Happy August everyone! The energies this month look calmer and lighter. There’s more movement, some much-needed fun and even the chance for romance. It also brings with it some focus if you’re trying to get a project off the ground. It takes Mercury some time before he picks up speed and starts moving forward, but he’s getting there slowly but surely. On Aug. 11, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, will start moving direct. Is there a goal you’re aiming for? Is there something you’d like to study that would help you grow? The same day that Jupiter turns direct, Uranus Retrogrades. Maybe with Uranus retrograde, you’re rolling thoughts around to see how they feel before you tell anyone about them. How do you want to change the world?

The Full Moon is on Aug. 15 in the sign of Aquarius. You could be looking for some balance in your relationships and possibly your financial resources. There is a need for freedom and yet the desire to connect with others. Maybe you’re the trailblazer of a new and exciting path. How do you want to express yourself and stand out from the crowd when you do?

Then we have our New Moon on Aug. 30 in the sign of Virgo. You’re ready to put in the work; no detail is too small for you. You have the ideas, the drive and the support from others financially and emotionally. This helps you feel you’re on the right track and have solid footing when you move forward with your plans. Another good use of the Virgo New Moon is to establish some healthy habits. That could be making healthier food choices and starting a new workout routine.

The Moon takes about 28 days to complete its orbit through the 12 signs, staying approximately two and a half days in each sign. When we say the Moon is Void of Course (VoC), it means the Moon makes no more major aspects to other planets before it leaves the sign it’s in. At these times, it can be difficult to get focused and accomplish a task. You may want to relax, meditate or do something where your focus is turned inward. Don’t try and get a new project off the ground when the Moon is void. If you want to find out more about the Void of Course Moon, check out Moontracks.com.

The times below are listed in Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Thursday, August 1

Your determination, focus and strong will can move mountains when the Moon is in Leo. At times you may feel you are on this journey alone, but your fearless courage propels you forward and gets you noticed. You may find you’ve attracted some admirers along the way. Moon VoC in Leo at 3:48 p.m.

Friday, August 2

When Venus squares Uranus, you could feel you need some excitement in your relationships. The excitement could come in the way of picking a fight just because you’re bored. You could choose something else that’s stimulating without provoking
anyone. When Venus squares Uranus your world is shaken up and expands as you entertain all the different possibilities. Watch your spending today. Moon enters the sign of Virgo at 8:20 a.m.

Saturday, August 3

There are two schools of thought today. With the first one, you could be feeling quite generous, open and feel you can accomplish quite a bit with the Moon-Jupiter square. With the second one, you’re keeping to yourself, not showing a lot of emotion and focusing on the tried and true with the Moon-Saturn trine. Of course, you could put both of these energies to work and accomplish a lot and feel great about it! Moon VoC at 11:27 p.m.

Sunday, August 4

When the Moon is in Libra, you could go out and socialize with family or friends. By making the time to enjoy the good things in life, whether it’s with loved ones or enjoying a walk in nature, you can bring balance into your life. Moon enters the sign of Libra at 8:30 a.m.

Monday, August 5

There are a lot of ideas stirring the atmosphere when the Moon is in Libra and a desire to share them. There’s an opportunity to collaborate with others when the Moon sextiles Jupiter. Be open to bouncing ideas off each other and expanding on them. It could be a lot of fun!

Tuesday, August 6

With the Moon in Scorpio, you’re feeling
everything today. Your passion shines through, whether it’s for a person, a hobby or your work. When you’re invested, you’re in all the way; you dig deep to find the answers to your questions and are tenacious. Tap into your inner GPS for added guidance. Moon VoC at 2:36 a.m. until 10:31 a.m. when it enters the sign of Scorpio.

Wednesday, August 7

The Moon-Sun square may help you get a lot accomplished. There is a strong desire to focus and cross things off your list. You could also find you’re feeling more irritable with others or situations. Step away for a few minutes; assess how you’re feeling and the best way to handle it.

Thursday, August 8

The Moon-Mercury trine helps you tune into the emotional currents of the day. You’re ready to support loved ones by listening with an open heart. You intuitively know just what to say to make others feel better. The Venus-Jupiter trine could find you getting out for the evening with friends. Enjoying the finer things in life may be on the menu for tonight. Moon VoC at 9:58 a.m. until 3:35 p.m. when it enters the sign of Sagittarius.

Friday, August 9

Generosity towards others with your time, finances and spirit, are evident with the Moon-Jupiter conjunction. You also like your freedom and don’t want to be taken advantage of; so, when you feel you’ve given enough of your time and energy to others, you then may feel like bolting. There’s also the potential of being blunt and saying something that someone else won’t appreciate. I know you’re just being you—and that’s great—but do try and watch what you say.

Saturday, August 10

Moon-Mars provides the fuel for your gas tank today. Your desire and ambition help you assert yourself and get the ball rolling. Caution: be careful of taking something personally and losing your temper. Also, pay attention when you’re driving today to avoid any accidents. Moon VoC at 2:50 p.m. until 11:50 p.m. when it enters the sign of Capricorn.

Sunday, August 11

Mercury moves into the sign of Leo at 2:46 p.m. When the planet of communication moves into the sign of the King or the Entertainer, you may find that you express yourself more dramatically. You could be quite good at selling something; yourself or a product. Leo is a fixed sign; once you’ve formed an opinion you may find yourself digging in your heels and not open to changing your mind. You may feel like you’re slogging away, trying to make ends meet and that responsibilities are weighing you down when the Moon’s in Capricorn. Be gentle with yourself and slowly work on one thing at a time until the pile looks lighter and easier to handle. Jupiter stations Direct at 8:37 a.m., while Uranus stations Retrograde at 9:27 p.m.

Monday, August 12

The Moon-Pluto conjunction may have you questioning what the meaning is behind what someone is saying. It would be so much easier if others were more transparent, but alas, you may have to do some investigating and read between the lines. Moon VoC at 5:11 p.m.

Tuesday, August 13

Was it something I said? The Moon-Mercury opposition could find you saying something that offends someone. You’re feeling removed from the situation, which is why you may have said what you did. Try and put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see their point of view. Moon moves into the sign of Aquarius at 10:35 a.m.

Wednesday, August 14

The Sun-Venus conjunction could play out as a beautiful, romantic, fun day, but the Sun and Venus are quincunx Pluto. Love and creativity could be transformative with your connections growing deeper and your creativity taking on even more depth. The other side of this is that there may be some possessiveness or power struggles in your relationship; the creative channel is not coming together exactly as you wanted. It’s as if you make one adjustment, it’s good for a time, then you have to readjust again. It’s kind of frustrating but that’s the dance today.

Thursday, August 15

The Full Moon is in Aquarius at 7:29 a.m. You could be feeling like you just need some space. Someone is being pushy and overbearing and you feel you have to defend yourself. Everyone is entitled to their own space and their own opinion, and you don’t need to defend or justify your feelings. Moon VoC at 8:02 p.m. until 10:49 p.m. when it enters the sign of Pisces.

Friday, August 16

There is still edginess to the day when Mercury squares Uranus; the Moon sextiles Uranus and the Moon quincunx Mercury. Thoughts, ideas, impulses and emotions are coming in quickly, and you may react without thinking about the consequences. Try and slow down and think of solutions instead of problems. Write down any brilliant ideas and look them over in a few days to see if they still seem amazing.

Saturday, August 17

The Moon-Neptune conjunction brings with it a softness to the day. Some would call that softness, fog or illusion, and they could be right. There may be a coming together of energies to create something beautiful and magical, or it could all be imaginary because you have rose-colored glasses on. Enjoy the day for what it is and just be aware that someone or something is not all that it seems. Enjoy this energy and celebrate, either with a partner or some good friends. Go play; everyone needs some fun and joy in life! Moon VoC at 5:35 p.m.

Sunday, August 18

Mars enters the sign of Virgo at 12:18 a.m. When Mars is in Virgo every project you complete gives you a feeling of accomplishment which makes you happy. You may feel the urge to make a to-do list and cross things off as you finish them. With the Moon-Mars quincunx, you may be making constant adjustments as you go along. Try and let go of the need for everything to be perfect. There’s a happy balance between rushing to finish your work and going over it a million times. Moon enters the sign of Aries at 11:33 a.m.

Monday, August 19

Duty and responsibility may have you feeling down with the Moon-Saturn square. Being conscientious about doing a good job is admirable but balance that with taking care of your needs and what would make you happy.

Tuesday, August 20

When the Moon squares Pluto, you may find yourself involved in a power struggle. Someone may be trying to manipulate you, or you are the one doing the manipulating. There could be a war of words leaving someone feeling battered and bruised. You could use the energy of the day to do your own analysis and examine what this is really about. Moon VoC at 11:06 p.m. until 11:37 p.m. when it enters the sign of Taurus.

Wednesday, August 21

Venus moves into the sign of Virgo at 4:06 a.m. When Venus is in Virgo, you can be quite discriminating about who you’re in relationships with. You value hard work and cleanliness as well as having healthy habits. Mercury trine Jupiter bestows an optimistic vibe to the day. You’re positive and open to new ideas and beliefs which translate into momentum or just feeling good. Nothing wrong with that!

Thursday, August 22

You may find communication is emotionally charged. Misunderstandings and confusion abound when the Moon squares Mercury, followed by the Moon-Neptune sextile. This is a great time to say what’s on your mind while allowing the other person to do the same. You never know what you might learn and it could strengthen your connection. Moon VoC at 4:33 p.m.

Friday, August 23

Happy Birthday, dear Virgos! Emotions are up and down, starting with the last quarter Moon, the Moon-Sun square. You could feel like something is coming to a crisis point, there’s some tension and you’re not sure how to relieve the pressure. It’s a sense of urgency. In the afternoon, when the Moon squares Venus, you’re more likely to want to mingle with friends and generally have a good time. The Sun enters the sign of Virgo at 5:02 a.m. Moon moves into the sign of Gemini at 9:34 a.m.

Saturday, August 24

Venus and Mars come together in a conjunction. You could be floating two feet off of the ground, you’re so happy, whether in a relationship or not. If you are in a relationship you’re feeling passionate, attractive and willing to meet your partner half-way. If single, you may be feeling sexy and amorous and…looking for love. It’s definitely a night to go out and have a great time!

Sunday, August 25

What do you love to do? The Moon is VoC in Gemini most of the day. You might enjoy doing some writing, or reading that good book that’s been sitting on your shelf for a while. Go out for coffee and engage in a conversation, just don’t get involved in any disagreements. Moon VoC at 1:58 a.m. until 4:05 p.m. when it enters the sign of Cancer.

Monday, August 26

You may be scanning the horizon looking for your next great adventure when Venus trines Uranus. Freedom in your relationships is a must, as is spontaneity and socializing with an eclectic mix of people. That being said, you hold steady until you know the time is right to make a move.

Tuesday, August 27

What are you doing to nurture yourself? The Moon is VoC for most of the day in Cancer. Spend time working on something that brings you joy, something you’re proud of. Surrounding yourself with family and friends might also be just what you need. Moon VoC at 3:55 a.m. until 6:53 p.m. when it enters the sign of Leo.

Wednesday, August 28

Time to go for the gold when Mars trines Uranus. You think outside the box and have the drive and desire to go after your dreams. Your creative juices, your perseverance and your courage to follow your heart give the Universe the green light, saying, “Bring it on!” Moon VoC at 7:07 p.m.

Thursday, August 29

Mercury enters the sign of Virgo at 2:48 a.m. Mercury is at home in the sign of Virgo and is extremely good at putting ideas to work; in fact, the more details he can get his hands on, the better. You can communicate your ideas at work easily; you feel you know your stuff. Be careful of giving opinions that may sound like criticisms to your coworkers. The Moon is VoC for most of the day in Leo; you may feel the desire to come out from the shadows to be noticed and appreciated. Moon moves into the sign of Virgo at 6:57 p.m.

Friday, August 30

A business partnership is a definite possibility with the New Moon in Virgo. There is a desire to create something magical to share with the world. This venture could prove lucrative, because you have a clear vision and have put in the work. New Moon in Virgo at 5:37 a.m.

Saturday, August 31

You may have a lot of irons in the fire at the moment; with the VoC Moon in Virgo, it may feel like nothing is happening. Take a breather and just relax, you’ve set the wheels in motion. Now it’s time to see what materializes after all your hard work. Moon VoC at 3:46 a.m. until 6:08 p.m. when it enters the sign of Libra.

Bernadette Evans is a counselling astrologer, hypnotherapist, Registered Professional Counsellor and writer. She can be reached at 780-289-7398 or Bbevans001@gmail.com to schedule a consultation. Her website is www.mindshiftcounselling.com.