Astrology Forecast for August 2011

by Belinda C Dunn

Aquarius/Leo Full Moon
August 13 @ 2:57 p.m.

Virgo New Moon
August 28 @ 11:04 p.m.

Mercury retrograde
August 2 @ 11:50 p.m.

Mercury direct
August 26 @ 6:04 p.m.

A gathering of three eclipses stirred up Earth's planetary field in recent months (June 1, 15 and July 1). Eclipses are powerful signatures of magnetic force effecting many levels of our collective experience. They serve to illuminate what has been suppressed within the human psyche by churning up unresolved emotion and stimulating mental activity. To further this effect, the Solar Eclipse on July 1 was in relationship to Pluto, the archetypical ruler of the underworld. Like opening Pandora's box, the information coming to light continues to challenge our sanity, sense of reality and beliefs. Because of the lingering effect of eclipses, humanity has been in this crucible of intense change for three months. For many of us, life circumstances are not looking quite the same as they did in May, and we are left reeling from the intensity as well as implications for future direction.

August is the month for integrating recent events. Because eclipses are destabilizing, it is essential to regroup, change orientation if needed, and therefore regain stability. There are several planetary reasons for this. First, Mercury is retrograde August 2 - 26. Now I feel some uneasiness and complaints out there! But . . . Mercury retrograde provides a much needed slow down. Because our human nature is impulsive and reactive, especially during eclipses, it is essential and timely to take a deep, calming breath, put everything on the table, and examine all options. Consider August the "look before you leap" month.

The second planetary factor playing into this essential need to regroup is Mars enters the zodiac sign of Cancer on August 3, where it will remain all month. Cancer the Crab carries its home upon its back, and retreats to safety at a moment's notice. This placement of Mars says, "return to home base, and get your house in order." Depending on your unique life circumstances, this retreat and re-organization can manifest in a variety of ways. All the way from home improvements to relocation, the theme is family, relationships within the home, safety and location.

Mars in Cancer serves to drive each of us toward emotional stability and security needs. Mars will fight for what it needs, therefore domestic issues have a tendency to get out of control. Especially be aware of August 8-12 when Mars activates erratic Uranus and heavy-handed Pluto. While these are days of upheaval and unexpected developments, it is essential to remain centered. Mars tends to be accident prone in relationship to these planets. Use caution in all matters. Accidents can range all the way from a slip of the tongue to fires and explosions. Radical breakthroughs are possible, although in some instances, they appear extreme.

Nationally, the economic and political environment continues to be volatile and uncertain. Mars in Cancer powerfully activates the horoscope of the United States amplifying this country's misdirected need for security by being parent to other countries. Additionally, the nation is experiencing its third and final Saturn return, completing a year of momentous re-assessment in overall direction with repercussions for the next Saturn cycle of 29 years. Add Mercury retrograde into this mix, and we can see the planets are playing havoc with decisions and projects that desperately need to move forward. There is plenty of illusion to go around, and the general public continues to be baffled by the lack of decisiveness in Washington. In our personal lives, it is very important to be prepared, double check all facts and figures, look beneath the surface of conditions, and seek alignment with intuition and gut instinct.

The Full Moon on August 13 combines the zodiac influence of Leo and Aquarius. The Sun is in tight alignment with Venus and Mercury signifying alignment with self as well as Source. The key phrase for Leo is, "I will." One of the biggest problems we face in this dimension is the tendency to act from personal willfulness rather than higher purpose. Typically, the personal will is distorted by habit and blinded by ego. Popular inspirational speaker Wayne Dyer says, "ego stands for Edge God Out." On this learning dimension, humans learn through the stark and uncomfortable contrast between action based on ego, and action based on love. This Full Moon supports attunement to Creator's will as loving kindness for all beings. During this lunation, Moon in Aquarius supports spontaneous knowing, synchronicity, friendship and community.

Thankfully, the Virgo New Moon on August 28 begins a more grounding and stabilizing phase. Pluto in positive alignment with Sun, Moon and Venus implies the upheaval of recent months is beginning to find direction and settle down. As the planet of death and rebirth, Pluto challenges us to relinquish control and embrace reality as well as total transformation. On a mundane level, this New Moon turns our attention back to work, a new school year, and the more practical concerns of life.

A Virgo New Moon is an excellent time to address routine health matters. The meticulous side of Virgo comes to the forefront in diagnosis, and is very useful in getting to the bottom of persistent problems. Daily habits are the bedrock of a healthy life or a life troubled with disease. The zodiac sign of Virgo supports a change in lifestyle habits toward healing and wholeness.

Jupiter begins its annual retrograde movement on August 30. In the zodiac sign of Taurus, it brings a constructive and productive focus on finances and resources. Jupiter continues to offers its beneficent rays through autumn and winter months. This is a tremendous help to the overall economy, and the manifestation of new ideas in the marketplace. Jupiter in Taurus is earthy, practical and realistic. Not only will it stimulate the flow of currency, but it stimulates investment. Coupled with Uranus in Aries, these two planets assist in getting new projects off the ground.

As always, August blends the influence of two zodiac teachers, Leo and Virgo. Leo is all about childlike, joyous, spontaneous play. Virgo is about work, service, health and healing. These urges intertwine dramatically over the course of the month. The old adage, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" reminds us to keep balance in daily activities. When Mercury goes retrograde on August 2, it is in Virgo, ready to make a "to do" list, pointing out all those things that need to be done. When it does direct on August 26, it is in Leo, helping us catch those last few days of summer fun, those last few rays of summer sun. Enjoy!

Belinda C Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 35 years experience. She is available for personal consultation. Contact her through e-mail: [email protected], or phone 828.215.2101. Check out her site at AstroDelight.com.