Star Codes
of our daily interactions can be perfectly affable this week. However, we will notice challenging undertones lurking beneath as Jupiter squares Pluto and stirs the pot of all ongoing power plays. It would be lovely to make plans about the future before Mercury retrogrades on Aug. 12, and then take the next month off to relax and participate in the entertaining circus of events. Store up good memories and good will for the future, as long-term goals may be easier to pursue after the middle of September, and really kick into gear after the new year.
We can get tense when we try to make things happen. It is tempting to push for great changes now but hard to find the patience and timing to get things right. Or we may find that we’re bonded with others by some difficult event, like a wildfire or the loss of a friend’s pet as Jupiter squares Pluto on Friday, followed by a lunar eclipse on Tuesday. In an interesting personal paradox, Venus and Mars give us very different instructions. Venus in Cancer encourages our introversion and intimacy this week, and keeps our heart sensitive but somewhat guarded, while Mars in Leo pumps up our extroverted need to jump into the crowd or create a scene.
On Friday and Saturday, a determined, competent Capricorn moonPluto conjunction brings our attention to the world’s strange power dynamics and makes us humble in the face of natural forces. We can borrow that determination to plow through our chores and engage in competitive events. Over the weekend, a challenging sun-Neptune aspect softens that edge, leaving us determined but not quite sure exactly in which direction we are going. On Sunday and early in the week, a waxing Aquarius moon inspires us to gather together, and at midweek, a sensitive and drifting Pisces moon pumps up our imagination and encourages both a lazy streak and a compassionate heart.
FRIDAY, AUG. 4: It won’t be comfortable to sit around doing nothing — strong goals help, or we can waste time willfully under a determined Capricorn moon. With direction, we can accomplish much. Tonight, return to the heart.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5: We may wake up with an aching heart or a sense of existential discontent as the moon conjuncts Pluto, but we can turn this focus into positive action. Tonight, a confusing mental mist helps us to imagine, escape, and rest, but blurs what happens next.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6: Greet the crowds as the moon waxes in Aquarius. Our loved ones may be more aware of other peoples’ opinions than our own, as we can miss things close to home.
MONDAY, AUG. 7: A lunar eclipse can trigger changes based on tension between the needs of the individual and the needs of the collective. Seek a win-win solution and keep hearts open. Tonight, the moon trines expansive Jupiter, which can stabilize our feelings and help us brainstorm about productive next steps.
TUESDAY, AUG. 8: Personal obligations need attention this morning. The moon enters softening Pisces in midafternoon, and our tears come close to the surface. We may exaggerate events to describe our emotional response.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9: Honor the potentially sweet sensitivity in the air — show extra kindness to loved ones as the moon conjuncts Neptune. Respond to a call for compassion, but work around those who try to justify recent selfishness.
THURSDAY, AUG. 10: It’s an impressionable day. Let’s use this sensitivity to create and connect, or search for beauty and gratitude as the sun sextiles Jupiter. Take an opportunity to release a grudge and be flexible if plans need changing. Watch for water-related accidents.