August 2023

The karmic draw of this current Venus retrograde is even more potent as Venus has just switched lead points to end its 18-month experiential track to begin a next chapter. What does this flip from one end to the other end of the karmic axis (north to south) mean? Whether a confronting or a subtle process, for the past 18 months, Venus has been evolving your internal resources. Is there something of value to work with here? Can I survive this, do I want to? Is there more and better out there for me? Venus has prompted a deeper dive into an evaluation process regarding who and what is is worthwhile. For the next 18 months, it is time to apply (to test drive) what has been gained to date, to consider making new choices rather than to fall back on old and inadequate patterns of relating and manifesting.

As mentioned above, all retrograde cycles set up a replay of the past – of recent times or of a past life. The intention is to revisit is to resolve, heal, improve, and reap. The net result of a retrograde cycle can lead to an acceleration of circumstances, relationships (self to self included), and soul growth. The current Venus retrograde cycle happens in the sign of Leo. For some, it can set up a time of harvest and fruition, regarding the calling forth of destiny and of karmic recall. Venus retrograde in Leo is an important time to deal with what is at the heart and center of you, of it, of it all.

Venus is usually a fast mover, spending just under 4 weeks in a sign. Due to the retrograde cycle, Venus will tenant Leo through mid October. In so doing, Venus will light up a part of your chart for a longer than usual time. Creative opportunity abounds!

August 13: The Venus Star Point, Venus/Sun Inferior Conjunction, 4:15 am, PDT (20:28 Leo)
Do you know where 20:28 degrees of Leo sits in your natal chart? The area of your chart that houses Leo and this sensitive point gains significant creative fuel from the sun/Venus conjunction of August 13.

On August 13, Venus retrograde and the sun align by inferior conjunction. This is when Venus is on the near rather than far side of the sun as seen from earth. This is the midpoint of the Venus retrograde cycle and the start of a next 9-month Venus manifesting cycle. This date and the next few days could be auspicious or triggering, especially if your chart aligns with the sun/Venus conjunction. Whether you see the action now, or it rolls out over the next few months, karmic destiny is in play in some high gear way.

Are you in need of extra turbo to get it/get yourself up and running? August 9 to 15 marks a window of potency for setting wheels in motion. Uranus is in the mix too. Watch for things to move into high gear, for circumstances, opportunity, and the unexpected to unfold over that week or so. August 16, the revitalizing new moon in Leo is also good for a perk-me-up. Creative opportunity is at peak. Enjoy a vacation, get out have fun, aim for romance or play, indulge yourself or your loved one(s). The new moon sets a backdrop for pleasure and reward seeking, for personal recentering, and personal rejuvenation. The new moon also sets a good backdrop for moving yourself or for moving it onto something next or fresh.

There is one last thing to note. Venus retrograde also stages a window of opportunity for souls who are ready to exit this earth plane. (The remarkable Tony Bennett and Sinead O’Connor have transitioned under the Venus retrograde influence.)

Mercury retrograde in Virgo, August 23 to September 15:
One way or another, the start of Virgo month (sun enters Virgo on August 23) prompts a shift of momentum. There is a general feel that it is time to shift gears and to get back to work. Mercury retrograde accompanies the sun’s entrance into Virgo on August 23. Also overlapping with the Venus retrograde cycle (from August 23 to Sept 3). watch for Mercury retrograde to put even more focus on what needs tending. It is time to tackle the job, fix the problem, or to get a better handle on health, wealth and reno projects (personal upgrades included, i.e., attitude, faith, habits, routines). While Mercury retrograde continues, remain detailed oriented and put added safeguards in place, especially with your health and your wealth margins. Do not let the small stuff get the better of you. Simplify as best you can. It is better to eliminate it rather than to add something that might not do the trick well enough. Do not let fear be your measuring tool. Note also, there is no such thing as perfect, so know when it is wise to continue with the less than ideal but the good enough for now.

August 24 (one day after Mercury retrograde begins) Mars in Virgo is well aligned with Pluto. This transit can uncover what is necessary to be reworked or it can point you in the direction of a better solution. (Hopefully labour strikes are resolved before this date, but if they are not, Mars/Pluto sets a productive/workable backdrop for negotiation, problem solving, a strategic revamp, and (hopefully) for an improvement upswing. (August 13, 15, 16 can be the start of a positive shift and/or fresh opportunity.)

Mars exits Virgo for Libra on August 27:
Forming a trine with Jupiter, Mars in Virgo is in full swing at month’s start. Mars/Jupiter puts the work, the necessity, and the healing potential on the increase/into higher gear. There is more possibility up for grabs too. The sun in Leo and Venus retrograde in Leo offer up a wealth of creative choice to assist the opportunity at hand. It is up to you to see what is of value, what is worthwhile, and to navigate the way through. August 6, 8, 9 could bring fresh insight or stimulus. The second half of the month could thrust you onto a fresh or alternate page. As stated in the paragraph above, August 13, 15, 16 can set something new or next into motion.

August 27, Mars enters Libra, to stay through the middle of October. Mars in Libra puts added attention on the relationship end, on social and public involvements, on alliances, diplomacy, contracts, and legal matters. This stage setting/triggering transit is also suggestive of yet more infusion/intensification of karmic potency applied to current circumstances and involvements. In other words, despite the retrograde planets, the stars are on a build up or staging momentum that will continue through October (a turnstile month), and through the end of the year.

Two Super Full Moons in one month!
August 1, Super Full Moon in Aquarius:
August opens on a super full moon in Aquarius (August 1) and ends on a super full moon in Pisces (August 30). A somewhat rare occurrence, the second full moon of a month is called a “blue moon”. That label holds no astrological importance.

The August 1 super full moon can be catapulting. To the plus, it is a good time to shake things up and/or break out of a rut. Try something fresh or outside of the usual. The same old/same old just will not cut it. Check out the happenings around town. Perhaps there is a special event to attend. Socialize with a friend or group of friends – or go your own way and be your own source of entertainment and wealth. Let synchronicity, instincts, and intuition lead the way. Invent it as the moment dictates.

On the other hand, August 1 super full moon in Aquarius could produce something unexpected, perhaps jolting or jarring. An intensification of weather extremes, social activism, political volatility, and random acts of violence (urban terrorism included) are within the scope for an Aquarius full moon.

A “throw cold water on it” or reality check planetary pairing accompanies the super full moon. Mercury/Saturn in opposition can produce a loss or disappointment. This transit could unleash or expose something you did not see coming. Perhaps it is something you were worrying about, (i.e., expecting the other shoe to drop or anticipating/dreading the inevitable?). Mercury/Saturn can place added emphasis on matters to do with work/employment, health, and safety; Aquarius can be a divorce or severing of ties signature. On the positive, if it is time to face it, the super full moon in Aquarius can loan you more detachment and objectivity. Also note that among the range of possibilities, this super full moon could see the sudden departure/transition of someone of significance.

August 30, Super Full Moon in Pisces:
The super full moon in Pisces can bring awareness of how much time or opportunity has been lost. Saturn, the reality check planet, is in the mix (the full moon forms a balsamic conjunction). Typically, moon/Saturn brings something to an end (well timed, sobering, or inevitable). The experience can be that of a drain or dissipation of energy, momentum, interest, or will. Disappointment, disillusionment, loss of faith or hope can set in. As a cold-water influence, this moon/Saturn conjunction can burst the bubble of unrealistic expectations or of potentials that were more in keeping with wishful thinking. Moon/Saturn can dissolve walls, blocks, barriers, or stamina. It can expose weakness or vulnerability. Too, this full moon could prompt a sobering realization or a tough decision.

On the other hand, the super full moon/Saturn conjunction can mark the time has come or time is ripe or right moment. There may be an opportunity to correct, heal, repair, forgive, or to get back to work on something that you have let lapse, or that to date has not found the right watermark or open door. This full moon could diffuse tensions and smooth over the rough spots, making it easier to let go, give in, or to move onto a more workable or realistic track (the sun in Virgo end of the full moon.) A better solution could appear when you least expect it. To the plus, the full moon sets up a good backdrop for relaxation, a vacation, for enjoying quality/quiet time to yourself, for catching up on sleep, for meditation, a spa day, or for finding sanctuary in whatever way suits you best. Music and movies are on the list too. Having said that, please lock up your valuables, guard your passwords, practice water safety, keep track of your stuff, count your change, and so forth.

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