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Planetary Cycles
for August 2010
The sun in Leo brings inspiration
for creative self-expression
The sun entered the fiery, expressive, and fun-loving sign of Leo on July 22, opening a month-long cycle of self-exploration and creative self-expression. While the sun is in Leo, the emphasis for everyone is on being in touch with our heart’s desire and finding ways to fulfill our highest dreams. If you were born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Leo, you seek continual reflection from others in order to help you to define yourself. At the essence of a Leo lifetime is the heartfelt desire to know the self through various means of self-expression. Your life path involves an on going and ever-evolving search for authentic identity, which ideally culminates in learning to fully love, embrace and accept yourself as you are.
New moon initiates intense cycle of
challenge and opportunity
We have a new moon in Leo on August 9, signaling the beginning of a month-long cycle of activity and experiences. Coming as it does at the apex of some of the most remarkable and challenging planetary aspects in more than a decade, this new moon is especially significant in its power to compel a new beginning. New beginnings bring change and we could say that “change” is the watchword for the remainder of the summer season and into the fall. With six of the ten planets in our solar system involved in what astrologers call a “Cardinal T-Square,” we are compelled to take action upon the new ideas, visions, breakthroughs and desires that have emerged in our awareness recently.
Bold steps are needed now
to make sweeping changes
As the old paradigms fall away, and old structures no longer serve the good of humanity, we are left scrambling for solutions, but collectively, we may have not been asking the right questions: Instead of “How can we restore the economy to its pre-collapse frenetic pace of growth?” perhaps we may ask: “What have we learned from this and how can we apply that learning to our daily lives?” In the emerging new paradigm, we collectively realize that we are not victims, but co-creators of our experience on planet earth. The question before each of us now is “How can we create a more sustainable future for all?” The intense planetary energies in early to mid-August point to taking bold steps, making sweeping changes, and acting with courage and conviction to bring balance to our individual lives, and to our world. Whatever you know in your heart must change, or that you must do differently, begin it now.
Change is the order of the day
and the calling of our times
The planet associated with our most important life-lessons, or “karma,” Saturn is now in the sign of Libra for the next two years. It is time to balance the scales, to seek fairness and harmony, and to take responsibility for the creative power of not only our actions, but also our thoughts. This month, the expansive planet, Jupiter, along with the planet of awakening and change, Uranus, are together in feisty Aries facing off with Saturn, offering a strong pull into new territory, heading out in new directions and bringing innovative, outside-the box solutions. Change is the order of the day, and the calling of our times. Adding to the intensity is transformative Pluto in Capricorn with its intent to crumble all existing structures and traditions that no longer serve us, compelling us to raise from the ashes a new order.
Retrograde Mercury suggests we
slow down, review and refine
On August 20, Mercury, the planet of communications, turns retrograde (apparent backward motion) in Virgo, and it will remain retrograde until September 12. During this time, we may experience delays with existing projects, or interruptions with unexpected pressing concerns, and much of our attention will be required to complete old projects. Make sure that all of your communications and transportation systems (computers, autos, phones, etc.) are in top working order before the retrograde starts. Pay attention to completing existing business and projects, make plans for improving your health, and refine or systemize your working environment.
Late August energies beckon us
to fulfill our intentions
Following the Mercury turn, on August 22, the sun leaves Leo and enters the mutable, earth sign of Virgo. While the sun transits Virgo, we enter the process of refinement, which serves to ground our new learning, new intentions, and new creations into reality, taking the vision of Leo into practical application. Following that, on August 24, we have a full moon in Pisces, opposite the sun in Virgo. This full moon brings our awareness to fulfilling the intention that was birthed earlier this month at the new moon. Whatever intentions you set at that time now have the greatest opportunity to find expression in some tangible form. In the last week of August, Venus and Mars break away from the intense pressure of the challenging planetary energies earlier this month, and move into harmonious interactions that lead to spiritual and artistic inspiration as well as romantic adventures.
Some days each month are especially conducive to beginning or advancing our goals. This month, there are no dates that are really good for initiating brand new projects like starting a new business, or launching a new enterprise. Existing projects or businesses activities have the best opportunity for success when advanced on the following dates: August 23, 25-27, 29-31. Other good dates for advancing your goals: August 1, 11, 15-16, 24, 28. The remainder of the days in August are best spent visioning, refining and improving, completing more routine tasks, or redefining what is already in motion.
ARIES: If your plans for change and further expansion are rooted in caring for your loved ones and community, you will have support from universal sources. Intense planetary energies at the August 9 new moon catalyze the actions necessary for new creation, but also put strain on your most intimate relationships. Keep your vision clear and lines of communication open, and after August 20, review and revise your work where needed.
TAURUS: Your philosophical outlook undergoes transformation as the new moon on August 9 finds you questioning the very foundation of your life as you have previously created it. You are motivated to make positive changes in your life-style, daily work routines, and diet and health practices. Through creative projects and communication, you find a new way to orient your life experience; slow down for review after the 20th.
GEMINI: Communication, new learning, and social activities are highlighted following the August 9 new moon. While measurable progress has been made toward achieving your long-term goals, you will need to really focus and apply all your energy toward sustaining and increasing that success this month. Stay disciplined, and, depending on your performance, you may receive support from family or investors. After August 20, complete home or family-related projects that have been on the back-burner.
CANCER: The big change that has been rumbling on your career horizon has at last revealed itself in full Technicolor. The August 9 new moon in Leo sets the stage for the life-style changes that will be necessary to bring your new work into manifestation. You will be building upon a new foundation for your self, and your home and family life. Significant long-term relationships will be undergoing transformation for several years. A retrograde Mercury beginning August 20 suggests you complete any outstanding communications and tie up loose ends.
LEO: The new moon in your sign on August 9 invites you to align your creative vision with your philosophical beliefs. Being clear about your values and priorities helps to focus your intent; make changes in your daily routines now that will support future growth. Communication is an important theme for you this month and you will receive reflections from the universe about how well your intent is being received by others. Make any necessary adjustments after the 20th.
VIRGO: The August 9 new moon brings your current financial realities into sharp focus. If you have been contemplating making major changes, this is the time to get in motion. While you endeavor to keep a balanced perspective on your primary values, you also have the urge to rush out and make big changes, yet the lessons of recent history implore you to build on a solid foundation. Be inspired, but take your time this summer and fall to get it right.
LIBRA: Saturn has entered your sign, and will remain in the sign of balance for the next two years. Following the new moon of August 9, you will be challenged to make rather sweeping changes in your home, family life and primary relationships. Someone said, “The only thing that is constant in life is change.” Go with it; it will be healthy and productive for you to rebuild upon a much stronger foundation. Slow down for review and refining after August 20.
SCORPIO: New career and business goals occupy much of your time and energy, especially following the August 9 new moon in Leo. This is the month of big changes, and yours come in the form of daily routines, health and work habits, and relationships. You become more aware of the power of your thoughts and speech to catalyze events, which implies the added responsibility of being crystal clear in your intent.
SAGITTARIUS: As someone who can usually flow with life-changes, you may be of help to others who are bewildered by the pressure this month to make substantial changes. Please do lead the way, for change is the theme this month! You are transforming your values based on new information and on your reaching new levels of consciousness, and that transformation leads to new goals, which lead to new group participation. It is time to put those creative ideas out there for all to enjoy.
CAPRICORN: With Pluto firmly in your sign, you experience a push for big transformation in how you see and express yourself in the world. That should help with this month’s energies as they stretch the limits of change; ideally you are prepared for sweeping, wholesale changes in your life-perspective, your work or business, as well as in your home life. Use the power of your soul’s longing and intention to set in place now the life you have envisioned.
AQUARIUS: The August 9 new moon highlights your most intimate relationships or business partnerships. A new cycle in how you share your life or work with others begins this month. With one of the most dynamic planetary configurations culminating now, clear communication is essential. If you will learn to accept and welcome change, your worldview or spiritual perspective will undergo dynamic transformation!
PISCES: Clear communication is an important key to navigating remarkable changes this month, especially following the August 9 new moon. Life-style changes or adjustments may also be in order. Your long-term goals and long-held values are transforming as new relationship and partner dynamics come into play. After August 20, review and if necessary, renegotiate agreements with partners.