Astrology Forecast for August 2023
We're heading deep into the retrograde season this month. Venus spends the entire month retrograde in Leo, and Mercury and Uranus also turn retrograde. Between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3, we'll have 6 planets all retrograding in the sky.
Remember, the more retrograde energy, the more difficult it can be to get new undertakings off the ground.
Don't plan anything super-ambitious between the following dates:
- August 15 - Sept. 3 2023
- September 11-20 2023
There is too high of a chance for things to go awry.
It feels like SUCH a long time, I know! But, you know what will work fantastic within these timeframes?
Reviewing what you need in relationships (in August) and, as of August 23, working on a healthy lifestyle and getting rid of physical, mental and emotional clutter!
And, there are some dates with very good energies early in the month as well.
Let's look at some of the bigger energies of August in more detail.
Venus Retrograde:
Venus is retrograde between July 22 - Sept. 3, in Leo. This year, it overlaps with Mercury Retrograde (Aug. 23 - Sept. 15). A lot of misunderstandings related to relationships and money can happen when Venus and Mercury are both in retrograde.
Pay attention to this energy! I do a lot of relationship readings and (sadly) break-up readings when Venus is retrograde. Most times, the relationship has been on the rocks for some time, and Venus Retrograde brings issues to the surface.
Some things are best avoided during this period - such as non-essential cosmetic procedures. But, as every celestial energy, it's also good for a number of things!
Read all about it here.
Mercury Retrograde:
Yes...Mercury turns retrograde on August 23, at 22° Virgo. It will retrace its steps until is stations direct again at 8° Virgo, on September 15.
Which House is in Virgo in your natal chart? That's where you can experience an increased need to re-communicate prior arrangements and revisit conversations.
All the usual cautions apply: read the fine print if signing important legal documents. If you're planning to buy a car or a an expensive electronic device, wait out this retrograde. Give yourself plenty of time to get to important appointments.
In my experience, most Mercury-retrograde related mishaps happen in the days when Mercury slows down to a crawl, about to change direction.
Read my full post on the upcoming Mercury Retrograde here.
Uranus Retrograde:
Uranus turns retrograde once a year, and stays retrograde for approx. 5 months at a time. This year, Uranus will be retrograde between Aug. 28 2023 and Jan. 26 2024.
This is your celestial nudge to review your life for the doldrums. What feels stale, stagnant and unsatisfying? And what are you going to do about it?
And, if Uranus connects with your natal chart while it's changing direction, it will be an important year for you!
Uranus will be stationing at 23° Taurus, repositioning in the skies.
You should pay particular attention to this retrograde if you are:
- Taurus born May 9-16
- Leo born August 11 -18
- Scorpio born November 11 - 17
- Aquarius born February 8 - 13
- Virgo born September 11 -17
- Capricorn born January 9 -15
Or if you have natal planets or angles between 19-23° Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Capricorn or Virgo,
If this is you, you might be interested in this reading.Now let's look at each week in detail:
Note that all the dates I mention are for Pacific to Eastern time. Unless I provide a specific timeframe, the energies peak on those dates, but we’ll feel them for 24-72 hours in advance, and for about 24 hours afterwards (but they will be losing strength with each passing hour).
August 1 - 6:
August starts with a Full Moon in Aquarius! Astrologically speaking, the Full Moon is the time to celebrate our successes and progress this lunar cycle, give thanks - and then to start releasing what no longer serves us.
The Sun and the Moon butt heads with Jupiter during this Full Moon. It's a tense energy, but even with that, it has a very optimistic vibe.
My full post + suggested intentions for this Full Moon can be found here.
✨ August 2 8:05 p.m. PDT to August 4 6:21 p.m. PDT
A lovely, healing Waning Moon in Pisces. It's a great energy for artists and spiritual work.August 7 - 13:
Early in the week, we'll feel the disruptive yet energizing energy of the Venus-Uranus square (below). Venus is retrograde during the entire August, and it's not the best time for a first date, or non-essential beauty treatments or plastic surgery. But, the worst time to choose for a first date or a new and important beauty treatment is this week: August 7-10. There is a high change it might not go as planned, so try to reschedule appointments.
Astro weather improves quite a bit by the weekend. Saturday is an excellent day to tackle chores, while Sunday is a five-star day for socializing and catching up with your loved ones.
This energy can be disruptive for relationships and finances, and this year, Venus and Uranus will butt heads three times during a 6-week period. This is square #2.
Did you experience any turbulence in these areas between June 29-July 2, during square #1? If yes, the issue could rear its head again this week. It could come to full closure around the time Venus and Uranus connect for the 3rd time (Sept. 29).
Tread carefully on these dates.
Also on August 9, Mercury trines Jupiter. And that's a very helpful energy for presentations, contracts and negotiations.
✨ August 10 6:05 a.m. PDT to August 11 3:52 a.m. PDT: Waning Moon in Gemini
It can be difficult to relax and get a good night's sleep when the Moon is in Gemini. The mind can be over-active and racing from one thing to another!
Turn off your electronic devices at least an hour before you go to bed. Do some yoga or take a relaxing bath with lavender.
✨ August 13: the Sun conjunct Venus Rx, the Moon is in Cancer
If you're experiencing any Venus Retrograde-related issues, this is a great day to deal with them. Something could be brought into your awareness.
It's also a classic date for a blast from the past to reappear in your life (such as an ex or an old friend).
And, if your relationship is staying just peachy, it's a great day for a fun and cozy date with your honey!
It's also a good day for a family gathering.
August 14-20:
The star of the show this week is the New Moon in Leo, on Aug. 16 at 2:38 a.m. PDT. This New Moon features a tense square to Uranus. Check the House (area of your life) that this New Moon falls into. Something new might be born in that area over the next 4 weeks, but it could come under stressful or disruptive circumstances.
And if your birthday falls between Aug. 13-19, the energy of sudden but energizing new beginnings might stay with you for a full year!
Even with the square to Uranus, a New Moon in Leo is a very joyful, expressive energy. Embrace joy and levity, and bring out your inner child!
This is also the week when Mercury enters its Storm (slows down to a crawl in the skies, getting ready to turn retrograde). While the retrograde itself doesn't start until Aug. 23, a lot of Mercury-retrograde related mishaps happen in the days right before and after Mercury changes direction.
✨ August 12 12:27 a.m. to August 16 2:38 a.m. PDT: Balsamic Moon
This is one of those times in the Lunar Cycle when starting anything new is not to your advantage. Declutter instead. Get an extra hour of rest if you can. Create some space for new energies and beginnings you're going to invite into your life on the upcoming New Moon in Leo!
✨ August 15: the Sun square Uranus
People around you (or you, yourself!) might get stubborn today. The reason being, we're very sensitive to feeling controlled by others, and so we will want to dig in our heels, or to rebel.
Mercury enters its Storm today, too, slowing down in the skies. The likelihood of Mercury-retrograde related mishaps is going up as of today, peaking between Aug. 19 - Aug. 26.
New Moon in Leo: August 16 2:38 a.m. PDT
For the manifestor, this New Moon is THE day of the year to set intentions for creativity, joy, attracting or enhancing romance, and creating a joyful relationship with your children.
You're not limited to these topics though! Setting intentions for anything you want to attract into your life is fair game on a New Moon. But, intentions for the areas ruled by Leo will get an extra boost.
And if you're not into manifestation, take advantage of a lovely Mars-Uranus trine today. It's a great day to make some changes to your routine and try something new. Energy is increased, but can feel a little erratic.
✨ Aug. 16 4:14 p.m. to Aug. 19 1:51 a.m. PDT: Waxing Moon in Virgo
This Moon makes a number of supportive planetary connections, great for making a health-oriented change in your lifestyle or your diet.
August 21-27:
This is the week when Mercury turns retrograde and the Sun enters Virgo. Happy Birthday to all my Virgo readers! Be of practical assistance to someone in your circle who could use some help! Get your Mom’s groceries for her. Babysit for a new parent so they could get a break. There are times to offer your opinion or a shoulder to cry on - but Virgo Season is not one of them. It's about being of service to others in a practical sense.
✨ August 22: Venus square Jupiter; Mars opposite Neptune.
Another verrrrry bad day for a first date (personally, I would avoid the entire Venus retrograde period). Your date might seem like the most wonderful person, but a relationship started under these planetary aspects can bring over-optimism and untruths. Reschedule to another day.
✨ August 23: Mercury turns retrograde and the Sun enters Virgo.
Happy Birthday to all Virgos out there!
Hopefully you're not planning to launch a big and important new beginning when Mercury and Venus are both retrograde.
Of course, we can't always wait for 6 weeks! But if you're going to do it, AVOID Aug. 26-28. When something is initiated on the days when the Sun is opposite Saturn, there may be a lot of roadblocks to push through.
Don't challenge your boss today, either. Save your argument - no matter how well justified - to another day.
Mars is considered in detriment in Libra - he is not comfortable in this peace-maker sign. And that, too, can put a big damper on projects that need a lot of energy or drive. But, when Mars is in Libra, it's an excellent time to look for allies or build collaborative relationships!
Mars will stay in Libra until October 11.
August 28-31:
✨ August 28: Uranus Turns Retrograde
Full Moon in Pisces: August 30 6:36 p.m. PDT
Yes, we have two Full Moons this month! The second Full Moon in the same month is called "the Blue Moon" - that's where the saying "once in a blue moon" comes from.
This Full Moon has some magical energies! It's sextile lucky Jupiter and resourceful Pluto. It's close enough to Neptune to enhance our ability to connect with the Universe, tap into Divine timing, and practice healthy acceptance of others - and ourselves!
Soon after this Full Moon, we have a great opportunity period forming.
Opportunity periods are the timeframes when the planetary alignments are particularly beneficial, aiding most undertakings.
✨ August 30 12:29 p.m. to Sept. 1 3:36 a.m. PDT: an Opportunity Period!
Opportunity periods are the times when the stars align just right to aid many undertakings. Don't spend them on the sofa watching TV!
If you have any comments or would like to report a typo or an omission, please leave a comment below (your email address won't be published).
Have a wonderful August!