August Astrology with Key Dates: Retrogrades, Ingresses, New and Full Moons and Eclipses
August is a hot month, both in temperature and tension. With both eclipses happening in the month, expect the unexpected, where sudden shifts of power, prestige and influence can happen in the blink of an eye.
Key Dates: Retrogrades, Ingresses, New and Full Moons (Eclipses)
- Chiron Retrograde in Taurus: August 3, 2026 at 3:10 PM CDT
- Venus enters Libra: August 6, 2026 at 2:13 PM CDT
- Mercury enters Leo: August 9, 2026 at 11:28 AM CDT
- Mars enters Cancer: August 11, 2026 at 3:31 AM CDT
- Leo New Moon (Solar Eclipse): August 12, 2026 at 12:37 PM CDT at 20°02′ Leo
- Sun enters Virgo: August 22, 2026 at 9:19 PM CDT
- Mercury enters Virgo: August 25, 2026 at 6:04 AM CDT
- Pisces Full Moon (Lunar Eclipse): August 27, 2026 at 11:19 PM CDT at 4°54′ Pisces
The big news for August are the eclipses. Eclipses tend to come in pairs (though we do have some years, where we may see a pattern with a Lunar, then Solar and then Lunar eclipse). This year, we have a Solar Eclipse in the sign of Leo followed by a Lunar Eclipse approximately two weeks later in the sign of Pisces.
These two signs represent paternal, king-like energy and the self-sacrificing, compassionate collective. Now, before you read further, I am not implying here that a specific leader may go by the wayside this month, though the demise of leaders tends to happen around eclipses. Nor am I saying this eclipse season will usher in a new sympathetic tone to the world. Change doesn’t happen like that, even when dramatic events occur.
For instance, when a leader passes away, their heir, vice president, or political party will put someone in power that aligns with current status. I am calling this out because, as someone who moderates a subreddit, I see people who hold onto recent astrological events, such as the Mars-Uranus conjunction for one big event to change everything. Unfortunately, that is only something we see in a movie, where historical timelines are condensed into two hours. If you want change in the real world, you are going to have to roll up your sleeves and make it happen for yourself, by working with others and using your imagination, which is something that is indicative of Piscean energy.
Essentially, eclipses are supercharged New and Full Moons. Due to the proximity of the nodes, events surrounding the eclipses tend to feel destined in nature, which is what creates both lore and holding onto a hopeful change. During eclipses we could see a public figure passing away, or a pivotal event happening surrounding a leader or country, such as the death of Pope Francis a few weeks after the eclipses last year. However, the power of an eclipse is not just for leaders. Depending on our own chart, eclipses can sometimes be a turning point for ourselves, such as when I gave birth to my son almost 38 years ago, the day before a Pisces Lunar Eclipse. His birth was pivotal for me, teaching me an ongoing lesson of love, responsibility and healing.
In regards to geopolitics, we could see a leader, such as Trump, boast about action toward a sovereign nation or territory, such as Greenland, in this eclipse season, and then move to actually attempt it. Most likely, the power flex won’t find much support, either abroad or at home. The reason why I call out Greenland, is because it is in the path of both eclipses. However, there are other countries that are in both paths, so this is more of an example than a prediction per se.
Besides the eclipses, Venus will go into the sign of Libra at the start of the month. The sign of Libra is ruled by Venus, thus making Venus in its domicile, a sign whose energy works well with the planet.
Venus tends to stay in sign for roughly four weeks, and approximately, every eighteen months, Venus will retrograde. From the start of August through the beginning of January, Venus will either be in the harmonious, relationship focused sign of Libra or in the intense, intimate sign of Scorpio. Though there is no retrograde activity in August, the upcoming Venus retrograde cycle looks like this:
- Venus enters Libra on August 6th
- Venus enters Scorpio on September 10th
- Venus goes into retrograde in Scorpio on October 3rd
- Venus remains in retrograde and enters the sign of Libra on October 25th
- Venus stations direct in the sign of Libra on November 13th
- Venus reenters the sign of Scorpio on December 4th
- Venus enters the sign of Sagittarius on January 7th
With the back and forth between Libra and Scorpio, expect finding balance along with passion to be the theme when it comes to relationships over the next five months. This can be a time period for some couples to dive in deep, and truly become intimate, sharing their core selves. It is a partner-focused Venus theme, but there can also be indecisiveness or possessiveness. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see two sides of the same coin, lots of engagements as well as a plethora of break-ups in the news or in our social circles. Venus is teaching us how to be comfortable in both the surface level dynamic of a relationship while also embracing the darker, deeper corners of vulnerability.
Lastly, I want to mention that Mars will be in the sign of Cancer, its debility, this month. When Mars is in its fall, the action-oriented planet struggles to be direct. However, the good news is that Mars will only be in the sign of Cancer for under two months, unlike the last time when Mars in Cancer ingressed into Leo and then retrograded back to the sign of Cancer. That time period felt like it was never ending, starting on September 4th 2024 and finally leaving Cancer on April 17th, 2025.
Mars in Cancer tends to feel stifling. Mars is action-oriented, it wants to move fast, initiate, take risks and drive with passion and vigor. Cancer is homebody energy. It is concerned with security, it wants to be nurtured. At its best, Mars in Cancer is the Mama Bear, protective of its young, taking action to help others. At its worst, it can be passive-aggressive, fear-mongering and smothering. I will say, this is good energy for going back to school, and easing into a new, unfamiliar environment.
The good news is, that when Mars retrogrades in the sign of Virgo on January 10th next year, it will eventually go back into the sign of Leo before going direct and ingressing into Virgo again. These two signs are not in either detriment or dignity with Mars, so it won’t quite be like 2024-2025, where we felt like we were walking through mud.
Week of August 1st through the 8th:
You may not have motivation on Saturday the 1st to get work done, with the Pisces Moon trine to Mercury in Cancer. Instead, you may reach out to a family member, and catch up over a long conversation. With Venus square Mars, you may revisit relationship themes, talk about your romantic interest or even state something like, “we need more love in this world.”
On the 3rd, Chiron retrogrades in the sign of Taurus. Chiron will stay in the sign of Taurus throughout the month and won’t retrograde back into the sign of Aries until September 17th. Chiron’s expression is subtle, but what brings comfort is its sextile with the North Node in Aquarius, implying that if we can heal humanity, together we can heal the Earth.
You may notice over the next six weeks discussions of past successes, like banning Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 1989, to repair the Ozone layer or discourse over laws and guidelines that work come to the foray. I am not saying that action will be taken now, but with screwworms and cyclospora in the news, there could be a demand to reinstate guardrails by the public.
I recommend to not get discouraged with the lack of action, because Chiron will reenter the sign of Taurus on April 17th, 2027, and when it is in opposition to Mars, and squared to Pluto in September 2027, matters of agricultural health will be taken seriously, as the public in the United States demands action for the unusual policies that allowed contamination to happen. The current circumstances with food supply and quality will not be a quick or immediate fix, but over time, it will gain traction.
Venus enters its domicile sign of Libra on the 6th, while applying a grand trine to Pluto in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini. Relationships most likely feel intense and exciting, and if you’ve met someone new, you may feel like this is the easiest encounter you’ve had. But, I need to give some fair warning here. There is a chance, due to the square with Mars, sextile to Mercury and opposition to Neptune, that you are hoodwinked by mind-boggling sex and engaging conversation.
This doesn’t mean that the relationship won’t last, but you may be high on the transits. Just don’t hire a U-Haul yet, wait until after the Venus retrograde cycle before jumping in to something that is hard to untangle later.
The entire month, we will have Jupiter direct in the sign of Leo and trine to Saturn in retrograde in the sign of Aries. Even with the eclipses, this is a good month to focus on long term goals and deal with the practical day to day tasks. When the planet of abundance flows with the planet of limits, we tend to be productive. Saturn reins in the desire to overdo while Jupiter subdues pessimism, thus sticking to schedules becomes easier with this trine.
Week of August 9th through the 15th:
We start the week with the Moon in its domicile sign of Cancer and it is square to both Saturn and Neptune. Depending on your own chart, emotional issues may surface, and a feeling of melancholy could settle in.
However, Mercury enters the sign of Leo, which is ruled by the Sun. So, even if a sad mood develops, you may be able to pull yourself out of it by the afternoon. My suggestion is to turn on some music, dance and sing in your living room. It is hard to stay stagnant and blah when you’re moving to your favorite song.
The good news is that since the Moon moves fast, by the 10th, the feeling of doubt will dissipate, just as you start your work week.
Mars enters Cancer on the 11th, emphasizing action surrounded by feelings, home and family. As mentioned above, this is not an easy placement for Mars. The key is to engage in an activity that feels nurturing, like soaking in a jacuzzi or taking initiative to fix all of the little things around you, such as spraying a lubricant on squeaky door hinges, or cutting the grass for an elderly neighbor.
Though not an astrological event, the Perseid meteor shower, caused by debris left in the path of the Swift-Tuttle comet, can be best viewed during the New Moon, due to the absence of the Moon’s reflection. It is best to watch the shower in the late night and pre-dawn hours of August 12th and 13th.
When it comes to astrology, comets don’t hold much space. Most likely this is due to their long cycle, and the inability for the ancients to determine the difference between comets and their cycles. However, one thing is consistent, meteor showers and comets have a rich history in lore, and leaders’ deaths or demise is often associated with the comet’s passing.
The meteor shower probably does not add any substantive symbolism to this week, since the potent event is the eclipse. However, time will tell as events unfold, if the comet’s debris can give us contextual clues beyond the astrology of the eclipse or historical lore.
And now we are at the first major point of the month, the Leo New Moon which is considered a Solar Eclipse. The eclipse is making a separating trine to Saturn in retrograde, as if to hint at something to do with an old authority.
Besides that, there is a minor grand trine happening between Mercury in Leo, Uranus in Gemini and Venus in Libra, all at 5 degrees. It would be surprising if we don’t hear some bold news around this time, especially with the eclipse. But with Mercury in opposition to Pluto in retrograde, it could be regurgitated information just to claim center stage. The big surprise could be whatever is revealed during this time period really isn’t a surprise.
Even though we tend to manifest or start new projects after a New Moon, eclipses do not lend well to that endeavor.
However, with Mercury and Jupiter perfecting a conjunction on the 15th, reading books on leadership, expanding your knowledge, or being open to different perspectives is a good way to use the eclipse energy. This is a time when you could gain foresight, especially when it comes to something you’ve been working on for a long time.
Week of August 16th through the 22nd:
On Monday the 17th, Mercury in Leo makes a trine to Saturn. This transit sets a practical tone to complete projects. With Saturn in retrograde, you may have to redo some of the things you are working on, not because of mistakes, but due to requirements that you may not have been privy to or changes as the project progressed. There also could be extra work that is handed off to you or you could be the one delegating work. If you are the latter, make sure to be mindful of the other person’s bandwidth.
As the week progresses, what you are working on may not seem as clear as Mercury starts to apply a conjunction to the Sun. Whatever you are tackling this week may seem larger or more important than it actually is.
This week in some ways feels routine but pressurized, as it sits between the two eclipses. There could be unsubstantiated leaks of information, and it may feel like you are on the edge of something big. But there are some people, depending on your chart, where this week may seem uneventful, even as the world events are buzzing in our ears.
With Mars square to Neptune for the past week, you may feel a sense of inadequacy or recognize that leaders who you thought were strong, daring and bold have no clue what they are doing. It’s a strange week, where we are not quite in a fog, but at the same time, we aren’t sure what will happen next.
As the Sun opposes the North Node on the 22nd and is conjunct to the South Node, we could feel like upcoming events may be fated. This doesn’t mean that something terrible is going to happen to you, since each chart has their own unique signature. But the atmosphere feels daunting and the events leading up to this day feel unsettled as if you are being blocked by outside forces since Mars is applying a square to Saturn. There is a volatility to this weekend, especially with those in authority. It could be as simple as a brash lashing out verbally, or something more extreme, due to the presence of Regulus with the South Node and the Sun.
My take on this week is to work diligently, pay attention to details and relieve stress in a positive and fruitful manner. Yes, it may feel like you are waiting for the shoe to drop, which is common around eclipse season.
But the good news is, later on the 22nd, the Sun leaves its domicile in Leo and enters the analytical sign of Virgo. (I have a soft side for Virgos, especially since my son is one.) Happy birthday to all of the Virgos out there! Virgo suns will give us the energy going forward to be of service to each other and to bring routine to anything that feels out of the ordinary.
Week of August 23rd through the 31st:
This week is about the mind, data and facts, while figuring out how you can be of service to yourself and others. If you are a data analyst, this is your week, since Mercury enters the sign of Virgo on the 25th. If you have a project that requires coding, analytics, or organizing, this is the week to do it. Even if you are not someone who does this type of work, make the most of this energy by cleaning out your pantry, sorting through your junk drawer or anything else that can bring order to chaos.
On the 27th, we have the Mercury cazimi. With Mercury in a superior conjunction to the Sun, our minds become clear and we can absorb lots of information. We may be mad dashing off text messages or have long detailed conversations, nit-picking over facts and dissecting or categorizing data. If you are someone who loathes spreadsheets, this could be a good day for you to get comfortable with their usage, since Mercury is in its domicile sign of Virgo.
The 27th is also the day of the Pisces Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse. It may feel like show time, as the Moon is fully illuminated in the night’s sky.
Eclipses amplify the Full Moon energy. It is about polarity, whereas the Virgo Sun can express itself with data and facts but the Pisces Moon is intuitive and subjective. It is truly about both sides, how we can serve ourselves and how we can serve the collective.
This eclipse, since it is at 4 degrees, energizes last month’s Barbault basket, by making a T-square to Uranus. This can be a disruptive Full Moon with accidents, sudden displacements, and technology failures. Surprise events could occur during this eclipse, especially around those in a position of authority. If information is leaked, I recommend not jumping to conclusions or a hasty summary, since there is a chance that what is shown is not the whole picture.
And this relates to your own personal relationships. The energy is electric during the eclipse, and is not a time to make a rash decision, since some facts and information are layered.
However, around the eclipse, there could be more fervor in regards to data centers, flock cameras and the use of other technologies and how it impacts society and the environment, especially with Chiron in retrograde in the sign of Taurus. Part of the push back on authority will have to do with AI and data collection.
On the 31st, Mars will square Saturn and will sextile Mercury, all three at 13 degrees. With both Mars and Saturn in their fall, and Saturn in retrograde, you may struggle to get any work completed. This is energy that feels blocked, and your boss or your childhood programming could be a barrier towards achievement.
The good news here is Mercury. Due to its sextile with Mars, this is a mind over matter situation, where you can talk yourself up and gain confidence to deal with the obstacles that are in your way. Prioritizing tasks can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
[link] [comments]
from Astrology https://ift.tt/iwQO9Py
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment