WEEK OF AUGUST 19, 2019

He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan,
carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.
Victor Hugo

The week begins with the Moon in Aires. The Moon enters Taurus Wednesday at 00:38 EDT and will travel though Taurus until Friday morning when the Moon enters Gemini at 10:34am. The last quarter Moon happens at 0º Gemini, officially initiating the mutable Earth season with the Sun having just entered Virgo. The Moon travels through Gemini until late Sunday afternoon when it enters Cancer at 17:05 EDT.

This week, with 3 planets moving from Leo to Virgo we are getting a good glimpse of what the next month has in store for us. Mars left the sign of Leo for Virgo early Sunday morning and Venus follows suit on August 21st, leaving the brazen fires of Leo for the humbling pastures of Virgo. On August 23rd, the Sun leaves its domicile of Leo to enter Virgo, officiating the Mutable Earth season. However, with Mercury (ruling planet of Virgo) still in Leo, we are holding onto the golden rays and royal ways, and not entirely dedicated to the practical applications of our vision until Mercury enters Virgo on August 29th.

Mars →Virgo: August 18 – 1:17am EDT
Venus →Virgo: August 21 – 5:06am EDT
Sun →Virgo: August 23 – 6:01am EDT

THE PROCESS
With the Sun’s ingress into the Earth sign of Virgo, we begin the process of sorting out what needs tending. Virgo season brings our attention and focus on the many task that lays ahead of us, illuminating what needs to be organized, smoothed, resolved and eliminated for us to find proper footing. With the heavy influence of the Earth element in the next few weeks, our attention will be on the practical and tangible ways in which we can establish order in our daily lives and in our bodies. Simplifying, streamlining, and putting back the tools in their proper place, becoming aware of all the little ways in which we are not yet fully efficient, proficient and perfect. Anxiety is a shadow that looms large over Virgoan-type people, for there is always ways in which one can improve themselves, and this process is never done. Quality resides in the critical eye for better or for worst. Perfection is not a burden for the artisan, but a guiding principle informing his repetitive actions which over time becomes the perfect object. Practice makes perfect as they say.

THE MATERIAL
This year, we have a tight alignment of planets in the sign of Virgo which does not happen every year. This should greatly intensify the influence of the sign on our daily lives. Virgo is one of the three Earth signs considered in astrology to be primarily focused on the tangible and the practical necessities of material reality, the other two being Taurus and Capricorn.

Since we already have Uranus transiting in Taurus and Saturn/Pluto/South Node in Capricorn, the ingress of Mars, Venus and the Sun into the sign of Virgo this week will saturate the skies with planets in Earth signs. During the next few weeks, our attention will turn towards our material reality and how to improve it. We could find ourselves busy creating order out of the chaotic and disparate parts of our lives in order to improve it and be more productive. Productivity will be high on the priority list and you could find yourself overwhelmed with the work load while juggling all of your responsibilities. Procrastination will create more anxiety and I have seen many Virgo-type characters driving themselves mad with anxiety and stress while procrastinating. Don’t shy away from the work you have to do as this will surely release some of the inner tension.

This week, the transition of three planets from Leo to Virgo will be quite obvious as we find ourselves moving from the Fixed Fire season to the Mutable Earth season. In the Northern Hemisphere, Virgo season announces the end of Summer and the transition towards Fall. The preparation required for the return of the cold and the waning of the light prompts us to organize ourselves, and it is a time of movement and busy-ness. The structures in our lives will be vitalized and it’s a great time to organize your space and make it more functional. In the next couple of weeks, the emphasis is on our physical reality and tending to the smaller details of our existence like our body and our environment. However, the possibility of scattering ourselves through too many projects/avenues or being overly critical and preoccupied with perfection is a tendency to watch for during the next few weeks. It’s a good idea to temper the critical voice within you, and use this time to get ahead.

The Zodiac 1925 Ernest Procter 1886-1935

“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character… Would you slow down? Or speed up?”
–Chuck Palahniuk

WEEK OF AUGUST 5th, 2019: OUR PRIDE AND AFFECTIONS

 Artwork by Jasper Goodall 

Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith
-Garth Brooks

The week begins with the Moon in Libra until it enters Scorpio on Tuesday signalling the First Quarter Moon. The Moon enters Sagittarius on Thursday, and remains on the archer’s territory until early Sunday morning when it enters Capricorn. The First Quarter Moon is a time of action and momentum when we are challenged to implement what was seeded at the New Moon and push forward.

SPIRIT
Passion burns hot this week as we move deeper into Leo season and straight into the heart of summer. The Sun in the second decan of Leo is bright indeed and Venus blinded by the rays inches closer and closer to the royal throne. By August 14, Venus will disappear completely into the Sun purifying herself in a baptism of light, rebirthing as an evening ”star”. The Sun and Venus in Leo will set the mood this week with loud and colourful roars and regal displays. Pride and affection for what we have created, what we have become, what we value and love is sure to be a theme. We might be moved to expose the content of our heart’s joys for all to see while other folks might dowse themselves in just-a-little-bit too much perfume.

FAITH
The Sun in Leo is moving towards a trine with Jupiter in Sagittarius (exact on Wednesday) and this should give us the ability to say YES more. This easy going and joyful sky is giving us plenty of reasons to celebrate life and make the difficult things a little bit easier to bare. Jupiter stations direct on August 11 after moving retrograde since April 10, 2019. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo and Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus creating a lot of momentum which culminates on Sunday. The Moon entering Sagittarius on Thursday (Jupiter’s day) gives the signal to launch the fireworks, release the helium balloons, cut the red ribbon, and trust that it will all work out. There is a hopeful quality that permeates the week and it is an excellent time to gain perspective on what remains to be accomplished while elevating your standards. Fill your engine to the brim with the potentiality latent in your dreams and aim higher. This is a time of joy, faith and courage; send your prayers and show gratitude accordingly.

THE SALES PITCH
Mercury re-enters the Lion’s den on Sunday at 15:45 EDT after having turned retrograde here in Leo before moving back into the sign of Cancer for most of July. If there is still a faint tinged of longing permeating our minds this week, it will definitely subside by Sunday. The radio stations which until now played a series of nostalgic and sappy songs will now be showcasing ”The Greatest Hits of all Time”. Mercury can be persuasive in the sign of Leo especially when supported by Jupiter. If you have to sell your salad ( convince someone), now and in the next few weeks is a good time to do so. You can expect however that everyone at the market will also have the best salad to sell; you could find yourself shouting in order to be heard.

The Fixed season of Leo is a time of conviction and this year Jupiter in Sagittarius is boosting the signal. Depending on natal disposition some folks might be totally blinded by their beliefs, their pride, and their ideas. Moderate the enthusiasm with healthy dose of reflection before launching headfirst into a debate or a venture. Measured risk and optimism will be rewarded while hubris and arrogance could alienate others but overall, it’s an excellent week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROW• GLOW• SHIMMER: NEW MOON IN LEO

Bruce Pennington, 1973

 

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The month of July ends with a New Moon in Leo which will be exact at 23:12 EDT on July 31st. A few minutes later, Mercury stations direct in Cancer after being retrograde since the 7th of July. The New Moon in Leo and Mercury direct initiates us into the month of August, on the other side of eclipse season and in the bright light of the Sun who is at home in the sign of Leo.

→ Look to where the New Moon in Leo is taking place in your birth chart to understand where the focus is  for this upcoming lunation. The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 14 will see a culmination in the opposite house to where Leo sits and you can expect the next few weeks to highlight both the Leo and Aquarius house topics in your chart.

After a month of gestation, we enter a period of rationality and brilliance which will allow us to study in clear daylight, the pearls of wisdom that were birthed in the eclipses shadows. The intuitive epiphanies regarding certain roadblocks and detours inherited from the past, and the revelations contained in our personal biographies can now be observed with a certain lucid detachment as a fresh chapter emerges on the horizon. The page is blank, the fruits are ripped, and fresh intentions are being initiated with the conviction that we really do deserve the best of the best.

Honour and pride is on the menu in the first half of August. Leo season is a time of courage and conviction, of stepping up to the plate and having the guts of embodying your role with confidence. Now is a time for recognizing your accomplishments, your worth, and to show up with your best face on, trusting that you know exactly how its done.

Shimmering sparkles arising from the light – hypnotizing with a fiery glow – a magnetizing charisma containing the warmth of love and attraction. Thirsty, the seeker extends a hand towards the object of power –  hoping to catch its radiance and become a God.

Jupiter stations direct in Sagittarius on August 11, after being retrograde since mid-April and this should help boost our confidence level. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo setting the ego ablaze as Uranus turn retrograde in Taurus until next eclipse season in January 2020.

Micheal Heizer

 

The Full Moon in Aquarius takes place on August 14, just as Venus in Leo reaches her superior conjunction moving behind the Sun. This marks the time when Venus transition from the morning to evening sky. Venus will be visible as a bright evening “star” in the sky after sunset in September and October 2019.

The Full Moon in Aquarius brings a culmination in regards to our own needs and desires versus the desires of the whole. Certain people might be accused of selfishness during this time as we try to reconcile our values with the values of others. Venusian matters will certainly be on our mind in mid-August and a division could be felt in regards to the practical versus the superfluous. We might feel more indulgent and deserving and this could create some friction with others who are also trying to get their piece of cake. Brash and dramatic displays of superiority are also possible as egos collide; even if you know best, you might not be heard in the cacophony of roars. 

Mars enters Virgo on August 18, followed by Venus on August 21st, and the Sun on August 23rd. The second half of the month will contain a lot more planets in Earth elements bringing pragmatism to our ambitions, and practical steps to reach our goals. The heated passions being felt in the first weeks of August will find proper outlets by the end of the month as we slowly come back down to Earth with the gifts of Fire. The last week of August sees a Mars/Venus conjunction in Virgo supported by a trine to Uranus; you will know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Love and passion, passion and beauty, beauty and lust, lust and novelty, novelty and pleasure, pleasure and discovery, discovery and freedom, freedom and connection, connection and soul.

The New Moon in Virgo takes place early on August 30th at 6 degrees of Virgo signalling fresh momentum in the part of your chart where Virgo is located. This should be a fantastic lunation to organize and take care of details that were ignored in the last few months. Delineating a schedule or a plan for your goals should help relieve some of the anxiety. It could feel like a lot needs to be done and September promises to be a good month to get on track. Organization will be high on the priority list and a clear action-plan will support your efforts towards reaching your objectives. The New Moon in Virgo trining Uranus, carries the promise of self-sufficiency born out of efforts.

 

 

 

MERCURY RETROGRADE: Ordinary & Extraordinary

Small minds are concerned with the extraordinary, great minds with the ordinary
-Blaise Pascal

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Mercury retrograde always brings some form of revision either willingly or imposed on us by unforeseen circumstances. There is no reason to hop on the Mercury-Retro-Freak-Out-Train as this occurs approximately 3 times a year.

Mercury will be retrograde in the sign of Virgo and then Leo from August 12th to September 5th, 2017.

One of the striking aspect of this particular retrograde is the Mercury/Neptune opposition mere days before the beginning of the retrograde.

This means that the week leading up to the retrograde is somewhat foggy or tinted by wishful thinking and clarity is already lost. There could be confusion between facts and fiction. It could be that a situation is not seen for what it is and we are getting lost in glamorous thinking. Venus is also trine to Neptune and the Sun is in Leo after all!

Mercury/Neptune is not a terrible aspect in itself but decision making might not be anchored in reality. If you know this already, work it to your advantage and take into account that your perception will shift considerably by the time this retrograde is all said and done.

The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 7th was the first of 2 Eclipses happening this month and this also has to be taken into account. The liminal space between Eclipses can be thought of as a transitional period. Often the time surrounding Eclipses bring unforeseen circumstances which shake the foundations in our lives. Events pushes us to take a leap of faith or break with the old ways. Sometimes these events are forced upon us and the path we were until then walking on vanishes aligning us on a totally new and unforeseen trajectory.

Mercury retrogrades are best spent re-evaluating, sorting out, and revising what is already in place. Mercury retrogrades are not so great for launching major new projects and ideas. Since this retrograde begins in the Mercury ruled sign of Virgo, there is no better time to get down to the nitty-gritty details of your life and put them in order. Mercury will retrograde back into the sign of Leo on August 31st. The subject of self-esteem, pride, the desire for recognition, following one’s heart, dreams and passions will all be added to the mix.

*If the eclipses are already bringing major changes in your life, embrace them and apply a good strategy to insure your success.

Here are a few more tips to help you navigate the upcoming retrograde in Virgo & Leo:

☿-Don’t sweat the small stuff: Virgos can be hyper critical and self-loathing since they have such unreachable high standards for themselves. Give yourself a break and pay attention to your internal dialogues; keep it positive and guilt free.

☿-Sweat the small stuff: Mercury retrograde in Virgo is a great time to revise and organize. A great time to tackle all the menial jobs that you have been putting off. Paper work, writing, editing and organizing could really put you ahead of the game. Re-evaluate the processes in your life and find solutions that will help you be more efficient.

☿-Find activities that help alleviate anxiety: Over-thinking and the endless quest for perfection is a modern diseases. Step-away from it all with activities that help you disconnect from the over-achieving mind. Go pet a goat.

☿-Find healing

☿-Be easy on yourself: You are where you are suppose to be. Trust the process.

☿-Get in touch with your procrastination: The more you put things off the tighter the grip will get. Maybe your to-do list is to big? What can you do to alleviate the pressure?

☿-With Mercury going back into the sign of Leo, issues of pride and self-esteem could come up. Following our heart is always a work in progress. Practice asking for what you need directly and without shame. Allow your heart’s desires to express themselves in a healthy way.

☿-Understand that success is a state of mind.

☿-Do not let your pride get in the way of the hard work needed to succeed.

☿-If you know your chart, look at where Virgo and Pisces are located. Do you have important planets or is your Ascendant in Virgo or Pisces? Perhaps some organizing is called for in those areas of your life.

☿-Since this Mercury retrograde is weaved in with the 2 eclipses in August, look at where Leo and Aquarius fall in your chart. Do you have any important planets or is your Ascendant either in Leo or Aquarius? Events surrounding the next two months will bring opportunities to break away from an old way of being. This could be subtle or dramatic depending on your natal dispositons.

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                              Jack Kerouac (Virgo rising and Moon in Virgo) on Self-Loathing
                                                          

“The rucksack sits hopefully in a strewn mess of bottles all empty, empty poorboys of white port, butts, junk, horror … ‘One fast move or I’m gone,’ I realize, gone the way of the last three years of drunken hopelessness which is a physical and spiritual and metaphysical hopelessness you can’t learn in school no matter how many books on existentialism or pessimism you read, or how many jugs of vision-producing Ayahuasca you drink, or Mescaline take, or Peyote goop up with – that feeling when you wake up with the delirium tremens, with the fear of eerie death dripping from your ears like those special heavy cobwebs spiders weave in the hot countries, the feeling of being a bentback mudman monster groaning underground in hot steaming mud pulling a long hot burden nowhere, the feeling of standing ankle deep in hot boiled pork blood, ugh, of being up to your waist in a giant pan of greasy brown dishwater not a trace of suds left in it – the face of yourself you see in the mirror with its expression of unbearable anguish so haggard and awful with sorrow you can’t even cry for a thing so ugly, so lost, no connection whatever with early perfection, and therefore nothing to connect with tears or anything.”

 

 

 

NEW MOON IN LEO: REGAL HEARTS

”Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.”
-Carl Jung

Meaning & Spirit

August is not just the eighth month of the year; it also describes something esteemed or regal. Although we are not quite done with July, the spirited Leo New Moon on July 23rd opens up the Fixed summer season with a bold thrust.

The meaning of the word August and the symbolism of Leo are pretty much interchangeable. The word August means something or someone who is marked by majestic dignity or grandeur. Leo being ruled by the Sun which is central to our solar system is the sign most often associated with royalty and lofty dispositions. Nothing exists without the Sun, therefore nothing could possibly exist without the strength and brilliance of the Lion.

Grand ambitious, dignified, elevated, eminent, exalted, fine, glorious, gorgeous, grandiose, great, haughty, illustrious, imposing, impressive, large, lofty, lordly, luxurious, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, opulent, ostentatious, palatial, pompous, pretentious, princely, regal, splendid, splendiferous, stately, striking, sublime, sumptuous, superb, admirable, awesome, divine, excellent, fine, first-class, first-rate, great, pre-eminent, principal, supreme. 

Children of the Sun

To be a child of the Sun means approaching life with a playful bravery and choosing with the heart. To be a child of the Sun means to acknowledge your worth and claim what is yours. To be a child of the Sun is to believe in your worth and let your spirit speak through your actions. There is no place for hypocrisy here as the light brightens even the darkest corners of the soul; one must have the boldness to align with who he is. When the heart and the mind sings in unison all is pure radiance.

Joy & Power

Mythology is full of stories who guard man from the hubris of pitting oneself against the Gods but in the first decan of Leo we are blinded by the Sun or perhaps our own will. To live one’s truth is a birth right and we cannot tolerate anything which threatens to hold us back. A generous amount of power and passion resides here and not much stands in the way of the Lion’s desires.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
– Joseph Campbell

More is more

The New Moon takes place on Sunday July 23rd at 0º Leo as we make way for the royal displays of our hearts longing. The New Moon will also be 1º away from Mars who will land its sparks to the fire and ignite individual will.

Meanwhile, Mercury in Leo will be 2 degrees from the North Node or Head of the Dragon and form a grand fire trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius. Like a hot air balloon we could find ourselves benefiting from a certain amount of heat and pressure to propel us forward. Necessary planning along with audacity and conviction will be required for the journey ahead.

The stage is set and the New Moon in Leo is the opening act to a drama that will take us all the way into the first week of September and beyond. The aspects of the coming weeks are like a fire which has the potential to cleanse our inner and outer landscapes.

28º of Leo: Truth revealed

The Leo season will be marked by a few dynamic aspects including a Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse at 15º of Aquarius on August 7 and a second New Moon at 28º of Leo on August 21 which will also be a total Solar eclipse. Mercury will be @ 28º Leo on July 24 the day after the first New Moon in Leo. Mercury will again be at 28º Leo on September 3rd as part of its retrograde motion and will go direct at that same 28º on September 5.

This particular part of the zodiac will be very active in August. If you have the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in the last decan of Leo or any of the Fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus & Scorpio) the upcoming eclipses will have a stronger impact in your life.

Get your selfie game on and stay bold!

”A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”
-James Monroe

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NEW MOON IN LEO HOROSCOPES

Sun sign horoscopes cannot replace a proper analysis of your birth chart and transits of the moment. They are meant as a broad insight into certain time signatures. If you want a more detailed forecast, you can book a reading with Elodie here. You can also subscribe to the 9th House monthly horoscopes here.

*The rising sign is essential in understanding our personal dispositions, please read your Sun sign and rising sign for extra clarity.

LEO/LEO RISING ♌︎

This is your time of the year Leo. You have equal part guts and stamina backing you up at the moment. The projects you are working on could have a bigger impact in your life then you might realize and you will be forced to plan accordingly. Now is the time to go for it and trust your intuition. More is more.

VIRGO/VIRGO RISING ♍︎

Much of the action in August will happen behind close door for you dear Virgo.There are powerful currents running through your life and you might not be totally aware of the hold they have on you. Now would be an excellent time to connect to the hidden motives that dictates much of your decisions. Open the curtains and let the light in.

LIBRA/LIBRA RISING ♎︎

Growth and expansion are still the name of the game for you in August. You have many irons in the fire at the moment and you should strike while they are hot. It is not everyday that the opportunity to try new things knock at the door. The more you put yourself out there the more things will flow your way. Say yes to life.

SCORPIO/SCORPIO RISING ♏︎

The New Moon in Leo takes place in the part of your chart that deals with your career and vocation. You are being asked to step up to a particular challenge and you can feel that you might have to give it all of your attention. Technically that’s not a big deal for you but there are other things happening on the home front. Trust the process.

SAGITTARIUS/SAGITTARIUS RISING ♐︎

The New Moon in Leo ignites your desires for adventure in a big way. All the work you have been putting in for the last few years is bearing fruit and you are now ready to find new challenges. August will see you assess new territories and make new connections. Explore your options and let Fortuna take care of the rest!

CAPRICORN/CAPRICORN RISING ♑︎

The New Moon in Leo brings with her commitments and contracts. What binds you to others will be important this month and you will need to find the right balance between your personal goals and what is being asked of you. Partnerships remains on the forefront as you learn the art of compromise. Keep the diamond in your mind.

AQUARIUS/AQUARIUS RISING ♒︎

The New Moon in Leo animates the part of your chart that deals with partnerships of all kind. You will find yourself reflecting on your many relationships and the important role others play in your life. You desire for connection will be at an all time high in the next month. Allow yourself plenty of time to reflect on your heart’s desires; no man is an island.

PISCES/PISCES RISING ♓︎

To benefit fully from this upcoming cycle, I would suggest a reset in regards to your routine. Too much rigidity sinks your boat and not enough sees you floating aimlessly. Re-assess the way you have been spending your time and find the right measure of work and play. The wild fires of August will be treacherous for many but you should manage to escape most of the heat; stay cool.

ARIES/ARIES RISING ♈︎

Aries you are on FIRE! There are a lot of good things going on for you at the moment and you should be able to keep the momentum going in August. A dose of discipline coupled with a bit of work and lots of play is all you need. Remember to take a breather between adventures as to not burn the candle by both ends. Set your sight on the many opportunities knocking at your door and go for it.

TAURUS/TAURUS RISING ♉︎

You are one busy bee Taurus and there are still a lot that needs to be done. Somehow, time seems to be escaping you and you could feel like you are running out of breath. Making the best of your current opportunities is great but you cannot be everything for everyone. Summer is here but vacations will have to be postponed. Re-assess your stance and breath.

GEMINI/GEMINI RISING ♊︎

If running errands was an art, you would surely be a master my dear Gemini. There are so many little details that needs your attention at the moment it’s a wonder you can do it all. Just when you think you are done with your to-do list, something else comes along that needs your attention. Don’t ignore the details but leave some room for play and free time.

CANCER/CANCER RISING ♋︎

This New Moon in Leo sees you starting a fresh financial cycle. You have been busy with some new projects and ideas and now is the time to crunch some numbers. Sacrifices will need to be made and you are ready. Delineate an action plan and stick to your goal. Ease and support is coming your way in August if you steer clear of unnecessary indulgence.

 

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