Taurus, August 2015

On Sunday, August 2, taskmaster Saturn--ruler of all things that are a total drag--ends its retrograde in Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign directly opposite you in the zodiac, Taurus, making it your celestial other half. Whenever planets hang out in Scorpio, themes around partnerships (of all kinds, not just romantic) kick up in your life. Saturn is a slow-moving planet, so you've been working with this heavy energy around relationships since October 5, 2012. You had just one tiny little break between December 23, 2014 and June 14, 2015, when Saturn briefly entered Fire sign Sagittarius.

But, enough about dates: Saturn in Scorpio has, metaphorically, thrown you in a chair, handcuffed you to a table, shined a flashlight in your face, and asked not only where you were every evening for the last two or so years, but also whether or not you really wanted to be there. To whom and what do you want to commit? Are you spending time with the right people, or not? What have you learned about longevity in partnerships? How about trust and security? Here's a clue: If the people around you don't embrace change, they're not for you.

On one hand, your relationships will feel like they're moving forward (with slow as hell Saturn moving on out of Scorpio); on the other, your ruling planet, Venus, will be retrograde for all of August. Since turning retrograde last month on July 25, Venus has felt out of sorts, deflated, not as attractive and luxurious as Venus likes to be. Venus began its retrograde in Virgo, a sign known for being picky; as of of July 31, it's been in Leo, a sign that demands attention at all costs. This cosmic combination has me picturing a performer dissatisfied with her audience, feeling unattractive in her pancake makeup--which is melting under the stage lights--and itching all over, thanks to cheap sequins.

Taurus, you might be feeling a little gross, and you might be feeling that your partners are even grosser. It's hot outside, and you have weird tan lines. This month, with Venus retrograde, it's so important that you practice mega self love. Also, use this Venus retrograde to reassess what's important to you. Venus is luxurious and loving, but when retrograde, Venus pauses to reconsider what's really valuable. It might be time to let a few things (and people) go. The last time Venus was retrograde in these signs was during the summer of 2007. What was going on in your life back then? Reflect on that time period, as it may hold some wisdom for you to use today.

August 3 may be a difficult day: Jupiter in Leo will square Saturn in Scorpio, a combination that will force you to face your responsibilities. This is not a day to avoid a call from your boss or your momma. In addition to effecting your responsibilities, this combination may play out another way: Jupiter in Leo may have had you shaking up things around your home, expanding whatever place you call your safe space, and, as we discussed earlier, Saturn in Scorpio is sitting on your relationships. Are you living with a partner or hoping to? The shit hits the fan today, but hopefully, the any drama will lead to you taking real action around owning your responsibilities and indulgences.

Venus, retrograde in Leo, will square Saturn in Scorpio on August 5, an uncomfortable combination that will have you question boundaries, both your own and those of other people. The word today is no, so today isn't the greatest day to ask for a date or a raise. The vibe today is serious and stern. If you find yourself enjoying a positive or romantic exchange today, you're one of the lucky few. Honor Saturn's vibe by hooking up with an older (in age) lover or engaging in some discipline oriented role-play.

On August 6, Mercury will conjunct Venus, but it will also square Saturn later in the day. Expect some mental clarity about your desires thanks to Venus, but don't bet on today being the best day to talk about it--Saturn's tough aspect to Mercury will make communication extremely difficult. The vibe is critical, and it's extra rough for you because your ruling planet (Venus) is retrograde and already feeling a little too picked on.

On August 7, Mercury enters Virgo, a sign Mercury loves to be in. Mercury in Virgo will find you thinking and talking about which direction you want to go in creatively. You'll also be feeling a little curiouser, itching to crawl out of whatever shell you've been hiding in. Brains will win over beauty when it comes to love, and crushes will be approaching you in multiples. If you're single, I want you to mingle. Mercury in Virgo wants you to be careful and picky--don't settle for anything less than perfect just because you're eager to partner. And, most of all, enjoy your freedom to try out plenty of different experiences (and by experiences, I mean people).

The next day, August 8, Mars enters Leo, boosting your energy when it comes to your daily routines and rituals. If your room recently has looked more like a dump for clothes and coffee mugs, you'll suddenly find the energy to clean it--or, at the very least, you'll have the energy to take a little jog away from it. Either way, those everyday things most of us have a hard time actually doing every day may be coming a little easier to you now.

Jupiter enters fellow Earth sign Virgo on August 11, where it will stay for a little over a year, until September 9, 2016. Virgo is picky and practical, a down-to-earth yet youthful energy. Jupiter is expansive, philosophical and often thought of as the planet of good luck. Combined, Jupiter in Virgo inspires us to explore and expand how we contribute to society. Practice makes perfect, and over the next year, Jupiter in Virgo will highlight whatever it is that you want to develop in yourself. Expect to expand your social life, too, and, if you're romantically available, you can look forward to plenty of options coming your way.

Gather your coven: The New Moon in Leo is on August 14, and it promises a fresh, lovely new beginning around your home life. If you're looking for a new place to call home, now is the time to break out the vision board and fill it with images of your dream living situation. If you've been craving space or privacy, or if you've had any issues around those themes, now is the time to reflect. Family issues may also be bubbling up. Trust your feelings; the New Moon in Leo encourages you to believe in yourself. The next day, August 15, should be luxurious and lazy, with your ruling planet Venus conjunct the Sun in Leo.

Venus retrograde in Leo will trine Uranus in Aries on August 19. This is an exciting combination that double dares you to try something new or risky. Venus felt a little oppressed by Saturn earlier this month, but now that it's combined with rebellious Uranus, it's far more comfortable. This is the perfect day for you to get wild. Your fingers are shooting electricity today, so put them to good use with lovers or in your creative life. If you put your heart fully into it, you can break through any awkwardness with people in your life today. Venus retrograde's usually a little weepy, but I think today you'll have a blast.

August wraps up with a Full Moon in Pisces on the 29. Thinking about joining a club, getting in with an organization, or contributing to a cause? The Full Moon will activate your need to get involved. A few short days after the Full Moon, September 6, Venus will go direct, hopefully allowing you to feel a little more like yourself.

August started off a little difficult--Venus retrograde isn't fun for anyone, but especially not you, Taurus, since you're ruled by that sexy goddess. The hurdles Saturn tosses your way are no joke in the beginning of the month. However, with the planets shifting into fellow Earth sign Virgo, things will ease up. Your life will become brighter and way more fun. And, best of all, Venus retrograde will soon be over! Spend this month carefully considering who want around you, what you find valuable, and, most importantly, who and what makes you feel happy and at peace.