August 2016: The summer of our discontent-finding grace in everyday life

August marks the third month this year the Saturn-Neptune square dominates the skies in close and exact orb. (This transit began the latter part of 2015) 

Over the past two months this transit has been considered a t-square as it involved three planets-Saturn, Neptune and Jupiter. As we begin the month of August, Jupiter has moved out of orb, and it is no longer aspecting Saturn and Neptune. So we now have Saturn square Neptune.

Jupiter is the planet of grace, benevolence and gain. The t-square has brought confusion, chaos, and a collective desire on some level to dissolve the old and what has been established. In some cases both collectively and personally, change is not something that has been desired, but rather something that has occurred. Many are swimming in a sea of darkness, as things, people and situations that have been part of their lives no longer are, and they (and we) face an uncertain future as the old is no longer there, and the future has not yet been revealed.

Up until now Jupiter has been a part of the picture (the t-square). Any time Jupiter is involved situations can seem more positive, or rosier than perhaps it really is.

Now that Jupiter is no longer part of the equation, the reality of many things will become evident, and we will no longer be wearing rose colored glasses, both collectively and as individuals, especially if this transit is aspecting your personal chart.

It may seem that for a time grace has left us. But, the future of many things will soon be revealed as the Neptune-Saturn square will start to separate and move apart toward the end of September. In the meantime some of us will have to operate on faith and hope that if something in our lives has been removed, changed left or taken away, our next path will be soon become clear.

But, if Jupiter is grace, then grace can always be found somewhere,  as Jupiter is always present in your personal chart, and this is the area we must look to. It's just a matter of discovering where it (Jupiter) is and what area of your life will prosper and grow at this time.

Saturn-Neptune is one of the top ten re-occurring planetary cycles that bring major changes in the world. Saturn rules our structures, and Neptune dissolves them without regard to anyone's feelings of security or what has been safe or reliable in the past.

Case in point is the Brixet vote in the UK, and coming withdrawal from the European Union. Prince The long term affects of this decision will be seen in the coming year as the reality of this decision sets in, and affects us all on a global basis.

Another example is the chaos, confusion and disharmony of the US Presidential race, and I expect it to become even more fractious. Scandals can and will emerge on either side, and issues will remain clouded.

As Neptune dissolves existing structures, we are at risk of throwing out the baby with the bath water, so to speak. Neptune transits dissolve things over time, and Neptune is called the 'planet of illusion, delusion and confusion.'   

Decisions made on a transit like this may not turn out to be what we hoped for in the long run, as Neptune distorts the picture and all is not what it seems. However as Jupiter is no longer part of the picture, the facts of many situations may be revealed this month for what they really are.

From 2012-early 2016 we dealt with the Uranus-Pluto square, and its energies are still playing out as well. The results of this transit decimated governments, structures and the world as we knew it, instituting a deep distrust of existing power structures in the collective. This transit was immediately followed by the current Saturn-Neptune-Jupiter t square, and now the Saturn-Neptune square. We've hardly had time to recover from the major change that began in 2008.

Adolph Hitler rose to power in 1935 on the Uranus-Pluto square in Aries-Capricorn. This was followed by a mutable t-square (3 planets that clash with each others energies) like the one we are experiencing now, and in the same signs.

In the years following the last mutable t-square (1936-37) Mussolini, Franco, Stalin and Hirohito became prominent figures as nationalism and isolationism became the norm, and the rest of that period eventually lead to WW11.

Let us not forget past history that led us to make these collective decisions and we must not lose the many advances we have made since that time. Decisions that are collectively made now will weigh heavily in the future, and the future of those who come after us.

This is the time to be level-headed, grounded and to find your strengths on both an inner and outer level.

 As you continue to move toward your goals  do not be thwarted by insecurity and doubt, you will have real opportunity to turn dreams (Neptune) into concrete reality (Saturn) as we move into the fall, especially as Jupiter sextiles Saturn in the Fall .

The Saturn-Neptune square will be 'set off' by Mercury, Venus and Mars,  August 6-7, August 13-14. and August 24-26. During this time we will see major news events related to this energy and be pulled in many different directions in our personal lives.

The Almost Eclipse of August

The August Full Moon occurs August 18, peaking at 26 degrees of Aquarius at 5:26 AM, EST.

While the NASA website does not list this as an eclipse, other sources call this event a penumbral lunar eclipse. In any case, viewers on Earth will not be able to see the Earth's shadow on the Moon.

This eclipse grazes the northern boundary of the Earth's penumbral shadow and marks the end of the Saros series 109.

This is a powerful and exciting Full Moon/lunar eclipse as it sextiles Uranus. With all the bad news in the world we could use some positive energy!

Moon-Uranus transits can bring exciting new ideas, elements and situations into our lives. It can also be a time to break free of things and situations that oppress us and as the Sun forms a trine to Uranus as well, this is positive and means change may be easier now than at other times. We could hear exciting news.

Projects you began several weeks ago may be finished or reach a peak at this time.  Other themes and goals you have been pursing for the past six months can be finalized before the September 1, solar eclipse which will begin a whole new cycle of eclipses.

With all the Uranus energy surprising events may occur over the next several weeks. Positive change can occur using originality, creative expressive and new methods of awareness.

Relationships and situations of all types can be rejuvenated by allowing or encouraging personal freedoms and increased self confidence.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter can bring some type of positive news and a more positive and happier frame of mind. This is positive for travel, communication, or education. It could be a good time to settle any disputes.

As Venus trines Pluto this is a positive time for finances, love and social activities. You or other may express themselves more fully at this time.

Saturn turns direct

Saturn turns stationary direct August 13, at 9 degrees of Sagittarius. When Saturn 'stations' to turn direct this is a pivotal point. Saturn is not yet moving forward, but the energy is turning from retrograde to direct motion. The energy is very powerful at this time, and major events often occur, especially if this is aspecting something in your personal chart. If it is a harsh aspect, Saturn  as 'the taskmaster' coincides with periods of stress and often endings. If it is making a positive aspect you may be able to move forward in a very positive way and build lasting structures in your life.

While Saturn is retrograde we have the ability to re-access decisions and obligations we have made, and the sign Saturn is in is emphasized.  Saturn in Sagittarius is about 9th house matters-world view, education, foreign affairs, travel and our ideas. We have seen all of these matters discussed publicly in the most contentious Presidential election of the decade.

As Saturn begins to move forward again we will move ahead with our plans. While retrograde Saturn can create more fear and insecurity and if it is making a harsh aspect in your personal chart this is always a difficult period. As Saturn stations to move forward you may begin to find resolutions to your problems and fears.

As Saturn turns direct, square Neptune, this will intensify this most convoluted mix of energy which may seem like fog. By late September Saturn will begin to move ahead of Neptune and while the results of this powerful aspect will continue to play out in the world, the fog will start to lift and we will begin to see our lives and situations more clearly and move ahead.

August 31, Mercury turns retrograde

Mercury turns stationary retrograde August 30-31 at 29 degrees of Virgo.

Mercury turns retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned.  To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. It is however part of a natural cycle, and this period is meant to recess, redo and reconsider plans and situations in our lives.

Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.

When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills.

When Mercury retrogrades, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.” Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Sometimes the karma of a relationship will play out as retrograde cycles are karmic in nature. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have situations set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  

Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job.  Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

With this retrograde in Virgo  we need to watch our speech and communication as we may become overly critical or even overly analytical of people and situations, or other people may seem this way to us.

Virgo rules the 6th house of health and work and it is here we will be focused during this retrograde. Many people may start diets, and re-adjust their lifestyles and exercise as it relates to health and this is a positive use of this energy. Issues at work that weren't dealt with may crop up as well.

While 'stationary retrograde,' Mercury is at its most frustrating. this is the point where glitches and changes often occur and it may even be hard to think.

The second most stressful period is when Mercury turns 'stationary direct.' as it prepares to move forward September 23-24. At this point plans may change once again, but after this period things will slowly begin to return to normal.

Best days of August

August 1, Venus trines Uranus-positive for love, social activities and money. As the Sun trines Saturn we could accomplish something important.

August 10, Mercury trines Pluto- Positive for communication with others and reaching solutions.

August 16, Sun trines Uranus-New ideas may come to fore and there can be an excitement or change of pace in some way with this transit.

August 17, Venus trines Pluto-Positive for love and money and you could come to a deeper understanding or commitment in your relationship.

August 22, Mercury conjuncts Jupiter-Positive for communication of all types, positive thinking and you could receive good news of some sort.

August 27, Venus conjuncts Jupiter-This occurs once a year as the two planets of love and money meet up. This falls on a Saturday, so make the most of it!

August 29, Mercury conjuncts Venus-Positive for love, social activities, financial matters and all around positive thinking and energy.

The planet of unexpected change retrogrades

Uranus will station at 24 degrees of Aries on Friday, July 29. What this means is this planet is preparing to retrograde for the rest of the year, and won't turn direct again until  December 29.

Sudden change can occur at this time, especially if this is aspecting your personal chart. There could be breakups, endings of all sorts, and surprise types of change. Uranus is the planet associated with freedom of all types and the next week or so will be critical.

While Uranus has now separated from Pluto it has continued to bring about change and upheaval in the world and for many. When it turns direct again in December at 20 degrees, it will be within a 4 degree orb of Pluto and we may once again see the type of upheaval this transit brought us before.

As it is in the sign Aries, the focus is on the desires of individuals or groups of individuals-good or bad. A perfect example of Uranus in the sign is the recent Brexit vote.

Uranus is the higher octave of Mercury and it is considered the planet of revolution and revolts as well as new ideas, technology and innovations. We could see some of these things in the world, and Uranus also rules earthquakes, weather, aircraft and revolts and revolutions.

If Uranus is stationing on a planet in your natal chart it can be a stressful time with unexpected changes. If so you have planets in your personal chart at 23-25 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Capricorn or Libra.

If you have planets at these degrees in Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, or Aquarius change  can occur in a far easier or more positive fashion.

Mercury: the good, the bad and the ugly

Mercury trines Uranus Wednesday, July 27. This is a positive transit, and a good day to come up with new ideas, plans and any communication. Put your brain to work and let the sky be the limit. This is a short window of opportunity though.

Thursday Morning, the Moon in Taurus opposes Mercury and squares Mars at 28 degrees of Scorpio. Irritation, anger and upset can easily occur as we start the day. This will make for a rough start.

By Friday, Mercury enters into a square with Mars, and this is prone to arguments, disputes and a great deal of mental aggravation.Venus and Mars are squared off as well.

Mercury rules communication of all types, travel and young people. As Mercury is in Leo relationships could become tense, or the disharmony could involve money issues. If this aspects your personal chart you could overact, and things could turn ugly if you don't use discernment. It's also possible that energy could be directed toward you, and people may be set off over just about anything. Communication issues can be affected as well.

Anger and agitation may be felt 'in the air,' and this is a bad day to start a disagreement or argument with anyone and my advice is to let this energy pass before taking actions or making statements that can inflame others. If you can get through these days and manage your normal affairs without conflict consider it a success and you are lucky! On days like this I try to 'fly under the radar.'

Use caution driving or traveling as this is a transit that is ripe for accidents.

This will be a  heavy news day involving angry people, and at its worst we could see the anger play out among young people in violent events as we have in the past. As this is the same day Uranus stations to turn retrograde this amps up the potential for violence. Uranus rules upheavals, freedom, coups, and is associated with breaking away from what is considered the establishment.

Karma: Yours or theirs?

Years ago, my astrology teacher told me, "when a woman marries a man, she marries his chart. If a woman is single then only her chart matters."

At first, I didn't believe her, but as time went on, she of course, was proven right as she always was.

It's always interesting to look at the chart of a woman (and it could be the other way around) and as she begins to talk it's clear things aren't good at home. In some cases they are downright horrible. (I'm referring to women in serious relationships.)

Thank goodness I had a great teacher, and the years have taught me, look at the chart of the significant other. 

The other chart always tells the tale. When a woman marries a man, she marries his chart, or in other words, she marries his karma. And it goes the other way as well.

She may have a great job, but if he can't keep one, things aren't good...

She may be happy with him, but if he isn't happy with her..

If she isn't, but he is an alcoholic or philanderer.. If she comes from a close family and his relatives are dysfunctional and always putting her down.. and on and on..

So if you are considering marriage, moving in, or being in a committed relationship, you are committing to the karma of your significant other. The karma, or how things will play out in life, or how life generally treats you, and how you react shows up in the astrological chart. (When I speak of karma I am referring to the end result of things, and the general way of life the natal chart shows).

There is nothing supernatural about this and every natal chart shows basic direction and promise in life. Some charts show ease, and others show a difficult, grinding existence. Most are somewhere in between and all human beings experience problems no matter who you are.

When I speak of karma I don't mean just the transiting planets as they move through the skies. That too has a big affect, but I also mean the natal chart the significant other was born with.

The natal chart and the transiting planets are two different things.

The natal chart is the chart you or anyone else was born with that shows the blueprint of your life and remains the same throughout your life. As they planets move through the sky they create aspects to our natal chart that show the current circumstances of life, which are always changing. 

These planets can compel an individual toward a committed relationship or not at the time.

The natal chart, however shows the personality, traits and character of a person, their 'natal promise,' or what they were born to achieve, and how their life will be lived overall.

Let's say for example, a man was born with a Saturn conjunct his Moon in Capricorn, and the woman he marries or moves in and she has a Moon in Cancer, square Venus and Pluto in Libra.

This shows a woman who has a strong need to be loved, and will be miserable unless she gets it. She might even be manipulative and jealous if she thinks it will help her achieve what she wants.

Moon conjunct Saturn in Capricorn, however may feel that expressing his feelings, buying flowers and doting on his wife or girlfriend is unnecessary. He might show love by paying the rent and seeing that things are financially secure, he doesn't cheat so he feels that he has given his all.

Unless the woman he is with is of the right temperament and attitude and very mature, she is going to be miserable with this man. As their Moons are in opposite signs, this can attract, but further reinforce the feeling there is no common emotional ground.

And it works the other way. He would feel she was reactive, overly emotional, demanding  and manipulative.

This same man may be somewhat insecure on an inner level, bound to his job or duty and come from a family where feelings were never expressed, or had a cold upbringing. So, if the woman in question marries him, she marries his karma. By nature, he will never be an expressive man, and he might always put his job first.

They might tolerate each other for a short time, but unless maturity is involved along with enough love to reach an understanding, this relationship will likely fail.

Let's say a woman meets a man with Saturn in Aquarius in the second house (money) and opposing Jupiter/Uranus and square Neptune.

She likes the finer things of life and dreams of a big home, kids and fancy vacations every year. She is an Aries ascendant with Venus and Mars in the second house in Taurus, which squares his Saturn.

The man works hard, but doesn't get ahead, just pays the bills. Ideas and spiritual pursuits are more important to him than things, and money is only a means to an end. 

Underneath he has a dream of artistic pursuits that won't pay the bills. When he does have a big opportunity it seems to fall through suddenly.

Unless the woman is willing to earn her own money to pay for the finer things she wants and understands money s not his priority, it's only a matter of time before the fighting begins and this relationship fails because of money issues.

The branch of astrology that deals with compatibility is called synastry and can reveal all of these things in advance.

This is important because when you marry or commit to someone, you should understand their basic karma, and how their overall life will be lived.

Compatibility/understanding is everything, and knowledge is always power.