The Week Ahead

Monday, August 2 thru Sunday, August 8

Venus in Virgo is opening to new pleasures with Uranus on Monday; Mercury in Leo tangles with Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday; the Sun takes a turn with Uranus on Friday; and New Moon in Leo on Sunday

Uranus, the planet of awakenings, rebellion, and revolutionary ideas figures prominently in the zodiac mix this week. Currently, Taurus is in the middle of a seven-year transit through grounded and usually stable Taurus. This week Venus in conservative and cautious Virgo decides it may not be so bad to try something new when she connects with this stimulating planet on Monday.

On Tuesday, it may not be quite as much fun for Mercury in willful and self-expressive Leo when his turn with Uranus is a challenging square. The word that comes to mind is mischievous, especially with the Moon moving through the sign of the dual-minded twins on this day. Be ready for some shocking suggestions or news. Although it may not be the message that is as surprising as its delivery.

On Friday, Uranus is in the headlines again when the Sun in Leo moves into a perfect square, possibly accompanied by a discordant screeching sound. In truth, this energy has been building for at least several days. With both planets transiting signs that are categorized as �Fixed�, aka determined, and stubborn, we find it more difficult to compromise or come to resolutions we can accept. Squares require change and adjustment. Who will be the first to blink?

The Sun represents our ego, and in Leo we are super sensitive to our image, reputation, and approval rating. We not only want to express our every thought, but we also want people to applaud! Uranus represents our need to break free from restrictions and limitations. This is the planet of rebellion, revolution, instantaneous insights, unconventional thought and behavior, and sudden and abrupt upheavals.

I can leave it to your imagination to come up with some interesting ideas about the nature of clashes between these two planets. Below you will find suggestions about what we might expect not only this week, certainly on Friday, and continuing through the weekend. The New Moon on Sunday in Leo is under the influence of this solar square to Uranus. It may take more than a few days to sort work through the insights and implications.

Balance is replaced with intensity and going to extremes. There is a need to feel self-sufficient, independent, and unfettered by rules, expectations, people, traditions, or social guidelines. I want what I want, and I want it now! Resistance to authority and routine is obvious and behaviors and events may emerge suddenly and disappear just as quickly. The aftermath is likely to take some time to process.

What can complicate this unpredictable energy is lack of maturity, discipline, and common sense. If we feel guilty or apologetic about our need for freedom, unusual ideas, or unique personality, appropriate boundaries turn into defenses. Our distinctive ideas and behaviors may be less of a problem than our need to judge others who don�t share them. Expecting to receive bad reviews, be thought of as crazy, or be alienated, we create much of the disturbance and unrest. Maybe we are pushing other people�s boundaries or trespassing on their turf as well.

When the Sun squares Uranus, which it does on average twice a year, we can challenge personal limitations. We can carefully consider ways we restrict ourselves and ways we provoke others on purpose or attract unwanted attention. We can look at the thrill we get from seeing ourselves as separate and different. Is it really all that awesome? Although during a good controversy we may not be able to pull away, we don�t have to let things get totally out of control. Ok, so you challenged someone to a duel. Before either of you get seriously hurt can you take a breath and suggest another way?

The New Moon on Sunday is still under the influence of the Sun square Uranus, and in fact, on Sunday morning, the Moon makes its own square to Uranus. This New Moon is sending out mixed messages, Hurry up and slow down! The shift into neutral is the influence of disciplined Saturn in Aquarius, opposing both the Sun and Moon. Saturn encourages and often insists on, discipline, patience, and organization cautioning us against wanting easy or quick fixes and results.

Three of the Fixed zodiac signs (Aquarius, Taurus, and Leo) figure prominently this week, and therefore in the New Moon cycle. Bad news first. We dig in our heels with this energy, hold tight to our opinions, resist change, and consider it our job to maintain the status quo. The good news is basically the same, but with a hopeful twist. We may be slow to embrace needed change, but patience builds solid structures and foundations for the future. When all is said and done, the Fixed signs are somewhat like the Tortoise in the story of the race with the Hare. Speed is not the final or only measurement of success.

If you feel pulled in multiple directions, this is natural. This New Moon energy is encouraging us to begin anew along a path that resonates with our spirit � the fire and passion within. It is about connecting with spirit and with our inner child � the one that is hopeful and believes impossible is just another word for �bring it on�. The message is also about taking our time and considering the influence and effect our actions and goals will have on other people, and the larger context. The Leo Aquarius continuum stresses the balance between personal freedom and satisfaction and being a willing and contributing member of society. Leadership and influence often mean being �one of the people�. Working through our issues around acceptance and approval and what it means to belong are on the agenda.

Until next week, let go and wear loose clothes.

MONDAY
August 2
Moon in Taurus/Gemini
The Moon goes Void of Course At 12:41am enters Gemini at 1:46am

Have you ever been delightfully surprised by taking a risk, stepping out of bounds, or simply trying that specialty item on the menu that sounds rather shocking? Like the hamburger with peanut butter sauce? We don�t really associate Venus in practical Virgo with going out on a limb; nevertheless, we may find ourselves yearning, maybe even obsessing over something we desire even though it will break the diet, raise a few eyebrows, or maybe even be taboo.

This is what happens when Venus connects with rebellious Uranus late tonight. We want our relationships and love connections to be more stimulating, exciting, and fresh. Financially we may be drawn to the progressive jackpot, the semi-risky investment, or other avenues that promise to multiply our money quickly. We might also be considering a purchase of something we have longed for and just couldn�t quite make the commitment or the leap. This could go for love too.

Even if we aren�t jumping into a relationship or spending money, we still want more fun in our lives. Throughout the day as Venus moves closer to her late-night rendezvous with the planet of excitement, we don�t want to play the loner or abide by hum-drum rules. We want to live a little! Call some friends and make a little noise.

Meanwhile looking at the lunar forecast, the Moon in the twin sign of Gemini is certainly not opposed to creating some fun or misbehaving. The latter gets activated when we don�t know what we don�t know. Maybe we believe we have all the answers and think we can�t be surprised. Think again! The Moon�s square with Mars in Virgo encourages us to take shortcuts or play when we should be working. We�ll have to balance the scales or make amends this evening when the Moon makes a trine to Saturn. This could mean working into the night on conference calls, answering e-mails, or writing a report to meet a deadline.

Daily Muse: Some are blessed with musical ability, others with good looks. Myself, I was blessed with modesty� Of course I do my own stunts. And I also do my own lying.  (Roger Moore - Moon in Gemini)

TUESDAY
August 3
Moon in Gemini

Mischievous is how we are feeling today. The Moon in youthful Gemini may have us talking like a know-it-all from early morning when it connects with Mercury in Leo. Although it is our intention to shine and impress others, we may miss the mark with the Moon also moving into a square with Venus in conservative Virgo. Flashiness and verbal tricks fall flat and don�t impress; at least not the way we hope they will. Sensible ideas grounded in facts and experience sway people�s heads and no-nonsense apologies are the way to reach hearts.

Throughout the day we are under the influence of Mercury�s move toward a square with Uranus in Taurus this evening. Although there can be brilliance and ingenuity generated by this spontaneous alliance, it also engenders an aura of eccentricity, obstinacy, and pride. Minds are electrified but have a hard time slowing down enough to take in what others are saying or any information that is contrary to what we already believe. The energy can be high-strung, nervous, and impatient. Not the best setup for easy and productive communications. But don�t write it off completely. There are great ideas being generated even if they do seem shocking or alarming at first or are presented in a rebellious way. With discipline and time it is possible to capture this intuitive and creative genius for useful purposes, but maybe not today. For now we are likely to be put off by bluntness, or annoyed by self-righteousness.  

The day ends on a potentially confusing note as the Moon squares Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions transiting through its home sign of Pisces. Don�t struggle to make sense of things since some of the pieces may be missing or the puzzle isn�t a logical one by nature. While we sleep our unconscious minds may process the experiences and communications of the day and come up with an unexpected correlation or new picture for us to consider tomorrow.

WENSDAY
August 4
Moon in Gemini/Cancer
The Moon goes Void of Course At 12:38pm enters Cancer at 2:17pm

The chattiness of the Gemini Moon is tempered this morning as the Moon enters the last few days of the lunar cycle. (New Moon on Sunday.) We may also be in a more introverted frame of mind since the Moon makes no planetary connections until this afternoon when it greets Jupiter in fellow air sign, Aquarius. In the same way we clear the physical clutter from our lives, this morning and through early afternoon we weigh our thoughts and words carefully, assessing their importance and value. In our communications, we emphasize quality over quantity and have little patience for idle gossip or chit-chat. We don�t want to bury the lead or confuse an issue, with too many extraneous ideas. With the lunar connection to Jupiter, we are interested in focusing our words on topics close to our hearts and passions and spreading hope.

Mid-afternoon the Moon slips quietly into her home sign of Cancer. This pulls us even closer to the values of our hearts. We may cut our workday short to take care of family responsibilities or tasks and obligations associated with our homes. Tonight, the Moon makes a harmonizing connection to Mars in organized Virgo providing plenty of motivation and energy to burn the midnight oil, if necessary to complete a task or fulfil a promise.

Daily Muse: Daily Muse: Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision� Ya gots to work with what you gots to work with. (Stevie Wonder � Mars in Virgo)

THURSDAY
August 5
Moon in Cancer

We continue to be somewhat introverted and nostalgic today under the influence of an emotional Cancer Moon edging closer to the end of its lunar cycle. Vulnerabilities or feelings of sensitivity may suddenly cross our minds having us wondering, �what made me think of that?� Let�s attribute this phenomenon to the Moon�s square to Chiron this afternoon.

Chiron aka �The Wounded Healer� is of great service to us by revealing perceived injuries, hurts, and regrets lurking in our subconscious. Seeing them and recognizing how truly insubstantial and silly they are, we can laugh and disengage. They certainly don�t have any power to touch us in the present moment, unless we drag them forward like worn-out baggage. At various times in our lives, we have gotten a lot of mileage out of feeling undeserving, victimized, or unloved. But as the iconic phrase goes, �How�s that working for you?� It�s time to move on.

We may also be experiencing the effects of physical or emotional distance from loved ones or feeling sadness or frustration regarding situations over which we have little or no control. Instead of going into a tailspin, do what you can to reach out to and connect with family and friends. Maybe spend some time creating a scrapbook, or compiling positive, inspiring, and happy stories and memories you don�t want to forget and want to pass on and preserve for younger generations.

Nurturing and domestic Cancer Moons have many outlets for their love and emotions besides cooking. But then again, why not turn the kitchen into a creative workshop whipping up wonder and magic for yourself and/or those you love?

Daily Muse: Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future. (Lewis B. Smedes � Sun, Mercury Mars and Neptune in Leo)

FRIDAY
August 6
Moon in Cancer
The Moon goes Void of Course at 3:12pm

We start the day with a tender moment thanks to the Moon in sentimental Cancer aligning with the spiritual and compassionate values of Neptune in Pisces. But this is probably where the leniency ends. The Moon goes on this afternoon to a potentially harsh opposition with Pluto in no-nonsense Capricorn. There is not much room here for excuses. If we have made a mistake or gotten ourselves into a jam, it�s best to own up to our responsibility and make amends. Quickly if possible. Justice won�t wait and things can sour pretty quickly � especially in this heat!

A tricky and challenging energy comes our way in late afternoon, but in truth, it has been building all day, and possibly for several days. The Sun in willful Leo moves into a conflicting square with Uranus in Taurus. With both signs being �Fixed�, aka determined, and stubborn, we find it more difficult to come to resolutions we can accept. Squares require change and adjustment. Who will blink first?

What can complicate this unpredictable energy is lack of maturity, discipline, and common sense. If we feel guilty or apologetic about our need for freedom, unusual ideas, or unique personality, natural and appropriate boundaries turn into defenses. Our distinctive ideas and behaviors may be less of a problem than our need to judge others who don�t share them. Assuming we will get disapproval, be thought of as crazy, or be alienated we create much of the disturbance and unrest. Maybe we are pushing other people�s boundaries or trespassing on their turf.

When the Sun squares Uranus, which it does twice a year, we can challenge personal limitations. We can carefully consider ways we restrict ourselves and ways we provoke others on purpose or attract unwanted attention. We can look at the thrill we get from seeing ourselves as separate and different. Is it really all that awesome? Although during a good controversy we may not be able to pull away, we don�t have to let things get totally out of control. Ok, so you challenged someone to a duel. Before either of you get seriously hurt can you take a breath and suggest another way?

With the Moon in sensitive Cancer there is a tendency to see the world in terms of family and not family, those who are with me and those who are against me. Tonight, we pull our home team together, lick our wounds, and reassure each other. As we do, we might grab hold of the tail end of the Sun square Uranus energy and ask ourselves, are we so sure we are so different from those �others� on the outside of our circle?

Daily Muse: If everybody likes you, you�re pretty dull. (Bette Davis � Sun in Aries tightly square Uranus in Capricorn)

Bonus! Fasten your seatbelts, it�s going to be a bumpy night. (Bette Davis� line in movie �All about Eve� written by Joseph L. Mankiewicz - Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Chiron in Aquarius)

SATURDAY
August 7
Moon in Cancer/Leo
The Void of Course Moon enters Leo at 12:31am

It�s hard to make sense of the world today. We may be smarting from some psychologically tough energy yesterday (Sun square Uranus); but today brings its own challenges. Mercury in self-expressive Leo makes a grouchy connection to Neptune in Pisces, which practically guarantees logic is scarce. Imagination and intuition are high, but it might be hard to separate our worries and fears from true guidance and inspiration. Our emotions may be influencing or almost totally distorting the messages coming through. If so it�s a good idea to stop the downward spiral and spend some quiet moments alone. Business and strong emotion not only cloud our judgment, but they can also keep us from truly hearing our inner guide and source. (Generally, if fear or dread surrounds a message or idea be suspicious. It probably resonates more with ego and fear than true guidance.)

The Moon eased its way into regal Leo early this morning. In the last day of the lunar cycle, the mood is not necessarily playful, and yet there is an element of entertainment in this energy. Here we find both knowledge and wisdom expressed in stories, songs, and performances. Leo is naturally self-expressive and now injects hard-earned understanding, encouragement, and warnings into their messages. It may be a good time to listen to your elders! But then again, this evening when the Moon opposes Saturn, we resist other people telling us what to think or do.

Daily Muse: You can't be striving to please; you must be striving to get to the heart of the matter.... I've opened my mouth on a lot of subjects. And I thought the more prestige you get, I'd have the power to do what I like. It's not true. (Vanessa Redgrave � Sun in Aquarius square Uranus in Taurus and square Mars in Scorpio)

SUNDAY
August 8
New Moon in Leo 16� 6:50am
Islamic New Year

Hurry up and slow down already! The New Moon in sunny Leo is sending out mixed signals early this morning. As the Sun and Moon merge at 16 Leo, Mercury is nearby talking up a storm. (Although lots of this chatter may be nothing but noise since Mercury is still under the confusing influence of Neptune. Wires are crossed so the signal is not clear or easy to understand.) Across the zodiac, opposing the Sun and Moon is disciplined Saturn in Aquarius. Despite Aquarius being a mental air sign, ruled by lightning rod Uranus, Saturn encourages and often insists on, discipline, patience, and organization cautioning us against wanting easy or quick fixes and results. And speaking of revolutionary Uranus, he is sitting in Taurus squaring this New Moon conjunction.

All New Moons carry the energy of a chapter closing, along with the excitement of a new one opening. This one certainly does with Uranus urging us toward spontaneous action to move away from confining places and issues while Saturn cautions us to refine our strategies and know our path before taking a step. The Moon and Sun in Leo are like children jumping up and down with excitement waiting for the fun to begin.

If you feel pulled in multiple directions, this is natural. This New Moon energy is encouraging us to begin anew along a path that resonates with our spirit � the fire and passion within. It is about connecting with spirit and with our inner child � the one that is hopeful and believes impossible is just another word for �bring it on�. The message is also about taking our time and considering the influence and effect our actions and goals will have on other people, and within a larger context. The Leo Aquarius continuum stresses the balance between personal freedom and satisfaction and being a willing and contributing member of society. Working through our issues around acceptance and approval and what it means to belong are on the agenda.

Tonight when the Moon makes a perfect connection to Mercury we are ready to talk about our hopes and wishes or privately sketch out the details of our next adventure in a journal or notepad.

Daily Muse: I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day� You made me confess the fears that I have. But I will tell you also what I do not fear. I do not fear to be alone or to be spurned for another or to leave whatever I have to leave. And I am not afraid to make a mistake, even a great mistake, a lifelong mistake and perhaps as long as eternity too. (James Joyce - Moon in Leo with Sun in Aquarius)