August 4, 2004
Molly's Astrology for August and September
by Molly Cliborne
Many people think astrology is the wisdom of the stars. Actually, the stars form the circular backdrop, the "stage" on which the celestial drama unfolds. The major players are the Sun, Moon and 8 other planets. Each is an actor playing one of 12 roles, depending on which part of the stage, or the Zodiac, she occupies. For a human being, the drama happening at the moment of your birth describes patterns and potentials, as well as personality characteristics. The map of these placements is called your birthchart. You may learn about this chart and then refer to "my Sun," "my Moon."
Meanwhile, the Sun, Moon, and planets continue to move throughout the sky, and as they do so, the drama shifts and changes as different actors assume different roles. In doing so, sometimes they dance with one another. Other times they duel. Through watching what goes on in the world and in our lives through the lens of this cosmic drama, we find a different, and very helpful, perspective on our experiences and feelings. We are also able to predict times when the planets will dance easily together, and times when there will be obstacles.
This August, we can dance our way to some desirable destinations, but we also have a few obstacles to contend with.
August 1-7
Worldwide this is a week of unrest as Jupiter squares Pluto and Saturn sesquisquares Uranus. Two quacks -- this means challenges. Some things will be more trouble than they are worth. Others may need to be cancelled or rescheduled. Some people will just not be able to hear your good ideas as the establishment (Saturn) tangles with something that is new and revolutionary (Uranus). It may take extreme measures to bring about change -- it happens, but not easily. If you are the boss, you are the Saturn in the picture -- be ready and willing to listen and entertain new ideas, to let the new energy in. You don't have to decide on the specifics right now, but you do need to consider change. If you are too rigid, you are easier to break. With Jupiter square Pluto, some people will have very bad judgment or unrealistic and inflated expectations. Thus, there is the potential for very unwise decisions or investments. Watch your spending, and avoid unnecessary borrowing. Because the government is also under these influences, there may be massive borrowing that drives up interest rates and inflation. Traveling during this time may also be an intense or life-changing experience.
On the positive side, Jupiter is belief, and Pluto is power. As these two come together, your prayers and rituals have more power than you might think. This is also a time for internal cleansing and healing, on both the physical and the spiritual levels. Just be extra gentle and careful with yourself -- don't overdo it. The difference between a flower and a weed is a judgment -- do not judge yourself too harshly in your healing process.
August 10 - September 2: Mercury Retrograde
Mercury, the astrological ruler of communications and travel, is the messenger of the gods. In his spare time, he enjoys a good foul-up or joke. Every four months, Mercury appears to move backwards, or retrograde, in the sky. This is typically when we experience Mercury's trickster aspect. While Mercury is retrograde, our wires get crossed. We experience miscommunications, machinery malfunction, technology problems, and unexpected complications in schedules and travel plans. It's not all bad news, though -- we need these breaks from the fast-paced forward motion in our lives. Mercury retrograde favors you looking inward and exploring your past. This could mean anything from reviewing your files and rereading old books, to going on a meditation retreat or having a past life regression. Read up on computer viruses so you'll know how to avoid them -- they tend to flare up while Mercury is retrograde. Be careful with important decisions and contracts. Although you may be able to delay some transactions for a more favorable time, it's impossible to avoid making any decisions at all during these three weeks. A sound strategy during Mercury retrograde is this: whenever possible, make decisions on contingency, subject to change if specific conditions are not met. And double-check everything for accuracy.
The week of August 9 is smooth and easygoing, a time when solutions appear, represented in our skies by three kisses in a row. It's a great time to take care of detailed work, finish up a project you started in the past, or flesh out your plans for something new, as Mars enters hardworking Virgo on the 10th. There's some explosive energy in the skies August 15-18 as retrograde Mercury meets fiery Mars and combustible Uranus. This is one rough spot that will bring out extreme impatience and excitability in some folks, but will light the fuses for others that will inspire and enable revolutionary breakthroughs. It all depends on where you've laid your dynamite!
Jupiter and Saturn both connect with Chiron, the wounded healer, through mid-August. This represents an opportunity to build a bridge to healing from those deeply hurt places. Everyone has them -- you, me, your best friend, your worst enemy, celebrities, politicians. It's liberating, but it's not easy to accept that kind of responsibility. Each of us makes the choice, either to heal our wounds or to continue the cycle of pain and blame. The good news is, this particular lineup indicates both challenges and opportunities, meaning the resources you need are there, if you know how to ask for them. Saturn's ideal is one of self-reliance and accomplishment. However, since Saturn is now passing through emotional Cancer, sign of motherhood, roots, and foundations, the real work lies in the realm of the emotional. Your responsibility revolves around your need to feel free of fear and secure in your own skin, and to care properly for yourself and others.
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September
Complications begin to unravel, and things move forward once again as Mercury retrograde ends in early September. For the first time since March, we have no major retrogrades or planetary roadblocks for several months in a row. The removal of obstacles results in changes coming about -- people taking steps forward, starting school, changing residences, making major decisions. And this is a good month to move your plans forward, to meet with people who can help you, to promote your ideas.
Check your chart for air signs:* Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs receive a wonderful boost of energy starting this Fall and lasting through next Fall, as Jupiter makes his way through Libra, kicking off a 1-year period of growth and opportunity. Jupiter is optimistic and philosophical, the ruling planet of Sagittarius. Wishes can come through this time, but, as all Sagittarians know, you have to point your arrow and take a shot before you can reach the target. Air signs stand to benefit greatly. Sagittarians and Leos also profit from Jupiter's passage through Libra -- keep an eye out for opportunities, which are likely to come in a Libran form: Libra specializes in relationships, partnerships, balance, and beauty. The ideal is a mutually beneficial pairing of complementary people, flavors or colors. The only danger with Jupiter is misplaced idealism, and over-expansion: trying to do too much too fast. The antidote is to take charge of your destiny -- the more engaged you are in making your dreams come true, the less vulnerable you are to come-ons and sales pitches.
Put this on your calendar: you will be glad I told you about September's most difficult week, from the 8th to the morning of the 15th. This is a patch of stressful days, as the Sun, Mars, and Pluto all line up in a tense pattern. They have a difficult time dancing at this time, because nervous energy and obstacles keep them out of step with each other. This is not to say that terrible things will necessarily befall you, but this is a time to stay out of the line of fire. There is tremendous power when Mars and Pluto connect. It can be a very healing and productive release of energy, but it can also be dangerous, since many will feel selfish or defensive, manipulated or manipulative when they perceive themselves in a vulnerable position. This is a time to stay calm and grounded, keep life as simple as possible, and avoid overstimulation. This is not the time to negotiate a sale or have a heart-to-heart with your boss or lover. Better to close the deal during the series of smoother days immediately following this rough patch, from the 16-18th.
Mark your Calendar!
The best days for your top priority plans are August 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 22, 25, September 1, 16-18, 26, 28.
Scale back on your plans and expectations August 1-7, 17, 18, 21, 23, 27, 30-31, September 4, 8-15, 22, 30.
*You can have charts calculated for free on the web at www.astro.com.
Learn to read the squiggles in your birth chart at www.north-node.com. Contact Molly Cliborne for more information on a personal consultation, (434) 244-0012.
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