Libra, August 2016

August is off to a weird start (weird in a good way, Libra) thanks to your ruling planet Venus, currently in glamorous Fire sign Leo, trine (one of the easiest astrological aspects) wild Uranus in Aries. Uranus is electric and eccentric—you never know what will go down when Uranus is around; however, thanks to Venus's beneficial vibes, and the fact that these two planets are connecting easily, my bet is that August 1 should be exciting, especially in your relationships. Will a crush or love surprise you? Nonromantic relationships will also benefit from today's creative energy.

A fresh start on friendship comes August 2 thanks to the new moon in Leo activating the sector of your chart that rules community and your social life. Is there a circle you're hoping to penetrate? Some networking that needs to be done? During this new moon is the time to do it.

Also on August 2, warrior planet Mars enters adventure-loving Sagittarius, lighting up the communication sector of your chart. You're famous for being charming and kind, Libra, but while confrontational Mars is in loudmouth Sagittarius, you will probably find yourself getting into more fights or, at least, communicating more aggressively.

Your ruling planet Venus enters Virgo on August 5, which will influence you to be shier: more private about your love life and about what's going on with you financially. Watch for drama to pop up the next day, August 6, when chatty Mercury in Virgo clashes with serious Saturn in Sagittarius, and Venus squares Mars. People are in the mood to say no, and to argue, and with Venus in Virgo, a sign ruled by the Hermit card in the tarot, you have no interest in inserting yourself in any problems, and you will much prefer being alone.

This urge for solitude will continue through the month, especially with the Sun entering Virgo on August 22, as well as Mercury meeting Jupiter in Virgo. Also, the 22nd will be a phenomenal time for you to work on your dreams or develop your psychic abilities. Being let in on a secret, or getting an inside look at a hidden and mysterious space (perhaps a private club or a monastery), is possible.

August 13 is a big day for Saturn, the planet of structure: It ends its retrograde and clashes with Venus. Venus is an affectionate energy, but Saturn is the planet of boundaries. Don't expect people to be cozy and want to cuddle with you; the emotional vibe is cold. Wanting more will lead to disappointment. Save important conversations in your love life for another day, and don't plan any special romantic dates.

Saturn ending its retrograde will bring some momentum to your life, especially around communication, but save any topic related to Venus (love, money, beauty, harmony—all the good stuff) for a later time.

Another day that could compromise your communication is August 24, when Mars meets Saturn. As we know, Mars is aggro AF, and Saturn is all about boundaries. If you have something difficult you need to say, and you need the confidence to say it, while keeping your boundaries strong, this is a good day to do it. Mars and Saturn will bring difficult energies, and mental stress could arrive on this day, but hey—there's always a good way to work any energy!

August 14 brings some confusion—but you may not realize it. Have you ever had drinks at dinner, felt totally sober, but then when you got up, you realized: You were completely shit-faced? Today's energy is kind of like that. Fun-loving Venus opposes hazy Neptune in Pisces, making this a bad time to make important decisions. You won't see things clearly. Take special care of your well-being today. Don't overexert yourself, especially when you're working out (or if you're out partying).

On August 17, sweet Venus trines (again, a fantastic astrological aspect) the lord of the underworld, Pluto, which is currently in Earth sign Capricorn. This is a powerful time for you emotionally. Feelings you've had a hard time dealing with will come up for you to examine and heal. Pluto is the planet of transformation, and that's exactly what's on the menu for you this day. Don't worry—this change is exactly what you need to feel safer, more secure, and taken care of.

One of the most exciting things this month is the lunar eclipse in fellow Air sign Aquarius on August 18. Expect things to get wild and crazy. Eclipses always bring big changes to our lives, and this one will be no exception, especially concerning your creative pursuits and your love life.

This eclipse is activating the sector of your chart that rules fun in your life: the parties you go to, the dates you go on, even the babies you kiss—anything that creates levity. Eclipses bring big reveals, so expect information you previously weren't aware of (or that you didn't want to see) to become clear, especially around these fun, happy things in your life.

You may be lying to yourself about how much fun you're having. You may be totally bored, uninspired, even depressed. Making changes is difficult, even when things are shitty, and we know change is needed. This eclipse will help shake things up, especially if you're too freaked out to make the changes yourself. Aquarius is an inventive, electric sign. Lightning will strike during this eclipse, and you'll be set on a new (hopefully more fun) course!

Venus meets jovial Jupiter in Virgo on August 27, which will be healing for you, Libra. This is a special day to make time for yourself to unwind and be alone—something difficult for a Libra to do. You're always surrounded by so many people, and you often have a lot on your plate.

Jupiter is the planet of growth and expansion; it's one of the luckiest energies you can work with, and as it sits with lovely Venus, your ruling planet, honor yourself by taking a massive time-out from the world. Pay attention to your dreams at the end of the month—thanks to this alignment, you will be especially intuitive! One warning: Both Venus and Jupiter love to consume, so watch what you're indulging in as you take a break from reality! Too much of a good thing is a thing.

You'll feel social, hot, and sexy on August 29, when chatty Mercury meets Venus in Virgo, just before Venus enters your sign! You'll be emerging from the cocoon of privacy you've wrapped yourself in over the last few weeks, ready to see the world again!

The month wraps up with Mercury beginning its retrograde in Virgo on August 30. Your intuition has grown a lot this month: Do you trust it? This Mercury retrograde will test that connection. Mercury retrograde is a drag; Don't sign or buy anything important, and expect delays and miscommunication. However, Libra, things won't be as messed up as they seem. In fact, nothing will really be as it seems, which is why your intuition will be so important now. See you in September, Libra!