August is another month of powerful astrological activity and shifting energies with a solar eclipse, two retrograde planets going in direct motion, and another planet transiting its sign of debility. This month brings the final eclipse of the year, a solar eclipse on August 11, completing the trio of eclipses happening this summer. Venus, planet of relationships and healing, transits Virgo, its sign of debility, the entire month of August. The Sun makes its annual transit through Leo, its own sign, a strong placement from August 16 until September 16. Mercury, planet of communications, is retrograde the first few weeks of August, going direct on August 18.  Finally on August 27, Mars, planet of action and energy, goes direct, having been retrograde for two months, which generates more vitality at the end of August.

Venus, planet of love, relationship, nature, and healing, transits its debilitated sign of Virgo from August 1 until September 2, 2018. In addition, Venus will be aspected by Saturn and Ketu, the south node of the Moon, during this entire time. With Venus transiting the earth sign of Virgo we show more interest in natural and alternative healing modalities. We are also motivated to honor, respect, and protect nature and the planet, which could increase environmental activism. As Virgo is a service-oriented sign, this is an excellent period to donate your time to a worthy cause, which gives us purpose.

Venus is Virgo can also increase our desire for artistic expression. But in matters of the heart, Venus in Virgo is kind, but also wants perfection, especially with the Ketu aspect, so watch for over-criticizing those close to you. Relationship commitment issues can also surface. With the Saturn aspect to Venus, repression of deep, intimate feelings in love can happen as we take a more mental approach to relationship, making emotional fulfillment harder to find. Expressing heart-felt compassion and sharing with others are remedies. On the positive side, Venus in Virgo can be very unpretentious, practical, and dedicated to those they love and serve.

On August 11, 2018 we experience the final eclipse of the year, with a solar eclipse occurring at 2:58 AM PDT at 24 degrees Cancer in the nakshatra of Ashlesha. This eclipse is the last of three eclipses this summer, and indicates a serious period of revelation, triggering major changes and shifts in our lives. The magnified eclipse energies in July, and now in August, culminate, and promote a shedding of old patterns, opening to new soul growth. In addition, retrograde Mercury is transiting very close to this solar eclipse and is also combust the Sun which weakens it, so be especially clear, precise, and discerning with all types of communications.

This August 11 solar eclipse occurs in the same nakshatra as the lunar eclipse of January 31, 2018, so there may be some similarities. The Nagas, or deified serpents, are associated with Ashlesha, connecting us to kundalini energy, deep and intense healing, and great transformation or even upheaval. This nakshatra is very charismatic and has a mesmerizing energy, along with a hidden or secretive quality. We could undergo significant metamorphosis or encounter subtle manipulations, so the key is discernment and honesty. Ashlesha is a “fierce” nakshatra, so we could find it easier to let go of bad habits. This eclipse asks us to be grateful, ethical, and generous with others.

The Sun’s yearly transit through its own sign of Leo from August 16 to September 16, 2018 can increase our personal ambitions, as we focus on leadership, courage, and advocacy, but watch for stubbornness or overly-dramatic tendencies. This transit amplifies our desire for self-expression and the need to enjoy life.

Mercury, planet of the intellect and communications, retrograde since July 25, now goes direct on August 18, 2018, bringing more ease and clarity in our communications and business transactions.  We can feel more mental clarity and find it easier to make decisions.

Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, has been retrograde since June 26, 2018, but now moves in direction motion on August 27. During the retrograde phase we experienced reversals, lack of direction, along with built up tensions, frustrations, and misdirected anger. As Mars goes direct, our energies slowly begin to move forward in a healthy way, and efforts made now are more successful. We feel more energized, vital, and enthusiastic. When Mars goes direct, it is be a positive time to resolve any miscommunications or arguments that occurred in the past two months. It’s time to assess what you have learned, come to new understandings, so your activities can now proceed with greater success.