Now onto more about the stars ahead...

 

 

August 2020 ~ Mars Retro Rolls In FINDING YOUR FOOTING IN “THE NEW NORMAL”

 

This month is all about finding your footing in “the new normal”. Eclipse and outer planet conjunctions have brought major changes for the world and on the individual level. This months planetary energies reminds me of a baby giraffe, being born then learning to walk quickly. This process is streamlined as they have to be able to keep up if a predator were to attack soon after its birth. This quick sturdying lines up with the months aspects. Finding our way through the awkwardness of the new normal can take place rather quickly, but is awkward in the transition process.

 

Strong Leo energies can bring brilliant creativity this month. Working on projects that inspire you, as long as they are flowing well, is one of my top recommendation for this month. Drive may still be strong as Mars cruises through its native sign of Aries. As the month progresses, the retrograde influences deepen in the areas of its domain.

 

The shadow period for Mars retro started at the end of July, deepens every day we progress into August, with the actual retro going from September 9 through November 14 and post-transit shadow stretching into early January 2021.

 

Besides the increasing Mars retro energies, here are a few more things to note about this month:

 

~ There are more than double the challenging aspects compared to the sweet ones this month. This doesn’t have to mean it will be a ‘bad’ month, just that stress and awkwardness are more likely going to be themes and you may have be more patient for the gold.

 

~ Of the challenging aspects this month, there are many that are Inconjunct aspects, which bring the energy of “two ships passing in the night” or people who don’t speak each others language trying desperately to connect without any common ground. These energies also remind me of Olaf in Frozen when he winds up upside-down and says, “What am I looking at right now?”.  The feeling of being disoriented with clashing energy around you is likely.

 

~ The same strong Leo energies that can bring brilliant creativity, fun, notable things with kids, romance, hobbies and talents, can also bring challenges in those areas including but not limited to pride and power struggles. Moving through with kindness and compassion for self and others can help offset negative potentials.

 

~ Strong Virgo energies starting later in the month will bring the need for attention for detail but with some coinciding procrastination from impending Mars retro.

 

~ Mars in Aries all month brings potential drive which you will want to take advantage of because it may wane in the upcoming months. Challenged aspects to Mars in Aries can show stronger bumps in the deepening retrograde trend towards roadblocks.

 

To help you understand and work with Mars retro energies as they deepen, here is an excerpt from my blog, Your Guide to Mercury Retrograde (and you can see the full blog here). Note that the themes below will start to influence but since the actual retrograde doesn’t occur until September 9, there may be a bit more room for important actions that may otherwise not be as well-indicated as the energies get stronger:

 

~ Mars retro a great time to ASSESS what you want but not take ACTION on getting it. Reassessing goals, business plan, life plan, relationship goals are great areas of focus. Again, it is important to do the assessment but not take action on the discoveries. (Remember that in August you may be able to push some things through still but feel into these choices carefully if their success requires continued drive and momentum).

 

~ Review your goals and relax. Plan to busy in the times before the retrograde and put extra money aside so that if business/income slows down you are covered.

 

~ Go deeper into inner work, therapy, etc. Do martial arts, meditation, etc. Deal with anger issues. Practice Ho'oponopono - the karma melting Hawaiian prayer.

 

~ Exercise more. Get a punching bag and use it. Frustrations will likely run high... Mars rules Aries, a very active fire sign. Physical action, just for the sake of itself is favored over taking actions trying to "get somewhere" or accomplish something, just be more proactive against physical injury.

 

~ Aries rules the head. Protect your head and investigate anything head/brain related that seems to be coming up. Mars also co-rules Scorpio, which rules deep investigation, so anything involving research, studying, resolving mysteries or enigmas, studying esoteric or psychological topics will be greatly supported.

 

~ Scorpio rules genitals, reproductive organs, and the bladder. Any issues unresolved in these areas may benefit from focusing on now.

 

~ Listen to your body! There is a great book called Feelings Buried Alive Never Die. The Scorpio aspect of this transit relates to deeply buried issues bubbling out to be dealt with and the pattern of anger expressed or held in, is likely to come up in some way now.

 

~ Expect a slow down on every level and melt into the great things that can bring.

 

~ Avoid elective surgeries and be wary of anything involving metal, especially closer to the actual retro and during it.

 

Here is my youtube video on Mars Retrograde.

 

Eclipse manifestations are still possible as sometimes news and events that are related to the cycle come 4-6 (or more) weeks AFTER the actual eclipses (which were June 5, June 21, and July 5).  Eclipse-related life-changing occurrences may start find their new rhythm and equilibrium now.

 

 

Sweet boosts are more likely on or around these days: 9, 16, 17, 18, 25, 27, and 29.

 

Drama or stress are more likely in the days around: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, and 31.

 

 

 

Check out more August 2020 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.

 

 

 

 

August 1 — Mercury in Cancer Opposing Pluto in Capricorn  — The themes of Home/Work flared by the eclipses bring another jolt now. Finding balance between your place in the world and your place in the home, or your outer world and inner worlds will likely still hold some challenge now. But take heart because with the current tensions, a breakthrough could happen that could help now and in the future.

 

August 2 — Sun in Leo Square Uranus in Taurus  — Life may suggest some open-mindedness in an area you hold a staunch and cherished belief. Unwelcome surprises of any kind could fray your nerves now. Claiming some personal space at this time could spare you from a stressful situation where you may say or do something you wish you hadn’t.

 

August 3 —  Full Moon at 11° of Aquarius — High emotion, drama, and fruition are more likely now as the moon reaches maximum fullness. Topics of friendships, social circles, groups, teams, organization, internet-based projects, and social media are all ripe and ready for notable events.  See my blog, Powerful Full Moon in Aquarius Reveal and Release Ceremony, to assist with this time. Mercury in Cancer is also opposing Saturn in Capricorn at this time which could possibly bring challenging news or events in the areas of home or work. Alternatively, balancing these areas of life could be extra challenging or emotional right now.

 

 

August 4 —  Mars in Aries Square Jupiter in Capricorn AND Venus in  Gemini Inconjunct Saturn — Both of these aspects warn against impulsivity, recklessness, and distractedness. Roadblocks could come in many forms right now and observing could be better indicated than actually doing.

 

 

August 9 —  Mercury in Leo Trine Chiron in Aries — A sweet triumph could come amidst some chaotic energies. This is one of the few sweet aspects this month. To maximize it without conflicting energies, consider August 7 for important actions as it dances more safely between the conflictive aspects of August 4 and 10. Always follow your intuition over dates I or anyone else gives as your personal flow combines the many seen and unseen factors.

 

 

August 10 - 11 —  Mercury in Leo Square Uranus in Taurus AND Sun in Leo Inconjunct Jupiter in Capricorn — Unwelcome jolts and the tendency to spin out into unwarranted excess are more likely now. Really be aware of your energy and how you are using it. Grandiose things you commit to now are likely to lose steam and go unfinished. Err on the conservative side.

 

August 13 —  Mars in Aries Square Pluto in Capricorn — Major Mars retro themes will start to make themselves apparent this month and this aspect will likely bring an extra bump. Forceful actions without consciousness or respect of outcomes won’t go uncountered at this time. Bowing out of pissing matches could save your energy and reputation and even spare you from physical harm. This is not a time to antagonize unstable people!

 

August 14-15-16 —  Mercury in Leo Inconjunct Jupiter in Capricorn AND Neptune in Pisces PLUS Sun in Leo Inconjunct Pluto in Capricorn — The inconjunct transit is a time when the planets are connecting mathematically but are not speaking the same language. Awkwardness tends to come with this aspect and since there are four such transits over these few days, expect quite a bit of cringiness! Excess or delusional expression is more likely now. Really feel into things before you put them out into the world right now. Inspiration that comes may not be showing you the full picture which you may need to express the ideas properly. A good time to be internal and actively working on rectifying inner discomfort. I love The Emotional Freedom Technique for this!  You can find tons of free tutorials for this through and online search.

 

August 16-17 —  Sun and Mercury in Leo Trine Mars in Aries PLUS Venus in Cancer Square Chiron in Aries — A burst of blessings may push through the cloud of awkwardness. Feelings may be hurt but as long as you can be really honest with yourself about what is happening and why it is happening, you may learn a lesson and be better off for it.

 

August 17-18 —  New Moon at 26° of Leo (plus Sun and Mercury Conjunct in Leo with both Inconjunct Saturn AND Venus in Cancer Sextile Uranus in Taurus — Proud expression that either goes really well or bombs plus happy money surprises are more likely now!  Time to make your ten New Moon wishes on all topics Leo.  See my blog, Making Powerful Wishes New Moon in Leo wishes for more info. Topics of children, romance and true love, creativity and talents are all more likely to show up in the forefront now.

 

August 24 —  Mercury in Virgo Inconjunct Chiron in Aries AND Mars in Aries Square Saturn in Capricorn — Frustration and awkwardness usually come with this transit. If there is resistance around you, it may not be the best time to push.

 

August 25 —  Mercury in Virgo Trine Uranus in Taurus AND Venus in Cancer Opposing Jupiter in Capricorn — Overdoing could be a good thing now. An excess of home and family plus work and career comes now with Jupiter involved. Spending well-placed money that supports home or work can bring great benefits. You may be tired but you are likely to be smiling.

 

August 27 —  Venus in Cancer Trine Neptune in Pisces — Intuition and synchronicity may flow extra beautifully now. I love this time for romantic get-a-ways, quiet retreats, and deep spiritual work. Although Mars official retro is imminent, I love the days around now for things that are important and follow the Mars retro flow.

 

August 29 —  Mercury in Virgo Trine Jupiter in Capricorn — This is a great aspect for positivity, sweet social interactions, and business. Things requiring focus and determination may get a boost now. Take full advantage of any drive you have that seems to be flowing well as the tides may shift soon into slowed ambition and roadblocks to productivity.

 

 

August 30 —  Venus in Cancer Opposing Pluto in Capricorn AND Mercury in Virgo Opposing Neptune in Pisces —  Topics of control, lust, greed, and power are more likely to come up now. Duty vs. inspiration is another theme likely now. Oppositions tend to make you feel pulled in different directions. Stress is likely but the opportunity to become empowered as you are present with what come up is also likely. Sometimes it takes stress to show us where attention is needed so we can tend to areas that need it. This is likely to be one of those times.

 

Go here the archived newsletter list and find the July 2020 Eclipse Boom, Mercury and Venus Retro newsletter to find my special Retrograde Bonus, including 2020 personal planet retrograde calendar.

 

The only time after February 2 in all of 2020 where there are days without any personal planet retrograde or shadow period are around March 30 through April 9. July 22-28 is the time most free within the retrograde web.

 

I have posted July and August 2020 Horoscope videos, and my special video about Jupiter in Capricorn, plus my video called How the Astrology of 2020 Explains the Coronavirus and Restructuring of Societal Systems on my Youtube Channel. Also make sure to use my May, June, and July reports to find the location of the all three eclipses for you (one eclipse per months reading) and then refer to the videos in my Eclipse series as is relevant for your placement.