Planetary Cycles
Sun Signs For August 2006
Flamboyant Leo seeks authentic self-expression
The sun entered the fiery, dramatic sign of Leo on July 22, ushering in a desire for creativity, fun, and fanfare. A positive polarity fixed fire sign, Leo awakens the desire for adventure, romance, self-expression and highly charged experiences that reflect the essence of who we are. In this way, Leo finds a sense of identity and purpose. If you are born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Leo, you need continual reflection from an “audience,” because the feedback you receive helps you to define yourself. The search for authentic identity is Leo's life path. While the sun is in Leo, we each have an opportunity to connect with the meaning and higher purpose for our lifetime.
Planetary release of energy supports alignment of purpose
A new moon in Leo on July 22 brought to all of us the potential for self-discovery through personal creativity in the coming four weeks. On July 28, the planet of communication, Mercury resumes direct motion after being retrograde (apparent backwards motion) since July 4. This shift creates a release of energy in August that can be used to move forward with projects and plans that reflect our true inner nature. During the first ten days of August, Venus, the planet of love and beauty, joins Mercury in an aspect that promotes alignment with our soul path, or life-purpose. Planetary aspects in August bring the potential for us to discover that, every day and every minute, through our thoughts, words and deeds, we are creating every aspect of our lives.
Dynamic aspects signal changes and unexpected breakthroughs
Mars, representing the principle of action, forms highly dynamic aspects with Uranus and Jupiter, bringing, for most of August, a climate of radical change and positive expansion that culminates, reaching its peak of awareness on August 13. The best way to navigate this aspect is to use critical perception to discard old ways of thinking and fine-tune your ability to create with laser sharp intention. Being very clear in what you desire to have and experience will allow the universe to bring it to you in unexpected ways. Breakthroughs in medicine, healing, finances, communication, intuitive awareness, and in our capacity for intimacy are all possible now.
Full moon illuminates contrast between ideals and expression
On August 9, we have a full moon in Aquarius, opposite the sun in Leo. Every month, the full moon illuminates the theme related to the sun sign, and this August, the lunation is joined by Neptune in Aquarius and Saturn in Leo, adding a distinctive flavor to the energies of the month. Continuing throughout August, this aspect represents the classic dichotomy between the higher ideals we espouse and the practical experience of the conditioned self, or the ego. The Neptunian ideal of an enlightened humanity can only be realized when individuals are willing to transcend the illusion of separation created by the ego, embracing instead humanity's essential oneness. In its highest expression, Saturn in Leo teaches us to live from the heart, using will power for the highest good of all, while Neptune in Aquarius provides the vision and inspiration to follow our soul's truth.
Pluto catalyzes life-lessons
For the entire month of August, the planet of transformation, Pluto brings catalytic energy to activate our life-lessons. Universal energies are now guiding us to learn to, “let go and let God,” or put in another way, trust in the spiritual flow of our own Higher Self in all that we do. To the extent that we resist listening to our inner truth, we may experience this aspect as painful. As Pluto strips away all that is false, it also plants the seed for deep transformation and spiritual renewal.
Virgo brings insightful self-analysis while Pluto brings transformation
The sun completes its journey through Leo, entering the receptive earth sign, Virgo on August 22. We have a new moon in Virgo on August 23, changing the backdrop of energy on which we experience our lives from that of creative self-expression to one of insightful self-analysis. After the dance of Leo's search for self through meaningful and often flamboyant expression, Virgo sits down to take a good look at what was created and how it can be improved, refined, and made practical. The planet of action, Mars, also in Virgo, joins Pluto in the push for transformation. What we do to make a living and how we do it will be up for question in the last week of August. The essence of the question is, are we aligned with doing what is our soul's calling? As the Aquarian age dawns, an awakening humanity is learning to trust in our innate soul-wisdom and to follow our hearts.
Aries - Creative energy is released as you align your will with your higher self, discovering your soul's purpose. Refine and improve your creative gifts through transformation of your belief system, allowing for new understanding to dawn in your soul. Aligning your material wealth toward a worthy social cause will bring an increase in the flow of abundance on all levels.
Taurus - Use your divine gift of providing grounding and security for yourself and others as your life goes through a remarkable “upgrade.” Allow your home and family life to transform as your most intimate relationships grow, becoming much more fruitful and rewarding. If you remain open, you receive inspiration for new ways to express your soul through the work you do in the world.
Gemini - Use your great gifts of communication to convey higher, spiritual inspiration through one of your many creative expressions. Doing this will keep you aligned with a positive spiral of change in your career that leads to greater financial abundance as well as deep satisfaction. Primary relationships continue to undergo transformation; if you will allow the changes, your relationships will energize and inspire you.
Cancer - Higher spiritual awakening comes with both the pressure to change daily habits and the creative inspiration to fulfill your purpose. Creating a time/space for spiritual renewal this month will deeply replenish your soul. You experience a breakthrough with current financial issues when you begin to acknowledge that the source of your abundance is your own awakened spirit, enabling you to draw to your self all that is necessary to fulfill every intention.
Leo -The pressure to perform, dear Leo, has been enormous, but, as always, you rise to the occasion with aplomb. Allow time for spiritual retreat this month, as it will feed your soul and renew your creative spirit. The changes you seek in financial stability are on the horizon; keep focused on the creative tasks at hand, and allow your thoughts and feelings to resonate with abundance on all levels.
Virgo - It may take a big shift of intention, but it will serve you well in the future to take time for deep rest and renewal now. Spend time at a health retreat, or create your own, and do a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual cleanse. That your well-being on all levels is directly related to the quality of your interactions, both personally and professionally, will be clearly reflected to you this month.
Libra-While life has been nudging you toward crystallizing your ambitions for the future, it will serve you to remain open to a myriad of ways that your creation will manifest. It might not look as you have imagined; it may be better. Implementing positive changes in your diet, exercise, and other daily routines will give you more energy to manifest an abundant flow of resources.
Scorpio- This is your year for expansion, dear Scorpio. Allow your creativity to flow as you get continual downloads of inspiration from the universe. The effort you have put forth in strengthening or manifesting your career forms a foundation now strong enough for you to make a significant transitional jump. Take the leap, you will enjoy the flight. After every dark night of the soul comes the glorious dawn, and Scorpio emerges, wiser, stronger, more enlightened.
Sagittarius - This year of deepening your spiritual foundation is planting seeds for future expansion. The more you allow the deep changes in your perspective and beliefs, the more free you become to express your true essential nature in this world that becomes your playground. Granting time for travel, adventure and social interactions this month will help to refresh your love of life.
Capricorn— Keeping up with your expanding social life could become a full time job, but an enjoyable one. As you become open to communicating with people who hold radically different perspectives, your consciousness expands to include a myriad of new possibilities, making a fundamental shift in your philosophy. The full moon illuminates a transformation of your understanding of the way money and all increase works in your life. Your commitment to a win-win perspective will lead to greater abundance.
Aquarius - Your deep desire for harmony on planet earth and equality for all humankind begins with you. Let go of all attempts to control your life, and let spirit dance through you. Expansive career opportunities offer many directions for you to begin modeling an enlightened way of being on planet earth. You clearly see the path to manifesting abundance in your life, and partners help you to ground and focus your endeavors.
Pisces– Uranus, the planet of revolution and radical change is in your sign, sweeping through your life with a high frequency opportunity for you to make a significant shift in consciousness. New learning opportunities, both formal and informal, come to support your spiritual growth. Do not think that you are ever alone, dear Pisces. Support comes in many forms and through many pathways; simply remain open.
Carolina Eastwood provides in-depth personal astrology readings that open the doorway to fulfilling your life-purpose. Offices in Solana Beach and Poway. www.earthstarconsulting.com. or: Phone: 858/259-1590
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