Planetary Cycles
Sun Signs For August 2005
Leo opens gateway for fun and self-expression.
The sun entered fiery, expressive, fun-loving Leo on July 22, initiating a 30-day cycle of self-exploration and creative self-expression. While the sun is in Leo, the emphasis for all of us is on fulfilling our personal desires and having fun. The constellation of Leo opens a gateway for each of us to be in touch with our heart's desire and find ways to fulfill our highest dreams.
Leo: self-knowledge via creative expression.
At the core of a Leo lifetime is the burning desire to know the self through various means of expressive art. This is also true to a great extent for those with the moon or rising sign in Leo as well, and extends not only to the producing of art in the traditional sense, but includes the artistic expression of a life well lived, a beautiful home, a healthy family, and a positive contribution to the world.
Leo's life lesson is self love and acceptance.
Although Leo is often described as outgoing and assertive, most Leos struggle with underlying insecurity that must be overcome in order to fulfill their life-paths. The challenge for Leo involves being willing to be vulnerable to the response of others in relation to their artistic or creative productions, and it can be very painful to have the essence of one's heart-and-soul inspired expression go unrecognized. Rather than be hungry for praise, ultimately, Leos must realize that their art is truly for the self and learn to take pleasure in, and be nurtured by the process itself.
New moon brings cycle of inspired creativity.
On August 4, we have a new moon in Leo in some very positive planetary aspects that include a grand triangle and a “mystical rectangle.” As human beings we are inexorably connected with all life in the universe, including the movement of planets, and the “star-breath” called neutrinos, thus we are affected by the emanations and complex energies of the star field in which we live. At the Leo new moon, we start a new 28-day cycle of self-expression facilitated by planetary energies that bring philosophical transformation, mystical inspiration, new creative ideas, and great friendship and communication.
Saturn-Mars aspect challenges our motives.
The planet Saturn circumscribes the limits of the physical universe that can be seen with the naked eye, and as such, it represents the principles of discipline, structure, boundaries, and third dimensional energetic dynamics, including the laws of gravity, time and karma. Saturn has just entered Leo for the first time in 28 years, and will remain there until September, 2007, bringing us lessons in effective use of creative energy and leadership. Early this month, Saturn faces off with Mars in Taurus, a fixed and stubborn combination that can stall progress on current activities, but this pause may be a necessary one, as it provides us with an opportunity to access our motives and the means to accomplishing goals.
Mercury provides pause for clarity on our creations.
The planet of communication, Mercury, has been retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Leo since July 22, giving us an opportunity to review our heart's desire in light of current life circumstances. This internalization, while necessary, may slow progress for a time, but Mercury resumes direct motion on August 15, giving us the green light to proceed once we are clear in our creations. On August 16, Venus enters its home sign of Libra and forms very favorable aspects that inspire romance, expansion of our horizons, and creative expression for the remainder of the month.
Full moon: transformation; Virgo gets us grounded.
On August 19, we have a full moon in Aquarius, opposite the sun in Leo, with both in positive aspects to Pluto in Sagittarius. With transformative Pluto involved, this full moon will raise awareness on issues that must be addressed including attitudes, or situations that need to be changed. The favorable aspects indicate that transformation can be accomplished with relative ease. The sun enters Virgo on August 22. Mercury-ruled, analytical Virgo shows us the practical steps necessary to accomplish the dreams imagined during Leo. While Mercury gets challenged from Mars, Saturn and Neptune, bringing us down to earth and business with a jolt, love, pleasure and romance remain abundantly available during the last week of August.
TOP OF PAGEAries —You are in the mood for fun and adventure! Long distance travel and/or transformative educational activities are highlighted this month. Be prudent with your money, however, as Mars and Saturn may constrict your flow of funds, and over-spending now will bring difficulties in November and December. Enjoy the simple pleasures of romance, friendship, art and spiritual awareness.
Taurus —Mars is energizing you as it transits your sign and, because it will retrograde, it remains in Taurus for the rest of the year. Difficult aspects between Saturn and Mars in August lead to frustration with getting projects complete, and you may feel like you are “driving with the brakes on.” Trust in a universal organic timing that you cannot control and enjoy home, family, and developing your spirituality this month.
Gemini —The new moon in your house of communication means you will find many avenues of expression this month, and creativity flows with ease. New goals, friendships and possibilities inspire you, and you let go of some old values that no longer relate to your inner truth. With your Gemini capacity to focus on many things at once, you expand your horizons through travel, meditation or study.
Cancer —New financial and career goals inspire you to take action this month, allowing your creativity a full range of expression. Previous goals may be delayed as you take a deeper look at what you truly want to create with your life. Home and family bring much pleasure and you may find common spiritual or philosophical views with an eclectic mix of friends.
Leo —Saturn just entered your sign for a two-year period, teaching you to be more structured and disciplined. Don't let work delays or frustrations get you down; instead, understand that you are being given the necessary time to take the important step of re-evaluating your life and career goals. The Leo new moon in your first house makes you the center of attention, and you delight in spending time with good friends, relatives, and admirers.
Virgo —This month, you are working your fanny off while it seems everyone else is having a great time. Financial opportunities that seem too good to miss continue to pour in, keeping you very busy, but as the pressure builds, you may lose touch with your inner spiritual source of inspiration, leading to a crisis of consciousness and values. Don't despair; all of your hard work will result in free time for spiritual enrichment and much enjoyment in the future.
Libra —As Saturn begins its two-year journey in your house of long-term goals, the new moon joins it, emphasizing the need to focus your attention on future plans. Shared financial resources may be a source of strain with partners this month, and you will need to adjust plans accordingly. While Jupiter transits through your sign until late October, your great opportunity is to expand in many directions, following your interests and expressing your creativity freely.
Scorpio —You experience a new burst of energy and opportunities in your career or business this month, bringing a welcome increase in financial flow. Frustration in personal relationships comes from too much focus on work and not enough on nurturing loved ones; try to strike a balance that will maintain harmony. Despite the pressures of the world, you experience a deep sense of inner peace and great spiritual fulfillment. Remember to share the beauty of your inner world with others.
Sagittarius —The new moon in your house of long-distance travel stirs up your Sagittarian wonder lust, but Saturn may keep you home and focused on an array of pending tasks. Yet there is more than one way to travel, and adventures of the mind and the spirit await you in August. Creative inspiration feeds your soul, and a great sense of expectancy seems to attract wonderful new people into your life.
Capricorn —Exciting new business and financial opportunities occupy most of your time this month, leaving little room for fun and relaxation. You are committed to growing your career or business, and mid-August is the time to set recently developed new goals in motion. The funding and support for your endeavors are now available, but review contracts carefully and make sure you are in compliance with existing regulations or standards.
Aquarius —Don't let tensions or frustrations at home prevent you from enjoying the wonderful romantic possibilities that naturally come your way this month. Saturn has just entered your relationship arena, where it will remain for the next two years, giving you the opportunity to strengthen and solidify your most treasured relationships or partnerships. Begin by allowing your playful, creative side full expression this month.
Pisces —Recent physical limitations motivate you to develop new routines that will ensure a healthier life-style. It may be hard work, but it will be well worth the effort to establish new disciplines that will serve your health and well-being. Fortunately, the planets line up this month to help you implement the needed changes as you easily find the information, money, and emotional support necessary to create a healthier and fulfilling life.
Carolina Eastwood provides in-depth personal astrology readings that open the doorway to fulfilling your life-purpose. Offices in Solana Beach and Poway. Phone: 858/259-1590 or visit: www.earthstarconsulting.com.
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