Astrological Forecast for August 2009

The charged astrological atmosphere which we experienced in July continues into August, making this an active and somewhat tense summer. We have yet another eclipse, the third in six weeks, and some powerful aspects to deal with during the month.

We begin with an opposition of Venus to Pluto on the 1st. Power struggles between partners of all kinds can happen, but be especially aware of the tendency to contract and protect what you feel to be yours. Things are a bit smoother on the 3rd, when Mercury and Pluto form an easy aspect, making communication clearer and more direct, so there is a possibility that we can repair damage done on the 1st.

On August 5th, at 8:39 p.m. EDT, we have a Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be partially visible at moonrise on the East Coast, although this eclipse isn’t a visual sparkler. What it lacks in appearance might be made up for in power, especially for those born around the middle of Leo and Aquarius (and to a lesser extent Scorpio and Taurus), or with significant placements in those degrees. Lunar eclipses occur on Full Moons, and like all Full Moons, they tend to bring activities to a head and feelings to light. The effects of this eclipse will fade, at least in terms of the general tension we are all feeling, in a week or so, bringing to an end about six weeks of edginess.

The next aspect that we are likely to feel strongly is a square between Mars and Saturn, on the 10th. This puts the "Go!" principle in conflict with the cosmic "Stop!" sign. This can leave us feeling like we are on a leash, with what we want just out of reach. Irritability is not unusual in the Dog Days of August, anyway, but it may be running extra high with this cosmic drama taking place.

The "Dog Days" of summer, by the way, is the period when the sun is more or less at the same spot in the sky as Sirius, which is known as the "Dog Star," in the constellation Canis Major. You can’t see Sirius in the summer because it is close to the sun, but in the winter it makes up part of the "Winter Triangle" of bright stars.

A week later, we get treated to a mixed bag of prickly cosmic aspects. On the 17th, the Sun opposes Neptune, creating a foggy, unclear atmosphere. We might get swept up in something which seems to be more than it really is, but this is a great time to "dream big" or devote time to meditation. If you do choose to spend some time chilling on the zafu, you can be assured that your calm will be tested on the 18th, when Mars and Uranus form a square. These two planets share a tendency for impatience and action, and problems can come about if we act too impulsively. Still, this energy can be used constructively, as we can get a push to action in areas where we have been too passive.

As we move towards the 20th, things are winding down at the New Moon. Surrounded as it is by tough aspects, I doubt that this New Moon will be quiet and an opportunity for reflection. On the 21st, Mercury opposes Uranus, giving us an opportunity to shoot off our mouths. A day later, Venus is in harmony with Uranus, asking us to try something different in our relationships. Use the time to experiment, or try something new.

The 25th through the 27th is a very active time, as Mercury, Mars and Pluto rub each other the wrong way at the always-energized First Quarter Moon. We are most likely to use words to express any anger we may feel at this time, although the Mars-Pluto opposition at 0 degrees of Cancer-Capricorn is on the "world axis" and indicates the possibility that events will take place on the collective level.

Venus, planet of love and relationship, enters Leo on the 26th. This is a nice placement for the Goddess, as she’s outgoing and fiery in the sun’s house. Although the summer is winding down, we get more of an opportunity for fun than we’ve had while she was in serious Cancer, where’s she’s been all month.

I like to think of summer as a time to sit back and relax. This August, it looks like we might not get too much opportunity to just lay around chilling. Do try to find some time to tune out the world and recharge your batteries. Remember that a lot of what we are each going through as individuals is a reflection of a larger cosmic process. I know it can be hard to believe when everyone around you is freaking out, but really, it isn’t all about you. I’m not much better than anyone else at being the calm in the midst of the storm, but I do think that this is where we need to put our energy. In the end, the ability to maintain balance might be the skill we really need to develop. We should be getting plenty of opportunities to practice it this August.