Sonja Francis: Joy and Rewards -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., Aug.10th - Sun., Aug. 16th, 2015.

Joy and Rewards -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., Aug.10th - Sun., Aug. 16th, 2015 ~ By Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis

Posted on Sunday, August 09, 2015 4:27 PM

Please note that all times given below are Eastern Daylight Saving Time -- to change the listed times to your own timezone, I recommend clicking here for the time and date converter

The first couple of days of last week were tough. On Wednesday, the energies started to shift, and things began to lighten up for me. I still could feel the intensity of the Saturn station all week -- there was certainly plenty of work and wanting to achieve my goals. I did realize though, that I need to restructure my business, so that it supports my resting and nurturing myself. Self-care seems to be a big lesson for me in this life-time.

This week's headline items: the Balsamic Moon phase starts on Monday evening; the Uranus station ends on Tuesday; Jupiter changes signs from Leo to Virgo on Tuesday morning; and the New Moon in Leo becomes exact on Friday late morning. 

There will also be three Moon VoC phases this week: Monday morning (for 20 minutes), Wednesday afternoon (for 3 hours), and Friday night/Saturday very early morning (for a little over 3hours).

Monday: the Moon remains in curious, versatile, chatty Gemini until 8:08am EDT. At 7:45am EDT, we enter a brief Moon void of course (VoC) that ends at 8:08am EDT. Use this intuitive time as an opportunity to take a break and talk about something fun or share a joke ;-) As always during VoC, take it easy -- go with the flow, and avoid starting anything brand-new.

Mondayat 8:08am EDT, the Moon moves into protective, introverted Cancer, where it will journey until Wednesday late afternoon. With this Moon placement, we are more sensitive to what people say to (and about) us -- so be kind to yourself and others. Emotional safety is important to us at this time; we like connecting to the familiar -- home or family is our sanctuary. Nurture yourself and others, but remember: make sure your glass is filled before letting others drink from it ;-)

Monday evening, we enter the Balsamic Moon phase: this lasts until Friday late morning, when the New Moon in Leo becomes exact (…more on that later). We are being asked to slow down and get quiet, so we can listen to our intuition. For some of us, this might be a stretch. As best as you can: stay grounded, take a deep breath and exhale any tensions.

 

Rather than starting something brand-new, put all that energy into completing existing projects. This is also a great time for letting go of whatever no longer serves us. What if you could hear the voice of your inner wisdom? What might it be saying?

Tuesday: the Moon remains in protective, introverted Cancer all day (see Monday for more details).

The big news for today is that Jupiter changes signs at 7:11am EDT, moving from fun-loving Leo into service-oriented Virgo, where it will journey until Sept. 2016. Jupiter says we can have faith in ourselves, our abilities, and in life itself. We can attract the most good fortune when we are helpful, honest, orderly, and pay attention to details. Less is more!

Anyone who works in a service industry has a chance to prosper for the next 13 months. Practical and technical knowledge and skills are most valued right now, as is hard work -- we grow by being practical and realistic and we may be somewhat risk-averse -- and the more integrity and honesty we bring to our services, the more "payback" we will receive.

We need clear direction and goals, strong plans -- visualizing results will motivate us to achieve them -- and we value tangible results. We have the ability to be more open and optimistic when it comes to work, self-improvement endeavors, and taking care of our health. This transit also enhances our ability to handle the details required to do a good job, and people might become more aware of our skill sets. Benefits may come through coworkers or employees during this cycle.

If we hire people to work for us, we are more successful at that; if we’re the ones looking for work, that goes better too. In fact, we may get a new job during this cycle, or see significant improvements in the one we already have -- because we can see bigger possibilities.

Generally speaking, improvements to our working environment are likely and we find more enjoyment in our work -- menial tasks tend to take priority, but we are likely to enjoy doing even those. The best way to handle this transit is to recognize our usefulness and take pride in it -- this will bring joy and rewards.

Jupiter in Virgo asks us to widen our understanding of health and healing. Health services are likely to prosper this year, especially those companies or individuals with a holistic approach that promotes an organic connection to our body and the earth. If we are customers for such services, we are likely looking at a good outcome (especially if we take a holistic approach ourselves).  I will be posting a video on Jupiter in Virgo by Monday night: click here to watch it.

The last time Jupiter moved through Virgo was between Sept. 2003 and Sept. 2004. Naturally, this cycle won’t be an exact replica of the last cycle, but there will be some resonance on an energetic level -- and we might be dealing with similar issues. 

What work or health issues did you tackle at that time? How did your perspective on daily routines change? On work? How about body or food consciousness? 

One last note: Some people might get a new pet during this cycle :-)

If you are a Virgo or Sagittarius Sun- or Rising-sign, you will feel the effects of this transit more strongly. As a Virgo, you will experience expansion and new perspectives in your life for the next 12 months. As a Sagittarius, you are being invited to get more grounded in the details and think about what’s coming next, rather than improvising as you go.

Last but not least for Tuesday: although retrograde, Uranus (ruling planet of Aquarius) resumes its normal pace through the sky, ending its station. What has come up in the last four weeks around radical change, personal freedom, and needing to individuate? How closely are you in touch with your personal vision for life? The retrograde phase is a good time to do some internal work in this area (the retrograde ends on Dec. 25th).

Wednesday: the Moon remains in protective, introverted Cancer until 4:52pm EDT (see Monday for more details).

Wednesday at 1:44pm EDT, we enter a 3-hour Moon void of course (VoC) that last until 7:24pm EDT. Use this intuitive time to connect with others and yourself on a deep emotional level. Focus on emotional authenticity. This is a great time for very deep inner work. As best as you can, face your fears and take responsibility for all that you are: the good, the bad and the ugly ;-) As always during VoC, take it easy -- go with the flow and avoid starting anything brand-new.

Wednesday at 4:52pm EDT,the Moon moves into fun and attention-loving Leo, where it will journey until Saturday morning. We have a chance to appreciate ourselves and our lives -- and to connect to the heart. Hand out as many compliments as possible, they will be deeply appreciated :-)  

Fun, games and romance are a big part of this energy. You might also enjoy spending time with little ones. What are you most grateful for today? What would be heaps of fun? What would be so much fun, you squeak just thinking about it?

Wednesday evening, a Mercury/Neptune opposition becomes exact at 9:11pm EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Tuesday morning on; it will be strong until Friday evening. This connection is asking us to balance logic and intuition (left vs right brain). On the one hand, we have strong intuitive connections; on the other, confusion (it's hard to focus).

We are more inclined to daydreaming, fantasizing and imagining things; this can lead to some frustrating communications. As best as you can, use this aspect to create spiritual connections -- or something beautiful, imaginative or inspiring to others.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 6-12 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius? If so, you will feel this opposition quite strongly. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo or Pisces (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Neptune rules Pisces).

Thursday: the Moon remains in fun and attention-loving Leo all day (see Wednesday late afternoon for details).

Thursday morning, a harmonious Sun/Uranus aspect becomes exact at 6:27am EDT. We started to feel this aspect from last Sunday on; it will be strong until this Sunday. An original, unique approach to life is in order with this transit. Flexibility is the key to success at this time, and pleasant changes are in store. 

We may make some creative changes and discoveries, experiment with new possibilities, or invent a new way of doing things. This is a dynamic and exciting period, when taking advantage of unusual or unconventional opportunities may reap rewards. How can you connect to what's unique about you and express it with authenticity and pride? Watch out for messages from the Universe :-)

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (MC) or personal planets in 17-23 degrees of Leo, Aries or Sagittarius? If so, you will feel more blessed by this planetary connection than otherwise.This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Aquarius or Leo (the Sun rules Leo; Uranus rules Aquarius) 

Thursday late morning, a somewhat challenging Sun/Chiron aspect becomes exact at 9:54am EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Wednesday on; it will be strong until Friday evening. This aspect operates more on an internal level. We feel uneasy about something, almost awkward -- and we need to make a choice. An inner awareness needs to be developed if we’re to see what needs adjusting.

Doubting ourselves and our effectiveness can subtly undermine our confidence under this influence -- and the same is true of guilt we feel for not facing important issues -- leading in turn to choppy and unnatural self-expression. As best as you can, be kind and compassionate with yourself; this will support your healing process.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 20-22 degrees of Leo or Pisces? If so, you will be more affected by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo (the Sun rules of Leo)

As Thursday is also the last day before the New Moon becomes exact, this is a great day to let go of what no longer serves us. As best as you can, avoid jumping the gun: Rather than launching into brand-new endeavors or connections, wait until a couple of days has passed after the New Moon. 

Some of us might feel a little anxious or nervous today: As best as you can, get quiet and go within… Listen to the silence between the sounds… Find peace in the connection with your innermost and truest Self. 

Friday: the Moon remains in fun and attention-loving Leo all day (see Wednesday late afternoon for details).

The New Moon will be exact at 10:53am EDT, aligning with the Sun in 21 degrees of Leo, beginning a new Moon cycle. With the New Moon in fun-loving, extroverted, expressive Leo, we look for heart-felt experiences. It is important for us to express ourselves, to learn about love and the power of creating from the heart.

Think about the keywords for this self-expressive fire sign: “proud, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, open”. How could you live into those words?

Leo is ruled by the Sun -- the symbol of consciousness. It represents the particular qualities of the light we came to shine forth in this lifetime -- what we were born to explore and express. Where could you shine your unique light more brightly? Mars in zero degrees of Leo further adds an emphasis on what we feel truly passionate about and encourages us to stand more in our center, projecting confidence and joy.

As you can see, this points to creativity. There are many ways to be creative and self-expressed -- indeed, we are all creators, who create with every thought, word and action. Creativity requires innocence, curiosity, courage and play; to live it out, we need to tap into our joy, the unique spark inside of us. We also need to allow ourselves the freedom to make mistakes: Creativity thrives on love and permission and is stifled by judgment or fear. 

Take a moment to contact the "free inner child" -- that place inside that is ready to play and create. What does that inner child need, to come out and play? Try asking it gently and directly -- this New Moon aligns very closely to Venus, bringing a softer, friendlier and more loving approach to the connection to our ”inner child” (and children in general).

Venus has been retrograde for a couple of weeks now, advising us to reassess our priorities and take a closer look at what stands between us and being happy, right here, right now. What brings you joy? Not just in general... but in every moment of now?

Venus retrograde in Leo also encourages us to enjoy life, allow more time for inner satisfaction, and take more breaks for pleasure and playfulness. What have you always wanted to do? Who have you always wanted to be? What would an "inner child" playdate look like?

Chiron in Pisces makes a somewhat challenging connection to this New Moon; it asks us to make some internal adjustments and allow ourselves to get some rest and healing time alongside play-time. We are invited to open our hearts and fully love ourselves, others, life itself -- to trust that we are always loved and everything is already forgiven. How does your internal experience vary from the external? What if you were already forgiven?

Uranus in Aries trines the New Moon and Venus. This aspect urges us to be true to ourselves and make any changes that help us realize our personal vision. What is the ideal world that only you can see? How might your talents help bring it into being?

Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn at the time of the New Moon. This supports our feeling more empowered with our "word", our inner dialog, and anything we are trying to share with others. This holds especially true for health, improving our daily routines, or being of service.

To sum it all up: this New Moon wants us to tap into our own joy, from the inside out. It also invites us to tap into our divinity by being authentic and coming from the heart in every moment. It urges us to create -- not for the sake of achievement or gain, but simply because it is fun to do so from a place of love and joy.

I'll be posting a New Moon video by Monday evening -- feel free to watch it for a fuller discussion :-)

Do you have your Ascendant (or any personal planets) in one of the following placements: 19-23 degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio? If so, you may feel the effects of this New Moon more strongly. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo or Cancer (the Sun rules Leo; the Moon rules Cancer).

The New Moon is also the best time to set some powerful intentions for this month's Moon cycle. Intentions are best done soon after the New Moon becomes exact -- and definitely not during a Moon void of course phase. So this month, the best time to set intentions would be any time between 10:53am EDT on Friday late morning until 12:36am EDT on Friday night/Saturday very early in the morning; and then again after 3:46am EDT on Saturday early morning until 10:52am EDT on Sunday late morning.

Saturday: the Moon remains in fun-loving, attention-loving Leo all day (see Saturday late morning for details).

Friday night/Saturday very early morning, at 12:36am EDT, we enter a Moon void of course (VoC) that last a little over 3 hours. We are experiencing two quite different needs, pulling us in different directions. On the one hand, we have a need for fun and feeling self-expressed. On the other hand, we need to focus on our inner experiences — and take responsibility for who we are deep down.

Use this intuitive time to make adjustments and find creative solutions when it comes to these energies. If you are awake during this time, refrain from starting anything brand-new; if possible stick to routine tasks. If nothing else…simply go with the flow.

Saturday at 3:46am EDT, the Moon moves into detail-oriented, practical Virgo, where it will journey until Monday afternoon. This turns our focus toward practical activities. Solving problems, making order out of confusion, helping others: all bring emotional satisfaction. 

Health might come into focus. We notice the parts that make up the whole; this is a great time to see if our daily routines (eating, work, self-care, etc.), align with our long-term goals.

Saturday afternoon, a Sun/Venus alignment in 22.5 degrees of Leo becomes exact at 3:22pm EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Thursday on; it will be strong until next week Monday. This alignment brings graciousness, diplomacy, charm, and a healthy dose of fun. This is a good period for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance, especially if they are connected to creative endeavors or risk-taking, fun-loving adventures. 

We are very loyal at this time and need emotionally authentic connections with others. Joy plays an important role as well: The more joy we can experience with each other, the easier relating will be.

Do you have your Ascendent, Career Point (or any personal planets) in 20-25degrees of Leo, Taurus, Aquarius or Scorpio? If so, you may be more affected by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus, Libra or Leo (the Sun rules Leo; Venus rules Taurus and Libra)

Right after the Sun/Venus alignment, a harmonious Mercury/Pluto aspect becomes exact at 3:55pm EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Thursday on; it will be strong until next week Monday. Our words and our "speaking" are very grounded and realistic. We can feel really empowered by what we say (and how we say it) during this time. Our conviction and passion helps us to connect and empower others.


We are strongly connected to our inner truth and can analyze and understand our motivations toward long-term goals. We investigate our own feelings (including fears) about long-term goals in a very realistic way and look to see what needs to be done next. 

This is a chance to scrutinize anything disempowering. Here are some coaching questions that will help -- to make these questions truly transformative, as best as you can, try observing the answers with love: How do you talk to yourself? Others? What do you share? What don't you? When do you criticize? When don't you?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-16 degrees of Taurus, Capricorn or Virgo? If so, you will be even more blessed by this aspect than those who do not; this is also true for those of us with our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo or Scorpio (Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, Pluto rules Scorpio)

Sunday: the Moon remains in detail-oriented, practical Virgo all day (see Saturday early morning for details). 

On Sunday morning, we can potentially accomplish quite a bit: The Moon and Mercury in Virgo make a harmonious aspect to Pluto in Capricorn -- Virgo and Capricorn are Earth signs, so getting down to business and focusing on the task at hand takes less effort than normal. 

In the evening, we seek a balance between head and heart, facts and faith. Allow yourself to make mistakes -- be loving and kind with yourself when you do -- this will support you in healing some old wounds. If you get triggered by someone else in your life, observe that trigger, ask yourself where it originated. How could you bring love and compassion to that hurt, unloved or abandoned part of you?

A head's up for next Monday: the Moon remains in detail-oriented, practical Virgo until 4:23pm EDT; at 1:16pm EDT, we enter a 3-hour Moon void of course (VoC); and at 4:23pm EDT, the Moon enters Libra.….more about all the details in next week’s forecast ;-)

Have a fantastic week!  

Many blessings,

Sonja

PS: Feel free to go to my Facebook Fan page for my daily forecasts ;-) To apply my forecasts and videos to your own birth chart, watch my 30-minute class on: "How to Read Your Birth Chart"