August 2014 Forecast

Venus in Cancer Aug. 7th - Aug. 31st

Venus moves into the Moon's sign on August 7th and emphasizes the different impulses in love. Venus represents the immature feminine impulse i.e. where one needs to be loved and appreciated in return for one's affections. The Moon represents the mature feminine impulse i.e. one simply is love. The example that is often used is the difference between a romantic relationship (Venus) and a mother's love for her child (Moon). However, we all have Venus and the Moon in our being. Therefore we all have a need to be loved in return for love given, as well as an unconditional capacity in love. I say 'capacity' because this is dependent on a number of factors in the horoscope - taking into account the strength of the Moon and the position of Venus.

The Moon can be seen to be heart-centered and Venus can be seen to be 'hip-centered'. Issues relating to sexuality are represented by Venus and acts of compassion are represented by the Moon.

So, how does Venus like it in the Moon's sign?

Not very much as it happens. These two impulses get mixed up. Venus is ideally based on mutual appreciation and respect. The Venus impulse represents a negotiation. The Moon has no sense of a boundary in love. Challenges arise in romantic relationships if clear boundaries and balance are not achieved. One may love anyone unconditionally of course, however, if one loves another without respecting their boundaries we can see issues such as co-dependency arise. This is something those with the sign Cancer prominent may experience in their romantic relationships.

Can you love your lover from a higher place while expressing your sexual and sensual desires in a way which includes what you both need from the relationship?

This can be observed during Venus' transit to Cancer in August.

Certainly taking a step back and being able to look more objectively at a love relationship is possible with Saturn's exaltation in Libra influencing Venus in Cancer. However, Venus also transits alongside Jupiter while in the sign and we may confuse what we wish to achieve through our desires with more meaningful pursuits and connections beyond sensuality and sexuality.

Full Moon in Capricorn Aug. 10th

The Moon reaches its fullest at 18.10 UT (19.10 GMT) on August 10th. This full Moon is placed in Saturn's sign Capricorn and within Mars' lunar sign Dhanistha, which is currently running alongside Saturn. This may bring more of awareness of the frustrating conjunction between Saturn and Mars for some, while others may be able to use this time more productively in planning and strategy.

Saturn influences all of the planets lining up opposite this full Moon and focuses our attention on issues of security. The full Moon in Capricorn is a time to pay attention to the work which needs to be done on ourselves in order to achieve any sense of inner security in a turbulent world.
 

Mercury in Leo Aug. 12th - Aug. 29th

From its combustion in the watery realms of Cancer in early August, Mercury steps into Leo on the 12th to remain in the sign for the rest of the month. Mercury is better placed in Leo, not having any restrictive influences in the sign, as well as being able to express itself more clearly in this fire-dominant sign.

The mind may be under quite a lot of stress in the first week of August and our confidence may be tested as the Moon travels through some challenging transits and Mercury moves into combustion while being influenced by Saturn. Once the Moon reaches Sagittarius by the 7th and Mercury leaves Cancer by the 12th and the Sun reaches strength after the 16th, we can step out of this period of uncertainty and move forward more confidently.

Mercury's relationship to the Sun is one which continually grants us insights by taking pauses once we have gained experience. Our minds need to digest all that has been ingested otherwise we experience mental indigestion and mental ill-health. Mercury's combustion in August allows us to burn up any of the impurities in the mind which in turn gives us the head space to move forward with new ideas and insights.

While Mercury moves into Leo it moves past the Sun and further into new territory, continuing to do so until it must be brought back to take stock. It continues to move ahead of the Sun during August and September, reaching the point it must travel back to in Virgo during October's retrograde cycle.

For now our minds venture forth into new and exciting areas as we plan and prepare, prepare and implement, implement and then review. 

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

The Sun moves into its own sign Leo by the middle of August and we are able to tune into the strength of a Higher Self; a power beyond the world and yet one which is rooted in your being - in your body.
Leo represents a central power, a sense you have of your own true power beyond power games. Though the sign Leo is not known for its quietness - at times expressing a dramatic flair and showing off - there is also a strength of being which moves silently through us as we move silently through our lives. A quiet confidence is experienced when we can tap into our true power.

During the Sun's transit to Leo we can tap into a sense of strength for the beginning of autumn. The Sun is no longer influenced by Saturn and as September begins Mars also moves into its own sign, lending itself to a more productive period overall.

Mars and Saturn Conjunct in Libra Aug. 25th

The conjunction between Mars and Saturn began to take hold once Mars moved into the sign Libra on July 13th. We immediately saw an escalation in aggression once Mars moved across the north node of the Moon (Rahu) which can be seen to be Saturn's alter ego - challenging the status quo and wreaking havoc. This has been a stressful mix and one which ignited a striving for equality but also has seen aggression towards those who are already down trodden. One thing which the north node represents is aviation and the aggression of Mars has been obvious to see with several planes having been shot down.

In August Mars catches up with Saturn and we can expect continued aggression visited upon those less fortunate. Thankfully Saturn builds up more strength as Mars crosses it by the end of August, However, Saturn's position at 22 degrees of Libra in July and the first two weeks of August leads to a devastating period for those in positions of weakness. Mars in Libra tips the precarious balance the sign likes to maintain, but which is no longer held because of the violence visited upon it.

Mars is the part of us that reacts against oppression, leading to rash decisions which may or may not be in everyone's best interest. Saturn's is the part of us that can take a more objective view on any given situation - be it an argument or a course of action. Let us hope that Saturn's strong position in its exaltation sign leads to a strength for the oppressed, beyond reacting violently which will only add to an already volatile situation in August.

The conjunction of both of these malefic planets reaches a climax by August 25th, but the whole month of August is a precarious time for world events. Those who embody Mars or Saturn i.e. those with the rising signs Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn or Aquarius, would do better by taking it easy during this conjunction. Mars' signs (Aries and Scorpio) in particular would be advised to slow down and take a break at this juncture. Aries may feel like they are reaching a critical point in their relationships. Scorpio may feel like they need one final push to break through the soil for new sprouts to emerge into new life forms.

Though this year has seen many set backs and delays in life for 'Mars-type' individual's, all that is about to change as Mars moves into strength for the first time this year in September.

Until such a time it would be best to slow down and plan diligently for the autumn months.

New Moon in Leo Aug. 25th

The Moon joins the Sun at 14.13 UT (15.13 GMT) on August 25th in the lunar sign Magha. This lunar sign is ruled by the south node of the Moon (Ketu) which represents our spiritual concerns. We may access these through a sense of connection to our ancestors at this time of the new Moon in Magha.

Mars and Saturn come together for this new Moon, with Saturn's restrictive influence on the benevolent planets in Cancer. This period marks an intense period of power games which are playing out on the world stage and in our personal lives.

The new Moon requires a pause for reflection as we negotiate our way out of a period of weakness.

Mercury in Virgo Aug. 29th - Sept. 20th

Mercury moves into its sign of exaltation by August 29th. The strength of Mercury is the ability to see a clear option and to follow through with appropriate action. Virgo is Mercury's earth-dominant sign and one which is conducive to practical day-to-day concerns.

This begins the autumn on a very practical and pragmatic note, allowing us to make the most of our diary and schedule books and take on board the need to implement new strategies for the change in seasons. This may mean planning new exercise routines and eating habits, as well as daily routines and schedules to make sure we can carry out our plans effectively.  The subsequent strength of Mars and weakness of Venus will make sure we are more focused on what we what to achieve for ourselves, instead of always trying to please others.

Be aware that the north node of the Moon (Rahu) is currently setting up home in Mercury's sign Virgo. This brings an added emphasis to our practical health concerns but may make us too obsessive about getting it just right. By overdoing it you make actually become counter-productive. It's alright to be a bit messy sometimes when making improvements as long as you are making the effort. This can be seen in relation to your exercise regime or your eating habits in general if you do not know the particular area of your life you experience the sign Virgo.

Venus in Leo Aug. 31st - Sept. 25th

Venus moves into the dramatic sign Leo by the end of August, joining the Sun in its own sign. Venus' impulse of love and harmony is not conducive to the solar expression of a Self beyond the confines of a romantic relationship. The intensity of the Sun does not lead to an easy relating style, as the power of our Higher Self does not like to squeeze itself into the responsibilities of a relationship.

For those who like the pomp and show Venus in Leo will supply plenty of drama. However, with Mars and the Sun strong in their transits, Venus is a little lost in the glare.

In other words, refinement may be hard to come by as we find ourselves needing to aggrandize ourselves in the eyes of another.

OM TAT SAT