This Month in Astrology – Archive May to November 2016

September can be a busy month for you, dear Aries. This is often a month of adjustments for you with the Sun in your solar sixth house of work, health, and habits. This year, you have a Solar Eclipse and retrograde Mercury complicating matters, which can point to some redoing, reorganizing, and extra details to take care of before you can feel that you're truly done and ready to move forward. Be as patient as possible and work at getting things right. Entirely new endeavors may be on the horizon, but for now, you'll be in a better place if you focus on projects already in motion. In fact, you might find some gems from the past that you can now approach in a new way. The recycling of projects and ideas can be extraordinarily successful now. Look for critical new insight or information that pushes your work projects or health ahead on the 20-23. 

Jupiter moves into your partnership sector on the 9th, where it will transit for over a year. The year ahead can be a powerful time for meeting a new partner, developing a relationship, coming to beneficial agreements with others, benefiting from counseling, and for partnering up with someone to accomplish a major goal. Someone coming into your life during this period can be significant. You might often enjoy the feeling that you have someone on your side during this cycle, and you're likely to get a sweet taste of this energy this month, particularly on the 25-26. 

It's important to pay particular attention to your work and chores this month, but if you're overdoing this and failing to take care of your need for downtime, you'll get a reminder around the 16th. 

The last week of September stimulates more intense feelings, desires, and attachments, mostly of the pleasant variety, and a stronger focus on relationships and work goals. Mars moving to the top of your solar chart stimulates your ambitions. Career goals are in focus, but this can also be about other lofty objectives that involve your general life path. This motivation builds throughout October as well. 

The sector of your chart that rules creativity, romance, entertainment, self-expression, and pleasure receives special attention this month, dear Taurus. While a Solar Eclipse here inspires new beginnings and fresh starts in these areas of life, Mercury’s retrograde in the same sector, active until the 22nd, turns your attention to the past. In order to clear the way for a fresh start, you may need to take care of some unfinished business. Projects might be on hold until you finish up some important details. Romantic relationships can be a little complicated, or you may be focused on a past connection. Those projects or relationships that have been holding you back from expressing your true, creative self may come under scrutiny.

Jupiter moves into your solar sixth house on the 9th, where it will transit for the coming thirteen months. While its influence on your playful solar fifth in the past year was a little more exciting and glamorous, this new cycle can be rewarding indeed. You can be motivated to improve your health, daily habits, work, and routines. You are likely to find more joy and satisfaction from your work, and if you’re looking for new work, this is a very employable time! There will be plenty of opportunities to improve and enhance your life going forward, but you’re also likely to get a nice preview of this useful energy this month, particularly around the 25-26. Increased faith and optimism can help you heal, and you can find new meaning in the work you do.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 16th can bring feelings for a friend to bloom and perhaps some drama to your social life. The 20-23 can be another pivotal period this month when new information or insight surfaces that can open doors for you on creative and romantic levels. A relationship can blossom. Venus entering your partnership sector on the 23rd can serve to further enhance and improve companionability and popularity.

The last week of the month is also strong for travel opportunities, and blocks can lift with publishing, legal, or educational matters. Mars moves into favorable relationship with your sign on the 27th – another excellent influence that boosts your confidence and courage.

There can be some important renovations and improvements in your home or with family relationships this month, dear Gemini. You have a chance to begin anew, and this might involve some reorganizing or even relocation. There may be some backtracking over old problems and conversations, and perhaps even contracts and negotiations. Preexisting problems can blow up, but are likely to blow over by the 20-23 when you gain important insight that helps clear the path for new beginnings. A career matter or responsibility can loom around the 16th, but this can also be a time for gaining some recognition for your hard work. The drive to improve your home life can also motivate you to work harder or perhaps to pursue a promotion or better position.

One of the big headlines of the month is Jupiter's move into the sign of Libra. This is an especially happy influence for you, and fortunately, it's not a fleeting one. Lasting for over a year, this transit encourages you to come out of your shell and enjoy yourself more thoroughly. Perhaps you meet someone who motivates you to pursue fun pastimes, you take up a new hobby, or a romance figures strongly. Whatever does open up for you, you're ready to play, share, and enjoy yourself. Creatively, this is an active period as well, and on the 25-26, you're likely to experience a satisfying preview of this Jupiter transit that will stick with you for thirteen months. You might suddenly get in touch with a desire or discover a new interest that can be the focus of your attention for some time into the future.

The 20-23 is an interesting period when you gain valuable insight into a personal or domestic matter. Research brings rewards or secrets emerge that give you an edge or lead to a feeling of relief. A person in your life is likely to come around to your point of view. The last week of September is busy, and areas of interest evolve. You're more confident and ready to enjoy yourself. A work or financial matter unblocks. Mars moves out of your partnership zone, taking some of the direct pressure off you and a partnership. The New Moon on the 30th is celebratory.

September is important for sorting out problems and making practical adjustments that will benefit you for years to come, dear Cancer, particularly related to your studies, learning, transportation, communications, and daily affairs. You are more sharply aware of flaws, and while overdoing this focus on problem areas is certainly not good for you, in moderation, this can be a powerful time for fixing problems largely because they're bothering you enough to prompt action! The 20-23 is particularly strong for seeing projects and relationships in a new way. Insight gained now can be pivotal. You're in a better position to see which projects are truly viable and worth your effort.

Besides eclipses that keep you on your toes dealing with deadlines, a major headline of the month is Jupiter's move into the sign of Libra on the 9th. This sign change happens approximately every year, and it points to a new theme of upgrades and enhancements in particular areas of life ruled by the sector it's transiting. For you, home, family, and personal life are the primary focus in the year ahead, starting this month. This is a time for improving your bonds with loved ones and enhancing or expanding the home. Living arrangements and conditions can improve. 

On the 16th, a Lunar Eclipse opens up desires to learn or experience new things. This can be a compelling discovery. The travel bug can bite now for some of you, and for others, the desire to take courses or reach out to make contact with new people can emerge. Tastes are a little more exotic now, although you may need to stick around for a while longer in order to get through your current responsibilities.

Venus moves into your romance and creativity sector on the 23rd, where she will stay until mid-October. This is only one influence that changes the flavor of the month in the last week. Other influences affect your partnerships and close relationships most - Pluto turns direct and Mars enters your partnership sector. Certainly, the last week of the month is relationship-oriented, and the news is positive! Some of the pressure that Mars has placed on your work and daily life eases now.

 

The month ahead brings a strong focus on your practical affairs, dear Leo. Money and business matters need some serious sorting, but efforts put forth now can lead to brave new beginnings down the road and benefits to match. You are learning about your attachments and earning potential, and insights on the 20-23 can be pivotal. Until then, you are encouraged to look forward but also to take care of unfinished business. Around the Lunar Eclipse on the 16th, you are opening your eyes to dependencies, matters of support and sharing, and financial realities. There may be a shuffling of money sources occurring now and in the coming weeks.

The big headline of the month is Jupiter's move into the sign of Libra. This moves Jupiter into easy aspect with your sign and into your communications sector for over a year. You are likely to become quite busy making connections, teaching, learning, and sharing ideas during this period. As September progresses, you'll feel more of this kind of energy. There can be plenty of errands to run, paperwork to deal with, and emails to send. New ways to communicate, learn, and move about can open up. There can be a new computer or phone, new wheels, and some of you can find new platforms or channels for connecting. You can be especially busy locally. There can be a real tendency to want to "do it all", forgetting your limits in terms of time and energy, but your enthusiasm for learning new things and taking on new projects can be incredible now. Later this month and in the coming year, good energy is with you for sharing your ideas, writing, pursuing a cause, and joining a cause, generally speaking. The energies of the 25-26 can illuminate or stimulate a new interest or project.

Even with Mercury retrograde until the 22nd, you can be quite charming with your words as Venus moves through your communications sector until the 23rd. The last week of September can point to some turning inward as you seek out a little more comfort, intimacy, and private time. Even so, the busy pace of your life is unlikely to let up just yet, largely due to Mars' energetic move into your work and health sector on the 27th, followed by a New Moon in your communications sector on the 30th. You have a lot on your plate now!

You begin the month with a Solar Eclipse in your sign, dear Virgo, helping to clear the path for new personal beginnings. You’ll have to look back before going forward, however, with Mercury retrograde in your sign until the 22nd, but this can eventually bring hefty rewards. Patience is necessary! Take care of unfinished business so that you can begin anew with far less baggage.

By the 9th, Jupiter will have left your sign where it visited for thirteen months. However, as Jupiter leaves your sign, it enters your resources sector where it will stay for over a year. This begins a theme of excellent lessons and benefits revolving around money, earnings, possessions, and your personal talents. It’s a superb time for building on existing resources, a business, or project and enjoying the rewards of your past efforts. While this transit will take some time to unfold and develop, you’ll certainly enjoy a nice preview of its influence around the 25-26 when the Sun aligns with Jupiter. It can be a time of elevated confidence in yourself to manifest your desires. Your generosity increases.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 16th brings a personal project or relationship to bloom. Personal epiphanies and revelations about relationships are possible now. The 20-23 is a powerful few days for better understanding a matter from the past – new information emerges, and you’re better off for it! This could have to do with health, romance, or a creative project, and it can fill you with determination and confidence.

The last week of September is strong for attracting who and what you want through your communications. On the 27th, a long-awaited Mars transit of your romance and creativity sector gets the ball rolling on these matters – you’re far more confident about pursuing your desires now. The last day of the month features a New Moon and a potential new beginning on a financial level.

There can be much focus on the past, emotional issues, and your inner world in September, dear Libra, but you're building towards a far more active and involved phase as September progresses. For one, you have Venus in your sign until the 23rd, and while you are keeping to yourself in many ways, this has no effect on your personal appeal. In fact, others are drawn to you more than usual. You are the desired one right now! You may not be entirely ready to act on feelings yet, but you're certainly attracting others to you. 

For another, you have Jupiter entering Libra on the 9th. While two eclipses this month can shake up your worlds of work and downtime, the biggest headline is Jupiter's move into your sign. This celebrated transit will unfold over the next thirteen months, but certainly by the 25-26 when the Sun and Jupiter align, you'll be feeling some of the benefits in September. Ideas for future ventures can be golden. Confidence increases and you seek out more freedom now and in the coming year. You may be exposed to interesting ideas and gain new and exciting interests. You're not afraid to explore, and little holds you back from enjoying life on multiple levels. In truth, you are making your own opportunities by putting more faith in yourself and your capabilities.

The 20-26 can bring you personal attention, but it can also be a time of remarkable new insights into your emotional life, family, or the past. While this can be subtle, it can also be life-changing in the sense that now you feel more equipped to move forward. The last week of September is also strong for money and gifts, as well as active for family and domestic life. The New Moon on the 30th is in your sign, pointing to a grand new beginning. This is a time of more personal presence and power, and it's a theme that continues into October.

September is an important month for taking care of unfinished business, dear Scorpio, mainly revolving around friends, groups, and causes. As the month progresses, it’s a powerful time for healing, relaxing, and getting in touch with your inner world.

Jupiter moves into your solar twelfth house on the 9th, where it will transit for thirteen months. It’s a quiet period for Jupiter, but it’s certainly not without its benefits. You’ll get a preview of its energy in large doses around the 25-26 when past good deeds can bring in rewards. In many ways, the year ahead involves an important inner spiritual search as you establish a deeper connection with, and faith in, your intuition. You’re coming to a better relationship with yourself from the inside out. Your sympathetic nature deepens, and you can thoroughly enjoy helping others. An untapped resource can be discovered and benefits come from behind the scenes.

There can be hurdles to clear this month, most likely concerning earning power or income, but taking care of problem areas will benefit you for years to come, so do the ground work. Your social life can be up and down this month. At times, you might question others’ allegiance. The Lunar Eclipse on the 16th can bring love feelings to bloom or a romantic relationship to a turning point.

The last week of September is considerably easier. For one, Venus spends its first of three weeks in your sign, boosting your appeal. A special someone is catering to your needs and interests. People tend to want to be around you and help you out, and your personal appeal skyrockets. For another, your ruler, Pluto, turns direct and you feel a lot clearer about your direction and personal goals. A project that was put on hold can now move forward. The 20-23 is a time for wowing others with your findings, insight, and wisdom. Those who have been second-guessing you can completely come around. Finally, on the 27th, Mars enters your communications sector and helps to renew your interest in various exciting projects. Enthusiasm for learning and sharing builds. 

September can be a month of ups and downs regarding career and reputation matters, dear Sagittarius, but also definite improvements to these things, or at least foreseeable ones! You may need to return to an old project or redo and refine something that you thought was complete. Some of you may need to go back to the same old conversations or problems. However, this apparent backtracking can lead to significant refinements and the strengthening of areas that were once on shaky ground. Ultimately, you’re in a much stronger position going forward. 

Career or life path goals can require exacting and particular attention but can also serve to excite you about your future. Be patient this month for best results! 

Jupiter moves into your friends and dreams sector on the 9th and will visit this pleasant house of your solar chart for over a year. Ideally, you’ve accomplished some pretty big goals and now have more freedom to pursue goals that are less about performance and more about enjoyment. Jupiter loosens you up in this way. As your ruler, you’re certainly aware of the beneficial traits of this freedom-loving, generous planet. However, because Saturn has been visiting your sign, you may not always feel so carefree, and this Jupiter transit will help remind you of the need to enjoy yourself more often. You’ll be pouring more energy into, and deriving plenty of benefits from, friendships, networking, personal causes, and community or group associations in the coming year. 

The eclipses this month remind you once again of the sensitive balance between career and home life, as well as attention to reputation or protocol versus attention to personal goals and family. Love is a little more private and perhaps complicated in the last week of the month. The 20-23 can bring significant insight into money and career matters – this can be critical for success. Money matters that were previously stuck or stalling can clear up from the 26th forward. You’ll be pursuing both pleasure and a fatter bank account from the 27th forward and into October.

September can be a month of some backtracking and delays that allow you to refine and improve your projects, dear Capricorn. However, it's an important month for getting to a much better place mentally. Redoing work that you thought was complete or returning to old material or conversations and problems can make you feel a little stuck at times this month, but you're making substantial progress. 

For those Capricorns working on projects for publishing, this can be a busy and important time for refinements. The temptation may be to release a work or complete a project or study before you're entirely ready, but it's important to exercise patience. 

Jupiter moves to the top of your solar chart on the 9th, and will transit your career and reputation sector for over a year. This beneficial influence will unfold over thirteen months, but you'll see it kickstarted this month, particularly around the 25-26. This is a time for getting some pleasing feedback and recognition for the work you do, or for the effort you've made towards important goals. More importantly, it's a time when you feel prouder of your accomplishments, which motivates you to shoot a little higher. You might find yourself in a position to manage others, or there could be a promotion or more enjoyable work and goals during this pivotal transit. 

The 20-23 can bring out new information and insights that change your approach to your work and projects. You have a distinct edge now. Friendships improve and thrive starting in the last week of September. Finally, Mars moves into your sign on the 27th. This has been a long time coming, as Mars has spent an unusually long time in the sign behind yours, and you've been on the fence about many things. Energy and motivation levels may have suffered, but now you're picking up your socks and getting things done. This transit can be problematic at times, largely due to impatience or impulsiveness, but is powerful for personal confidence, and will be with you until November 9th.

September can be a month of transformations and renovations, dear Aquarius, mostly on an emotional level. You're returning to old problems with a different attitude, taking care of unfinished business, and making refinements to projects that are not quite complete. In the process, you may very well find some gems from the past. Dependencies can be a big issue now - the desire to feel more independent and empowered can be strong, and you're now taking the steps necessary to make these changes. 

Jupiter moves into Libra and favorable position to your sign on the 9th, launching a thirteen-month transit that naturally encourages you to explore and expand your interests. It's an excellent influence for taking courses and for studies and interests, in general. Happy connections and friendships might be made through studies, travel, and other non-routine affairs. Those who've interrupted their education may return to courses now with great success and renewed confidence. You're likely to be more easygoing when it comes to everyday life, as you find it easier to rise above small problems and put things into perspective during this cycle.

Money matters can reach a head around the 16th. There can be revelations or realizations revolving around finances, valuables, or values. The 20-23 can bring about a revelation or news that improves your understanding of a difficult problem. After a sense that you're stuck, you begin to feel that you can truly get ahead. The 25-26 is favorable for teaching, learning, connecting, and promoting. On the 27th, Mars enters your solar twelfth house, however, launching a cycle in which you're a little less energetic as your priorities shuffle around, or a project ends.

There is a strong focus on relationships this month, dear Pisces, and while new beginnings are on the horizon, some backtracking is likely now. It's a time of going over old problems, conversations, and negotiations. Mercury's retrograde until the 22nd points to a period when others may not always come through for you in the usual ways.

Jupiter moves into your solar eighth house on the 9th, and this launches a thirteen-month cycle that's superb for financial improvements and your intimate life. This transit unfolds over the course of a year and a month, but you may be enjoying a preview of this theme now, particularly around the 25-26. Increased benefits can come through others now and in the coming year. A partner's income could increase, or you might team up with others to work towards an important goal. Career advancements are also possible now. 

Changes are necessary in a romantic relationship or with children this month. You are reorganizing these areas of life and taking charge. Those of you in creative lines of work might land a new project that is demanding but fulfilling. The 20-23 is strong for valuable insight into a relationship. There can be an "aha" moment that is significant and propels you forward. The ability to see what may have been tripping you up in the past is truly helpful. Sharing ideas can be very fruitful now, and friends can have valuable input. An understanding with someone close to you can be a beautiful form of release and relief. 

The last week of September is good for personal appeal. A friendship may resume, or a reconnection with an old friend can happen now. Love relationships can have an exotic flavor, or you might find love while exploring new ideas, activities, and places. Some of the recent pressures on work and performance tone down. You may become more active with your community, friends, or causes.

Early August is strong for love relationships, flirtations, and your social life, dear Aries. In general, you're in good spirits. The two principal reasons for this positive outlook are the New Moon enlivening your creative sector on the 2nd, and Mars moving into your adventure sector, also on the 2nd.

While work demands more than the usual attention in the month ahead, August brings great energy for breaking out of routines and enjoying yourself more fully. New adventures and experiences can suddenly seem desirable after many months of being quite content following simple routines close to home. Many recent pressures tend to ease for you this month, and this frees you up to explore recreational
activities. Creativity is stimulated, and some of you could be picking up a new hobby or breathing new life into an old one.

On the 23-24, Mars aligns with Saturn, and you'd be wise to focus on practical concerns, a game plan, or strategy. You might decide that something has run its course and needs to be left behind. There could be a need to get serious about an educational, publishing, or legal matter for some of you. If you've been pushing yourself too hard, you'll recognize the need to pace yourself now.

Work and health matters grab your attention increasingly as the month progresses. This has been the case to some degree all year with Jupiter in your solar sixth house. You're coming to the end of this fortunate transit, and you should take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you this month, particularly around the 21-22 and 27-29. You might discover a new health program or you could come up with excellent ideas about a new work project. Some of you may be reviving old projects now with renewed enthusiasm. There can be some exaggeration or excess present on the job or with co-workers. Even so, good humor helps you to heal and more thoroughly enjoy the work you do.

August is likely to bring stronger energy for connecting with a partner, dear Taurus, and perhaps some drama to your personal life. Financial matters, mainly revolving around shared resources or debts, might also heat up in the coming month. 

Good energy is with you for redecorating your home or entertaining from home, and in general, peace and comfort with your family. The New Moon on the 2nd brings the energy and motivation necessary to start fresh. It’s time for a domestic makeover. At the same time, Mars moves into your intimacy sector, turning your attention to the hidden elements of your life. While your emotional life is a little more complicated, you’re also braver and more confident on a personal level.

While there is quite a bit of introspective energy with you in August, there is also radiant energy with you for creative and romantic pursuits. You are looking especially good these days, particularly on the 21-22 and 27-29, and might even be the object of desire. You may be tempted to turn up the charm, but aim instead for sincerity, as it will be appreciated most. Good energy is with you for expanding your personal horizons through creative endeavors. Love can be magical, and your powers of attraction run high. As well, a Full Moon on the 18th turns your attention to responsibilities and career.

In August, you are more communicative and sociable, dear Gemini, with Mars moving into your partnership zone and a New Moon occurring in your communications sector, both happening on the 2nd but influencing you for weeks. The desire to express yourself and share your experiences with others is powerful this month.

With Mars in your health and work sector for much of 2016, you may have been wrestling with all sorts of small but irritating problems. While the pace of your life is unlikely to slow down significantly this month, you are focusing less on technical challenges and more on the people in your life. There can be times in August when you feel others are in the driver's seat. However, this can be managed if you experience the need to reclaim some personal power. It may be that you need a bit of a break from being in charge.

Another important theme this month involves growth and warmth in your personal life and with family and close loved ones. Nice opportunities can arise to bond with those closest to your heart. This can also be a time for buying a special or unique item for the home, or when money comes through. You may be finding peace with your past in a meaningful way. Jupiter is on its last leg of its transit of your home and family sector, and with its connections to inner planets on the 21-22 and 27-29 this month, you might decide to jump on opportunities to improve your domestic life. Opportunities for love and friendship may emerge close to home.

 

There is a wonderful practical focus for you in August, dear Cancer. You can get your life into order in fundamental ways. First, Mars moves into your work sector, firing up your desire to take care of your daily affairs and work. You may be gung-ho about a new health program or a work idea/project. Next, a New Moon occurs in your resources sector, motivating you to take charge of your financial affairs.

Mars spent an unusual length of time in your sector of romance and creativity sector and now moves into your solar sixth house, which is related to work and health. This means the rockier and exciting elements of your romantic life are about to settle down, and work heats up in its stead. While pressures are on, you may welcome this change of pace. You feel more passion and vigor for taking care of business.

Even so, you are also in good shape on a social level this month. You can enjoy wonderful conversations this month. Jupiter is spending its last weeks in a year-long cycle in your communications sector, and Mercury and Venus align with Jupiter on the 21-22 and 27-29, opening up doors for you to take advantage of the benefits of this transit. It's an excellent time to exchange ideas, learn new things, and connect with others. You might hear something of great use to you, or that boosts your understanding. It's a good month for those things that connect you to information and people, such as new or improved cars, bikes, phones, or computers and devices, and for education as well.

The month ahead favors new beginnings, creative endeavors, and making considered changes. While we're not entirely free of inner planets' retrograde activity, dear Leo, you certainly see some gradual forward movement in August. Creative projects and romantic relationships gain some speed, and stalled or unfinished projects may resume now. 

The New Moon on the 2nd is all about you and is supported by Saturn, putting you in a practical and positive frame of mind. The month is strong for personal triumphs, small yet significant changes, and financial boosts. You may be feeling back on track when it comes to dating, hobbies, or creative pursuits.

Mars moves into a compatible sign on the 2nd after spending quite some time in challenging aspect to your sign. This can be a charming, hopeful, and optimistic period, lasting until September 27th. You're ardent in your pursuit of what and who you want during this cycle. 

The Full Moon/near Lunar Eclipse on the 18th can bring unacknowledged feelings to the surface. There can be a turning point or announcement in a relationship now.

Jupiter is on its last leg of its journey through your solar second house, and aligns with Mercury and Venus this month, presenting opportunities to make the most of this beneficial transit. Look for ways to improve your feelings of comfort, security, and abundance. An income boost is possible now, particularly around the 21-22 and 27-29. 

August brings very sweet energy into your life, dear Virgo, with two planets, Venus and Jupiter, that have earned the title “Benefic” in your sign and coming into alignment. Mercury is also in your sign for an extended stay, and the Sun moves into Virgo on the 22nd. As such, there is a major focus on your personality this month. Your finer and more appealing qualities are emphasized. Yes, your ruler, Mercury, will retrograde on the 30th in your sign, but ideally, you have learned how to handle this rather frequent occurrence, and it certainly affords you a little more time to explore your inner world. 

As well, some important influences are urging you to rest, recoup, and relax this month. The New Moon on the 2nd is one such reminder – you may need to take care of loose ends now. Working behind the scenes benefits you. On the same day, Mars moves into your home and family sector, so that while you’re likely to get some social attention and even admiration, a good part of you is a little “hard to get” now. It’s a necessary, healing phase. The rest and privacy you need are yours, although there may be plenty of stimulating dramas playing out around you. 

The Sun in your sign gives you more power and courage from the 22nd forward. Home life becomes more animated and family life demands more of your time this month. 

Jupiter is on its last leg of its journey through your sign, which lasts until September 9th. The 21-22 and 27-29 can bring sweet rewards and perhaps some recognition for all of the work or charity you’ve been doing quietly behind the scenes. Your personality shines. People see your value. This is a winning time for attracting others to you through your unique self-expression and vision, as well as for putting past grudges behind you. 

There is good energy for making solid, long-lasting connections and friendships this month, dear Libra. Even so, a lot of your focus in August is turned to the past. There is no shortage of invitations and things to do - it is more about your ability to pick and choose. Secrets and whispers delight in the month ahead, and you may willingly make a few sacrifices to be with a special someone or simply to spend more time alone and/or away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Aim to forgive yourself for past mistakes and learn from them. 

Mars moves into your communications sector on the 2nd, where it will stay until the last week of September. You may be revisiting projects begun in March or April. It's a good time for getting back into old studies or personal interests, and for beginning new projects. There is more passion and excitement in learning now.

Your sense of community is strong, and emotional satisfaction can come through your interactions with, or support of, friends and associates this month. Responsibilities to others may be in focus, but they are pleasant and rewarding. If you need to start fresh with a friend, August is strong for doing so.

There can be wonderful opportunities for healing, growing, and coming together with others this month. The 21-22 and 27-29 are good for these things. Some of you could be reconnecting with old friends or lovers now. Something may surface that brings much joy to your life. You might perform a generous act behind the scenes or anonymously.

You’ve spent a lot of time discovering your passions, exploring your assertiveness, entertaining your independent streak, and in full touch with your desire nature, dear Scorpio, with Mars in your sign for an extended stay. On August 2nd, however, Mars moves forward, and while in many ways you’ve benefited from Mars’ visit of your sign as you scoped out the playing field, it’s time to settle in and focus on building and developing.

You’re still interested in defending your rights, of course, but August is likely to bring a less competitive energy into your life, and you’re bound to appreciate the change of pace. Professional interests and ambitions are still going strong, but your personal life is considerably more chill than it has been. There is also the need to work cooperatively within the framework of a group with quite a bit of activity happening in your solar eleventh house. Work matters are solid in August and your drive to improve them even further is strong. 

You may be seeking out ways to earn more or develop your talents this month. You may need to tame urges to spend too much, however. In all likelihood, you’ll be coming out ahead in the finances department, or you’ll be putting in the groundwork for future increases in income.

The 21-22 and 27-29 are brilliant for your social life. You’re appreciated and enjoyed. People are drawn to your optimism and generosity of spirit. Others might extend kindnesses to you now, and some of you can enjoy new friendships. These are also active, positive days for networking, sharing, and promoting.

People in your life have been growing accustomed to a more withdrawn and even serious quality to you recently, dear Sagittarius, with Saturn turning direct in your sign and Mars in your privacy sector. Mars moved into your sign in March, but then turned retrograde and retreated.

However, Mars moves into your sign on August 2nd, and while you continue to assert your independence, you're inclined to do so a little more loudly. You're also more forthright and ready to take action. At first, it may seem a little raw, but as you get the hang of Mars energy, you're likely to wear it well. A decidedly more confident and assertive side will emerge. Mars will align with Saturn and form a square with Neptune this month, so it won't be completely smooth, but you're now in a more energetic, confident cycle. 

The New Moon on the 2nd is another fantastic boost for your spirit. You may be making a new commitment to learning and studies. Some of you could be promoting or publishing your work. 

You're also in a strong position in public or professional settings this month. The 21-22 and 27-29 can present opportunities for some recognition, a meeting of minds with someone in authority, an important sale, or another type of boost. You can be feeling quite optimistic about your career or social standing. A relationship announcement may occur now.

The 23-24 can require you to get serious about a personal matter. If you've been pushing too hard, you'll come to the realization that you need to pace yourself now. It's important to have a strong sense of what you can and cannot do, not by lowering your standards, but through self-honesty and realism.

There is a quiet theme with you in August, dear Capricorn, with a New Moon occurring in your intimacy sector on the 2nd, and Mars moving into your privacy sector on the same day. Love is private, intimate, and passionate in the month ahead, so be sure to share yourself with bravery.

Despite this introspective focus, key planets are encouraging you to explore new ideas and experiences. Jupiter is on the last leg of its journey through your sector of adventure, learning, and spirit. This is a fortunate transit that serves to open your mind and open doors to you for promotion, publishing, travel, and education. For some, a legal outcome leads to more freedom or an opportunity emerges to explore an adventure that you've only dreamt of in the past. Freedom of movement is of particular importance to you right now, as any feeling of being tied to a set place or routine can leave you feeling stifled. 

Mercury and Venus align with Jupiter and with one another in August, and nice opportunities can emerge as a result. There may be awards and rewards, particularly around the 21-22 and 27-29. You might especially benefit from word of mouth or positive reviews. Take every opportunity to brush up on skills and boost your knowledge during this period. This can also be a good time for meeting a special friend, possibly through new interests, studies, travels, or adventures.

Relationship matters are moving forward this month, dear Aquarius. Your social life may have been on the dull side in recent months, and while the withdrawal or lack has not been a terrible experience for you, the liveliness that August's energies bring to friendships may be quite welcome. Watch, however, for the drama level to rise too high.

If you need a fresh start in an important friendship or partnership, the week following the New Moon on the 2nd is excellent for beginning anew. This can also be a time when a relationship reaches a whole new level or a new relationship is born.

The Full Moon on the 18th is just shy of a Lunar Eclipse and occurs in your sign. It's excellent for making discoveries about your true feelings. 

The 23-24 can involve a reality check of sorts in a friendship, group association, or regarding a long-term goal. You may need to lay down the law or put on the brakes temporarily before moving ahead.

With Jupiter on the last leg of its journey through your solar eighth house, you may want to take full advantage of its alignments with Mercury and Venus this month on the 21-22 and 27-29. This is a time for facing fears and breaking through taboos. It may be an opportune time for receiving support or getting help. You can experience a real sense of joy through intimacy with someone special, or experience an emotional breakthrough of your own. A partner may receive a financial boost.

Work and a sense of mission are in sharp focus this month, dear Pisces. Two strong influences begin on August 2nd: a New Moon brings a charge of energy to your sector of work, health, and habits, and you're in a powerful position for fresh new starts in these areas of life; and Mars moves into your career sector, firing up ambitions.

Your needs and desires might often seem eclipsed by those of a partner in the month ahead, but for the most part, this is a pleasant, rewarding experience. Alternatively, your personal needs and plans are on the backburner for now. This is a natural process, and it's better not to fight it. Honor the important people in your life and play a supportive role. In fact, there can be mutual benefits involved. You can derive much joy from feeling part of a partnership now, if applicable. The 21-22 and 27-29 are excellent for moving forward in a friendship or relationship. If you need to forgive and forget, this is a great time to do so. 

Ambitions are sure to charge up this month as Mars returns to your career and reputation sector. Mars was here in March to May, but then turned retrograde and retreated into your solar ninth house - until now. Some plans and projects that have their origins in March and April may need some revisiting now. You gradually build up momentum and more wholeheartedly pursue your career and life path goals. A conservative approach in business is necessary around the 23-24 - you'll need to slow down if you've been trying to push something too fast. Even so, you're coming up with some very practical and workable long-term life strategies and plans now.