‘There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home’!
A memorable line from the film, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ of course, but also an opener for the month of August, as it begins with the Sun sitting comfortably in its natural home, the Zodiac Sign of Leo, the Lion!
However, this is no cowardly lion, more a lazing one this month as it laps up the Sun’s rays, with a cocktail at hand. For this August promises a roaring time, as the Sun is quite literally like the song says, welcomed into the ‘House of Fun’. Although, it seems the invitation arrived at the end of July, when a New Moon in Leo, the Sign of enjoyment and creativity arrived, offering new experiences and opportunities. However, this month the Sun turns up to grab the offer with Mercury and Jupiter in tow, ready for their fair share of fun too, as August begins with these two Planets closely joined together in the Sign of Leo. Subsequently signalling that at last pressure is off home life and we are instead entering a more leisurely period.
For there should definitely be a more upbeat feeling in general everyday life, not only due to the positive reflection of the beaming Sun, but also lucky Jupiter coupled with Mercury, governing day to day events and communications. This is especially true regarding activities around children, as Leo presides over young cubs, so there should be an emphasis on introducing more entertainment into learning and sports this August. This being in an attempt to improve children’s health and well-being, releasing stress, as the curriculum is re-evaluated and what goes on after-school hours. A theme which will no doubt take better shape when the second half of the month sees Planets progress into detailed and health conscious Virgo.
While, those no longer of school age will be feeling younger at heart this month, whether it be because of that long awaited rejuvenating Summer holiday; spending quality time with children on their lengthy annual break or just simply doing a little less work and more play. For from the 11th Venus joins other Leo Planets to ensure carefree distractions are paramount in people’s minds, encouraging the urge to splurge the cash.
However, even though Leo’s cheerful outlook calms Cancer’s previous emotional turmoil, it is advisable to remain aware that even a lounging lion is always poised to pounce, as this month a little lion’s courage may also be necessary. For conflicts still exist, as these Leo Planets face opposition from warrior Mars in Scorpio now teaming up with Saturn to enter the lion’s den. As this double act endeavour to get to the bottom of all criminal and illicit encounters, with Leo’s involvement directing attention towards addressing child abuse in particular and the Leo qualities of power and celebrity being misused for these ends. This is further ramped up a notch by the Full Moon in rivalling Aquarius on the 10th, linking large organisations to exploitation.
While shocking Uranus remains stationary in irate Aries throughout the month of August, indicating issues that have caused past upset will continue too, lingering unresolved. This being applicable in relation to abuses in general, as Uranus not only aspects Saturn, but squares up against Venus and Pluto. For Venus commences the month in Cancer opposing Pluto until the 11th, highlighting concerns around the concept of home in all its forms and resources, financial or otherwise. As conflict continues over those fighting for what they regard as their home territory, with the situation in Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Palestine and Iran/Iraq predominantly starred. However, Planets suggest that this is a time to reflect and learn from past issues for Russia and Israel, in order to address present and future difficulties. Whereas the relationship between Iran/Iraq looks set to undergo further changes.
While closer to home, care home procedures may require new legislation to combat mistreatment. This even further reinforced when Mercury progresses into Virgo on the 16th, shortly followed by the Sun on the 23rd, confronting Neptune immobile in Pisces. As the health services available for those vulnerable will once again come to the fore, illuminating any inefficiencies and inadequate care, especially relating to the neglected elderly, with Pluto and Neptune still retrograde.
However, a Virgo New Moon on the 25th should aid putting in place procedures to handle concerns, establishing around the clock care and monitoring. Although caution is needed with Virgo, as new ideas run the risk of becoming just a cost-cutting exercise, but with Venus already tackling tricky planetary aspects all month, any shortcuts may have the reverse effect, costing governments more, as stricter sanctions on benefit’s claimants seem to already be displaying.
Therefore, this month may see extremes worldwide of joyous occasions and bloodshed occurring almost simultaneously, as new planetary transits clash with stationary Outer Planets, quite literally weather-wise, as that roaring thunder may make an appearance once again. Meanwhile, violence of some type around Singapore and unpredictable upheaval in France seems probable. On a more positive note, the Caribbean Islands, South Korea and Switzerland receive more favourable attention, linked to everyday life and young males. Whereas, this month’s Full Moon affects the public status of those in the U.S, perhaps touching on the issue of illegal immigration from Mexico, along with cementing the work/health situation in Cuba. While in South Africa and Kuwait the healing process commences for past hurts. So all in all like the tornado in the ‘Wizard of Oz’, August promises a-gust of that wind of change, but this month may also leave us feeling a little aghast!
