Mercury turns retrograde on August 20 until September 12 between 19º01’ and 5º26’ Virgo.

Health, diet and exercise come to the forefront. We could resume abandoned studies, complete a manuscript, clear clutter and eliminate backlogged work. People we haven’t seen in a long time could re-emerge in our lives. We should pay more attention than usual to details and cleanliness. Pets and accounting matters also come into focus

Jupiter continues to be retrograde this whole month (until November 18) between 3º17’ and 1º06’ Aries.

These three degrees are symbolized in the Sabian Symbols by: “Two lovers strolling through a secluded walk.” “A cameo profile of a man in outline of his country.” and “A comedian entertaining a group.” Abundance comes to us by focusing on the things we love and are good at. As we follow our heart, attaining our dreams becomes effortless and we are supported by the universe in the fulfillment of our visions.

Uranus continues to be retrograde this whole month (until December 5) between 0º19’ Aries and 29º27’ Pisces.

The Sabian Symbols give the following two images for these degrees: “A majestic rock formation resembling a face is idealized by a boy who takes it as his ideal of greatness, and as he grows up, begins to look like it.” and “A woman has risen out of the ocean, a seal is embracing her.” The more we express our uniqueness, free ourselves from old conditionings and resist whatever betrays our spiritual truth, nature embraces us and shows us the way to our highest purpose and how to embody it in our daily lives.

Neptune continues to be retrograde this whole month (until November 9, 2011) between 27º49’ and 27º00’ Aquarius.

This degree is symbolized in the Sabian Symbols by “A tree felled and sawed to ensure a supply of wood for the winter.” Focusing on our spiritual dimension, meditating, keeping a journal on the dreams we receive at night, lead the way to enlightenment and finding peace in the eye of the storm. Even if social structures collapse around us, leaving us with a feeling of scarcity and chaos, our inner strength of character and gratitude towards what we do have, provide the resources needed to create the abundance we need in times of apparent lack.

Pluto continues to be retrograde this whole month (until September 13) between 3º15’ and 2º50’ Capricorn.

These two degrees are illustrated in the Sabian Symbols as follows: “A group of people entering a large canoe for a journey by water.” And, “the human soul, in its eagerness for new experiments, seeks embodiment.” Our power and the fulfillment of our highest destiny reside in our ability to find the right vehicle to manifest our visions.

The Moon will be Void of Course

(V/O –forming no major aspect with any planet before entering the following sign-):

• From Sunday 8/1 at 8:55 PM till Monday 8/2 at 1:13 AM: when the Moon enters Taurus.
• On Wednesday 8/4 between 5:45 AM and 9:54 AM: when the Moon enters Gemini.
• On Friday 8/6 between 2:22 PM and 2:50 PM: when the Moon enters Cancer.
• From Saturday 8/7 at 11:46 AM till Sunday 8/8 at 4:23 PM: when the Moon enters Leo.
• On Tuesday 8/10 between 12:10 PM and 4:01 PM: when the Moon enters Virgo.
• From Wednesday 8/11 at 5:04 PM till Thursday 8/12 at 3:42 PM: when the Moon enters Libra.
• On Saturday 8/14 between 1:06 PM and 5:26 PM: when the Moon enters Scorpio.
• On Monday 8/16 between 10:23 PM and 10:34 PM: when the Moon enters Sagittarius.
• On Thursday 8/19 between 6:58 AM and 7:17 AM: when the Moon enters Capricorn.
• On Saturday 8/21 between 6:08 PM and 6:37 PM: when the Moon enters Aquarius.
• On Tuesday 8/24 between 1:30 AM and 7:11 AM: when the Moon enters Pisces
• On Thursday 8/26 between 6:59 PM and 7:49 PM : when the Moon enters Aries
• On Sunday 8/29 between 1:48 AM and 7:35 AM : when the Moon enters Taurus
• On Tuesday 8/31 between 4:13 PM and 5:19 PM: when the Moon enters Gemini.

Mark these periods in red in your calendar and avoid scheduling anything of importance during these times as they would amount to… Nothing!

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Scheduling our activities using the zodiacal position of the Moon

Moon in Aries until Monday 8/2 at 1:12 AM + between Thursday 8/26 at 7:49 PM and Sunday 8/29 at 7:34 AM :

Perfect for intense physical activities, anything requiring forceful, direct action and self-assertion. Good also for leadership, spontaneity, good will, being a way shower, initiating new projects or bringing our car to the mechanic….

Moon in Taurus between Monday 8/2 at 1:13 AM and Wednesday 8/4 at 9:53 AM + between Sunday 8/29 at 7:35 AM and Tuesday 8/31 at 5:18 PM:

Perfect for any financial matter: paying our bills/debts, asking for the money that is owed to us, investing in real estate, buying and selling. Perfect also for a stroll in the park, going to the countryside, connecting with our Mother the Earth… Good also for gardening, pottery, sculpting, as well as body work…

Moon in Gemini between Wednesday 8/4 at 9:54 AM and Friday 8/6 at 2:49 PM + between Tuesday 8/31 at 5:19 PM and Thursday 9/2 at 11:49 PM:

Excellent for multi-tasking, curiosity, any form of communication, exchanging information, sending e-mails, calling friends and acquaintances. Great also for social activities, attending conferences, reading a book, watching a documentary, gathering data on various topics, connecting with new people….

Moon in Cancer between Friday 8/6 at 2:50 PM and Sunday 8/8 at 4:22 PM:

Perfect for family activities, especially those involving children. Good for spending more time at home, cooking, nurturing ourselves and those we love, inviting the people we cherish over for dinner. Excellent also for drawing, creative writing, humor and anything requiring imagination and a touch of craziness….

Moon in Leo between Sunday 8/8 at 4:23 PM and Tuesday 8/10 at 4:00 PM :

Excellent for anything glamorous, dramatic performances, being in the public’s eye, throwing or attending an elegant party, playing with children, romance and creativity in general…

Moon in Virgo between Tuesday 8/10 at 4:01 PM and Thursday 8/12 at 3:41 PM:

Excellent for starting a new fitness program, learning healthy nutrition, fasting, clearing our closets, cleaning our home, reorganizing our drawers…. Perfect also for detailed work, the focused use of our intelligence, and taking care of small pets….

Moon in Libra between Thursday 8/12 at 3:42 PM and Saturday 8/14 at 5:25 PM:

Great for relationships, associations, diplomatic exchanges with others, anything related to beauty (a haircut, buying new clothes, a make-over…), art (especially painting and decorating…), a pleasant social event (concert, art exhibition…).

Moon in Scorpio between Saturday 8/14 at 5:26 PM and Monday 8/16 at 10:33 PM:

Perfect for scientific research, esoteric studies, self-transformation, shamanism, dealing with the mysteries of life, death, and sexuality, as well as insurances and issues involving personal power…

Moon in Sagittarius between Monday 8/16 at 10:34 PM and Thursday 8/19 at 7:16 AM:

Perfect for traveling, religious and/or philosophical activities or matters related to higher education and the law. Excellent for lecturing, learning, perfecting a foreign language, exploring other cultures… Perfect also for athletic training and tending to large animals (horses….)

Moon in Capricorn between Thursday 8/19 at 7:17 AM and Saturday 8/21 at 6:36 PM:

Good for furthering our ambitions, asking for a promotion, enlisting the support of people in positions of authority, making a good impression, re-structuring our business and redefining our long-term goals…

Monn in Aquarius between Saturday 8/21 at 6:37 PM and Tuesday 8/24 at 7:10 AM:

Perfect for philanthropic activities, charitable organizations, meeting with friends, making new acquaintances. Good also for inventions, far out, progressive ideas, inter-dimensional and time travel, anything related to UFOs, computers and technology in general….

Moon in Pisces between Tuesday 8/24 at 7:11 AM and Thursday 8/26 at 7:48 PM:

Great for meditating, sitting by the ocean, anything related to the sacred, dancing, painting, swimming, dreaming, music, photography, film, sleeping, channeling, connecting with the mystical, the magic and the oneness of all that is…

 

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Our Intentional Meditation

Our intentional meditation began on July 25

with the Full Moon in Aquarius. On Monday 8/9, take out your Full Moon charged papers and write one positive, concise intention per sheet. Place your papers out to be activated by the New Moon in Leo, making sure they are on a balcony, in a garden or near a window by exactly 8:08 PM. Once that moment has passed, staple your sheets together, write the date and put them away, expecting a miracle!

Our next intentional meditation begins on Tuesday 8/24.

Take out as many blank sheets as you will have intentions, and place them out (on a balcony, near a window or in a garden) to be charged by the Full Moon in Pisces at exactly 10:05 AM. Once that moment has passed, gather your sheets and place them in a folder until the next New Moon in Virgo on Wednesday 9/8.

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Tuesday, 8/3: Jupiter Square Pluto (1:03 AM)

Matters related to religion, the law or philosophy could be stained by dogma, manipulations or power games. Maintaining an attitude of joyful tolerance enables us to work positively with others and enhance the best in all.

Friday, 8/6: Venus enters Libra (8:48 PM until September 8)

This next month brings out the need for peace, harmony and beauty. We seek loving relationships with others, based on fair exchanges and balance. A wonderful time to start a new romance or to rekindle an existing one. Artists should find more inspiration under this transit.

Saturday, 8/7: Venus Opposition Uranus (1:00 AM)

We may impulsively break relationships that have become too predictable, and seek excitement and newness. Unusual and independent people could feel particularly attractive. A certain instability marks our social life as well as our finances today.

Sunday, 8/8: Venus Conjunction Saturn (10:25 AM)

A great day for an emotional commitment. We are grounded and sure of our feelings. A need to grow together and build a relationship of lasting value enable us to work through the rough spots with loyalty and persistence. Good also for a solid financial investment that will fructify with time.

Monday, 8/9: Venus Opposition Jupiter (4:42 PM), Venus Square Pluto (9:04 PM)

Great for attending or throwing an elegant party. We just have to be careful not to fall prey to excess. Our graciousness, hospitability, gratitude and generosity attract unexpected gifts to us. In the face of emotional pressure and manipulation, for the sake of peace, it is best to compromise. Emotional issues -such as power games, jealousy or possessiveness- are likely to emerge, giving us a chance to heal the past.

Friday, 8/13: Uranus enters Pisces (8:31 PM until March 13, 2011)

7 last months during which science blends with mysticism. Amazing discoveries could be made that transform our understanding of our history. Music helps us attain higher states of consciousness. Inventions are channeled from inter-dimensional spheres that ease our daily lives and bring sudden healing.

Monday, 8/16: Jupiter Opposition Saturn (1:45 PM)

A day during which we might feel bogged down by responsibilities. Our freedom could become limited. Circumstances test our strength of character, our courage and our ability to face adverse conditions with dignity and an open heart.

Friday, 8/20: Sun Opposition Neptune (3:06 AM), Venus Conjunct Mars (11:49 AM), Mercury turns retrograde (12:59 PM until Sep 12)

Regarding Mercury retrograde, kindly refer to the opening paragraph. Today, more specifically, plans could prove unrealistic, we could be a little woolly headed, spaced out and dreamy. Discontentment or deception could slow our projects down and cause some anxiety. Our social life gets spiced up. A date with someone new, or an existing love relationship, brings energy and excitement.

Saturday, 8/21: Saturn Square Pluto (2:47 AM)

Resistance and lack of cooperation from others could test our determination, concentration and efficiency. Hard work, discipline, effort and compromise enable us to lay solid foundations for a secure future.

Sunday, 8/22: Sun enters Virgo (10:27 PM until September 21)

During this coming month, we are more practical, focused on details and hard working. A great period to fast, start a solid exercise program, adopt a pet, study a topic requiring focus and/or develop our healing skills.

Wednesday, 8/25: Sun Trine Pluto (10:11 PM)

Intense self-transformation makes us move into a whole new dimension. Our goals shift 180º. Any project started now has far reaching, positive consequences leading to great empowerment. Hard work, determination and discrimination strengthen our character in ways that allow anything we focus on, to succeed.

Wishing you all the best.

In Loving Light.

Michelle Karén, M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.