Aries, August 2015

August begins with your ruling planet, Mars, in Water sign Cancer. Cancer's archetype is nurturing, empathetic, and psychic. It evokes days at the beach, skin exfoliated by sand, and nights by a bonfire, nourishing our bodies and hearts with food, drinks, friends, and family members. Mars is a warrior on a mission, a little out of place relaxing on the beach. Mars in Cancer is a cautious combination; though Cancer's tough shell is very protective, you'll likely find yourself shying away from confrontation. We think of Fire sign Aries as always being ready for a battle, but the month starts off with you carefully observing the scene rather than jumping into action.

Sunday August 2 will have your little ram hooves tapping with delight: Mercury in Leo trines Uranus in Aries. We love it when inventive Uranus and communicative Mercury are on the same wavelength--this weekend, Aries, expressing yourself comes very easily. Expect to hatch genius ideas and solve puzzles. Even better: Oppressive taskmaster Saturn ends its retrograde in Scorpio and moves direct that day. Saturn is a very heavy energy that's concerned with responsibility, commitment and fears. Now that it's finally moving forward, Saturn can send new lessons over your way instead of challenging you with old obstacles!

Saturn began its retrograde on March 14, 2015 in fellow Fire sign Sagittarius. It reentered Scorpio on June 14, 2015. Saturn's reentry into the psychic and transformative sign Scorpio has highlighted themes around having, sharing, and value. What debts do you have? What responsibilities do you have to others? What do you feel you are owed? What do you feel you deserve from others? These are all important questions Saturn has recently asked you to consider. Saturn is now moving forward… are you?

The next day, August 3, isn't as hot. I hope you're planning a lovely vacation later this month, Aries, because this will be a Monday to top all Mondays. Jupiter will square Saturn, forcing you to face your responsibilities. Excuses won't fly today. Integrity will be tested. Weak commitments and projects built on shaky ground may collapse. Your strength will be challenged today, but luckily, Aries, you're an optimist who isn't afraid of much. Those around you, however, might be feeling a little weak, hopeless and helpless. If someone tells you they don't have it in them anymore, whatever it may be, believe them.

Venus--which is retrograde in Leo--squares Saturn in Scorpio on August 5, creating tension in your relationships. That's ok, though, because we all know you Aries people get turned on by a little stress. Venus retrograde can leave you feeling a little unloved and unwanted, especially when it occurs in Leo, the sign of the stage hog. Now is a good time to be sensitive toward yourself and others. With Venus retrograde in this tough aspect to Saturn, you may feel prohibited, inhibited, and rejected. It's possible to work with this energy positively by playing hard to get--but who wants to play games, Aries? Certainly not you! Aries people are famous for their sincere, no-nonsense approach to love.

The next day, August 6, is also a little tricky but very busy. Your ruling planet Mars trines Saturn, a phenomenal combination that makes everything feel like it just works. You'll feel supported in your actions, and people will respect your hard work and discipline. Also on the 6, Mercury will conjunct Venus; despite Venus retrograde's bitchy behavior, a conjunction to Mercury will help you feel clear about what you want: You'll find yourself able to intellectualize your desires. Later, though, Mercury will square Saturn, bringing out criticism or even censorship. So, on the morning of the 6, you might figure out what you want and feel like you can accomplish anything, but this evening will not be the best time to talk about it.

The second week in August brings some fresh planetary vibes. If things had been feeling a little stale before then, don't worry. On August 7, Mercury leaves warm and passionate Leo and enters logical, analytical Virgo. Mercury adores being in Virgo. Aries, this will bring your focus to your day-to-day responsibilities, work, and chores. It's a great time for you to get organized and finish the spring cleaning you began months ago. The next day, August 8, Mars enters Leo, energizing you and inspiring your creativity. This is a really playful energy. If your love life has felt a little dull recently, this weekend might deliver some much-needed fire.

Jupiter enters Virgo on August 11, where it will stay for a little over a year, until September 9, 2016. Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion, and, on a bad day, some exaggeration and overdoing. Conversely, Virgo is an analytical Earth sign, eager to weed out the crap and spruce up what's good. This coming year will be all about you being realistic about your dreams, and, hopefully, about your dreams becoming reality. Even the most out there, fantastical goal can be accomplished as long as you are dedicated and diligent. Virgo has a down to earth, hardworking vibe that's boosted by Jupiter's lucky touch. What dreams are you working toward this year, Aries?

Expect an unexpected adventure or an opportunity to try something new on August 13, when the Sun trines Uranus (we love trines; they make everything feel so easy!). On the day after--a Friday--the New Moon in Leo will make everything plenty of fun, putting your focus on creative self-expression, partying, and dating. On Saturday, August 15, Venus--still retrograde--and the Sun in Leo are conjunct, a luxuriously lazy combination.

The next week, on August 19, Venus retrograde in Leo will trine electric and excitable Uranus in Aries, livening things up in your relationships. If you've been feeling totally bored and uninspired in your love life, the New Moon in Leo this month and Venus retrograde's mingling with the Sun and Uranus will push you over the edge to try something (or someone) new.

Your focus shifts from fun to work on Sunday, August 23, when the Sun enters Virgo. Embrace this Earth sign's organizational skills by indulging in some new stationery, fancy pens, and pretty erasers. Mercury enters Libra on Thursday, August 27, inspiring us all to compromise, play fair, and weigh all of our options. You'll feel very diplomatic. If you've been feeling like you need to talk things out with someone, now could be a great time, since you're thinking objectively and having an easy time understanding other people's logic.

The month wraps up with a Full Moon in Pisces on Saturday, August 29. Finding peaceful alone time is super important at the end of the month. Unwinding should be your number one priority. Your psychic abilities may be ramped up; don't be surprised if you uncover a secret or two.

At the start of the month your ruling planet, Mars, was in sideways-walking Cancer, but it'll be in loud, proud Leo by the end. Mars in Leo is ultra loyal, creative, and idealistic--traits that match up well with your disposition, Aries. This is a great month to reconnect to your purpose, your calling. How do you want your day-to-day life to look? What are your routines and rituals, and how do they support you in achieving your creative potential? Reflect on these themes this month, Aries, and you'll be well on your way to happiness.