When I was a new RN, I trained with an experienced nurse in the labor and delivery unit of a big urban hospital. It was a nerve-wracking place to learn. Some nights would be routine and easy, and other nights it felt like all of Hell broke loose. I asked this nurse how she coped, and her answer stuck with me for 16 years.
“I know that whatever comes through those doors, we can handle it”.
There is a similar line in the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King movie. Gandalf, the great wizard, speaks to an anxious group defending their home.
“You are soldiers of Gondor, and whatever comes through that gate, you will stand your ground!”
It’s a dramatic moment and the camera turns to a massive flaming battering ram breaking through the gate, with the arrival of monstrous villains. Just when all hope seems lost, unexpected help arrives from allies on horseback and the battle turns.
The nurse had faith, not just in her own ability, but that she had help and resources available. I don’t know about the faith of Gondor’s men, perhaps they stood because they saw no other reasonable choice. Help arrived nonetheless.
It’s a beautiful metaphor for life, isn’t it? We don’t always know what will come through the door, but somehow, we handle it, and help arrives just when it is most needed.
August Overview
This month is potentially some of the most turbulent astrological weather of the year. On August 1st, Mars meets Uranus, a planet associated with unexpected events that disrupt the status quo. Uranus wants freedom and change right now! Mars represents hot, impulsive, inflammatory energy, so this combination is volatile. Expect the unexpected, whether it is in your personal life or the world at large.
Then a week later, Mars runs into Saturn (an opposition). Saturn is about rules, limitations, boundaries, and accountability. Saturn does not like sudden changes and wants to slow things down and do it “by the book.”
It’s like a child who goes first to the permissive parent with an impulsive demand and gets it, and later the authoritative parent finds out. A disaster and recovery. Enlightenment and then the laundry. A breakthrough idea and the hard work to implement it.
The pattern is repeated by the Sun and Venus. Mercury gave us a preview around July 28 (Uranus) and July 31 (Saturn). The Sun completes the gauntlet of Uranus, then Saturn, between Aug 11-14, and Venus comes through Aug 26-28.
Important changes are in the air, and we can’t be sure what will come through the doors. What we can do is prepare ourselves, gather resources, and be on alert to give or receive help. Sometimes you’re the besieged, and sometimes you’re the hero on horseback who saves the day.
Golden Hours
It might help to mark your calendar this month for some tense days and some golden opportunities, so I’ve given a little more detail than usual this month. All times are CST.
Tuesday, Aug 2nd, 3 pm to Wednesday, Aug 3rd, 12:00 pm
The waxing crescent Moon moves between Jupiter and Venus. It’s a great time to build and polish your relationships. Reach out and call your loved ones, listen compassionately, and tend to your community.
Thursday, Aug 4th to Tuesday, Aug 9th
The Mars-Saturn square on August 7th is likely to cause frustration. Leave plenty of blank space on your calendar for about a week. I usually feel it more intensely as it builds, and then get relief after it passes. If you really have to get something done, your best bet is Saturday, Aug 6th when there is a nice 1st quarter Moon in Sagittarius with a good aspect to Jupiter. The aggravating stuff is minimized, and the good is highlighted from 2:40 - 3:15 pm and 8:35 - 10:30 pm.
Wednesday, Aug 10th
The Moon in Aquarius is almost full, and between aspects with Venus and Jupiter. The Sun is closely trine Uranus. If you get a sudden insight or breakthrough idea, follow that impulse! It may be a game-changer. The best time to act is 5:00 - 10:15 pm.
Saturday, Aug 13th to Sunday, Aug 14th
The Sun opposes Saturn, and people are likely to feel exhausted, frustrated, and just weighed down. Do yourself a favor and take the weekend off to rest. If you happen to be traveling, as I am planning, you can anticipate delays and slowdowns. Carry food, water, cash, and any essentials. If things are good in your life, reach out and help someone else.
We may perk up after sundown on Sunday. The Moon is in feisty Aries, and she will get support from Venus and then Jupiter. The bright spot of the weekend is tonight, 8 - 10 pm.
Monday, Aug 15th
If you’re awake, 12:45 am – 5:30 am can be productive, and 7:25 am to 8:45 am is a solid time for important discussions or paperwork. The rest of the month feels lighter to me, offering a chance to recover and integrate.
Wednesday, Aug 17th
We have a lovely Venus-Jupiter trine with the Moon in early Taurus. Passionate conversations about growth and reconciliation can bring real change.
Friday, Aug 19th to Sunday, Aug 20th
Friday evening hours look great for fun and creativity. Plan a date. Play some games. Mars will join the Moon in Gemini overnight. Friendly competition might make sparks fly this weekend, in a good way.
Tuesday, Aug 23rd
The Sun moves into Virgo. Happy birth month to my many Virgo friends! It’s “back to school” and start preparing for the fall and winter vibes.
Thursday, Aug 25th
The Moon joins Venus as she starts to roll through that Saturn-Uranus gauntlet. Emotional, relational, and financial issues are likely to be highlighted. What is the residue from the first half of August, and how do we move forward together? Ask for what you need.
Saturday, Aug 27th to Tuesday, Aug 30th
There is a New Moon in Virgo early Saturday morning. It’s time to set new goals and make new plans. There is seriously productive energy, and a call to work together to solve our challenges.
If you want to know how the upcoming transits impact you personally, book a consultation. I’ll be out of town for most of August and September, but still doing consultations as my time and internet access allow.