Libra, August 2015

Everyone knows Libra is the cutest, smartest sign. Even people who know nothing about astrology are like, "Libra? Is that the cute and smart one?" This is thanks to your planetary ruler, Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty and prosperity. She rules two signs: Taurus and Libra. Taurus is an Earth sign, and through Taurus, Venus rules over beautiful things, material wealth and beauty. In your sign, Libra, Venus rules intangible, beautiful concepts.

Sadly, Venus hasn't been her usual self lately, so, you may be feeling off kilter, too. Like Mercury, Venus also goes retrograde; when that occurs, instead of communications being screwed up, our self-esteem is deflated. Venus recently began her retrograde in the sign Virgo on July 25, and she'll go direct on September 6, 2015. This time is best used to reflect and revaluate your partnerships and what's of value to you. Don't feel pressured to take action: In fact, saying I'll make up my mind later, I need time to think is the best way to go with the flow of this energy. I wouldn't be surprised if you're seriously considering ending a relationship at this time. Virgo loves nothing more than a pros and cons list, so get logical about your situation. Venus will retrograde back into Leo on August 31, shifting you from considering the practical value of your relationships to how special or important they make you feel.

Saturn began its retrograde on March 14, 2015 in fiery Sagittarius, entering Scorpio on June 14, 2015. On August 2, Saturn finally goes direct. Saturn rules our structures, obstacles, and even our fears. He's a difficult planet to work with--but like with most difficult things, you'll become stronger as a result of all the hard work he requires of you. Saturn's retrograde and reentry into Scorpio has highlighted financial issues and themes around having, sharing, and value. Saturn was last in Scorpio between October 5, 2012 and December 21, 2014; consider this an opportunity to tie up loose ends around any concerns you may have been working with then. When Saturn goes direct on August 2, you should feel some forward movement. Also on August 2, Mercury trines Uranus, inspiring creative genius. Your mind will feel freed from superficial concerns, and it will be a great day to get your point across.

On the next day, August 3, Jupiter will square Saturn, forcing you to face your responsibilities and address challenges brought on by society. This will be trying, so use the genius energy left over from August 2 to problem solve. Stay your usual, graceful self, Libra! A boss--or whoever you answer to--may not get you, and you'll have to show your accountability. This will be one of the most stressful days of the month. If you're playing hooky from any responsibilities, this is not the day to post any beach selfies on social media.

Speaking of Saturn, Venus and Saturn will square on August 5th. Your relationships have felt tense with Venus in retrograde, and today you can expect things to feel even tenser. It's an I can't take it anymore kind of day… but those sorts of days can very clearing, liberating, and productive! Venus retrograde isn't exactly the best time to take action; however, this square may push you to do something. Use this energy productively--if you have a hard time saying no, this is a great day for you to practice.

The following day, August 6, Mercury's quite busy: It will make a conjunction to Venus, giving us a keen sense of harmony that's made more discriminating due to Venus's retrograde motion. In addition, Mercury will square Saturn, a tense combination, challenging us to deal with criticism and mental blocks. Mercury in tough aspect to Saturn can feel a little censored or complicated around communication, so keep things simple. At this time, it is better to say less than more.

Mercury says goodbye to proud, showoff Leo and enters logical, analytical Virgo on August 7. This may find you acting on subconscious desires, exploring hidden things, seeking privacy, and learning lessons around any lack of awareness you have. If it's hidden, secret or out of view, you'll be thinking about it with Mercury in Virgo.

Mars enters Leo on August 8. This planetary placement is strong and stable, and it will energize you to seek autonomy at work or to put extra energy toward your social life. Jupiter enters Virgo on August 11, where it will stay for quite a while for quite a while--until September 9, 2016. Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion, and, on a bad day, some exaggeration and overdoing. Virgo, conversely, is analytical; it prefers to weed out rather than accumulate and exaggerate. This combination will be interesting! It will likely ramp up your psychic abilities and show you hidden resources you didn't know you had. It will also expose your unconscious bad habits, making this a great year for healing and self-reflection.

Charismatic Libras shine in group settings… unless of course, you're in a bitchy mood. No one can out-bitch you, Libra! The New Moon in Leo on August 14 will highlight a fresh beginning in your social life, perhaps inspiring you to join a new group or organization. As I mentioned earlier, you may not feel so up for being social with Venus feeling deflated during the retrograde, but the feeling of new growth brought by the New Moon may lift you up.

On the subject of your ruling planet, Venus is very busy mid-month. Venus and the Sun are conjunct on August 15, a combination that's a touch lazy and little luxurious. The combination may provide a nice break for you if you've been feeling like everything is blah and boring. Venus retrograde in Leo will trine Uranus, also retrograde, in Aries on August 19, an exciting combination that will inspire you to try something new around love, beauty, or relationships. Venus retrograde may not feel totally up for risk taking, but I want you to tap into Uranus's wild vibe and take a chance. Call someone you have a crush on. Put on something you've been too shy to wear out. Ask for something you never really believed you could get. Let your freaky freak flag fly, tap into your inner Carmen Electra (she was born with Venus trine Uranus!), and refuse to believe you're anything but untamed and sexy.

On August 23 the Sun enters Virgo, becoming the third planet--along with Jupiter and Mercury--to bring your focus to the unconscious and hidden. This is an introspective period, a break to rest and reflect before your birthday rolls around and things get busy. You may discover some secrets during this time, and you'll feel very in touch with your psychic side. The Sun is conjunct Jupiter on August 26, so expect to feel more generous and hopeful for the future.

Mercury enters your sign, Libra, on August 27, bringing clarity and a desire to express yourself. On August 29, we have a Full Moon in Pisces, illuminating issues in your day-to-day life. The end of the month will be a great time for you to reflect on whether or not your routines are working for you and to figure out a new way to structure your life.

I have a feeling this will be a notable summer in your life, Libra, with your ruling planet retrograde. The last time Venus was retrograde in the signs Virgo and Leo was the summer of 2007. What was going on in your life back then? You may revisit some of those themes again this summer, now that you're eight years older and wiser. Again, Venus rules harmony and beauty in our lives, both material (Taurus) and conceptual (Libra). With Venus retrograde, we'll question our values, our choices and ourselves. My one piece of advice for you to have a productive and happy August is this: Don't rush any decisions or take any hasty actions. Also, with Venus retrograde, you may not feel so cute and smart, but I promise you still are. Take advantage of the backward movement of your ruling planet by taking time to slow down, pamper yourself and critically think about whether or not they or it are deserving of you, your time, and your energy.