Star Codes
ALONG WITH SUMMER’S RIPENING FRUITS and back-to-school shopping, this week could be laced with moments of silliness and important strategic moves. We may feel melodramatic as a result. Either we just need a story to go with the feeling, or the melodrama may be covering a real problem or some more Machiavellian strategic move. If we want to make strategic moves, let’s be careful to only make those that are ours to make.
On Saturday, a solar eclipse new moon encourages us to break through some illusions about ourselves or our worlds. It’s a good weekend to assess what we have to offer and what gifts and talents we have to share. Then share them.
Venus and Mars are both in communicative air signs through the weekend, imparting a flirtatious and outgoing tone. Those who are in the market for new friends or loves may find them if they get out and collaborate. Make sure conversation is a two-way street.
On Monday, Mars retrogrades back into Capricorn, where it has muscles. This effective, manipulative, and ambitious Mars can remind us of our goals and help us focus on work. It is a good time to go back, reorganize, and build infrastructure. But this Mars can also bring out a Machiavellian streak. Watch the political strategies through September.
FRIDAY, AUG. 10: Give in to a lazy streak because it won’t pay to hurry. Our inner worlds and personal needs can be magnified, so we have to consciously be aware of other people’s feelings in order to find a balance. We can shine this evening as the moon conjuncts Mercury in Leo. Just don’t turn relationships into a performance art.
SATURDAY, AUG. 11: A solar eclipse new moon encourages us to break through some out-of-date or inappropriate self-criticism and start over with a fresh assessment. Great stories can be told tonight through dinnertime. Evening grows more thoughtful; a few self-doubts creep in as the moon enters Virgo.
SUNDAY, AUG. 12: Self- and home-improvement projects abound as the industrious Virgo moon trines Saturn and Uranus. Let’s keep that wonderful advice to ourselves unless we’re asked. Evening fades off into the dream world as the moon opposes Neptune; listen to dreams and prayers, or dive into a good book.
MONDAY, AUG. 13: Keep ambitions small and get grounded as the Virgo moon trines Pluto and Mars. Deal with a hidden problem, whether it is underneath the house, concealed under furniture, or in the back of the psyche. As the moon enters Libra, stop looking for issues and start searching for what’s lovely.
TUESDAY, AUG. 14: We can be both kind and true to ourselves. Take an opportunity to reach across a personal or political divide and extend the hand of kindness; it could bear real fruit as the Libra moon conjuncts Venus. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15: This day is sociable and pleasant on the surface, but there are uncomfortable rumblings underneath. We may intuit a huge problem that’s only a blip, or think it’s a blip when it’s actually the tip of the iceberg. Don’t jump to conclusions, just notice impressions. Be kind and prepared as the Libra moon squares Pluto. THURSDAY, AUG. 16: The stars encourage us to be publicly outgoing and privately introspective. We may feel unsettled and stubborn as the moon enters Scorpio and opposes Uranus, which makes it hard to solve a problem once it’s begun. Diplomacy does not mean being right or righteousness, but finding a way through, in which all feel heard and respected. Compete for that point.