Romance sizzles as summer kicks into high gear. Although the Venus-Pluto clash can disrupt relationships at the start of August, other forces weigh in for most of the month to combine emotions (Venus in Cancer) and brainpower (Mars in Gemini) to help you express what you feel.
The twosome will also help you discuss troublesome issues with your sweetie, family, friend or boss. Just watch out for the explosive ménage a trois involving Mercury, Mars and Pluto on Auguest 25 and 26, which can cause small irritations to erupt into arguments - or more physical confrontations - especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn.
Planets in motion
If you feel like you're treading water instead of moving forward, it's most likely due to retrograde Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Retrogrades make us turn inward before we take our newfound knowledge, healing or sense of direction, out into the world. No worries - you'll feel a gradual acceleration of energy after Pluto turns direct on September 11, Jupiter on October 12, Neptune on November 4 and Uranus on December 1. Until then, focus on your inner life through meditation, dream analysis or therapy - whatever gets you in touch with your heart and soul.
Transit tales
Mercury transiting out of fiery Leo and into persnickety Virgo on August 2 favors practical, analytical discussions. It's time to examine your goals, down to the last detail. On August 25, the planet of talk transits into Libra, which favors discussions about justice, art and relationships.
Speaking of romance, Venus in Cancer can inspire you to create a beautiful ambiance at home, both for your own enjoyment and for entertaining. Family activities are also favored. Then passion takes over after Venus transits into lusty Leo on August 26.
Mars energizes brainy discussions and travel as it transits through Gemini. When it enters Cancer on August 25, homey endeavors and family interactions are energized. Finally, the Sun entering Virgo on August 22 focuses on health and service-related activities.
Lunar magic
The Full Moon eclipse in Aquarius on August 5 energizes friendly gatherings, community projects and humanitarian endeavors. The Aquarius motto "we are all one" gets us in touch with our similarities as a people. However, the eclipse makes you feel emotionally unsteady, so take some quiet time during the day and breathe. The New Moon in Leo on August 20 brings a new cycle of emotional expression, especially in relationships. It also inspires your creativity, playfulness and leadership ability.
Planetary highlights
August 1: Venus opposing Pluto can cause jealousy, secrecy, power struggles and financial issues to erupt, especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.
August 2: Mercury entering Virgo favors detailed, analytical discussions and agreements.
August 3: Mercury trine Pluto favors research, financial agreements and metaphysical discussions.
August 5: Full Moon eclipse in Aquarius energizes group activities, friendships and humanitarian endeavors.
August 10: Mars square Saturn erects a roadblock to taking action, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
August 13: Mars trine Jupiter energizes activities involving teaching and learning, spirituality, travel, and physical endurance.
August 14: Sun opposing Jupiter can prompt you to promise more than you can deliver, especially if you're a Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.
August 17: Mars trine Neptune favors taking action on your spiritual beliefs and creative ideas.
Sun opposing Neptune favors creative and spiritual activities, but can cloud your judgment, especially if you're a Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.
Mercury conjunct Saturn in Virgo favors detailed, practical discussions and analyses, but can stymie more personal communications.
August 18: Mars square Uranus prompts rash behavior and combativeness, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
August 20: New Moon in Leo energizes romance, creativity and activities involving entertainment and children.
August 21: Mercury opposing Uranus can trigger erratic communications, technological snafus and brilliant but impractical ideas, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
August 22: Venus trine Uranus electrifies romance and can produce love-at-first-sight scenarios, especially for Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Sun entering Virgo highlights activities involving work, health and service.
August 23: Sun trine Pluto favors taking a risk on creative projects and business proposals.
August 25: Mercury entering Libra prompts discussions or negotiations involving relationships, law and art.
Mars entering Cancer energizes activities and issues concerning home and family.
August 25 - 26: An explosive T-cross involving Mercury, Mars and Pluto can cause argumentativeness, subterfuge and power struggles, especially for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
August 26: Venus entering Leo energizes romantic trysts and creative projects.