I can’t believe it’s August already! This year is flying by! Don’t worry. You might be wishing for time to speed up with things to come. The second half of the year will slow down a bit with all of the retrogrades we have going on.

Speaking of retrogrades, Mercury retrograde begins on August 5th in the sign of Virgo. Mercury is at home in Virgo, so this energy is amplified! Virgo is the sign of healing, service and perfection. Things can sometimes fall through the cracks during retrograde cycles. Be careful that you see to the details in your daily life during this cycle AND try to release unrealistic expectations for yourself and others. It’s easy to be hard on yourself and others when you are trying to achieve perfection. Mercury rules communication so, watch what you say before you say it. Check all of the details on travel plans and contracts this month. Hold off on signing anything until September if you can.

August brings the energy of the Yang Water Monkey. The natural element of the Monkey is Metal. Metal is the supporter of Water, and Water weakens Metal. Yang Water is like the energy of the Ocean. Unpredictable, volatile and extremely emotional. The Monkey is the animal that represents cleverness, mischief and fun. This combination can bring a sense of the monkey’s need to play and be free but with the unpredictability of the Yang water, plans for fun might change. Emotions will be high this month so, be careful to not let them take over! Tigers lay low this month. The Monkey’s energy might be too overwhelming for you. Snakes, you have a choice to learn from the Monkey how to lighten up and have a little fun. Pigs, watch your health this month and protect your energy.

I find that during intense times, working with monthly moon cycles is helpful!

The New Moon in Leo is on August 4th. New Moon = a fresh new start. This is a fun moon that’s full of possibilities and creativity. What puts you in the spotlight? What makes you stand out? Write down the first things that come to mind and start creating a plan that will help you express yourself in the most creative way. Look at your Natal Chart and find the house with 12° Leo. In my chart, the 8th House of transformation will take center stage. I also have a Leo Moon, so this will be a great time of creativity for me. Where will the New Moon show up in your chart?

August 13th brings the conjunction of Mars (the planet of war and aggression) and Jupiter (the planet of expansion) both in Gemini, the sign of duality. This has the potential to bring very upsetting news to the surface. Public figures and/or politicians need to watch their words during this week. It’s the perfect storm for a scandal, creating a media frenzy. Grab your popcorn!

The Full Moon in Aquarius is on August 19th. Full Moon = release and surrender. This is a really intense one! Both the sun and moon are squaring Uranus, the planet of expecting the unexpected. This is called a T-square which creates challenges and tension. Remember the last Full Moon in Capricorn? President Biden dropped out of the 2024 election. We can expect a lot of unexpected twists and turns with this one too! The fixed sign of Aquarius is the sign of collective revolution and rebellion. Pay attention to the collective during this full moon. What is the focus of groups and communities? Aquarius wants to do whatever it wants. It doesn’t like to be told what to do. This could be a big turning point in the world. Pay attention to what is making you feel stubborn and a lack of freedom. This is what you are ready to release. Look at your chart and find 27° Aquarius. Which house is illuminated by the full moon? This will give you further details as to what you are letting go of.

It’s a crazy month so remember the themes for Mercury Retrograde. Release, relax, restore and retreat if you need to!