Treading in Choppy Waters: Full moon in Aquarius and August's last weeks

                                                                     Egypt (above)
                                                                    
                                                             

Astrology works on two levels. It shows us what is happening in the world around us and what to expect. To an extent we are all affected as we are all inhabitants of the world and part of a chain of humanity that extends around the globe.

The same astrology shows us what is happening in our personal lives as well. We are all born with a personal natal chart and the transits that will change the world can change out personal lives if they are aspecting a personal planet. If they are not aspecting a planet in our own charts, we are still affected, but to a lesser degree.

The August full moon falls at 28 degrees of Aquarius on August 20 at 9:45 p.m. EST. Aquarius is the natural ruler of the 11th house of groups and organizations and we may be involved with groups, friends, or our focus will be on certain groups. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, and Uranus is the planet of rebellions, separations and sudden, shocking and unexpected events. On the world stage Aquarius planets are often involved in rebellions and coups.

This full moon opposes Mercury, the planet signifying young people, travel, and communication.

The bloodbath that began in Egypt continues along with a rising death toll. This full moon opposes Pluto in Egypt's chart  in the 5th house of children and young people and we may hear more news of death. Moon-Pluto transits can reveal facts that were previously unknown and relates to powerful forces that would impose their will on others.

Jupiter is square Uranus and this aspect becomes exact August 21, on the heels of the full moon. Jupiter is actually part of a T-square between Uranus and Pluto setting off the Uranus-Pluto square that will  dominates the sky and propels the world toward the same level of change that occurred in the 1930's.

The week of August 6, Jupiter opposed Pluto and this relates to the worldwide spread of terrorism. We saw most if not all US embassies close across the Middle East.

Jupiter square Uranus has to do with sudden and unexpected revolts, revolutions, change toward and among governments and laws. It could also affect financial markets and analysts are already expecting a spike in oil prices. The stock market can be subject to change.

When another planet aspects Uranus astrologers say events are unexpected because they seem to come out of the blue. This transit however is indicative of change, revolt and upheaval in general. Astrologer Nicholas Champion writes, "this seems to be one of the key cycles of the free market economy measuring the buoyancy of the markets. As such it is considered one of the predominately capitalist oriented cycles."

This transit gives rise to extremism that can include religious extremes, and often goes against the status quo, whatever it is. Nicholas writes, "it can cause highly volatile situations to erupt without warning and an atmosphere of acute tension. In this state it has a particularly dangerous war-mongering potential."

This transit will occur again in February 2014, and Pluto-Uranus-Jupiter and Mars come together in April 2014 in a configuration that will likely bring some type of international terrorist activity.

In our personal lives Jupiter-Uranus can lead to sudden changes depending on where it is falling in our charts. At its best it can be a powerful agent for change and blasting us out of a rut. At its worst, depending on what else in is your chart, it can lead to separations, sudden changes of mind and risky, badly thought out behavior or losses.

The Sun enters Virgo, as does Mercury on August 22 and 23, with the two becoming conjunct August 24. This can be a willful, if not stressful and overly critical transit. On the same day Venus squares Pluto at 9 degrees of Libra-Capricorn. Venus-Pluto transits have to do with money matters and love which can become obsessive, controlling and worst case, situations can end. Let go and lighten up!

In the news will may see scandals relating to sex, money and violence. Pluto often rules the bully or the control freak.

August 25, Mercury opposes Neptune and this transit may bring major weather issues in some areas involving water. Mercury-Neptune relates to lack of clarity, deception, mis-communication, or out and out lies. Nothing may be clear on this transit including events in the world. Don't get overly critical about something you don't have the facts about. Be careful what you agree to over these few days until facts may become clear.

August 26, Venus opposes Uranus and the Sun opposes Neptune. Sun-Neptune transits relate to lack of clarity, discouragements, and not knowing all the facts. Venus-Uranus transits relate to sudden situations that may involve romance, although they are not stable. Some situations may end altogether. We may see fluctuations in financial markets and hear shocking news.

Used positively Neptune transits can take us to a higher spiritual level and bring compassion for those less fortunate. Venus-Uranus-Pluto transits involve money or love, and my advice is to not take things too seriously until these transits pass.

By the holiday weekend (US) energies start to calm down but until then hang on to your seat, because it's going to be a wild ride.