August 2012 Monthly Horoscopes & Overview
By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer
Planetary Ingresses and Lunations:
August 1st: Full Moon in Aquarius
During the Aquarius Full Moon, you may notice how your input on an issue has generated change for the collective good. Whether you have taken on the fight of the century or confronted a local community issue, you should feel pleased that you have made a difference in your corner of the world. This process has helped you become more aware of the power in numbers.
One individual may have trouble raising their voice, but a group of dissenters screaming in unison is darn hard to ignore. It’s perfectly fine for you to get recognition for your efforts and to feel good about your contribution. After all, it is individuals that make up a team!
In personal matters, the radical changes you initiated during the New Moon begin to produce results. No longer beset by feelings of helplessness, you have proven that you do know how to take charge of your life. Change is something that people generally try to avoid, but not you, not now. Continue the process even further.
Rely on friends for their support. Be completely open to quick flashes of insight and offbeat ideas. Place yourself in the presence of like-minded folks who are at the forefront of change. They will be an inspiration to you in more ways than you expect, challenging you on many intellectual and emotional levels. As the moon begins to wane, try to eliminate old or antiquated ideas.
August 7th: Venus moves into Cancer
Under the influence of Venus in Cancer, and depending on how this transit affects your natal chart, you may find yourself longing for deep emotional connections. Casual relationships don’t appeal to you — it’s intimacy that you crave. Your sensitive, soft-hearted side comes out now, and you want to feel safe enough in your relationships to show your vulnerability. When you feel that your sense of security is threatened, you might hide behind the protection of your Crab shell, and put others off with your crankiness.
You may be more nurturing and maternal toward your loved ones now, baking their favorite treats and tending to their every need. Once you feel committed, you’re in for the long haul, and are willing to invest your time and energy in making the relationship work. Just be sure that you’re not giving too much of yourself away, and that there’s a balance of give-and-take. Because of your strong desire for intimacy, you might also have a tendency to commit yourself too quickly, ignoring the warning signals. Be sure to pay close attention to your feelings and intuition.
You’ve got a gift for beautifying your home, and creating a cozier, more comfortable nest. This can also be a favorable transit for strengthening your financial foundation. You won’t be likely to spend impulsively, and you hold on tenaciously to what you’ve got.
August 8th: Mercury turns direct
Mercury, long considered the ‘Messenger of the Gods,’ is the closest planet to the Sun and quickly zips around the Sun in a mere 88 days. From our perspective here on Earth, Mercury is never more than 28° from the Sun; in fact, it is often even closer, which means that Mercury is always in either the same Zodiac sign as the Sun, the sign just before or the sign just after.
Mercury appears to go retrograde three times a year for approximately 21 – 22 days at a time, reminding us Earthlings to slow down and move more cautiously, by choice or by force. This planet’s retrograde periods are often held responsible for everything from traffic accidents to computer crashes to misunderstandings between lovers!
Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun makes it very difficult to see. It appears for only two weeks at a time, alternating as a morning star and an evening star and disappearing for a couple weeks in between. It is never visible from areas of the world with high latitudes. If you’re lucky enough to see it, look for a bright, twinkling star near the horizon shortly before dawn or after sundown.
Mercury returns to its original position in the natal chart approximately once a year. When this occurs, it offers an opportunity to recharge the mental batteries. Pondering what one has learned in that year and how one’s thinking has evolved is a very effective activity at this time.
August 17th: New Moon in Leo
The Leo New Moon arouses your creative side. Sparks of imagination light up in your mind. Give some quality time to nurture these divine gifts that ultimately make your life much richer and more colorful. If any particular problem has got you stumped, you may find some new ways to resolve them.
Leo is unsurpassed when it comes to artistic expression. Whatever you choose to focus on, whether it is an art form such as painting, drawing, or dance, or something more practical such as having children in your life, what you create by your own efforts is likely to be something that will make you proud. The act of expression is one of the most important characteristics of Leo. Don’t keep it in. Let the ideas flow out of you. Make a list of the steps necessary to manifest those ideas into a more tangible form. If what you desire is more physical affection and love, look at the possible ways that you can get this through online ads, friends of friends, or going to some social events.
You get love when you’re able to give it out freely without condition. There’s no time like the present to fulfill a vision. Let it be a fun process, treat it like play, let your inner child run loose. Seek ways to unfetter your life so that you have room to let the juices flow.
August 22nd: the Sun moves into Virgo
While the Sun is in Virgo, and depending on how this transit affects your birth chart, you could find yourself working hard to improve yourself and serve others. You might become more critical, and possibly judgmental, as you notice all the things that could be better, both in your own life and in the world. You have a strong desire to make a positive difference, and are willing to dig in and get busy to make it happen.
Watch out for being too hard on yourself, or on your loved ones. The desire for perfection can be a great motivator, but if your standards are too high, you could be prone to disappointment and disillusion. You might become aware that you need to improve your skills to accomplish your goals. Don’t be too proud to ask for the help you need to polish and perfect your talents. This can be a great period for finding a mentor and undergoing some kind of apprenticeship.
Health and self-care come into focus, and you might pay more attention to your daily routines and habits. What’s not working about your schedule will become apparent, and you’ll have more motivation than usual to make positive changes that increase your overall well-being. Your system — especially digestion — could be extra-sensitive, and a simple, wholesome diet will probably serve you best.
To counter the tendency to be hyper-critical, make a point of appreciating the little things in life, and “find God” in the details of your daily existence. Washing the dishes can be an irksome chore or a mind-expanding meditation, depending on your attitude.
August 23rd: Mars moves into Scorpio
While Mars is in Scorpio, and depending on how this influence affects your natal chart, you’ve got the willpower and stamina to do whatever you set your mind to. Once you dig in, you’re willing to work extremely hard to reach your goals, overcoming any obstacle that gets in your way. You’ve got the strength and persistence to make deep and lasting changes now, so get clear about what you want and go for it!
With an incredible intensity of focus, you cut through superficial layers to get to the core or root of any situation, not satisfied with merely treating the symptoms. You might find yourself taking things apart just to see how they work, and you might also do this on an emotional level, deconstructing people’s words and actions to uncover their hidden motivations and desires.
Your passion is also likely to be directed toward relationships, as you feel the urge to merge with a significant other. You know what you want and you’re not afraid to go after it. You’ve got enhanced magnetism now, but you might scare some people away with your intensity. Watch out for a tendency toward jealousy, suspicion or possessiveness. You might find yourself wanting to control your partner, which is a signal that you’re lacking trust in the natural flow of life. When you let go of needing to control another, you can access even greater levels of power.
August 31st: Full Moon in Pisces
During the Pisces Full Moon, you begin to see evidence of profound change not only in yourself, but also among people who you’ve opened up to. Having made an effort to be more compassionate, you feel good about the way you’ve touched other people’s hearts. Compassion is often lacking when there is such a huge gap between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ You are helping to close that gap with kindness.
You are probably more in touch with your feelings now than other times. Highly sensitive to the nuance of subtle gestures that reveal other people’s true emotional state, you are valued for your keen sense. Continue giving of yourself, for it is truly appreciated — and it does make a difference!
In your personal relationships, your ability to be present with your feelings and your empathy make your interactions more meaningful. Great joy can come from spending time with those you love. Romance is especially highlighted with this bright moon, so make sure to indulge in plenty of candlelight and kisses.
As the moon begins to wane, you might want to spend time alone in meditation, getting in touch with yourself on a deeper level than you usually make time for. You may have some marvelous psychic visions that can guide you in the future. Replenish your spirit for the next cycle ahead.
Monthly Horoscopes:
Aries
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. For Aries, it draws your attention to ways you can contribute your creative efforts to a community project. On the 7th, spending time with your family can bring great joy. If they don’t live nearby, make plans with a close friend instead. On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, your ability to express your personal artistry and romantic visions will be greatly enhanced.
Attempts to charge ahead with a relationship may be stalled on the 15th when your planetary ruler Mars aligns with structured Saturn. Instead of just feeling frustrated, see if there’s something of value to be learned. For example, is there an even better approach to consider? You may be able to more fully put these insights into place on the 17th when the New Moon lights up your 5th House of Romance.
On the 22nd the Sun moves into Virgo, ushering in a month-long period where focusing on your health will reap great rewards. When the 23rd rolls around, you find yourself intensely focused on uncovering a mystery. Got an instinct on the 26th about the best way to proceed with a plan? You may want to follow it, as it’s a day where your intuition is working really strong. The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. If you find your energy to be somewhat zapped, spend some time alone and recharge.
Taurus
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. For Taurus, it shines light on the need to create balance between your work and family commitments. Make a coffee date with a friend on the 7th. You’ll definitely feel the urge to dialogue as that’s when your planetary ruler Venus moves into your 3rd House of Communication.
On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, your ability to express your needs to family members will be greatly enhanced. When Venus opposes transformative Pluto on the 15th, you could find yourself realizing it’s time to let go of a long-term goal you’ve held. If this feels really intense, remember that you are making space for something even greater to fill its place.
Your intuition may be so strong on the 16th that it surprises you. Looking to start a home-improvement project? The New Moon on the 17th may be a great time to do so. When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, your attention turns to adding more fun and romance to your life. On the 23rd, you find yourself with a whole new level of determination to make your relationships work.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. One way to reduce the day’s potential stress is to spend time with friends. If you’ve been stuck in a particular phase of a creative project, they likely have insights that can help you make progress.
Gemini
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. For Gemini, it reminds you how important it is to take information and translate it into knowledge. If you’re not clear what people are trying to tell you on the 4th, be sure to ask them to clarify. On the 7th, balancing your checkbook feels more like an enjoyable activity and less like a chore.
On the 8th, your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, your ability to clearly share your ideas and visions will be greatly enhanced. Have you wanted to start a new book, or even try your hand at some writing? If so, the New Moon on the 17th is a great opportunity to do so.
Listen closely to what your friends share with you on the 21st. Contained within what they say may be information you needed but hadn’t anticipated receiving today. Grab some board games, order in take-out, and invite people over for a get-together on the 22nd. If you’ve been looking to jump start your exercise or diet regimen, you’ll have extra motivation on the 23rd.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. Hard work and recommitting to something you want to achieve reduces the stress that may be bubbling up. Also today your sense of déjà vu is really strong. You’re able to tune into a clearer picture of the direction you want your life to go.
Cancer
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. If you’ve been trying to do everything on your own, you may get frustrated today. See if there is a way to let someone help you, providing you with needed assistance. On the 7th when love planet Venus enters your sign, you radiate extra grace and beauty.
On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, you find ways to better express your unique skills and talents. You feel good and especially nurtured on the 14th when the Moon is in your sign. Have finances been on your mind? The New Moon on the 17th is a good time to review your money matters. Make a plan for how to generate more income and reel in expenses.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, you’re inspired to reach out and connect with others. Email a friend, call your cousin or bring your favorite neighbor some home-baked cookies. On the 23rd, you find yourself with a greater desire to generate more romance in your life. The 27th brings experiences that show you how important relationships can be.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. See if there is a way to bring your feelings into alignment with your intentions. Stress may arise if you feel too buried in facts and figures. Stepping back to get a broader perspective will be very valuable.
Leo
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. If you haven’t been attending to a relationship, the consequences may reveal themselves today. Focus on how to honor your friend while also ensuring you consider your personal needs. Great awareness comes your way on the 2nd when your planetary ruler, the Sun, aligns with wise Jupiter.
On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, you can find renewed clarity and confidence in expressing yourself. The New Moon on the 17th occurs in your sign. Your presence and vitality radiates even more strongly than usual. Hard work doesn’t seem so difficult with dedication to getting the job done paying off in spades.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, focusing on finances takes center stage in your mind. You’re determined to get to the bottom of a situation that’s been brewing in your family on the 23rd. Be sensitive to others but careful to not sacrifice too much either. This is especially important on the 24th when the Sun opposes illusive Neptune.
The 29th is a day of incredible power for you. If you set your sights on something, you’ll find the deep inner resources to achieve it. The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. While you may not like to ask for help, sometimes it’s really important. Remember there’s a way to engage other people without losing your valued sense of dignity.
Virgo
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. For Virgo, events serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing your intuitive and rational mind. Technology seems more captivating on the 7th. Don’t be surprised if you feel called to learn about a new application or spend a good amount of time on social media interactions.
On the 8th, your planetary ruler, messenger Mercury, ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, your dreams should be more vivid and clear. Have you been interested in learning about meditation or other activities to help you relax? If so, the New Moon on the 17th is a great time to do so.
Consider a new approach to solving an old problem on the 18th—it may very well yield great rewards. You’ve got luck on your side on the 22nd. With the Sun moving into your sign today it ushers in a month where you’re ultra focused and efficient. On the 23rd you have laser-like determination to find information you’ve been seeking but which has previously eluded you.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. For Virgo, the theme of the day centers on relationships—and how to balance getting your needs met while also honoring those of another. If you’re looking to make a change in this area of your life, it’s a great day. With Mercury aligning with the fated Nodes, you have the potential to see habitual patterns and ways to break out of them.
Libra
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. If you have been attending to group projects at the expense of your own creativity, the day may yield bouts of tension. You’re a shining start at work on the 7th when your planetary ruler Venus moves into your 10th House of Recognition.
On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, communication with friends should become more clear and productive. Not sure how to proceed on an office project on the 9th? It’s a great day to tune into your intuition and see what your gut feeling tells you. Relationships feel intense on the 15th and 16th when Venus tensely aligns with powerful Pluto and erratic Uranus. If you’ve been less than forthcoming about an issue, look to see whether that’s the cause of the stress. Also, be open to others acting in ways that you just didn’t expect.
The New Moon on the 17th is a good day to explore websites and online tools that can enhance your creativity and productivity. When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, you could sense it’s time for a personal retreat. You’re determined to get your finances in order on the 23rd.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. It’s a great day to focus on all aspects of your health, bolstering mind, body and emotional well-being. Engage your friends in your pursuits. Their encouragement and support will be very valuable.
Scorpio
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. The focus for Scorpio is to bring home and work commitments into balance. Far-away places hold great mystique on the 7th. Enjoying a movie set in a foreign land may bring exceptional pleasure. On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, communications at work should become more focused and productive.
Tensions may surface in relationships on the 15th when your planetary ruler Pluto opposes love goddess Venus. Look for hidden motivations and buried feelings to emerge. The New Moon on the 17th provides you with a good opportunity to revisit your career goals. Your dreams on the 18th may be intense, even potentially disturbing. Yet they can reveal great insights about how to best assert yourself in the world.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, you’re drawn to spend time with friends. On the 23rd you’ll feel incredibly driven and determined to pursue your agenda. While you’re on your mission, just be careful to avoid mishaps and accidents. If you’ve been looking for assistance from other people, the 29th may be the day that they emerge. They can support you in achieving something that holds great significance to you.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. Infuse your day with fun and levity. It can recharge your self-confidence, inspiring the way that you contribute to making the world a better place.
Sagittarius
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. It’s a good day to do some research to further support a conclusion that you’ve recently made. Your passion is inspired on the 7th. Spend time with that “someone special.” On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, you should get more clarity about important life goals.
Get together with a friend on the 11th as social interactions will hold important value. The New Moon on the 17th is a great day to plan a trip. Read through travel books and websites. See what inspires you and what is attractive to your adventurous spirit.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, you’re a shining star at work. It’s a good day to schedule meetings or focus on that big project you’ve been working on. Also, with your planetary ruler Jupiter aligning with Mercury, co-workers or friends could offer valuable suggestions. Be open to their ideas.
On the 23rd, express your desires rather than burying them. If you take the latter route, they’ll only come back to haunt you. The 25th is your power day when the Moon is in your sign. The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. With much of your energy focused on work the past few weeks, it’s a great day to relax. Spend some time with family or very close friends. Invite them over for a meal and a mini-celebration.
Capricorn
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. Stress may manifest around money. Balancing your checkbook and reviewing finances can be productive as well as tension-relieving exercises. Time spent at home on the 6th may feel especially nurturing.
On the 7th friendships take on special significance and become a source of great happiness. On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, you’ll find it easier to talk about things that are often challenging to discuss. Someone else’s opinion can be of great value on the 14th.
Your planetary ruler Saturn unites with willful Mars on the 15th. Take the time to find the most productive approaches to asserting yourself at work. If not, you could feel that every time you move one step ahead, you then move one step backward. The New Moon on the 17th is a good day to assess existing collaborative projects or consider initiating new ones.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd you’re drawn to expanding your mind. The next month provides you with opportunities to expand your knowledge base. You’re feeling passionate about helping to make the world a better place on the 23rd.
If you’re open to exploring uncharted territory on the 29th, you can access some great ideas and inspiration. The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. Be careful to not get lost in a “big picture” perspective or else you may miss significant facts and figures.
Aquarius
The 1st of August features the first Full Moon of the month. With the Moon in your sign, you’ll get powerful insight into just how emotionally fulfilling a particular relationship is. It should feel especially nurturing to help out someone in need on the 7th.
On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, communications with friends or that “special someone” becomes easier. Spending time at home on the 9th will help to restore your energy. Have you been indulging in activities that bring you pleasure but don’t necessarily support your long-term well-being? If so, the ramifications may become apparent on the 16th.
Schedule in some social time on the New Moon on the 17th. Listen for the wisdom that another person shares with you. This can help inspire some important ideas on the 18th when your planetary ruler Uranus harmonizes with Mercury. When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, donning your detective hat to solve a mystery takes on added mystique. You bring an extra level of drive and determination to your work on the 23rd.
You may sense that someone is not working in your best interest on the 30th. Instead of brushing off the feeling, confront them to assess whether or not it’s actually true. The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. Tension may arise around finances. Instead of spinning into stress, commit to making a financial plan.
Pisces
The first Full Moon of the month occurs on the 1st. If the day feels especially stressful, schedule in some alone time so you can recharge your batteries. On the 7th, pleasure can be found in expressing your creative talents. On the 8th, messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period. Over the next few days, it should feel easier to express yourself at work.
You’re in the flow on the 9thwhen your planetary ruler Neptune harmonizes with gracious Venus. Your heart is open and it feels great to shower those you adore with love. Your thoughts may feel a bit jumbled on the 11th. It’s not the best day to make an important decision. Have you been considering doing some volunteer work? If so, explore opportunities on the New Moon on the 17th.
When the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd, a friend lights up your life. You may feel less than certain about another’s motivations on the 24th. Through dialoguing with them, as well as tuning into your inner wisdom, see if you can get a better sense of their intentions. The 26th should be a great day. A missing piece to a puzzle emerges allowing you to clearly state your needs and express your desires.
The second Full Moon of the month occurs on the 31st. Stress could manifest if you feel that your relationships are imbalanced. Consider what adjustments can be made that will help you feel more emotionally supported.
