The last few weeks have been a trial and tested the best of us to our limits. The squeeze between the two eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn may have taken their toll. It has been a necessary shake up. We have been changed by the experiences and may still feel a little uneasy from all the disturbances. There is some welcome reprieve now as we move into the Leo season and the faster moving planets leave the sign Cancer and the challenging oppositions to Saturn and Pluto. The month starts with the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mars all in Leo and the New Moon on August 1 coincides with Mercury coming out of retrograde. It’s like a weight being lifted off us at last and all the things that we’ve had to put on pause or just been unable to complete can now get some forward movement again.
By the second week of August it should be feeling positively rosy compared to the last weeks as both the benefic planets Venus and Jupiter get to make very positive connections with each other and also the Sun in turn. This harmonious phase is in place between August 6 and 17. The ‘greater benefic’ Jupiter has been retrograde in its own sign Sagittarius since early April and it finally starts moving forward again on August 11. These past months have been good for planning and preparing by expanding our options or enlarging our scope but it has been difficult to get things really moving until now. All this consideration and restraint can be utilised at last as Jupiter brings opportunity and new horizons, Venus connects us to what we value or love and the Sun brings life, vitality and energizes what it touches. So expect to get together with your heart’s desires, whether that is a person or a thing or both! Even if you still don’t have a particular focus for your intentions you can use this time to dream and create the best that you would wish for yourself or others knowing that you have the planets on your side.
In the midst of this pleasant time period we have the Full Moon on August 15 around the same time that Mercury comes out of its shadow period and begins to make new ground again for the first time since it went retrograde on July 7. The Sun will also have just joined with Venus in Leo at this Full Moon, which provides the perfect astrological moment for any heart felt scenario. It really is a potent union or the ‘conjunctio’, an alchemic moment, when things can be purified and bound together in a new form.
This very refreshing energy is further supported when Venus and Mars, the two planets representing our receptivity to, and drive towards, connection and sustenance, are joined together on 24th August. There may be some pleasant surprises in the following days that relate to the same themes when Venus, Mars and the Sun make harmonious aspects to Uranus. This offbeat and unpredictable planet can provide some interesting and unexpected events or insights that will launch us off on a course we hadn’t planned, but will be very pleased to have discovered.
The last week of the month will have us all set up to find the clarity that we need and give us a sense of freedom from any previous constraints, so that with the second New Moon this month we can sow the seeds for that new vision of our future.
This month we have a New Moon in 9° Leo on August 1 at 4.12am and a Full Moon in 23° Aquarius on August 15 at 1.29pm. A second New Moon this month is in 7° Virgo on August 30 at 11.37am.
Aries: You get out the party gear or just take some needed leisure time in the next couple of weeks. Having fun is the theme and allowing the inner child some freedom to run loose now brings its rewards. The focus shifts from mid month and it’s who you know rather than what you know that matters. The spotlight is on your position within your community, in group ventures, or work projects, which involves others of like mind. Make the opportunity to meet new people; the benefits will soon follow. It’s also time to move up a gear in your social life.
Taurus: Now is the time to make plans for your future. Personal status or vocational concerns are likely to dominate your thinking from early August into September. If you want to fulfill your ambitions or go a step further then make some positive moves. Getting yourself some recognition for what you do well takes on extra significance. Remember to balance the demands of work or public life with the needs of your home life especially from mid month onwards. Family or domestic arrangements need your attention but you get the support you need to create a secure foundation to work from.
Gemini: Travel, study or spiritual matters have been taking your attention. Not content with anything ‘hum drum’, you’re likely to want the freedom to explore new ground or invite new experiences into your life. This is a great time to think big and make the most of opportunities that come your way. An overseas contact may get in touch or new information provides the chance to break out from any restricting routines to try something different. Be prepared to open your mind to new ideas and lifestyles. Life could get hectic around mid month so pace yourself whilst you still have some time available.
Cancer: The next two weeks might be a trying period; you may feel anxious and worried about money, health or concerned for other people. It will pass. You are simply focused on the negative side of a cycle at the expense of the positive. It’s a great time to clear out what doesn’t work well in your life in preparation for the next phase. After the Full Moon on August 15 you begin to acknowledge what you have in terms of real assets and how you can make the best of them. Finances, accounts and money matters improve when they get your full attention.
Leo: Your personal style and self-expression gets to be the issue in early August and you won’t want to be dictated to by other people’s demands. Being seen and accepted on your own merit becomes priority. With this month’s Full Moon opposite your Sun sign the spotlight has to be on dealing with any relationship issues. Personal and professional partnerships will need your attention for the next few weeks. Finding a win-win situation for everyone has to be your goal. Interesting and stimulating people may come into your life now and you’ll want to find more time for intimate encounters or shared experiences.
Virgo: Take a few days in early August for some solitary or down time to reflect and restore your spirit and physical vitality. You’ll benefit from making adjustments especially if you’ve been overdoing it lately. Treat yourself with care and pay attention to your physical needs especially up until Full Moon on August 15. After August 23, when the Sun moves into your own sign you will get the boost you need as life throws you some new or exciting challenges. This is a good month to organise your work or focus on the tedious but necessary tasks that don’t reap obvious rewards.
Libra: Don’t take yourself too seriously and you may surprise yourself at what you come up with by just playing around. Expect rewards from past efforts this month. Your imaginative powers are strong and you enjoy a chance to express your creative talents during the next few weeks. Whatever you do it needs to give scope to your originality and get you noticed. Your feelings for loved ones are more intense now and children may take an important role in your life at this time. You want to have fun and taking chances might pay off.
Scorpio: Your work or social status takes on greater significance this month and you’ll want to put your best effort into making the most of your abilities. Use this time to complete unfinished tasks and don’t expect to get started on anything new just yet. Putting your energy into any project that gives you some sense of achievement will feel important now. The real rewards will become more apparent after August 15 when you can expect some well-deserved appreciation. During late August you may feel like staying home to build up your reserves so you have plenty of spare for later when life gets really busy again.
Sagittarius: You may feel restless if you don’t find activities that stimulate your mind. Travel, foreign visitors or starting a new study course will likely be a feature mid month and you’ll want to seek out more information or alternatives to what you already know. Follow the urge to get out and about and make connections later in the month. A boost to your work life or career is likely after August 23. Expect opportunities to get more involved with your neighbours or local events. This is also a good time to catch up on correspondences or paperwork.
Capricorn: Early August finds you concerned with your material and financial security. Take time to consider if you are making the best of your natural skills and talents – you might be underestimating yourself! Actual money isn’t the only source of wealth and you’ll probably find you have abundance in another form. Concerns or anxieties about being dependent on others may trouble you mid month. It’s a short lived phase if you don’t dwell on the negative and your world will open up with new opportunities after Full Moon on August 15. Make plans, think big and remember to include your dreams.
Aquarius: Relationship matters occupy your mind for the next few weeks. What’s important is how these areas of your life are impacting on and your lifestyle and self-expression. The trick is to handle any tense moments with grace, state your position and move on quickly. This month you’ll need to stand up and display your self-confidence in a way that wasn’t called on before. All eyes turn to see what you’re going to do next during the last week of August. Make adjustments if you are not representing yourself accurately or in a way that is most true for your character.
Pisces: This month your inclination is to shun the limelight and keep pretty much to yourself. Enjoy the quiet ‘alone time’ whilst you can as the demands of your outer world will encroach again soon enough. Simple practical concerns about health, money or everyday responsibilities must be given your attention but don’t allow yourself to become over anxious later in the month. You can be very productive in the next few weeks by just quietly working away behind-the-scenes in seclusion. Reconnecting with your inner world is important for your sense of equilibrium. Valuable insights and breakthroughs are possible.
