Guest article by Dorene Carrel

           August contains important Saturn/Jupiter transition cycles, along with Venus aspects that can bring heightened opportunities.  Saturn turning direct on August 1 and Jupiter entering the sign of Virgo on August 11 are the major transition cycles.  Venus brings opportunity periods for both love and money as she aligns with Jupiter on August 4, the New Moon on August 14, and Mars on August 31.  As the month begins, we are still in the July Cancer new moon period, with a focus on home, family and security issues.  Venus is still traveling in retrograde motion back into Leo, which is a period for re-evaluating matters connected with relationships, finances and values.  It is a good time for releasing what is no longer of value.

On August 1 Saturn in Scorpio turns direct after a five-month retrograde phase. When a planet changes direction, its energies are heightened one week before and after the change.  Saturn themes include control, fear, discipline and structure.  With Saturn in Scorpio, it is favorable to take a deeper approach to resolve any issues in these areas before Saturn goes into Sagittarius in September.  As Saturn continues its direct motion, our sense of productivity will increase as we can move more quickly towards our goals.

August 3-5 contains contrasting energies as Jupiter and Venus align together with Saturn.  Jupiter squares Saturn on August 3, which brings our urge to expand in conflict with our need for contraction. The focus will be on directing our ideals into more constructive channels.  The Venus/Jupiter alignment in Leo on August 4 can bring a good outcome to a long-term project, and also a good day for socializing and recreation. It can be a lucky day too, but only if we have done some good preparation first.  On August 5 the Venus square to Saturn is more sober, as we may receive a reality check in the relationship and financial areas.  August 6-7 is a good time to put new plans into action, especially as Mercury aligns with Jupiter on August 7.

Jupiter enters Virgo on August 11.  This is a major 13-month cycle, with a focus on natural healing, purification, being of service and manifesting our creative ideas. This energy helps us to be better organized, release clutter and simplify our lives. Since Virgo is an earth sign, we can receive new energy and inspiration by taking daily walks in nature.  We can also check out the voluntary simplicity and slow food movements.

The New Moon occurs on August 14 at 21 Leo 31.  It makes alignments with Venus, Saturn and Uranus.  The focus on Venus gives this lunation a heart-centered quality, along with the Leo emphasis on creative expression and being more authentic. Relationships, finances and values will be in focus over the next month. The challenging square to Saturn may draw in some unresolved relationship issues that could be healed at this time.  The harmonious trine from Uranus helps us to be more open-minded about new solutions and adventures.  The Sabian symbol for this degree, “A carrier pigeon fulfilling its mission; spirituality, in terms of training for service to mankind,” suggests cultivating a dedication to develop our own unique service to others.

On August 26 the Sun aligns with Jupiter in Virgo, which is a great time for new beginnings of any kind.  Jupiter especially favors travel, publishing, education, prosperity and spiritual pursuits.  This would be a good day to start a business in any of the above areas, or simply to buy a lotto ticket.

On August 29 the Full Moon occurs at 6 Pisces.  This lunation makes alignments with Jupiter and Neptune.  This is a SuperMoon, which is said to bring larger shifts in one’s consciousness.  This combination is very expansive, idealistic, compassionate, and is favorable for humanitarian work.  On a spiritual level, one can open to receive more faith and grace in daily living.  The shadow side is escapism, illusion and delusion. The wide trine to Pluto can bring in transformational changes. The Sabian symbol keynotes for the Sun/Moon degrees, “A fateful (even if sought after) subservience to the vagaries or desires of the emotional nature,” and “The spiritual blessing which strengthens individuals who, happen what may, stand uncompromisingly for their own truth” suggests the benefits of following one’s higher calling in all matters.

Venus in Leo makes her second of three conjunctions with Mars on August 31. The third one will be on November 2 in Virgo.  This time is especially favorable for making connections that will lead to beneficial personal relationships.  Now that Venus is a morning star, there is stronger energy for taking positive actions toward personal fulfillment.

September brings solar and lunar eclipses!  Blessings to all and stay tuned.

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          Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience.  For more information on readings, contact dorenea5@yahoo.com.  Donations towards this column are appreciated.  Paypal accepted (please use my email as reference).

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.