August 2020: The Leo season

In August the Sun travels through the sign Leo, followed by Mercury on August 4^th. The planet of communication (Mercury) will move through three signs in August: Cancer, Leo and Virgo so communication and thinking will be interesting if not changeable throughout the month. Venus, the planetary ruler of love and money transits from Gemini to Cancer August 7^th after it’s retrograde and four month stay in Gemini. Action planet Mars remains in Aries, already in its shadow period before the September retrograde when many things may take a different turn or be stalled or changed in some way. When Uranus retrogrades all of the outer planets that affect major life themes and changes will be retrograde and we will continually be re-viewing and changing our understanding of many different things this month. We will experience a powerful full moon on August 3^rd, that will shake things up and give us an opportunity to release what has have outlived its time and purpose.

2020 has been an impactful and stressful year and this will not change during August. In the midst of a burgeoning pandemic, and several other national crises we can find a little light at the end of the tunnel as this is the most dramatic of seasons and the time to shine in your own light a little: It’s the Leo season.

Leo: Time to shine

Leo rules the sector of the chart that represents fun, entertainment and love and the Sun will remain in this positive and dramatic sign until August 22. During this period of summer our thoughts turn to companionship and romance along with beaches, trips and pleasant summer nights. This is typically a very positive time of the year but like everything else life in all areas has changed due to Covid. The energy may be somewhat restricted this year but it is important to remember that having some fun and light hearted times is the best way to find balance and harmony during these trying weeks. No matter how dire things may seem romance will never die, and the child within us all will remain in our souls,  so take advantage of this brief time of the year and remember there will be plenty of time to think about the more serious matters after the brief Leo season has passed.

Leo is ruled by the Sun which gives us life and warmth especially at this time of the year. Leo energy is confident and bold, direct and to the point. Drama is the point with Leo and we can all become a little more dramatic at this time whether it is in clothing, makeup or in the way we interact with others. Leo rules the theater and the stage and at this time we can remember the famous Shakespeare quote; “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.”

Communication is changeable in August

Mercury rules our communication and thinking and as it enters Leo August 4^th, communication and the way we think and interact with each other takes on leonine qualities. While in Leo communication will take a far more dramatic and direct approach. Mercury has been in Cancer since late May due to its retrograde and we have been through a period of two retrogrades so far this year in water signs. Mercury was retrograde in Pisces February and March. Since February when Mercury entered Pisces we have been through a long period of emotional reflection and awareness. There are many things we should have learned during this time about our own emotional lives and those of others but now energies will change considerably. Leo is ruled by the Sun which represents us or ourselves. Our perspective can become ego-centered (and we will see plenty of this) or it can become focused on what our needs really are without being selfish to others. At this time we have the possibility of focusing on what we really need and want. Mercury in Leo is a time to take up a new hobby, change your style of dress and be your own biggest supporter. The focus of Mercury over the next 13 days will be what brings us the most joy, happiness and fun.

Mercury enters Virgo

Don’t take the excessive drama you may find all around you too seriously though because Mercury changes signs and enters Virgo August 19^th where it will remain the rest of the month.

Mercury in Virgo is much more detailed and factual and we will be looking for more substance when we communicate with ourselves and others. During this time thinking becomes more efficient, focused and streamlined as opposed to bold and dramatic. We can tap into our intellectual bents and get to the point of any conversation much quicker. The downside of Mercury in Virgo is that it can become too critical and nitpicky, losing sight of the big picture.

The month starts off with a bang

The first transit of the month begins with Mercury’s opposition to Pluto August 1^st. This can provoke deep thought and superficial answers will not suffice. Your inquiring mind may probe deeply into anything you are working on in a search not only for information but for the answers to deeply held questions and concepts. This can lead to obsessiveness and it may be hard to let go of a particular idea or thought until this transit passes. This kind of mental intensity can also lead to arguments and disagreements as opinions will be very strong. This is basically a transit of propaganda meant to sway your opinion that doesn’t necessarily put your real interests first.

August 2^nd the Sun in Leo squares Uranus making this day quite changeable as opposed to what you had planned. You may feel nervous or restless, but for some this can be a day to change the status quo and do something different. We can expect to hear unexpected news that may seem to come out of the blue.

The August full moon in Aquarius

The August full moon follows on the heels of Sun-Uranus and peaks at 11 degrees of Aquarius August 3^rd. This is a powerful full moon that forms a t-square which pulls in the energies of three planets. In this case both the Sun and Moon square Uranus. This will create changeable and unexpected situations, events and emotions. The Sun square Uranus represents changeable egos and the Moon rules the emotions and women as well as the home. Aquarius and Uranus represent genius and cutting edge types of innovations so we may see something of this nature.

You could experience a great restlessness or desire for change over these few days. If so, now may be the times to take a new look at how you approach things and make subsequent changes. Changes may appear sudden to others but it would be the product of gradually evolving tensions that have become too burdensome, and it may simply be time to change course and do things differently on any number of things. Change could also seem to come out of the blue with little advance notice. If you have been in an oppressive relationship or some other situation, now may be the time to break free and find a different path.

Mercury opposes Saturn creating a serious if not pessimistic energy. This transit can be associated with negative news and restrictions. Thinking will be very deep at this time. Issues could relate to home, family and the emotional life. You could feel worried or find it difficult to communicate your ideas and feelings. This opposition in Cancer-Capricorn is concerned with home and security, or the security of the homeland. Mars is also square Jupiter which can refer to a tendency to act in a careless manner. It points to impatience and recklessness, but on some occasions can indicate bravery.

This is a powerful full moon in Uranus’s sign, which makes it unpredictable. Uranus rules freedom, rebellions and coups, electricity and aircraft to name a few. This full moon will play out in the US and the world in terms of sudden and unexpected if not explosive events, finances, and political situations and news concerning women. There could be concern over the internet or other electronic forms of communication. There is a strong possibility of violence on and around the few days surrounding this full moon so it is important to remain aware.

Other transits in August

August 7, Venus enters Cancer until September 6^th. Love energy will totally change from intellectual Gemini and become more emotional. Cancer likes security and stability, and you may feel more warm toward others of protective. There can be emotional ups and downs due to the Cancer sensitivity. Love and social events will be likely centered around the home this month.

August 10, Mercury squares Uranus. Mercury-Uranus transits can make us feel restless and jittery. For some however, this can be a liberating type of mental influence. We could hear unexpected news. This transit can produce some brilliant ideas if you can channel the energy in a positive direction. Problems could arise in communication.

August 13, Mars squares Pluto for the first of three times, as it will begin its retrograde that will last for the rest of the year on September 9^th. This is a volatile transit indicative of anger, power struggles and there will be some who will try and force their will on others. This transit can produce compulsive or obsessive behavior and certain ideas may be hard to let go of at this time. This is a day or two to use caution, good judgment and if you poke the bear in the eye, expect it to strike back.  This transit will play out in the world in terms of political volatility, if not violence.

Uranus turns retrograde

August 15, Uranus stations to retrograde as it does every year. Uranus is an erratic and unpredictable planet that is associated with sudden and unexpected events and innovations.  If you are experiencing a Uranus transit personally, Uranus’s retrograde will be a significant period. In our personal lives we will seek innovation and changes within ourselves and our own inner thinking. These changes will be focused on the outside world when Uranus reverses course and turns direct again January 14^th, 2021.

August New moon in Leo

August 18, the New moon falls at 26 degrees of Leo. Now is the time to shine and enjoy what is left of the summer. This new moon is positive for entertainment, friends, creativity and love. The moon trines Mars providing a pleasant burst of energy to top off the few days left of the Leo season. Make the most of it!

The Sun enters Virgo August 22

Virgo rules the 6^th house of work and health, and it represents the mutable time of summer when weather begins to shift toward fall. Virgo marks a big departure from the boldness and drama of Leo. During this season we will come back down to earth, plant our feet on the ground and get back to work. Over the next 30 days we will become much more focused on work and health as we leave the summer fun behind. Virgo is connected to the body as well as the mind and the intellect. Now is the perfect time to begin a new workout plan or start a diet. During the Virgo season we ‘get real’ again in preparation for the changing season. The Sun in Virgo may bring out a desire for perfection, as this is what Virgo is known for. Anything less than perfect may create a feeling of discouragement so it is important to remember we are all human. The most positive side of Virgo brings out the qualities of responsibility, feeling grounded, diligence and meticulous work.

Mars squares Saturn

August 24, Mars squares Saturn. This is the 2^nd Cardinal square with Mars we will experience this month, and like the earlier square involving Pluto this will be repeated several times during Mars stay in Aries. Pay attention to the issues that come up at this time as this aspect will occur again in October and December and the same issue could arise.  Mars square Saturn can produce blocks, frustration and obstacles. You must work hard to get your ideas across and even then it will be difficult. If obstacles seem overwhelming wait a few days for this energy to pass and try again. This transit will play out on the world stage in the form of collective anger and frustration, and Mars rules police and military affairs.

Venus opposes Pluto: Am I getting what I need

August 30 Venus opposes Pluto. This is another intense transit indicative of issues concerning money and relationships. This transit can produce an obsessive type of energy and in some cases new information can be revealed to us relating to money, sex or relationships.

You could feel instantly drawn to someone in a compelling or mysterious manner, but there could be something inappropriate about the relationship, or it could be based purely on physical attraction.

Some relationships will end while others could be changed for the better but the path will not be an easy one. Pluto has a compulsive affect and its nature is to push, dig and in some cases bully. This transit is indicative in the collective of news concerning financial matters and scandals, or even sex scandals.

Mercury-Neptune: Confusion

August 30, Mercury opposes Neptune. This transit is often confusing, misleading or it can coincide with confused conversation or direction, lies and mis-information. If you have to sign important documents today make sure you fully understand the content, and that goes for any project that begins at this time. Confusion will happen easily on this day so it is important to be as aware of situations that arise today. Neptune transits tend to put is in a fog of confusion but this will pass in a couple of days.

Best transits in August:

August 16, the Sun trines Mars giving us a burst of energy, drive and positivity. This can be a positive day for whatever you want to accomplish. The only drawback is with the Moon in Cancer you may have to overcome a certain amount of emotionalism to get to where you want to go.

August 17, Mercury trines Mars. This is a great day for communication which can be powerful, bold and to the point.

August 18, Venus sextiles Uranus. This is a good day for resolving any issues in relationships. Unexpected events may arise that can lead to social engagements, relationships, entertainment and fun.

August 25, Venus opposes Jupiter. This can be a little bit of a double edged sword as the combination of Venus and Jupiter is generally positive but if you overdo things, you will have to pay the piper later. You may not feel a great deal of drive today for work or accomplishment as the energies of this day lend themselves toward amusement or entertainment.

August 27, Venus trines Neptune. This is a positive and creative transit indicative of soft lights and reverie. You may experience more intuition than normal or vivid dreams. Neptune has to do with compassion toward ourselves and others.

August 20, Mercury trines Jupiter. This is a energetic and upbeat day for any type of communication. With your positive attitude today many things are possible.