Virgo, August 2016

August opens with the Sun in luxurious Leo, activating the sector of your chart that rules rest and solitude. Lazing by a beach or pool, or in an air-conditioned home, is exactly how you should be using this energy, Virgo!

Taking time alone to regroup and unwind is a huge theme of the August 2 new moon in Leo. Don't overschedule yourself early this month; make time for extra sleep—you really need it. Emotions you've stuffed away could come up for examination at this time, and this new moon is the perfect time to confront these issues. New moons are new beginnings, after all!

Your intuitive abilities will also be heightened at this time, and making space in your day for meditation, or journaling, is an amazing way to use the new moon energy.

Secrets, hidden things, and mysteries will also come to the fore during the new moon in Leo, and Virgo, even more drama awaits you at the end of the month, during the lunar eclipse in Aquarius, as well as a Mercury retrograde in your sign! But before we get ahead of ourselves, in early August, there's more worth nothing on your calendar.

Mars, the planet of war, enters Fire sign Sagittarius on August 2, bringing themes concerning your home, family, and feelings of security. Think back to early March and late May—issues from back then are now ready for you to move forward with.

Saturn, the planet of obstacles, is also in Sagittarius, and on August 13, when it ends its retrograde, there will be even more forward momentum. Hoping to move? Have something to hash out with your family? Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius are giving you the strength and authority to make your demands known. Mars and Saturn will meet each other in the sky on August 24, making this another day to watch out for.

The planet of love and money, Venus, enters your sign, Virgo, on August 5! Exciting! People will be extra attracted to you, and you'll feel way more flirtatious than usual. Just watch out for sensitive feelings and blocks in communication the next day, August 6, when communicator planet Mercury (your ruling planet) challenges Saturn in Sagittarius, and sweet Venus clashes with aggressive Mars. The isn't the best day for important conversations or dates; however, some helpful breakthroughs could arrive, so don't stress too much about it.

Your ruling planet brings more confusion on August 7 when it opposes hazy Neptune in Water sign Pisces. Fact-check everything today, and do your best not to get carried away by paranoia. You're one of the most practical, realistic signs in the zodiac, but when nebulous Neptune arrives, mystification abounds.

One of the more powerful days for communication this month is August 10 when Mercury trines (one of the easiest astrological aspects) the lord of the underworld, Pluto, in Capricorn. Yes, confusion will still be in the air, but with Pluto's help, strategizing will be way easier.

This is also an exciting day for romance, so pay attention to what happens with dating on this day. If you're stuck on any creative projects, this is also an amazing time to get some work done, especially if you're doing any writing.

August 18 is one of the most intense days this month thanks to the full moon and a lunar eclipse in electric Air sign Aquarius. Expect your schedule to go through a major overhaul—your daily routine is going to completely change.

Aquarius is the sign of invention. Using the eclipse's energy to break bad habits and find more efficient, healthy ways to live your life is a perfect plan. Focusing on your health and well-being is so important at this time.

A popular stereotype about Virgos is that you are all neat freaks with very particular likes and dislikes. I've yet to meet a Virgo who is a neat freak (the part about being particular is totally true though), but this eclipse is a fantastic time to get organized! Your life is being rearranged thanks to this eclipse; make sure to reorganize accordingly.

The Sun enters Virgo on August 22, marking the beginning of your month! Chatty Mercury also meets with philosophical Jupiter in Virgo on this day, which should be interesting for communication. Watch for important letters and phone calls, and expect to have some profound conversations!

One of my favorite days for you this month is August 27, when sweet Venus meets jovial Jupiter in your sign. The vibe today is generous and gentle. Romance is in the air; people are feeing open and optimistic. Venus can be a glutton, and Jupiter tends to overdo everything (it's the planet of abundance), so the energy could be over the top. Enjoy it!

Mercury meets Venus in Virgo before Venus enters charming Air sign Libra on August 29. Mercury is all about communication, so this is a fantastic time to flirt—or have any conversations where you want Venus's beneficial vibes blessing you. Expect to feel social today!

The sector of your chart that rules cash and your self-esteem will be activated when Venus enters luxury-loving Libra, so expect to have opulence enter your life. You try to be humble, Virgo, but now is the time to spoil yourself.

Mercury retrograde begins in your sign, Virgo, on August 30. As everyone knows, Mercury retrograde is annoying. Don't make any important purchases or travel plans, expect delays and miscommunication, and don't sign any contracts. Basically, hit pause on whatever you're doing.

As annoying as the Mercury retrograde is, use it as a chance to catch your breath. Mercury, the planet of the mind, is moving backward, so use this time to reflect and reconsider instead of planning new adventures.

Your conversations and agreements since August 10 will come up for reconsideration during this retrograde. So if you dumped someone, or signed on to a job, things could shift as Mercury encourages you to take a second look at everything.

See you next month, Virgo! If you feel dizzy amid all the changes this month, remember that you're an Earth sign, which means you'll always find a way to plant roots again. The frenzy is only temporary, and the benefits these changes bring have the potential to help you for a long time.