Moonsign,
Sunsign
and More
by Jenny Yates
Sunsign
and More
by Jenny Yates
August 13 to 20, 2020 |
What sign is the moon in? What signs do the planets occupy? What is the current lunar cycle about? For the aspects currently affecting everyone, click here. And for a daily overview, click here. |
Venus is in Gemini In Gemini, Venus is devoted to intellectual pleasures. This can mean anything from crossword puzzles to lectures on Medieval candle magic. It's especially good for scintillating conversation. Everyone is wittier and more interesting, and everyone is quicker to respond to your ripostes. (And they're ready to repost everything you write, too.) And yes, it's a good time for puns. Try to control yourself. Venus will be in Gemini until July 4. Venus entered Gemini in NYC: Thurs, June 9, 10:23 am in Vancouver: Thurs, June 9, 7:23 am in London: Thurs, June 9, 3:23 pm in Berlin: Thurs, June 9, 4:23 pm |
The Moon moves into Gemini in NYC: Weds, Aug 12, 9:45 am in Vancouver: Weds, Aug 12, 6:45 am in London: Weds, Aug 12, 2:45 pm in Singapore: Weds, Aug 12, 9:45 pm in Sydney: Weds, Aug 12, 11:45 pm moves into Cancer in NYC: Fri, Aug 14, 7:35 pm in Vancouver: Fri, Aug 14, 4:35 pm in London: Sat, Aug 15, 12:35 am in Singapore: Sat, Aug 15, 7:35 am in Sydney: Sat, Aug 15, 9:35 am moves into Leo in NYC: Mon, Aug 17, 1:38 am in Vancouver: Sun, Aug 16, 10:38 pm in London: Mon, Aug 17, 6:38 am in Singapore: Mon, Aug 17, 1:38 pm in Sydney: Mon, Aug 17, 3:38 pm moves into Virgo in NYC: Weds, Aug 19, 4:20 am in Vancouver: Weds, Aug 19, 1:20 am in London: Weds, Aug 19, 9:20 am in Singapore: Weds, Aug 19, 4:20 pm in Sydney: Weds, Aug 19, 6:20 pm moves into Libra in NYC: Fri, Aug 21, 5:15 am in Vancouver: Fri, Aug 21, 2:15 am in London: Fri, Aug 21, 10:15 am in Singapore: Fri, Aug 21, 5:15 pm in Sydney: Fri, Aug 21, 7:15 pm |
What does the moon's sign tell you? See Moon Signs and Lunar Transits |
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Pluto is in Capricorn Pluto has to do with the slowest, most relentless and most inexorable trends. In spite of being demoted from planet status, it's still very influential when it comes to social transformation. As soon as Pluto entered this pragmatic, restrained ascetic sign, the economy took a very different shape. Everyone switched from spending and speculating to worrying and saving. The emphasis is on what works, not necessarily what feels good. This is a long-term conservative influence, but the word "conservative" can mean a lot of different things. It could mean conserving the land, and becoming better stewards of the earth. It could mean conserving the wisdom of our elders. It could mean looking to the people who have spent their lives developing practical skills and asking, "Okay, how do we do this?" Pluto has been in Capricorn since November 2008 and will be here until March 2023. |
Saturn is in Capricorn Saturn returns to its home sign for a final six months, after spending most of the last two and a half years here. Some familiar old fears could be reactivated, and some onerous restrictions reenacted. There may be a sense that we’re going backwards, even that we’ re re-entering the dark ages. There won’t be a lot of time or room for frivolity. For Saturn in Capricorn, the main thing is to maintain the status quo, and to bolster it further whenever possible. For many reasons, including the pandemic, there could be more poverty and lack during this time. Natural resources become scarcer, and people already in power continue to take control of what’s there. When times are hard, people focus on the basics, and act more cautiously. However, with Mars going through Aries during this time, there will be some pitched battles between the two of them, and so sparks will fly. Saturn in Capricorn will focus on duty, responsibility and pragmatism, while Mars in Aries keeps fighting, pushing to break through all the walls and achieve victory. In addition, Saturn in Capricorn encourages organization in all forms, and so there could be more grassroots organizational efforts. People will find alternate ways to distribute the earth’s resources. Some folks already have the skills they need to survive, and they’ll teach them to others. Discipline, commitment and clear vision are all rewarded by Saturn in this sign. Saturn will be in Capricorn until December 17, 2020. Saturn entered Capricorn in NYC: Weds, July 1, 7:37 pm in Vancouver: Weds, July 1, 4:37 pm in London: Thurs, July 2, 12:37 am in Singapore: Thurs, July 2, 7:37 am in Sydney: Thurs, July 2, 9:37 am |
Mars is in Aries Wow, Mars is going to be in Aries for a long time – for the rest of the year, in fact. Usually it spends two months in a sign, so this gives a long stretch of highly focused, dynamic energy. Mars in Aries is very vital, so you can get some important work done. This fire sign is passionate, rebellious and spontaneous, and it can mean leaping headfirst into the most ambitious projects – and often, accomplishing things that were supposed to be impossible. The urge to compete and win is very strong. But it’s not the most organized, structured or patient influence in the world. Everybody wants to be a leader, nobody wants to compromise, delays are intolerable, and arguments can sap a lot of time and energy. A town full of Lone Rangers can be somewhat chaotic, so the best way to handle this is to stay as self-aware as possible, and keep your sense of humor intact. If you catch yourself throwing the rules, schedules and contracts in the trash can, pause for a minute and ask yourself if this is really a good idea. Even though you’re eager to move forward, you may want to stop, look around, and see what others are saying or doing. A brief pause won’t hurt anything. Everything is still moving very quickly, and there will be plenty of dragons left for you to slay. Mars will be in Aries until January 6. Mars entered Aries in NYC: Sat, June 27, 9:45 pm in Vancouver: Sat, June 27, 6:45 pm in London: Sun, June 28, 2:45 am in Singapore: Sun, June 28, 9:45 am in Sydney: Sun, June 28, 11:45 am |
The Current Lunar Cycle (28° Cancer) This is the beginning of a tough lunar cycle, with the sun and moon opposing the Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter conjunction. The opposition to Saturn is particularly close, and so there’s a mournful, oppressive mood. A lot of people have had enough. They’re at the end of their resources – material, emotional, and spiritual. They’re suffering. For many, this will be a month when reality is more obtrusive and discouraging than usual. It’s hard to get away from the limitations of the moment, whatever they are. You may be in danger of being evicted, or you may just miss your granny. Whatever is going on, there’s a feeling that you just have to wait it out, but there’s also this fear that nothing will ever change, and that you’re stuck in this narrow world forever. There’s also a sense of being stuck between one phase and the next. One phase is over, but it’s not quite time to start the next project, the next surge, the next action. And when you have to wait around for the right time, you can start feeling weak, impotent, victimized. You may do a lot of rigorous self-examination, as well as examining everything else with a more critical eye, trying to see where things went wrong, why it’s all stalled. But it’s just that there are times like this, when everything seems a bit paralyzed. It’s not your fault. There’s no one person to blame, although it’s easy to find villains. As you analyze the situation, try to be kind to yourself, and to avoid being fatalistic. Saturn aspects always feel permanent, but things will improve, although it may take a couple more months before you see any real progress. Meanwhile, focus on taking care of yourself and the people you love, the best you can. The only easy aspect at this new moon is the Jupiter/Neptune sextile, which gives a stronger connection to the spiritual world. It can help a lot to call on your spiritual guides, saints, gods and goddesses. When this world lets you down, there are always others. This lunar cycle lasts until the next new moon on August 18. Its climactic moment is the full moon on August 3. The new moon occurred in NYC: Mon, July 20, 1:33 pm in Vancouver: Mon, July 20, 10:33 am in London: Mon, July 20, 6:33 pm in Singapore: Tues, July 21, 1:33 am in Sydney: Tues, July 21, 3:33 am |
The sun is in Leo Even during a pandemic, the sun is especially brilliant in its own sign, Leo. Everyone is encouraged to live a little bit more loudly: to be more dramatic, to express themselves, to shine. People who are comfortable in the spotlight are even happier to be there when the sun is in Leo. People who are shyer gain confidence as they see how much fun everybody else is having. And audiences are also greatly appreciated when the sun is in this sign. Children especially respond to the energy of Leo, and, when the sun is here, it brings out the child in all of us. It’s a time to soak up the sun, to be free and playful, to sing and dance, to clown around, to climb trees and look at the view from above. It’s not easy to enjoy this sign to the fullest when we’re living through a pandemic, but people find ways to surround themselves with light and color and spontaneous delights. There can also be quite a lot of jousting while the sun is here. Some battles for dominance are just for show, but others are quite serious. There is more posturing now, and alpha dogs may have to deal with more challenges from the lesser dogs. The sun will be here until August 22. The sun entered Leo in NYC: Weds, July 22, 4:36 am in Vancouver: Weds, July 22, 1:36 am in London: Weds, July 22, 9:36 am in Singapore: Weds, July 22, 4:36 pm in Sydney: Weds, July 22, 6:36 pm |
Mercury is in Leo This is all about the Voice of Authority. Some people have it naturally, and they thrive when Mercury is in Leo. Other people are shy and retiring, but they suddenly gain more confidence when Mercury is in this sign. It’s not just about being sure you’re right – although that’s definitely a good part of it. But Mercury in Leo offers more, when it comes to communication skills. It gives warmth, passion, enthusiasm, and honesty, and so people find it easier to understand and appreciate each other. Leo is not a cerebral sign, and so you pick up as much from body language and expression as you do from the actual words. Shared passions are important, and it doesn’t matter how you convey your feelings – whether in long speeches or entirely in mime! You get your point across, and your heartfelt message can kindle lasting friendships and a few love affairs during this time. Leo is a very creative and expressive sign, so artists of all kinds can enjoy Mercury in Leo. It’s especially good for performance artists, since Leo is so dramatic. This is tricky at a time of social isolation, but performers will find ways to get their work out into the world! Singers and poets can move people not just by the words but by the tone and nuance and rhythm of their voices. However, there are likely to be more arguments during this Mercury sign, because the sense of being right gets notched up to a new level. There’ s more ego invested in the things people say and believe. It definitely helps that Mercury in Leo also inclines to laughter, although it won’t necessarily deescalate conflict if you laugh in your opponent’s face. But later, when you’re talking about it, laughter is good. Mercury will be here until August 19. Mercury entered Leo in NYC: Tues, Aug 4, 11:32 pm in Vancouver: Tues, Aug 4, 8:32 pm in London: Weds, Aug 5, 4:32 am in Singapore: Weds, Aug 5, 11:32 am in Sydney: Weds, Aug 5, 1:32 pm |
Venus is in Cancer Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, is gentle, nurturing and sympathetic in this sign. This is mostly very good for relationships. It’s a sentimental time, when you may feel more like taking pictures of your sweetheart, saving locks of hair and greeting cards, and whispering endearments in her ear as you walk past. If you’re not normally prone to this kind of gooiness, you may wonder what’s gotten into you. But there’s a good chance you’ll both enjoy it, although you may be thankful that nobody else can hear the silly names you’re calling each other. It’s a great time for cooking, so if you’re inclined to this sort of thing, now is the time to get into the kitchen. It’s also a great time for eating, and all dishes, whether humble or exotic, are more pleasurable. It’s nice for entertaining family and very close friends, which is about all that’s possible in this pandemic. Most of the time, it’s easier to just nest, to enjoy the coziness of your home. Generally, you want to be comfortable when Venus is in this sign, so it can be perfect for a stay-at-home vacation. It also attracts you to watery places, like beaches and the lake. Just be sure you bring along your favorite pillow and your favorite brand of cookies, and of course, your gaily painted face-mask. Venus will be here until September 6. Venus entered Cancer in NYC: Fri, Aug 7, 11:21 am in Vancouver: Fri, Aug 7, 8:21 am in London: Fri, Aug 7, 4:21 pm in Singapore: Fri, Aug 7, 11:21 pm in Sydney: Sat, Aug 8, 1:21 am |
The Next Lunar Cycle (26° Leo) This new moon reminds us that two very different things are going on right now. On the one hand, many of us are full of courage and hope for the future, as we work for social change, and fight to win the coming US election. In the new moon chart, this is embodied in the fiery trine between the sun, moon and Mercury (all together) in Leo, and Mars in Aries. On the other hand, this is a tightly restricted time, and we’re all still feeling some fear around this pandemic – what does it mean for us? For our loved ones? For our country? For the world? We all feel a heavy sense of responsibility, and are trying to do the right thing – and it’s hard. It means that we have to do without things that we long for. In the new moon chart, this is shown by the inconjunct between the sun, moon and Mercury in Leo, and Saturn in Capricorn. And of course, Saturn is supported by its conjunction with Pluto and Jupiter. They are the adults in the room, keeping it real. Still, those fire signs bring up a playful element, and there’s also a close Venus/Uranus sextile at this new moon. So there are artists still spinning beauty in small rooms, and there are visionaries who imagine a world of freedom and justice. There are still people who see the bright new beginnings, beyond the sadness of so much loss. This lunar cycle lasts until the next new moon on September 17. Its climactic moment is the full moon on September 2. The new moon occurs in NYC: Tues, Aug 18, 10:41 pm in Vancouver: Tues, Aug 18, 7:41 pm in London: Weds, Aug 19, 3:41 am in Singapore: Weds, Aug 19, 10:41 am in Sydney: Weds, Aug 19, 12:41 pm |
Mercury enters Virgo Mercury is at home in Virgo, one of the signs it rules. Everybody becomes more organized, analytical and methodical, and a little more conscious of the objects around them. Even normally untidy people may feel a sudden urge to organize the spice-rack, or wash their sheets, or recycle all their newspapers. It’s a good time to look at the smaller issues, and figure out how they all fit together and form bigger issues. Small parts make up a smooth, unified whole. Everything has a place, and when things are in their places, and functioning as they’re meant to function, it all goes more smoothly. Mercury’s passage through Virgo is a good time to deal head-on with health issues. How is your nutrition, how is your level of exercise, are you doing things to combat stress? This is a good time to fix anything that isn’t working well, in relation to your body or your lifestyle. It’s also good for mending things around the house, and for working in the garden. And it lends itself to an efficient bout of end-of-summer cleaning. There’s a focus on figuring out definite, practical answers to specific questions. The main danger of Mercury in Virgo is that details can be so involving that you don’t see the whole picture. If you spend hours on some small task, making everything perfect, you may not have time to get to more crucial work. Mercury will be here until September 5. Mercury enters Virgo in NYC: Weds, Aug 19, 9:29 pm in Vancouver: Weds, Aug 19, 6:29 pm in London: Thurs, Aug 20, 2:29 am in Singapore: Thurs, Aug 20, 9:29 am in Sydney: Thurs, Aug 20, 11:29 am |
Jupiter is in Capricorn Jupiter enters a new sign yearly, so this could be considered the astrologer’s New Year. Jupiter’s effect is to expand the characteristics of its sign, and Capricorn is a pragmatic, disciplined earth sign. It’s not particularly optimistic, and so it isn't always a good fit for this exuberant planet. For many people, the coming year will feel harder, plainer, simpler. This is a good sign when it comes to surviving, however. Whatever the year brings – climate change disasters, economic ups and downs – people are more likely to seize on practical, viable solutions. There will be an emphasis on preserving energy and resources, reusing things, and preventing waste. Old things will be valued more while Jupiter is in this sign, and this includes older skills and traditions. People will be learning from their elders, learning from books, and taking classes, as they study up on all the skills that kept people alive before the Industrial Revolution. Inventive people will be constructing things that help people in immediate practical ways. The realism of Capricorn can help everyone survive, but it doesn’t always offer a hopeful vision of the future. There’s a sense that we have to go slowly, painstakingly, with a lot of discipline and a certain amount of deprivation. There may be less energy given to pleasure, romance and the arts. However, long-term strategy is one of Capricorn’s gifts, and so there could be some steady progress this year. There could be new structures and systems for work, for agriculture, for waste management, and for health care. Foundational texts – such as the Bible and the Constitution – could be changed in some practical ways. (Maybe we’ll get an amendment that does away with the electoral college.) Historical preservation is likely to proceed at a good pace. The shadow side of Jupiter in Capricorn is a preference for hierarchy and tradition over anything new and innovative. In our current world, this could be disastrous. But as I said, Capricorn is a good sign for survival, and it’s also a realistic sign. So I’m thinking that, when they’re really needed, working solutions will be proposed and put into practice. And, in general, paring down isn’t a bad idea at this point in history. Jupiter will be here until December 19, 2020. Jupiter entered Capricorn in NYC: Mon, Dec 2, 2019, 1:20 pm in Vancouver: Mon, Dec 2, 2019, 11:20 am in London: Mon, Dec 2, 2019, 6:20 pm in Singapore: Tues, Dec 3, 2019, 2:20 am in Sydney: Tues, Dec 3, 2019, 5:20 am |
Uranus is in Taurus Uranus is the revolutionary planet, and now it’s entering the most solid, grounded sign in the zodiac, Taurus. So this could be a time when some very basic social and economic factors will be challenged. There could be big changes to the way we all handle matters of wealth and poverty, for example. Currencies could be affected, and some could go dormant, while new currencies are suddenly born. Our agricultural methods could be altered during this time, along with the way we distribute food and other goods. New technology will reshape science, especially when it comes to medicine. New art forms could have a big influence, particularly in music and spoken poetry. Ecological issues will also be addressed with innovative technology during this time, and some of it will work, while some of it will fail. It may become clear that we do need to restructure our societies in order to live sustainably on the earth, but whether this will happen in a sufficiently radical way remains to be seen. There will be a lot of push-back for every change that’s proposed. Sometimes it takes the shock of disaster to really alter people’s consciousness, but that’s the hard way to do it. There may be more radical movements towards traditional lifestyles during this time. Of course, everybody interprets tradition in their own way. Some of these will be oppressive to women, gay people, and minorities, while others are able to combine a kinder social ethic with a sustainable lifestyle. Uranus will be in Taurus until July 7, 2025. Uranus entered Taurus in NYC: Weds, Mar 6, 2019, 3:27 am in Vancouver: Weds, Mar 6, 2019, 12:27 am in London: Weds, Mar 6, 2019, 8:27 am in Singapore: Weds, Mar 6, 2019, 4:27 pm in Sydney: Weds, Mar 6, 2019, 7:27 pm |
Neptune is in Pisces This could be a time of beautiful spiritual flowering, a time when large numbers of people open up their hearts and connect with each other. The idealism of Neptune becomes deeply intuitive, emotional and sympathetic when this planet goes through Pisces. The matter of faith is likely to be paramount as Neptune goes through this sign. Who and what do we trust? People will have a stronger need to believe in something (or someone), and this can mean that some folks will be preyed upon by unscrupulous con men. A gullible populace isn't always good at picking leaders, so it will be important to talk as clearly and fully as possible about all the issues of the day. Open communication is important and protective during this period. Neptune is the planet of the strange, so things may take odd turns. Everyone will be a little more susceptible to illusions, confusion, fascinations, and poetic deliriums. New drugs could make an appearance – both medicinal and recreational - and new healing techniques be developed. Creativity is enhanced by Neptune in this sign, especially when it comes to rhythmic forms like music and poetry, and to the arts of illusion such as theatre and film. We could see the flowering of some amazing new art- forms. Religious institutions get new life from Neptune’s passage through Pisces, but only if they offer a true connection with the wisdom of the inner self. It’s not a time for dogma, but for breaking down all artificial divisions and merging with the infinite. Neptune will be here until March 2025. Neptune entered Pisces in NYC: Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 2:03 pm in Vancouver: Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 11:03 am in London: Fri, Feb 3,2012, 7:03 pm in Berlin: Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 8:03 pm in Sydney: Sat, Feb 4, 2012, 6:03 am |