Astrology for the Week of August 20th, 2017

Monday, August 21st marks a total solar eclipse over the U.S. at 28° 53’ Leo at 2:30pm EST. During this total solar eclipse, the Sun will be totally dark for a mere 2 minutes, 40 seconds. Despite this short black out, the influence of a solar eclipse typically lasts the better part of a year. Remember that eclipses manifest in erratic and unpredictable ways, and this eclipse in the later degrees of Leo will be no exception. Because the New Moon is transitioning from the later degrees of Leo and approaching 0° Virgo, its effects may impact not only self-confidence, expression, and leadership abilities, but also our organizational patterns and physical and mental health. Interestingly, the only planet that makes an aspect with the Sun and Moon during the New Moon/Solar Eclipse is Uranus by trine, opening a door for progressive or revolutionary change. Because eclipses occur in pairs, the energies of the partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius will precipitate whatever manifests outwardly from the total Solar Eclipse. The best way to be prepared for an eclipse is to learn more about the house and axis it is taking place within your chart, and what aspects it makes to your natal, directed, and progressed planets.

The second trine between Mars in Leo and Saturn rx in Sagittarius takes place on Tuesday, August 22nd at 9:21am EST. When these two planets work together harmoniously, all of the pieces seem to fall together with regard to physical effort and pursuit of long-term goals. Focus should be easy to reign in today, but be aware that results may come only with slow and steady work. The Sun enters Virgo later the same day at 6:20pm EST, adding a burst of efficiency to the mix. Virgo represents our natural inclinations to serve others, gather and analyze data, and master our craft. Virgo is also concerned with purity of function, and for that reason, rules the physical body’s health and well-being. These concepts will be the underlying focus for the next month while the Sun basks in Virgo’s high standards.

Saturn moves direct on Friday, August 25th at 8:08am EST. It is now time to implement the new structures and schemes we’ve had the opportunity to internally create. Saturn rules our sense of responsibility, goal setting, and boundaries and limits. While retrograde, we were encouraged to internally evaluate what regarding these concepts needed to be kept and what needed to be revised or discarded. With a direct turn in Sagittarius, we are now called to go after implementing and acting upon these realizations in an effort to gain additional wisdom and insight about our individual experiences.

Venus transitions into Leo early Saturday morning, August 26th, at 12:30am EST (9:30pm PST on 8/25). In Leo, Venus is drawn to become involved in the more dramatic aspects of relationships, love, and material possessions. You may feel more inclined to indulge in retail therapy or make-up sex after a spat. Venus performs especially well at about 19° Leo where it is in terms, which will take place September 11th, 2017. Later in the day, the Sun meets up with Mercury rx in Virgo at 4:42pm EST. Mercury is in rulership in Virgo, and while retrograde, can often carry insights and recollections from the past or the unconscious. Combined with the Sun in Virgo, we are being called to use information and lessons from the past to perfect our efforts in the present. This is high frequency energy that may even leave you with some butterflies in your stomach today, since Mercury rules the nerves and Virgo reigns over the intestines/lower abdomen.

Moon Transits this Week:

• New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Leo at 2:30pm EST - Monday, August 21st
  
• Moon enters Libra at 9:05pm EST - Wednesday, August 23rd
  
• Moon enters Scorpio at 4:53am EST - Saturday, August 26th ​