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#^Moon And Venus Align Tonight As Mercury Retrograde Begins: Could It Affect Your Life?Tonight, on 5 August, two celestial events will unfold in the sky: the Moon and Venus will
align closely, while
Mercury will enter its retrograde phase. This rare
planetary alignment promises a beautiful visual show, while Mercury’s retrograde is believed to influence various aspects of our lives. Let’s explore what these events mean when they occur simultaneously and how they might impact you personally.
Moon-Venus Conjunction

In China, a crescent moon and Venus are in close conjunction in the night sky on May 23, 2023. Credit: Xu Weijie/VCG via Getty Images
A Moon-Venus conjunction is a beautiful event when the Moon and Venus appear very close together in the sky from our perspective on Earth. This alignment happens because the two celestial bodies are in the same direction relative to Earth, making them seem to “conjoin”.
Such conjunctions are relatively common and occur about once a month. However, each is visually unique and provides an excellent opportunity for astrophotographers to capture these two celestial objects so close together.
A Tricky Thing To See
Unfortunately, this time, seeing Venus’s close alignment will be more challenging than usual. The moon will be so thin (only 2 per cent illuminated) that it might be hard to spot against the afterglow of the sunset. However, viewers in the eastern United States, with a clear view of the horizon, might still enjoy a beautiful sight.
This time, Venus will be just 17 degrees east of the Sun, and the Moon will be only 36 hours past its new phase when it comes closest to Venus. You may need binoculars, and Venus might help you find the very faint crescent Moon. In fact, Venus, shining at magnitude -3.9 (10 times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star), might be easier to spot than the Moon itself.
To improve your chances of spotting both the Moon and Venus right after sunset, start by scanning the Western sky with binoculars. Once you locate them, seeing them with your naked eyes should be easier as the twilight fades.
Good Times For Fresh Starts
Along with the spectacular celestial display, astrologers call the Moon-Venus conjunction a favourable time for personal growth. They believe this alignment offers heightened emotional insight and opens up opportunities for new beginnings.
Also, since Venus is known as the planet of love, this is a perfect time to improve your current relationships or start new ones. The alignment helps create a sense of connection and harmony, making communicating and bonding easier.
Simultaneously, Retrograde Mercury Begins

Credit: today.com
However, there’s another event happening today that is the complete opposite of the favourable Moon-Venus conjunction: the beginning of Mercury’s retrograde.
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion where Mercury looks like it’s moving backwards in the sky. What’s really happening is that Earth is passing Mercury in its orbit, making it seem like Mercury is going in reverse.
Retrograde Mercury To Overshadow Good Vibes Of Conjunction?
Astrologers believe that things like communication, information, and travel can get messed up during Mercury retrograde. You might find yourself rushing decisions, acting on impulse, or having misunderstandings. It’s a good time to pause and think carefully before making moves or speaking out.
But this time, astrologers promise that it might not be as challenging as we often expect.
What Happens During This Retrograde?
On 14 August, Mercury moved from the practical sign of Virgo to the bold sign of Leo. This shift happens just after the new moon in Leo and Venus enters Virgo on 4 August, a time when we’re focusing on renewing our dreams and healing our hearts.
On 7 August, you might find some financial luck when Mercury retrogrades and Venus aligns. And 18 August is the most favourable day of this retrograde period! The Sun and Mercury will form a strong connection called “cazimi,” which could help us make plans and gain clear insights. This moment of clarity could have a big impact on our lives.
Planets Are Just Planets: Follow Your Path
Although these cosmic events might influence our experiences, it’s important to remember that you hold the power to shape your life. Ultimately, your actions and choices are what truly define your path, regardless of the planets’ movements. Enjoy the night sky’s display and use this time for reflection and growth!
You can read more about retrograde planets in
our article.
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Moon And Venus Align Tonight As Mercury Retrograde Begins: Could It Affect Your Life? appeared first on
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