August Astrology Report 2003

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This August hosts 24 aspects 8 oppositions, 6 conjunctions, 3 ingresses, 1 square, a multi-planet contra parallel, 1 new Moon, 1 full Moon, 1 BSP (Beginning Shadow Point), 1 Rx station, and 1 direct station.

This August is a very active month. Much diversity in perspective provides the platform for stimulating and controversial choices. Questions like: "Is the glass half full or half empty" keep discussions lively. Cooperation, or separation? Release, or fulfillment? These are the contentions between personal and public, young and old, skilled and inexperienced open to us for processing. Generational issues are all being reevaluated. Expect public issues to be torn asunder, as opposing viewpoints become loudly proclaimed. Few will automatically seek a position of compromise, as extreme personal viewpoints become disproportionately prominent. Mental processes dominate the month, with an undercurrent of impatience and the need to be actively seeking resolution. Because we are in the peak of the Mars cycle, and because of its noteworthy perihelion and perigee aspects this month, I have included a special section on Mars at the end of the astrology section.



8/4 Sun opposes Neptune Rx. 11:47 Leo/Aquarius, 6:54 AM. Here is a chance to choose a new spiritual or mystical perspective of life. Use your artistic talents to manifest creative products using music, color, and imaginative design. Honoring your inner strengths can promote clarity and support self esteem.

8/6 Mercury opposes Mars Rx. 9:41 Virgo/Pisces, 6:13 AM. Differences of opinion. Enthusiastic communication, calling on examples of sound principles make for powerful positions. Understanding of disagreements may be a little premature, so leave some wiggle-room. Keep on digging for the truth, and keep your values realistic. A possible breakdown in communication can delay closure. Impatience and passion can rip apart previous understandings. Angry words can lead to violence. Step back and look at the larger picture.

8/7 Venus opposes Neptune Rx. 11:42 Leo/Aquarius, 9:23 AM. Creativity is at a high point. Be sure to make time for creative pursuits, as the muse is available and on-call. Romantic objectives can provide powerful motivation for imaginative scenarios. Just keep reality and illusion well defined.

8/8 Mercury passes BSP (beginning shadow point). 12:12 Virgo, 6:45 AM. Mercury may take the conscious form of Merlin the Magician, or the sly Wily Coyote. Be on the lookout for the magician tiptoeing back and forth through Virgo, analyzing and diagnosing power struggles and misunderstandings in an amazingly accurate process. Keep your counsel while gathering information that can be used to rectify erroneous judgments in the latter part of the year.

8/11 Full Moon 19:05 Aquarius/Leo, west coast 9:48 PM. Be aware of your strengths and resources. Others may remind you of possible limitations, but those can be turned to your advantage. You can use grace, empathy and tact (if it is genuine) to win over all those in your milieu. Issues on the west coast include people who feel ignored or forgotten - you have the power to reinforce their self-esteem and power base, by simply acknowledging them. Work environment can be made pleasurable and productive.

8/12 Full Moon, east coast 12:48 AM. On the east coast a productive interaction between home and career can be achieved by supporting their common strengths and respecting their separate roles.

8/12 Mercury Squares Pluto Rx. 17:18 Virgo/Sagittarius, 8:00 PM. The magician knows to challenge and debate not the details, but the basic principles of those who would use their power to mislead. Merlin's reason may make a lonely stand, while Wily Coyote's access to emotion and obsession have extensive backing. Truth sometimes takes the form of a feeling of "fire in the belly", and can best be discerned by those whose consciousness has raised above that of the status quo. It is imperative that we differentiate between passion based on emotion and that which is based on sound principles.

8/18 Sun Conjoins Venus. 25:23 Leo, 11:04 AM. Increased intensity and pressure on many levels can bring about a tattered self-esteem. The need for appreciation can be satisfied by genuine expressions of affection or admiration. Emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, harmony, creativity and the arts is likely.

8/21 Venus Conjoins Jupiter. 28:42 Leo, 3:23 AM. Social gatherings can be a source of pleasure and a resource for networking. Developing good associations based on synergy and mutual interests can result in positive long-lasting relationships.

8/22 Sun Conjoins Jupiter. 28:56 Leo, 3:08 AM. There is a need to expand your inner potential. This can be accomplished through travel or education, or the development of a moral or spiritual consciousness. You may feel invited to be all that you can be. Risk-taking and speculation in significant areas of life can be rewarding, or can threaten the status quo.

8/22 Venus Enters Virgo. 4:36 AM. Time to evaluate basic values. Beauty and symmetry alone are not sufficient. Practicality and functionality provide a sense of satisfaction. Many will search for domestic tranquility, but dont expect perfection. Some platonic relationships may develop to a deeper rapport.

8/22 Venus opposes Uranus Rx. 0:53 Virgo/Pisces, 9:47 PM. Strong intuitional incidents can trigger breakthroughs in consciousness. Plan extra time for meditation and/or gatherings of people with similar interests. Expect the unexpected from the development of a collective focus. Avoid setting unrealistic limits; keep your options open.

8/23 Sun conjoins Regulus. 29:52 Leo, 3:00 AM. Honors may be earned and bestowed. Small successes can be celebrated, but avoid inflated egos or pretentiousness. Those who aspire to greatness are at risk of someone seeking reprisal. For those in places of power to indulge in revenge can result in devastation. If honesty is kept foremost, then success can be achieved and sustained. Here again, consciousness is the key, and Leo's love from the heart is the best protection.

8/23 Sun Enters Virgo. 6:08 AM. "Simplify..." as Thoreau suggested. This provides an appropriate energy for releasing complexity from your life. Take a methodical approach to life's problems; Virgo is a good focus for healing energy. As you go through this processing, be sure to include a spiritual component to offer a level of balance. If you forget, then next month's energies will demand it.

8/24 Sun opposes Uranus Rx. 0:50 Virgo/Pisces (also within orb of a contra parallel). Surprises are in store when the status quo is tested. Aggression can be avoided if efforts are made to understand unconventional behavior. Negotiations may be successful between disparate individuals or groups by an exchange of ideas.

8/26 Venus opposes Mars Rx. 5:30 Virgo/Pisces. 3:18 PM. Challenge to find a different method to get what you want most, or what you think you want. This is the peak of the cycle of the ultimate dance of relationship. It is make or break time - assertiveness or cooperation; commitment or separation. The energy is available to understand what you really want out of a relationship be sure to communicate that with compassion. If it's time to move on, do so responsibly.

8/26 Jupiter conjoins Regulus. 29:52 Leo, 11:00 AM. Citizens in high positions of social structure who have a modicum of fame or celebrity status may be honored for their talents and accomplishments. However, they will also be scrutinized for reputational discrepancies. Any transgression may be rooted out and could result in discredit. The reputations of those who reveal indignities can also be tarnished, especially if done in retaliation for a real or supposed offense.

8/27 Mars perigee Earth. Only 56 million km apart the closest in 60,000 years. The need to act out inner anger or previously suppressed urges to succeed are so close to the surface that they may explode out of proportion to their root when triggered by seemingly unrelated contacts. This aspect, which has been building for months, peaks today. Societal or familial structures can divert outbursts or premature release of built-up energy if a more positive outlet was previously made available.

8/27 Jupiter Enters Virgo. 2:27 AM. Personal and domestic circumstances bring a need for new commitments. Emotional issues may delay the need to move into a new project. But the project will need time to unfold, so be patient. High spiritual or moral ideals can be developed to answer any dilemmas that arise. A new method of healing may emerge that can improve many lives.

8/27 New Moon. 4:02 Virgo, west coast 10:26 AM; east coast 1:26 PM. Ample energy is available to assist or support the beginning of a new project or process. Ideas can be analyzed by an objective supporter, and possible difficulties be diagnosed and solved before the project is begun. West coast projects may include businesses or organizations, and unusual solutions that come from the rank and file, or other unexpected sources. East coast incidents may involve travel and health issues, with communications from local problem-solvers.

8/28 Mercury turns Retrograde. 26:19 Virgo, 6:42 AM. Strategy, or manipulation? Friends will assume the former; adversaries will presume the later. Building strength of character through spiritual principles and awarenesses can prepare you for later evaluations from a different point of view. A feeling as if you are on the brink can push you to make decisions before you are fully equipped. Take it easy and dont rush.

8/28 Mars Rx perihelic opposition to Sun (like a full Mars). 5:01 Virgo/Pisces, 10:59 AM.

Mars is the closest (perigee) to Earth in 60,000 years; and the closest (perihelion) in orbit to Sun; Earth will be in the middle. Expect intense outputs of energy, competition is king. Impulsive reactions and a desire to engage in battle may take precedence over reason. Outlets such as high physical activity and challenges outside of normal situations can divert the energy to more practical, positive activities. In nature, great stresses may cause disturbances on the Earth. Physical and emotional preparedness is always wise.

8/28 Pluto turns Direct. 17:14 Sagittarius, 8:34 PM. Unclear conditions surround a situation involving powerful people. Suspension of normal or expected outcomes brings a feeling of confusion. Expected resolution may be delayed until September when new facts come to light.

8/29 Jupiter opposes/contra parallels Uranus Rx. 0:37 Virgo/Pisces, 9:38 PM. A sudden and dramatic change in perspective a deep need to find freedom from previous restrictions. Basic understanding of the way of the world is challenged and forever altered. All levels of life can be affected. Fundamental paradigms seem to block the workings of everyday processes. Patience is a great healer.

8/31 Sun/Venus contra parallel Earth/Moon. 5:26 AM, 8:41 N/S. Venus will be in a close alignment with the Earth and Sun by declination. The need and ability to self-nurture will be called upon to include loved ones and others with whom we are not consciously associated. Success will be determined by how we respond to the needs of others by consciously building and supporting links.



Notes on Mars' activities in August:

Earth in her elliptical orbit was at aphelion (farthest in her distance in her orbit) this year on 7/4, and Mars will be at perihelion on 8/28. These positions place Earth very close to Mars. By longitude, Sun, Earth and Mars will be aligned (much the same as the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned at full Moon).

From mid-July Mars will rise in the east around 11 PM local time. In late August Mars will appear in the east as soon as the Sun sets. Whenever you get the chance to view it, you will be surprised at its size. Backyard telescopes may even see details such as the large dust storm that spilled out of Hellas Basin, the giant southern hemisphere impact crater.

Mars/Sun oppositions occur about every 13.5 months, but the perihelic oppositions are less frequent - between 15 and 17 years, and always in July, August, or September. For example:

9/19/1830, 8/18/1845, 7/17/1860, 9/5/1877, 8/4/1892, 9/24/1909, 8/23/1924, 7/23/1939, 9/10/1956, 8/10/1971, 9/28/1988, 8/28/2003, 7/27/2018, 9/15/2035.

Mars two moons, Deimos and Phobos were once researched by James R. Lewis (author of the Astrology Encyclopedia, 1995, Visible Ink Press, Detroit, MI) of He suggested that Deimos (referring to fear and terror) and Phobos (referring to phobias) are like a subset of Mars. If so, then a close passage of Mars to Earth could provide a link to identifying and resolving ones inner demons and phobias. Conscious awareness of this process would be necessary to control the process. Lack of awareness could be associated with mindless violence that escalates during close Mars transits. This is the subject of a research project by this author. Interested researchers please contact me at [email protected].


Mars journey through Pisces, 2003
6/16 Mars Pisces

6/17 Mars BSP 0:07 Pisces

7/17 Moon occults Mars 9:11 Pisces

7/29 Mars stationary Rx 10:08 Pisces

8/6 Mercury opposes Mars 9:41 Virgo/Pisces

8/26 Venus opposes Mars 5:30 Virgo/Pisces

8/27 Mars perigee (closest in orbits) Earth.

8/28 Sun perihelic opposition Mars (closest to Sun with Earth in between) 5:01 Virgo/Pisces

9/27 Mars stationary direct 0:07 Pisces

11/8 Mars ESP 10:08 Pisces

12/16 Mars Aries



In 2003, Mars spends 6 months in Pisces, moving through its entire Rx cycle in that sign, and making 3 oppositions while Rx during August. Mars symbolizes our vigorous and sometimes explosive energy, ferocity, courage, and the need to accomplish. Pisces symbolizes the feet, beliefs, illusions, spiritual issues, and slumber. The feet represent your "under-standing", or that which forms your beliefs. Mars takes a walk around in the first decanate of Pisces and can either examine beliefs, or devolve into deceit. The Mars experience can be used to either open an understanding of why we believe what we believe, to embrace a lie, to reach closure in spiritual understandings, or to sleepwalk.

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open. Don't go back to sleep."
Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

An opposition embodies a wonderful energy for gaining perspective. It also can be used to finish something, either reaping what was sown at the conjunction, or releasing something no longer necessary. Use the August Mars energy accordingly. The more refined the consciousness we aspire to and use, the more productive we can be.


AUGUST SYMBOLISM

August was named for Caesar Augustus, First Roman emperor. Demeter (aka Ceres), the goddess of fertility, and her daughter Persephone (aka Kore), are associated with this month of harvest. August 1st is the cross-quarter festival of Lammas (aka Lughnasa), eighth station of the year, and the time of the first harvest (grain). A Loaf Mass was celebrated, using consecrated bread made from the first-ripe corn.

Among the gemstones associated with August are Amber and Topaz. Amber is known as the Gold of the Sea, because this fossilized resin from the once prolific, now extinct species of Conifer, Pinites Succinifer used to wash up in great numbers on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Amber produces a charge of negative electrons when rubbed, and generates heat. Associated with the Sun, amber, an organic substance also produces sparks of light. It is said to effect relief in sore throats and to stop nosebleeds. Topaz (aka Peridot) was known to the ancient Egyptians as the Stone of Strength, the stone of Ra, the Sun god. The color of Topaz can be changed by heat; and with heat, pressure and friction, it exhibits strong electric phenomena. In medieval times Topaz was used to heal womens illnesses, and to promote peaceful sleep. First discovered at the Isle of Topazos in the Red Sea, Topaz was acclaimed for its gift of good health, wisdom, and the protection against a violent or sudden death.

August 12 & 13 are the nights of the Perseids Meteor Shower. Even though we will have a full Moon, a few meteors may be visible in the northern hemisphere - look to the northeastern sky during the hours before dawn. Not expected to be as great a show in the southern hemisphere, although you may spot a few Earth grazers. Meteor Showers are traditionally considered a gift of Light from the gods. Gifts from the heart may manifest seemingly out of the blue. Honor your inspiration as a gift of The Light. Focus your consciousness on them, even if you can't see them and accept their gift of Light.

August is filled with holy days of transformation. The sixth is the veneration of the Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount. August 15 is the Christian festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which states that that since she was the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, she was taken up into heavenly glory, body and soul when her earthly life was over. The 23rd is the day sacred to Nemesis, Greek goddess of Fate, and the 29th to Urda, the eldest of the three Norns, or Fates, who represents the past. August 29 is also the date that commemorates the birth of the Lord Krishna, and is a day of spiritual joy. Worship is done in the late evening hours, as Lord Krishna was born at midnight, symbolizing the Light dispelling darkness.