Pathways

August 1, Lammas or Teltane was the day the ancient  Celts celebrated the ritual marriage between Earth and the Sun, male and female.  It is a cross-quarter day midway between summer solstice and the fall equinox.

Mercury goes retrograde August 2 at 8:50 PM and moves backward into playful Leo on August 8 at 2:46 AM.  It will remain retrograde until August 26, staying in Leo through early September.

August 3, Mars the planet of assertion moves into the sensitive sign of Cancer, which hopefully will reduce rashness and cut back displays of anger.  Mars in Cancer makes people more sensitive about how our actions affect others than quick tongued Mars in Gemini.

Neptune backs out of Pisces for one last visit to quirky Aquarius August 4.  By February 2012, Neptune will enter Pisces and remain in this mystical sign of faith and imagination for many years.

August 9 Mars in Cancer makes a stressful square to Uranus and opposes Pluto the next day.  Watch out for impatient mood swings which may provoke inflamed feelings between family and friends.

There is a Full Moon at 20 degrees Aquarius August 13 at 11:59 AM PDT.  Full Moons reveal what we need to integrate at this time and space.  This one highlights the spiritual truth that we are all individuals and we also are all connected.  We are all unique and we all have a special function to fulfill in the web of life.  By coming together we can change the world.

Venus in Leo is closely conjunct the Sun on this Full Moon.  When our hearts are open we know who we are and what we need to do.  Mercury is also in Leo asking us to create from love rather than fear.

On August 21 Venus enters Virgo giving us more discrimination in relationships that can bring us down to earth again.

The Sun moves into Virgo at 4:21 AM DT on August 23.  Virgo is the sign of the Virgin.  This is one of the biggest constellations in our solar system.  It's the time to make wishes on shooting stars and to bake fresh bread.  This is the only constellation whose symbol is a human woman.  She is pictured gathering grain or holding a sheaf of wheat.  Greater attention to detail is likely especially when Virgo's ruler Mercury turns direct August 26 at 2:55 PM PDT.

There is a New Moon August 28 at 8:04 PM PDT at 5 degrees Virgo.  The last Full Moon encouraged us to follow our heart and soul; this New Moon calls us to be concerned with efficiency, analysis and service.

Venus in Virgo, conjunct the Sun and Moon shows that it is important to have a healthy sense of self-worth.  When we have good self-esteem, we don't need to belittle others.

Pluto at 5 degrees Capricorn trines the New Moon and Venus, making it easier to release what's not working.  Jupiter at 10 degrees Taurus also trines the Sun, Moon, Venus and Pluto forming a grand trine in earth.  If used well, this grand trine offers wonderful support for re-visioning, especially in financial and health matters.

Use the powerful energy of this New Moon to simplify your life and get back to basics.  Each one of us is here for a divine purpose.  Find your special function and start using your time, energy and talents to make a positive difference on the planet.