5 planets are retrograding this month, the heaviest, outermost planets. 
Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. Jupiter in Pisces stationed Rx back in June, moved into Aquarius on July 28 and Uranus stations Rx on August 20. At the end of September, add Mercury and for about two weeks there will be 6 retrograde planets. This is not unusual. Every year at some point the planets bunch up and move backward. During the retrograde period, a planet travels back and forth over the same turf three times. The section being transited is called the shadow. Mercury’s retrograde period is only about three weeks long but the outer planet retrogrades vary and last much longer, up to five or six months every year.
When the outer planets retrograde most people don’t notice, and life may not be any different. We are going back over old ground and review what we have done from a hindsight point of view. We are not conscious of it. Experiences or patterns of behavior might repeat themselves. A new perspective is offered and different solutions or directions are there for the taking. If you keep an open mind, that is. It depends on how your life is going. If you’re stuck in some kind of rut this might be why. You might reflect back on a situation and think, now I could have done this or that differently. Work with it. It’s like a report card, but don’t think of it as a black mark against you. We all handle things differently and there is no right or wrong decision. A person might grow up during this time. You could break a bad habit and make a positive life change.
Example: Jupiter has been transiting my 1st house in Aquarius, and I’ve been concerned with my weight. Like everyone else I’ve been stuck at home too much because of the pandemic, eating a lot of comfort food. Many people suddenly realize how fat they got this past year. What just happened? When Jupiter transits the 1st house (physical body and appearance) weight gain can be an issue. Jupiter Rx is moving back into Aquarius and this fall he stations opposite my natal Pluto (transformation) in Leo. Once in 1986 I made a determined effort and successfully lost 15 lbs. under this transit. I mentioned this back in March. This time I hope something will work!
Celestial Almanac: Lammas Day (Lughnasadh, neo-pagan) August 1, the midpoint of summer, celebrating the first harvest. Leo New Moon August 8, Aquarius-Pisces Full Moon on the cusp August 22-23. Look for Jupiter next to the Moon. Venus is the evening star until Christmas.
Read on for the August forecast. Make the most of the rest of your summer.
The Sun and Mercury in Leo are good for social activities of all kinds. Romance and meeting new people are favored. Get out more. The Sun square Uranus Rx on August 6-8 will blow over quickly. Surprises and crazy things could happen but that’s what makes life interesting. You might have a whirlwind romance with someone different or not your usual type. When Venus arrives in Libra August 16, creativity, romance and marriage are favored.
The Sun in Leo square stationing Uranus may bring a surprise or unexpected turn of events. But nothing drastic. This crazy energy may impact life at home or even your career, with Jupiter moving back into Aquarius. This could get interesting. Because of Venus and Mars, romance, creativity and children’s activities are favored. It’s a good time for getting work done, and for physical activities such as sports and workouts. Get back into shape and lose some weight.
With both Jupiter and Saturn Rx in your travel house, one never knows what could happen. They are not in conjunction but do have a strong influence. You may have an extended stay in a foreign destination that you hadn’t planned on. Have plan B ready. Make the most of the adventure. You could also go back to college. Wrap up creative projects at home. Venus arriving in Libra will bring good times with friends and children, and possibly a new romance.
Venus and Mars bring neighborhood activities and happy times. Short trips are favored. Get to know the people next door better, go to a country fair, have a picnic or barbeque. The boy next door might look good to you. When Venus moves into Libra after August 16, home life brings happiness. All relationships improve, especially elderly parents and relatives. You may redecorate or go shopping for pretty things for the house. Cooking projects are very appealing.
The Sun in Leo is square stationing Uranus. Expect the unexpected around August 6-8. The Uranus Rx energy may be a little uneven. Impulsive actions may not work in your favor. You may get frustrated or impatient about something. Best thing to do is take a few steps back, breathe deeply and wait. The Sun here, in its ruling sign, is good for certain things. Making a good impression, promoting yourself or asking for a favor. If you want attention, you’ll get it.
Venus and Mars are here, and although separating, still bodes well for relationships. Virgo is the sign of work, health, service and humanitarian activities. Perhaps you’ll have a chance to do a favor for someone in need. You could teach, volunteer or make a personal sacrifice. All physical activities are helped by this transit. Take better care of yourself. This is a good time to start a diet, try a new exercise regimen or join a gym. Change your lifestyle.
Venus arrives here, her home port. This is so nice for Libras. You need and deserve a break! Rest, relaxation, a vacation or just some time off. Pamper yourself, get a manicure or massage, go out to lunch, go shopping. Places are opening up again, I think. Friendships and romance are favored. Jupiter moving back into Aquarius brings more social life and invitations. For some of you it means involvement with children’s activities or new babies coming.
Because of Jupiter and Saturn there are changes or concerns at home. You are dealing with issues that are probably dragging and the end is not yet in sight. Example: You want to sell your house and move but it isn’t happening. Or you are taking care of elderly parents and it’s difficult. Read again about the retrograde planets above. The Sun in Leo is positive and brings public attention or a good annual review at work. A raise or promotion is coming.
Because of the Sun and Mercury travel is favored. Definitely take that trip to Disneyworld or Lake George and enjoy yourself. Later in the month Mercury moves into your career house, which is good for meetings, new contacts and all kinds of communications. Venus and Mars also favor career matters. Social events related to your career are beneficial in the long run. All artists, information technicians, designers and craftsmen benefit from this transit.
It may be a quiet month, not much changing or moving along, because of all the retrogrades. But with Venus and Mars in Virgo, followed by the Sun and Mercury, chances are pretty good for travel, a vacation, and getting away from it all for a little bit. Finances may be a little tight but you’ll be able to swing it. Look to the last week of the month. When Venus moves into Libra, this will be helpful for your career, with some involvement in the arts or entertainment.
Jupiter is back, along with Saturn. They are not in conjunction but they both have some say-so here. You are probably used to the influences by now and just cruising along day to day. If you take a positive attitude life will be fine. My ascendant is Aquarius. What, me worry? When Venus enters Libra travel and adventure are favored. Take that trip if the chance comes up. You may be invited. Romance may even be found on the high seas.
The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Virgo throughout the month illuminate your marriage and all one-to-one relationships. It could be an interesting time even if you aren’t married. This can involve your BFFs and business partners. If you’re mad about something, go ahead and duke it out. Clear the air. That’s what Mars is for. The kissing and making up is worth it. Things proceed much better afterwards, in business for example, because you work things out and start with a clean slate.