Home »
Horoscope for the week beginning August 7
By Michael O’Connor
Tip of the week
Planets turning retrograde are a common event and represent an important feature in astrological analysis and practice.
Right now Venus is retrograde and has been getting a lot of press. What is less clear is that currently Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are also retrograde and up until August 1, Saturn was retrograde since mid-March! This ebb and flow of planetary activity is all part of the weave of destiny that the planets in their ceaseless and rhythmic orbits illustrate.
Venus is one of the five ‘personal planets’. These include Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Sun and Moon, which although are not actually planets are loosely categorized as such. But the Sun and Moon do not turn retrograde as the phenomenon is linked to relationships specific to our own planet and all the actual planets in the solar system, and this includes the asteroids as well.
That Venus turned retrograde in Virgo, but will be mostly in Leo, indicates a blended theme, as is often the case in Astrology. Venus in Virgo is already in one of its most challenging sign positions. Venus Retrograde basically produces a judgmental attitude. That Venus will conjunct Mercury, Jupiter, Sun and Mars between July 31 and August 31 adds to the plot.
When in Virgo it basically inclines a person to over-analysis and excess intellectuality, where feelings of love and harmony are otherwise best expressed, and therefore produces unrealistically high ideals and expectations especially in regard to value judgments and relationships. Venus Retrograde in Leo (July 31 – September 6) often manifests as a power complex based on insecurity, suspicion and an excessive need for loyalty and adoration thereby rending to manifest as emotional manipulation tactics.
This week’s Horoscope will provide some insight for Venus Retrograde for each Zodiac Sign. (*Please note: we are each influenced by two to three and even four signs in terms of the scope of insight a Horoscope can provide.)
(Read more in my Newsletter. Sign-up is free on my website.)
August 7 – 13
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Venus retrograde in Virgo/Leo will stir your passions and desires at every level. If you have the opportunity to take a holiday this is an ideal window. This will prove especially true between August 8 and 31. Prior to that you may be dealing with the stir of too many emotions to truly relax. Aim to be aware of projecting unfounded suspicions, and give as much love as you want to receive.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
You may have experienced some spikes in the ego and/or drama graph in late July but there is reason to say it has settled down now into a more inspirational flow. You may feel extra creative now and your energy levels likely remain high. As valid as it would be to get out and about to socialize and play, you may discover that enjoying you free time will be best satisfied via a creative/artistic focus.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21)
Variety is the spice and this is often especially true for you. However, this time you may experience the results of excess in this regard. Too much of this, that and the other could prove dizzying and exhausting. At best, you will find your balance amidst an array of personalities and relationship dynamics and allow yourself to be more the observer and less the referee.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You are in the mood to take it slow and to enjoy the simple pleasures and sensual delights that life has to offer. You may not be as social as usual and may even enjoy sleeping more and doing less. Although your ambitions are on the rise and you may feel inclined to and even enjoy placing a few bets, taking the slow line remains likely. Kick back; enjoy the game and the ride.
Leo (July 22 – Aug 23)
Mars joins in with Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter this week in your sign. Already this indicates a strong urge to express yourself and to get attention for it. With Venus in retrograde motion the desire for it will double. Where this is not forthcoming you could suffer more than usual. Be willing to give more and enjoy what you do as an end in itself.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Venus retrograde will contribute to an already very active creative impulse brewing in the back of your mind. It may be that these are so deeply lodged in your subconscious that only through your dreams can you access them. Ideally, you are aware of this surge of inspiration and are preparing to act upon it. Either way, you are happy to quietly harbor dreams and fantasies of love and beauty.
Libra (Sep 22 – Oct 22)
A lively time engaging with others continues. Amidst it all you are yearning to define and express your sense of individuality. In so doing, you may feel separate or even alone in the crowd. Something very definite is shifting both within and without and you yearn to find your place and your center. It may take a little longer but with patient perseverance you will prevail.
Scorpio (Oct 22 – Nov 21)
A mix of pushing ahead to be recognized, acknowledged and heard remains a strong focus. Meanwhile, you feel compelled to review your past performances to date. What have you done right and what needs improvement? Bringing attention to your achievements as a means of qualifying for new opportunities is part of the plot. This is a big moment for you; make some big moves.
Sagittarius (Nov 21 – Dec 21)
Rewards are rolling in now. These may have been a long time coming. What you may want most however is a break, a retreat or a getaway. Yet, you may also feel euphoric, giddy and excited for no apparent reason. This burst of inspiration will not last forever so enjoy it now and perhaps use it to ignite your sense of courage and adventure to see a broader horizon, and perhaps to go there too.
Capricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19)
Your passions and ambitions are running extra deeply now. Yet you are happy to remain quiet about your goals. The only people you care to share your ideas with are those who can contribute to them. So like a talent scout you are actively searching for people with the talents and resources who can contribute to your dreams and schemes.
Aquarius (Jan 19 – Feb 19)
This is a special time for you to shine. Like a tree and not simply a flower in full bloom, others see and sense your beauty and strength. You feel assertive yet diplomatic, the proverbial iron fist clad in a velvet glove. You are happy to be gentle and kind yet even the slightest inclination of being taken for granted will be addressed quickly and decisively. Assert your individuality, gracefully.
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You are in a delicate cycle. It may even be described as shaky. Circumstances and people are pushing you to be more effective, deliberate, mature and professional. You feel pressured and therefore perhaps critical of yourself, circumstances and others. This is a time to give more and to be extra conscientious, to avoid assumptions. Give more now and you may even advance to the next level.
– Michael O’Connor is a professional astrologer with an international clientele. He has 30 years of study in Astrology, Numerology and related metaphysical and spiritual modalities, over 20 years of full-time practice, is an entertaining and inspirational speaker, and writes a popular New Moon Newsletter and Horoscope Column. To learn more about Booking an Appointment, attending one of Michael’s Workshops or Webinars or one of his inspiring Visual Presentations, please visit his website or contact Michael directly. www.sunstarastrology.com or (250) 352-6871 or [email protected]
