Sagittarius, August 2015

At the center of the Milky Way, we find the universe's yoni, the galactic center that the Maya referred to as the Hunab Ku, the motherwomb, the place that gives birth to the heavens. Scientists have found solid evidence that at this galactic center there is a supermassive black hole--isn't the universe so romantic yet frightening? Luckily, I'm here to explain what's to come for you for August.

Let's talk about Scorpio: Scorpio's vibe is totally mysterious (or shady) and magical (or overwhelming--it's all about perspective), but because the scorpion is right behind your sign on the zodiac wheel, Sagittarius, Scorpio's influence adds an extra touch of dreamy, but confusing, spiritual flavor to your life. Since October 5, 2012, taskmaster Saturn has been in Scorpio, briefly dipping into your sign from December 23, 2014 through June 14, 2015 (more on that later).

Saturn seeks to consolidate; Saturn's all about rules and tradition, time and hard work. Saturn wants structure. Scorpio is all about transformation, and let's face it: Change, death, and endings are scary. Saturn in Scorpio has laid out obstacles around all these sticky, sometimes scary Scorpio themes. It has also brought you face-to-face with the unknown, and it's challenged you to deeply examine the hidden, unconscious parts of yourself. Saturn is now moving direct, after being retrograde since March 14, 2015, which means that we're finally moving forward on all these issues and getting ready to begin a new chapter in our lives. Saturn will go back into Sag on September 17--now that you've tackled the unconscious, spiritual, hidden parts of yourself, you're ready to work with Saturn on the more obvious, outward parts of your personality. Like how obnoxious you are, or how you spend way too much money, or how impatient you can be. Saturn's a tough planet to work with, but after it's done with you, you'll find yourself much stronger.

Just a day after Saturn moves forward, making us feel like everything's all good at last, your ruling planet, Jupiter, goes ahead and squares Saturn, ruining everything for all of us. At least, ruining everything for those of us who've spent all summer drinking piña coladas, ignoring our responsibilities, making promises we can't keep, and generally acting irresponsible. Those of us (especially you, Sag) who have been hardworking and respectful of authority should do fine, although you will feel some tension around yourself. If you're worried about getting caught, getting in trouble, or some other variation of fucking up, today is your day to deal with that.

Fortunately, I do have some good news: Venus retrograde in Leo will meet with Jupiter on August 4. Venus loses some of her signature glamour and oomph when retrograde; however, there is a thoughtfulness, a realness to Venus retrograde that's very special. Venus began its retrograde in perfectionist Virgo last month on July 25, inspiring us to get really critical and really honest about how satisfied we are with the love and luxury factors in our lives. Venus reentered attention-loving Leo on July 31, shifting our focus to how we feel about ourselves: What makes us special and unique? Jupiter exaggerates whatever energy it's working with, and Venus isn't feeling like her usual self, so your feelings of disenchantment will be amplified on this day. However, that could be a good thing if the usual hasn't been cutting it for you--perhaps now, instead of playing along with whatever stories have been playing out in your life, you'll suddenly snap out of it and remember that you, Sag, are the star of the show. If you're not being appreciated, what's the point?

Your ruling planet Jupiter also meets with Mercury on August 7 super early in the morning. Mercury is all about communication, and Jupiter brings luck and growth, so now is a good time to send out resumes, proposals, e-mails, whatever you gotta do. People will want to work with you, and they'll be interested in what you have to say. Mercury wants to chat and collect information, and Jupiter is a super philosophical planet. This is an excellent transit for you to get together with friends and enjoy a heart-to-heart over s'mores or beers. Mercury enters hardworking Earth sign Virgo later on August 7, so your mind will be on career and your reputation towards the evening. The next day, August 8, Mars enters fellow Fire sign Leo, boosting your confidence and energy. If you haven't traveled yet this summer, Mars in Leo is a wonder time for you to do so: Have you ever met a big cat that doesn't enjoy lazing in the sun? No, you haven't.

August 11 is one of the bigger days for you this month. Your ruling planet Jupiter enters Virgo--exciting! Virgo is a down-to-earth, practical sign. While you, Sag, like to have more more more, Virgo's approach is clean and direct, less is more. This transit will ask you to find balance in your approach to life, and I think you'll enjoy this challenge. Jupiter will stay in Virgo for the next year or so, and your mantra during this time ought to be simplify. In addition, Virgo also highlights the part of the sky that influences your career and your standing. Since Jupiter expands and adds a bit of luck to whatever it touches, I think you'll gain plenty of followers this year and find some great career opportunities.

August 14 brings a New Moon in Leo, inspiring you to explore a new philosophy, learn something new, and do some traveling. New Moons bring new beginnings, and Leo is all about loving yourself, celebration, and creativity. The Venus retrograde in Leo has also been touching on these themes for you, so hopefully the New Moon will give you a little fresh start.

The Sun enters Virgo on August 23, again highlighting themes around simplicity and reputation, and it meets with your ruling planet, Jupiter, on August 26. This should be a fun, happy day, one which I hope will bring you lots of affectionate attention and recognition around whatever you've been working your butt off for--this meeting will take place in Virgo, again, a sign that's all about your calling and legacy.

Mercury enters social and diplomatic Air sign Libra on August 27, marking the beginning of an important period for you around your social life, networking, and the groups and cliques you belong to. Mercury will go retrograde in Libra next month, so pay attention to who's entering your life--they might play a big role in your life next month, especially if you're looking to climb any social ladders.

August 29 brings a Full Moon in Pisces, which will bring in an interesting shift in energy for you. So much of this month has been about you shining bright (with planets in flashy Leo), finding your place among the public (with hardworking Virgo) and sorting out whom you hang out with (thanks to Mercury in Libra). Pisces is a sensitive, sometimes shy sign, and this Full Moon will bring your attention away from the outer world and back to your home and your safe space. Do you have a calm, clean, and comfortable place to which you can retreat? You're typically thought of as an extrovert, Sag, but you're also the philosopher of the zodiac, and we all know philosophers need their alone time--do you get yours? Full Moons bring about completion; at the very least, they illuminate the issues we need to work on. At the end of this month, I want you to check with yourself about your home and your living situation--is it working for you?

Christina Aguilera was born on December 18, placing the Sun at about 26° Sagittarius at the time of her birth, the degree right in line with the galactic center. In fact, lots of pop stars share your sign: Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and the list goes on. I guess you guys are just good at fame? August marks the beginning of an important year for you around success. Work your butt off, dear Sag, and be the diva you were always meant to be!