During the month of August, we switch gears; the pace of life will pick up. Conflicting points of view become more strident. The good news is that information will move even more rapidly and prevent many misunderstandings. We have a real opportunity to change our habits in fundamental ways.
August Highlights
Mars Conjuncts Uranus and the North Node of the Moon on the 1st. This is explosive and potentially a very violent release of energy. Even though this takes place in Taurus, where both planets are out of sync with the sign, the force created will get us going in the right direction. Mercury goes into Virgo on the 4th, then into Libra on the 25th. Attention, thoughts, and communication will clarify things already set in motion. Venus goes into open-hearted Leo on the 11th. Generous feelings for others and acts of kindness can set the tone for making our personal lives better. On the 20th Mars goes into Gemini, where he will remain until March 25th, 2023. This long sojourn of the planet of desire in the sign of communication can spin out reams of information. The cosmic purpose for us during this period will be to gain access to more information, but also to learn from each other. When Uranus turns Retrograde on the 24th, all five of the outer planets will be in Retrograde. We both recognize and admit our past; if not, external circumstances will drag us into repeating patterns.
The Full Moon
The Full Moon is on August 11th at 9:35 PM EDT on the 19th degree of Leo/Aquarius. The Sun and Moon form a T-square with the North Node, Uranus, and Mars; all in Taurus. The pattern shows immense emotional tension extending across the entire culture; in our personal lives this shows up as frustration. Mars is in Sextile to Neptune and Trine with Pluto, favoring slow steady application of energy along traditional channels; we harvest a bounty of practical results. It is worth noting that our efforts may seem to go against the forward march of the year. But if we keep our head down and keep moving forward, there will be a convergence of paths down the road in a few months.
The Sun enters Virgo
The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd at 11:17 PM EDT. Mars in Gemini is Square the Sun and Trine Mercury; this shows lots of conversation and everyone seems to have the desire to be heard. Just listening to others can give ventilation; we become a calming influence. Venus in Leo is Square the Nodes and Uranus. We are faced with choices that either emphasize sacrifice for the good of the larger community or self-indulgence. The Moon at 13 degrees of Cancer is Trine the South Node and Sextile the North Node/Uranus. The general public is thinking emotionally. The reason is there, but may be disconnected from our imagined past. This Moon is Conjunct to the Sun in the founding chart for the USA. Mercury is Trine Pluto which stresses focused work aimed at practical results.
The New Moon
The New Moon on the 27th is at 4:18 AM EDT on the 4th degree of Virgo. Mars is Square the New Moon showing a conflict of interests. Mercury rules both Gemini (where Mars is) and Virgo (sign of the New Moon). This suggests that more information can heal wounds created by conflict. Mercury (communication and thinking) is Trine Mars (desire). Listening and reading is more beneficial than talking and writing. Venus (love) is Opposite Saturn (boundaries). This Opposition occurs on the same degree as the Full Moon two weeks ago, reminding us that what we didn’t complete is still there to be done. Mercury Opposes Jupiter and both are in easy aspect to Mars. This indicates that we must put forward some effort in order to get our values and actions to agree with each other.
Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or email him here. Visit his website here.