August continues the planetary summer vacation, as there are no major hard aspects of the outer planets to each other. On the other hand, the skies are a little more active than in July, with both a station and an eclipse on the menu.
The first major event of the month is Jupiter’s station to move direct, on the 6th. The planet of growth and expansion, faith and optimism, has been retrograde since April 5th, in his home sign of Sagittarius. His forward turn should put more focus on progressive social causes, which we ought to be able to see in the presidential race. On the day of the station itself, and the days before and after, expect a mood of buoyant optimism, although dogmatic proclam-ations are another possibility.
"Fighting words" will remain a theme for a while, since the next day, the 7th, Cosmic Warrior Mars moves into chatty Gemini, where he’ll stay until September 28th. Mars in Gemini is a political debate, or a really heated game of Scrabble. At best, we’ll be inclined to talk out our differences during Mars’ stay in the sign of the twins, but at worst we’ll use words to incite less cerebral fighting.
That same day, Venus forms a square to Mars, as she retrogrades out of Virgo and into Leo. Neither of these two planets is functioning at the top of their game right now and it’s not the strongest aspect ever to form in the skies, but the tension is between what we value and how we act. The potential is for some harsh words to our loved ones, especially if we feel our boundaries are threatened.
The New Moon is on the 12th, a time for quiet, meditation, and reflection. All the more so this month, because the next day the Sun opposes Neptune. This is truly a time to get into contact with the more subtle realms, to travel into "the land of imagination." Trying to push forward in the practical world might lead you into the Twilight Zone, where things are not what they seem.
In the realm of relationships, the 13th is not exactly an easy day, as retrograde Venus meets up with Saturn. Although this aspect is usually all about getting to the bottom line in relationships, or getting the bill for our overindulgences, the sun and Neptune will make it difficult to hear clearly as Saturn calls for us to pay the tab. We might be thinking a little on the serious side, but wait to act, if you can.
The Sun’s meeting with Saturn on the 21st, just a day after the First Quarter Moon, is a time when we’ll probably have to settle up our accounts, especially in the areas of fun, romance, and pleasures in general. The Sun is saying goodbye to his house guest, who’s been haunting Leo since the summer of 2005, but who will move into Virgo on September 2nd. Saturn in Leo makes us question what we do for fun, and lets us know there’s a price to pay for our good times. Look to the end of the month for stories in the news which focus on these themes.
From the 23rd to the 25th, there are a series of aspects among Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter. These are among the most "exciting" days of the month, with words flying fast and our actions following furiously. The "outlet" for all this energy is, paradoxically, spirituality, the missing corner of the square. Take whatever is going on and step back a few paces to see where it fits within a larger perspective.
Venus meets up with Neptune on the 25th, an aspect which is liable to fog us out a bit when it comes to relationships. While we might see more than there is in a potential partner, this planetary meeting should lend a nice grace to a day with a "significant other," and is at least a good day to rent a romance movie or listen to some sentimental music.
August 28th has a Full Moon Eclipse, at 6:37 a.m. Eastern time, which will be just barely visible in the southern and central United States, but which can be seen on the West Coast. In the Eastern U.S., you can sleep late without fear of missing anything spectacular. The eclipse is in the sign of Pisces, again emphasizing a spiritual perspective. A little later in the day, there is a caffeinated aspect of Mercury to Uranus, making it a good time to communicate the new and the different. The combination of this aspect with the charged energy of the eclipse suggests a breakthrough potential, so wisely use the energy to move beyond habitual ways of thinking and acting.
As summer draws to a close (the vacation time, not the season), we’re starting to feel a little more of a push from the planets to get us moving again. It’s been a sleepy summer in the skies, and hopefully we’re all rested for the time ahead.
Armand M. Diaz, M.A., C.A., is certified as a Consulting Astrologer by the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR). His approach to astrology readings is to create a supportive context for self-exploration, to help clients make decisions which are in harmony with their greatest potential. Armand has studied divination and oracles for more than twenty years, working primarily with the I Ching in addition to astrology. He has published articles on the astrology of politics and social phenomena in Geocosmic Journal , The Astrological Journal, and The Mountain Astrologer. He can be reached at 917-216-1541 or armand@bluemoon astrology.info