August Forecast
KEY EVENTS
Full Moon: 8/09/2006
New Moon: 8/23/2006
Leo (July 23 - August 23) - The Sun will be in your sign until August 23 and continuing to place you in the limelight, which is where most Leos like to be. Since the Sun rules Leo, you feel its warmth even more than everyone else and always feel a bit subdued when it's hiding behind poor weather. Saturn is plodding along in your sign as well at the lively rate of a degree every ten days or so. Saturn is all about authority, responsibility and delays and if you're born between August 3 - 11 you'll probably encounter something this month that will remind you that life is not all fun and games. In addition, things are going to be very busy which will leave you less than enchanted with all your obligations and in much need of a break. You're likely to be a bit more defensive than usual, so watch that Leo temper, especially since Jupiter will be giving all this an additional punch or two.
If you were born between July 26 - August 6th, Jupiter will be squaring your Sun this month. Jupiter is generally a benefic planet, but Saturn is in the mix, also, which is a bit less friendly. Expect a conflict of some sort between your responsibilities and your homelife. Pluto will be trining your Sun this month if you were born between August 17-21. The Plutonian influence is quite dramatic when mixed with Leo fire. Your growl is likely to be an octave or so lower and that King (or Queen) of beasts attitude likely to be a tad more regal with this infusion of power. You'll wear it well, but don't be surprised if others seem to be backing away, very, very slowly.
Neptune is retrograde in your natural 7th House of relationships, which could trigger some reflection on what an ideal relationship looks like and whether the one(s) you're involved with are in the ballpark. Delusions are possible, also, and Neptune is rarely conducive to logical thought. As a Fire sign, you are more driven by emotion than logic, anyway, so be extra cautious that your leonine pride isn't expecting much more than reasonable. This inclination will be strongest for those born between August 6-11, so if that's you, don't take yourself too seriously this month.
Mercury will be transiting your sign from August 11-27, stimulating your conversations and helping you communicate quite effectively. Venus will be passing through from the 13th until past the end of the month. This will make you even more attractive than usual and throw a little extra charm your way as well. This, of course, could result in a new friend or love interest coming into your life or the revitalization of an old one. The Full Moon is in your polar sign, Aquarius, on the 9th which will throw a bit more attention your way, particularly if you were born August 5-9, and further highlight those conflicts between dreams and reality, particularly as they relate to relationships. The New Moon on the 23rd occurs as the Sun slips into Virgo and could highlight your possessions in some way. All in all, it's a busy month with lots of planetary action so enjoy your birthday and take advantage of those enhanced communication skills and extra charm to get you one step closer to where you're really like to be.
Virgo (August 24 - September 22) - Mars is transiting your sign all month, which should give you some extra enthusiasm and energy. It could also make you a little bit more critical than usual, also, and thus irritable, so recognize it for what it is and try to cut people a bit of a break. The world is far from perfect, as Virgos know better than anyone, but don't try to fix it all in one day. Your ruling planet, Mercury, enters Virgo on the 28th, which will provide a boost to your mental acuity and communication skills, which are usually far from lagging as it is. At that time the Sun, Mercury, and Mars will all be hanging out in your sign so if there is something you want to accomplish, such as a project you want to complete or a job you want to apply for, now is as good of time as ever to do so, especially with Jupiter's assistance out there as well. Undoubtedly you're relieved to have Mercury posigrade again, as we all are. When he's retrograde anything electronic or mechanical just doesn't work right and our thought processes are scrambled as well, especially if Mercury is a personal planet.
Pluto is probably causing some problems, possibly on the homefront, especially for those born around the middle of the month. Pluto transits can unearth something you'd rather not deal with from your past and can also bring problems with plumbing, insects or other unpleasant entities. A while back I had a Pluto/Uranus transit aspecting my 4th House of home environment which brought bugs to my yard that I'd never seen the likes of before, a rodent invasion found raiding the birdfeeder in my backyard, and a scorpion inside the house. If that doesn't symbolize Pluto's passage I don't know what does! I also know a Virgo who's had a cockroach infestation recently in his apartment to the point of shorting out electrical outlets (interestingly enough, another Pluto domain). Granted, Texas is known for its insect population among other things, but these were all out of the range of normal, even for here.
If your birthday is around September 2-8 you may encounter a few major surprises or unexpected events this month as Uranus transits your polar sign, Pisces. They're likely to be disruptive so brace yourself. The Full Moon on the 9th is in your natural 6th House, which should highlight events at work or possibly give you the incentive to improve your diet or start an exercise program. The New Moon on the 23rd occurs on the same day the Sun enters your sign. This should highlight you personally in some way, especially as you will be having a birthday soon and start a new cycle.
Libra (September 23 - October 23) - While there are no planets transiting your sign this month, there are several aspects coming your way that should make this a very interesting month. Most of the action out there is going to affect those of you born around October 6-12, who should be enjoying some extra inspiration these days from Neptune in your natural 5th House. This should enhance your creativity and give you all sorts of warm-fuzzy thoughts that Libras love. Whether it's a love interest, your children, a special hobby or even your work, expect to do lots of daydreaming, fantasizing and have thoughts and ideas that are more original than usual. Saturn is in your natural 11th house of groups, friends, hopes and wishes. Saturn is not necessarily friendly, but the aspect is positive so you will probably enjoy some event that will give your reputation a boost in your circle of friends or coworkers or possibly have an opportunity come your way to move toward some aspiration you've had for a long time. This will be further enhanced by Venus, your ruling planet, transiting your 10th House and moving into Leo on the 13th.
Things may start out early in the month seeming as if they're not going so well, but keep your cool and give it time. By the end of the month it should evolve into something that you like, an living example of the old saying If life gives you lemons make lemonade. Mercury and Venus are traveling pretty close together so our communications champion will be contributing to these effects. Thus, you may have a hard time getting your ideas and feelings across at first, but as the month progresses you'll see a vast improvement and see some nice results when all is said and done, perhaps literally. The Full Moon on the 9th will add even more punch to all this, so this is likely to represent some significant events in your life.
Those born between the 14-18th may find their thought processes a bit darkened lately by Pluto in your natural 3rd House. Pluto moves quite slowly and is currently retrograde, meaning the little devil moves back and forth quite a bit, and if happens to be on a key area of your chart the experience can be quite unpleasant. In your house of mental activity and intellect you may find that you're quite a bit more cynical than usual, which is rather foreign to most Libras, unless you have some strong Scorpio influences, like your Ascendant or Moon Sign. You may also find yourself obsessing on something, perhaps from the past. The New Moon on the 23rd will be in neighboring sign, Virgo, in your natural 12th House. This could highlight some new insights on something from your past and you might actually prefer to be alone during this time, which of course if somewhat unusual for a sign that enjoys socializing as much as Libra. All in all, it's going to be an interesting and thought provoking month, though the strongest effects will be for those born roughly the second week of October.
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22) - There is quite a mixed bag of aspects out there for Scorpios this month. Jupiter is still in your sign and will be for quite a while longer, November 23, to be exact. Of course Jupiter expands everything it touches and generally, when it's in your natural 1st House, it's going to be generating lots of opportunities, improvements and sometimes just plain dumb luck on your behalf. This will be particularly true when it conjoins your Natal Sun and for this month this will be for those born sometime during the first week of November.
However, as nice as all that sounds, don't expect a free ride, something that Scorpios especially like as part of that 8th House "other people's money" heritage y'all seem to have. For one thing, if you were born on the 7th, give or take a few days, you're going to have a T-square involving Neptune in your natural 4th house of home environment and Saturn in your natural 10th House of community status and reputation. On top of that, the Full Moon on the 9th will give this even more punch. All this combined could throw some major conflicts your way between home and career. For example, you may have a big opportunity for a promotion at work, but it will involve a lot more hours in the office or perhaps a lot of travel that will compromise you home life. Neptune can also cause you not to see things clearer so you can be more subject to delusion, in spite of that Scorpio intuition. One encouraging note is that Uranus, the planet of change and unexpected events, is in favorable aspect in your 5th House, so hopefully whatever you decide will ultimately come out to your benefit, perhaps by allowing you to exercise your creativity to a more satisfying level or maybe you'll meet someone that will have a positive influence on your life.
Speaking of such, in the beginning of the month Venus is in a rather friendly position and so is Mercury, implying favorable communications. Their placement in your natural 9th House implies an influence in the area of long distance travel, higher education or legal transactions so if you're going on a trip, going to school or involved in litigation, things should go well in the beginning of the month, but this will degrade as the month goes on, so get it done early, if possible, or maybe put it off until next month.
Another thing to look out for is the fact that the Sun is in fellow fixed sign, Leo, which is a square away. This is not a place you really want it to be, so around the date that corresponds to your birthday be extra vigilant and don't put yourself in a position for someone to take a potshot at you in some way. Furthermore, your ruling planet/God of the Underworld, a.k.a. Pluto, is slogging along in your neighbor's yard, and will be there for quite a while longer. Toward the end of the month he's going to throw a square at Mars, the God of War, which is somewhat ominous. Unless one of them is in bad aspect to your Natal Chart you probably don't need to worry about it too much. However, be aware that some excess energy, most likely in the form of aggression, is going into your planetary ruler, so be a bit more on your guard. It may seem that the world is flat-out against you and if you do anything even marginally offensive you'll hear about it big-time. So don't make too much noise and also don't take any jabs too personally. I know as a water sign that's hard for y'all, but it's probably not worth getting too upset about and if you do you're likely to make it a lot worse.
The New Moon on the 23rd, however, should be favorable for 10th House issues, i.e. your community status and reputation. New Moons generally signify new beginning, so when all is said and done, this will be a busy and most likely eventful month. Make sure you take your vitamins and get plenty of rest so that by the time you get through everything else you have enough energy left to celebrate what should ultimately be a positive outcome.
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21) - Archers have been host to the God of the Underworld, a.k.a. Pluto, for some time now and I'm sure many of you are mighty tired of it. If you were born December 15-19 it will be especially strong this month, so brace yourself. Pluto moves at a slow crawl and is retrograde to boot, meaning that it will most likely be the end of the year before he's off your, uh, out of aspect and moves on to aggravate those born a few days later. During this time you will take on numerous Plutonian traits which are quite different that your basic nature. Your sense of humor will darken, your optimism will turn to cynicism and rather than moving happily from one challenge to the next you're likely to brood, obsess and grumble over your life in general. Those close to you are going to wonder what's wrong and when they start to keep their distance it will exacerbate all those rumblings to the point that you begin to wonder yourself. In many respects it will be like a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde transformation. While all this sounds rather ominous and grim, the good news is that if you're reading this you will at least understand the mechanism and know that it will end, albeit slowly. What you need to do is tune into that basic, philosophical, curious nature of yours and learn everything you can from it. Indeed, there are people that live out their lives in that state, particularly if they were unfortunate enough to be born under such an aspect, so you can at least be grateful for the fact it will end.
For Archers born around December 3-7, Uranus will square your Sun most of the month, which could trigger some major change or unexpected event, most likely in your home environment. You are likely to initiate this change, so make sure that you think it out thoroughly before doing something rash. Mars will oppose Uranus in the vicinity of August 11-15 from your Natural 10th House which could trigger some upset that affects your reputation or community standing in some way. Your only defense is to be on your best possible behavior so that whatever it is doesn't stick. By all means, don't do something stupid and bring it on yourself.
The good news, particularly for those of you born between November 23 - December 15 is that Venus, a genuinely benefic planet, will be smiling on you from fellow Fire Sign, Leo, sometime between August 13 and the end of the month. These good vibes will fall on your Natural 9th House which affects long distance travel, legal matter and higher education as well as dreams and visions. If that sounds familiar, it's because that's the natural abode for Sagittarians. Mercury will be covering about the same ground, albeit a little faster, but around the same timeframe, enhancing your communications. So if you're involved in any of those areas, perhaps on vacation, or conducting litigation, or even scoping out your future, things should go well.
Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is hanging out nextdoor in Scorpio, your natural 12th House, and thus provoking some deep, philosophical internal discussions regarding who you really are and your place in the universe. It's in positive aspect with Uranus, which could bring a positive change or happy surprise to your doorstep sometime this month. Unfortunately, Saturn, who is not so friendly, is also in aspect, which could send a possible clash with authority or delay your way.
The Full Moon on the 9th is in your natural 3rd House of intellect, highlighting that area of your life in some way. Neptune is in the same vicinity, which will perhaps throw a bit of idealism in the mix. If your birthday is around December 7-12 it could have a bit more significance. The New Moon on the 23rd is in fellow Mutable sign, Virgo and could usher in a new phase of some sort relative to your career and/or reputation for those born the last week of November. It's likely to be a change of direction and provoke a lot of pros and cons which you should consider carefully before going down that particular path. Be sure you know where you're going before you start so as not to discover later that it isn't where you want to go.
It's definitely going to be a busy and eventful month with a variety of flavors, depending on when your birthday falls. Come what may, rest assured that your Sagittarian roots will help you figure out the deeper meaning and use it to advantage sometime in your lifetime.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) - It looks like a fairly interesting month for goats. Mercury and Venus are transiting your polar sign, Cancer, until the 10th and 13th of the month, respectively. This could cause a few communication problems, particularly in close relationships. Goats are not exactly known for their warmth, even in August, so it might be in your best interest to back off a bit from that Earth sign dryness. Make sure that you listen closely and choose your words carefully or you might find yourself all alone on that mountain top. Fortunately, by the end of the month the aspect will be much friendly and will undoubtedly help with damage control, if required.
Uranus, planet of change and surprises, is transiting your 3rd House of intellect, which could bring an interesting bit of knowledge your way, particularly if your birthday is in the first two weeks of January. Jupiter is transiting your 11th House of groups, friends, hopes and wishes and he's in trine with Uranus over there in your 3rd, so more than likely you're seeing some major expansion in your associations. You're finding yourself involved in new, mentally stimulating situations and making more new friends than you have in a long time. You are usually not the most out-going person around, but these new people have come into your life in a natural and unobtrusive way and you've actually enjoyed it. This will probably be particularly dramatic this month if your birthday is around December 9-15, since then those two planets will create a sextile pattern with your Natal Sun. However, since they move fairly slowly, this aspect will affect most Cappies sooner or later.
For most of the month, Neptune will be opposite your ruling planet, Saturn. Natural House placements will be the 2nd House of possessions and 8th house of sex, death and other people's money, respectively. The Full Moon on August 9th is right in this vicinity, giving it some additional punch. You're probably not the type to spend much time in adult toy stores, so I'm assuming this aspect could make you just a bit less conservative than usual regarding some other purchase. You'll still have a lot of resistance to whipping out that credit card, no matter how much you really want it, but since you usually work your butt off you undoubtedly deserve it, so give it some serious thought.
The New Moon on the 23rd will be in your natural 9th House of long distance travel, higher education and legal matters along with dreams and visions. The affect will be strongest for those born December 22-27, but all Cappies will probably find these areas affected. Maybe you'll decide to plan or actually take a trip or make plans to go back to school. If you're involved in litigation, buying property or involved in some kind of legal situation, it will probably be quite a consuming part of your life this month.
All in all, it should be a memorable month with numerous events, some of which will be quite subtle, laying the foundation for the months ahead.
Aquarius (January 21 - February 18) - Water Carriers have been hosting the transit of Neptune for a while now and it's going to be calling it home for sometime to come, i.e. well into next year. Neptune on the positive side feeds our soul with dreams, inspiration and idealism, while on the negative side it can distort our perceptions and precipitate downright delusion. If your birthday is between February 5-9, you'll find yourself with an infusion of disconnected, often illogical thoughts and ideas that will compromise your usual Air Sign love for data to the point that it's somehow lost in the fog. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because it gives you a different view of the world, but bear in mind that you're looking at it through someone else's glasses. Don't make any long-term decisions or commitments right now, at least not without getting some solid input from one or more of your practical (e.g. Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn) friends or relatives. These aspects will be particularly strong due to the Full Moon on August 9th, which falls within a few degrees of Neptune. Saturn is in that Full Moon mix as well, which will dampen out some of Neptune's illusions but at the same time possibly just throw more conflicting ideas and confusion at the whole situation, perhaps via clash with authority of some type.
Uranus, planet of surprises, change and the unexpected as well as your Sign's Ruler, is next door in Pisces in your 2nd House of possessions. This is not necessarily a good combination, especially with Mars lurking out there in Virgo where it will inevitably form an opposition sometime this month. The bottom line is to be extra careful between August 11-16 because those are the aspects that mishaps and accidents are made of. That encompasses a weekend, so if you're taking a late summer fling, make sure your car is in good running condition and be extra careful driving. Watch out for your possessions generally, including locking your car, keeping an eye on your wallet or purse, making sure the stove and coffee pot are turned off before you leave in the morning, etc. etc. The New Moon on the 23rd is in neighboring sign, Virgo and could have some additional influence on your possessions. Remember that your body is considered a "possession" as well, so be careful physically and be vigilant health-wise.
As if this isn't bad enough, this is also your Solar Opposition month (a.k.a. half-birthday), which can bring events located anywhere on the good-bad scale. The Sun is in your natural 7th House, so the emphasis is already on relationships, which are likely to be highlighted in one way or another. If you ignore them and focus in too much on yourself, you could trigger some spontaneous combustion from people in your life who are vying for attention. Solar Opps can be very good for you personally or very damaging, the results largely dependent on where your sites are. If you're one of those floating around with Neptune, be especially cautious. All in all, Water Carriers should be cautious this month in all their dealings and not make any major decisions without consulting someone who possesses a lot of common sense.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) - Uranus, planet of change, surprises and unexpected events, has been transiting your sign for quite a while now and will be there for some time to come. This has undoubtedly has a disruptive effect on your life generally. If your birthday is around the first week of March this will be particularly noticeable this month. Between August 11-16, give-or-take a day or so, Mars will be in opposition to Uranus, which is not usually a very good aspect. In the Aquarius forecast I noted that this aspect could affect their possessions, which includes our physical bodies, and gave extensive warnings to be careful. Since Uranus is in your 1st House, it's more likely to affect you personally, especially with Mars in your 7th House of relationships. Expect the people in your life to behave in unpredictable ways, perhaps showing an inordinate amount of aggression. You may find yourself entirely overwhelmed by it all, in which case your natural tendency will be to do what fish do best, and that's go deeper into your pond and find some nice rushes or rocks to hide in for a while.
Along those lines you'll actually have some astrological assistance, but it's a matter of opinion whether or not this is a good thing. Your ruling planet, Neptune, is next door in Aquarius, which just happens to be your natural 12th House that affects the subconscious, inner struggles, anxieties and limitations. The 12th House is home base for Pisces, so with that extra boost from your buddy, Neptune, you will find it far too easy to slip into some figurative SCUBA gear and simply go beneath the surface for a while. If you insist on this response, then while you're there, take a mirror along for some serious self-inspection. Fish really do see the world quite differently from everyone else and maybe it's time to crawl out of the soup onto solid, dry land, much as a tadpole or mud puppy does once it matures into a frog or salamander, respectively. The Full Moon on August 9th falls in close aspect to Neptune, which will give this particular influence quite a bit of extra punch. If you don't bother to look at yourself during this time, chances are someone else will be doing it for you, perhaps in a rather unpleasant way, since Saturn is also in that Full Moon mix. This could elicit a closed-door session with your boss or other authority figure who may not have any understanding, much sympathy, for the under-sea view. Thus, if you can figure some of this out for yourself, you'll be much better prepared should such a confrontation occur and be able to deter a few harpoons if you come back with some logical, well-thought-out responses.
If your birthday is between March 13-17 you've probably been wrestling with Pluto for quite a while. It has probably taken the form of power struggles of one kind or another, most likely in your career or perhaps in your community. The fact that this is in square to you Sun will make it particularly personal. People may be reacting to you in a somewhat hostile manner that you can't understand, or, conversely, you may be reacting with too much hostility yourself for the severity of the situation. As a Water Sign, fish live in a sea of emotion and even if you've learned to control yourself on the surface, these kinds of events are likely to cause you a significant amount of stress. Whatever you do, practice healthy stress reduction techniques via exercise, meditation or counseling, not adult beverages or other substances that simply add more delusion and distortion to the world around you.
The New Moon on the 23rd will be in your polar sign, Virgo, and be particularly significant for those born between February 16-22, most likely affecting their close relationships in some way.
Aries (March 21 - April 20) - There are no planets transiting your sign this month. However, this doesn't mean that their lives will be uneventful. As any good Ram knows, if things are too quiet it's time to stir things up a bit, but more than likely the cosmos doesn't need any help just yet. Uranus, planet of change, surprises and the unexpected, has been in your natural 12th House for quite a while. This is the house that governs your subconscious, hidden elements, inner struggles, anxieties, etc. This is not a place where Rams are very comfortable in the first place, much less when changes are in-work. Nonetheless, that is the way it is, and these vibes are probably about as pleasant as fingernails on a chalkboard. About all you can do is summon some of that Aries bravado and have at it. Resistance is futile, and most of you would prefer to go out with a bang as opposed to a whimper, anyway.
Mercury is in fellow Cardinal sign, Cancer, which could cause a few scuffles on the home front due to communication problems the first week or so of August. After that, however, when it enters fellow Fire sign, Leo, the vibes will be more resonant and help with the necessary damage control to undo whatever difficulties you got yourself into that first week.
Your ruling planet, Mars, is trooping through Virgo this month, your natural 6th House, which incorporates your work, health and, if you have any, pets. Servants and subordinates are in there, too. The aspect involved is not particularly a strong one, but it suggests the possible need to justify your position or perhaps defend your point of view. The Mercury situation, explained above, will probably exacerbate this situation a bit at first, but hopefully come to a pleasant conclusion by month's end. The New Moon on the 23rd, which occurs in Virgo, may provide some additional impetus in this area. New Moons normally imply beginnings, so perhaps you'll find yourself in a new place, figuratively or literally, at month's end.
Pluto is trining the Natal Sun for Rams born around April 14-16, give or take a day or so. This is your natural 9th House which governs long distance travel, higher education and legal matters as well as dreams and visions. If you have dealings in any of these areas, you are likely to present yourself in a formidable way. You are likely to feel this influx of power, but due to the fact the aspect is positive, hopefully use it effectively and not destructively. Mars aggression and Pluto power can be a dangerous combination, but can move figurative mountains when properly applied.
The Full Moon on August 9th occurs in Aquarius, your natural 11th House of groups, friends, hopes and wishes. It's mighty close to Neptune, which will throw a bit of idealism into the mix with perhaps a bit of creativity or even inspiration included for good measure. Saturn is over in your natural 5th House, in fairly close aspect to the Full Moon, also. However, Saturn will dampen some of the dreamy aspects with a solid dose of responsibility, so if you think you're going to escape anytime soon, think again, because it probably isn't going to happen this month.
Taurus (April 21 - May 21) - There are no planets transiting Taurus this month. However, Jupiter is in your polar sign, Scorpio. Those of you who were born April 29 - May 5 will get a personal boost from this. Jupiter expands anything it touches and when it is aspecting your Natal Sun it's as if you're under a cosmic magnifying glass. Some of the things you might expect include noticeable good luck, extra attention, and a general enhancement to your talents and ability. However, it can expand upon your weaknesses, also, since they're simply the other side of the same character traits, so you could be a bit more stubborn than usual (What? Bulls stubborn?) or indulge in those fine things of life you like so well a bit more and literally expand around the waistline. Mercury starts out the month in your 3rd House of intellect, which will enhance your ability to think and synthesize information. Usually Bulls ruminate on things, but this could speed up that process a bit, while it lasts. Your ruling planet, Venus, is trailing Mercury, which could help other accept these bright ideas you're coming up with.
Saturn is transiting your 4th House, which covers your home environment. If your birthday is around the first week of May, give or take a day or so, it will be squaring your Natal Sun, which could bring about some increased responsibilities, encounters with authority figures or institute delays in something you're trying to accomplish, for example a remodeling project. Neptune is opposite Saturn this month in your 10th House of career, reputation and community standing and retrograde at that. You may be thinking a lot about where you're going professionally these days (or perhaps NOT going) and wondering if you might want to do something with a little more meaning. Of course one of your favorite things is money, so if what you'd really like to do means a cut in pay, this is not going to set well. Being opposite Saturn, which could be reminding you of your responsibilities, as well as how much you like your bank account to increase, not the other way around, and this is likely to set up an internal conflict. This conglomeration of planets will get a further boost from the Full Moon on August 9th, making it likely to be a strong theme this month. Venus is also going to be in the vicinity of Saturn, which should make help you get in touch with your true nature through all this and make the right decision.
You may get a break in this area, however, from someone you know, either from work or a personal friend, that may open a door of opportunity thanks to Uranus, planet of change and the unexpected. If so, be sure to add up all the pros and cons, not just the monetary ones. We usually are successful in those things we like to do so even though it might seem to be a temporary step backwards, in the long haul (which Bulls perform quite well) it should turn out to your liking. It's possible that Pluto has had you thinking a lot about your attitude toward money and debt lately, which will also affect the outcome and your willingness to take a risk.
Mars is in positive aspect in your 5th House of creativity, children and love affairs, which should give you a little extra energy in these areas. The New Moon on the 23rd will also be in Virgo, which will give this a little extra punch and perhaps start a new cycle relative to one of those 5th House issues. All in all you'll be doing a lot of thinking this month that could have an important influence on your life, not just another one of those routine times that slips away with nothing to show for it.
Gemini (May 22- June 21) - There are no planets transiting Gemini in August, other than the Moon, of course, which makes its sweep through the Zodiac every month. I didn't bother to point that out to the other signs because probably you Twins are the only ones that would notice that slight inaccuracy, except maybe for your polar cousins, Sagittarius. And speaking of which, the somewhat disreputable visitor in their courts, who is undoubtedly wearing out his welcome, is none other that Pluto, god of the underworld. If your birthday is around June 13-17 you are probably feeling the affects and they are less than pleasant. Pluto is all about death and regeneration and if Pluto is opposite your Natal Sun, which location also happens to place him in your natural 7th House of relationships, you are doing some serious thinking about these areas of your life and where you fit into them. Anything that you've suppressed relative to yourself, your upbringing or your relationships will be targets for serious and even brutal self-examination. Pluto is also retrograde, which makes the process even more ominous and internalized. If all is well in your life as a whole, you probably don't have a clue why these things are bothering you. Twins love data and logic and putting things together like 2 + 2, and this doesn't fit that kind of analysis at all. About all I can promise is that this, too, shall pass, because the planet are moving, albeit slowly, and in the course of several months time it will right itself directionally and move on to annoy those with later birthdates that yours.
The fact that Saturn in in your 3rd House of intellect isn't helping much. Saturn is considered a malefic planet and will further darken your already abysmal thoughts. The weight of responsibilities in your life are likely to feel heavier than usual, authority figures are probably throwing roadblocks to your best laid plans and you feel as if you're in some kind of a pit and can't get out.
This was all further exacerbated by Mercury being retrograde the better part of July. At least that's done with, at least for now, which should help you think a little bit clearer. Thank the heavens (literally) for small favors. I, personally, am always amazed by the affect that has on all things electronic and mechanical. I recently bought a new car and made it a point to get it BEFORE Mercury went retrograde. During the retrograde period it just wasn't working right, at least the parts relative to its computer, and I was just about to take it to the dealer to find out if it was me or the car when, you guessed it, Mercury changed directions and everything started working properly again.
And there really is some good news, however small. Mercury, champion of communications, which is also your ruling planet, is traversing your natural 2nd, 3rd and 4th houses this month (if only Pluto moved so swiftly!) so your communication skills in regard to your possessions, thoughts, and home environment issues respectively should at least be well-expressed. Jupiter is in Scorpio, your Natural 6th House of work, pets and health issues. Jupiter is benefic, expands everything it touches and ordinarily brings good luck. So with everything else going on, hopefully things in these areas are going relatively well. If you were born around the first few days of June, you may find yourself having to justify your position relative to one of those areas, perhaps even to yourself, but the mental process will actually be good for you and you'll be more confident after you do so. Those of you born around that time might also find yourself faced with something unexpected, a surprise or a change of some sort, most likely in the career area or related to your reputation, which will further reinforce this general theme.
With all that's going on the thought of escaping or running away somewhere far away are probably sneaking in occasionally. You can thank Neptune for that, who's strolling along in your 9th House of long distance travel, higher education and legal affairs. The Full Moon on August 9th is going to throw some additional punch to this, but since Saturn is also right there, the conflict between what your should do versus what you want to do will simply be more dramatic. The New Moon on the 23rd will be in your 4th House of home environment and could mean a new beginning in how you approach that area of your life.
In summary, this month will not necessarily be an easy one, but you're making more progress than you realize and if there's one thing you can say about the planets, it's that they don't really stand still, even when seem to.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Crabs start out the month with Venus and Mercury in your sign, which isn't a bad way to start at all. Venus will help you feel pretty good about yourself and actually make you more physically and emotionally attractive by enhancing your natural strengths. You're already an affectionate person, but this will be even more apparent and people will feel very kindly toward you. They will thus be likely to confide in you even more than usual and possibly take up a lot of your time with that sort of thing, but being the nice person that you are, you'll be patient and caring and everyone will probably want to have a hug when all is said and done. There is likely to be some emphasis on your possessions this month while the Sun is in Leo, which is your Natural 2nd House that rules such things. Saturn is there, too, and Venus will be moving in at some point as well. Saturn is not particularly friendly and often brings about increased responsibilities, issues with authority figures or perhaps just delays. Venus is likely to soften this a bit sometime around August 13 when she moves into Leo or it could also mean that perhaps you'll have to give up something you really like. These events will be further emphasized by the Full Moon on August 9th, which is in the same neighborhood.
Mars is in your 3rd House of intellect and Mercury will be moving in toward the end of the month, so at least your thought and communication processes will be sharp. They might be a bit forceful, also, as well as opinionated, so no matter how brilliant you may be, you're likely to get some resistance or irritate someone expressing them. The New Moon is right there in the midst of all this on the 23rd, so it could usher in a new approach to things, for the next month at least.
Jupiter is in your natural 5th House of creativity, children and love interests. If your birthday is around the first few days of July, it will be trining your Natal Sun, which will give you some extra attention and hopefully good luck in these areas. Pluto is transiting your natural 6th House of work, health and pets and could be introducing various power struggles or situations that need to end and start over. If you're unhappy in your job or career, this is a good time for some serious self-examination regarding what you really want to be when you grow up and then take steps to head in that direction. The fact that Uranus, planet of change and unexpected events is also a trine away in your 9th House of long distance travel, higher education and legal issues, perhaps there is a message here that a change is in order.
It's likely to be a busy month. Not necessarily bad, though it might involve some uncomfortable decisions. Over time, however, it should be a stepping stone toward where you really want to go, subtle though it may be.
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