During August the Sun transits through
Leo, and then Virgo. Mercury, the planet of communication travels through three
signs this month, and Venus, the planet of love and money moves from Virgo into
Libra where it is at home and very powerful. Mars remains in work oriented
Virgo all month and Jupiter, the planet of luck and gain has re-entered
Aquarius, the sign connected with the collective. Uranus turns retrograde joining
Neptune, Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter making 5 out of 10 planets retrograde this
month slowing some things down and creating delays.
Covid cases will continue to increase in the US
Covid cases began to rise
significantly in July, and based on the US natal chart and some other factors,
it appears Covid-19 will continue to rise throughout most of the year. In the
US natal chart Pluto will oppose Mercury for its final pass August 9th-November
30th. Each of these previous transits
(December 27, 2020-January 26, 2021 and February 20, 2020-July 4, 2020) saw
rises in Covid as well as deaths. Between May 14-July 28 of this year Jupiter
(and Neptune) have been in Pisces, a sign associated with infectious diseases
(and misinformation). Jupiter turned retrograde June 20th and will
not turn direct until October 18th. Whatever Jupiter touches, it
expands-good or bad. Since Jupiter’s retrograde the delta variant has spread
substantially and we are reaching another critical moment in time.
Unfortunately this is not positive
astro news but it is important to be aware, and it will be best to use extreme
caution in terms of Covid for the rest of the year. As vaccines have stalled
Covid will likely continue to increase and cause more hospitalizations and
deaths unless something dramatically changes in our approach to dealing with
the virus. Vaccines are our best hope of fighting this once in a lifetime
pandemic. Stay safe and be aware!
The Sun and Mercury will clash with Saturn and
Uranus
During the first
week of August, the Sun and Mercury in Leo will ‘set off’ the Saturn/ Uranus
square which is associated with change, sometimes unexpected but not necessarily
negative. You will be affected to a greater degree if you have fixed
planets-Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius at 10-15 degrees. The most significant
dates are:
August 1st-the
Sun conjuncts Mercury. Egos may be running on high and this is something to
consider in your dealings with others. August 1-2 the Sun and Mercury will
oppose Saturn. This can be tiring and lean toward the negative in some cases. Alternatively
you may feel the weight of responsibility and be working hard toward some goal.
August 6th,
the Sun squares Uranus. This is prone toward unexpected events, changeability
and sudden outbursts. This aspect can coincide with change or breaking free of
something or even someone. We may see and hear about unusual events at this
time.
The Leo season
The Leo season began July 22, when the
Sun entered Leo and will remain in this sign until August 22, when it enters
Virgo. During the Leo season life is about singles, entertainment, following
your passions and having fun. Now is the most magical, if not brief time of the
year where we are drawn to beaches, lakes, outdoor parties and barbeques and of
course the one thing that reigns eternal; love and romance.
Leo is ruled by the Sun which gives us
life and warmth and Leo energy is confident and bold. Leo
is a fire sign prone to action, movement and creation. This is the time we want
to shine, be in the spotlight and receive attention and come across as more
dramatic.
Leo is a regal sign that rules royalty, theatre and
acting and we will experience a take charge kind of energy. At best this can
help you take command of your life, express yourself your own way and inspire the
confidence of others.
At its worst, Leo can be overly dramatic and too
demanding of attention, which is the downside of the sign. When Leo feels he or
she has been ignored, treated badly or without the respect they deserve it can
signal the end of a friendship. Watch letting your feelings get carried away
over minor issues regarding attention from others as those in question may not
be deliberately trying to insult or ignore you.
Venus enters Libra
Venus leaves practical
Virgo and moves into Libra on August 16th where it is at home. Venus
rules money, values and love. In Libra, Venus is a powerful and easy energy and
is all about establishing harmony in your relationships.
If you were born with Venus in Libra
you are a romantic at heart. You will thrive in a positive and committed
relationship. As Libra is attracted to beauty you may go for flowers, silk
sheets and a beautiful and balanced romantic atmosphere. Libra does not like
things that are unkempt or not appealing to the senses. You probably have a
strong sense of style and know how to dress and make the most of your physical
attributes.
Venus in Libra is the time to make
more time for your significant other, or even those in your business or work
life, and realize the value they can bring to the table. Harmony and getting
along will be valued over performance and output. Libra is an air sign that
likes mental acuity and witty conversation. These traits will be much more
appealing over the next month.
While Venus is in Libra others (and
yourself) may come across friendlier, more helpful, personable and gracious.
This is a great time for a makeover, new clothes, a change in hairstyle or
anything of the like. You will be more attracted to beautiful objects and
things.
Venus-Libra does not like sordid
situations, ugliness or arguments. Based on the logical nature of Venus-Libra,
if things spiral out of control you may be met with a detached, cold attitude.
Venus in Libra can seem aloof, but if you are friendly, approachable and able
to carry on an interesting conversation it will be worth its weight in gold
while Venus in this sign.
August New Moon-unexpected changes or chaos
The August New Moon falls at 16
degrees of Leo on August 8th. This New Moon squares Uranus which
typically results in change, often of an unexpected nature. We could see change
in the world in the form of rebellions, coups, and unexpected events or even
weather or earth related events. You may feel stressed, anxious, and restless
or as though you want to try something new or approach things from a new
direction. Egos may show themselves on this moon along with selfishness and
drama, so these are also things to guard against.
Uranus is the planet associated with
freedom, often from whatever you find oppressive. It can create instability in relationships
and as this is a new cycle it is associated with new beginnings. If there is
something that you are trying to break free of you may seriously consider doing
it at this time. Impulsive decisions however, may not go as well. The challenge
of this New moon will be to act in a solid way in the face of unexpected
change. All change is not necessarily major or negative. We could also
experience a sudden epiphany or come up with a unique idea or approach to
something.
Venus in Virgo opposes Neptune in
Pisces. This can create a magical type of feeling that anything is possible.
Enjoy the feeling and strive for what you want to accomplish but it is
important to remember that Neptune can create illusions that crumble when faced
with the light of the Sun, so make sure you have your facts and information
correct if you are embarking on something important. Venus-Virgo can give us
the ability to delve into detail and facts and make positive and practical
decisions.
The moon in Leo rules the 5th
house of fun, romance and entertainment and many will be focused here. The Leo
moon is a time to get out and have some fun but be aware the Uranus aspect can change
plans so best they are not set in stone. Sometimes it’s the unexpected things
that create the best and most vivid memories.
Mercury enters Virgo
August 11th the planet of
communication leaves Leo and enters Virgo where it will remain until August 30th
when it enters Libra. Mercury is the planetary ruler of both Virgo and Gemini.
Mercury in Gemini is associated
with quick responses, intelligence, and communication about a broad range of
ideas. When Mercury is in Virgo communication
is more about facilitating ideas, analyzing information and presenting facts in
a straight forward and factual manner. Gemini may reach out for
information of all types and go in many different directions but Virgo hones in
on what is important and puts that information to practical use. Virgo is very
discerning and is often considered lazar focused on the matters at hand. The
only downside to Mercury in Virgo is that at times it can be so discerning one
can become lost in the details or overly critical or picky. Use this time to
work on projects that require method, organization, timing and communication
and you should do well.
Uranus retrogrades
Uranus is the planet of change and
freedom and it turns retrograde as it does every year on August 19th
at 14 degrees of Taurus and remains retrograde until January 18th,
2022. During its retrograde period it will once again square Saturn the latter
part of December as it did in February and June. This aspect is connected with
instability, unexpected events and change.
Uranus is an erratic and
unpredictable planet that is associated with sudden and unexpected events as
well as cutting edge innovations. If you
are experiencing a Uranus transit personally, Uranus’s retrograde can be a
significant period and we will seek innovation and changes within ourselves and
our own inner thinking. We may look to new directions, new ways of thinking, or
in some cases a totally different path depending on whether or not you feel
things in your life are working as they should be. These changes will generally
take place on an inner level, and more on an outer level when Uranus turns
direct.
On the world stage, Uranus rules
aircraft, inventions, coups, explosions and sometimes explosive change. We can
expect to see many things happening in the world or changing course as Uranus turns
retrograde.
The
Sun enters Virgo
The
Sun enters Virgo August 22, and the Virgo season begins so expect another major
energy shift. Virgo
energy is connected to organization, healing, detail, focus, intellect, warmth,
being grounded, health, stability, analytical, critical, conscientious,
discriminating, fastidious, and modest.
Virgo is the sign
that rules the 6th house of the zodiac or work, health and
healing, and it represents the mutable time of summer when weather begins to
shift toward fall. As the Sun enters Virgo our thoughts tend to be more about
work, our health, production, and accomplishment.
Getting your life
in order
The Virgo season
is time to wind down from the summer fun filled days of Leo, take charge of
your life, and get your house in order for the coming change of season. If you
follow astrology at all it should come as no surprise that during the Virgo
season stores are stocked full of notebooks, and all types of things to
organize, and prepare for success in preparation of school openings. Virgo’s
ruler Mercury is considered the planet of intellect, thinking, communication
and learning.
Virgo is
associated with healing
Virgo is
associated with healing of both intellectual and physical health. Virgo has a
natural and instinctive understanding of health and the connection between
body, mind and soul. The Virgo season is an auspicious time to kick start your
own well being in several areas and treat your body with respect. Now is the
time to make positive changes in diet, fitness, and explore natural remedies if
this seems appropriate for you. Self-care also falls in the realm of Virgo and
now is the time to pay attention as to what you can do to help yourself physically
and mentally. Virgo is an auspicious time for-
-Promoting a
healthy diet and exercise
-Learning yoga,
meditation or other natural remedies for relaxation.
-Following up on
medical care.
-Learning to get
enough sleep.
-Letting go of
worry.
Virgo is often considered critical
Virgo is known
for its desire for perfection in all matters which sometimes leads people to
believe Virgo energy is about fault finding and being overly critical. This can
be true at times but at the core Virgo energy is concerned with facts and
seeing all matters clearly, taking into consideration all factors including
inconvenient truths. Virgo will not be appeased with shallow answers or half
truths. Virgo is about healing, correctness and getting to the core
issue in any situation, resolving problems and moving forward in positive
manner bringing us all closer to true success. In other words, Virgo simply
wants to get things right.
August full moon in Aquarius
The full moon
this month falls at 29 degrees of Aquarius on August 22, the same day the Sun
enters Virgo. This is the second full moon in Aquarius in two months. The first
Aquarius full moon fell on July 23rd, at 1 degree of Aquarius, and
this one falls at 29 degrees. When a planet or a full moon falls at 1 degree it
sometimes means new projects are started. 29 degrees represents endings, so you
could be completing something that began a month ago or you could be ending
something at this time. As this is considered a critical degree in astrology it
is more significant in terms of finishing things up and moving on to the next
phase. This occurs in our personal lives as well as the collective.
Aquarius rules
the 11th house or the collective. In astrology Aquarius is concerned
with the things that impact all of us. You may find yourself involved with
groups at this time or even humanitarian ventures. As this Moon opposes the Sun
in Leo there can be a conflict between what you want and desire as opposed to
that of a group. Aquarius-Leo rules the 11th-5th house
axis of the chart or friends, groups and in some cases romance. As the Moon
conjuncts Jupiter this should be a positive and uplifting time for many.
There is however unpredictability
to Aquarius as it is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, the planet of change.
August 29th-30th Mercury
enters Libra
Mercurial energy
changes once again as the planet of communication leaves Virgo for Libra. Over
the next 10 weeks Mercurial energy will shift again as Mercury transits the
sign ruling partnerships. Mercury will retrograde in Libra September 27th-October
18th. The things we begin in September may be stalled during Mercury’s
retrograde and not be completed until after mid-October so get as much as you
can accomplished before the retrograde.
Communication
will take on a friendlier, more congenial tone as opposed to the critical and
demanding tone Mercury in Virgo can produce. Libra has an innate sense of
fairness, which is how Libra comes by its reputation of being a peacemaker.
Some
words that describe Libra in Mercury are diplomatic, charming, smooth, flirty
and sympathetic. Also, indecisive, procrastination, people pleaser and
over-intellectualizing.
Since
Libra does not like conflict, people will be more prone toward compromise and
finding some common value or solution. Libra will do almost anything to avoid
conflict or an argument which can create a great deal of confusion in others to
the point that Libra energy can sometimes seem passive-aggressive.
Libra is an air sign which means Mercury
in this sign has the ability to see the big picture with great clarity. Libra
is also a Cardinal sign which means change can occur due to active assertion of
ideas or action.
Other transits of interest in August:
August 3rd,
Venus trines Uranus. This is a positive transit indicative of unexpected
events, new approaches and events in our social lives. Also on this day Mercury
squares Uranus which is mentally changeable, irritable and can seem restless.
Be aware of the changeability of this aspect and it is accident prone.
August 9th
Venus in Virgo opposes Neptune. This falls on the heels of the New Moon and is
part of the New Moon energy. This can seem spiritual or magical but Neptune
also rules illusions, delusions and confusion so uses care and look to facts as
opposed to how you wish things to be.
August 10th,
Mercury opposes Jupiter. This is typically positive but some things may be
blown out of proportion.
August 11th,
Venus trines Pluto. This is positive for financial matters, love, artistic
efforts and expressing your feelings or ideas.
August 18th,
Mercury conjuncts Mars. This is an irritating aspect prone to arguments or at
best debate. Use care as this can be accident prone.
August 19th,
the Sun opposes Jupiter. This is basically positive and hopeful but some things
may be blown out of proportion.
August 20, Mercury
trines Uranus. This is a positive transit prone to new ideas and approaches.
You could come up with a brilliant idea.
August 22, Mars
trine Uranus. This is prone to positive action, sometimes unexpected change and
indicative of excitement and new directions.
August 23rd,
Venus trines Saturn. This is a positive day for finance, meetings and business
and indicative of things or people connected to the past.
August 24th,
Mercury opposes Neptune. This is a tiring and confusing transit. Be aware of
misinformation which will likely be swirling around or a lack of clarity. Not a
positive day to implement new projects or make firm decisions.
August 26th,
Mercury trines Pluto. A positive day for research, expressing your ideas, or
getting to the bottom of a problem.