Magical Astrology: Star Transits For August 2011

The Astrological Sky in August is strong, beautiful, and determined! August starts off with Mercury entering its retrograde cycle from August 2nd till the 26th. We start off in hard-working Virgo and then move backwards into playful Leo. So August is going to be a good time to take a step back from the chaos of the outside world and make time to play, do a clear out, make preparations for the coming autumn. We also have a good energy for home improvements, family tasks, and paying attention to our emotional needs as Mars moves through Cancer starting August 3rd and up till September 18th.

SUN

The Sun has been in Leo since July 23rd and will remain there until August 23rd when it starts to shift into a new sign.

The Sun's entry into Leo encourages us to make more time for play but we first need to clear up some of our responsibilities to make that time. When the Sun is in Leo, we are at our most dramatically persuasive. The influence of this Fire Sign is electric -- it can invigorate the most indifferent among us with its jolt of self-confidence and vibrant energy. We all benefit from the theatrical aspect of Leo: By playing the role of bold, confident individual, we begin to feel like the bold, confident individual, absorbing into our new character like a great method actor. Since Leo makes us willing to take a chance without a second thought, spontaneity takes the place of apprehension. Leo has come to be known for its ego, vanity and self-obsession, but it's not as simple or as narcissistic as it seems. What we really seek under the influence of this sign is heart-felt appreciation and affection. This influence is playful, warm-hearted and loyal.

A good time for:

* Planning and hosting a party
* Going out on the town for dancing and socializing
* Performing in or enjoying the theatre

The Sun then moves into Virgo on August 23rd.

Our focus shifts to the pieces of the puzzle--the little details of our lives. It is now time to take care of practical concerns. Tending to the details of everyday life may not sound like loads of fun, but it can certainly free us from unnecessary stress that results from "collecting" odds and ends of unfinished business. This is an ideal time to get organized, to do detail work, and to improve communications on the job.

The energy of this signs transit brings about some playful and friendly activities. When the Sun is in Virgo, details take on an enormous importance. An intellectually stimulating time, the Virgo Sun hones our logic and sharpens our sense of stability and value. Only the best will do right now -- from clothing to food to interpersonal communication -- anything that seems low in value will fall by the wayside. This Earth Sign also connects us to our physical selves through a sharp awareness of health and hygiene as well as a keen sensuality. Practical to almost a fault, Virgo energy will motivate us to enforce order onto whatever chaos the past months may have wreaked. Once comfortable with the nervous tension that this astrological influence can create, there is pleasure to be had at this time. It comes in the form of an acute appreciation of aesthetic beauty and the arts.

A good time for:

* Hunkering down with our most meticulous and detail-heavy tasks or responsibilities
* Taking a more active interest in your health -- quitting smoking, starting new fitness routines
* Enjoying detail-oriented games and crafts

MOON

On August 13th the Full Moon moves into Aquarius
The Full Moon is the best time for doing work on letting go of the old and releasing the negative. In Aquarius we get a sense of emotional coolness or detachment at a personal level, combined with an emphasis on idealism. This can often help us in dealing with issues that have emotional ties, as Aquarius let's us detach a bit and see things in a new perspective. It's ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns - and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. The new, the unusual, the avant garde - these are the things that instinctively appeal to you.

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

On August 28th The New Moon is in Leo
New Moons are perfect for new beginnings. And the New Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". The focus is now on creativity, self-expression and our sense of "self". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well. Pay attention to the messages coming in at this time. Think outside the box! Who or what are you channeling at this time? Is it the energies around you or truly yourself? This is a time for you to be true to yourself and make sure you are in toch with your own inner truth and not those around you.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.


PLANETS

August 1st - Venus trine Uranus (Venus in Leo, Uranus in Aries) -
When Venus interacts with Uranus in this way, we find that spontaneity and a desire for liberation bursts into areas like our relationships, finances, resources and pleasures. Rebellious Uranus can compel us to try something different that will shake up the routines we are used to. This can be really positive in that it brings us the opportunity to break free from the "same old, same old" and blow some fresh air into our lives. There is a downside however! Venus turning rebel can have us impulse buying and ignoring our budgets. Or we may be a bit reckless where relationships are concerned. Focus on breaking away from what holds you back from being your true self but without destroying the order and structure of your life.

August 1st - Sun square Jupiter (Sun in Leo, Jupiter in Taurus) -
When the Sun faces off with expansive Jupiter we start to feel inspired to expand well beyond our usual boundaries. But this may or may not turn out as you hoped. It most certainly can be a time of challenge if you decide that now is the time to move beyond your current boundaries and make that ultimate push for something you truly believe will bring you the sense of completion you desire. But how successful you are at this time will depend on how prepared you are from what will come next. Right now we may find that our judgment and objectivity are a bit off, being distorted by our hopes and ideals. And it can easy to over estimate our envisioned results, or the under estimate the work necessary to keep the dream alive rather than have it fizzle out after that initial burst of enthusiasm. It's especially important now to not be too over confident and make promises, to ourselves and to others, that we cannot realistically keep.

August 2nd - Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo (until August 26th) - When Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo we find that our past inefficiencies plague us. Mercury will be in retrograde for the next 3 or so weeks. Remember that for up to a week before and after today, Mercury is moving very slowly or stopped during the station. During this time, you may experience intensity, frustration, confusion, miscommunications, or feel like you're getting bogging down in your progress. Mercury retrograde is usually a time when it is best to rethink, reevaluate, reflect, and tie up old loose ends, rather than begin new ventures.

It is also typical for new insights and information to emerge later in the retrograde cycle that you didn't anticipate, which can change the whole picture. So it's really important to be flexible in your planning and avoid making any finalizations on plans that are permanent since things could change. (ie., signing contracts or putting new projects into action). If you really want to play it safe it may be best to put off some of these things until up to 2 weeks after Mercury goes direct. This is a really good time though to do research and do some fact finding and investigation to prepare for any major decisions.

While you are waiting for things to calm down and plans to go forward, expect the unexpected, leave room for changes, and leave lots of extra time when planning your schedule (to minimize any disruptions from delays and complications Mercury is known to bring).

August 3rd - Mars enters Cancer - Fiery Mars now moves into the more sensitive and emotional waters of Cancer. And this is not a easy position for Mars as it's sharper edges become softer and a bit more diluted. This is a good time, however, for us to assert ourselves in a more proactive way where protection of ourselves and our loved ones isne, as Cancer does focus on hearth, home, and personal emotions. Just think of a mama bear protecting her cubs and yo will get an idea of how this energy can work. But defending loved ones is not all this can affect. We become protective of our creative projects, our inner child, or anything we put time and emotion into. This can also be a time when some deep emotional issues can come to the surface and often time erupt. Anger that has been buried, feelings of repressed frustrations or our unconscious fears all hold the potential to explode like a hand grenade now. Our emotions can be a bit unstable and moody under this transit but it also provides us with an opportunity to express these feelings and vent frustrations. Pay attention to how you respond to any buried feelings that come up now. Try to avoid pushing these things back down. Instead respond to these emotions in a caring and nurturing way for both yourself and those around you

August 3rd - Mars trine Neptune (Mars in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces) -
When aggressive Mars interacts with Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, we get an almost mystical quality. Now is a time when we may feel inspired to act upon faith, confront issues with a bit more compassion, and react more gently. We do, however, need to take care of our more impulsive side because it is easy now to get motivated by something that doesn't turn out as we had hoped. It's all to easy to act with a sense of righteousness and justification, so try to temper this with a bit of preplanning and research. This is also a time when our creative energy is at a high and can allow us to find creative solutions to problems.

August 4th - Neptune enters Aquarius - Neptune has been in Aquarius from 1998-2011/2012 and won't be there again until 2161-2176. Previously Neptune was in Aquarius from 1834 to 1847. So how is this affecting us on a personal level? It pushes us to seek out our higher purpose in life. We look to new possibilities regarding our involvement with groups and our community. We focus on the collective consciousness and finding our similarities and connection to others through a common cause or ideal. As a result you may find that your circle of friends changes considerably throughout this time, as you discover others who share similar beliefs and aspirations and as yours are altered and changed as a result of interaction with new ideas and perspectives.

August 5th - Venus squares Jupiter (Venus in Leo, Jupiter in Taurus) - With Venus moving into expansive Jupiter we are more likely to over-indulge, especially in the areas of relationships, spending, desires, pleasure and social interaction. It's a time when our desires for fulfillment and satisfaction can exceed our resources. Problem is we can get so caught up in our enjoyment that we don't even realise the damage is done until the bill comes. This is also a time when we actively seek more knowledge, freedom, understanding from others, and faith than what we find available to ourselves. It can be all too tempting to compensate for what we feel we are lacking by inflating what we really do have. An example would be someone feeling a lack of confidence who resorts to manipulation, flattery, and being overly optimistic. This is also another time for our creativity to run high and allows us to pull some "miracles" off when least expected. Just be careful not to over extend yourself during this time.

August 8th - Mercury Retrograde enters Leo - When Mercury retrograde enters Leo it brings about a good time for looking within and examining our motives, self-image, and our creativity. We may find that our dreams become more vivid and our creativity is increased due to our unconscious mind being closer to the surface. Don't be surprised if your dreams inspire you now and bring new ideas for creative projects, or insights in dealing with obstacles in a creative way. There is also a chance that just the opposite could happen here and we find our creative spark suddenly disappears. This is just a sing that your ideas need to germinate a wee bit longer or that you just need to take a break! Inner chatter can seem louder and it is important to listen to what our inner voice is saying to us. It can be a real eye opener in showing us how we use self defeating thinking and imagery that brings down our self esteem.

August 9th - Mars trine Chiron (Mars in Cancer, Chiron in Pisces) - During this transit you may find yourself being more assertive in your own healing processes. It will be a bit easier now to move past any inhibition that stop you from being assertive, expressing anger or frustration, or in putting things into action. Reconciling inner fears, guilt, or regrets that held you back can now be released more easily. Or we may find we have finally reached that point of acceptance that now will allow us to move beyond a conflict or struggle that has been keeping us stuck. Applying your willpower to problems has a better chance of succeeding now because you're likely to be more attuned to the path that leads to peace rather than more conflict. It's possible you might choose to use this energy in the defence of another person, a cause or something else you feel passionately about. It's possible to focus your energy, intent, motives and actions in ways that are healing, healthy, balanced and constructive.

August 9th - Mars square Uranus (Mars in Cancer, Uranus in Aries) - Impatient Mars in conflcit with unpredictable and explosive Uranus, oh my! Some really erratic action and unpredictable impulses can surface under this transits energy. We have more active energy to tap into now but be careful because it can be very hard to control it's direction, intensity, and predictability. Unconscious and suppressed emotions like nager, frustration, and fear are all bubbling away under the surface and can pop up when we least expect it. It's also a time when we are more accident prone. This energy can help us to release inhibitions, and find courage to propel forward or break free from old habits and cycles. The problem here is that there is no real guarantee that our actions wont turn out to be destructive and counter productive. We may feel tempted to take bigger risks now which can break us out of a rut if used wisely. It's important to use your best judgment when faced with this kind of potent yet volatile energy.

Also bear in mind that August 9th thru 11th is the peak period for the Mars-Pluto-Uranus T-square. Don't be surprised if this is a very intense time. It's a good time to be gentle with yourself and others, and avoid overreacting. At best, this energy can spur a new resolve to accomplish a difficult goal or to find a more effective way to empower yourself from within.

August 11th - Mars opposite Pluto (Mars in Cancer, Pluto in Capricorn) - The intense energy continues as Mars challenges "burn your bridges behind you" Pluto. Avoid obsessive-compulsive people, or at least give them extra space so they don't go off on you. Mars and Pluto doing battle in the skies can create a very intense showdown! This is a time when tempers can flare, power struggles can emerge, and aggressive action could seem like the only way to handle a conflict. If you feel yourself becoming entangled in a mounting tension with someone, you might do well to back off a bit to let the adrenaline subside on both sides.

The upside here is that this is a time when we are challenged to assert ourselves and strengthen our spirit, which can often be brought on by confrontation. This is the kind of atmosphere where our interactions with others can bring out deeply hidden and intense feelings inside us, which long to be expressed but are usually suppressed instead. This is an opportunity to observe what gets triggered inside of us and what kind of interaction triggers those feelings. It can be valuable to use the experience as a way to vent old frustration, work through unresolved anger, and ultimately heal our deeper wounds by letting go of whatever holds us back. Sexual energy can run very high under this transit, so handle it wisely.

August 16th - Mercury conjunct Venus (Both in Leo) -
Communicative Mercury is still in retrograde as it conjuncts Sultry Venus but Venus can help to soften things a bit. Normally we would find ourselves more socially composed than usual and this is a good thing for a time when miscommunication can really go awry. Stick to lighthearted conversations, be sociable, use humor, and be cooperative. It will help any mishaps you encounter not seem to bad. It's a strong time for socializing and communicating with ease, telling others how you feel, and negotiating but keep that retro cycle in mind and don't be too over confident in making promises. Mentally, we don't seem to be as disciplined as usual and we prefer to chat with others and to think about more "pleasant" things other than work. While this would normally be a favorable transit for commerce and business transactions, we still need to be careful of things going awry. So try to leave any major situations alone for now until we get past this retrograde cycle.

August 18th - Mars sextile Jupiter (Mars in Cancer, Jupiter in Taurus) - We find that our spirits are high during this transit. It's a time for enjoying some healthy competition and we find that we feel stronger and are more straightforward than ever. This can also make us crave a bit of adventure which can help us to try something new that we have wanted, but perhaps out off. Work and career matters work out well now, particularly where cooperation and teamwork are required. Successful collaboration on a project, coordination with other agencies or companies, and successfully reaching agreements on plans and goals are likely to occur now. Partnerships or agreements entered into now will work out well for both parties.

August 21st - Venus opposition Neptune (Venus in Leo, Neptune in Aquarius) - When gentle Venus is in opposition to Neptune we find that happiness is addictive and we have a tendency to see what we want to see and gloss over the more realistic points, details, and flaws in a situation. This can provide us with feelings of instant gratification but it would be wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil of Neptune lifts. Try to avoid legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy transit's influence. Problems in love and involving money matters have a tendency to crop up now as well because of our lack of the ability to discriminate at this time.

August 21st - Venus enters Virgo - Venus moves into Virgo until September 14th. This is a cycle that calls you to purify and get more efficient. It may not be the most fun cycle of Venus, but it does help us to get a bit more practical and clear the way so we are able to enjoy Venus's more social and romantic cycle after September 14th. Basically we are looking at a work now, play later scenario. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

August 24th - Venus trine Pluto (Venus in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn) - Deeper aspects of love become apparent, without the usual stresses and strains under this transit. If you have been wanting to deepen or renew a previous commitment in a relationship, now is a good time to do so. This can be an excellent time for finances and for relationships. Your feelings are intense and impassioned, but not in an offensive or destructive way. You may experience karmic attractions now, or, at the very least, strong feelings and attachments. This is a sensual transit--a time when a little charm goes a long way. Something touches you now, and you could discover something intimate and relevant about a partner or about your own love nature.

August 26th - Mercury goes Direct in Leo - Ahhh freedom! We can now start to unwind a bit as Mercury starts to move direct once more. Bear in mind that it can still be a bit slow going for the first week or two as Mercury moves forward. When Mercury is in Leo, our thinking is more confident and grand. The focus is now on the goal--and the more grand a goal the better! The details may not be quite as important now. We are more expressive, even theatrical and given to speech-giving and story-telling under this influence. We are also more convincing and persuasive, as we exude confidence when we speak or write. This will help in getting any projects that were on hold, or stuck, back in motion again. But be careful because under this transits influence We may not listen as well as we normally do and could miss the finer details that will become important later.

August 30th - Jupiter goes Retrograde in Taurus until December 25, 2011 - A retrograde Jupiter brings with it the deep desire to gain insight through an inwardly directed search for truth and spiritual principles. This means that your answers to philosophical, moral and spiritual questions are more likely to be based on intuitive realisations than on the tenets and dogma of organized religion. But this also means that you can be at odds with the commonly held ideas of this culture, where material aquisition matters more than and the riches and abundance that may be found within. With Jupiter retrograde now in Taurus we find pathways of luck open up when a rhythm is found that allows for consistent, steady effort. We can find inspiration in the slow, enduring cycles of the natural world.


Celtic Tree Month

August 5th begins the Celtic Tree Month of Coll (Hazel) - According to the legend of the Salmon of knowledge the salmon ate hazelnuts, which were full of concentrated knowledge. Hazel is the tree of hidden knowledge and learning, of authority and justice. It brings the ability to discover truth and to see oneself honestly. The twigs are used as dowsing rods by water diviners. It is said that if you sleep under a hazel bush you will have vivid dreams and Hazel is associated with fairies and entrances to magical realms.

Hazel tree individuals are perceptive, clever people endowed with good reasoning powers. They have the soul of a pioneer, but they waste too much energy on competitive thoughts and in fighting abuses instead of letting their own gifts and skills ripen. They are also great planners and organizers, down to the smallest detail. The urge to acquire knowledge promotes scholars and experts in their fields. Hazel
people can be too impatient and hurry things when they should sit back and let things take their own course. They are sometimes too intent on running around trying everything "new" that they forget the older values that would help them. When Hazel people listen to their own natural rhythms, they find they are happier and more prepared spiritually and physically.

AstroDays to watch for your sign August 2011

Aries
Rewarding Days: 17, 18
Challenging Days: 3, 4, 31

Taurus
Rewarding Days: 19, 20, 21
Challenging Days: 5, 6

Gemini
Rewarding Days: 22, 23
Challenging Days: 7, 8, 9

Cancer
Rewarding Days: 24, 25, 26
Challenging Days: 10, 11

Leo
Rewarding Days: 27, 28
Challenging Days: 12, 13

Virgo
Rewarding Days: 1, 2, 29, 30
Challenging Days: 14, 15, 16

Libra
Rewarding Days: 3, 4, 31
Challenging Days: 17, 18

Scorpio
Rewarding Days: 5, 6
Challenging Days: 19, 20, 21

Sagittarius
Rewarding Days: 7, 8, 9
Challenging Days: 22, 23

Capricorn
Rewarding Days: 10, 11
Challenging Days: 24, 25, 26

Aquarius
Rewarding Days: 12, 13
Challenging Days: 27, 28

Pisces
Rewarding Days: 14, 15, 16
Challenging Days: 1, 2, 29, 3

Void Of Course Moon Schedule for August 2011

It is said that when the Moon is void of a course it can cause delays, false starts and unexpected hassles. When the Moon is void of course it means that it is in the process of moving between two signs and is not quite sure how it feels yet. And since the Moon rules our emotions, we don't know how we feel either! The effects can last from a few seconds to a day or two. Energy can feel off balance and this is not a good time for making major decisions, signing contracts, or doing anything based on emotional decisions because our perceptions are a bit out of whack. The Void Moon begins at 27 degrees in one sign and ends at 3 degrees in the next sign.