At the end of August five planets will be retrograde. All of the outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. In September there will be six, when Mercury goes retrograde as well. Depending on your situation, plan to pull back on certain activities. Look at the ground you have covered during the past several months, figuratively speaking. The pulling back may be done for you and you don’t realize it. A change of direction is possible. Delays or obstructions may interfere with your plans.
Picture for this month: An amazing view of galaxies in the far reaches of the universe provided by NASA and the James Webb space telescope. I thought the Hubble telescope pictures were great, but these images are amazing, and there are plenty more to come.
Review, regroup and reorganize. Example: If you want to buy a house or start a business you may have to put it on hold. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates again by .75%. There is a greater demand for homes to buy. People are trying to get away from the cities. The list prices are ridiculous. We are on the verge of a recession. Higher prices for food and clothes put a strain on our budgets.
The planetary retrogrades happen every year and affect people in different ways. Some people won’t notice anything. But we didn’t see that pandemic coming in 2020 and it affected all of us. Outside influences conspire to make us learn certain lessons, such as patience, acceptance and endurance. Sometimes looking at things from a different perspective reveals alternative solutions. Looking backwards, in reverse, well, that’s what retrograde means.
The annual Perseid meteor shower can be seen this month, with the peak around August 11-13, if the sky is clear. Go out from 3am until dawn and look to the south and west. The Aquarius Full Moon is also on August 11-12. This will obscure the view somewhat. But don’t let that discourage you. I once saw a meteor fly over the full moon. There is also summer haze and smoke from wildfires in the western USA. But if you’re lucky you might see some shooting stars from July 17 through August 24.
Celestial Almanac: Aquarius Full Moon August 11-12, Virgo New Moon August 27. On August 1-8, Mars is conjunct Uranus square Saturn which could present challenges for the fixed signs.
Read on for the August forecast. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe!
While the Sun is in Leo, you are more attractive and new partners may come knocking. Venus in Leo after August 11 is great for rest, relaxation, romance and social life. Do nice things for yourself. Go out to lunch and go shopping. You find great bargains now. Venus trines Jupiter on August 18-19, which is very lucky, and you will definitely spoil yourself. This is a good transit for a party or celebration of some kind. Have fun but remember all things in moderation.
Mars is here until August 20. Use this positive energy to get some work done, such as construction or gardening. Work out more. Mars is conjunct Uranus the first few days (also square Saturn) so there may be unexpected events. Be careful and watch your step. Luckily this transit only lasts a few days. On the good side, you could have an ingenious idea. On August 14-15 Mars trines Pluto which is good for physical rehab, recovery from an illness and in general, starting over.
Mars arrives here August 20 and you will definitely feel an energy change. You are stronger, healthier and more motivated. You normally have several things going on at once and this month is no exception. You can’t say no. Even though it is a good transit, take some time to relax, and don’t spread yourself too thin. While Mercury is in Virgo August 4-26 there will be a lot of activity and communications on the home front. Get in touch with friends and relatives.
Venus is here until August 11. Pay attention if Venus crosses over your Sun. Have no expectations, but let things flow. You will have a lovely day. Everyone is nice to you. You might be invited out since the men find you more attractive than usual. Example: Venus recently contacted my Sun, and on that day, I noticed everyone was more friendly and courteous than usual at Shoprite, especially the old men. This is also a perfect transit to settle disputes, ask for a refund or a favor. Just smile and ask nicely. Business negotiations are favored.
The Sun is here until August 23. This is your time of year to shine. Success and general good luck. Nearby, Venus enters Leo on August 11 which raises the attraction quotient. Read about Cancer. Romance and creativity are favored. Finances will improve. When Venus trines Jupiter on August 18-19 something really lucky could happen. Buy a lottery ticket. Go shopping. The first week, Mars is conjunct Uranus square Saturn. You may have to think fast. A career activity may require some hard work on your part but the results will be worth it.
Mercury is here from August 4-26, and remember, he rules this sign. Communications of all kinds assume more importance. There will be lots of calls, texts and meetings. Also hands-on activities, such as writing, drawing, design, crafts, sewing, mending and various repairs around the house. Mars in Taurus puts you in a positive high-energy cycle. You get a lot of work done. You are motivated and your health is good. Diets and workouts are favored. Join a gym.
Jupiter is retrograding in your house of marriage and partnerships. Relationships continue to expand and develop, although things may slow down for a while. Don’t expect too much, just take one day at a time. Get to know each other better. It is possible that a friendship may gradually become romantic. Venus trines Jupiter on August 18. That may be an interesting day. In business, use this period to organize and build slowly. After August 20 (Mars in Gemini) travel is favored.
Mars in Taurus generally indicates opposition and confrontation for you. If you are having problems in a relationship, sort them out. Get everything out on the table and clear the air. You’ll be glad you did. Then kiss and make up. Venus in Cancer until August 11 is a very helpful influence. Travel is favored. Maybe you and your partner could take a trip. That might be the best thing for both of you. A change of scene would give you a new and better perspective.
Mercury is in Virgo August 4-26. This helps all career activities. Communications are favored. Make new contacts and expand your business. This is especially good for careers in marketing and social media. Connections on Facebook or Google are helpful. Mars in Gemini after August 20 puts an emphasis on relationships. There may be a confrontation or difference of opinion. Have patience and work things out. It could also be exciting and romantic.
With Jupiter Rx in Aries whatever big plans you have for moving or adding on to your house may be put on hold. But it isn’t necessarily difficult. Everything works out in its own good time. Mars in Taurus is a very good influence for getting work done. This is a positive high energy cycle for the earth signs. Mercury in Virgo from August 4-26 is also helpful. Your social life picks up. Entertainment, children, friendships, romance and creativity are favored.
The Sun in Leo puts the spotlight on relationships. Go out with your sweetheart and work on your romance. Single folks could meet someone new. It is generally a pleasant and harmonious period. When Venus is in Leo on August 11, this will make things even rosier. You attract attention. Go ahead, flirt a little and be sweet and kind. Get dressed up and go out. When Mars arrives in Gemini on August 20, your social life gets a jumpstart. It gets better and better.
While Venus is in Cancer, your social life is more interesting. Romance, children and the arts are favored. Relax and enjoy yourself. When Mercury is in Virgo from August 4-26, share more with your partner. Communications are favored. Find common interests and do things together. This transit is also good for business and professional contacts. Mars in Gemini on August 20 might bring some friction at home, but generally this is a peaceful and harmonious period for you.