Week 31: August 2023, Week 1 - The Week Ahead Horoscope
The Full Moon in Aquarius graces the sky this week as Mercury and Saturn stare at each other from the harsh gaze of the opposition.
Weekly Graphic
Welcome to Week 1 of August 2023 everyone! Happy Full Moon in Aquarius. Some housekeeping before we get started. You’ll notice there is a new graphic available today! I’m experimenting with different styles of outlining this information because in typical Venus Retrograde, I was bored with my old graphics and needed a refresh. This may be liable to change in the future but I am interested in your opinions. Additionally…
I am running a sale on my consultations for the Full Moon to kick off August. Use code FULLMOON at checkout for 15% off any consult on my website until August 12th. Here are some new testimonials from clients I’ve worked with over the past month.
“I received my 1st ever birth chart reading today and my mind was blown! It was so neat to have a reading done by Max, having him go over my birth chart gave me a better understanding of certain areas of my life and what planets were transitioning during that time. Almost like putting a puzzle together and having things make sense. I can also say everything I learned today brought me a sense of peace and calm for the future! Grateful I was able to make the jump and get a reading from Max and I will most certainly invest and schedule another reading soon!”
- N.G, Introduction to Your Birth Chart
“I SO appreciated my Year Ahead Annual Forecast reading with Max and highly recommend him for a astrology reading! Max explained his forecast for my year ahead in great detail and in a way that is digestible. He is knowledgable and looks at the year ahead in a holistic way-sharing themes he notices from looking at the natal, Firdaria, Profections, and solar return charts. I also really appreciate his willingness to answer any additional questions or anxieties post-reading. So much gratitude for my time with Max and his insight as to what the year ahead will entail.”
- B.G, The Year Ahead Forecast
My availability for the next few months is going to be very limited as I am starting up work again for the next 9-10 months. My work hours are from 7:30 AM ET to 3:00 PM ET from Monday to Friday, which means my consulting hours will be from 4:30 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET.
If you’re interested in booking a consultation but none of the times listed work for you, email me at at astrobymax@gmail.com and we can work together to schedule a more suitable time for you. Excited to work with everyone in exploring what their nativity has in store for them this upcoming month.
Monday, July 31st
[11:57 PM ET] INGRESS: The Moon enters Aquarius
To begin this week, the Moon will continue to move through Capricorn throughout the entirety of Monday. The Moon is currently running through a void as it will not connect with any planets today, so expect the flow of events to feel stagnant, blocked, and uneventful. The Moon connecting with no planets shows lack of activity and action. The Moon’s most recent aspect was a trine to Jupiter, which shows that this is more of a peaceful void. The Moon is said to be exiled in Capricorn, so the themes of saftey, security, nourishment, and comfort are not supported here, however Jupiter in Taurus (the Moon’s exaltation) provides the Moon with wisdom, knowledge, comfort, and material pleasure while in her challenging position.
The Moon will enter Aquarius later today, which changes the vibe of the week as this is the sign she’ll culminate with her luminance. The opposition to the Sun in Leo will be the next aspect the Moon encounters along her journey through the zodiac. The Moon will be her fullest tonight, so make sure to go out and take a look at her brilliance if weather permits.
Tuesday, August 1st
[1:27 PM ET] MANZIL 25: The Moon enters Sa’d Al-Akhbiyah 8º34’ Aquarius
[2:31 PM ET] LUNATION: Full Moon at 09º15’ Aquarius
(4:44 PM ET) Mars in Virgo trine Jupiter at 13º46’ Taurus
[9:37 PM ET] The Moon in Aquarius square Jupiter at 13º47’
(10:17 PM ET) Mercury in Virgo opposes Saturn at 05º38’ Pisces
On Tuesday, the Moon will apply towards an opposition to the Sun in Leo. Just before this occurs, the Moon will cross into the 25th Lunar Manzil. This mansion is said to be unfortunate, according to Al Buni, and the spirit that descends to earth stirs up sedition, seperation, division, hatred, and war between others. He advises that deeds done in it will not reach fruition, and if something comes to completion, they will not work out will. It is not advised to engage in spiritual pursuits like making talismans, treating illnesses, spiritual healing, alchemy, or natural magic. In the words of Al Buni “And God knows best.”
The Moon located in an Air sign pulls focus towards social conventions, orthodoxy, rules, and regulations. One of the classic indicators of Aquarius is constraint and convention. Saturn here establishes and normalizes new ideas, beliefs, and creates regulations around those things. Its interesting to reflect on Saturn in Aquarius over the past 3 years because every Full Moon in Aquarius since then has been conjoined to Saturn in this sign. Saturn’s influence in this sign has established a lot of new norms, destroying old ideas, beliefs, and conventions while replacing things with a “new” normal. Saturn in Aquarius in the world has been adjusting to dealing with a global pandemic, the governments abandonment of public health & safety, the rich stealing and hoarding from the working class, and laws/regulations/restrictions that marginalize others. So much of the influence of Saturn in Aquarius is connected to the larger 20 year cycle of the Great Conjunction. We’re in the opening phases of these major changes in governments, political parties, religions, and dynasties. The Great Conjunction in Aquarius (Dec 21st, 2020) marked the beginning of empires fragmenting, shifting of religions and dynasties, and the establishing of new orthodoxies. Dr Olomi mentions that the Saturn/Juptier conjunction in Aquarius marked the beginning of Islamic orthodoxy. It also marked the rise of new empires— the Mongols come on the scene during the Saturn/Jupiter conjunctions in Aquarius. We’re in a very interesting time in history, as we are alive to witness this formal ingress into the Epoch of Air (2020-2219). The Saturn/Jupiter conjunctions every 20 years until 2219 will all occur in Air Signs.
In relationship to this Full Moon, it is governed by Saturn in Pisces, unable to witness what is going on in their domicile. Jupiter is the planet most fit to govern over the Moon, as the 3rd Triplicity Lord of the Air signs is Jupiter— the only other planet who can witness the Moon. Saturn’s transition into Pisces shows the way that certain structures in our society are loosing the firmness that was still lingering while Saturn was in Aquarius. Saturns’s journey from Aquarius to Aries is an interesting story of the control, structure, and hegemony that Saturn retains in Fixed Air starts to lose firmness, stability, and longevity as the mutability of Pisces brings much flux, while Saturn’s Fall in Aries indicates structures being dismantled through the influence of Mars. Jupiter is in a hard aspect (square 90º) to the Moon which shows legal tension, challenges with justice, and with judges. The Moon is located in the 4th house (Eastern US), which suggests that legal issues connected to greed around housing issues become illuminated during this Full Moon. There’s also something to be said about Saturn’s transit through Aquarius bringing obscurity, confusion, and concealing things in this sign, and the Full Moon with Saturn no longer present, illuminates a clear picture of the long-term challenges Saturn has brought to this sign.
This Full Moon really brings the Sun/Jupiter square into culmination during this time, with the Moon harshly gazing at both of these planets. While Jupiter is a benefic planet who can offer support, wisdom, liberation and freedom, because it is from the harsh aspect, it would not occur without some kind of conflict or contest. This Full Moon can shows cracks that lie in our trust, with honesty, and with oaths/commitments. The harsh gaze from the luminaries and Jupiter suggest this is a Full Moon with lots of conflict for justice, peace, and freedom. The opposition to the Sun in Leo shows challenges with rules, leaders, celebrities, and authority figures. There is something to be said also about the fact that Venus can also witness all of this tension going on. Venus is the Bound Lord of the Moon, and the ruler of Jupiter. She’s not in the best of conditions currently, as she is Retrograde, moving under the beams, and without strength to protect against the harsh rays. The condition of women and entertainers is highlighted as the Moon gazes upon Venus from a competative opposition. Legal issues around women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights are likely to come up. Venus is burned up by the Sun in Leo which suggests that the actions of rulers will afflict women, their health (since a planet under the beams is said to be connected to someone growing ill), and actions they take. The Sun is said to harm the planets that draw near to it, especially Venus because the Sun dries out the moisture of Venus. During this time, relationships, diplomacy, friendship, and the ability to connect/relate to each other becomes increasingly more challenging as Venus becomes consumed by fire. In this case, the ego, arrogance, and forcefulness of the Sun makes it challenging for relationships, mutual pleasure, fun, and joy to occur. Be mindful of excess arrogance, self importance, and self-righteousness deluding your perception of relationships. People ascribe Neptune to represent delusion, but Medieval Islamicate astrologers understood this to be one of the negative qualities of the Sun, when the Sun is malefic (like it is in this case).
There are other aspects in this lunation that stand out are the connections Mercury + Saturn and Mars + Jupiter are making.
Mercury has just crossed into Virgo, their domicile and exaltation. Here, Mercury is the philosopher, the scribe, the skilled individual, the teacher, the student, the tech wizard, the engineer, the cook, the dancer, the artist, the actor— Mercury takes all the knowledge they accumulated and applies it into action, just as the Wheat of Virgo is transformed into bread. Mercury is strong, dignified, and assured in the facts, details, and information in Virgo but Saturn witnesses Mercury from the harsh gaze. I think about Mercury in Virgo showing the conditions of writers who are currently on strike. This tension between Saturn and Mercury is the strike. Saturn in Pisces is said to represent aristorcracy, situated in the sign of Jupiter, who hoard wealth and are corrupted due to the malevolence of Saturn. So much about this lunation shows tension of workers, laborers, and the people against rulers and the aristocracy. Mercury and Saturn are just another example of this. It’s really interesting too because Mercury in Virgo has a lot to deal with news, information, and technology and the opposition to Saturn shows confusion, blurriness in details, and deception. Be mindful of those who lie and spread false truths with the opposition to Saturn in Pisces. Mercury in Virgo is here with RECIEPTS. Get your facts straight before you open your mouth is the kind of energy this opposition gives.
Additionally, Mars and Jupiter are making a trine to each other. A trine between Mars and Jupiter is very motivating for action and agreements that are made, but we must take a deeper look at Jupiter and Mars to see the nature of the agreement they’re making. Jupiter and Mars are in a trine to each other, which is an aspect of friendship, however, Mars is situated in Virgo, where Jupiter is Exiled, and Jupiter is situated in Taurus, where Mars is exiled. Jupiter is offering something to Mars that Mars doesn’t want, and Mars is offering something to Jupiter that Jupiter also doesn’t want. I think a lot of this configuration in particular describes the situations going on around the writers strike right now. Mars is the planet of rebellion and challenging power, and in Virgo specifically it indicates the uprising of writers, philosophers, and scribes. I expect Mars making a trine to Jupiter to indicate some sort of agreement/deal is struck but it is unfavorable for both parties. It’s like people coming to an agreement that both parties are unsatisified with. Mars and Mercury are situated in the 11th house of the Lunation chart which I think is a strong testimony for indicating unions of writers and scholars. I expect the trine to Mars and Jupiter to indicate lawsuits, legal contention, and battles that are initiated. Things are really rough for individuals indicated by Mercury here, because there is this VERY BRIEF enclosure by malefics Mercury is situated in. An opposition to Saturn and a conjunction to Mars. There are fears, anxieties, and challenges surrounding writers, teachers, scribes, the economy, commerce, trade, and financial situations this month. These should start to clear up and alleviate as Mars moves past Jupiter. After this, Mercury’s next aspect will be an applying trine to Jupiter rather than a conjunction to Mars. Expect tensions and anxieties to be present at the beginning of this month, culminating this week.
Wednesday, August 2nd
[9:37 AM ET] MANZIL 26: The Moon enters Al Fargh Al-Muqaddim 21º25’ Aquarius
[5:15 PM ET] The Moon in Aquarius opposes Venus Retrograde at 26º17’ Leo
[11:05 PM ET] INGRESS: The Moon enters Pisces
After the climatic full moon on Tuesday, the Moon will continue to move through Aquarius and after her square to Jupiter, she ventures towards her opposition to Venus. Technically, the Moon is enclosed between the benefics here, since she is moving away from a benefic and moving towards another benefic. The nature of the enclosure is of conflict, contention, and strife since the benefics are in squares and an opposition. The Moon applying towards this opposition to Venus shows conflict in relationships, friendship, connections, and love. The Moon in an opposition to Venus can also show lethargy, tiredness, injury/feeling ick from overindulgence in food/drinking, and feeling overstimulated in social interactions. Ironically the Aquarius Moon is the perfect transit to isolate and spend some time in solitude. The Moon will enter the 26th Lunar Mansion while this opposition perfects which is said to inflame lust, love, and make people susceptible to affection, according to Al Buni. Unlike the previous mansion, it is said that this mansion is great for alchemy, spiritual healing, engraving talismans, natural magic, curing poison, visiting kings, cheifs, and nobles.
After the Moon opposes Venus, she will enter Pisces at the very end of the day, starting to lose light and prominence in the sky.
Thursday, August 3rd
[5:52 AM ET] MANZIL 27: The Moon enters Al Fargh Al-Mu’akhkhir 4º17’ Pisces
[7:52 AM ET] The Moon conjoins Saturn at 05º33’ Pisces
[11:02 AM ET] The Moon in Pisces opposes Mercury at 07º32’ Virgo
[9:19 PM ET] The Moon in Pisces sextile Jupiter at 13º59’ Taurus
[11:14 PM ET] The Moon in Pisces opposes Mars at 15º11’ Virgo
On Thursday, the Moon in Pisces will be applying towards a conjunction with Saturn in Pisces. This will go exact in the morning and it is the first aspect that the Moon makes today. The Moon conjoining Saturn is an indicator of melancholy, sadness, fear, and anxiety that befalls us early in the morning. Saturn can make us sluggish, tired, inert, and delayed as well. Saturn brings burdens, heaviness, and weight upon our mind to begin this transit. The Moon represents the conditions of the body and encounters with malefics can be harmful towards health, the body, and vitality. Saturn, as mentioned earlier, will slow you down, make you sluggish, and desiring sleep.
Just before this aspect goes exact, the Moon will cross into the 27th Manzil. According to Al Buni, this manzil is said to be fortunate. It is good for bloodletting, cupping, workings to cause bleeding, preventing people from having intercourse, taking baths, cutting hair/nails, and taking beneficial medicine. It is NOT advised to go to war, meet with your enemies, disputes, or bloodshed.
After the Moon conjoins Saturn, it will oppose Mercury in Virgo. The Moon activates the Mercury/Saturn opposition that went exact earlier this week. Mercury is the planet of communication, scribes, writing, and technology and in this opposition to Saturn, it shows delays, confusion, and brings a restrictive force to the way we communicate. Mercury and Saturn in this tense aspect can speak to the way we feel restricted in our speech, our ability to communicate things, and censored. Saturn tries to restrain and restrict what Mercury speaks about. The Moon opposing Mercury highlights this configuration throughout Thursday, creating lots of arguments, contention of facts vs disinformation, and putting a lot of stress on our nervous system. After the Moon opposes Mercury, it will sextile Jupiter in Taurus, which is a favorable reception between these two planets. The Moon is in Jupiter’s domicile and Jupiter is in the Moon’s exaltation. These planets connect through an aspect of friendship, which can make whatever stress that was found previously ameliorated by the supportive, generous, and affirming nature of Jupiter. The translation of light from Mercury to Jupiter is also super supportive for learning, education, wisdom, spiritual teaching. Mercury brings the urge to study and learn while Jupiter provides the knowledge. Whatever restricting and burdensome feelings we may have had while the Moon was connecting with Saturn, the reception of the Moon in Jupiter looks like finding support from a friend to soften the stress. There is some peace that is mediated with Jupiter. However, what follows this peace-making endeavor is the outbursts of Mars. The Moon will then have a stare off with Mars as it approaches them from the harsh gaze of the opposition. The Moon and Mars are naturally enemies, and their oppositions portend for fights, conflict, sudden disruptions, accidents, transgressing boundaries, and violation of oaths/agreements. This will be the last aspect of the day and of this sign. After this day ends, you may have lingering feelings of high adrenaline, anger, and feeling worked up. Mars’ influence always brings us to challenge egos, be competitive, and contentious. Be mindful of oaths and commitments that are violated today.
Friday, August 4th
[2:24 AM ET] MANZIL 28: The Moon enters Al-Risha 17º08’ Pisces
[11:19 PM ET] INGRESS: The Moon has entered Aries
[11:19 PM ET] MANZIL 1: The Moon enters Al-Sharatayn 0º00 Aries
After the Moon’s duel with Mars yesterday, we will still feel the lingering stings that Mars inflicts. The Moon will cross into the 28th lunar mansion, Al-Risha, which is said to have a spirit descend to earth which sets things aright. It is advised by Al Buni to make talismans, work with precious stones, gem-talismans, spiritual healing, do good deeds, marriage, traveling, wearing new clothes, moving from place to place, and connecting with judges and officials. It is one of the more fortunate lunar mansions. As the Moon swims through the end of Pisces, she will not connect with any planets today. Do not expect much to come of today as the Moon will be void throughout the entire day. Take it easy, rest, and get lost in imagination the same way a Pisces would.
The Moon will then cross into Aries at the end of the day which brings more fire, activity, and motion into our lives. The cardinality of fire is good for swift actions and new beginnings but challenging for sustaining action. The Moon crosses into the 1st lunar mansion, Al-Sharatayn, which is said to be ill omened and fiery, according to Al Buni. It is advised to seclude yourself in isolation during this time and to abstain from sleeping, doing works, and it is best to keep silent. The spirit that descends towards royalty and sparks hatred, bloodshed, and anger. It is not advised for crafting anything but if works are done, that they be malefic in nature and directed towards those who deserve it. The imagery of this mansion brings some core significations of Mars and Aries to the forefront of our experience today.
Saturday, August 5th
[8:48 PM ET] MANZIL 2: The Moon enters Al-Batin
[9:40 PM ET] The Moon in Aries trine the Sun at 13º22’ Leo
On Saturday, the Moon will continue to move through Aries, and throughout the entire time the Moon will apply towards a trine to the Sun in Leo. This is a very favorable configuration to end the week on as the Sun is the exaltation lord of Aries. Aries and Leo being the two signs the Sun has dignity in speaks to the royal nature of the signs, dealing with leaders, rulers, but also spiritual advisers, teachers, and those who have wisdom/knowledge. The Sun’s virtue is gnosis and illumination of prophecy. Aries is a very spiritual sign related to prophethood, god-consciousness, and the knowledge that can be found from divining. For this reason, it is favorable to seek favor from rules, seek insight, clarity, and knowledge from teachers. The Moon located in the 9th sign from Leo show’s she is in a position of revelation of knowledge and action that needs to be taken. New beginnings initiated by the Moon become stabilized and affirmed by the Sun. While this aspect goes exact, the Moon will be in the 2nd Lunar Mansion. Al Buni says this mansion is favorable and suitable for alchemy, making talismans, great works, the beginning of studies, making seals, drawing, sigils, and amulets; spiritual healing, medicine, exorcism, and keeping enemies at bay are all advised during this mansion. Al Batin can refer to one of the 99 names of God in Islam, and it means the Inner or the Hidden. Especially in this trine to the Sun, this time period is very favorable for prayer, devotion, and solar works. If you are looking for a day to search for clarity and insight, today is the day.
Sunday, August 6th
[4:34 PM ET] The Moon in Aries trine Venus Retrograde at 24º23’ Leo
[6:54 PM ET] MANZIL 3: The Moon enters Al-Thuraya 25º42’ Aries
(8:02 PM ET) Sun in Leo square Jupiter at 14º16’ Taurus
[10:45 PM ET] The Moon conjoins The North Node at 27º55’ Aries
On Sunday, the Moon will separate from a trine to the Sun, leaving with feelings that are radiant, inspired, and illuminated. Moving forward, the Moon will make a trine to Venus Retrograde in Leo. This aspect is supportive for friendship, connections, socializing, and initiating quick new connections in relationships. Be mindful though, the sparks that the Aries Moon initiate may not be sustained with Venus as she is unreliable due to her Retrogradation. There isn’t a whole lot of reception between the Moon and Venus, so the union between people may be a little challenging. While the Moon and Venus in an aspect of friendship are connecting with each other the connection is unstable and unreliable. Some things are meant to only last for a few seconds, others for a life time.
After the Moon separates from this trine to Venus, she crosses into the 3rd Lunar Mansion. Al Buni advises us that this is a good mansion to make talismans under, do works assisting women, success in travel with extra profits, meeting with or writing to kings, marrying, and everything done in this mansion shall flourish and prosper. The Moon will not connect with any other planets for the day. She will continue to ascend in latitude as she conjoins the North Node, and while she is here it is technically an affliction. The qualities of the North Node however increase the nature of the Moon, such as her connection to revelation, illusions, and rumors. Things become very unclear with the Moon on the North Node and it may further increase some of the heat of Aries. This conjunction may bring some confusion in action as the Moon representing illusions shows the increasingly lack of clarity. As the Moon separates from the North Node, these feelings should wane.
One of the next aspects to go exact today is the square between the Sun and Jupiter. We mentioned this configuration earlier during the Full Moon since this will be the moment the Moon can both witness the Sun and Jupiter throughout the week. It brings challenges with rulers and judges against each other. This tension will continue to be highlighted when the Moon crosses into Taurus next week, but we shall elaborate on that in the next edition of the newsletter