By Debra Infante
Venus, planet of relationship, is retrograde the whole month of August until September 3, 2023, and brings an opportunity to uncover your deepest truths about love. The Sun, aspected by Saturn and north node Rahu, begins its powerful yearly transit through its own sign of Leo from August 17 to September 17, 2023. Mercury, planet of communications goes retrograde August 23 to September 5, 2023.
Venus began its retrograde phase July 22 at 4 degrees Leo, and will remain retrograde the whole month of August until September 3, 2023. Venus retrograde periods help us to understand the deeper meaning of self-love and relationship, while uncovering past areas of challenge and misunderstandings that need to be healed, forgiven, and released. Do you need more time in your life for greater self-care? Do you have issues about lack of support in love and relationship? This is an especially positive transit to heal old, emotional traumas, and increase your self-worth. People, memories, and unfinished business from the past can resurface for completion and closure.
When a planet is retrograde it is closest to the earth, and so affects us on a more personal, internal level. Watch for too much romanticism or disappointment. Instead, review your ideas about love, and bring greater integrity, authenticity, and wholeness into all your relationships. Be patient with yourself and others. Practice compassion with everyone you meet, have gratitude, and remain balanced.
During the retrograde phase this month, Venus will eventually transit the gandanta degrees between the fire sign Leo and water sign Cancer. From August 5 to August 8, 2023, Venus transits 0 degrees Leo to 29 degrees Cancer, an extra sensitive time to let go of old, ancient karmic issues and misunderstandings about relationships, self-love, finances, and our values in life. The key is to practice non-resistance or neutrality as planets travel the gandanta degrees.
The Sun transits its own sign of Leo beginning August 17 until September 17, 2023, and this powerful transit brings increased vitality and heightened creativity. The Sun in Leo can be a time to develop greater confidence and determination. The Sun in Leo is generous and wants to inspire others. The shadow side of this transit brings resistance to change or stubborn pride.
While the Sun is in Leo it will be aspected by the north node Rahu in Aries and opposed by Saturn in Aquarius, two malefic planets. Rahu aspects the Sun exactly at 2 degrees on August 19 and can bring increased ambition or anxiety or fear. The Saturn and the Sun opposition indicates possible power struggles or brings up feelings of imbalance and inequality. With both Saturn and Rahu aspects on the Sun we can experience increased pressures, stress, and change. Instead, be realistic, let go of judgments, do your duty, and stay focused.
Mercury, planet of communications, goes retrograde at 27 degrees Leo on August 23 until September 15, 2023. Communications could be confusing, or business interactions don’t go as planned. For clarity, double-check travel plans or what you put in writing. Mercury retrograde is good for reviewing things, organizing your office, and completing projects we may have put on hold. Creative or right-brained activities such as painting and music are positive outlets now. Think before you speak. This is a good time for inner reflection, meditation, and contemplation.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
