Mars in Libra: August 6 to September 22:

The next two months keep the balancing act front and center. Mars tours Libra from August 6 to September 22. While in the sign of the scales, Mars activates matters pertaining to equality, fairness, justice, diplomacy, alliances, contracts, partnership, collaboration, and cooperation. Balance and harmony is the aim but often when Mars tours Libra it is something we have to strive for, to fight for. To the plus, right out the starting gate Mars forms a grand trine aspect with Pluto and Uranus. This trio combines personal will (Mars) with motivation/incentive (Pluto) and opportunity (Uranus). Despite push come to shove (Mars/Saturn) and and uncertainty (Mars/Neptune) in the mix, this grand trine (at peak August 8 to 10) sets up an optimal time to set wheels in motion. Have a fresh go at it, consider a new idea or potential, or start a conversation and see where it leads.  Creative solutions can prove to be a natural fit. Know there are a couple of frictional aspects in the mix too (see next paragraphs for Mars in opposition to Saturn and Neptune,) but overall, they add a stimulating and productive momentum that serves the good purpose.

Saturn and Neptune travel in close proximity through the rest of this year and into the first half of 2026. This planetary pairing is in the process of dissolving barriers, restrictions, and limitations. At the same time, Saturn/Neptune continues the work to expose or reveal the potential on brew. The potential falls into one of two categories (or combines both): what was previously hidden from view and/or that which is gaining traction toward its time has come moment.

On August 8 and 9, Mars forms oppositions to the Saturn/Neptune conjunction. This Mars action marks the midpoint (peak) of a cycle that began in April of last year and continues through April of next year. Mars in opposition to Saturn has a reality to confront. Mars in opposition to Neptune can operate in a myriad of ways. Mars/Neptune triggers the potential that is already in the works. Overall, this transit adds extra fuel to the Saturn/Neptune conjunction (described in the previous paragraph). Mars/Neptune can deplete, dissolve, dissipate, or blur the focus. To the plus, Mars/Neptune can ignite inspiration, creativity, romance, or spirituality. This transit can also prompt a search for the elusive. It is also a signature of loss and of disillusionment of the masses. One more thing to mention – Mars/Neptune is a susceptibility and exposure archetype. Guard your health and safety, Be especially careful with drug and alcohol consumption. Physical energy and immunity is lowered by this planetary pairing.

Additionally, the aforementioned Mars action gains added traction from the illuminating full moon in Aquarius on August 9.  Watch for a sudden insight, revelation, or breakthrough; for added excitement, for something unexpected (spontaneity could deliver well); for a new element, opportunity, or reality to fast-track the action (August 6 – 11).

August 11: Mercury ends retrograde; Ceres turns retrograde:

Just after the cluster of Mars transits and the full moon dial up, Mercury ends retrograde. On the same day, (August 11) Ceres in Aries turns retrograde. In combination, these transits clarify and streamline. A potential is set for hitting the target with better precision and less uncertainty or waste. By mid-month, you can feel you are gaining ground/a better sense of how to proceed next. Between August 14 and 17, Mercury/Mars (sextile) extend an opportunity run. Don’t hesitate to say it or do it. Take the ball and run with it. Mercury continues in Leo to the start of September. Speak from the heart, think creatively. No matter how it comes packaged, it is up to you to make the most of the gifts of the moment.

Ceres retrograde in Aries can prompt you to reclaim your fighting spirit and/or to start an active search for that part of self that has gone missing as of late. While external pressures are likely to be ongoing, look to Ceres retrograde in Aries to trigger a new instinct or renewed passion regarding a next play or to divert your attention off those external pressures and onto personal regroup or timeout. Extending through November 21, Ceres retrograde allows you more time to refortify from within.  There is further to go and more to work through before you can see the fuller picture and/or objectives are fully reached.

August 22 to 26: New Moon in Virgo, Venus on the move:

One way or another, the new moon in Virgo on August 22/23 can put you back to work. Can you make an improvement, better your efforts, effectiveness, rewards, or results? The answer is yes. Where there is a will, there is always a way. Look to support from Mercury in Leo (to September 1) and Venus in Leo (starting August 25) to enhance prospects and to assist you to better your best.

The sun and the new moon in Virgo create a natural shift of momentum. It is time to tackle what has been piling up. Put health and the good for you stuff to the top of your to-do list. It takes practice to get into a healthy habit. One small step leads to a next step. It snowballs from there. Get yourself into a daily routine and you will soon find yourself on the gain.

The new moon in Virgo can prompt a reality check. It can call for a significant adjustment to expectations, and for more discernment regarding an investment of time, heart, or money. Supported by several planetary contributors, to the plus, this new moon and the days following (August 22 to 24) can prompt you to try something new, alternative, or outside of your comfort zone. Circumstances can dictate the play. Simplify as best you can. Stay receptive and open-ended. Fresh inspiration and opportunity can be found when you least expect it. Ease your way along rather than force what isn’t coming naturally.

Venus enters Leo on August 25 and immediately links up with four out of the five outer planets. Here is the rundown: August 25: Venus/Saturn (trine), August 26: Venus/Uranus (sextile), Venus/Neptune (trine), Venus/Pluto (opposition). This Venus action sets a lucrative/fortuitous backdrop for creative enterprise, a breakthrough or turnaround of significance, a contract undertaking, a milestone marked or achieved, an empowerment initiative, for goal setting or goal reaching. The transformation that occurs under this run of stars can be significant, even life altering. What is launched or redirected holds substantial growth potential that will unfold over a length of time. Make full use of the stars while the getting is good.

September hosts a total lunar eclipse on September 7 and a partial solar eclipse on September 21. As I have written in previous columns, eclipses start to energize about a month before they happen. As such, expect August to hold more influential potency in general and to also punch up the karmic nature of circumstances, relationships, and undertakings.