August Forecast

Mercury in Cancer Aug. 4th - Aug. 20th

Mercury enters the Moon's sign Cancer on the 4th after a long spell in its own sign Gemini.  Though we experienced a review in our lives due to its retrograde period, we were able to access the strength Mercury while it remained in its own sign.  While Mercury is strong the practicalities of our lives can run smoothly.  Life is deemed successful if we can speak about it in such terms.    Our egos are experienced through our interactions with one another, and depending on how well this operates, will dictate how well we think we are getting on. 

When Mercury is in Cancer our emotions get involved, and the thinking process, which is ideally left to the intellect alone, becomes tangled up with issues concerning the heart.  Mercury deals with the head.  In fact, it is the least emotional aspect of our being, ruling the earth element and our capacity to sink below our emotional entanglements.   We may do this through distracting ourselves with an emphasis on information.  TV, radio and social media play a major role for most people in this regard. 

When our emotions become involved we are challenged in decision-making and communicating effectively.  Watch for this tendency in August and make room for others to do the same.  Patience is required as Saturn has an eye on the playful planet, making sure we are more responsible in what we communicate, as well as a little reserved.  Mars joins Mercury for the last days of its transit in Cancer, making the 18th, 19th and 20th; days to be mindful of what we say to ourselves and each other. 

New Moon in Cancer Aug. 6th

The waning Moon comes to its last phase before the new Moon in the sign Pushya on August 5th.  The new Moon occurs at 20 degrees of Cancer and in the lunar sign Ashlesha on August 6th at 22.51 GMT.  The lunar sign Ashlesha is represented by snakes.  A snake's nature is the hide, just as the coiled serpentine energy at the base of the spine is hidden.  However, there is also much power to be gained by tapping into this energy.  Ashlesha is ruled by Mercury which is also positioned in the sign Cancer for this new Moon, having just entered the sign.  The Sun, Moon and Mercury are all receiving the aspect of Saturn from its position of strength in Libra.  This makes for a more sombre new Moon and we would do well to steady the mind and emotions in a more detached manner on this day.  This will guide our intellects (Mercury) as we find a communion between our temporary nature and our true spirit.  This can be accessed through the agency of the coiled serpent power (= Kundalini). 

Venus in Virgo Aug. 11th - Sept. 6th

Venus slips into debilitation on August 11th.  Any important agreements which you hope to arrive at would be best negotiated before this date.  When Venus is weakly placed we have less sensitivity to others' needs.  We can be more blunt in our own demands and less mannerly about how we go about getting what we want.  Even if you do not identify with this type of behavior during this transit, others will be displaying it for you to see.  For those who bend over backwards to suit others needs this may be an opportune time to let others know what you want.  This is best done before the 18th when Mars moves into its place of debilitation, making it unclear as to what we all actually want or how we can move forward with a clear vision. 

At its best Venus represents a contentment with our lot (Taurus) and with others (Libra), as we express an unconditional love for life.  When Venus is weak we lack this sense and need the conditions to be perfect in order to achieve any happiness.  Of course, conditions are never perfect so we are never really happy if Venus is weak.  Watch for a tendency to be more insensitive to others as you go about satisfying the Venusian desire for comfort and happiness. 

Keep your extravagances to a minimum during this transit, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is beneficial to be mindful of why you might want to indulge.  What hole are you trying to fill?  The Venus hole is one where we do not feel connected to another or to our own sense of well-being.  So we try to compensate by other means.  Food, sex and money may be ways of tapping into the more base instincts of Venus when we do not have as much access to its strength. 

While Venus is weak it also weakens the signs Taurus and Libra to some degree and these areas of your life.  Those with Libra as their rising sign would benefit from this awareness more so, as their ruler enters the 12th house of loss and expenditure.  Though Venus is better placed to be more giving, your energy and well-being might be under par so there is not as much to give.  This is also because of Saturn and Rahu's presence  which  is creating some stress.  Now with Venus weakly placed, it will further aggravate the Saturn/Rahu conjunction, making things more unstable.  Added to that Mars will influence from its position of debilitation by the end of August and into October, creating a lot of frustration.  Those with Libra rising may need to use August to let go of something as opposed to taking too much on.  Conserving energy for the high drama of September in Libra may be a better use of your time and for whatever area of life you experience this sign. 

August 11th through August 16th are a few days which need our added care and attention.  This is because of the Moon's transit through Libra and then into Scorpio.  The Moon is debilitated in the sign Scorpio on August 14th and 15th, which places the two energies representing comfort in life (Moon and Venus), in a place of weakness.  We will feel the vulnerability as a result of their weakness and may seek out ways and means to comfort ourselves which may not be in everyone's best interest. 

Sun in Leo Aug. 16th - Sept. 15th

The Sun enters its place of strength on August 16th, allowing us all to access a greater sense of power at this time of year.  The Moon will have just moved out of debilitation at this time, bringing us a much needed feeling of hope.   The Sun's transit will be a relief for those with Leo as their rising sign, as they have been experiencing the Sun in their 12th house of loss, together with Saturn's restrictive eye upon their ruler.

The sign Leo is an embodiment of the Sun; our central power which is generous and warm-hearted at best.  Its negative side is an over-bearing nature which can be unruly and pompous.  These negative traits are more likely expressed when there is a feeling of weakness from the Sun.  When the Sun is strong we feel strong, but it is a higher sense of Self which makes us feel stronger.  This sense of Self feeds everything else, just as the Sun is generously giving us life and holding everything in place. 

When this sense of Self is strong in us we can let those around us feel the warmth of our light.  However, we all know what can happen if we get too much exposure to the Sun.  A little Sun is good for us and helps us to detoxify.  Too much Sun will simple burn us. When we are near a powerful individual with a strong sense of self and we agree with them there is no problem.  Unfortunately due to the simultaneous transit of Mars and Venus in debilitation, we are unlikely to want to agree with anyone during this transit.  We may burn others and get burnt in the process.  If we can tune into our true power, a Higher Self, we may be able to overlook the more immature expression and filtration of this power expressed through a weakened Mars. 

Mars in Cancer Aug. 18th - Oct. 5th

Mars enters its sign of debilitation a week after Venus has entered its sign of debilitation.  First of all we must note that debilitation does not always simply mean it is a 'bad' thing.  However, the planet in question is in a weakened position and is not so able to deliver on results as easily.  This may be a 'good' thing if the planet in question was to deliver some unwanted results and is less able to do so.  For example, the position of Mars in the natal 3rd house is generally not good for relations with siblings and may even indicate there are no siblings.  This is especially true when placed in exaltation in Capricorn.  However, if Mars were in the 3rd but in debilitation in Cancer, then the story changes dramatically, and the native's sibling has great strength. 

First you must ascertain whether this area of your chart i.e. the house position of Cancer, is a beneficial place to have a weakened Mars present or not.  In other words, is this  area of your life going to benefit from having a lot of passion and frustration fueling your drives?  This is usually not a favourable transit and having a weakened Mars present is usually aggravating to this area of your life.  If, for example, Cancer is your 10th house of career (as it is for someone with Libra as the rising sign), then you would expect to have some frustrations, arguments and a certain amount of irritability around your career goals and standing in the world.  Whatever area of your life you experience the sign Cancer will feel frustrating by the end of the month, and until October, as it becomes unclear how you are able to move forward.  The energy is not there at this time, so you might be better off preparing the ground work at this time. 

Cancer has already been experiencing the  pressure of Saturn since last year, making us pay attention to how we need to clear the path for the ground work which needs to be done.  Now with Mars jumping in we may get annoyed things are not moving forward more quickly in this area of our lives.   Air and fire is a volatile combination and one which the water-dominant Cancer has less experience of handling.  Things may get completely out of hand in this area.  This is also true of the global situation and water-based disasters may be added to the list of air and travel-related disasters already increasing. 

Mars represents action, force and courage.  If it is weak we behave more childishly because we do not feel strong.  We start acting out if we feel we do not have the power.  Someone proficient in martial arts, for example, would not need a vulgar display of strength.  The weaker we are, the louder we shout and the harder we have to try.  We try to access the strength of Mars by expressing its more base instincts.  Mars represents strength and courage which we may try and access through violence.  It may seem a strong word to use, however, violence can be expressed in many subtle ways on a day-to-day basis; usually through trying to control a person or situation, as we try to force our influence on something. 

If you were born with a weak limb, i.e. a weak planet, chances are you will work on that limb until it appears stronger than the others.  However, it is coming from a place of weakness;  not strength.  The dictator Gaddafi had Mars positioned in Cancer from birth, as would someone who has never developed any feeling of strength and lacks any drive or will-power.  It all depends on the intricacies of an individual's chart.

Those with Aries or Scorpio as their rising sign should watch this Mars transit carefully.  You do not have access to great strength during its transit and may feel under confident as a result.  This is partly due to your rulers debilitation, but also because of Saturn's restrictive influence on your ruler.  You may compensate for the lack, but this will only lead to more problems. Take some rest and take it easy on yourself by the end of August and into October.  Aries individual's may find it expressed more in the home environment, while Scorpio individual's may find they try and bully others into believing what they believe to be true.  When Mars gets involved we feel like we have something to prove.   

There will be a general sense of frustration felt with this transit which may spark many more world-wide calamities.  Man-made and natural disasters are very probable, when we take Mars' aspect to the Saturn/Rahu conjunction taking place in Libra into account, as well as Saturn's mutual aspect to Mars.  Saturn's 10th house aspect being the most challenging influence from Saturn will ensure there is a tense environment for the rest of the summer and into autumn.  Uprisings will meet with a lot of frustrated energy and the results may be explosive.  When we add the fact that Mars and Venus are both debilitated at the same time, then there is little or no possibility for patience or agreements being reached. 

This does not just apply to the global situation.  Your life will feel this on a day-to-day basis, though certain individual's will feel it more than others.  We all feel it in different areas of our life.  In general relationships will suffer in August and September.  Be prepared.  Count to ten and take deep breaths.  Take more exercise if you can and do not be surprised if you cannot get anyone to agree with your point of view.  Mars represents our selfish needs which become more childish when it is in Cancer.  This is likened to a warrior returning home to his mother after battle, and acting like a spoiled teenager once again.  Venus' transit to Libra in early September will bring a much needed injection of sensitivity in our interactions with one another.  However, we cannot ignore the aspect of Mars, which continues until early October.  Venus' position will not compensate enough for the debilitation of Mars in August and September, as it feels the restriction of a powerful Saturn, together with the aspect from Mars. 

The exact mutual aspect between Mars and Saturn occurs in September, as Saturn and Rahu come head-to-head.  More on this powerful configuration next month. 

Full Moon in Aquarius Aug. 21st

The full Moon phase begins on August 20th in the lunar sign Shravana.  It reaches its fullest at 02.45 GMT on August 21st at 4 degrees of the sign Aquarius.  This new Moon has some beneficial and some challenging indications.  It is positioned in Mars' lunar sign Dhanishta, which is itself in debilitation in the Moon's sign Cancer.  Full Moon energy can release some pent up frustrations in a more dramatic fashion.  Fortunately this full Moon has the aspect of Jupiter guiding our minds to a higher perspective and the Moon's position in an exalted Saturn's sign Aquarius will at least give us some higher ground to view events as they unfold. 

Dhanishta's symbol is of a drum.  This, together with its ruler Mars, indicate bravery, such as a warrior announcing his intention to battle by beating a drum.  Though this can lead to acts of bravery, it is not conducive to a happy relationship environment.  This is compounded by Venus and Mars in debilitation for the full Moon.  We may find we try to control others, with little regard for their needs, and yet not be sure of our own.

Mercury in Leo Aug. 21st - Sept. 5th

Mercury joins the Sun in Leo and we have a 'new Mercury' on August 24th.  Mercury steps into Leo a few days after the Sun, to lighten the mood a little and, more importantly, to communicate something from the a deeper place of connection.  Mercury is completely burnt up and invisible to us on earth as it joins the Sun.  The Sun is strong and able to do its job of burning up the imperfections of our speech.  This is a good time to watch what we say to one another and, more importantly, the conversations we have with ourselves. 

Mercury is the messenger sending back and forth messages from our earthly experience to spirit.  When we can communicate from such a place, there is a powerful connection to our truth and is the most practical way to convey our true purpose.  Ideally we can speak our truth without causing harm to others.  If we can make sure we are communicating from such a place of truth, any childish reactions to others may be overlooked during the debilitation of Mars and Venus. 

Rahu and Saturn in Libra

Rahu and Saturn are getting closer to a conjunction which has seen a steady increase in social unrest world-wide.  The word 'steady' is perhaps a poor choice of words, as Rahu is anything but.  The strength of Saturn, on the other hand, is consistency.  With Saturn in Libra and with Rahu exaggerating it, we have seen an increase in commitment to uprisings in certain countries.  Turkey is a very good example of the strength of Saturn, as its people rose up against their oppressors in such a responsible fashion.  This is perfect example of the combination of Saturn and Rahu, as a revolution is needed but in a more sober fashion.  The masses are wanting justice and with Rahu's involvement there may need to be some underhanded tactics needed. 

Rahu's involvement always makes sure there are new ways of approaching something as it stirs things up.  On the one hand we have an increase of Saturn's qualities of consistency and commitment to a cause.  This has been born out in people's determination to take make their voices heard around the world.  On the other hand, Rahu has been breaking down structures which has been put in place for years and which is unpredictable and inconsistent; with the possibility of tyrannical leaders stepping forward to take up the reigns.  Rahu is the tyrant and is prone to make rash decisions which are not based on any real facts, or necessarily in everyone's best interest. 

This unstable environment is going to increase as they join each other by exact degree in September.  This climactic conjunction will be felt for some time to come and will also be influenced by a debilitated Mars, leading to all kinds of explosive events.  While this crescendo increases in the month of August, we will see many more uprisings in countries which are experiencing the hard hand of fate.  Egypt is currently experiencing a period of great unrest due to the 8th house in the country's chart being activated by Mars.  Syria is another country which has been experiencing this Rahu and Saturn conjunction strongly.  This is due to the country's chart having the sign Libra rising, which is where the conjunction takes place.   

The uncertainty we feel about the future is also partly due to the configuration in the line up of planets on one side of the nodal axis, with Rahu leading the way.  Though this planetary yoga is hard to decipher, this confusion is exactly the result we get, as we are unsure of our footing and on how to move forward.  Mars and Venus' debilitation will further increase this uncertainty.  The first two weeks and last week of August, as well as the first week of September, are experiencing this combination in the planetary line-up.  We can count on the whole month to be one of great upheavals in our own lives and in the world around us. Evolution is inevitable, though the stress we experience as a result of change differs from individual-to-individual, depending on each unique horoscope. 

The conjunction of Rahu and Saturn is exact from September 11th until September 20th (true nodes), but we can leave a large margin on either side of this exact conjunction for events to unfold.  In fact, this combination will be felt for many years to come, and is what future astrologers will point out when deciphering events in this time in history. 

Ketu in Bharani

Bharani spans Mars' sign Aries; from 13 degrees and 20 minutes to 26 degrees and 40 minutes of the sign.  Ketu is currently transiting this lunar sign on the opposite side of the zodiac to Rahu and Saturn, as it makes its way unflinchingly through a birthing process.  Bharani is ruled by Venus and is a destructive, yet ultimately, creative sign represented by the Yoni, or the female reproduction.  The powerful sign of Bharani is representative of the birthing process, where there is something born within us after a period of struggle.  It represent change occurring due to idealistic goals which may need to experience some conflict before they are given birth to.  We are certainly witnessing such struggles throughout the globe.  Ketu is a force to be dealt with in the horoscope, cutting off heads as it makes us aware of something deeper and of more significance than this mere mortal existence.  Anything except a tangible connection to spirit is severed as it moves around the zodiac.  This is why Ketu represents those who would not think twice about dying in the name of a cause. 

Ketu it is a part of our being which is idealistic and any planets you may have in this sign, as well as this area of our life (house position of Aries), experiences a sense of disillusionment as a result.  If you have your first house ruler here, then it may feel like there is no desire to continue in the ways in which you have - or at all.   This is especially true of those who are currently in a Ketu period of life which is asking them to look for something deeper within themselves. 

OM TAT SAT