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.