August 2025

The July 25 New Moon set the stage for an uncomfortable few weeks that extend into August. We are in the throes of major societal change. It doesn’t happen all at once, but in episodes. While we are in a dramatic peak now, there are some sweet subplots and moments of comedic relief to come. Stay tuned.

THIS MONTH AT A GLANCE

Aug 6: Mars enters Libra - turning up the heat and confronting the issues.

Aug  9: Full Moon in Aquarius - illuminating bigger patterns. Read the featured transit section!

Aug 11-12: Mercury turns direct & Venus conjunct Jupiter - a literal turnaround, with a sweet spot of connection and care.

Aug 22: Sun enters Virgo - focusing on practical concerns, resources and routines.

Aug 23: New Moon in Virgo – hinting of a new era.

Aug 25: Venus enters Leo - bringing boldness and passion to relationships and style

Transit of the Month

Several planetary transits culminate on August 8-10 into a kite pattern at the Full Moon. This is a volatile formation in which a minor incident can lead to dramatic consequences. Astrologer Lynn Koiner found the kite aspect was often present in charts of catastrophes, government changes, plane crashes, and natural disasters.  Christine Skinner points out that some kites will fly, and others will fall.

• The kite pattern occurs when three planets form a grand trine in one element. This time, Mars, Uranus, and Pluto are in AIR signs. There is a 120-degree (trine) relationship between each pair of planets, indicating things can change rapidly. Former barriers can disappear. AIR signs are associated with communication and the exchange of ideas and information, so topics like transportation, technology, and policy are too.
• The spine of the kite is an opposition. Mars opposes Saturn & Neptune in Aries, a FIRE sign that moves quickly.  Oppositions show confrontation, conflict, and tension.
• Saturn and Neptune also form a sextile (60-degree aspect) to Pluto and Uranus. Sextiles reflect opportunities for unexpected alliances or cooperation. Outer planets in new signs collaborate on changing agendas.

The timeline shows the building opposition (illustrated from a website called Archetypal Explorer). You can see that intensity peaks at the Full Moon, when Mercury is also reaching the end of its retrograde.

Working with Challenging Transits

"What can I do?"

There are some basic approaches to working with challenging transits.

(1) Be mindful, try to lie low and wait it out. If you have a peaceful home, you might want to stay in and away from social media, news, and potential conflicts.

(2) Do symbolic acts that align with the transits.

• Mars in Libra can merge heat and force with artistic style and beauty. Dance, hot yoga, and martial arts are perfect examples. Crafting or creating forms like sculpture, pottery, or ironwork. Don’t neglect safety gear or take unusual risks, though.  
• Use your energy and will (Mars) to confront slow, challenging situations (Saturn-Neptune) and make improvements.  

(3) Astrological remediation. This one is more complicated but can involve bringing elements in to moderate excessive energy. For example, counteract AIR & FIRE with EARTH & WATER.  It also involves performing service to please & appease the planets, prayers or mantras, wearing certain colors or gemstones, etc.

Aug 3-9: The Volatile Kite

You already know.

Aug 10-16: The Turnaround

The transits offer cooperation and connection, a balm after last week!  On Monday, Mercury’s retrograde ends, and Saturn and Uranus form an exact sextile. Overnight, Venus and Jupiter have their annual snuggle-fest.

Your move: Reconnect with who and what you love. Embrace hope and help where you can. Take advantage of the Golden Hours this week.

In an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow. And in an age of distraction, nothing is so luxurious as paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as sitting still.    - Pico Iyer

Aug 17-23: Rest & Reflect

The last week of the lunar cycle is a good time to wind down, reflect, and rest. Wake up early to see a beautiful trio of the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter in the Eastern sky before sunrise.  It will be especially spectacular on Tues and Wed.

Virgo season starts Friday with the Sun’s entry, followed by a New Moon in Virgo just after midnight.

Your move: Slow down and take good care of yourself.  Schedule routine health checks. Examine your eating and activity patterns and plan small improvements. Are you getting enough sleep?

Aug 24-31: Collaborate & Negotiate

As planets enter new signs, each forms aspects to the outer planets, which are in early degrees.  On Monday, Venus enters Leo and boldly faces the “big guys”.  Monday, she talks with Saturn (trine). Tuesday, she brainstorms with Uranus (sextile) then calls Neptune (trine). Wednesday, she debates with Pluto (opposition).

This sounds like a negotiation process, forming alliances, making bargains, and facing conflicts.

While Pluto can represent the powerful, do not discount Venus's strength. Venus and similar deities, such as Inanna and Ishtar, were renowned War Goddesses. Unlike the brute force of Mars, the war goddesses acted strategically and usually won the important battles they chose to fight.

Your move: Use your voice to speak up for the values and priorities you hold dear.  Make bold choices in your daily life.  

Golden Hours

Some of the month's most favorable moments (Central time)

Monday, Aug 11: Happy Moon from 12:11 – 1:54 am, in Pisces

I don’t usually share time periods that are this short and in nighttime hours, but this one stood out to me. The Moon in Pisces is close to the North Node with flowing support (trine aspect) to the Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer. I plan to pray for peace and practice loving-kindness meditation. It’s fertile!

Friday, Aug 15: Happy Moon in Taurus

Get cozy, order your favorite foods, and wear your most comfortable clothes.

Tuesday, Aug 19: Happy Moon in Cancer after 5 pm

The slender crescent Moon meets Jupiter and Venus in Cancer. Watch this ménage à trois just before sunrise in the Eastern sky. Indulge urges for nurturing, emotional intimacy, or nostalgia.  Tell someone you love them.

My 2025 Forecast video is available on YouTube if you want to watch (or rewatch). That will give you a preview of what’s still ahead from September to the end of the year. Hang in there!