August 2022 Astro-Highlights: Taking A Fated Leap!

August begins with a massive wave of energy that ushers in sudden and dramatic changes in all of our lives! Right out of the gate we have the rare and explosive conjunction of Mars, Uranus and the North Node in Taurus! This fated energy is high impact and many of us will feel guided to make major changes while others may feel forced to embrace a brand new way of life! Some will experience this more positively than others, but however this energy manifests, we will feel the collective reverberations of the North Node conjunct Uranus and Mars in Taurus for a long time.

The good news is that Mercury quickly enters its home sign of Virgo which will enable us with the ability to problem solve and begin bringing order to what may feel overwhelming or scattered. However, it is important to understand that there will still be many periods of frustration throughout this month as coinciding energies continue to be quite challenging. The energy peaks once again with Mars squaring Saturn and Venus opposing Pluto at the very explosive Full Moon in Aquarius! The Aquarius Full Moon is closely conjunct Saturn and acting as yet another powerful activation of the ongoing Fixed Grand Cross energy between the Lunar Nodes in Taurus and Scorpio, Uranus in Taurus, Saturn in Aquarius, and the transiting inner planets and Sun moving through the sign of Leo. 

Perseverance is key throughout the middle of the August as Sun opposes Saturn. Soon after that, we receive a cosmic blessing as Venus in Leo makes a welcome trine to Jupiter in Aries! The middle of the month begins a new chapter in the complex story unfolding in the skies as Mars, the planet of will and ambition, now enters Gemini, the sign of the mind and communication, for 7 LONG MONTHS due to Mars’ retrograde cycle!

Towards the end of August the Sun moves into practical Virgo, where it will shed its light on our current situation, help us continue to create order and bring our focus back to our mental health and physical well-being. The month ends with more high energy surprises as the Sun in Virgo squares Mars in Gemini and Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus just as Venus activates the Fixed Grand Cross energy AGAIN! It's important to note that because Venus is benefic, this activation may be experienced as less challenging in the moment and leads to a needed resolution. 

Energy most challenging for Sun/Moon/Rising in: Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Aquarius

Mixed energy for Sun/Moon/Rising in:   Aries, Cancer, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces 

Maximum intensity for Sun/Moon Rising in:  Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius

August 1st, 2022: Mars Conjunct Uranus and the North Node at 18° Taurus

August 4th, 2022: Mercury Enters Virgo

August 7th, 2022: Mars Square Saturn from Taurus to Aquarius

August 8th, 2022: Venus Opposite Pluto from Cancer to Capricorn

August 11th, 2022: Sun Square Uranus from Leo to Taurus

August 11th, 2022: Venus Enters Leo

August 11th, 2022: Full Moon at 19° of Aquarius

August 14th, 2022: Sun Opposite Saturn from Leo to Aquarius

August 18th, 2022: Venus Trine Jupiter from Leo to Aries

August 20th,2022: Mars Enters Gemini

August 21st, 2022: Mercury Opposite Neptune from Virgo to Pisces

August 22nd, 2022: Sun Enters Virgo

August 24th, 2022: Uranus Stations Retrograde at 18° Taurus

August 25th, 2022: Mercury Enters Libra

August 26th, 2022: Venus Square Uranus from Leo to Taurus

August 26th, 2022: Sun Square Mars from Virgo to Gemini

August 27th, 2022: New Moon at 4° Virgo

Mars Conjunct Uranus and the North Node at 18° of Taurus

Exact on July 31st & August 1st, 2022
Most active from July 27th through September 10th, 2022
 

​It is finally here, the long-awaited, rare conjunction of Mars, Uranus and the North Node in Taurus! This is one of, if not the MOST, important transits of the year! The North Node moves us in the direction of our collective fate and future and on July 31st it activates Uranus exactly, which has been transiting Taurus since 2018.
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​Uranus has been bringing its unique brand of chaos to the steady sign of Taurus over the last few years in order to liberate and awaken us to where our lives have become unsustainable, stuck, stale, stagnant or boring!
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Historically, the conjunction of the North Node and Uranus tends to mark a shift in our relationship with technology. Being that this occurs in Taurus, this conjunction is likely to be bring an important shift in technology involving our resources, which includes our food, money or the planet!

On August 1st, 2022 Mars joins this conjunction, making it extremely rare! These three energies combined can be extremely volatile, bringing swift, disruptive and FATED changes to the areas of our lives we have relied upon to remain stable!
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​Mars brings an element of initiative and bravery, which tells us something may come up that requires our immediate action and perhaps that we cut ties with something even when our fears would rather us remain where we are.

It’s important to remember that the North Node finally meeting Uranus and Mars is setting something in motion that is a long time coming! However, it is the nature of these planets and the karmic North Node to catch us off guard, even those of us who follow the astrology and know that this is happening!
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​Uranus activations are known for being unpredictable and so the best thing to do throughout this time is remain ready to pivot at a moments notice, knowing that destiny is leading the way!

An auspicious sign occurring alongside this energy is the Sun in Leo making a trine Jupiter in Aries. This is important to make note of as it indicates hope or optimism in the face of whatever shakeups or challenges come about as a result of Uranus/Mars conjunct the North Node. The Sun trine Jupiter tells us we are simultaneously experiencing a bit of luck or a blessing that may still be in disguise.
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Mercury Enters Virgo

Exact on August 4th, 2022 at 12:58am MDT

Active from August 4th through August 25th, 2022

Mercury entering the sign of both its rulership and exaltation is a very good thing at this time. Mercury has been in Leo, activating in the ongoing Fixed Grand Cross energy between the North Node, Uranus and Mars in Taurus, the South Node in Scorpio, and Saturn in Aquarius. This intense Fixed energy has been stirring up frustration and challenge on just about every level, but as Mercury moves into Virgo, our mental faculties receive a boost with more clarity of thought and a sharper ability to problem solve. We may begin conceiving of a clear path forward with Mercury in Virgo along with the ability to more rationally discuss our plans with others.

Those born with this placement are extremely diligent and detail-oriented in their work as well as orderly and clean in their surroundings. This placement brings a high degree of focus and these natives tend to be successful in the career of their choosing due to their ability to practically apply knowledge, although they do make especially excellent researchers and writers. As with all Virgo placements, their can be a tendency to be too critical or concerned with the details, so much that they forget the big picture.

This transit of Mercury in Virgo is especially important to pay attention to because Mercury will retrograde back into Virgo in a few weeks time, making a few trines to Pluto along the way.

Mars Square Saturn from Taurus to Aquarius

Exact on August 7th, 2022 at 1:57 pm MDT

Most active August 5th through August 9th, 2022

Mars is at detriment in the sign of Taurus, bringing an energy of contradiction—Mars wanting to get ahead, but Taurus requiring that we move slow and methodically. This energy on its own can be incredibly frustrating, but with the addition of a square to Saturn, something we want, or something we have been working toward, can be stopped dead in its tracks, at least for the time being.

Those born with Mars square Saturn have the life lesson of learning to pace themselves. What is too much effort and what is not enough? These people have an inner push/pull dichotomy, both a strong desire toward success and achievement while simultaneously navigating an inner resistance that can lead to impatience and frustration.

This is energy to be very mindful of as we move through it as we may be left feeling very defeated,  annoyed and/or extremely dissatisfied by our circumstances. Much like the idiom “the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” with Mars in Taurus there can be a tendency to repress our anger or frustrations so much that we end up exploding over something small or temporary.

Venus Opposite Pluto from Cancer to Capricorn

Exact on August 8th, 2022 at 11:18pm MDT

Most active August 6th through August 10th, 2022

Venus’s transit through Cancer has renewed our love for the home and family and refreshed our priorities of emotional security and comfort. As Venus opposes Pluto in Capricorn we may find ourselves confronted by our deepest, most potent desires and needing to correct any imbalances between our home and career, our close relationships and our self.

Those born with Venus opposite Pluto have a very magnetic attractiveness about them, both physically and personality-wise, along with intense feelings of desire, including sexual desire. However, the intensity of desire these people hold can potentially lead to lust, envy or greed if not kept in check. The opposition is an energy of integration and so those with this placement are searching for a healthy balance in their relationships, values and finances. What is enough and what is too much?

This transit may bring strong and instant feelings of attraction to your current partner or even for someone new, but be careful of the potential for jealousy, possessiveness and power struggles if the energy is not directed positively. It’s important to be aware throughout this transit that romantic feelings will run high and we may find ourselves in an emotional power struggle with the ones we love most or over the things that hold the most value to us. However, Pluto always holds the key to transformation. Once again, mindfulness is key.

Sun Square Uranus from Leo to Taurus

Exact on August 11th, 2022 at 6:53am MDT

Most active from August 9th through August 13th, 2022

The energy of the Sun in Leo squaring Uranus in Taurus is just one part of the complex story unfolding at the Aquarius Full Moon. We have been under tremendous pressure throughout the last few weeks and the influence of the Sun square Uranus is triggering a rebellion at the very core of our being. Under this transit we may feel very impulsive, ready to act out and defy any norms, expectations or conventions that no longer work for us or that cause us to feel stuck or stagnant. Personal freedom is priority number one under this influence and that priority has been extremely challenged in some way, shape or form in each of our lives.

Those born with this placement have an innate volatility to navigate in this lifetime. These people do not think or act like the rest, nor would they want to and they usually make that known in some way. However, it does create a challenge for them as the very core of their being desires to be seen and recognized for who they are while challenged by Uranus’ strange and disruptive way of standing out.

It bears repeating that mindfulness is key throughout this entire month as this transit is yet another activation that can bring chaos and disruptions. The energy of the square pushes us to make changes. This Sun square Uranus in congruence with the Full Moon in Aquarius just may be the push many of us have needed!

Venus Enters Leo

Exact on August 11th, 2022 at 12:30pm MDT

Active from August 11th through September 5th, 2022

Venus enters Leo today, shifting our values to our creativity and self expression. This is always a welcome transit for initiating creative endeavors or anything that brings us recognition or compliments. However, Venus is next in line to activate the Fixed Grand Cross energy of Uranus and the North Node in Taurus, Saturn in Aquarius and the South Node in Scorpio. Toward the end of the month, Venus’ influence could bring challenge on the relationship or financial front. However, it’s important to remember that under Venus in Leo energy, whatever we are feeling or experiencing, it may seem bigger or more dramatic due to this influence.

People born with their Venus in Leo tend to have very likable, warm and gregarious personalities that can light up any room. They value big shows of affection in relationships and if you find yourself in partnership with one of these people, you will always know if you are loved because they will show you in big, dramatic ways! Venus in Leo people are highly creative and this placement brings a talent for beauty and fashion along with acting and theatre! However, if Venus is challenged in some way it can bring either an overly prideful nature or a lack of self-love that these people must navigate throughout their lives.

Full Moon at 19° Aquarius

Exact on August 11th, 2022 at 7:36pm MDT

Most active from August 6th through August 16th, 2022 

Through the season of Leo our energy is tuned into our heart and focused on the will of the Self. As the Moon becomes full in the opposing sign of Aquarius we are brought into balance by reawakening to the will of the group or the will of all. At the Full Moon in Aquarius we may notice themes coming to the fore of our lives having to do with friends, science, technology, philanthropy, spiritual awakening, revolution, and equality! And of course we can't forget astrology!

This Full Moon in Aquarius is an intense point of culmination for an ongoing social story that has been building for awhile. This Moon is conjunct Saturn, Aquarius' traditional ruler and very tightly squaring Uranus in Taurus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, which is conjunct the Lunar North node. This extremely intense configuration will be highlighting the disruptions of Uranus in Taurus, who's transit is working to assist in bringing down the outdated Saturnian structures of our lives. Uranus square Saturn is bringing us into the modern era, one where there truly is more freedom and equality for all.

The Full Moon in Aquarius is yet another activation of the now ongoing energy of the Fixed Grand Cross between Saturn in Aquarius, Uranus and the North Node in Taurus, the South Node in Scorpio, and the Sun, Mercury and Venus each making their way through the sign of Leo. This Full Moon energy brings challenge, stress and strain to a head in all of our lives and it is likely we will be feeling just about fed up with too much burden and restriction, both individually and collectively.

The good news is that there is an energy of assistance at this Full Moon, a trine between Mars in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn. This energy gives tremendous power and motivation to take action, achieve goals and make needed change! The energy of Aquarius is revolutionary and we may be motivated by a lack of equality in some area of our lives or by some sort of social injustice at this Full Moon. The trine between Mars and Pluto could have us fired up to take action that brings about more freedom and equality in the area of our lives that have been taken over by oppressive measures of control.

The Full Moon in Aquarius is going to be a chaotic and intense peak period of time for all. Remember to take time to separate yourself from the group, get grounded and think for yourself in order to successfully move though this energy.

Sun Opposite Saturn from Leo to Aquarius

Exact on August 14th, 2022 at 11:10am MDT

Most active from August 11th through August 17th, 2022

The Sun in opposition to Saturn is a tough one that is ultimately meant to make us stronger and better. Like the Sun’s square to Uranus just a few days ago, the opposition to Saturn is a part of an ongoing story having to do with achieving our goals along with a desire to be seen or have our talents recognized in some way. The Sun in Leo is all about our ability to express from our core and in opposition to Saturn, we come up against limitations or criticism that can leave us feeling deflated, doubtful or disappointed in some way.

Those with this placement in their birth chart are learning to balance and integrate the energy of their Sun and Saturn in order to become their own authority. Sun opposite Saturn is another placement that is incredibly hardworking because of an innate desire to overcome self-perceived weaknesses and attain some level of success and achievement. The shadow side of this energy can be issues around boundaries and projecting the expectations they have for themselves onto others by becoming overly critical.

As we move through this transit it is important not to let setbacks or limitation get you down or allow critiques to tarnish your belief in yourself. Sun/Saturn transits are always an opportunity to practice our boundaries and to learn from the authority figures in our lives in order to refine ourselves and level up.

Venus Trine Jupiter from Leo to Aries

Exact on August 18th, 2022 at 2:03am MDT

Active from August 16th through August 20th, 2022

Venus in Leo trine Jupiter in Aries is a welcomed transit right now, as it brings a needed blessing to our lives. This blessing can come in the form of generosity, optimism, excitement or ease after what has been an otherwise challenging and difficult period of time. During this transit we may find that we are presented with new opportunities for expansion, doors that have been closed may suddenly open up, or the resources we have been lacking become available.

Venus trine Jupiter natives tend to be very well-liked for they have an optimistic and giving nature. People with this placement in their birth chart have a degree of luck with the two benefics in trine, however, they must not take their luck for granted, whether it be with relationship or finances. Effort is still required, but when these people apply passion and hard work, they will find that their needs are always met.

We can all benefit from this transit by using it to allow ourselves to feel good, count the blessings we do have and give of ourselves as generously as we are able, even if only to share a smile with a stranger.

Mars Enters Gemini

Exact on August 20th, 2022 at 1:56am MDT

Active from August 20th, 2022 through March 25th, 2023 

Mars enters Gemini today where it will remain for the next 7 months! Mars will be going retrograde in October, which we will be discussing in more detail as we get closer. For now, the planet of drive and passion is entering the sign of communication. As Mars moves through the sign of Gemini, our ability to successfully communicate and take action on our ideas is going to be heavily in focus.

People with Mars in Gemini have a lot to say and the sharp mind to say it. They are highly intellectual and not afraid of debate, in fact, they thrive on conversation that offers them a mental challenge. Mars in Gemini natives can have a great many interests and the ingenuity to pursue many ambitions successfully. They make great writers, teachers and lawyers, or just about any career that allows them to exercise their strong mental faculties. However, if Mars is challenged in Gemini there is always the possibility of restlessness, boredom, or not being able to dig deep enough to attain expertise in something. Affliction to Mars in Gemini can also create someone who is adversarial for the sake of being adversarial.

As Mars moves through a sign we are typically recharged in this area of life. However as Mars transits this Mutable Air sign and eventually turns retrograde, we are going to learning some important lessons with regard to our physical energy as it relates to our state of mind. This could be a period of mental burnout and confusion, possibly even physical burnout as well. As Mars stations retrograde, it will do so in a very prolonged square to Neptune in Pisces. We may find ourselves losing focus doing the simplest of things or even rendered unable to move or progress in some way. A seemingly small but important thing to keep in mind, Gemini rules driving and so throughout this period, try to be extra careful while in your car!

Mercury opposite Neptune from Virgo to Pisces

Exact on August 21st, 2022 at 1:40am MDT

Most active from August 19th through August 23rd, 2022

The energy of Mercury in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces is one of disillusionment. Mercury in Virgo is highly practical, whereas the energy of Neptune in Pisces is highly idealistic. These two energies in opposition are working to find balance between our dreams and aspirations and what is realistic and tangible in our lives right now.

Those born with this placement are highly imaginative and may even be true conduits for spiritual information. However, they must work to create structure in order to bring their messages and ideas into the 3D realm. It is also very important that they create clear boundaries in order to not be deceived or to deceive themselves. 

Through this throughout this transit we may find ourselves feeling a little more spacey and unfocused. Creating space in our day to dream is a good thing as is doing grounding work. Because of Mercury’s upcoming retrograde, we will revisit this energy again so make note of any messages or downloads that may come through for you during this time. What seems nebulous for you now may make practical sense in a few weeks.

Sun Enters Virgo

Exact on August 22nd, 2022 at 9:16pm MDT

Active from August 22nd through October 22nd, 2022

Happy Virgo Season and Happy Solar Return to the Virgos out there! The Sun’s transit through Virgo shines a light on what is useful moving forward, essentially helping us to create order out of the chaos that has been the last several weeks. In the sign of practical service, the energy of the Sun will help us to prioritize and reorganize our lives from a renewed feeling of purpose.

Those with their Sun in Virgo are driven to be of service in such a way that is tangible and useful. Virgos have a very sharp mind and the eyes of a hawk that give them the ability to focus in on the important details that others may miss. They tend to find success in their lives because they tirelessly hone their skills and have the innate understanding that goals and dreams remain just that until tangible steps are taken to create the reality they seek. If the Sun is afflicted in Virgo, there can be a tendency toward anxiety or debilitating self-criticism.

The last few weeks have been an energetic whirlwind. The Sun’s transit through Virgo is going to help us by getting us back to basics, focusing on the health of the body and mind by carving out a new routine as the cosmic dust begins to settle. Throughout this time we may find ourselves wanting to clean our homes, restructure our day or simply exercise and eat more healthily in order to feel more alert and energized for the hard work that lies ahead.

Uranus Stations Retrograde at 18° Taurus

Exact on August 24th, 2022 at 7:53am MDT

Active from August 24th, 2022 through January 22nd, 2023

This is another BIG energy to pay attention to as Uranus’ energy is heightened while it stations and the themes of Uranus in Taurus are yet again, brought to the forefront of our lives. Taurus is an energy that represents the resources we need to live a stable and secure human life. Uranus is the planet of surprise, technology, liberation, awakening and chaos. These are two very contradictory energies! 

However, Uranus is trying to bring us into the future and show us that our way of life is no longer sustainable. Uranus is attempting to awaken us through our resources and bring us into a new way of life that allows more freedom, along with more abundance and sustainability. Taurus rules things like food, money, and the actual tangible resources we draw from the planet Earth! Uranus’ transit through this sign is shaking things up, which we can very clearly see in the disruptions to these areas of life, especially throughout the last few years.

Uranus’ transit through Taurus has been, and will continue to be an erratic and disruptive influence that is being steadily activated and forcing us to change. As Uranus stations, we may feel these themes intensify and throughout the 5 month retrograde cycle, we will be forced to take a look at how we are treating the earth, how we are acquiring our resources, and how the status quo just won’t work any longer!

Mercury Enters Libra

Exact on August 25th, 2022 at 7:03pm MDT

Active from August 25th through September 23rd, 2022

The energy of Mercury in Libra is a fairly easy-going and understanding transit that helps us to weigh all of our options in order to establish fairness and harmony. Mercury in Libra works to bring more balance and cooperation to our lives, most especially to our closest relationships.

Those born with this placement have a genuine desire to connect to others and to express fairness in the way that they communicate. People with their Mercury in Libra are usually quite charming, social and typically very well-liked due to their diplomatic nature. They make eloquent speakers and good partners because their nature is to establish cooperation. However, this is another placement that must work to create boundaries and discernment, as they can be easily influenced by others and lose sight of their own voice and intuition.

Due to Mercury’s upcoming retrograde in Libra and Virgo, we are going to be focused on healing communication within our relationships and diving deep in order to better understand different perspectives a bit more than usual.

Venus Square Uranus from Leo to Taurus

Exact on August 26th, 2022 at 10:33pm MDT

Most active from August 24th through August 28th, 2022 

We have one more activation of the Fixed Grand Cross energy and this time its Venus, bringing unexpected changes on the relationship and/or financial front! Venus in Leo square Uranus in Taurus could have us feeling detached in our current relationship and wanting to break from the what has become mundane, while simultaneously desiring more attention and security!

Those born with Venus square Uranus have a tricky challenge to navigate in their lives, one of a deep need for freedom and independence, while also craving the intimacy and stability that comes with committed partnership. If these people are to have a long-term, successful commitment of any kind, they must be able to do it on their own terms and learn to keep things feeling fresh and free. This is a placement that indicates someone who goes against the grain and has an unusual or disruptive way of relating to others.

A good way to utilize this energy proactively is to think of unique ways of refreshing your current relationship or innovative ways in which you can earn income. Venus square Uranus energy challenges us to find ways to merge the parts of our lives where we desire a degree of convention with the parts of ourselves that are unconventional.

Sun Square Mars from Virgo to Gemini

Exact on August 26th, 2022 at 11:27pm MDT

Most active August 24th, through August 28th, 2022

The Sun in Virgo squaring Mars in Gemini is yet another quick transit to be mindful of and proceed with caution. On the one hand, this energy can be highly motivated and ready to leap into action in order to bring about change. However, this can also indicate a time when we are quickly driven to anger due to an intense passion and energy running through us. The energy of the Sun and Mars both have associations with our life goals and our will. The Sun is the will of the soul whereas Mars is the more willful nature of the ego. With Mars in Gemini its possible we've tried to push through with something before it was fully ready. The square from the Sun in Virgo may indicate a need to perfect a few things first.

Those born with this placement are highly ambitious and willing to push through obstacles in order to be on top. However, they must learn to accept loss and disappointment every once in awhile in order to learn and grow. Sun square Mars people have an inner conflict that creates natural born leaders, but they must learn to compromise and find ways to lead without trampling over those who help them get there. 

This transit brings another period of potential conflict. This could be a time where our egos take a hit for one reason or another that may feel unfair or incorrect to us. A positive way to make use of this energy is to keep focused on your goals, but accept critique in order to grow from your mistakes. Because of the involvement of Mars, be careful not to lash out. Vigorous physical activity is always advised when feelings of frustration arise.

New Moon at 4° Virgo

Exact on August 27th, 2022 at 2:17 am MDT

Most active from August 22nd through September 2, 2022 

The New Moon in Virgo is initiating a new energy that will be ongoing for us, so long as Mars transits the sign of Gemini. The Virgo New Moon and Mars’ transit through Gemini are intrinsically linked, and ultimately showing us how the health of our mind is linked to the health of the body.

However, due to its retrograde, Mars transits Gemini for 7 months, which tells us the road to this understanding is long, winding, complex and multifaceted as the energy of Gemini. The New Moon in Virgo is exactly square to Mars in Gemini creating challenge or friction with regard to our health, possibly even mental health. The energy of Mars in Gemini is excitable and passionate about many things. But as the New Moon squares this energy, we may be faced with the dilemma of having to let some things go in order to maintain, or regain, our mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Mercury, the dispositor of this New Moon, plays an important role as it rules both Virgo and Gemini. At the time of this New Moon, Mercury is in Libra opposing Jupiter in Aries. Mercury in Libra can be indecisive and in opposition to Jupiter, this may be a time where we feel overwhelmed by our options. It could also be that we are thinking grandiosely and not being practical about what we are actually physically capable of at this time. 

The New Moon in Virgo is always a time when we need to focus in on the details and be realistic about what is truly possible. Intention setting with this Moon could be a little different, rather than inviting more in or initiating something new, with the square to Mars we may want to look at what needs to be cut out in order to become more proficient in the things we care about most.

Virgo is the energy of the Virgin, the pure heart that wants to be of service to something greater. But when Virgo energy is challenged, we can feel pressured to be perfect. We can become hypercritical of ourselves, which we are learning can lead to physical burnout and illness. Ultimately this Moon is giving us permission to let go and relax a little bit more. The real challenge may be giving that permission to ourselves.