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What does August have in store for your career, love life and friendships? Astrologer Ashley Otero reveals all

LEO JUL 24 – AUG 23

August will be an eventful month for you, Leo, with a lunar eclipse and solar eclipse occurring in your sign and your opposing sign (Aquarius). The lunar eclipse on August 8 hints at big changes in relationships over the next six months. While Mercury will be in retrograde for most of August, expressing yourself and showing your romantic side will come much easier. You’ll even get a boost in confidence between August 26 and 31. But the most noteworthy event is the solar eclipse in your sign on August 22. Expect some major shifts to the way you present yourself, and you should also consider cultivating rejuvenating health practices.

VIRGO AUG 24 – SEP 23

Mercury’s retrograde in your sign this month asks you to reorganise your thoughts and become more mindful of your needs. If anyone can attest to the mind/body connection and the effects of overthinking, it’s you. This month’s eclipses, especially the solar eclipse on August 22, emphasise a need to take a break. Eclipse season is exhausting on its own, but you have plenty going on that makes rest essential. The sun enters your sign on August 23, marking your birthday month – which means it’s all about you. Be kind to yourself and only do what makes you feel good.

LIBRA SEP 24 – OCT 23

This month brings opportunities for career advancement, but they won’t come without some tough choices. Over the past year, you’ve grown tremendously. Now, you’ll be catapulted through one more round of changes as the very foundations of your life shift. You might be showered with attention and affection, or face pressure that threatens to disturb the peace at home. Now’s the time to decide what you’ve outgrown and what it’s time to move towards. While it’s important not to let frustration steer your decisions, you should ask yourself which direction feels right.

SCORPIO OCT 24 – NOV 22

Important events involving home and family stand out during the start of the month, particularly around the lunar eclipse on August 8. Finishing up a project or buying something practical could be something to look forward to. The majority of August, however, revolves around the changes that come with a thriving career. A step in a new direction will become a focus around the solar eclipse on August 22. As Mercury’s retrograde moves back into Leo on August 31, new enthusiasm over a goal could help motivate you for the next few weeks.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 22

Issues regarding your financial situation resurface around the beginning of the month. To get your dreams off the ground, you’ll need to seek help from the right people. You may not feel like you have a big support system, but there are some willing to lend a hand if you’re ready to offer something in return. Although Mercury’s station retrograde, on August 12, will require you to redesign your vision and perhaps revise some of your professional goals, you’ll find yourself gradually making progress throughout the month. Be alert and ready to seize opportunities that await you.

CAPRICORN DEC 23 – JAN 20

The first few days of August bring a climax to an issue between your growing professional influence and the profound metamorphosis you’ve been undergoing, and it will demand a big adjustment. Navigating a partner’s needs is the other major theme. Don’t be surprised if a partner complains they feel like they come second to your work or if their need for attention causes you stress in other areas of life. Although it’s not easy, you’ll have to decide: could you be more compassionate to your significant other’s insecurities, or is it in your best interests to go separate ways?

AQUARIUS JAN 21 – FEB 19

The August 8 lunar eclipse will put a spotlight on you, encouraging you to forge a path to your community’s shared aspirations. A strong support system stands behind you, offering reinforcement against obstacles. Whether you share a direct goal with a group or represent something others have confidence in, people resonate with your hopes for the future. But the highlight of the month will be your one-to-one relationships, with the solar eclipse on August 22 serving as a gateway for new partnerships, either business or personal, to blossom.

PISCES FEB 20 – MAR 20

It could feel like your aspirations are at the mercy of those with more power. While it’s true that further evolution of your labour of love depends on access to other people’s resources, your creativity will help you attract what you need. Continue to share your unique selling points with enthusiasm and pay attention to potential opportunities. Although most of your focus is on work now, that will shift when the sun enters Virgo on August 23. Keep in mind that interaction with a partner will nudge you to be more thoughtful about the way you communicate with them.

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20

There’s a lot going on in your personal relationships this month. Sorting out a conflict of interest between a partnership and your work is a must. Major shifts in your professional life will also require more sensitivity and compassion with family affairs. It could feel overwhelming as family, partnerships and work all compete for your attention, but the people in your inner circle need to know they matter. A solar eclipse on August 22 serves up a cocktail of passion and drama. Whether you fall in love or give birth to a creative project, you’ll enjoy a boost in confidence.

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21

The lunar eclipse on August 8 will bring considerable change to your professional status, which could continue to take shape over the next six months. Whether you get a promotion or take on a new job altogether, expect transition in your work life. This month also marks a pivotal change in the very foundation of your life around the solar eclipse on August 22. This could mean welcoming a new family member, moving houses or new developments in domestic matters. Whatever is the case, you’ll receive plenty of support from your loved ones.

GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21

Paying closer attention to what family members are saying and tending to technological hiccups (like internet issues) will be a major focus as Mercury turns retrograde this month, starting on August 12. Keeping your home organised may prevent you from misplacing things, but make sure you note where you move something to because it’ll be easy to forget later. Consider freshening up your living space once the sun enters Virgo on August 23. Around this time, communication with a loved one or business partner will also feel smoother and commitment issues will begin to move forward.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 23

Getting in touch with what makes you feel good is a major theme this month. Working on making your home more comfortable will be a priority, but don’t be surprised if some intense confrontation begs for your attention as well. Residual issues concerning a changing partnership are culminating now. Patching them up will require you to dig deeper into dark places that are difficult to talk about, but it needs to be done. Keep an eye out for financial opportunities around the solar eclipse on August 22. You could be making unexpected changes within your career before you know it.