Gemini (21 May – 21 June)
As August begins, two planets are retrograde in the sectors of your horoscope which correspond to travel and trips, study and learning. One of these planets is your ruler, Mercury, in retreat through the star sign, Leo, until August 19th.
You probably already know the drill for Mercury retrograde. It can be a time of communication chaos, when transport and technology seems more unreliable or unpredictable than usual. What Mercury retrograde is good for is going over old ground, reviewing and reassessing your situation. This could mean you’re revising ready to re-take a test or exam or perhaps you’re doing research for a trip you want to take later in the year.
You also learn about life in unexpected ways when key planets are retrograde. So make time for chat and blather. Talk to people in your local community, catch up with relatives and the ones you love. This is where you can learn something new, that will help you make sense of what’s currently happening in your life.
If you’re unsure in which direction you’re heading, take time out to stop and contemplate and gather information. This is also a key theme of this month’s Solar Eclipse on the 11th. Your ruler Mercury makes a powerful conjunction with the Sun in Leo two days earlier on the 9th and is caught up in eclipse territory.
News you hear might change your opinion or help you decide what next. Keep the lines of communication open, even if you can’t trust everyone or everything you hear. The more knowledge at your fingertips the better, especially if you’re involved in a legal, financial or education-related situation.
Your ruler Mercury turns direct on the 19th which could prove to be a significant turning point. At this stage, action planet Mars remains in retreat as it re-enters Capricorn and your joint finance sector on the 13th. Back to the drawing board with money matters. Mars turns direct on the 27th and it’s only after this date that you can negotiate or invest with confidence.
Lovely Venus smooths the way after the 6th when she enters Libra and your romance and creativity sector. Even if plans unravel this month or you’re frustrated with things not working out, make time for enjoyment, entertainment and all things lovely. If you’re looking for love, let other people know and don’t hide your light.
There’s a shift in pace from mid-month onwards when you need to stop reading or researching and make some bold moves. The Jupiter-Neptune aspect on the 19th lights up the work sectors of your horoscope, helping you find a job with meaning or purpose. Plus, on the 23rd, the Sun moves into Virgo and your home and family sector and the Full Moon on the 26th highlights your foundations.
You might be ready for a slower pace of life or, at least, one that’s moving in the right direction, even if you have to take small steps at first. Late August is the time to put into action what you’ve learned earlier in the month.