Read your week ahead:http://www.straight.com/life/515206/your-horoscope-august-27-september-2-2015
Don’t forget to listen to the podcast month ahead (see tab above)
August Overview:
Saturn ends retrograde:
August begins with Saturn ending a four-month retrograde cycle. To recap, Saturn changed sign in December, but it only covered four degrees of Sagittarius before it did an about face in the middle of March. In the middle of June, Saturn retrograde dipped back into Scorpio for one last review. It hasn’t backtracked too far into Scorpio either, only the last two degrees of the sign. Even so, Saturn retrograde is quite an effective transit. It is one that challenges the status quo, the formula, our judgement, our authority, our control, our commitment levels, our take on “business as usual”. Saturn retrograde in Scorpio has aimed to expose whatever was necessary for evolution to proceed. During this retrograde time, the Bill Cosby story was again back in the news. This time the manhole cover was ripped off.
The Saturn retrograde cycle is one of refortification and strengthening from within. This works at two levels. The refortification can deliver a hard message that forces you/us to do something about it, or it can affirm that a time is ripe moment has come for new effort and commitment to be put forward. Saturn retrograde in Scorpio can show you where you might have self-sabotaged and/or lost control of your powerbase; where you may have failed to recognize what was necessary for you to see or address. Perhaps it has forced you to face consequences. Most importantly, Saturn retrograde asks you to deal with reality as is it now, not for what could have or should be. Of course, it takes time to figure it out and that’s the gift, the purpose and the process of this and any other retrograde cycle. Saturn retrograde will prompt a reassessment regarding essential priorities, ambitions, and goals.
On August 3, Jupiter in Leo turns a corner with Saturn (the aspect is a last quarter square.) On Aug 3, Venus will do the same, and on Aug 4, it’s Mercury’s turn. It’s the second round for Venus; although she’ll again get down to business with Saturn on Oct 10 both will have changed signs (Venus in Virgo square Saturn in Sagittarius.) Venus conjoins Jupiter on August 4, Mercury conjoins Venus on August 4, and Jupiter on August 7. Also on August 7, Mercury advances into Virgo. On August 8, Mars enters Leo. Expect a lot of action, to say the least! There’s money to be made, talks to have, places to go, things to do, and actions to take. (It’s time the dentist turned himself in!)
Jupiter in Virgo: August 11, 2015 – September 9, 2016
Jupiter spends one year touring a sign. It revisits an area of your chart once every twelve years. Often times, Jupiter transits come with inflated expectations. It is after all, the abundance planet. We may not always get the joy and luck part of the transit, but we always get the “more” part. There’s always a benefit, even if it doesn’t it doesn’t come in a package we desire or recognize.
Jupiter’s one year tour of Virgo, starting August 11, increases our attention on healing, correction, repair, and fixing what needs fixing. Jupiter increases our awareness on the shortfalls, and on the unfinished business. It can be a productive cycle, especially when we get on board with the work and healing that’s necessary. There is always joy and pleasure to be gained in seeing something that’s done and done well. Of course, Jupiter in Virgo can increase the number of people in need, whether it’s through sickness, poverty, or unfortunate circumstances. Jupiter in Virgo can increase our awareness to our flawed concepts of what’s necessary or good. (Geez, isn’t it long overdue for the US to do something about their gun laws?) To the plus, Jupiter in Virgo can see positive growth take place in areas such alternative healing and energy. Let us hope Jupiter in Virgo brings hunting wildlife for a sport to an end. Likely the transit will see the new pot industry flourish. Jupiter in Virgo also increases attention on animals, pets, livestock, aquatic life, etc. (Have you heard of the new business wave “petting cafe”? If you can’t own a cat, you can spend time with one while you enjoy your java.)
Jupiter’s advance into Virgo is noteworthy for one more reason. From August 11 to 15, Jupiter will align with fixed star Regulus, the royal star. When Venus hit this degree last month, NASA announced they had discovered a cousin planet to Earth. It’s an incredible first, and there are likely many more incredible firsts to come. On a tragic note, Virgo is the sign we attribute to animals and during this Jupiter/Regulus alignment, King Cecil, the treasure of Zimbabwe, was murdered for sport. (Cecil’s death has served/can serve a great purpose. We the collective have showed up for this one. Let us hope that the public outrage creates some effective outcome. We also have something to learn. It is time for us to also look at how quickly we reach for hatred, violence, and murder as the go-to remedy.) (On another note, did you know 24 mass murders have occurred in the USA since Obama was elected in 2008?)
Watch August 11 to 15 for something special to happen either out there in world, within your own world, or within your mind’s eye. (By the way, Mercury hits 0 Virgo on August 7, and the sun enters Virgo on August 23.) If nothing special happens, keep watching. It may take time to gain notice.
Venus begins a new 18 month cycle:
On August 15, Venus retrograde meets with the sun. This is the midpoint of the retrograde cycle and marks Venus’ transition from evening to morning star. We won’t see her for another week. Look for Venus rising in the morning around Aug 22.
Venus/Mars, August 31 – November 2; potency into play:
Venus begins a new create-it cycle on August 15, but Venus and Mars still have some staging or completion to do. They’ll meet on August 31 for the second of three times in 2015. Each time they conjoin, it’s in a different sign. Back in February, Venus and Mars met in Aries. Call it a fire stoking cycle. Perhaps its one that burned a bridge for you too. On August 31, Mars in Leo overtakes Venus retrograde, setting creative potential into fuller steam ahead. We’ll certainly see evidence of this in Canada as the political campaigning hits overdrive on the countdown to October’s federal election.
Read more on Venus: https://rosemarcus.com/venus-in-leo-june-5-to-october-8-more/
Aug 14: New Moon: 7:53 am (21 Leo 31)
Aug 29: Full Moon: 11:35 am (6 Pisces 06)
Aug 1: Saturn stations direct: 10:53 pm
Aug 3: Pallas ends retrograde: 4:36 am (11 Sagittarius 39)
Aug 3: Ceres retrograde revisits Capricorn: 4:13 pm
Aug 7: Mercury enters Virgo: 12:15 pm
Aug 8: Mars enters Leo: 4:33 pm
Aug 11: Jupiter into Virgo: 4:13 am
Aug 11: Vesta stations retrograde: 11:05 pm (13Aries 24)
Aug 23: Sun into Virgo 3:38 am
Aug 27: Mercury into Libra: 8:45 am
**All times listed are PDT, please check your local listing
Dates to watch: Aug 1, 3 – 8, 11-15, 19, 21, 26, 27, 29, 31
ARIES (March 21- April 19)
With Saturn now back on track, you’ll finally get there too. The first eight days of the month sets a number of planetary building blocks into place. Each day there a productive transit to work with.
Mars tenants Leo from August 8 through Sept 24. It’s one of your best Mars transits. In addition to feeling physically energized, it’s also a mobilizing time for creative pursuits and for putting heart’s desire into action. Mars in Leo puts the best of you on show, so don’t hesitate to play it up. This is also a take the ball and run with it transit. Your popularity is on the rise. Looking for love or to make your mark professionally? You are in stellar favour. Someone special can be an attention getter (perhaps it them, perhaps it’s you.) Mars and Venus join forces at the end of August, setting potent wheels in motion through the start of November.
As of August 15, Venus completes an eighteen month reconcile-with-reality cycle, and starts a new actualizing chapter. It is one that puts you back in the driver’s seat. If you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way, this Venus cycle will help you to regain your own creative centre. If you have been doing okay so far, this cycle is one of taking a good thing and making it better yet.
Jupiter leaves Leo for Virgo on August 11. This puts self improvement, health, work, education upgrades, or a personal project on the roll-up-your-sleeve roster. It’s time to switch from thinking, wishing, or projecting, and onto the do-it program. Expect to keep busy!
TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)
How you feel, your next steps, where you find yourself; – although it’s been in the works for awhile, a lot can change in a short span of time. Over this first week, Saturn turns direct and also works through several checkpoints – with Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Mercury. By the end of the week, by the middle of the month, and through the end of the month, you are likely to find yourself in a much different place than you began.
Mars in Leo begins a new living with yourself chapter. Jupiter in Virgo helps you to make improvement where it does you the most good. This is one of your best Jupiter cycles, so know that your efforts can deliver great than usual reward. The new Venus cycle on August 15 and the Venus/Mars chapter launching August 31 the start of November also set the dial on onward and upward. Take a risk on bettering your best. Optimum dates to take charge and make it happen: August 2, 4 – 6, 10, 15, 19, 25, and 26.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
Fresh on the heels of a full moon, August begins with right time, right place, ready-set- go. Aug 2, 4, and 9 are particularly easy to take. The end of Saturn retrograde will serve to make you sharper on the ball, to increase your effectiveness and productivity. It puts you on an upswing with work, health matters, and personal goals.
Mars in Leo and the new Venus cycle starting on Aug 15 will help you to convey and communicate in a way that brings you more notice. Yes, it’s what you know and who you know too. Successful connections and inroads can be made with folks who can make you look good and/or bring you benefit. Both these transits are favourable for negotiations, buying, selling, studies or creative projects. Work with an agent seek the advice of professional; sign up for courses. These transits upgrade your physical activity and well being and they can keep you active socially too. A special friendship can grow in importance. For some, it’s about profitability, for others, it’s about seeing friendships and community bonds grow. For still others, it’s a journey of friends and lovers, friends to lovers, or lovers to friends.
Jupiter’s one year tour of Virgo, starting August 11, keeps home matters and family life in the busy lane. Whether it’s to do with health or some other personal necessity, more is required of you. The goal is definitely worth the effort and you know it all too well. Perhaps a new address is in the works? Jupiter in Virgo is an appropriate transit for upgrades of all kinds: business expansion, working to increasing your income through rentals, products, or taking on more work; for renovation projects of all kinds (including attitude.) Jupiter in Virgo prompts you to get smart about your money; it’s time to make your money work for you rather than the other way around.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Whether it’s a vacation or something more, the start of August is good for a battery recharge. It’s also good for reinventing yourself, financially, personally or relationship-wise. Even if you are on a revisit, you can find yourself moving into uncharted territory. Although significant expense or investment is in the mix, make the most of it over this first week while the stars keep it going strong. You have plenty to gain.
As of August 8, Mars leaves Cancer to begin a seven week tour of Leo. This transit, along with Venus retrograde and the shorter transit of the sun creates a fertile backdrop for self discovery, for creative endeavour, and financial gain. Jupiter in Virgo, starting August 11 is also a positive growth cycle. In the short term and over the coming year, you are going to learn a lot more about your self and your capacities. It’s an ideal time to develop a new talent or skill set. For some, the new Venus eighteen-month transit can bring someone special into your life. They could be a lover, a child, one who helps you to better your best, or perhaps even a beloved pet.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
The start of August pushes your refresh button in some significant, perhaps striking way. Time off or away is great. On the other hand, if you’ve been delayed or waylaid, the first half of the month is optimal for sorting out what’s necessary. The first five days or so of the month can be especially productive. August 4 can bring all good things thanks to Venus conjunct Jupiter in Leo. Indulge, enjoy, treat yourself or another.
Venus retrograde is already well underway. As of August 8, action planet Mars in Leo hits go. Enthusiasm, passion, and confidence looks good on you. Ready to take it on? For the next seven weeks, you’re hot stuff. Mars keeps you physically and emotionally boosted. It sharpens your instincts too.
Jupiter leaves Leo for Virgo on August 11, but don’t look at it as a loss. It is a gain. Jupiter in Virgo helps you to get onto task in some major way. Yes, there’s more to work out or more effort required, but Jupiter’s influence will help you to be more resourceful. You’ll now tap from your under-utilized resources.
The new Venus cycle starting August 15 is an auspicious one, especially so if you are born on that date, or the couple of days around it. It marks your year ahead for something special. Someone special could make an entrance (or exit) too. Watch the middle or end of September, middle or end of October and/or Christmas for further development. The trigger points also continue through the first half of 2016.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
After two weeks in your sign, Venus retrograde has just taken an exit and returned back to Leo land. She won’t get back to you until the middle of October, but out of sight is still just as potent as if she were up front and center. In fact, whether you are conscious of it or not, the temporary dip into Virgo has been quite informing. Your soul has been doing a lot of information gathering. Consider the rest of Venus retrograde as a processing and acclimatizing time. Saturn direct on August 1 gets the ball rolling. Everyday from August 2 through 8 holds a significant planetary aspect. You’ll be better able to move past, rise above, recoup, and to fast track too. Isn’t it amazing how big/dramatic the turnaround is? You’ll make great gains now, especially so thanks to the advances of Mercury (August 7) and Jupiter (August 11) into Virgo. Look to both planets to fast track you. You have been gifted with a fresh start. Embrace it fully.
Starting August 15 for the next eighteen months, Venus puts the spotlight on all of your ultimate ambitions and goals; on all of the things and people who matter to you most. What does success and happiness look like to you? If you don’t have an answer for that yet, allow Jupiter in Virgo to track it down and/or to introduce you to your best options. Even though you are inventing it as you stumble along, know your soul has already chosen the program guideline. Keep putting right foot in front of left. You can help but meet up with your future.
LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22)
On the heels of a full moon in Aquarius, the end of Saturn retrograde, and Venus on a return visit to Leo, August wastes no time getting you back into full swing, especially so August 2 to 4. Mars into Leo, starting August 8, adds more vitality to projects, ambitions and involvements – in other words, whatever you already have on the go. It’s a great boost to income prospects, your confidence level, your social or love life. Mars also sparks new interests, projects, and goals.
Jupiter’s one year tour of Virgo, starting August 11, takes you through a stage setting cycle. It is a time to explore potentials, to stage, complete, transition, or let it incubate. By this time next year, Jupiter will advance into Libra to hit full go on your next growth chapter.
Overlapping Jupiter’s cycle, Venus begins a new eighteen month actualizing cycle on August 15. To do with matters of the heart, career, material gain, justice, or social cause, this Venus cycle is one that can redirect the course of your future in some outstanding way. A special someone can enter, exit, or act as a catalyst. It is a luck and opportunity cycle and it’s up to you to make the most of it. Your best Venus dates of the month: August 4, 19, 26. August 31 through the start of November is a time of great karmic potency.
SCORPIO (Oct 23~Nov 22)
Saturn ends retrograde in Scorpio on August 1 and will continue in your sign through mid September. You’ll feel this transit more strongly if your birthday is at the tail end of Scorpio or if you have planets situated at the very last degrees of the sign. Having said that, we have all felt the reach of this transit. Saturn always draws attention to priorities, responsibilities and such. It is about taking yourself, your ambitions and your life circumstances seriously. It’s also about putting serious effort into the things and people who matter the most. While Saturn is now direct, Venus is still retrograde. Venus retrograde in Leo prompts a reassessment of career goals, material responsibilities, and achievements to date. As you look back, you’ll have to admit, so far so good. You’ve done well with what you had to work with/to face. (No matter how it’s played out for you, you’ll have to appreciate this fact.) It’s time to take that good thing and make it better yet. Venus helps you to be seen in the best possible light. Mars keeps you ambitious for recognition, respect, status and reward. Professionally and personally, it is a key time to show off what you can do, so by all means, aim to be an attention-getter.
The new eighteen month Venus cycle, starting August 15, and the Venus/Mars cycle that spans August 31 to Nov 2, schedules your date with destiny. What is meant to be will be. Whether you are conscious of it or not, the project is already well under way.
Jupiter’s advance into Virgo on August 11 gives you a lot more to work with and toward. More complexity or social involvement is also part of the mix.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22~Dec21)
You should feel stoked and ready to hit it. August gains a good jumpstart from the recent full moon, Saturn direct, and a batch of productive planetary alignments covering the first eight days of the month.
After a short dip into Virgo, Venus has returned to Leo where she’ll finish out the retrograde on September 6. You’ll continue to receive benefit from Venus in Leo through October 8 and also you’ll gain an added wingspan from Mars in Leo, August 8 to September 24. Both are opportunity transits. They keep you moving toward the bright light called your future. On the short term, they are great for travel, vacationing, and for scouting around. If you are interested in relocating for better opportunities, don’t hesitate to set wheels in motion.
Jupiter in Virgo, starting August 8 brings you to a transition point of significance. You are working your way to end of a twelve year cycle, while at the same time a new foundation is being laid. This new life chapter pertains to your outer world reality base, i.e. – your career, your material or parenting responsibilities, karmic contracts, etc. Your lifestyle, the way you have legitimized yourself, your needs, the way you’ve organized and explained your reality is now shifting gears. Things that mattered to you in the past may be diminishing while new priorities, needs, and goals overtake you. Call it progress; call it evolution.
August 15 and Aug 31 through November 2, Venus and Mars are opportune and stage setting. Both begin a new living with yourself chapter. They are also opportune for legal, publishing, performing, or educational pursuits, for marketing and for getting acquainted with a new lifestyle or a special someone.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 ~ Jan 19)
Added spending can be part of the mix but you won’t mind it when it is something you want, love, or when it makes life go easier on you. The end of Saturn retrograde can remove a doubt, question mark, hesitation, or a wait. Too, it can take the brakes off a major decision or end a project, trial run, or contract term, etc.
Consider August 1 through 8 as a work in progress. It is a very productive week when you can pack in a lot; when you can knock down and/or surpass and/or build something of substance. Saturn receives several planets one right after the other – Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Mars. If that doesn’t move you along, there’s group two – Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Uranus coordinating it for you.
August 7, Mercury moves into Virgo, August 8, Mars enters Leo and August 11 Jupiter begins its one year tour of Virgo. Again, that’s covering a lot in a short span of time. Mercury and Jupiter in Virgo are complimentary to your sign. They help you to stay well focused, organized and on top of what’s necessary. They make you a quick learner, and they set an opportune stage for upgrades of all kinds. Too, they give you a better sense of the best direction to head in, and/or how things are shaping up.
Mars in Leo is a confidence builder. It is one that keeps you feisty and passionate, and also puts “I deserve” to the top of the must have list. Where there is a will, there is a way.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 ~ Feb 18)
August begins on the heels of a full moon in Aquarius, Venus retrograde on a revisit of Leo, and the end of Saturn retrograde. Add to this Jupiter (August 2) and Venus (August 4) both turning a corner with Saturn, and surely there’s progress. So many planets in Leo create more self awareness. It’s as if you are watching yourself in action. How you are showing up for yourself and what you get when you interface with the world around you? Venus retrograde and Mars in Leo, (starting August 8) keep the attention on getting more pleasure, joy, reward, and love. Venus also put an added spotlight on the special people of your life. You can share in their successes and vice versa. Perhaps there’s something special to celebrate. Of course, given the time of year, a vacation is ideal. If you can’t get away, upgrade on pleasure right where you are.
Mars in Leo also revs up your social life. It can bring someone or something new into your life. Of course, it can also put the attention on the competition. Although you may not like it, competition isn’t always a bad thing, especially if it helps you to up your game.
Jupiter’s one year tour through Virgo, starting August 11 turns your attention to cleaning up your finances. It can also put you to work to clean up a relationship issue, or to tend to a health or legal matter. At a deeper level, this transit can draw your attention to a hole or a gap, or a lack. The transit is a process, and it is meant to help you find that missing it. First of course, you have to recognize that it is actually missing.
PISCES (Feb 19 ~ March 20)
Aug 1 and 2, you’re hot stuff. The Pisces moon, Saturn direct and Mercury’s trine to Uranus keeps you motoring in the fast lane. The fast track continues August 3, 4. In fact, the whole week keeps it moving along too.
Venus has just dipped back into Leo and Mars advances into this sign on August 8. Both keep you focused on topping it up, on bettering your best, and on getting as much as you can out of the here and now. Both transits are good for making health and wealth improvements. If it falls into the good-for-you category, know you’ll get better than average returns on it. Under these two transits, more satisfying solutions, fixes, and results can be gained.
Jupiter in Virgo, starting August 11 increases the focus on your social world, on marketing matters and key relationships. If there are shortfalls or pitfalls, Jupiter in Virgo will make them more obvious. Progressively you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t. Perhaps you’ll decide that you can’t or don’t want to hold up your end of the bargain. To the plus, Jupiter’s transit can help you to upgrade your communication skills, which of course serves you in countless ways. Career or relationship wise, Jupiter in Virgo aims to provide you with a better sense of direction. This transit is also great for developing a specialty, for public service, for working with a mentor, coach, or professional advisor. It is also a transit that favours contract upgrades, (actual and karmic.)