AstroForecast August 2001

by Lance Rodriguez

August begins with the majestic Sun traveling through its own ruled sign of Leo. This is the height of summer and strong identification with creativity, confidence, risk-taking, authority, playfulness, entertainment, recreation, and children is emphasized with this Solar passage in regal Leo. Negative expressions of Leo are arrogance, false pride, melodrama, stubbornness, dictatorial and authoritarian behaviors, boastfulness and self-absorption. The angel of the month of August is Hamaliel and the Leo angel is Verchiel.

August 1st is the celebration of Lammas in the pagan calendar and this date is also an astrological Cross-Quarter Day. On this day is the ingress of harmonious Venus in the sign of emotional Cancer at 7:18am for an approximate 28-day journey. Venus symbolizes the art of beautifying, valuing, cherishing and treasuring what the heart most desires and here in the sign of Cancer the home, family, secure and stable foundations will be her domain for the following month. Thomas Jefferson expresses it best with "The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have past at home in the bosom of my family."

Mercury in an inharmonious aspect to fuzzy Neptune on the 2nd warns all individuals to be careful of the fly-by-night salesmen, grandiose ideas with very little substance, flights of fancy and the inability to pay attention to minute details. Be very careful of signing contracts, documents or affixing important signatures until after the 5th of August. This aspect is best utilized for the techniques of meditation, contemplation, visualization, affirmation and prayer. A quote that best describes this fuzzy Mercury comes from Jean-Paul Richter, "Mistakes are not physical wounds, but we immediately feel their pain."

The annual Full Moon in Aquarius happens on August 4th at 12:56am and symbolizes the release phase over the following two weeks. Release stubbornness, ineffective rebelliousness, extreme emotional detachment and aloofness, anti-social behaviors, cruel and perverse associations, and the out-in-left-field syndromes. "Stubbornness by birth is an incurable disease," said Ben Jonson once and it certainly applies to this lunation. Ask angel Aziel for any angelic guidance and assistance with this Aquarian Full Moon. Keywords associated with this lunation are release the need to embrace frantic efforts to keep ahead of others. Integrate the ability to introduce synthesis and resolution as a dynamic application of a greater sense of wholeness.

August 5th is an important opposition involving Saturn and Pluto at 12:03pm. The last time these two were involved in an opposition was February 1966. Basically what these two planets symbolically want to define and clarify will be power and control themes/issues. Saturn will want to harness and structure shared power that Pluto represents; Pluto will want to plunge the depths to search for any unrelenting fears that wind up sabotaging empowerment. "He who fears is a slave" is a quote by Seneca that applies itself very well with this alignment. Ecology and waste management/disposal from landfill use to nuclear materials will come to the fore. The worst-case scenario is that the vested financial corporate lobbies will receive victories for the industries involved thus continuing the degradation of the environment. The best-case scenario is that a serious plan and structure can be implemented to fully address the needs of the environment. Psychologically these two planets can ignite issues associated with control, manipulation and subterfuge. Paranoia can be another outcome. This Saturn - Pluto alignment is a major astrological signature for the remainder of 2001 and half of 2002 as there are two remaining oppositions left for November 2001 and May 2002 due to these planets retrograding.

August 5th at 5:50pm is the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter that bodes well for weddings, business enterprises and just plain mirth. New homes and residences do especially well with this alignment. This is also an excellent energy for conceiving new family members.

An Apogee Moon (farthest distance of the Moon to Earth) occurs on this Sunday as well. Apogee Moons are excellent for orienting oneself to being more impartial and objective with whatever is before one. Healthy emotional detachment is also associated with the Apogee Moon.

The Pre-Shadow Point of Jupiter occurs on August 7th that refers to the degree Jupiter will hold next March 2, 2002 when it is station direct. Whatever is coalescing on this August date may have some correlation to the March date. Keywords associated with this Pre-Shadow Point degree of Jupiter are utilize resources to an unlimited level as long as an orientation to natural rhythms exists. Focus intelligence and skills to optimize positive experiences for self-service. You are now ready to look forward to new visions, ideals, and aspirations when you have been able to face the inner darkness allowing it to be a source of illumination.

August 7th is also a day to work with bringing adjustments into one's life involving relationships, financial affairs and personal values. Particular areas that need to be addressed in regards to the aforementioned are over-expectations and over-idealizations. This is also a good day in regards to those individuals that are good with eye-hand coordination for any fix-it repair jobs. The exercise of assertive and aggressive communications will also be prominent with some individuals.

The bi-monthly ecliptic shift of the Moon occurs on Thursday the 9th that will emphasize shifts in regards to self-actualization, self- realization and self-initiatives. This lunar ecliptic shift also affects seismological, meteorological and volcanic activities. This ecliptic shift is also coupled with Venusian aspects indicating initiating new cycles of trust, commitment and loyalty in relationships. Venus is also pointing out the need for individuals to define and clarify how to nurture and cultivate an emotional support system.

Unexpected volatility in the commercial and trade sectors can explode on the scene Friday the 10th. Strong competition is being exerted with some industries calling foul on those industries that are using strong-arm tactics. Care must be exercised with all travel as rage can be engaged with temper flare-ups as problems. Transportation accidents can occur. Meteorological problems can be experienced with tornadoes, tropical storms, lightning strikes that cause fires and high winds.

Saturday the 11th is an excellent day for any and all alternative health therapies that can include reiki, acupuncture, chiropractic alignments, massage, iridology, etc. Channel sessions can be electrifying as well. Be open to what the universe may provide as a healing insight.

Individuals that are caught up with obsessive/compulsive behaviors in relationships or with personal finances need to embrace making adjustments as Sunday the 12th roles into the picture. Jealousy, possessiveness and envy also require attention. Some individuals need to address a compulsive/obsessive need to spy on others as well as make adjustments involving negative suspicions.

Tuesday August 14th at 12:04am is the entrance of Mercury into its own ruled sign of Virgo for an approximate 14-day journey. This ingress of Mercury in Virgo is excellent for meticulous analysis, evaluation and assessment of quality of life themes especially those concerning work and health. Virgo is a productive earth sign that desires to implement and apply whatever it analyzes, evaluates and assesses so that a goal is manifested through changes the individual can embrace. The following Arabic Proverb best describes this Virgo industriousness: "Ten minutes of planning can save you hours of squandered time". Do be careful of criticism and perfectionism as this sign can be anally retentive when in its negative expression.

Wednesday the 15th is the annual Sun opposite Uranus that is asking for definition and clarification in regards to individualism and the social collective. Themes/issues surrounding inclusion/exclusion can be in the forefront. Rebellion and revolution are defined. Petrochemical, pharmaceutical and natural gas industries come under the scrutiny of legal branches of government.

Asteroid Pallas Athena, the strategist/tactician of astrology, re-enters the sign of Sagittarius on Thursday the 16th at 5:39pm, a position it held previously on June 21 and January 20, 2001 the date of the Inauguration of the current presidential administration. Here is a quote from the January AstroForecast: "Sagittarius rules the global village concept and international diplomacy. The new administration needs to be very confident in handling all global conflicts without having to resort to the negative Sagittarian reaction of "I'm going to clobber you over the head with what I think is best for you!" syndrome. The astrological chart set for Washington, D.C. for this presidential inauguration has Mars setting on the western horizon that can symbolize war, warring factions or coups occurring with U.S. partners. The U.S. can become involved in the internecine battles of allies. The national mood is for optimism combined with a desire to expand and create opportunity."

Friday the 17th is another inharmonious aspect involving Mercury and Neptune that is better utilized with allowing daydreaming, wool gathering, and postponing important signatures and contracts to allow for a better time for detail work to be thorough and exacting. Let the arts work magic to address a longing soul. Be charitable either with donations or volunteerism.

The annual New Moon in Leo is Saturday the 18th at 9:55pm symbolizing the new beginnings/new initiatives phase of the Moon. Launch new orientations to accessing inner radiance and illumination, confidence to take on new risks and gambles, creativity, vitality, expressing joy, having fun with past times and hobbies, recreation and vacation, romance (it really is a state-of-mind that the individual can cultivate by romancing life as life will in turn romance the individual with greater passion for life), and children as the repository of future mankind. Jane Bugalow said "Every day we have, each one of us, some opportunity of transformation" that applies well to this lunation. This lunation's angel is Abdizuel so invoke this angel to help you with the initiatives of this New Moon in Leo. Keywords associated with this lunation are no matter what the changes may be in a day-to-day changing world it is the constancy and generosity of the pure and illumined heart that anchors the soul and the individual. This pure and illumined heart is an inner treasure that is symbolically guarded by a great golden dragon.

A Perigee Moon (closest approach of the Moon to Earth) follows the New Moon on the 19th at 12:32am that renders the energies of this lunation as a very potent one. Symbolically this can potentialize a subconscious treasure to eventually emerge to the conscious realm. Other celestial activities to pay attention to for this date involve an inharmonious aspect of Jupiter to Uranus that can denote pressure to make decisions and to take aggressive actions in regards to technology, transportation, the judicial branches of government, exports/imports, international trade, international diplomatic agreements, uprisings, rebellions, revolutions and civil discontent. Personal freedoms and liberties can be wiped out all in the name of justice (false as they may be). This Jupiter - Uranus aspect will repeat again January 18, 2002 and May 17, 2002 so whatever happens this date in August can have connections to those future dates. The abovementioned Perigee Moon can emotionally swell antagonism.

August 19th and the 20th are days that witness Venus in adjustment aspects involving Mars, Uranus and Chiron. Violating behaviors whether, physical/material, emotional/mental or spiritual/metaphysical need to be addressed directly and handled quickly. Social obligations and friendships seem to tie up partners preventing partners from having important alone times together. Work on improving attitudes, perspectives and philosophies when it comes to domestic matters.

August 20th and the 21st are days that Mercury experiences some inharmonious aspects to Pluto and Saturn. Undermining and sabotaging communications are harmful in working relationships. Pessimism, melancholy, depression and limitations restrict mental faculties.

The second ecliptic shift of the Moon on the 21st will focus on the balance of power in all relationships. Equanimity and fairness will be important to emphasize. This lunar ecliptic shift also affects seismological, meteorological and volcanic activities.

August 22nd at 8:27pm is the majestic Sun's ingress into Virgo launching a 30-day journey in the sign that symbolizes work, health, improvement, quality of life themes, fastidiousness, hygiene, service, and changes that improve day-to-day life. Negative associations Virgo can get caught up in are criticism, perfectionism, nagging, browbeating, hypochondriac behaviors, extreme micro-management, faultfinding, and hairsplitting. The angel associated with Virgo is Hamaliel.

Thursday the 23rd at 11:06am is the direct station of the planet Pluto thus ending its retrogradation that began mid-March of this year. Pluto occupies the degree position it last held on November 29, 2000 and the following is a quote taken from that November AstroForecast: "A failed commitment or a failure in a developing commitment coalesces around the 29th with Pluto sitting at a Pre-Shadow Point degree position on this day that will point to developments building up to August 23, 2001. Keywords associated with this Pluto Pre-Shadow Point are an individual symbolizes the agony of soul that humanity can relate to and empathize. Past failure can be an impetus to future success. Death is walking among the living and curiously enough will allow the living walking dead to continue their nonsense driven world to remain in its own devised trap. Ancestral spirit guides come to the rescue of the truly living and radiant individuals that are ready for a newfound freedom and direction. Redemption is near at hand for the soulful ones."

Mars is active on this same day with aspects involving Uranus and Chiron. Technological as well as medical breakthroughs, engineering marvels and inventions fare well with those involved in these industries as long as hard work and effort are mustered. Mars is conjunct Chiron at 11:47pm, referring to previous dates of May 1st and May 29, 2001 as this planet aligned with Chiron then due to its own retrogradation and subsequent direct motion. Here are quotes from the May AstroForecast in regards to this alignment of Mars and Chiron: "On this day fiery Mars is conjunct Chiron the Wounded/Healer that can symbolize activating very strong maverick tendencies especially with new attitudes, perspectives and philosophies. World tensions in regards to immigrants, migrant workers and displaced settlers can escalate. Potentials for trade wars and/or sanctions also increase. Due to Mars retrogradation later in the month this aspect will repeat at the end of May and the end of August. Alternative healing therapies like Reiki, acupuncture, herbal body wraps as well as massage and chiropractic alignments are good for this day."

Chiron is especially powerful during this next to the last week of August as it is station direct on Sunday the 26th at 4:19am ending its retrograde period that began in early April of this year. The degree position Chiron holds this day refers to the previous date of January 3, 2001 and the following is a quote from the January AstroForecast: "Chiron, the Wounded/Healer in astrology, reaches its Pre-Shadow point degree on Wednesday the 3rd that links it to the degree point it will hold when it will be stationary direct on August 26, 2001. Chiron is currently in the sign of Sagittarius orienting itself to explore and discover all wounds with the ability to heal and bridge gaps in regards to philosophies, religion, aspirations, the judicial branches of government, export/import, higher education, and transportation. Whatever is happening on this date may have relevance to the August date already mentioned above. Keywords associated with this Pre-Shadow Point are: human migrations occur to stimulate accessing new frontiers in a pioneering direction. Nurture the body's wisdom to harmonize being in touch and in tune with the reawakening of cellular resonance."

Harmonious Venus enters fiery Leo on this same day at 11:12pm that will commence a 28-day journey through this sign of romance, fun, children and entertainment. Creative individuals do very well with this passage of Venus, due to the stimulation of the more self-expressive side of Leo. Risk-takers and gamblers can roll on the hard side and go full tilt. This is a goddess that loves to be courted and suited, so jewelry and accessories are perfect gifts to be exchanged during this Venus journey in Leo. Whatever have been flaps in relationships prior to this Leo entry of Venus, now can be smoothed as long as all is fair in romance. Leo is the astrological ruler of the heart and the following quote by Sri Ramana Maharshi best describes Venus in Leo "The whole universe is condensed in the body, and the whole body in the heart. Thus, the heart is the nucleus of the whole universe".

Asteroid Ceres, the nurturer and the harvest goddess, is station direct on the 27th at 7:48pm ending its retrograde period that began mid-May of this year. The degree position this asteroid holds is the same it held on March 1, 2001. As Ceres is in the sign of Capricorn themes to focus will be oriented to ambitions and career directions. As long as any individual has remained patient, persevering and disciplined since March the harvest rewards will begin soon to manifest especially as mid-November comes around the corner.

Breakdowns in communications involving friends that can create wounds are relatively high with inharmonious aspects involving Mercury with Uranus, Chiron and Mars August 26-28th. Overly assertive and overly aggressive behaviors can be contributors to this social mess. Defensive posturing adds to the fuel.

August 31st at 7:37pm is the Mercury ingress Libra that begins a 14-day journey. Mercury trains its analytical eye on bringing greater balance through communications and discussions in all relationships. Here is a symbolic need for the better informing of one self by being able to listen to both sides of any story. Any mental decisions will be prolonged as to curry all the necessary data to make an informed decision. Patience is required to understand this process. Some individuals may vacillate and want to wait for the proverbial other shoe to drop first before making any decisions. Maintain your composure and wit with this behavior. Mercury in Libra is best described by the following Arabic Proverb: "The best of all possible negotiations is the one in which both sides are content". Mercury also on this same day has an ecliptic shift that can bring changes to all commerce, trade, negotiations, contracts, information, news services, cable systems, internet and data.

Peace and prosperity to all of you and your loved ones.