“We use astrology most constructively and creatively when we gain from it a sense of what is possible for us at the highest levels of our potentialities. Seeing that, the challenges is then to keep our eyes open to life itself, to be able to respond appropriately when some event or change of circumstances…”
~ Dane Rudhyar, Astrological Aspects – a Process-Oriented Approach, 1980.

 
This will be a very different week from last week and we can expect more ease and simplicity in our personal lives and interactions.

  • We are on the other side of the eclipses. Sigh. Smile.
  • The VOC* Moon periods are very short following last week when we had three full days of that challenging, uncomfortable energy.
  • We have moved away from the stressful, difficult challenge of Mars square Uranus (yet, this will return for a final pass in mid-September).
  • Shortly after midnight on Saturday, Mercury will turn direct! Sigh. Smile.

All in all, this is a quiet week with the Moon starting in Virgo, moving through Libra and Scorpio, and ending the week in Sagittarius. Communications regain clarity and we can begin some of those projects that have been left languishing.

“There is something out there. Astrology is like a game of chess with an invisible partner. We set out the board and the rules, make a move, and then find that the pieces are moving themselves, as if by an invisible hand.”
~ Noel Tyl

 
 
BE AVAILABLE, OBSERVE, RESPECT, RELEASE JUDGEMENT
Monday, August 13, 2018:
You can expect a quiet day on Monday with the Moon quietly passing through service-oriented Virgo. When the Moon is in Virgo, we watch ourselves and each other a bit more closely as we analyze and try to fix what seems to be outside of the exacting standards we may desire.
Your expectations may be higher than usual as you carefully observe yourself, your relationships, your projects, and the work that others are doing. Try to curb the tendency to be critical of yourself, your loved ones, and strangers. Notice the critical tone in your voice and seek to replace it with understanding and kindness.
Being of true service will relax your internal self-criticism. How can you be of service? What is it that you can offer on Monday that will help others? Focus on being available, observing, respecting, and releasing judgment.
 
 
BRING BEAUTY INTO THE WORLD
Tuesday, August 14, 2018:
By the time you start the day on Tuesday, the Moon has entered diplomatic, relationship-oriented Libra. The day may not start as easily as you would like as the Moon squares up with Saturn before breakfast. You or your partner may wake cranky and disgruntled. Let it slide off your back as it will pass easily as long as you don’t engage the issue.
The afternoon and evening should more easily offer the gifts of Libra; the desire to please, engage in social niceties and create beauty. Commit yourself to achieve balance, fairness, and pleasure in all your interactions. It may be difficult to take a stand as it will be far easier to flow with what is presented than to make a set determination.
Find ways to offer kindness and bring beauty into the world.
The Virgo Moon is VOC* briefly from 12:10 PM until she enters Libra At 12:59 PM EDT. Remember, when the Moon is VOC*, there will be no result from anything that is begun. This simply suggests that whatever occurs will not have any significant future impact.

 
“Astrology is a language. If you understand this language, the sky speaks to you.” ~Dane Rudhyar

 
 
CREATE BEAUTY, ROMANCE, LOVE
Wednesday, August 15, 2018:
Wednesday will likely be similar to Tuesday, as the morning brings challenges and difficulty that the afternoon releases. The trick is to be careful how you manage the morning.
At 9:52 AM EDT, the Libra Moon forms a difficult square aspect to Pluto. Do your best to manage this potentially deep discomfort on your own. Don’t allow yourself to get pulled into tough interactions or arguments with others, especially an intimate partner. Don’t pull them into those difficulties either.
The good thing is that this is a simple Moon transit and will not last long. Spend a few hours alone, don’t say anything that doesn’t pass the test of: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
The afternoon and evening should provide much ease and simplicity. Enjoy social gatherings, romantic connections, or spend time creating beauty and art.
 

Do you feel concerned or anxious about your life, circumstances, or your path ahead? Let Astrolore help. Together, we will work with your individual horoscope to explore your hopes, dreams, goals, your current path, and the reality of your life purpose. Our conversation will offer you a profoundly renewed perspective on your life. Make your appointment today! 

 
 
DEEP PASSION AND DETERMINATION
Thursday, August 16, 2018:
By the time you start the day on Thursday, the Moon has entered the intensely deep waters of Scorpio. Once again, the challenging part of the day comes early and is eased by the afternoon.
At 9:27 AM EDT, the Moon opposes Uranus. You may receive unexpected or unwelcome news, whatever it is, don’t let it throw you off kilter. By the time things shake out, it won’t be as much of a problem as you may initially expect.
With the Moon passing through Scorpio, you are naturally inclined to examine the deeper (even the darker) side of life and love. We are able to understand that in order to grow we must allow parts of ourselves to transform through destruction and regeneration. Open your heart to deep passion, determination, and powerful transformative change.
The Libra Moon is VOC* briefly from 3:56 AM EDT until she enters Scorpio at 4:55 AM EDT. Remember, when the Moon is VOC*, there will be no result from anything that is begun. This simply suggests that whatever occurs will not have any significant future impact.
 
 
THE POWER TO TRANSFORM
Friday, August 17, 2018:
Friday brings us another day with the Moon in the Fixed Water sign of Scorpio. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are stable, have a concentration of focus, and can be quite stubborn. Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are deeply sensitive and emotional. Scorpio is very deep and focuses its powerful attention on the hidden emotions that many folks prefer to avoid. When the Moon is in Scorpio, we are able to feel more deeply and are able to observe our hidden emotional motivations with great clarity.
It may be easy to be suspicious of the motivations of others but it is best to focus this energy on yourself. Get to the bottom of something you would generally rather not explore. Under this Moon, you can look deep enough to transform an issue that has dogged you for years. Digging deeply and facing profound and difficult hidden truths has the power to transform.
 
AN EVENING FOR FUN
Saturday, August 18, 2018:
Very early Saturday morning brings us to the First Quarter Moon. Think back to last week’s New Moon. What was the seed you planted at that time? What did you want to grow out of the powerful energies of that Solar Eclipse? It is important to go back to that consideration and take a practical concrete step forward to bring that seed to reality.
Mercury forms a lovely sextile aspect to Venus on Saturday providing a great opportunity to have a significant conversation with a partner or loved one that will support your relationship deeply.
Jupiter is also lining up for a flowing trine to Neptune that we will feel over the next few days. This is a sweet, feel-good vibe.
At 12:45 PM EDT, the Moon enters Sagittarius bringing us to a lighter emotional state. This is an evening to let loose and have fun. Let go of all the deep contemplations of the past few days, kick up your heels. Go on a road trip, dancing, play, have fun!
The Scorpio Moon is VOC* briefly from 11:06 AM EDT until she enters Sagittarius at 12:45 PM EDT. Remember, when the Moon is VOC*, there will be no result from anything that is begun. This simply suggests that whatever occurs will not have any significant future impact.
 
MERCURY STEPS FORWARD
Sunday, August 19, 2018:
I always love writing the post on the day Mercury turns direct. I know that everyone is waiting and is happy to greet this day. So, here it is! Shortly after midnight on Saturday, Mercury stationed direct. It will be a few days yet before it is up to speed but this is the day of the shift.
Were you able to use the time to catch up on projects and communications? Take time now to develop a list of projects and communications you want to get started between now and the next Mercury retrograde (November 16, 2018).
The other lovely thing that the cosmos offers us on Sunday is a flowing trine aspect between Jupiter and Neptune. This is a romantic and utterly sweet contact. You are apt to have your rose-colored glasses firmly affixed. Love seems soft and dreamy. Enjoy this sweetness. Go with it and share love and beauty, softness and dreams!

“Astrology is one of the earliest attempts made by man to find the order hidden behind or within the confusing and apparent chaos that exists in the world.”
~ Karen Hamaker-Zondag

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* In these weekly reports, I am exploring the major aspects formed by transit between the planets. I do not consider every aspect that the Moon makes each day as they can be numerous and are often fleeting moods. I will consider the final major aspect formed by the Moon prior to its VOC* time, as that aspect holds its influence throughout the VOC*.
* The aspects under consideration: conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions.
* The planets I work with: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.