Planetary Cycles
Sun Signs For August
Leo lifetime assures self-knowledge
The sun entered Leo, the sign of the Lion, on July 22, ushering in a month of playful, creative possibility. Ruled by the sun, Leo people must shine and pour forth their energy out into the world. Those born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Leo are naturally out-going, expressive people who like being the center of attention. When a soul chooses a Leo incarnation, it is for the purpose of learning about oneself through the projection of personality into the world. How the world responds to a Leo will play a major role in the shaping of character, and therefore, destiny.
Moon brings love-life housecleaning
A full moon in Aquarius, opposite the sun in Leo, occurs on July 31, bringing relationship concerns to the surface for clearing. Transformation in the expression of love must occur, so that romantic love becomes more unconditional, allowing for the full expression of the soul essence of those we love. The full moon emphasizes our ideal, highest aspirations of our self- expression and our interactions with others, giving us the vision to follow in creating new values in our personal relationships.
Mercury brings analytical reflection
On August 9, Mercury, the planet of communications, turns retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Virgo, bringing a period of review for all of us. When Mercury is in direct motion, our affairs and communications are moving full steam ahead, but once every three months, Mercury's motion appears to slow, stop, and then move backwards. This phenomena is meant to give us time to slow down and reflect on our decisions and communications in our every-day affairs. For the remainder of August, we have the opportunity to analyze our recent choices, and make adjustments and changes where necessary.
Full moon brings character assessment
We have a new moon in Leo on August 15, highlighting the need for transformation, which can best be achieved by first applying honest assessment, then having the flexibility to make changes where needed. Changes in behavior may be important, but will only be lasting if they reflect changes in character. This full moon, coupled with the Mercury retrograde, asks us to dig deeply, and look honestly at what can be improved in our character. It also reflects the quality of character we have already developed through the experiences we have in our communications and interactions with business associates, friends, and loved ones.
A report card from the Universe
Saturn, the planet of our “karma,” or life's challenges, comes in direct opposition mid-month to Chiron, the small planet whose orbit links Saturn and Uranus, bridging higher and lower consciousness on planet Earth. The lessons Saturn has been bringing over the past year as it transits the sign of Cancer have been about the values of home and family. As Chiron opposes in Capricorn, we will all get a “report card” from the universe on how well we are embracing our home life and valuing our loved ones and family members. This awareness this will come through the reflection of how harmonious, or conflicted our most personal relationships are. Use the inner analysis of the retrograde Mercury to learn what needs to be corrected to ensure more loving and stable family relationships.
Moon illuminates our spiritual nature
The sun leaves Leo, entering the practical earth sign of Virgo on August 22, it draws our attention more inward, and replaces the Leo expressiveness with a more analytical approach to our lives. On August 29, we have a full moon in Pisces, opposite the sun in Virgo, illuminating the theme for the last month of the summer season. Pisces represents the mystical, spiritual aspect of our nature, and the sun opposite in Virgo highlights the qualities of personality we must develop in order to have full access to our own soul, and its wisdom.
Planetary activity helps us attain global understanding
On the last few days of the month, Venus joins Saturn in Cancer, reminding us of our responsibilities to family and community, and the great teacher, Jupiter, joins in positive aspect with Venus and Saturn, making new understanding and good values entirely possible for those open to learning. On August 30, the planet symbolizing the process of inner transformation, Pluto, turns retrograde in Sagittarius. This brings a subtle but powerful shift in the collective consciousness in questions of personal integrity, as well as in philosophical understanding. All of this significant planetary activity at the end of the month is highlighted by the full moon in Pisces, giving us the best possibility of grasping the subtle meaning and attaining a more global understanding of basic human values.
Aries— You finally net rewards from this year's focus on building a strong financial foundation. Making your home and family life secure frees you to enjoy creative pursuits this month. You develop your spirituality by applying metaphysical principles to real life situations.
Taurus— Your practical, goal oriented nature has furthered you this year. You have created a firm foundation in your home and family life, and now enjoy a degree of financial security. This month, review some of your previous goals to access what is now worth putting energy toward.
Gemini— Relationships improve dramatically this month as you establish some new ground for yourself that gives you more autonomy, yet paradoxically makes you more available for intimacy. Continue to work on establishing a strong foundation for yourself, and stay open to new creative inspiration, mid-month.
Cancer— You have been working hard all year to develop your character and establish yourself more firmly in life. Do something fun and romantic this month, perhaps travel to a new country you have never seen before, or begin a new program of study to expand your horizons.
Leo— Much work to build your career or business has happened this year, and now, you reap some of the fruits of your efforts. Sudden changes in your financial status require your attention this month A new moon in your sign mid-month signals a time for creative renewal and celebration.
Virgo— Long standing issues in personal relationships and/or business partnerships heat up this month, and must come to resolution. Applying your philosophical understanding or spiritual wisdom to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement brings renewal of future goals.
Libra— Your efforts over the past year to build a substantial life by developing your career and strengthening your family are rewarded with greater financial and emotional stability. Old karmic patterns are being released this month, preparing you for a renewal in October.
Scorpio— Seeing the practical benefits of your metaphysical or spiritual understanding has been an important theme this year. Renewal in your career direction mid-month brings greater financial flow and reawakens future dreams and aspirations. Travel and recreation restores balance.
Sagittarius– Long standing issues in partnerships are addressed and much needed changes in home and family life get actualized this month. Your deep spiritual perception carries you through, inspiring you to create a new life for yourself that is based on the kind of freedom that is essential for you.
Capricorn— August brings a “check-up” on this year's theme of structuring and building in your personal relationships and partnerships. Although it will be apparent that communication can still be improved, your relationships are much healthier and therefore, much more enjoyable.
Aquarius— Uranus in your house of finances catalyses changes involving partnerships or shared assets. Review mutual commitments to ensure that you are still interested in maintaining them. A mid-month renewal in your personal relationships may transform your long-range goals.
Pisces— Sudden but profound flashes of intuitive understanding lead you to make significant changes in your relationship with a partner. Transformation of your career life continues, and gets a renewed burst of energy mid-month as new resources reveal themselves.
Carolina Eastwood provides in-depth personal astrology readings that open the doorway to fulfilling your life-purpose. Offices in Solana Beach and Poway . Call her at 858/259-1590 or visit the website at www.earthstarconsulting.com.
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