August kicks off with the new Moon solar eclipse on the 1st at 5:13 am CDT at nine degrees Leo. This is an extra powerful new Moon due to the fact that it is a solar eclipse. Wherever this eclipse occurs in one’s chart is the area that you will concentrate on over the next six months. Leo and opposite sign Aquarius are most affected and should be excited over the coming changes to their lives and outlook. Aries and Sagittarius have auspicious opportunities while Scorpio and Taurus are forced to make changes in their ways of living. Forced is the operative word because Scorpio and Taurus are quite resistant to most changes.

Just after the eclipse we begin to feel the Sun crossing over the South node of the Moon also in Leo. This will bring up old patterns and people that we do not necessary need in our lives. Many of us are shook-up over events that occur during the first half of the month. Take a deep breath, alter the course where necessary, and dust off those old ways of behavior. This is just one opportunity of many where the old you may hinder the new you. Do what it takes to soothe frayed nerves including quiet time and a healthy diet.

Speaking of new Moons we have a second new Moon on August 30. This is called a “Blue Moon” as in the term “once in a blue moon”. They happen once in approximately two and a half years. This second new Moon occurs at 2:58 pm CDT in Virgo. Use this new Moon to begin to dietary regimens and get organized. Projects that include pets, doing service for your fellow man, streamlining paperwork, or an exercise routine are favored in the days up to the following full Moon September 15.

August 16 at 4:16 pm CDT we have the full Moon lunar eclipse in Aquarius at twenty four degrees. Any full Moon eclipse brings about completions often in the form of a juncture in life. Since this full Moon is so close to compassionate Neptune many of us will be experiencing a shift in our belief systems. Situations that previously felt comforting will have to be changed along with our thought processes in the months to come.

Adding to the eclipse of the 16; Venus in Virgo will be trine Jupiter, retrograde, in Capricorn. This expansive emotional aspect along with explosive Mars square Pluto predicts the days around August 16 will be decisive times where absolute decisions are cemented in concrete. All are wise to be aware of personal surroundings at mid month and be ready to make life changes in the months ahead.

Don’t forget that Pluto is still retrograde in the late degrees of Sagittarius. All of us born during the last few days of any sign are enduring completions and shifts in consciousness in the days until November 27. Mercury and Venus square Pluto August 27 and 29 respectively. This brings an element of intensity to our relationships. Words can be harsh and some of us feel the need to control and manipulate. Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini, and Pisces are most stressed by these events and must avoid causing problems through dumb actions or unkind words.

August 4
Venus in Leo is one hundred twenty degrees from Pluto in Sagittarius. This positive aspect consumes us with feelings of love and lust. Relationships go well now especially if you like fever pitched drama. Commitments that are made now are sure to have a tight bond.

August 5
Venus enters Virgo until August 30. Virgo is sexier than usual while Capricorn and Taurus do not look too bad either. Since Virgo is so attentive to details think before responding when honeys asks if those pants make her/his butt look large. Think before sharing constructive criticism in the days until the 30th. Virgo’s fellow mutable signs Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces will notice that something is not quite right with their fashion sense.

August 6
Mars, energizing and agitating Virgo is opposite Uranus in Pisces. Watch your step and your behavior now in order to avoid bad karma six months from now. Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, and Gemini must watch for accidents. Since Mercury is opposite Neptune our thinking is not so clear and can add to rash behavior and decisions.

August 9
Mercury, about to leave Leo, is one hundred twenty degrees from Pluto in Sagittarius. Conversations are serious and thought provoking. Most decisions made now should stick.

August 10
Mercury enters Virgo until August 28. This is a busy time of planning for Virgo. Fellow mutable signs Pisces, Gemini, and Sagittarius must deal with unruly details. Our thinking and communication will be more detailed and critical over the next eighteen days. If you want to lose weight now is the time to start a food diary listing everything you eat daily.

Venus, in Virgo is conjunct Saturn. We must define clearly how we feel about a person or situation. Acting responsibly solidifies any relationship. Associations of all sorts that begin now can be rock solid; especially in business.

August 15
The Sun in Leo is opposite Neptune in Aquarius. Leo, Aquarius, and many of the rest of us need a break from the recent events that have kept us on the edge of our seats. Since Mercury is conjunct Saturn in Virgo; our frustration level is higher than usual. Tune into any situation and the people involved before taking action. Put off any sort of confrontation as nothing will get accomplished right now.

August 17
Mercury in Virgo is one hundred twenty degrees from Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn. This optimistic aspect has us looking at the big picture of life. Since Jupiter is retrograde, though, you will want to examine details that could stall any deal. Read the fine print.

August 19
Mars enters Libra enters Libra until October 3. Assertive Mars is not at his best in this even keeled sign. Libra will be more assertive than usual and the is sure to shock the rest of us in the zodiac. Relationships are sure to have more difficulty, but with good sense Mars can initiate resolution to any conflict. The key ingredient, though, is good sense. Aries, Capricorn, and Cancer are especially warned to sit on their words and deeds. Gemini and Aquarius can get a lot done with just a call or a simple plan.

August 20
The Sun, about to leave Leo, is one hundred twenty degrees from Pluto in Sagittarius. Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries have the power to exert their leadership skills and be appreciated at that same time.

August 21
Mercury conjoins Venus in Virgo. This lovely aspect helps us to smooth over previous communication problems we have created. Business matters should go well especially for Leo, Capricorn and Taurus. However, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Gemini should be sure to think before speaking, taking action, or signing on the dotted line.

August 22
The Sun enters Virgo until September 22. In this last thirty days of summer we are compelled to turn our attention away from summer fun and back to worldly responsibilities. Virgo is more self concerned than usual while Capricorn and Taurus are able to go with the flow of life for the most part. This time of year is most challenging for Gemini, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces, and Aries as they must adjust and compromise.

Since Mercury in Virgo is opposite Uranus in Pisces; many of us are apt to feel scattered throughout today and tomorrow. Get grounded; so the details of life do not get out of hand. Surprising events and messages come to many of us.

August 23
Venus, in Virgo is opposite Uranus in Pisces. Anytime Uranus is involved we should expect the unexpected. Since Venus is relationship oriented; our existing relationships have surprises for us. Those who can go with the flow will not be bothered by surprising events. New connections that take place will not be long lived.

August 28
Mercury enters Libra until November 5. The reason Mercury is taking so long to move through Libra is because he turns retrograde September 24 – October 15. While Mercury is direct in Libra our thoughts turn towards diplomatically solving conflicts. Many of us will be planning social events for the fall. With this early retrograde warning, prepare ahead for down time and delays while Mercury is retrograde.

Leo, Jul 23 - Aug 22
The new Moon eclipse signals new beginnings for Leo over the next six months. Right now more than one situation comes up that compels Leo to fall into old and unproductive ways. Do not lose sight of new goals. Your priorities are changing and you know you cannot go back. Many lions must live on a stricter budget. Over the course of August; Leo must put in extra effort to make ends meet. Many a lion will have to work to make the quota. You can and will make your goals; you just may not see the results until mid September. Meanwhile, roll with the financial punches August 5 and during the last week of August. Play the lotto or gamble on the 13th. Best days 1st, 28th

Virgo, Aug 23 - Sep 22
August is power packed as four of ten planets are moving through this sign. Virgo is compelled to initiate changes and take big strides where career, family, and house matters are concerned. Expect others to be upset with your sudden sense of self. Do be ready to make concessions where necessary. Virgos born late August and the first few days of September are resetting boundaries of all sorts. Those born around September 15 are letting go of that which ties them down. The role you play at work and in your community is changing. Tough love must be used on helpers who do not perform. Areas of life where you have been out of balance must be eliminated including diet and allowing others to drain precious Virgo energy. Best days 3rd, 4th, 30th , 31st

Libra, Sep 23 - Oct 22
The August new Moon eclipse signals a six month period of connecting with new friends and groups. However, before you sign up to be cruise director for the neighborhood association; spend time alone contemplating just what you want out of life on the whole. Part of Libra wants to serve the world, but the other part is irritated by those who behave needy. Ever the peacemaker, Libra will have to contend with irritating helpers and relatives outside the immediate family. Some of these people have their own agenda with no regard to Libras’ needs or schedule. New ways of handling old issues go well especially when dealing with neighbors and older siblings. Your methods should not be namby pamby if you want your way. Best days 5th, 6th

Scorpio, Oct 23 -Nov 21
Career and matters at home have Scorpio torn between these two aspects of life. Now is the time to make strides and receive recognition for jobs well done but you seem to have your mind on the homestead. Conversely, when you are enjoying time at home you have to keep your finder on tasks that can promote you up the career ladder. Promises made by competitors, bosses, and friends are good but not until September. Friendships come to a conclusion. Some will have to end while others will deepen with stronger bonds. Financial stresses and unexpected expenditures at mid month bring Scorpio to new conclusions about your life goals. Children and their children are cause for concern and need Scorpio support when events stress them. Best days 7th, 8th

Sagittarius, Nov 22 - Dec 21
Sagittarius is ambitious to manifest goals and achieve success. Pet projects are tough to put away even though the work day is over. Sagittarius does not need to be told what to do but there will be bosses and other authorities that want to block your progress. Those who do attempt to thwart Sagittarius’ efforts should run for cover as you will want to explode on them. In most cases though you can just tell them what they want to hear and then go on your way. You are laying the groundwork now for achievement next month. Make sure your plans are sound and be ready to make important decisions. Use caution mid month and in the last week. Education and adventure are both within grasp. Best days 10th, 11th

Capricorn, Dec 22 - Jan 19
Though Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn has goats climbing slower; your mind and is in overdrive. Spiritual and intellectual experiences afford goat’s new insight into your personal philosophy. The Sun moving through the eighth house is compelling Capricorn to look beyond what appears to be real. Shared resources and intimate relationships sometimes feel unnerving and you must consider what is right for you. Your ego drives and personality are going under massive changes behind the scenes as a result of the new Moon eclipse. Conclusions take place so that you can put more time into achieving career goals as the month progresses. Prepare to be working hard. Success is at hand later this month and into September. Goats must take control the week of the 17th. Best days 12th, 13th

Aquarius, Jan 20 - Feb 18
Aquarius is wound tighter than usual as a result of the new and full Moon eclipses. The new Moon eclipse August 1 offers opportunities to begin business and love relationships. Avoid stress by passing on situations that once again put you in the position of financial or emotional caretaker. The full Moon eclipse on the 16th brings about big conclusions. Doors of life are sure to slam in the months to come. Take a deep breath when matters become intense. Sure you are the humanitarian of the zodiac, but it is okay to let the world get along on their own while you recharge. Give a bit of that control away and you will feel better. Life flows gently beginning August 19. Best days 15th, 16th

Pisces, Feb 19-Mar 20
Situations come up that make Pisces feel unsure of their role at work or in the community. Areas of life that have seemed ideal are exposed in the light of reality and reality is often not so easy for Pisces. Once you feel taken advantage of your compassion is out the door. Pressures that have been building must be released. People, situations, or thought processes come to a boiling point and fish have no choice but to react. Some Pisces will explode with angry words while others will choose to quit their job, charity work, or other position in order to escape situations or people that are no longer bearable. The role you play at work or in your community is about to be renewed. Best days 17th, 18th

Aries, Mar 21 - Apr 19
The group you have been working with is becoming tiresome. Hold on longer as goals are soon achieved and payoffs happen financially and emotionally. Some goals will have to be adjusted and certain relationships take on a new flavor or are ended altogether. No need to fret over these turns of event as they are in keeping with making the bigger picture brighter. As the month progresses; tensions that you have forestalled come up to be worked through. Those who have been working against you must be dealt with diplomatically if you are both to reach your common goal. Detractors will not be able to conceal their identity. Maintain your health especially with good food. Stomach upsets are directly related to you emotional state. Best days 19th, 20th

Taurus, Apr 20 - May 20
Developments during the first half of August have Taurus concerned that the well will run dry. The new Moon eclipse August 1 insists that you tap into unused resources and talents over the next six months. Some bulls will be moving to new homes and others are moving to new jobs. The full Moon eclipse brings about recognition. Those who do take action get results as early as the second half of this month. The work environment will be challenging, but even those challenges should wind up on a positive note in weeks to come. Joint efforts are stressful, but if you allow yourself to get all worked up; you will be forced to tend to health matters. Parents require help and attention. Best day 22nd

Gemini, May 21 - Jun 21
The daily routine is proceeding at a faster pace than other times of the year. Everyday Gemini has a thousand details and communiqués to handle. It is very important that Gemini be concise and clear when making a point. Think before you speak. Ponder surprising situations before responding negatively. Effective words get you through scary situations. Quick trips have positive affects. So much is happening around home and family that you need to get away from those you usually love. Family disagreements seem to be at loggerheads so take a break from quarreling. Make note of your deepest thoughts. You may actually be undermining your goals with negative thinking. Life becomes joyful as the month progresses. A new thought process begins in the months to come. Best days 24th, 25th

Cancer, Jun 22 - Jul 22
The new Moon eclipse brings Cancer to new financial beginnings over the next sixth months. Situations that you once thought were worthwhile now deserve a second look. Alternative solutions now seem worthy especially in light of surprises that insist you alter your course. Honeys and other partners have surprises that shake your confidence briefly; especially since you are very attached to your way of thinking at this time. Your words and opinions have great power now and you have the ability to convince others that your way is best, certainly at mid month. Shared situations are coming to an end along with any relationships that no longer serve Cancer well. What you think you don’t want may actually fit.