New Moon & Total Solar Eclipse—9 degrees Leo
August 1 @ 6:22 am
Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse—24 degrees Aquarius
August 16 @ 5:11 pm
Virgo New Moon
August 30 @ 3:58 pm
The last full month of summer is upon us. August is always a transitional month as people fit in last-minute vacations and prepare for return to work and school. This aligns with astrological trends.
As August unfolds, the playfulness of Leo transitions to the diligence of Virgo. While Sun enters Virgo on August 22, Mercury, Venus and Mars all have their yearly stint in earthy, practical Virgo. Thus, this month is a mix of play and work. Embracing Leo’s joyful, carefree and expressive freedom helps us to buckle down when the time comes.
The big news this month is a Total Solar Eclipse on August 1 and a Lunar Eclipse on August 16. Eclipses are known for activating change and chance. It is appropriate to allow events to unfold without forcing change, all the while keeping a keen eye out for the emergence of new insight and perspective.
Eclipses are the exclamation points of astrological signature. They get our attention and bring true life conditions out in the open. It may take some shifting and sorting, some patience and care, but ultimately the eclipses of August reveal new direction. If possible, it is suggested to wait until a week after the Lunar Eclipse on August 16, before making any major life decision.
Leo is the zodiac sign of power and leadership. After all, the Sun is the center of our earthly universe. Leos are called to leadership and respond very well to admiration, attention and respect. In most cases, they radiate good will, and their magnanimous spirit uplifts the people around them. This is the high side of Leo. The downside is misuse of power and glorification of the ego for its own sake.
Sensitive and mature Leos know this instinctively. In fact, they can be hypersensitive to how they come across, taking great pains to be caring and kind. But, this internal dynamic is rarely seen outwardly. Typically, Leos radiate confidence, and others look to them to take charge and lead the way.
The current world stage gives a good glimpse into different styles of leadership. These styles run the gamut from cruel dictators to benevolent, responsible, admired leaders. The Leo eclipses bring all these issues and much more into the limelight for human evolution.
This dimension is very much about personal power, and each person’s capacity to uplift or degrade the human spirit, personally and collectively. We already know presidential politics figure strongly into this month as conventions loom on the horizon. It is interesting to note that Obama is a Leo, and McCain is a Virgo. These planetary energies confirm August as a decisive month in the overall election results.
Aside from the dynamic power of eclipses, there are several other astrological influences rounding out August. Be especially aware of events and emotions on the afternoon of August 6—affecting the entire first week of August. These are days of surprise change, unpredictable outcomes, rebellion and confusion. Better to lay low, and take it all in from a detached perspective. Just know conditions are unstable and in a state of flux. That takes us into the next week when there is a tug of war between status quo and tradition, innovation and change.
Venus, the planet of love, is a prominent player the week of August 11. Venus joins Saturn, the planet of responsibility. This combination is all about work, health and service to others. There is a fine line between genuine service and obligatory action. The heart may feel heavy, and limitations to loving can surface for clearing.
This combination refines our instincts for true love, but can put a damper on romance. It is impossible to play games any longer, and true sentiment is expressed in a matter-of-fact way. Wednesday carries us into Friday when Saturn continues to be a strong planetary force. Overall, this week is more serious with an eye on purposeful, grounded actions. It is time to walk our talk.
The weekend of August 16 and 17 is highly charged between a Lunar Eclipse and a Mars/Pluto aspect. Take it slow, exercise good judgment and caution in all affairs. This especially includes communication, transportation, health and relationships. On their own, Mars and Pluto are known for violence and psychological stress. Together, they can be a lethal combination. However, they are excellent for projects requiring superhuman perseverance and performance. Simply be aware of options, attitudes, desires and goals.
Saturn responsibility lays the ground for later in the month. Uranus, the planet of freedom, tests existing structures for reliability on August 21—24. This is a proving ground. Depending on results, we may rebel and break free of tradition, or find ways to integrate change into existing structures. Uranus is the wild card. Astrologers recognize Uranus as the most unpredictable of planetary influences. Anything goes, be prepared to be surprised.
By August 19, Mars enters Libra and brings in a gentler, more civil atmosphere. When Mercury joins Venus on the 21st, communication assists in clearing the air. Mercury enters Libra on the 28th and Venus on the 30th. This signifies that the turmoil of August leads to greater unity and understanding. Fences are mended and harmony preserved. We know who to partner with, and how to go about it. There is a sense of relief as chaos and uncertainty show their long-term purpose.
August completes with a "once in a blue moon" New Moon. This sounds very esoteric, but a blue moon is simply the second New Moon in a given month. In Virgo skies on August 30, this lunation brings us back to work and school, paving the way for a productive autumn.
Virgo is the zodiac sign of health, so late August is an excellent time to address any health issues needing further care and attention. A visit to your local health care practitioner is in order. Work and health are intimately related. One feeds the other. Virgo energy helps us to refine our daily habits to build vitality for the long run.
All in all, August is a pivotal, dynamic month in our personal and collective lives.
NEWS FLASH!!!
Barack Obama—Aquarius Ascendant
Barack Obama’s birth certificate was released recently. Astrologers have been eagerly awaiting this information. Apparently, his campaign released the birth certificate to debunk rumors. Having a correct birth time makes it possible to determine his ascendant and make predictions.
It is interesting to notice his ascendant is Aquarius, especially as planet Earth is entering the age of Aquarius. This shows a very progressive, inventive, egalitarian and humanitarian nature. Additionally, the Aquarian Moon in the U.S. chart represents the people. This indicates Obama can see into the populace and attune to necessary changes. For those of you interested in seeing his full astrology chart, Barack Obama’s birth data is: August 4, 1961, 7:24 pm, Honolulu, HI.
Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with more than thirty years experience. Her approach is healing with an emphasis on personal/spiritual growth, relationships and current trends. She is available for consultation in person or by phone. Please call: 828-684-7713 or toll-free 888-215-8595. Check out her site for more articles and information, including a free e-newsletter.
