This week is blessed by a waning Moon, which encourages completion, introspection and rest + retreat.
The Moon is in the declining or contraction part of her cycle, where she is muting her light as her attention turns inward. Practically, the Moon will get closer to the Sun in preparation for next week’s Virgo New Moon.
Use this week to tie up loose ends, make decisions and finalise any outstanding scheduling matters.
The Sun enters Virgo on Friday, beginning a four week long earth cycle. The ‘month of Virgo‘ is a great time to simplify life, get back to basics and generally attend to any detailed tasks.
Significant aspects this week include:
Mercury at 6 Virgo opposite Neptune at 6 Pisces (Mon/Tues)
This creative and somewhat vague pairing is good for escape, reflection, fantasy and creative or spiritual pursuits. It’s not ideal for managing details or dealing with specifics, so if possible delay decisions, contractual matters or major purchases until mid week. If you can, lighten your load, free up space in your schedule and generally give yourself some kind of break or escape.
Mercury at 11 Virgo trine Pluto at 11 Capricorn (Wed/Thurs)
This is the more functional of the two Mercury aspects in play this week. Pluto’s intensity can help you dig for facts, discuss details in an intimate or revealing way, and will highlight the need for new honesty.
Truth leads to trust when Pluto is triggered so any kind of relationship or encounter on these days will benefit from an upfront, direct or open attitude. Raise probing questions and explore anything that doesn’t fully make sense. What’s been buried can be uncovered and what’s been avoided can be addressed.
Mars conjunct Saturn at 17 Scorpio (technically next week but I wanted to give you a preview!)
“Mars and Saturn also align in Scorpio. This only happens once, between 23 – 27 August 2014, at 17 degrees Scorpio. This is the most potent period within the Saturn in Scorpio cycle. It’s a time when drive (Mars) combines with determination (Saturn) to help you create lasting progress on passions dear to your heart. It’s ideal for decision making and starting new, long-term, projects.” (extract from my Saturn in Scorpio eBook)
In addition, the Moon will move through the signs of Gemini, Cancer and Leo.
Gemini Moon, Mon/Tues
This is the most social and chatty period of the week. Great for catching up with friends (in any form), brainstorming with colleagues, and generally satisfying your curiousity about random topics. With Gemini’s ruler Mercury dancing with Neptune, there may be a floaty feel to the start of the week. Give yourself flexibility to follow your feelings where you can.
Cancer Moon, Wed/Thurs/Fri
This introspective and protective Moon energy flavours mid week with feelings of home, comfort and security. You may prefer to make cautious, safe or conservative choices, or to stick with people or places that feel familiar and comforting. While in Cancer the Moon connects with Pluto (adjustments to the balance of power), Uranus (a twist or unexpected development) and Mars + Saturn (taking action to create long term stability).
Leo Moon, Fri/Sat/Sun
Typically the Leo Moon brings a celebration or encourages confidence and expressiveness, however this Leo Moon coincides with the balsamic Moon Phase, which is the time of the hermit. You may prefer a low key weekend, need to take time out or away from your usual weekend schedule, or simply benefit from extra rest or time alone. Meditation and reflection can be especially potent at this most ‘yin’ time of the Moon’s cycle.