Capricorn, August 2016

As an Earth sign, you're into stability, but the truth is, Capricorn, you're cool with change. Anything that can help you level up—become a better you—you're all about. Your ruling planet is Saturn, the planet of structure and rules, but you still know that being adaptable is the key to success—and success is what you're all about.

Especially material success: Whoever said money can't buy happiness clearly didn't know any Capricorns. The best things in life might be free, but healthcare, food, shelter—these are all things you need money for. And what's wrong with splurging on some luxuries once in a while? All Capricorns should have an amazing wristwatch, being that the march of time (and the maturity and wisdom that come with it) is so you.

As a society, we have complicated feelings about money. We think it's the root of all evil, but we can't stop obsessing over it. It ruins relationships and tears families apart. The new moon in Leo on August 2 will activate the sector of your chart that rules debts, taxes, and money (and other resources) you share with other people. If you have a complicated financial situation, this is good news: New moons bring new beginnings, so the opportunity to turn a new leaf will arrive.

Even if you can't pay off any debts, or if you're pretty sure your bestie will never repay you, use the new moon's vibes to do some visualization: See yourself joyfully paying bills, and happily receiving money or working well with others on a financial issue. It's said that your thoughts create your reality. Test this theory!

Complicated emotional issues, and fears about endings, will also be stimulated by this new moon, as will issues concerning sex and intimacy. If you're eager to change things up in bed, this is a great time to do it! Visiting a therapist or counselor to discuss your anxieties or sadness is also a great thing to do at this time; again, it's a fresh start!

Also on August 2, Mars will enter Fire sign Sagittarius. Mars is the go-getter of the zodiac, but because Mars in Sag will be activating the sector of your chart that rules rest and solitude, the only thing you'll be go-getting at this time is sleep. That said, you will enjoy a boost in intuition, and this is a wonderful time to meditate or do some journaling. Repressed angers and desires will come to the fore.

On August 5, Venus enters fellow Earth sign Virgo, sending you loads of luck, and lighting up an exciting sector of your chart, the area that rules travel, learning, and adventure! A long-distance love interest could enter the scene.

Watch out for communication issues on August 7, when your ruling planet, Mercury, opposes hazy Neptune in Pisces. People (including you) think they know what they're talking about, but they really don't, not on this day. Don't believe everything you hear—people will believe their own lies today. Focusing will be difficult, and this is definitely not a day to make commitments.

One of the biggest days of the month is August 18: the lunar eclipse in intellectual Air sign Aquarius, which will activate the sector of your chart that rules cash, as well as your self-esteem and your feelings of worth. The new moon in Leo helped clear up a lot of money issues between you and others, whether that's friends and family, the IRS, or a bank, but this eclipse is all about the cash in your account, your earning power, and realizing your worth.

Eclipses have a fated feeling to them—like everything was meant, or destined, to happen. They also bring powerful realizations, strong enough to forever change your view of a situation. Exciting news often comes during an eclipse, so pay close attention to your inbox.

Feeling valued, financially and emotionally, is huge now. After this eclipse, you might realize that you can never again work for a certain (low) amount of money; finally, you'll know how much you can ask for. Or you may reach a point, in your relationships, at which you feel that you're giving too much and not being respected—no more! Eclipses aren't easy, but the lessons they teach us are worth it. The energy is anything but stable during an eclipse, but again, Capricorn, you're fine with shakeups as long as they leave you at someplace better than you were before.

A month-long period of growth and exploration begins on August 22, when the Sun enters Virgo, and shines its spotlight on the sector of your chart that rules travel, school, and philosophy. This is also an exciting day, because chatty Mercury will meet with lucky Jupiter in Virgo. Any foreign travel you're doing at this time will be blessed by this alignment.

Mercury is the planet of information, and Jupiter is all about abundance: Expect not only a shit ton of information to come your way but also enjoy the chance to spread your word, either through publishing or a viral tweet. Even more good vibes come your way when Venus meets Jupiter in Virgo on August 27: Misunderstandings will be smoothed over, and people will see you in a charismatic light. A sociable, fun energy arrives on August 29, when Mercury also meets Venus in Virgo.

August 24 will be an interesting day to watch, Capricorn. Warrior Mars will meet with your ruling planet, Saturn, both in Fire sign Sagittarius. Saturn has recently ended its retrograde (August 13, which also happens to be a tense day for you, romantically, due to a clash between Venus and Saturn), which means you're ready to move forward with some private, sensitive issues.

Mars, as a warrior planet, rules knives and swords: tools used to cut. When Mars meets with Saturn, you'll be ready to cut loose the psychic debris that's been weighing you down. Issues may seem to pop up from out of left field today, but trust me, they're not as random as you think!

Venus enters Libra on August 29, shifting your focus to your career and your reputation. Libra is the sign of balance: You're famous for being a workaholic, Cap, so take a tip from Libra and try to be more balanced about how often you work!

The month wraps up with Mercury beginning its retrograde in Virgo on August 30, pushing you to reconsider decisions and conversations you've had since August 10. Mercury retrograde is super annoying, filled with delays and miscommunication. It's not a great time to sign contracts or make commitments, and it's sucky for travel and big purchases. But there's another side to Mercury retrograde: It's a time to pause and reflect. Slow down. Review the past, and make sure you're caught up on everything before moving forward. You'll especially notice this Mercury retrograde in Virgo play out in your travels, at school, and around publishing, or even regarding any legal stuff you've got going on.

Stay flexible this month, Capricorn, because changes are coming—and they will lead you to the next level. See you in September!