Astrologically Speaking Aug 22-Aug 29
Friends, we have before us one of the quieter weeks we’ve seen recently, astrologically speaking. Mars remains a strong influence so tempers may flare, and energy is to be found in the areas of ambition, libido and anger. The week begins with Mars trine Uranus demanding freedom, causing sudden disruptions, unexpected outbursts, but also liberating breakthroughs. It ends with Mars opposition Neptune gaining strength until exact Sep 2, an aspect that has connotations of pandemic surges, and of disillusionment.
Mars trine Uranus is with us all week but fading now. Look around for ways to liberate your drive to make your mark on the world. Defend your future. Take action to find freedom, perhaps with the help of new tech, or online communities. This can be a fun aspect, with unexpected twists and turns that lead to good places. The drive to go outside and socialize in groups will be strong. Practice caution in transit and especially in crowds. The urge to let go is contradicted by Saturn square Uranus, but you don’t need astrology to know this isn’t a good time for taking risks.
Today at 2:35 PM all times Pacific the sun enters Virgo. For some the feeling of fall may begin. A good placement for getting organized, for writing and editing, for finding practical approaches to routine problems. Avoid perfectionism, compulsive worry, criticism of self and others.
Monday Aug 23 early in the morning Venus trine Saturn is exact, another aspect that can help us get organized. In relationships loyalty but also allowing others space can become important. In art editing of all kinds is favored. Practice and study can bring beauty and harmony to creative work.
Tuesday Mercury opposition Neptune could indicate an increase of exposure that leads to a surge that becomes visible when Mars opposes Neptune Sep 2. This can be a confusing aspect of delays and misunderstandings. It’s better for flights of imagination than for editing, but with Venus in harmonious aspect with Saturn a balance could be found that might produce masterful and beautiful results. Be careful in traffic as people tend to be confused. The urge for intoxication is strong, but might be depleting.
Thursday Venus opposition Chiron may indicate that socializing, romance, music events, art events, and the like contribute to the ongoing health crisis in a noticeable way. Don’t use pleasures to avoid nagging problems. Healing can come from the romantic and artistic areas of life. Art can help us feel better about what we or loved ones are going through. Women and all those ruled by Venus astrologically and otherwise may find themselves providing a healing influence.
Also thu Mercury trine Pluto is exact, a great aspect for writing, and especially for doing research in the area of healing, reform, and repair. Think it through. Find tranquility in the moment. Instead of the cause of chronic nervous apprehension the mind can be a portal through which eternity shines. As Ramana Maharshi said: “Take refuge in silence. You can be here or there or anywhere. Fixed in silence, established in the inner ‘I’, you can be as you are. The world will never perturb you if you are well founded upon the tranquility within. Gather your thoughts within. Find out the thought center and discover your Self-equipoise. In storm and turmoil be calm and silent. Watch the events around as a witness. The world is a drama. Be a witness, turned inward and introspective.”
Friday Aug 27 Mercury inconjunct Jupiter is exact. Facts contradict optimism. Problems in organization cause disappointing results. Distribution doesn’t quite work right. Don’t jump to conclusions. Ask questions. Encourage people to ask you questions. Overwork but also too much partying are said to lead to sickness more easily with this aspect.
Saturday Aug 28 Venus inconjunct Uranus is exact. Back to the inconjunctions but fortunately there are only a few this week. Inconjunctions can indicate crisis in health. This one suggests that the urge to be free, to have fun, to enjoy the last of summer, may lead to an increase in risky behavior. Ya think?
Sunday Aug 29 Mercury enters Libra, a good position for partnerships, negotiation, and creative activity. This Venus ruled Mercury placement can bring harmony to your life. Celebrate by playing or enjoying some music, making art, or seeing art that inspires, especially if you can do so with someone you love.
Mars opposition Neptune will be gaining strength until exact Sep 2. This could represent a surge that perhaps culminates when Saturn and Pluto are stationary direct in early October. With Saturn square Uranus with us next year, too, it’s important that we learn how to encounter our lives with respect for the safety of others and ourselves.
How long will this drag out we do not know. We may find that the adjustments we must make are longer term than we hope. Learning patience now, learning how to tolerate suspense, finding a new comfort zone, and knowing how to adapt while still taking time to enjoy life, are skills that can only benefit us.
Above all, take some time, even a a moment, to cultivate tranquility. Notice what makes you feel tranquil and give yourself more of that. As Eckhart Toll wrote: “We have forgotten what rocks and plants still know — we have forgotten how to be — to be still — to be ourselves — to be where life is here and now.”
