August 2007 Astrocast

Key Events:  

New Moon: 8/12/2007

Full Moon: 8/28/2007/Eclipse

Jupiter Direct:  8/06/2007

Other RX Planets:  Venus, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto 

The Full Moon on the 28th occurs in Pisces, your Natural 6th House of work, health and pets.  It follows if a New Moon is a new beginning, then a Full Moon is a culmination or ending of some description.  A common manifestation of this particular pair would be to change jobs, though of course it could simply mean completing a project or some other task.  The fact that Uranus is also in residence in your 6th House could also indicate change, especially if your birthday is within a few days of October 10th.  Otherwise, you have probably seen lots of unexpected events, upsets and surprises in the workplace or with your health.

Jupiter and Pluto are both still hanging out in your Natural 3rd House, which governs your mental activity, early childhood and local neighborhood.  Jupiter has been retrograde (RX) since April but will return to direct motion on August 7th.  During the RX period the effect is usually to internalize or rework something relative to that planet's energy which, in Jupiter's case, usually relates to ethics, religion or your general philosophy of life.  This time of contemplation will end and Jupiter's expansive effects will be restored.  He's usually considered a benefic planet and is frequently associated with luck, so stay alert for some good fortune in this area.  Pluto is not nearly as fortuitous, though Jupiter may have softened this somewhat.  Pluto, especially while RX, functions as the Zodiacal forensics expert, digging up issues from your past that were not properly resolved.  While this sounds quite unpleasant, in reality healing is the primary objective.  Think of it as similar to surgery which, while initially unpleasant, ultimately results in improved health.  Something in your early life or attitudes probably needs some adjustment, though in some cases this may not be personal at all.  I have seen hidden corruption in a neighborhood home owner association come out with this transit as well.

It bears noting at this point that these transits are felt the strongest when there's something that needs attention or fixing.  Much as we acquire immunity to diseases, if there's nothing amiss, then the transit will be largely benign.  Afterall, the purpose of the planets acting upon us is for us to achieve personal growth and if we're in good shape in one particular area, then regardless of what's out there it will be relatively painless if you have a firm grip on that area of your life.  Since no one is perfect, however, more than likely there will be something that will surface and require attention.

For example, Libras tend to thrive on relationships.  They need companionship and personal interaction in their lives.  They also have a great appreciation for beauty.  For several years now, November 1998 to be exact, Neptune has been in your Natural 5th House of children, creativity and love affairs.  Neptune carries a strong dose of idealism, which can often interfere significantly with reality.  He can also create illusions or make us more susceptible to delusions.  If you've had problems in your lovelife for a while, it could definitely be related to this transit, particularly if you've expected too much or been downright deceived by someone.  Perhaps you've been so desperate to be with someone that you've allowed yourself to be used or manipulated in some way.  On the other hand, maybe you've had such high standards that you've given up trying to find someone who can meet your expectations, yet are also unhappy alone.  If you have children, you may idealize them and try too hard to give them a perfect environment, which will bite you both later. 

On the other hand, if your relationships are strong and healthy, this placement could have a very positive effect on your creativity.  Your imagination should be significantly enhanced, which will prove very useful in any creative endeavor, whether they manifest as one of the more conventional areas of expression such as painting or writing or even composing music.  The 5th House also encompasses entertainment, so you may find considerable enjoyment in flights of fantasy, whether via film, reading or some other medium.  Planets and houses manifest themselves in a variety of ways, one of which will undoubtedly apply.

Mars is currently in your Natural 9th House, which governs higher education, legal matters, religion, foreign cultures, and long distance travel.  The aspect is generally positive, so this is hopefully simply directing some extra energy toward one of these areas.  Perhaps you'll make the commitment to return to school, become more involved in organized religion, or plan a trip abroad.  Pursuing a legal issue is also possible.

Expect some emphasis on the spiritual side of your life later in the month when the Sun moves into Virgo, your Natural 12th House.  Mercury will be there around the same time, which will open up communications in that area.  If you've been neglecting this area of you life, now is a good time to think about those things that could enrich your existence and create greater meaning.  Take note of the fact that religious beliefs are included in the 9th House and spirituality in the 12th.  If you've had any experience with religion then you already know that being religious doesn't make you spiritual and being spiritual doesn't make you religious.  There is some overlap, to be sure, but don't confuse one for the other because they are two separate entities.

Currently there is more mental activity than anything going on.  As an Air Sign, Libras tend to be logical and facts-oriented, so this should be relatively comfortable ground.  However, if your lovelife isn't where you'd like it to be and you don't have any other relationships to keep you occupied, you may be going through some considerable frustration.  Rest assured that the Universe is trying to help you figure things out and ultimately achieve what you're intended to during your stay on Earth.