Taurus, August 2016

August opens with your ruling planet, sweet Venus in Leo, connecting with electric Uranus in Fire sign Aries on the 1st! Uranus is the planet of surprise, and Venus is all about love, beauty, money, and peace. Will some unexpected good stuff come your way? Totally, Taurus; however, much of this good stuff was probably already in your life—you just didn't realize it was there!

Your sex life will become a big focus this month thanks to passionate Mars entering Fire sign Sagittarius on August 2, activating the sector of your chart that rules intimacy. As one of the most sensual signs in the zodiac, you're always ready for some love, but with Mars in Sagittarius, you'll be even more aggressive about creating a satisfying sex life.

Deepening your trust and connection with others is a huge theme for you this month, and it won't only play out in your sex life, Taurus. You will also be sorting out complicated financial issues, like inheritances, taxes, or debts, or the money you share with other people. Mars is the planet of war—it doesn't take shit from anyone. Over the next few weeks, you will cut off the people you can't trust with important things.

Pay close attention to what comes up around August 24, when Mars meets the planet of rules and boundaries, Saturn. If someone's not playing by the rules that you agreed to, you gotta go. Saturn ends its retrograde in Sagittarius on August 13, which will push you to get real about the endings (and transformations) that are taking place. Endings are hard, Taurus, and saying goodbye sucks, but you can't bring in the new if you're clinging to the past.

Speaking of new beginnings, one is on the way on August 2 thanks to the new moon in Leo. Leo energy is loyal AF, and this new moon will reconnect you to your family. This could mean your blood relatives or your chosen family. Your home will also be blessed by this new moon. This is a wonderful time to redecorate your space. Leo is the sign of royalty, so adding regal touches like gold or royal blue is a great way to go. New moons mean a fresh start, so throw out your old junk, dust your shelves, and do a massive energetic cleansing in your space.

Between rebel Uranus connecting with lovely Venus, Mars entering Sagittarius, and the new moon in Leo, you will have a lot on your plate emotionally. Feelings you've repressed or ignored will need to be addressed; situations from the past will come up for healing.

These first few days of August could be a lot of fun, and could bring you amazing new opportunities and surprises; however, if you have old emotions you haven't dealt with, these days will be hard to appreciate. The best thing you can do is be forgiving and gentle with yourself. Do some journaling, or find someone you trust, who you can hash out your feelings with, so you can really enjoy a fresh start!

On August 5, Venus enters fellow Earth sign Virgo, which will be fantastic for your love life! Also expect to be reinvigorated creatively, Taurus. Venus in Virgo will light up the sector of your chart that rules romance, artistic expression, parties, and even children—basically, anything that makes us forget our problems and feel hopeful about the future. With all the emotional healing you have this month, a little partying and artistry will be great!

This sector of your chart will, on August 22, come into focus again. Not only does the Sun enter Virgo, but chatty Mercury meets philosophical Jupiter in Virgo, starting many conversations about romance and creativity. Venus also meets lucky Jupiter in Virgo on August 27, at which time people will be mega attracted to you as an artist or lover—or another similar role. Mercury and Venus meet in Virgo on August 29, which is another creative, romantic day. Just after these two planets meet, Venus will enter Virgo (also on August 29), and Mercury will begin its retrograde on August 30. Mercury is all about collecting (and giving) information, so watch out for a critical piece of info concerning your love life or creativity on this day!

But, Taurus, we are getting ahead of ourselves: Let's rewind! August 6 will be both a pain in the ass and exciting. Communicator Mercury in Virgo will clash with serious Saturn in Sag, and it will be impossible to have productive conversations. But it won't be impossible to fight (or cry, or throw a tantrum, more likely) thanks to Venus in Virgo clashing with Mars in Sag. This isn't all bad—hot makeup sex is definitely on the menu.

Your ruling planet Venus is actually very busy this month. Venus will also challenge taskmaster Saturn on August 13, which could bring some heartbreak; however, if you approach the world in a mature, conservative way, things could work out well. Confusion abounds on August 14 when Venus opposes hazy Neptune in dreamy Pisces—people will have no idea what they are talking about on this day, but in general, the vibe will be decent.

One of the more powerful days of the month for Venus comes on August 17 when it joins forces with the lord of the underworld, Pluto, which is currently in fellow Earth sign Capricorn. The energy is inspired and confident. A deep understanding or realization will be made. You'll be open to taking some transformative risks at this time.

One of the most exciting days this month is August 18: the lunar eclipse in Aquarius! It's been an emotional month, so Air sign Aquarius's cool, logical vibe will be welcome… even though eclipses are nuts. They bring sudden endings and new beginnings—but, whatever, you're used to ups and downs by now, Taurus! This time, however, the endings and new beginnings will take place in the realms of your career, your professional goals, and your reputation.

Eclipses are turbulent times, but there's something about the situations they bring us that feel fated or meant to be. I would never suggest that you believe that everything happens for a reason—except maybe for an eclipse! Eclipses reveal things that we were previously blind to, and put us on the right path if we've been going off course. With this eclipse, the path will be related to your professional or public life.

On August 29, Venus enters Libra! Libra is the sign of balance—use this time to get organized, redo your schedule, and check in with yourself about how well you're balancing taking care of yourself, going to work, attending school, and resting. Venus rules beauty, and as it goes through Libra, this is a wonderful time for you to go to the spa, stock up on face masks, or begin a new health routine.

Mercury retrograde in Virgo begins on August 30, so be prepared for an avalanche of Mercury retrograde warnings on your news feed: pieces of advice like don't travel, don't buy anything, and don't sign contracts! Everything will go wrong! Misunderstandings! Delays! This is all basically true; however, the deeper purpose of Mercury retrograde is the pause. Refrain from starting new projects—instead, reflect on your decisions and conversations (especially talks and choices that were made since August 10).

Expect to run into a lot of exes and people you used to party with, Taurus, but don't worry—the walk down memory lane could be fun. You can always stay indoors, or wear giant sunglasses and a hat, if you don't want to be noticed. No one will notice you then, my lovely cow! See you in September!