Some planetary configurations are more eloquent, less muddy than others. So, it was with the conjunction of Mars and Prometheus at mid-July, a harbinger of sudden, possibly violent episodes. The conjunction isn’t that rare an event, but its presence next to the ‘evil’ fixed star Algol gave the conjunction a dark character that was widely remarked upon by western astrologers (Vedic practitioners don’t use the three outer planets). I don’t recall anyone forecasting an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but it arrived with deadly effect – for the shooter, name, who U.S. astrologer Nick Dagan West has pointed out, had a Mars-Uranus conjunction in his birth chart.
The current astrological picture seems inadequate to describe the turmoil at work in various parts of the world, but the usual culprits – Saturn, Prometheus, Neptune, Pluto – are all in states of flux, retrograding or, in the case of Pluto, about to change signs (briefly). At the end of August Prometheus (Uranus if you must) turns retrograde, so the planet may have some surprises to spring.
The full Moon of August 19th sees not only a full Moon but a triangular formation with Jupiter and Mars square Saturn and square Venus. This is a so-called T-square triangle likely to mark a climax in individual charts (see below).
The other planet to consider is Mercury in its retrograde between August 5th and 28th, messing in particular with Virgo and Leo placements.
Major events
- August 4th – New moon in Leo
- August 19th – Full Moon in Aquarius
- August 22nd – Sun into Virgo
- Mercury beings August in Virgo, retreats into Leo on August 15th and moves forwards in the Lion on August 28th.
Leo and Leo rising
Anything other than self-exaltation is inappropriate while the mighty Sun is in its own sign – yours! As Cole Porter observed 90 years ago, ‘You’re the Mona Lisa’s smile, you’re the top.” Just live up to your billing!
Two big dates loom: firstly, the new Moon of August 4th which asks you to renew your purpose, or to find a fresh mission for your talents. Next the full Moon of August 19th. At one level this is a couple of days (beginning on the 18th) when you may find yourself in routine full Moon bother – at odds with your partner (or anyone else in your way) and a bit scattered, a bit ‘loony’.
However, a congregation of aspects at this time (Saturn-Venus for one) points to longer term issues. There is the perennial issue of money – the need to avoid debts, and the emotional entanglements that arise when you are not self-sufficient, and therefore always in someone’s debt, both literally and emotionally. Happily you also have a major boost promised by Jupiter and Mars in your eleventh house – the place of allies and fellow travellers. Be among friends! Happy Birthday.
Virgo and Virgo rising
Sporting types like to talk of games and events being won “by fine margins”, which sound like a useful maxim for August. Your Mercury ruler going hoopla in your skies will doubtless test your patience, but small adjustments to your schedule and your schemes (especially professional) can work to the good. Mercury is behind the scenes from August 18th to September 9th. You don’t have to likewise drop from view – with Venus in your skies until the 29th, pleasure, sociability and flirtation call, along with refinement in matters artistic and cultural. Remember that glamour is Virgo’s middle name.
Your birthday Sun arrives on August 22nd, and over the following month you should be able to put your world to rights; the glittering career for starters and even the glum, un-co-operative partner, should you have one. Happy Birthday.
Libra and Libra rising
The Sun in fiery Leo until August 22nd guarantees you a measure of goodwill that you be foolhardy to ignore. Pals and even acquaintances are there to be leant on, joint interests celebrated. August 9th and 10th are beautifully lit up. Jupiter is currently accentuating your creativity, your idealism and your aptitude for travel – the problem in all cases is to wrestle issues down to earth and to manageable, practical shape.
A retrograde of Mercury helps you reshape plans but is also apt to throw a spanner in the works where travel is involved. Personal, emotionally charged relationships have an intense month ahead, with calmer prospects in September. The arrival of ruler Venus in your skies August 29th is, as always, harbinger of peace, love and elegant living, if only for a month. Enjoy.
Scorpio and Scorpio rising
If you are on vacation wave-watching and star-counting congratulations, as your horoscope looks super busy in August, unusually intense even. As usual at this point of the year the Sun is coursing across the roof of your ‘scope, accentuating your public life i.e. career, while the full Moon of the 19th further asks you to calibrate your work-home balance, this being called into question by the retrograde of Mercury next to the Sun and by the retrograde of Pluto at the root of your solar chart.
There is quite bit of pull and push going on. Simultaneously, you have Prometheus in opposition at full tilt (i.e. stationary), marking the disruption of close relationships, not necessarily for the worse – the advent of dashing newcomer is just as likely. The picture is, in short, very Scorpionic; emotional, dramatic, secretive, sexy, regenerative.
Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising
The month of Leo, a kindred fire sign, is always broadly benign for the Centaur, encouraging your wanderlust, whether in terms of travel or transportations of the mind. The retrograde of Mercury may slow some of your plans, but equally gives you the opportunity to review your long-term strategies. What is new this year is the presence of your ruling planet Jupiter, alongside Mars, adding zest to partnerships, along with an element of combat perhaps – you won’t be suffering pompous fools in silence.
The full Moon of the 19th promises to bring situations to the boil, for better or worse, after which, with the Sun hitting the peak of your ‘scope, your attention will likely be dragged to practical matters, especially anything to do with work and career, where you will be playing catch-up for much of September.
Capricorn and Capricorn rising
Up up and away! Ideally you will be spending the month far from the madding crowd. Your fellow earth sign Virgo has major emphasis, firstly through Virgo, encouraging vacations and the pursuit of artistic endeavours, secondly through Mercury (in the first half of the month) suggesting you check your travel plans carefully, and after the 22nd through the Sun, again emphasising intellectual and creative endeavours.
Ruler Saturn is the midst of the action, adding heft to your enterprise. The trickiest moment comes on August 16/17, when an almost full Moon is in your skies, when it may feel that decisions cannot be postponed, when, with a backsliding Mercury, they almost certainly can.
Aquarius and Aquarius rising
These should be thrilling times, with Jupiter in your fifth house bringing inspiration, the finest of company and perhaps even riches and romance. (After all one purpose of Jupiter is to imagine what might be possible…) However, August may not prove a picnic. One reason is that Prometheus is stationary and therefore powerful and is leaning on birthdays circa February 16th. This is the planet of drastic change and can be impolite about imposing it.
Another reason is that August 19th sees a full Moon in your skies, which often comes with loopy/loony events – a wild party say. This full Moon comes aligned precisely with four other planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus), so disruption or happy surprise is on the cards – roll with the flow.
Pisces and Pisces rising
Saturn’s ongoing presence in your sign means that what matters most is the long term – the next 18 months at a minimum, but in August you will have your hands full staying in the here and now. The retrograde of Mercury in opposition (until the 15th) suggests changes of plan, not least by people you were relying on. Significant others remain a preoccupation through to the end of September.
This month Venus in opposition suggests someone wonderful may be turning your head, or that a partnership is blooming. Then after August 22nd comes the mighty Sun opposite you together with a new Moon and the annual Pisces full Moon in September and the return of Mercury. And, of course, all these planetary events will touch upon Saturn. For that reason, don’t be casual with your arrangements – ensure you and your main squeeze/business partner are firmly on the same page.
Aries and Aries rising
Summertime and the living is easy – according to both the old song and your current horoscope. Ruler Mars next to Jupiter – big ideas, your talents and jovial presence in demand. The Sun in Leo – bountiful events, high jinks. The full Moon of August 19th – a cavalcade of bonhomie, friends coming through for you.
Venus in opposition from the 30th – someone special walks in the room and smiles. All good then…well almost, Mercury backsliding means you must keep up with schedules that prove unreliable, and the reappearance of an issue from last month you thought was done and dusted. Plus, on the other side of holidays is work…hey ho.
Taurus and Taurus rising
On the bright side comes your ruling planet, Venus, beautifully sited in earthly Virgo for a dream summer in which love and romance may figure strongly. Ah yes, it’s the good life, and with a dab of luck you can keep it rolling on into September, with the Sun in Virgo (from August 22nd) as your guide.
You will have to deal with a wayward, backsliding Mercury and adapt your plans as the weeks unfold, but as much is not beyond your talents. More of a challenge for some of you – birthdays circa May 17th in particular – is Prometheus drawing to a halt in your skies and bringing with it a bolt from the blues – a departure you don’t want, an arrival you do, or an urge to relocate to Iceland or Australia…The full Moon of August 19th looks pivotal.
Gemini and Gemini rising
Ensuring you have your rightful place at the top of the professional tree (or thereabouts!) remains a major feature of your horoscope, although not a mission leaning heavily on you in August. What your ruling planet Mercury has in mind during this month’s retrograde is that you realign your plans for success in the autumn and beyond. Alternatively, it may be your living arrangements that call for a rethink.
Aside from which you should be surfing a wave of hope and lucky breaks (luck that you have in fact worked for!). With Jupiter and Mars side by side in your skies excess (spending, eating, over optimism) is likely the problem you have to handle, not least at the full Moon of the 19th. As the poet said: Enough! Or too much.
Cancer and Cancer rising
A retrograde Mercury backing into your zone of assets may mean you finally get paid what you are owed – it’s certainly a good moment to chase debts, and with a new Moon and a full Moon across your financial zone in August, some committed financial planning is in order. On a more personal or intimate level, you should be able to cruise happily through August, getting ready for a more turbulent September, when Mars crashes into your skies and you can straighten out problems.
There is a wild card at work for some of you – say birthdays circa 19th July – which spells the arrival of a new social set, or an individual who can shock you into a new way of thinking. The full Moon of August 19th may prove a roller coaster.
Want to know the Key Astrology Dates 2024 to help you plan ahead?
My webmaster, fellow astrologer and friend Pam Carruthers has compiled 2 FREE REPORTS. The New and Full Moons in 2024, followed by the Mercury Retrograde and Eclipses Report.
The most important days in the entire year to avoid launching any new projects are the days of the Solar and Lunar eclipses and the days when Mercury goes Retrograde.
The Karmic Axis
Eclipses are major turning points in the year. In astrology they are indicated by the nodes of the Moon. The Lunar nodes aren’t planets. Eclipses happen when there is an alignment with the Sun, the Moon and the Earth. When these are aligned eclipses occur, which happen twice a year.
The Moon’s Nodes form an axis in astrology, which in our birth chart is said to represent one’s destiny or spiritual quest in life. The North Node points to a key lesson in our lives. It represents new experiences towards which we must aim during this life. We have already learnt the skills of its opposite point, the South Node, in the past. Now we must grow and stretch ourselves through the North Node.
In the birth chart this polarity indicates your past life (south node) and destiny (north node). This is known as the Karmic Axis. So the people born in that time span are our Soul group. In approx. 19 years the cycle repeats, so people born 19 years apart from us share the same lunar node sign, and are also aligned to our Soul group.
Eclipses 2024 are times for a major reboot
In 2024 the transiting North node is in Aries, the south node is in Libra. The theme will focus us on our relationships.
To sum up, eclipses are powerful new or full moons. Ideal for rituals and meditation but not good for parties, weddings, or any celebrations.