August 2023 Astrology ~ CHISELING MANIFESTATION TO PERFECTION & A RARE CHANCE FOR BALANCE + more

Here are some top points to know about the August 2023 Astrology. See my August 2023 Horoscope Videos/Podcasts  for more details and also in the date specific notes towards the end of this written report:

1. Again this month, there are many more salty aspects compared to sweet ones. There are still sweet aspects to celebrate (I will go into some later in this report) but there will be many road bumps throughout the month with grouchy planetary combinations. This is nothing to fear, just to be aware of so as it is happening so as the speedbumps show up, you can slow down instead of getting frustrated. The challenging aspects occurring are ones that tend to pass quickly.

2. We still have a break from eclipse season. The April and May eclipses carried some intensity even into June but now in July and August we get a break to integrate the radical changes that may have been recently introduced. September puts us back into eclipse “season” as the prelude to the October eclipses, which include the conclusion of the Taurus/Scorpio storyline that began at the end of 2021, and continues the Aries/Libra stories that began with the Black Moon eclipse in Aries in April.

Changes to the Me/We sectors and My stuff/Our stuff arenas are major themes from these two eclipse cycles.

Information and continuation of themes that got heated up in eclipse season can proceed in July and August but usually the most notable occurrences from eclipses happen closer to the 4-6 weeks before and after the actual eclipse dates.

3. Venus is still officially Retrograde - Venus pre-transit shadow period begins June 19 and stretches to July 23 when it officially shifts into retrograde, staying retrograde until September 4, with the post-transit shadow period lasting until October 6, 2023.

Venus rules love, relationships, money, finances, beauty, appearance, design, and aesthetics, comfort, sustenance and more. During the retrograde transit, all things ruled by Venus tend to favor past connections. Issues swept under the rug in any of these arenas tend to come flying out to be worked with during the transit. Opportunities from the past can glow brilliantly. Past customers or contacts can bring wonderful prosperity, and debts owed can be paid back to your surprise or delight. It is a time to rethink, experiment, and deal with what comes up. It is also a great to time actively dive deep into the mechanics of money, relationships, and self-esteem through deep inner individual or couples work.

Check out more about Venus retro with my many resources on the topic: my Venus retro blogs series, my Venus retro Do’s and Don’ts blog, and my Venus retro video. Personal planet retrogrades are is one of my areas of great expertise. You can also see more in my book, Planetology ~ How to Align with the Natural Rhythms of the Universe. 

4. Mercury retrograde in Virgo dominates the month ~ 21° back to 8°.

The pre-transit retrograde shadow period begins around August 4, the actual retrograde starts around August 23, it moves direct September 15th, and the post-transit shadow period goes until September 30. During this cycle expect changes to plans, miscommunications, electronic breakdowns, blocks to forward movement or mobility, and/or surprise chances to travel or upgrade communication and what I like to call “last-minute magic”, where sudden opportunities to do things may arise. It is a time to keep yourself as lightly scheduled as possible and expect a focus on the present and the past as challenges to planning the future will likely arise and future plans may be called into question. I have many resources on this topic, see earlier in this report for them.

Mercury rules Virgo so there is some extra energy around this transit. Going back over details, editing, dotting ‘i’s” and crossing “t’s”, and in general fine-tuning things into their best form. Rethinking health, wellness, routines, stress management, office dynamics and experimentation in these arenas will be likely. It could be a good time to shake up your routine and bring some freshness to the daily grind. Maintaining order through chaos will also be a major theme.

5. Very strong Leo & Virgo energies dominate this month. Leo transits this month include the Sun and Venus retrograde and the Virgo transits include the Sun, Mercury direct and retrograde, and Mars. These very different energies will be vying for attention and simultaneously giving opportunities for a rare balance. As the Leo planets give energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and passion, the Virgo ones will allow channeling of all of the Leo exuberance into organized and tangible expression. This month is the epitome of bringing creative ideas in physical reality. Attention to details and discernment help to trim the fat of excessive expression into a chiseled version of perfection. 

Leo energies bring excitement but they can also bring ego flares and Virgo energies bring follow-through but also a critical eye. While these two can combine beautifully to lift creative expression into its highest version of the potentials, it can also bring conflict. Great advice for this month is to keep a sense of humor about the creation process :)

Sweet boosts are more likely on or around these days: 1, 12, 14, 16, and 24.

Drama or stress are more likely in the days around: 6, 9, 11, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, and 30.

Notable Moon Dates: (more on these later)

Full Moon at 9° of Aquarius ~ August 1

New Moon at 23° of Cancer ~ August 16

CHECK OUT MORE AUGUST 2023 HIGHLIGHTS:

** Note: Often the effects of planetary transits are felt before or after the actual day the transit occurs. Also note that dates may shift a day or so depending on your time zone. Also note that general transits can effect people differently depending on many factors, including transits to the individuals personal charts.
 

MY TOP FAVE ASPECTS OF AUGUST 2023:

August 1 — Mars in Virgo Trine Jupiter in Taurus — Hard work and sacrifice in the present or past can manifest into massive tangible creations at this time. This transit could also bring opportunities to expand upon past success or lay the groundwork for the future. Take seriously any opportunities that come to you at this time!

August 12 & 14 — Sun and then Venus in Leo Trine Chiron in Aries — When Chiron is involved there is always some level of ‘healing’ occurring. In this most fabulous of all connections, the “Trine”, passionate focus on sharing your story could blaze bright, beautiful outcomes could come from healing work you have used previously, or a new modality or tool could be discovered. Be on the look out for the Universe conspiring for your good! The Sun connections could really aid your physical health and inspiration and the Venus combination can bring blossoming to your relationship or financial sector.

August 16 — Mars in Virgo Trine Uranus in Taurus — Random luck may burst in to fuel a project you have worked hard on. You may feel like your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed and that you are finally getting your due. Sudden insights can break you out of a rut or bring a surprising solution to a long-standing problem.

August 24 — Mars in Virgo Trine Pluto in Capricorn — Virgo rules health and all of the Mars trines we have this month, (this one, and the ones on 1st and 16th) can bring healing advancements. Stress busting techniques can go a long way towards resolving negative life patterns that have created or could create dis-ease. All of these Mars in Virgo transits can also bring powerful and positive experiences with animals. Equine or other animal therapies may be well-indicated at this time. All of these transits can also bring improvements to your business or office workspace dynamics. Refreshing new routines may be built right now that bring you great productivity and joy.

Top Aspects to Be Extra Careful & Awareful:

August 9 & 15 —  Venus in Leo then Sun in Leo Square Uranus in Taurus — The same planets (Sun and Venus) that are receiving kisses from Chiron this month (see previous section) are also getting bumped by Uranus. This aspect can tend to bring shocks and upheavals. The two things that are in our control here are 1. Be extra aware, awareness could avoid accidents and 2. Know that the manifestations that tend to be associated with these aspects are often upsetting but then pass quickly.

August 22 —  Venus in Leo Square Jupiter in Taurus — Of all the square aspects with outer planets, Jupiter squares are often more benign. Venus in this configuration with Jupiter very commonly manifest as overdoing - overspending, overindulging, etc. This could be fun and much needed but awareness in the days around this aspect could be protective to keep activities within safe limits and set plans in motion for trying to hold sanity and safety in your endeavors at this time. There is caution around overcommitting, especially since Mercury is also retrograde. Things agreed to now are likely to have a shorter shelf-life than expected.

August 22 — Mars in Virgo Opposing Neptune in Pisces — This is a time when duties and responsibilities will come into conflict with personal ideals or the desire for personal flow. Logic with clash with idealistic bringing dissatisfaction to both potentials. It can also be a very confusing transit, where things may not be as they appear or where important info is either intentionally or accidentally being covered. The effects of this transit can be felt even a week or so before and after the actual transit. If you are unsure about something and can take the time to let the transit clear, you may be able to show up with more certainty soon.

August 27  —  Sun in Virgo Opposing Saturn in Pisces — There are similar dynamics at play here as with the transit list just before this one (Mars/Neptune).  Active responsible impulses may not settle right in your “gut”. Requirements of the “real world” may conflict with your artistic desires or romantic notions. This can be a confusing time that inspires great soul-searching, which can turn out to be very fulfilling and productive.

Other Important Dates of Note:

August 1 — Full Moon at 9° of Aquarius —  Fullness, completion, fruition, drama in general and also targeted specifically around Aquarian-related topics are likely in the days before and after this transit. Friendships, groups, teams, and local or online communities may factor into the mischief or awesomeness. These energies can bring challenges but also can bring amazing long-sought-after manifestation. Check out my blog, Powerful Full Moon in Aquarius Reveal & Release Ceremony to help make the most of the potentials. Full Moons can also bring insomnia. If you can’t sleep, focusing awareness and asking for guidance on the topics being brought up in your life now could bring brilliant discoveries.

August 16 — New Moon at 23° of Leo — New beginnings and seed-planting for future growth are themes at New Moon time. These fresh new starts can appear in any area of life and there is also special focus on Leo-related themes, like: children, creativity, romance, fun, and passionate expression. Opportunities may show up in these areas of life and even if they don’t seem to be a big deal, the seed planted now by saying ‘Yes!’ has great potential to thrive soon. This time is also ripe for making New Moon wishes. The Universe is especially receptive to your wishes and intentions now! Make the most of this transit by checking out my blog, Making Powerful New Moon in Leo Wishes.

August 23 — Mercury officially Retrograde in Virgo — The pre-transit retrograde shadow period begins around August 4, the actual retrograde starts around August 23, it moves direct September 15th, and the post-transit shadow period goes until September 30. Potential implications are listed in the first part of this report.

I have posted July & August 2023 Horoscope videos on my Youtube channel.

I syndicate all of my Youtube horoscope posts to my podcast,

Astro Kisses with Annie Botticelli. I recommend that you register for the RSS Feed so as I add content in the future that is not syndicated on Youtube, you won't miss anything. Astro Kisses is also on Spotify, Amazon radio and a long and growing list of other podcast venues.