and revising when it comes to love matters. It's not a good idea to discuss important love matters this week, nor is it an opportune time to make major decisions regarding our relationships, as we may have a change of heart after the retrograde cycle (which lasts until September 8th). Read more about this Venus retrograde cycle.
Venus squares Mars on Tuesday and Wednesday. This can be a sexy and stimulating transit, but the sparks that fly now could be a little more challenging than usual with Venus in retrograde motion. Passions run high, 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 if we handle the energies well.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
Venus in Virgo July 14-August 8. 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 in Leo August 8-October 8. 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 Mars August 7-8. 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 Saturn August 12-14. 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 Pluto August 14-16. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.
Venus conjunct Sun August 17-18. Good relating is the focus, although some may find this energy superficial in that surface charm, diplomacy, and harmony is the goal. The pursuit of pleasure is emphasized.
Venus opposite Neptune August 23-27. Not a good time to start a new relationship, which could be characterized by disappointments, and the tendency to feel emotionally (and sometimes financially) drained by the partner. Uncertainties about existing love.
Link:
http://www.cafeastrology.com
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