In August, Mercury goes retrograde in Leo, which is a time of review and revision. The Mars and Jupiter conjunction this month brings greater activism and courageous actions. The Sun transits its own sign of Leo and opposes Saturn in Aquarius, indicating possible power struggles or we accept personal responsibility in our use of power. Venus transits the sensitive sign of Virgo later in the month and conjuncts the south node Ketu, which helps us heal relationships with compassion and greater awareness.
Mercury goes retrograde at 9 degrees Leo on the evening of August 4 (PDT) until August 28, 2024. During its retrograde period, Mercury will eventually transit back through the sensitive gandanta degrees of 0 degrees Leo and 29 degrees Cancer on August 20 and 21. During these few days be more sensitive in conversation, and speak with kindness and insight. While Mercury is retrograde, communications can be confusing or business interactions may not go as planned. Double-check travel plans and what you put in writing. This is a positive time for reviewing and revising things. Organize your home and office. Think before you speak, and take time for inner reflection and meditation. Right-brained, creative activities like music and art are positive outlets.
On August 14, 2024, Mars and Jupiter are conjunct at 22 degrees Taurus. These two planets have been together in Taurus since July 12, and both remain in Taurus until August 26, 2024 when Mars leaves Taurus and moves to Gemini. This combination can bring enthusiastic and courageous energies while standing up for one’s true beliefs. The challenge is a tendency to overly promote or get carried away with one’s viewpoints or philosophies and attack the political or personal convictions of others. This is a period to come from a more expansive and universal place. Take time to observe your life from the spiritual dimension and see this time as an opportunity for deeper, inner growth.
The Sun transits its powerful sign of Leo from August 16 until September 16, 2024. While in Leo, the Sun will be opposed by Saturn in Aquarius. Both the Sun and Saturn will be transiting signs they own, creating a very powerful opposition. The Sun in Leo brings increased vitality and creativity, along with determination and confidence. At its best, the Sun in Leo is inspirational and generous. However, the strong Saturn opposition in Aquarius can bring power plays and generate feelings of inequality and resistance to change. We can experience increased pressures and stress as we become more aware of imbalances of power in ourselves and in the world. Be focused, disciplined, and realistic. Let go of old judgments and restrictions, and practice neutrality and equanimity. The exact Saturn/Sun opposition will occur on September 7, 2024 at 21 degrees Aquarius/Leo. Take some personal time for inner reflection and try not to overwork.
Later in the month on August 24, 2024, Venus, planet of love, relationship, healing and finance, travels through the service-oriented earth sign of Virgo. Venus is considered debilitated in Virgo, so this is a good time to watch finances or over-spending, and be more conservative. With Venus in Virgo, we like things natural and pure. This is a positive time to connect with nature, or be more involved with environmental causes. As Venus in Virgo wants perfection, try not to be fault-finding or judgmental in your relationships with loved ones. Be more caring, kind, and compassionate with others. The disharmony we see in the world may become more apparent, so this is a good time to open our hearts with greater compassion and understanding. Being of service to those in need or donate your time to a worthy cause are positive remedies.
When Venus transits the sign of Virgo, it joins the south node Ketu there. Venus and Ketu together express a more spiritualized, devotional love energy. These two planets will exactly conjunct at 12 degrees Virgo on September 3, 2024. Venus/Ketu energies can also bring up past or unresolved issues in love and relationship to heal them and evolve. We can also experience surprising or unexpected changes in our relationships. Ketu teaches the lessons of detachment, surrender, and forgiveness, with the potential to experience divine love and joy. The Venus/Ketu combination is positive for the practice of Bhakti Yoga or a devotional, heart-centered sadhana.
Summary
In August 2024, Mercury will retrograde in Leo from the 4th to the 28th, prompting a time for review and careful communication. On the 14th, Mars and Jupiter will conjunct in Taurus, encouraging courageous actions while cautioning against overly promoting personal beliefs. The Sun will transit Leo, opposing Saturn in Aquarius, highlighting power struggles and the need for inner reflection. Later, Venus will enter Virgo on the 24th, emphasizing compassion in relationships and a focus on healing, especially as it conjuncts the south node Ketu. Overall, the month encourages introspection and personal growth.
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 training 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/
