The intensity of the Cardinal energy continues with Mars in Libra joining the fray, poking about in the realms of your intimate relations. This is not necessarily a negative when you need to get things moving, but it can add a desperate, aggressive edge when your aims or desires meet resistance from others. Venus starts to reach the end of her journey in Virgo, and those last few degrees before she enters Libra on the 8th will be intense.

On the 4th of August, Venus forms a quincunx aspect with Neptune in Aquarius.  This can be a blow to the confidence regards present aims, with negative thoughts creeping into the equation. Niggling doubts can fester into full blown depression if you allow it, so do yourself a favour and relax, enjoy the imaginative possibilities and heightened creative potential these two in aspect have to offer. Be wary though, of allowing your imagination to run away with you as Venus and Neptune can be overly romantic and push aside realistic barriers of self protection on a reckless whim.

The Venus energy intensifies on the 5th when she moves into opposition to Uranus. This dynamic addition enhances the risk-taking potential of the Venus/Neptune union but with a hesitation to commit to one possibility, the introduction of Uranus can simply add confusion and disappointment. With Chiron also connecting in a quincunx with Venus here – old, romantic wounds and negative views about self, can really darken what has such bright potential.

By the 6th, Venus and Saturn unite in a conjunction, which can heighten the present insecurities, or enhance newly found strength. Saturn does bring an air of control to the equation, with you either pushing to take leadership in certain situations, or finding yourself in the warpath of a dominating other. Balance is sought here. Take any hurdles that arrive with this energy as encouragement to work through any fears or confidence issues whilst defending your boundaries. But make certain that you also leave yourself open and flexible to new opportunities if they arrive, thanks to Jupiter’s influence.

On the 7th, Mars moves beyond the touch of Saturn and Uranus, but keeps his square with Pluto. This is such a powerhouse of empowerment potential this square, and when used wisely, can really guide you safely through the rocky waters of the past. Used recklessly though, this connection is a volatile pit of festering bitterness.

The 8th will be an interesting twist, with Venus entering Libra and softening the hard edges of this Cardinal intensity. Joining Mars in his opposition to Jupiter, luck and opportunity can abound. It is wise though, to hold on tight to Saturn’s sensibility as it will be easy to drift off with lazy temptation and be quite wasteful with resources. Keep an eye on the budget but do allow yourself to relax with this energy flow. It has romantic potential, it has career and creativity potential, it has a whole range of POSITIVE potential, if you choose to take ownership of your future and let go of what holds you to the past.

TAROT ENERGY FOR THE SUN SIGNS

ARIES – The Hermit (reversed)

You are on alert Aries, sensing danger but are uncertain of its source. The Hermit in this position often indicates unnecessary concern, so perhaps boredom in the present is affecting your point of view and overall approach. Another consideration is that there is sound advice around you regarding a concern, yet you are choosing not to listen. Avoid allowing your ego to dictate the moment. Take the time to consider all possible options before making major life changes and make sure you that you take time away from stressing about the present schedule, and enjoy some social time out.

TAURUS – Faith (reversed)

There is a shift in the energy and you are free of a heavy burden. Recent events have been weighing you down, but your spirit feels reborn. If you do strike a difficulty as the week unravels, take a step outside of the box when problem solving and get creative. The usual approach won’t work here and it is time to try something new. Despite the buoyancy and light-hearted energy, do be aware that you are still vulnerable, especially when considering the addition of new individuals into the intimate sphere. Be your usual, warm and loving self, but be on the alert for all and any who are willing to take advantage of you.

GEMINI – Two of Wands (reversed)

With so much possibility and unpredictability in the overall energy, it is no wonder that you are confused and feeling a bit frazzled. This week can find you on the edge of good manners, with certain situations really pushing your generally, pleasant and easy-going mood. Don’t be surprised if you fly off the handle at the smallest of events and feel overly frustrated when you are feeling forced to make a decision. If you need more time for thought, take it and don’t buy into the present pressure.

CANCER – Five of Swords (reversed)

Pluto can be a tough task master but he is certainly building that bridge for you to get over. You find that you are healing at a remarkable rate and moving well beyond hang-ups from the past. Battles with others are in the distance and recent reflections have assisted you in finding the forgiveness necessary to let go of any grudges. If you have been at logger heads regards a situation, you reach some form of compromise this week – or even an outward victory, if you have been accused of a falsehood.

LEO – Six of Cups

You feel nostalgic Leo, but not in a negative way, reflecting on the past with a smile. Much about this week takes you back to more pleasant times, with perhaps even the arrival of a long lost friend or lover. If you have been feeling under the pump with deadlines and expectations, the stress leaves you and you are able to relax, enjoy your family and friends. Not one to forget the aims for success, you find the patience that may have been missing to finalise that deal, or tweak that proposal to perfection.

VIRGO – Death (reversed)

Hold on Virgo, this could be a tough week for you with hoped for plans not eventuating as hoped, or some ‘not so positive’ news on its way. Venus at the final degrees of your sign, could be pulling the last of the negative potential out of you with the sharpened fingernails. Whilst this can seem quite ominous, really, where Death brings about sexy change and temptation, in reverse, there is stagnation and the changes just aren’t sexy! Roll with it, it’s happened and once it is out of the way, brighter horizons are yours.

LIBRA – Queen of Swords

This is a fabulous week in which to wine and dine, wheel and deal – get those necessary negotiations done and dusted before the retrograde phase. With your energy so intellectually focused, you can cut to the chase and guide the potential to just where your sharp insight is telling you it should be. Speaking of insight, this is a fine week for you to take that risk on a whim, trust that your instincts are spot on. Where a relationship has been dragging you down, you find just the right words in which to remove yourself, without creating any unnecessary dramatics.

SCORPIO – Four of Cups (reversed)

You are full of life and keen to get into action Scorpio. Where life may have been dull and shall we say, boring, this last while - you and your energy pick up the pace and reconnect with enthusiasm. This is a fine time to finish off those lingering projects, especially about the house, and spend some time with friends. Creatively inspired as always, if you have been falling behind in the schedule, you will catch up in no time. Even though busy, do keep flexible and don’t be surprised if a surprising new opportunity comes knocking on your door.

SAGITTARIUS – The Fool (reversed)

The world is full of choices and boundaries Sagittarius, and this week brings you ample opportunity to trudge all over both. The best advice with this influence is to think before you speak and if tempted to force an issue – just don’t. It will be tough though, as you will feel quite righteous regards your thoughts and plans of action, but think again, think three times before launching. This is just one of those weeks where it is best to ride it out quietly and resist the temptation to be forceful and make changes.

CAPRICORN – Seven of Wands (reversed)

You can win a battle Capricorn, but you still feel that you are facing a war. Take it easy on yourself here and appreciate the smaller achievements. Of all the signs, you are the one that must be reminded the most to give yourself ample relaxation time. You do forget to unwind when life takes a serious edge. Be logical about your concerns and be honest about your fears. Dismiss those that are unwarranted. On an intimate relations note, be wary of entering deep conversations as quarrels and disagreements are highly likely.

AQUARIUS – Temperance (reversed)

Life is a bit of a roller-coaster Aquarius, bit out of balance and loaded with rotten timing. Much of the confusion stems from your mood as you can sense an enemy in your midst but you’re unsure of just who. Hopefully this negative vibe is from a predictable competitor and not a friend-turned-rival – but be open to both possibilities. Take a deep breath if you feel panic rise and walk yourself through basic logic. Do your best to avoid surface dramatics and exaggeration by keeping to the point of your original intention. If possible, it’s best to hold off on any impulse to push for change and just ride the energy where it takes you.

PISCES – Three of Swords (reversed)

This is an influence of loss, but in this position, it is a minor one. Perhaps you farewell the memory of a friend or lover, as you move into a new connection. Something sad, but also pleasant at the same time. Filled with genuine compassion for those around you, you could well find yourself being the supportive shoulder for someone in need. There is a lot of confusion around you at the moment, as well as some general disorder. Just ride the week out without putting too much pressure on yourself. Take some time to  spoil yourself and be gentle when you feel you have failed to live up to your expectations.

When you receive this influence, you feel rushed, pressed to meet deadlines, or pressured to perform.  There is a natural flow to energy, one that is dictated to by the Sun and the Moon – a flow that excites you when it is time to move forward and causes resistance when it is time to rest. The Time Guardian reminds you of the mechanics of time and highlights where you are pushing against the natural flow. It is the waning phase of the cycle, where you wind down, de-clutter and release. Stressing about the future is wasted energy now and your focus should be solely on healing the past and smoothing the present.

Mars leaves Virgo and enters Libra on the 29th, where his focus becomes that of the driven diplomat and the detester of injustice – a bit like Superman, Batman and Spiderman, all wrapped up into one human package of righteous bliss. Whilst Mars is considered in detriment when in Libra, this is debatable to those who tend to enjoy this natal placement. Gifted with the innate ability to assess both sides of an equation in an instant, Mars in Libra knows immediately whether an individual or situation is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for them – the indecision sets in when deciding what to actually do about it. It is a very black and white placement with only one aim, to compose life around the personal moral framework. You can bet that the person who created that saying ‘Honor amongst thieves’, experienced Mars in Libra, as even within the realms of the wicked and dark, there are ethics that Mars in Libra will fight vehemently to adhere to.

In Libra, Mars will bring his needs for justice and fairness into the realm of your 7th House concerns, those being your relationship connections – romance, work and that wonderful thorn in your side – the public enemy. Whilst there is definitely an element of indecisiveness when Libra is involved, it all boils down to the level of emotional attachment involved in the situation or relationship at hand. The less attached your emotions are to the circumstance, the easier it is for you to force the changes you desire or bring about closure. The more attached you are emotionally, the more your fears of performing in an ‘offensive’ manner, will hinder your future progress. In this instance, you will find yourself waiting until Mars enters Scorpio before you will take action the way you ‘knew you had to’.

Whilst it is all very romantic to contemplate the divine fight for justice, one negative down swing with Mars in Libra, is the level of personal expectation. The intense drive for balance can lead to a very tit-for-tat dynamic, where you give but then ‘demand’ the same in return. This is perfectly fine logic but there are instances where the other individual may not have sought your ‘gift’ and you are then completely out of line. Mars in Libra must utilise it’s social and pleasant ‘communications’ skills and be open about its expectations. Without an open and honest dialogue, Mars in Libra leaves itself wide open to festering an unnecessary toxic dramatic of their own making. One could also bet that the individual who penned the saying “I can’t read minds’ was on the receiving end of a more negative Mars in Libra transit.

In Tarot, Mars is symbolised by The Tower, probably the most feared card of the deck. When you receive this influence, drastic change is in the air and change is a life event that people fail to embrace. What is important to remember with The Tower is that destruction won’t happen where there is truth but it will happen where there is lies. What is difficult when receiving The Tower is facing the deceit once it has been revealed. With The Tower (Mars) moving through the realm of Justice (Libra) until September 8th, the present relationships in your life that have no truthful basis and that are not within your moral framework, simply will not last the distance.

This influence comes to you when it is time to ‘get tough and take action’. Perhaps you have reached rock bottom, felt the pressure pushing your sanity levels to the extreme, and wondered when it was going to end. It’s time to connect with the inner warrior, that internal wildness within that will break through the negatives, push past defeatist barriers and move beyond those toxic connections that keep the present stagnant.

If a difficult confrontation or decision arises, or you feel yourself sliding back into the world of doubt – stop, take a deep breath and be brave. Remind yourself to be your own hero and save your own day.

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…aaaaand just because this song is one of my faves AND the world (plus myself) was lucky that I didn’t burst into song and dance on my morning walk this morning – I had to share my oooh oooh ooooh’s here! Ahhh nothing like a dose of Leo Sun on your natal Jupiter to increase the happiness mojo.

Have a fab day xoxoxo

Mercury enters his natural home of Virgo today and whilst the energy can be critical and pedantic, it can also be full of good humour and professional success. Whilst there is a natural disposition to point out the flaws of a situation to all and any who are in attendance with an influx of Virgo influence, this manic attention to detail and dire need to fuss is an absolute boon for working out the creases in present objectives. This energy flow is also a positive, even if a touch emotionally aloof, in which to get to the core issues within the relationship sphere. It will be a difficult ride for those who are overly sensitive to criticism and it will take self-control to monitor ones egotistical or insecurity-inspired reactions when they feel under a negative-communications-attack. That being said though, it is essential that you maintain healthy boundaries and don’t allow those who lash out with cruel communications through their own lack of personal power to ruin your hard fought progress.

In tarot, Mercury is symbolised by The Magician – the energy that indicates you are taking the next step regards a project, ideal or relationship. Wandering through the land of The Hermit, you are encouraged to seek the wisest and most logical path to your end goal, whilst resisting the temptation to take the quick and easy option.  You feel less ‘chatty’, less inclined to partake in light-hearted communication exchanges with The Magician and The Hermit, as you are more interested in gathering solid information, information that will educate and help your journey. With The Magician in the land of The Hermit, advice will come to you from others – be it asked for or not, be it constructive criticism or not, the feedback will come. It is a time where you assess all of the information you have regards your goals and desires, add to it, pick it apart, consider others opinions, and criticise it.

Mercury will turn retrograde on the 20th of August until the 11th of September. As per usual, you can  expect communications to go haywire, misunderstandings to replace smooth conversations, ex-lovers to return to confuse the Hades out of you, delays in dotted-line signing, writers block to replace creative brilliance, and machinery mishaps. In Virgo, you can expect a heightened emphasis on communications difficulties, especially in the work place. Old health concerns could also decide to flare up again, allergies especially, as can the desire to return to old addictions and habits.

When considering the retrograde, we can also consider the reversed traits of The Magician, as it can be easy to slide back into old modes of behaviour, or experience the behaviour patterns being directed to you by others. Here, you can find outward lies rather than truth and deceptive means to achieve a goal. There can be weakness of will and a heavy dose of denial. Blame can also figure quite strongly, as can the pushing need to bring the focus back to oneself, rather than be there for those around you.

At present, Mercury is quincunx Uranus, indicating that you can be full of ideas and inspiration, but be uncertain on which direction to take. Relax and allow insight to guide you a little. Mercury is also separating from his opposition to Neptune, where it has no doubt been difficult to separate your energy from others. As this lifts however, you can still feel slightly ‘unworthy’ for want of a better term, due to the lingering opposition with Chiron. Make sure that you take the time necessary away from the fray, to heal any confidence wounds.

This message is no stranger and it comes to you directly as an indicator that there is a definite shift in the energy. You have found the light at the end of the tunnel and can feel the excitement in the air picking up in intensity. Whilst there are still loose ends to tie up, fears to be surmounted and demons to be faced – you can see that there is an end to this quagmire and begin to feel positive once more.

On a more mundane note, if you have been waiting to here about a job position, receive a call from a love prospect, or have had an idea that is explosive in brilliance – there should be good news on its way to you!

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I loved this song this morning. It’s a cold and rainy morning, so I am being a mooshy crab! I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of my amazing clients for entrusting me with your experiences. You are all beautiful people and I am very lucky you swing my way. xo

Since 2008, the karmic journey has been that of The World – (Saturn) wading through the energy of The Hermit – (Virgo). Joining that journey was the opposing influence of The Fool – (Uranus), which pushed for excitable new beginnings, desired to leap without looking and wanted to jump into the new circumstance without a second thought. The Fool is keen to live, pushing beyond mere existence as he kicks away the old baggage that keeps him within staid situations. In Pisces, The Fool felt lost beneath the influence of the Moon, as he was forced to walk in the world of his hidden desires and fears. This intensified at the last few degrees of Pisces – where he felt the pressure of The World – the lessons and experiences of the past combined with the dire need to connect with the inner Shaman and find correct balance. All of this pressure weighed down the enthusiasm and blind faith that is The Fool. This has been a blessing in one hand, as you held the hand of wisdom whilst you contemplated new horizons – yet it was a curse on the other hand, as through the fears of The Fool, you were held in a polarised state – too scared to move forward and too scared to stay where you are.

This stagnation lifted as The Fool – (Uranus) entered Aries, and the influence of The Emperor replaced the confusion that was The Moon. Where life had been a shadowy haze, an existence where you felt you had to continually look over your shoulder to see what was behind you – you now felt the drive to regain control, become empowered and take charge of your future. This also brought with it immaturity, impatient frustration and heightened aggression. The Fool in the land of The Emperor knows he wants to take charge and will lash out until he realises that apart from successful achievement, his major goal is to also to take control of himself.

The Fool – (Uranus) with his new ambitions and goal driven focus, is now joined by Jupiter, the Wheel of Fortune, or the energy of luck and good fortune. United in the land of the Emperor, The Fool and the Wheel of Fortune, shake the present equilibrium, bringing about rapid change as you regain control of your future and your personal power, altering life in pockets where you least expected it. But yet again, the energy of The World – (Saturn) forces you to tie up loose ends, look for the lesson within and move beyond the materialistic aim. Here, The Fool and the Wheel face endings as well as new beginnings – bringing an unusual twist to the ‘good fortune’ aspect of the Wheel, one that may be better seen on reflection in certain situations.

The month of August deepens the experience with the addition of Pluto into this already intense, life changing recipe. As Pluto, or (Judgement) moves retrograde in the land of The Devil (Capricorn) – he connects in a square, or forces an agitation upon The Fool, The Wheel and the World. He rocks the equilibrium of live and learn, good reward for positive actions and gives you no choice but to see beyond your ‘rose-coloured’ view. Bringing temptation, greed, sexual desire and addictive elements to the table, Pluto in the land of The Devil, tweaks the reality of your deepest desires and passions – compelling you to ‘dare’. As Judgement, Pluto brings final closure to certain situations whilst opening the door for new circumstance. The difficult part of this union is the  The Fool, who will readily follow the most exciting path and this is where the Cardinal Cross becomes intimate, personal and decadent. You will face your choices (The Fool, Uranus) and give into temptation (The Wheel, Jupiter) but will swing to and fro on karma’s magic ride – reaping past rewards as you create new future dynamics.

This influence comes to you at a time where it is important to reach out and share your time with others. It would be nice for all in the world to have the perfect visual of home, hearth, family and friendship, but in most instances, there are pieces torn out of that puzzle. Often, it is the missing pieces that are the focus, rather than the bliss that is that imperfect picture.

Lady Titania comes to you with the request that you find joy today -that you ignore the missing piece and reach out lovingly to connect with those where the energy is pure. You know, those connections where you just all fit perfectly, it’s comfortable and you can truly relax, be yourself. This could be time spent with your chosen mate, a parent, your children, a sibling, an email friend or a generous neighbour, someone that you share a deep soul connection.

Struggle to make a commitment within relationships? Use sex as a tool of avoidance? Keep attracting those who cannot commit? Know a sex-addict? Find extra-marital affairs exciting?

Perhaps you have natal Phaedra issues!

Check her out!

Two cards jumped out this Full Moon day – Burdock, an energy of harvest and Comfrey, an energy for structure.

To receive Burdock, is to be reminded that whilst there are times to remain firm and times to allow yourself to be swept away by the momentum. This energy asks that you separate the positive from the negative, release the toxins and be flexbile enough to ‘seize the moment’ if opportunity swings on by. For example:- You are content in your present job, not elated, but content. There are a  few people there that you enjoy but your boss is a narcissistic jerk and is prone to making your work life more difficult than what it should be. One of your colleagues starts discussing the possibility of starting up a new business and you have just the skill they require to join the team. Burdock says go for it. Release the feeling that you must remain within the staid and be prepared to attach yourself to a new situation when the timing is right.

Comfrey is used as a natural remedy to sooth aching muscles and joints. To receive this card indicates that the healing journey is a deep one and that you need to empty out those skeletons in the closet. Perhaps some sort of ‘emotional ceremony’ at this Full Moon is in order, like burning photographs of an ex-lover or something – to help you to find closure and move on from these difficult memories or negative tapes. Comfrey also makes mention that healing can be found by joining a group or sharing with like-minded others, or that the merging of two ideas, or individuals at the present will bring about more success.

Happy Full Moon xo

Great articles can be found at AstroAir where Mandi has put together some brilliant information on Saturn in Libra.

Auntie Moon as per usual is a fab read. Her recent decan work was interesting, heaps of fun and a must peruse.

I finally was able to catch up on Julie Demboski’s work, which is always a good read.