Cancer, August 2016

August opens with a new moon in luxurious, royal Fire sign Leo, which will activate the sector of your chart that rules your wealth and self-esteem. We love new moons: They mean new beginnings! This could be a fresh start for you and your cash, Cancer; however, we have a heavy eclipse taking place in logical Air sign Aquarius, on August 18, that you should heed. Wait for it to pass before you make any major money decisions, especially choices that involve money you share with other people, your debts, or taxes. We'll talk about this eclipse later, but first, let's see what else is happening for you earlier in August.

On August 2, warrior Mars enters Fire sign Sagittarius and ignites the area of your chart that rules your daily routine. Everything from walking your dog to doing your hair to going to your day job to maintaining your health will be invigorated by Mars in Sagittarius. So, if you've been feeling lazy, this is good news! This is a wonderful time to get organized, break bad habits, or look for a new job if you need one.

Sweet Venus enters grounded Earth sign Virgo on August 5, which will create for you a better communication vibe. If you need to have a conversation with someone without sounding like an asshole (you're so empathetic, Cancer, but admit it, being nice when you don't want to be isn't always easy for you), lovely Venus—in practical, no-nonsense Virgo—will help you get your point across clearly and kindly.

This is also a wonderful time to explore your neighborhood or hang out with your siblings. If you're waiting for a message from someone special, it will arrive soon—not in August, as Venus travels through Virgo, but perhaps in September, thanks to the Mercury retrograde in Virgo (more on that later).

On August 13, taskmaster Saturn ends its retrograde in Sagittarius, helping you with your health and other daily responsibilities. A breakthrough concerning your schedule will come on August 24, when Saturn and warrior Mars meet each other in the sky. You'll likely cut off a responsibility that you just can't manage any longer. This could be a stressful time, so try not to slip into any bad habits, Cancer!

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius arrives on August 18! Eclipses are exciting but turbulent. Because you are ruled by the Moon, Cancer, whenever there is an eclipse, you feel it intensely. Expect things, or people, you no longer need in your life to be flushed away, but don't worry: The eclipse will leave you something new, too. Eclipses have this weird "meant to be" feeling about them—trust that whatever's happening is meant to take place for a higher purpose.

This lunar eclipse in cool Air sign Aquarius will light up a mysterious and sensitive sector of your chart. Expect issues of intimacy to come to the fore. Information you were in the dark about will come to light, especially in your more intense relationships. Fears you've had about endings or changes will also come up—to be healed. Lastly, watch out for what you learn about cash, especially money you share with others, or money you owe—this eclipse will stir all that up.

Communication kicks up on August 22, when chatty Mercury meets philosophical Jupiter in Virgo. Plus the Sun enters Virgo on August 22! Jupiter is the planet of good luck and growth, and the Sun is all about vitality and individuality. This strong focus in grounded Earth sign Virgo will definitely help you think and express yourself more clearly. Cancers are famous for being emotional, but during this time, you'll feel way more centered and logical.

Seductive Venus also meets lucky Jupiter in Virgo on August 27, which will be fantastic for any convincing, debating, or proposing you have to do. Mercury and Venus will connect in Virgo on August 29, creating a busy day for communication and connecting. Definitely watch the end of the month for interested messages, and likely some weekend trips!

Venus enters lovely Libra on August 29, lighting up the sector of your chart that rules home and family. Libra is all about balance, so enjoying your home, with your family or roommates, is a great way for you to find balance as Venus goes through this cooperative Air sign. If you're thinking about redecorating, now is the time to do it! Venus is the planet of beauty—in addition to love.

Mercury retrograde begins on August 30! Everyone hates Mercury retrograde—except for smart astrologers (like us, dear Cancer) who know its true meaning: It's a time to pause and reflect.

Sure, Mercury retrograde isn't great for buying anything important, traveling, signing contracts, or starting new projects—but it is good for picking up an old project! Expect delays and miscommunication, but don't get swept up in Mercury retrograde hate. This is the perfect time to reflect on the choices and conversations you've had recently, especially since August 10.

See you in September, Cancer!