Remember back in February when all the planets were rapidly moving forward?
Well, things are complicated now. It’s more like a country two-step dance with two quick steps, two slow steps, and a few turns. Sometimes you’re going forward, sometimes backward, but there is joy in the music and the flow.
The month opens with the faster-moving planets in Leo and Virgo. None of the outer planets will change signs until 2024.
- Venus (Leo), Saturn & Neptune (Pisces), and Pluto (Capricorn) are retrograde.
- Mercury (Virgo) and Uranus (Taurus) turn retrograde this month.
- Jupiter (Taurus) is sluggish, slowing down to retrograde in September.
- The Moon, Sun (Leo), and Mars (Virgo) are moving as normal.
Blue Moon and Uranian Jolts
August started with a Full Moon in Aquarius and a Mercury-Saturn opposition. We will have a 2nd Full Moon in Pisces at month’s end.
After a day of swift travel on Aug 1, I hit a wall with a 2nd COVID infection. I canceled plans to convalesce, and it’s been hard to concentrate or stir up motivation. I’m a case study of mentally-active Mercury hitting the limits of boundary-setting Saturn.
I’m optimistic that energy and better vibes will return, for me and the world at large. Here is why.
Jupiter-Uranus conjunction
Jupiter is approaching Uranus in Taurus, and the two giants are within 10 degrees. They don’t meet face-to-face until April 2024, but they are close enough to influence each other and us. This month, several transits will prod Jupiter and Uranus, activating this conjunction.
- Jupiter is associated with many positive archetypal principles, like growth and progress, expansion, abundance, confidence, and righteousness. Professions like law, higher education, and religion are associated with Jupiter.
- Uranus is known for being “weird”. It is associated with sudden changes, innovations, breakthroughs, liberations, electricity, and technology. It is a pioneering force, representing people who challenge the assumptions and expectations of society - the freaks, the geeks, the rebels, and the brilliant geniuses.
When you put the two together, BIG, BOLD, and EXCITING things happen. There is tremendous potential for progress and advancement. And there may be excess, inflation, and “too much, too fast.” Considering this conjunction + many planets in retrograde, I expect periods of shock, absorption, and adaptation.
August Highlights
Aug 6 - Sun in Leo makes its annual opening square to Jupiter. It’s the first activation of Jupiter and tends toward optimism, confidence, and indulgence.
Aug 9 - Mercury trine Jupiter and Venus square Uranus. This makes me think of help, hope, and recovery after the Full Moon. There may be unexpected developments in relationships, desires, or finances.
Mercury will stay connected with Jupiter through August and September, an exceptionally long time, due to retrograde motion. It’s a perfect time for education, organization, practice, and planning. I anticipate a high volume of communications, news stories, gossip, and general busy-ness.
Try to slow down and check your sources. You can’t believe everything you will hear. People may be overconfident, prone to overpromising, and underdelivering. It’s a bit blustery, there may be some mishaps, but productive lessons too!
Mercury doesn’t retrograde until August 23 so you have three good weeks of forward momentum before it’s time to pause and review.
Aug 13 - Venus conjunct the Sun, known as a cazimi. (It’s one of my favorite astrology words to say. Cazimi! It sounds magical, right? It describes a planet that is being purified in the flames of the Sun. A death-rebirth moment.)
Aug 15 - Sun square Uranus
Aug 16 - New Moon at 24 Leo (still square Uranus) while Mars trine Uranus. This combo suggests fresh insights, breakthroughs, and declarations, followed by actions in the new lunar cycle.
The week of August 21 has the highest chance of challenges this month. The early part of this week feels ripe for action based on delusions, misunderstandings, and miscommunications. Many folks will experience mental agitation or confusion. The moves of Venus and Mars suggest you could have developments in issues or situations that began mid-May to mid-June.
Aug 22 - Venus squares Jupiter while Mars in Virgo opposes Neptune.
Aug 23 - The action continues in Virgo, as the Sun moves in and Mercury turns retrograde.
Aug 24 - Mars trines Pluto. A powerful combination of two planets that would rather go to war than compromise. If you want to break free or break out, your fuel is here.
Aug 27 - Sun opposes Saturn, and Mars enters Libra. Sun-Saturn connections are often sobering, but can also represent the culmination of hard work and recognition of authority. This one is coming on the heels of a grand trine in Earth signs (Moon-Pluto in Capricorn, Jupiter-Uranus in Taurus, and Mercury in Virgo.) I get the sense of a culmination in practical resources or bodily matters. It might be symbolic of serious changes in the natural world, environmental issues, or extinctions.
Assertive Mars isn’t particularly strong in Libra but (finally!) we have a planet in an Air sign. Mars in Libra wants to maintain social relationships and cares about justice, and is not afraid of conflict. Diplomacy can be a strategic weapon too.
Aug 28 - Uranus turns retrograde at 23 Taurus, turning slowly like an ocean tanker. The last week of the month may be erratic – especially for folks with placements at 23 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius).
Aug 30 – It’s the Blue Moon, with a 2nd Full Moon of the month at 8 Pisces. The Moon is close to Saturn, so a melancholy mood may prevail.
Overall, I’m looking forward to the month. The extended trine of Mercury and Jupiter is most welcome, retrograde and all. And I’m excited to see what Jupiter-Uranus may bring.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
August 7-8
Although the Moon is at the last quarter, it makes pleasant aspects in Taurus. Monday is good for connecting with people and communicating plans and ideas. Try a new restaurant or activity on Tuesday night. It’s good for creative ventures and time with loved ones.
August 12-13
This weekend is good for familiar places and people, taking care of the home front, and your physical and emotional needs. Don’t start something new, it’s time to complete things.
August 14-15
Use these days to finish any projects and show your gratitude to all who helped you. Be generous with your praise, and you may get unexpected gifts in return.
August 29
Gather the team, and strategize. Brainstorm. Think about your long-term aspirations and the systems and resources you may need.