ASTROLOGICAL AFFECTS - AUGUST, 2024

by Ren Rasa Yogamaya, E- RYT 500

​​​

SUN IN LEO: Most affected are Leo and All Fire Signs.  FOR ALL SIGNS: The month is now in the sign of Leo. A more heightened awareness of courage, self-confidence, arrogance or humility. The best side of Leo is seen in their regal demeanor, their display of generosity, loyalty, containing their egos graciously, sharing their palatial-like home and their talents. The key is to know when to behave with humility, when to end undue-loyalty and to leave justice in the hands of the Universe. Expressing what is important to you is good as long as you deliver the message with a touch of class.  When in doubt, remain positive; keep a smile on your face. Please consider to observe yourself as cockiness can turn people off. Celebrate this month with Seva, being of service to others with love and generosity. Best Sacred Geometry:  Tetrahedron (triangle), representing the element of Fire. Best Yantra: The color Gold.

​

AUGUST 4 – NEW MOON IN LEO: Most affected are Leo and All Fire Signs.  FOR LEO: The New Moon is in your own sign and it sets the tone for the next twelve months. It is not too late for you to meditate on what you wish for by writing down what you need, not for what you want. A new cycle begins now; consider what is happening around you, in your local community, your family or your state or country. Consider the choices that you make as more of this can be cultivated and more may come your way during this new cycle. A Special Message for Leo: You must be extra vigil with new, important matters that come your way. The next day, MIR begins and you need to stay ahead of important messages, information.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit occurred at 4:13AM    PDT. A New Moon signifies a new beginning and a new cycle begins now.  Are you ready to begin again? Begin by learning about something new: We continue to feel the affects of this New Moon for the next few weeks. The New Moon in Leo: This is an excellent time for creating and planning new goals regarding Leo characteristics and your Third Chakra, Manipura.  We may concentrate on new ways to enhance our romantic Life, our creative endeavors and hobbies, relationships with children, as well as build our self-confidence and having healthy pride in ourselves. Also, being of service to others by being more gracious and generous with our own time or money.

 

Some of Leo’s lessons involve for us as unique individuals, taking responsibility for our own lives, and giving ourselves warmly and generously to others. This New Moon transit is an excellent time to meditate upon some of the characteristics of Leo. The keywords for this self-expressive Fire sign are: Nice, proud, noble, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and open. These are traits that we might need to enhance, develop or improve and incorporate into our selves.

 

We all have Leo somewhere in our astrological charts. Use the coming month to improve those areas of Life. It’s time to awaken our hearts again and find ways to express ourselves creatively. With this potent Leo energy, we can make significant changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle.  Usually, two weeks after the New Moon occurs is a good time to make some plans and set the stage for receiving the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be.  This lunation harmonizes with Mars and Jupiter as these planets approach alignment in the sign of Gemini. We also can be enterprising, confident and wish to enjoy ourselves with others and this includes a bit of fun.

​

AUGUST 4 – VENUS ENTERS VIRGO:  Most affected are Virgo, Taurus, Libra and Leo.  FOR VIRGO: Venus the planet of love, beauty and relationships is in your transit again – good news! You may now enjoy your new popularity and if single, the good possibility of romantic interests.  If you are already coupled, this can be a very romantic time for you, one of the best times of the year for your love life and also for creativity. Others may seek you out, as they are attracted to your ideas and personality. A reminder: When Venus is in any sign of the Zodiac, the senses are heightened as well. Be careful not to over-indulge with food or too much of anything. A Special Message for Virgo: As Venus will be in your sign for most of this month, fret not as it can bring lightness into your heart. Also, consider to acknowledge those who contribute positively to your workload.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until August 29, 2024. This is a time when we can express our love through practical means and gestures as running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers and others. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. As Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual, Virgo is also quite practical and mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

 

Also, we could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Offering our services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of Love. The dark side of this transit is being overly critical of our partners or relationships or being picky, nervous, or worried. Over-reacting to things will certainly back-fire as well. With Love, we’re not very showy or demonstrative. Instead, we can show our love through being of service.

 

During this Venus in Virgo transit, we can gravitate to, and find some benefits with holistic healing, acupuncture, Yoga, and nutritional boosts. We are more interested with our health and in ways to enrich our lives and boost our well-being. “Healthy is Wealthy” could be a positive statement now. In fact, we may enjoy health-boosting activities more than usual. Businesses promoting nutrition, wholesomeness, and well-being can also prosper, do much better at this time. Commitment and attention to detail are also more prominently considered virtues now.

 

We can be conservative with money, pleasure, and romance at this time, ready to analyze and dissect these matters. This can also be a time when helping others, especially with good advice regarding Venus-ruled things, can be prominent and successful. We might meet new friends or lovers through our work or health-pursuits. Just remember while in the moment, to be grateful for the good and for whatever the ‘new’ that you receive.

 

AUGUST 5 – MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE WHILE IN LEO: Most affected are Leo, Gemini and Virgo.  FOR ALL SIGNS:  This transit will continue until August 28, 2024.

This transit always occurs every three months for a period of three weeks. Beginning on this date, for the next three weeks, lay low in matters of communications, travel, and purchases relating to electrical gadgets of communications; the cell phone, the computer, an automobile and other electrical equipment or machinery. The written, spoken, and typed word may have to be RE-written, RE-spoken, RE-typed.  Generally, not a good time to commit with your word or sign important documents as when MIR turns direct in three weeks there will be changes. Also, the same may be for scheduling anything. Some changes may be for the better, or more likely, some of it may fall apart before or by the next MIR  (in 3 months).

​

IN ADDITION, the sweet and the bitter can also return and speak loudly or softly to our hearts. For example, music, movies even television shows all from the past can return and remind us of happy or sad memories related to the past. Even un-finished business that began from the last MIR (Mercury in Retrograde) from three months ago to a MIR from years past can return by mail, email, a text or a phone call. Some of these returning contacts may require a serious look and consider that which needs to be completed for this on-going cycle to come to an end. It would be best to embrace what is welcomed and healing and let go of that which can hold you down; it must go.

​

While Mercury is Retrograde in the sign of Aries, we may be returning to past projects and refining or improving them. We may find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new instead of the old. We might consider renewing past endeavors where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. And, while Mercury is in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction. Consider that the inaction of not listening during this Mercury Retrograde period can be especially costly, the outcome more stressful than necessary.

 

Consider that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate in a rush (or with the intention to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during this MIR period; as an example: There can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people or quick commentary (that are considered careless) can go out, then come regret(s). Remember this general rule: Ask yourself before you press the “go” button: Is it necessary?  Is it real?  Is it kind? Must it go out ‘now’?

 

AUGUST 14 – RETROGRADE MERCURY ENTERS THE SIGN OF LEO: Most affected are Leo, Gemini and Virgo.  FOR LEO: Prepare for an open-minded discussion with your partner at the start of the next coming week, near the Full Moon. Also, observe yourself with memories from your past. Are they sweet and happy ones or are they thoughts that are old and need to be rid of once and for all..?

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will continue until September 9, 2024. Please note that While Mercury began its Retrograde on August 5th in the sign of Virgo, Retrograde Mercury returns into the sign of Leo now. Mercury’s Retrograde cycle this time is the reason for Mercury returning to Leo so soon after leaving the sign. The Retrograde began in Virgo, but with reverse motion, Mercury now returns back into Leo.

While Mercury is Retrograde in the sign of Leo, we might return to old hobbies or forms of recreation with a renewed perspective. We may be thinking about past events such as big A-list parties, performances, accomplishments, past loves, and creations more frequently, seeing them a little differently now. Past ideas and perceptions of lovers, children, and creative pursuits can emerge and change. And with Mercury in Retrograde, this can also be a time when a lot of little things can go wrong, so it can be frustrating.

 

We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this could be done in a new way for things to work, to succeed this time around. With Mercury in Leo, we prefer to learn from our own experience rather than instruction, and by not listening carefully during this Mercury Retrograde period can be especially troublesome and costly.

 

And also, Mercury in Retro aligns with the Sun in Leo mid-retrograde on August 18th, bringing illumination to our thoughts. This conjunction presents a favorable time for processing recent events and ideas, and for beginning to look at problems or issues from a new perspective and with a new understanding. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or for worse.  Also, significant, new ideas can be birthed at this time.

 

AUGUST 19 – FULL MOON IN AQUARIUS:  Most affected are Aquarius and All Air Signs.  FOR AQUARIUS: The Full Moon is once again in your sign now and therefore, time to surrender, release and let go of people and circumstances that are not healthy or healing within your Life. Special Message for Aquarius: Time for you to expect the unexpected as this may continue for a couple of weeks.

FOR ALL SIGNS: This transit will occurred at 11:AM AM - PDT. A Full Moon signifies the end of a cycle in our lives. Not just Air Signs need to surrender, release and let go. When you “let go”, you make room for “the new” to come in.  On a Full Moon or Lunar Eclipse, it is good to make a list on what you can part with including unhealthy people, bad habits and circumstances that no longer fit well in your Life. A regular

 

Full Moon that occurs once per month is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the last New Moon. During the Full Moon, it can be an emotional time, a time of romance, inspiration and relationships. Each month there is a Full Moon with a specific divine meaning and the opportunity to learn what it represents. The Leo Sun (-the month) is proud and intensely individual not content with simply being’ just one of the team’. The Aquarius Moon, while individualistic as well, values independence and the team, community, and ‘group spirit’. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

 

Usually when a Full Moon occurs, we can suddenly burst forth with proclamations and outpours that seem fresh and new, simply because they are not yet fully understood. A Full Moon illuminates and some times magnifies feelings, attitudes, and circumstances that are already in existence. This is a time of awakening to see, hear and feel the need for others or to answer to larger humanitarian inclinations. This lunation is square Uranus, suggesting some tense, rebellious energies connected to our realizations and epiphanies. The Sun is aligned with Retrograde Mercury, (having just formed an inferior conjunction the day before), and our revelations are essential and can be surprising. While we may be eager to move forward, we’re temporarily focusing on the past. As Mercury in Retrograde will continue until August 28, the effects of this Full Moon may continue to feel like a tug of war between brazen attention-grabbing events and warm and friendly, off-beat examples related to the rich and famous, past and present.

 

AUGUST 22 – THE SUN ENTERS THE SIGN OF VIRGO:  Most affected are Virgo and All Earth Signs.

​

AUGUST 28 – MERCURY TURNS DIRECT IN LEO: Most affected are Leo, Gemini and Virgo.  FOR ALL SIGNS: As Mercury begins direct motion, its’ cycle begins slowly then it picks up speed. In about a week or so things begin to feel more balanced in matters related to communications, the written, typed, tweeted, text word, travel, energy and electro-magnetic energy related to your neurological system. You can now go forward with new agreements or signing important documents.  Expect some fall out from this, most recent MIR.  This means that some things were not meant to last, it is best to accept the changes and move on.

​

As the planet of communication, Mercury Retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury can rule our “lower” mind and how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our surroundings, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury also affects such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these other areas are affected when Mercury is functioning in a slow-sluggish way.

​

Things can be most out-of-whack on the days of the ‘stations’-newly changed), whether Mercury is turning Retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occurs.  Mercury is Retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, Retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury ‘stations’, communications have more impact, so critical that negative communications could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

 

So, now that Mercury is direct after several weeks of Retrograde motion, recent problems with communications and decision-making should start to improve in the days and weeks ahead. Plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. Take your time; ease your way as it’s best not to rush conversations and observations. The best in understanding the now aftermath is to see the opportunities from this retrograde that may have held you down, slowed you down and perhaps changed you or something in your Life for the better.

​

AUGUST 29 – VENUS ENTERS THE SIGN OF LIBRA:  Most affected are Libra, All Air Signs and Virgo.  FOR LIBRA: Your own ruling planet is now in your own orbit. Venus the planet of love, beauty and relationships in your transit again is good news! You may now enjoy your new popularity and if single, the good possibility of romantic interests.  If you are already coupled, this can be a very romantic time for you, one of the best times of the year for your love Life and also for creativity. Others may seek you out, as they are attracted to your ideas and personality. A reminder: When Venus is in any sign of the Zodiac, the senses are heightened as well. Be careful not to over-indulge with food or too much of anything. A Special Message for Libra: The first half of September could find you spending more time with family and social contacts and you could expand your network.

FOR ALL SIGNS: We choose charm over assertiveness to get what we want during this cycle. We may be quite willing to negotiate and compromise, we can be very considerate, agreeable, polite and even accommodating with others. We can be very idealistic about love, and we may also seek intellectual peers. Although Venus in Libra is very much relationship-focused, there is an air of cool detachment to this energy. We prefer things are done with the approach of a more gentle, “right way”, and aggressive or uncouth behavior turns us off.

 

The shadow or dark side of this position includes over-dependence and superficiality. To avoid unpleasant situations, we could easily gloss over or ignore deeper issues in our relationships. It’s probably best to avoid the trap of agreeing or “just going along with it”  -especially with our partners while we quietly resent the fact or thinking ourselves martyrs for doing so. This can create denial and later the bigger shock of the outcome due to complacency. To avoid this from happening, consider a different approach in your initial communications; perhaps writing it out, envisioning the scene before speaking or sending it in an email.

 

While Venus is in Libra, we are more artistically inclined or seek balance in our personal environment. This cycle is excellent for promoting cooperation, harmony, mutually beneficial connections, and fairness. We are gentle but firm, and some of us can be well skilled at mediation.  Venus in this sign can help to enhance the beauty of the fine art of design and more.

 

And, We are more likely to prosper during this cycle in partnership(s), through one-on-one associations, such as counseling, or in fields related to harmony, relationships, social events, beauty, design, and the law. We’re not comfortable with direct competition or aggressive pursuit(s), preferring a win-win situations for all.  We may attract things to us and appeal to others gently and kindly. Equality and politeness are important now, and we despise hurting others’ feelings.

​

Ren Rasa Yogamaya is a Yoga teacher and Yoga Therapist, providing her services for over 27 years. As a writer, she is the author of EAT BY COLOR: Foods, Colors and The Chakras and her Astrological Affects column is syndicated world-wide. She is a natural channel for Universal Source as she offers guidance, solutions to your issues and she teaches privately in Los Angeles, CA.