August Overview:
The stars pack a lot of push-come-to-shove action into the first 4 or 5 days of the month! August 1, Mercury in opposition to Pluto digs deeper/harder for answers and solutions; stays obsessed with getting a better handle on it. August 3, Mercury in opposition to Saturn reaches a goal or an end; makes it real or official. A full moon in Aquarius (August 3) lies between these two transits. In dynamic aspect to the full moon, Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) punches up the issue of “what’s it worth?”. If you run out of steam or come to a stop, it won’t be for long. August 4, Mercury enters Leo, and Mars/Jupiter hit fast-forward.
Full Moon in Aquarius, August 3:
We are all in it together! Or at least we should be when it comes to keeping each other healthy and safe, especially while Covid-19 continues to threaten survival. This is no ordinary moment along the timeline. For individual, group, and collective, it is a priority checkpoint of karmic significance. We share this experience together. How are you showing up for it? Are you leading by good example? Live it well and aim to be the best version of yourself, to do the best you can with what you have to work with. In respect for self and for all – it is the most valuable contribution you can make to the whole.
Watch for the full moon in Aquarius to hit a spark or a nerve regarding group or community involvement, social causes and demonstrations, love and/or friendship, or collaborative projects. There is a long list of potentials for how the full moon could play out for you. Uranus, ruler of Aquarius, in tension to the full moon amps up stress, intensity, excitement, volatility, serendipity, opportunity, luck, the unexpected. Social distancing matters and measures are likely to be front and center too.
What is it worth? Tied into Uranus in Taurus, the full moon in Aquarius on August 3 advances the evaluation process that is already working its way through you, through us, through the system. Good for a surprise or a jolt, the full moon sets a backdrop for an awakening or realization of significance, a break-through or breakup, a radical shift of perspective or attention, a departure from “business as usual”, a spontaneous combustion moment, a cut-off point, a revolt or revolution. If something gets interrupted or stalls out, it will not be for long. Noting the accompanying transits around this full moon, there could be a full stop followed by a full and fast go.
Are we together as one for the common good, or is the one driven by self interest? Even if you face something jolting, know the stage is set for significant and accelerated improvement. On the health front, a full moon in Aquarius can be a signature for high blood pressure, strokes and breathing issues. Please keep safety to the forefront. Hackers and opportunists have a talent for using surprise to their advantage. Also pay attention to electrical and mechanical safety. Keep your phone on and your battery full charged, etc. Geophysical or weather volatility is also possible.
Science, medical research, space exploration, technology and innovation fall under the Aquarius archetype. Social and political matters too.
One way or another, the Aquarius full moon will put us/put you into a better know. Let’s hope for good news and positive fast-tracks. The race is on for a Covid cure, Nasa is excited about Mars, science is onto something new in its study of autism and alzheimers.
To the plus, the full moon weekend could single out a special one or a special occasion. The backdrop is well set to put brakes on, enjoy a short time out or a vacation, to participate in or host an on-line event.
August 4 to 19, Mercury takes a quick two-week stint through Leo. What’s best for you? What makes you shine? What adds the smile on your face, the twinkle to your eyes? While this year’s stars are not built for easy ride (perhaps they have been running rough shod over you), your time is what you make of it. Gift yourself with more personal reward, where, when, and how, as best you can. Spend more quality time on the things and people you love, self included.
Mars in Aries continues:
Mars has just completed its first full month in transit through Aries. The action/assertion planet typically spends five to six weeks touring a sign. Due to an upcoming retrograde tour (mid September to mid November), Mars spends six months firing it up in Aries (to January 6). Mars will hit drive with even more dynamic force in the month ahead. Note these dates: August 4 (Mars/Jupiter square), August 13 (Mars/Pluto square), August 16/17 (Mars conjunct Eris), and August 24 (Mars/Saturn square).
Mars is already pushing forth on its karmic agenda. This agenda is slated for intensified development through the fall. If you have not met up with it yet, get ready and stay on the lookout!
In Evolutionary Astrology terms, When Mars tours Aries, a new initiative fires up. Whether fueled by passion, enthusiasm, need, or fight, that new impulse is originated by the soul’s desire for fresh experience. The soul (Pluto) – your soul – our collective soul – is ready to try on something new for size.
August 4, just one day after the full moon in Aquarius, Mars hits a high energy spike with Jupiter, (currently traveling retrograde in Capricorn). Mars breaks free from whatever Jupiter has held in check. Where there is a mission to accomplish, truth to be found, or opportunity to grab, there’s no holding back. (This statement is true for Covid-19’s agenda – we could see the numbers increase.) Mars is driven to find what it is looking for, to put truth into action, to force accountability, to get something new fired up and off the ground. A new trend, cause, initiative, or marketing campaign can take off like wildfire. New, an announcement, verdict, etc. could trigger significant action or backlash too. Reasonable bounds or boundaries are not in the natural repertoire for Mars/Jupiter. Rather it is a “out the gate, cut to the chase, hit the ground running” trajectory. Opportunity is in the making. A major trigger transit, Mars/Jupiter infuses an abundance of energy, impulsiveness, willfulness, and/or enthusiasm into the moment. While a fighting spirit can look good on you if it comes from a worthy source, know that anger, aggression, or fight makes right is in the mix too. Please don’t speed or drive if you are feeling hot-wired or angry.
Venus in Gemini (to August 6):
Venus has been on an extended visit to Gemini due to a recent retrograde cycle. As of August 7, Venus begins a four-week stint in Cancer. Just before moving on, Venus passes over the north node (one half of the karmic axis). This transit sets an optimum backdrop for talks and for enhancing lines of communication. August 4 to 7, Venus favors negotiations, buying, selling, trading, networking, and getting the message out. Sign up for it!
Venus in Cancer (August 7 to September 5):
Venus in Cancer (to September 5) puts added attention to home, real estate, family, safety, security and comfort zones. Do we send our children back to school? At times, there are no easy answers or choices. Note that Venus/Neptune and Venus/Pluto close out the month (August 30, 31); anticipate more uncertainty on the road ahead. Venus is also in tension aspect with Eris and Juno on August 31. Where possible keep plans open and delay locking yourself into a decision until the moment uncovers it for you. If you can’t do that, at least try to build in some flexibility to provide for the potential of last-minute changes.
Second half of the month:
August 10, Mercury hits a breakthrough trigger with Uranus. August 13, Mars turns a significant corner with Pluto. August 15, Uranus in Taurus stations retrograde. While all three are good for taking a break from the usual (i.e. vacation), these transits are working in stages to shift the attention, perspective, or momentum. The aim is to break you out of a rut or a routine. No doubt something else, next or new has been vying for more of your attention. Perhaps it is simply back to it season, perhaps it is something more significant than that. These transits will ensure that next or new priority hits the top of the attention getting list.
August 19, Mercury enters Virgo. August 22, the sun enters Virgo. Both give you a head-start on back to it season. August 24, Mars/Saturn take the brakes off. It is time to push past the resistance, restriction, or “should”. August 25, Mercury trines Uranus, Venus opposes Jupiter. August 29, Mercury trines Jupiter. We’ll see more shopping, more travel, more of everything on the go. Despite the high volume, the last week of the month should be mostly smooth sail. Make the most of it. August 29 – 30, ease up, go with the flow.
August 3: Full Moon in Aquarius 8:58 am (11:45 Aquarius)
August 18: New Moon in Leo, 7:41 pm (26:35 Leo)
August 4: Mercury enters Leo: 8:31 pm
August 7: Venus into Cancer
August 15: Uranus in Taurus stations retrograde: 7:26 am (10:41 Taurus)
August 19: Mercury enters Virgo: 6:29 pm
August 22: Sun enters Virgo: 8:44 am
August 29: Sedna in Taurus stations retrograde: 8:45 am (28:38 Taurus)
*Please note, all times listed are PDT, please check your local time
Dates to watch: Aug 1 – 5, 9,10, 13, 15- 17, 19, 22, 24 -31