August, this year, presents us with a full range of beneficial gifts. The major astronomical activity happens right at the beginning of the month but the effects continue to roll out all month. Venus remains Retrograde in Leo until September 6th. Retrograde Venus periods are good for many things; the most important use is to find self love; also we really need to evaluate all we have loved in the past. What is the value and usefulness of all of our attachments? Venus was Retrograde in this same time frame, July – September 2007. What did you do then? What decisions did you make? Mercury moves from 17 Leo through Virgo and ends at 5 Libra. By the end of the month, Mercury is slowing down and preparing to go Retrograde in September. But, because of the vast territory he covers in August, the messenger of the gods will be linking many attitudes and attributes together. Saturn turns direct on the 2nd, ending his annual five month Retrograde cycle which began this year on March 14th. Now turning direct, Saturn (lord of structure) favors us being able to move forward with practical concerns.Jupiter Square Saturn on the 3rd is the first of three Squares between these two gods of business and social order. (The second Square being next year on March 23rd and the third being on May 26th). Because this takes place at the tail end of fixed signs Leo (sign of the ego) and Scorpio (sign of death), we are dealing with the end of emotional matters which have their origins in our distant past. Venus Conjuncts Jupiter with both Sesquiquadrate Pluto on the 4th; there is tremendous potency for good. Saturn (lord of discipline) makes hard aspects to all planets involved, showing the need to overcome fears of inadequacy while reminding us of the practical concerns of the moment. Mars (lord of desire) enters Leo on the 8th; our methods become more direct and self assured. Jupiter enters Virgo on the 11th which brings a change in emphasis. Expanse and luck will be found in the correct utilization of practical, natural procedures repeated over and over until success emerges.
The New Moon on the 14th happens at 10:53 AM EDT on the 21st degree of Leo. This is the best time for setting our intentions for the next four weeks. This New Moon is Conjunct Venus (goddess of love) and Trine Uranus (lord of infinite intelligence) encouraging us to be spontaneous, loving, and our authentic self. Mercury (god of reason) is opposite Neptune (god of infinite bliss) and Trine Pluto (lord of infinite power). Insight illuminates our decisions as long as we stay grounded in our actions.
The Sun enters Virgo on the 23rd at 6:38 AM EDT. This map’s most revealing feature is the Sun being Conjunct Jupiter which has just crossed into Virgo, The Moon Trines Mars, and Venus Trines Uranus, so the spirit of adventure is the guiding light. Tremendous optimistic energy encourages us to seize the opportunities that are immediately in front of us while remaining practical and grateful.
The Full Moon is on August 29th at 2:35 PM EDT on the 6th degree of Virgo/Pisces. Full Moon’s are always a moment of completion and elimination. This is also a moment of reevaluating what we are doing. With the Sun Conjunct Jupiter Opposite the Moon Conjunct Neptune we have the opportunity for gaining a new perspective on our values. But at the same time, we can be vulnerable to overreach and unrealistic expectations. Venus (the divine feminine) and Mars (masculine energy) are Conjunct in Leo. There is a noble and romantic flavor to the surrounding events.
