Dark Stars - August 2011

Dark Stars August 2011 by Jane Lyle

ARIES
You’re known for setting goals and making plans come what may. But when your ruling planet, Mars, enters watery Cancer on the 3rd you may find yourself slowing down a little, or thinking about things in a new way. Contemplating love, home and family matters helps you discover more about what you really want, and who you are deep inside yourself. The Sun and Venus in Leo shine on romance, playful creativity and children this month, with beautiful dreams peaking between the 19th and 23rd August.  Certain relationships are changing radically, or even ending. New commitments will eventually take their place – meanwhile why not let go a little and enjoy yourself? If you loosen up you’ll make room for fresh energy. Let life surprise you.

TAURUS
Are you feeling confused about your career or the direction your life is taking? Or perhaps you’re dissatisfied with your home surroundings? Uncharacteristic restlessness tickles away at the edges of your mind, and it may be difficult to find satisfying answers straight away.  Do some research, and make sure you talk to close friends too. From around the time of the full Moon on the 13th until the end of August you should have more than one opportunity to expand your world and begin finding answers to some of those conundrums you’re currently juggling around in your mind. An earthy new Moon in Virgo on the 29th, and a loving link between Venus and Jupiter on the 30th push love forward whether you’re single or in a relationship. Make pleasure a priority then – you won’t regret it.

GEMINI
Reminiscing and seeing old friends makes you smile this month, and helps to relax you too. You’re looking at what you value in all sorts of ways, and perhaps realising that some things that used to be important are simply sliding into the background while other priorities take their place. Perhaps, too, there are dreams and ambitions you’ve sidelined or even forgotten? Close friends or family members can re-inspire you, or remind you of ideas or heartfelt wishes you would like to pursue.  Yes, of course you need to earn money and keep going, but sometimes if you take a small step towards releasing your potential you open the door for those happy coincidences and helpful opportunities that are often so easy to ignore. Take a break and focus.

CANCER
Feisty Mars enters Cancer on 3rd August, bringing a dynamic new energy and strengthening your determination to make things work out in your favour. You’ve plenty of encouragement for your dreams now, and more support than you realise. So when things get a little bit rocky this month you must not panic or throw a fit. You’ll encounter opposition, and others will not always agree with you. Try to see this as a refining process, a way of cutting out the dead wood so that fresh new growth can flourish. You love to hang on to things – and that includes colleagues, friendships, and relationships. But some connections need major change if they are to develop and grow. The full Moon on the 13th shines on your intuitive heart and by the end of August you’ll know just what to do.

LEO
Sometimes even a Leo loses sight of that glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. And if you feel that recent months, or even years, have been more than a little confusing, you’ll know what I mean. Neptune travels for the last time through Aquarius from the 5th August until February 2012, giving you an opportunity to review what you’ve learned about yourself and those you love. While Neptune does create illusions and confusions, it can also direct you towards blissful, spiritual experiences and realisations. Jupiter in Taurus says hold on to your vision of creative expansion or career development, while Venus in Leo this month polishes up your charms or even surprises you with an unexpected romantic attraction. Take all the time you need to pamper yourself, and then hit the ground running.

VIRGO
You’ve got a lot of thinking to do between now and September, so if you can take a break this would be the perfect time. If not, try to spend some quality time with yourself.  Even a short walk every day gives you time to mull things over. Both Jupiter and Pluto, planets of power and expansion, are strengthening your will and your desire to make something of your life.  Whether this means heading off to new horizons, finding love, or developing your skills, there’s a brave new world waiting for you to take the first step. You may have to make some big decisions about love or money before you’re free to begin afresh, but that’s what August is all about. By the time of the new Moon in Virgo on the 29th you’ll be ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

LIBRA
Libra is the sign of partnerships, and it’s a rare Libran who can function well alone. Friends and colleagues are crucial to your happiness, a love relationship is often central to your enjoyment of life. And there are plenty of happy or even romantic moments this month. Just be aware that action planet Mars is asking you to pay attention to your life direction and career, and that others may challenge your plans or be unwilling to co-operate with you. Are there any issues you were unable to sort out last year? Have you been putting something off? Between the 18th and 20th is a potent time to persuade others to join you, or to find new ways to improve finances. Don’t lose heart if it all seems difficult, the changes and improvements you achieve will be more than worth the effort. Remember, few can resist your charm, so make it shine.

SCORPIO
It’s not your style to ask for help, but it would be a shame to miss out on positive connections with others this month. You’re making more of an impression than you realise, and people are willing and able to offer support, advice, or great introductions. All you have to do is open up a little. With Mars in Cancer you’ll be interested in exploring new ideas or new places, so why not add new opportunities and friendships to your list?  Venus, planet of love and creativity, smiles on you between now and September, making this an excellent time for progress in romance or developing your dreams and creative abilities. There may be a few niggles with home or property matters, but nothing you haven’t seen before. Don’t let longstanding problems stress you out, or get distracted by petty details. It’s all about the bigger picture – think big!

SAGITTARIUS
Past connections, old projects or even old flames could play an important role in your life this month. Perhaps you’re thinking about developing your career, or you’re looking for a new job? Getting back in touch could have some inspiring or unexpected results. And if you’re looking for love, you might find it comes looking for you instead. Again, the past holds the answer – getting back together with someone is the simplest possibility. But you never know. You’ve got admirers or friends who’d like to get to know you better just waiting for you to notice them. Go to events, say yes to invitations, and see where life leads you. A Virgo new Moon at the end of the month energises new beginnings, so enjoy exploring possibilities this August.

CAPRICORN
Partners and people you work with need your practical and level-headed approach to life, but they may not always seem to accept your advice. How annoying! Mars in your opposite sign makes several gritty aspects this month, suggesting people who take stubborn stances or throw tiny tantrums. Turn your attention to what really matters to you – your security, your deepest values, and what you share with others. Your creativity and your heart can expand and flourish, bringing happiness, joy and new experiences this summer. You’ve known for a while that certain things you took for granted are no longer working, or maybe your own attitude has changed towards them. Change can be a slow process for Capricorns, but see it as evolution and keep moving forwards towards a brighter future.

AQUARIUS
A full Moon in your sign, plus Neptune’s return to Aquarius on the 5th, both highlight your intimate emotional world and prompt you to think about how your feelings have developed or changed over a number of years. You’re thinking about where you are now, and where you would like to be too. There’s plenty of love around you, and that’s one thing you’ll be sure of this month. It may not be conventional, or even obviously romantic, but it’s there all the same. Old friends and family members, too, can make your heart sing. Sharing time with others helps you figure out some new plans for work or study. They’ll remind you of your abilities, and boost your confidence. Between now and next February is an important time for you, so make plans at your own pace and refuse to be bullied or rushed. You’re getting there.

PISCES
Friendship and travel themes link up to bring friends and visitors from far away, or maybe a holiday flirtation or much-needed romantic break for some of you.  People who make you feel good are all around you, so make time for them. Your tendency to sacrifice yourself to help others is part of who you are, but you must admit there are times when you go too far and wind up exhausted and uninspired. Jupiter in Taurus is beautifully placed to encourage your more playful side, and bring interesting experiences through friends, neighbours, and short trips. Remember, you can’t help anyone unless you also help yourself and take care of your creativity and intuition. Pay attention to night-time dreams too, your sleeping mind could have some fascinating messages for you.