August 2017 Monthly Forecast
Eclipse Month Is Here!
August features two eclipses – a partial eclipse in Aquarius on 7th/8th August and a total eclipse in Leo on the 22nd. This second eclipse has been getting a lot of news as it’s the first total solar eclipse visible across the US since 1979. More info below!
Mercury Retro Is Here!
August also features Mercury Retrograde from 13 August to 5 September, through both Leo and Virgo, mostly Virgo. For the full Mercury Retro dates, check out the table here. Also more info below.
Final Jupiter-Pluto Square Is Here!
The third major feature this month is the concluding square between Jupiter and Pluto. These planets have been squaring each other to a greater or lesser degree over the past 10 months – the exact dates of their three hits being 25 November 2016, 31 March 2017 and 5 August 2017. When these two archetypes face off, it can bring epic conflict between warring parts of the self or society with a view toward high achievement, speed evolution and progress.
Jupiter represents expansion, vision, flying, daring to dream, growing and adventuring. Pluto represents life’s hidden provocations to integrate the shadow. More often than not, Pluto becomes the brick wall of unforeseen inner or outer sabotage, rebellion or resistance. Under this final alignment we get a great chance to address blocks and grow rapidly through blindspots.
It’s worth reflecting on what in your life or your networks might’ve been catapulted to success or into decline at any point from September 2016 to September 2017, the span of the Jupiter-Pluto influence. August’s final alignment helps us take stock so we don’t attempt to build a high-rise on a swamp but instead build our life advancements on steady foundations. Jupiter square Pluto can bring sudden success when all foundations are in place and sabotages addressed. Positive turnarounds are possible in August and/or September after integrating the wisdom of the past 12 months.
Eyes Wide Open – Eclipse Influence
Eclipses are renown for bringing new perspectives, especially helping awaken growth or adjustment on deeper levels. If we haven’t fully seen or understood the insights of the Jupiter square Pluto period, the eclipses help bring an ‘aha’!
The eclipse on 8 August is in Aquarius, the zodiac sign of community, networking, social media, IT, brotherhood and sisterhood and humanitarianism, yet Aquarius is also the zodiac sign connected with isolation, exile and outsiders – those who walk away from or who are rejected by their communities. The question under an Aquarius eclipse is ‘Should I be extending a hand to an isolated part of myself that I persistently ignore and exile?’ ‘Is there anyone in my community I am pointing the finger at and criticising? If so, how can I switch my thinking to see their point of view and extend the gift of respect for difference?’
Leo Brightness – Total Solar Eclipse
The eclipse on 22 August is in Leo, the zodiac sign of shining, success, public admiration, applause, happiness and celebration, yet Leo is also the zodiac sign of pride, airs, self-importance or loss of dignity. Aquarius and Leo are opposite zodiac signs, meaning they are two ends of the same pole. As in a see-saw out of balance, sometimes we might exile parts of ourselves or others from the warmth of Leo, and the eclipse will help us see if anything is out of kilter.
Ultimately the success of Leo is all about the success of living from the heart, for Leo is the zodiac sign that reminds us we each have a unique inner flame that when we find, express and share it with our communities, we receive the patronage and support of those who appreciate us. Aquarius and Leo then nourish each other in a positive cycle of allowing an individual to shine (Leo) and the group to be fed and offer their community (Aquarius).
Mercury Retro – Virgo Goodness
As ever, when Mercury is Retro, there’s an opportunity to reflect back over interactions and to check we are in right flow. While in Virgo throughout August, Mercury helps us check health, wellbeing, diet, exercise, daily routines, habits and hygiene. Mercury Retro in Virgo helps us replace unhelpful patterns or behaviour with supportive new ones. A bit like a nutrient-filled bone broth or green smoothie, we can start to nourish ourselves more deeply.
Venus in Cancer – Soothing Support
All the eye-opening, pattern-changing energy of August might at times feel a bit rugged or over-exhilarating, so the rest and rejuvenation of Venus in Cancer brings welcome TLC. Cancer is an archetype that values connecting with family, friends and networks to share a cup of tea or glass of beer, and gather around a table together swapping stories of life’s ups and downs and sharing a hug or pat on the back. Venus in Cancer helps us find ways to take pitstops and time out to smell the roses, plus reach out and hug those nearest and dearest in this month of such vibrant rapid growth.
Eclipses and Destiny
Eclipses tend to happen every six months. If you’d like to know more about eclipse effects and destiny turning points, check out my eclipse blog here. May this month’s eclipses stimulate life energies that bring you closer to your life’s dreams!
For a list of all this month’s key dates, go here.
August’s Full Moon (Partial Lunar Eclipse)
For information on the Full Moon (Partial Eclipse) in Aquarius on 7th/8th August, go here around that date. The interpretation will stay online until the next Full Moon four weeks later. The effect of the Full Moon lasts a week until the 3rd Quarter Moon, and on a sub-level it lasts the whole month from this Full Moon until the next one.
August’s 3rd Quarter Moon
For information on the 3rd Quarter Moon in Taurus on 15 August, go here around that date. The interpretation will stay online until the next 3rd Quarter Moon four weeks later. The effect of the 3rd Quarter Moon lasts a week until the New Moon, and on a sub-level it lasts the whole month from this 3rd Quarter Moon until the next one.
August’s New Moon (Total Solar Eclipse)
For information on the New Moon (Total Eclipse) in Leo on 22 August, go here around that date. The interpretation will stay online until the next New Moon four weeks later. The effect of the New Moon lasts a week until the 1st Quarter Moon, and on a sub-level it lasts the whole month from this New Moon until the next one.
August’s 1st Quarter Moon
For information on the 1st Quarter Moon in Sagittarius on 29 August, go here around that date. The interpretation will stay online until the next 1st Quarter Moon four weeks later. The effect of the 1st Quarter Moon lasts a week until the Full Moon, and on a sub-level it lasts the whole month from this 1st Quarter Moon until the next one.