August’s Astrology
Mercury Retrograde – August 5 to August 28
This month, the big news is the fact that communication planet Mercury is retrograde from August 5th to August 28th.
This means it’s not a forward-moving period in the year. Instead, it’s time to slow things down, stop, reassess and review your situation before picking up speed again. If you need time out to rest, relax and enjoy yourself, make it happen.
This month, we may all have to re-negotiate, re-work and re-consider our plans. This is because Mercury turns retrograde in earth sign Virgo, one of its signs of rulership. Mercury in Virgo likes to be organised and on point.
Remember the Mercury retrograde mantra – put off the big decisions until the communication planet is back moving in the right direction. Here are some more tips:
- be flexible, have plans B, C & D up your sleeve
- take a step back, do less not more
- chase up old contacts, revisit the past
- stay open-minded, question everything
- avoid big decisions, be careful with your money
- rest and retreat
Mercury will move back into Leo on August 15th where it turns direct two weeks later. Therefore, this Mercury retrograde season could be unusually chaotic (interesting?) for Leo and Virgo, plus the other Mercury-ruled star sign Gemini.
For everyone, it’s wise to double-check arrangements, correspondence, etc. Know that the Mercury retrograde phase can coincide with a topsy-turvy world, especially when it comes to technology, transport, the money markets and the weather.
Virgo Season – Pencils At The Ready
After the blazing brightness of Leo season, Virgo season begins on August 22nd when the Sun moves into Virgo. This year, however, Virgo is a major star sign for most of the month.
This is because talk planet Mercury turns retrograde here on August 5th, plus the planet of relating Venus is in Virgo from August 5th to August 29th.
When planets are in Virgo, it’s an ideal time to get things organised and ready. There’s a ‘back-to-school’ or ‘back-to-work’ vibe once the Sun is in Virgo and it’s good to have a plan.
Virgo is the star sign of discernment, discrimination, details and precision. This is the time to harvest what you’ve sown, double-check your systems, de-clutter and create a sense of order in your life.
During August, there may be a choice between pursuing work and organisation or play-time and fun in the sun. Be discerning in your choices and make room for both.
Jupiter Gemini square Saturn Pisces – August 19
On December 21, 2020, there was an epic conjunction at 0° Aquarius of Jupiter & Saturn. The Jupiter-Saturn cycle lasts for 20 years and on August 19th, these two planets make their first square aspect of the cycle.
Jupiter rules expansion and faith while Saturn rules contraction and fear. Yet, together, these two planets can work well as they are both rulers in their own right. Jupiter’s vision can be manifested by Saturn’s ability to work hard and bring dreams into reality. Together, they bring wisdom and experience to the mix.
This combination indicates that there may be much to negotiate or work out mid-month, wherever these two planets fall in your horoscope. You might come up against conflicting opinions or beliefs and compromise may be necessary. Wherever this square falls in your horoscope, you’re being tested. Perhaps, things won’t work out the way you want or expect them to.
Yet, it’s how you respond that will determine how you move forward, whether you give up or succeed. When Jupiter and Saturn square up to one another, do your best to keep the faith and hold fear at bay.
Use the Mars-Jupiter conjunction in Gemini on August 14th to take a leap of faith and make things happen, before you talk yourself out of it.
Moon’s Phases
New Moon Leo – August 4
A New Moon is a symbol of new beginnings. Traditionally, a New Moon is the time to launch a project, begin something new and start over.
This is the beginning of the waxing phase of the Moon cycle, an ideal time to set your intentions for the month ahead. Make a wish when you first catch sight of the crescent Moon, a couple of days after the New Moon date.
This month’s New Moon falls in fire sign Leo on August 4th, the day before Mercury turns retrograde on August 5th. Sow seeds, celebrate, be confident and know that it may take a while for New Moon intentions to grow and flourish this month.
Full Moon Aquarius – August 19
During the Full Moon, the light of the moon is at its peak, shining a light on your current situation. Traditionally, a Full Moon is the time to trust your intuition, make important decisions and bring matters to completion or culmination.
This is the start of the waning phase of the Moon cycle, an ideal time to release and let go of what’s no longer needed in your life.
This Full Moon falls in air sign Aquarius and unpredictable Uranus is exactly square the Sun, Moon and talk planet Mercury. This combination feels chaotic. Socialising could be wild, tensions could be released, emotions and drama are virtually guaranteed.
Events that take place on or around the Full Moon may continue to reverberate as August comes to an end and September begins. Where are you wanting to break free or does life feel more unsettled than usual?
Your Important Dates For August 2024
New Moon [12 Leo 34] – August 4 (12:13 GMT+1)
Venus enters Virgo – August 5 (03:23 GMT+1)
Mercury turns retrograde [4 Virgo 06] – August 5 (05:56 GMT+1)
Mercury retrograde re-enters Leo – August 15 (01:15 GMT+1)
Full Moon [27 Aquarius 15] – August 19 (19:26 GMT+1)
Jupiter Gemini square Saturn Pisces – August 19 (22:46 GMT+1)
Sun enters Virgo – August 22 (15:55 GMT+1)
Mercury turns direct [21 Leo 25] – August 28 ( GMT+1)
Venus enters Libra – August 29 (14:23 GMT+1)
Weekly Horoscopes
There’s a lot more astrology taking place during August 2024 and you can find out all about it by subscribing to my weekly horoscopes and astrology newsletter.
Written in my easy-to-understand and accessible style, this is an ideal way to harness the power of astrology and utilise the movement of the planets to maximise the potential in your life. Subscribe here: Weekly Horoscopes & Astrology Newsletter.