No more waiting! Hallelujah, forward momentum begins early in the month as decisive Mars barrels into your sign. This is its second trip here this year, an unusual event, so take it and run with it. Not only that, Saturn resumes direct motion in Sagittarius halfway through August, a blessing for long term plans and endeavors. Your goals, dreams, ideas, wants and needs will be the focus—gotta love that!
At the top of the month the Sun and Venus are nestled in your expansive ninth house, the sector of study and travel. You may have decided to go back to school, sign up for a seminar, write a book or plan a vacation. This is also where we color outside the lines and think in broader terms, as the ninth house is all about free spirited, independent thinking. Many people turn to foreign philosophies when this house is lit up, eager to learn more about the world. The Sun will be in this part of the sky until the 22nd, so take advantage of it.
The Leo new moon occurs here on the 2nd, opening up a six-month period in which you may expand your skill set by taking classes, learn a foreign language, or attend personal growth workshops. Don’t be surprised if you finally take a chance on some of the dreams you’ve had in the past, you know, the ones you called “crazy”. Like dying your hair red and learning to tango. Deciding to grow all of your own vegetables and herbs in a garden rather than purchasing them. Booking a rafting trip down the Amazon. Taking Chinese lessons so that you can take Asian cuisine cooking classes—in the far East.
It’s important to pursue these passion projects now, even if you just start by researching them. The planets march ever onward in their orbit around the Sun, and they are setting their sights next on your career. By the end of the month you’ll have a lot going on in this sector, so plan accordingly.
Mars enters Sagittarius the same day as the new moon, kicking your goals into high gear. When your first house is lit up like this you can pursue just about any dream of your choosing: finding new love or a better job, going the entrepreneur route, losing weight, starting a family, or moving to a brand new location, to name a few. Saturn is in a good angle to the lunation, putting its stamp of approval on your plans and blessing them with longevity. Romance looks good at this time too, as Uranus is behaving itself nicely.
Where you’re going to experience some agita is on the career front. Benevolent Jupiter and intelligent Mercury are both in this part of the sky when the month begins, to be followed by magnetic Venus on the 5th. But despite the positive energy these three are giving off, friction is building between you and either your boss, major clients or your overall career plans. Venus will help you schmooze with people who are decision makers, making you look like the guy or gal to hire for the job or promotion.
But tension starts to build on the 6th and it continues into the 7th. It may be that you are confused about your goals or which direction to head in. You could be considering more than one path, which will add to the drama. It’s also possible that you’re beginning to chafe under the routines and rules set up by the institution you work for, whether it’s corporate America, a school system, family business, union, or government agency. Self-employment may be looking more and more like a solid venue for you. If you’re already self-employed, you may be considering switching gears.
Things will become much clearer when Saturn returns to direct motion on the 13th. Doors that seemed firmly shut will open, and your confidence will increase. Saturn isn’t known for its fast action, so don’t expect rapid change. Take your time and make wise decisions in all areas of your life, from romance to family to your ambitions.
Helping matters along is the full moon in Aquarius on the 18th, which falls in your house of communication. It will enable you to reach out to people in your sphere and close out any misunderstandings. Issues with siblings and neighbors are especially favored, but your gift of gab will work on your behalf with everyone. It does seem that parents or family members could be difficult in August, especially on the 7th, 14th and 26th. If your parents or in-laws are way too involved in your personal life, the full moon is a good time to set them straight.
And try to wrap up career discussions before the 30th, when Mercury goes retrograde in this part of the sky. Excellent days for progress are the 10th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 27th and 29th.
Romance will take an interesting turn, as Venus in your tenth house will encourage you to find a keeper rather than a player if you’re single. You’re going to want someone who’s not afraid to commit, and that includes you coupled archers. Demand more quality time, vacations alone without the kids, and a drama-free environment. If the SO can’t deliver that, you may decide to take a timeout around the 13th. A good day for making long-term decisions is the 26th as well as the 29th.
When Venus enters your convivial eleventh house on the 29th, you’ll be able to put some of the career stress behind and just focus on the people you love and the hobbies you enjoy.