Neil Spencer

Your Stars New Moon 30 July 2011

Posted on 29 July 2011

Today’s new Moon brings us to what the press call ‘silly season’, when politics falls into slumber, holidays lower public interest and newspapers are forced to turn to daft stories. One side of the astrological picture supports this view of August; with Mercury doing one of its thrice yearly retrograde cycles – between August 3^rd and 26^th – it’s time to slow the pace and catch up with old business. A few weeks in a hammock fit the picture, with some wild beach parties to celebrate the Sun’s passage through its own sign of Leo.

Yet any astroscope that involves a face-off between murky Pluto and revolutionary Prometheus/Uranus remains volatile, and with Mars joining this pair on the 10^th, the ‘talking dog’ stories may well be pushed off the front pages by something more serious.

Venus spends the entire month moving side by side with the Sun. In modern times this combination is considered the cue for a swell party, but a few centuries back any planet near to the Sun was reckoned to be scorched, and its powers diminished. No matter – the full Moon is exact on 13 August at 18.57 GMT, a Saturday night in European parts, and quite the cue for a rave. With Mercury retrograde, the trick will be getting out the invites on time and then finding the venue. On both accounts, bon chance!

Leo

Must you really conquer, rule and be adored in the manner of some mediaeval monarch? Of course you must! You’re a Leo, meaning that you’re of royal birth even if others don’t see it that way. It isn’t that there was a dreadful mix-up on the maternity ward – astrology does not restrict royalty to a few inbred dynasties, but democratises the concept so that anyone born with a Leo planet or three can lay claim to their individual crown.

The question posed by today’s auspicious Leo new Moon is how to best display your regal qualities, and what tactics to employ to impose your presence (in the nicest possible way, obviously). The march of fair Venus hand in hand with the Sun – your ruler – is one fat clue, suggesting that sheer charm, exuberance and a spirit of romance will carry you buoyantly through the next few weeks. Lots of colour, lashings of bling, and plenty of partying fit the bill, along with a readiness to make peace with at least a few of your enemies. If you’re in the dating game, or would like to be, here’s a chance to be the centre of attraction (a Leo’s favoured spot).

The involvement of Jupiter at the peak of your solar ‘scope adds to a sense of optimism and unfolding possibility. Presidents have postponed their inauguration for a horoscope like this (really) – professionally there is a great deal to play for in the next ten months, with the possibility of making some high level contacts, but, to repeat a phrase from last month’s forecast, you can’t behave as if they are lucky to meet you (even if that’s what you think). Propriety and senatorial dignity work for you in public life. Your private wildness is your business.

Mercury’s reversal into your skies from the 8^th obliges you to go over old ground and clear your desk of old business, but adds to the month’s somewhat intense mood. Gossip is a bugaboo throughout the month – don’t spread it, believe it or become its subject. Defer judgments until you can verify information, especially at the hotspots of the 13^th and the 17^th. The 13^th is a weirdo full Moon weekend, good for getting dizzy but not for meaningful discussion with partners.

The ongoing presence of long term planets across your horoscope’s travel axis highlights the advantages of international contacts, far flung siblings and friends, and the need to slake any thirst you have for exotic adventure – Mongolian pony-trekking and the like.

The close of your birthday month on the 23^rd brings a less heady final week of the month, though with Mercury lingering for weeks to come, your phone is not just a buzzing pest but a lifeline to something or somewhere special. For August 18/19 birthdays, especially, it’s news week.

 

Virgo

Pause for thought. The message from your horoscope at today’s new Moon couldn’t be any clearer: Hold up! Stop, look and listen!

The reason is simple enough: Having just arrived in your skies, Mercury – Virgo’s ruler and the planet of cognition and administration – is about to retreat. It won’t return to its current position until September 9^th, until when you’re involved in an elaborate game of rewind and catch-up. The whole scenario is complicated by the involvement of Neptune, making the next week one of uncertainty and maybe even deception.

Add in that today’s new Moon is in the most personal, indeed veiled sector of your ‘scope, and you have an outlook where inactivity, information gathering and downtime make more sense than a leap into action, at least for the next three weeks. You can’t just stare into space, of course, and a Virgo is invariably busy, but this isn’t the best time to be banging your drum. Diligent preparation (one of your things) and a spot of health enhancement (another Virgo preoccupation) are favoured; align your chakras accordingly.

Planets elsewhere in your ‘scope promise fruitful contacts, grand plans to raise your public status (maybe via education) and to travel far, but your plans come into much sharper focus once your birthday month opens on the 23^rd, when Sun and Venus arrive and opportunities to weave yourself into the worldly action escalate dramatically.  That Mercury behaves from the 27^th re-enforces that picture, as does the Virgo new Moon on August 29^th, which opens one humdinger of a month.

For romantically involved Virgos trying to straighten out relationships, it’s old issues rather than new actors that seem to govern affairs; the residue of the last few months is there to be tidied up. A fresher feel – and for single Virgos way more interest from others – arrives at the23rd when Venus cruises along for a three week stay. The weekend of the 26^th looks good for action, and the 10^th also holds promise. Romantically and professionally Monday August 1^st is a time to present yourself in your best possible light; insightful, modest, diligent…a heavenly picture of perfection.

 

Libra

Weary? Ready for that holiday? Grab every minute of downtime you can, because although part of your horoscope is obligingly going into doze mode for a month or so, Saturn remains on your case, and Saturn is the planet that never sleeps.

By now you probably have got the point that Saturn is making; that only your best shot will suffice, and that you have to keep at whatever it is you’re attempting – a project, getting healthy, running the country – day after wretched day. Is there no rest? Until Christmas, not much, while this month, birthdays between 5-9 October get special attention.

Still, there are many blessings to be counted. You are already a wiser, more mature creature than, say, a year back, and doubtless a less fearful one. Friction or boredom in one-on-one relationships has been brought to the surface and, one way or another, excised. Relationships that have survived the joint attentions of Saturn and Uranus are, this very month, moving into a deeper, more satisfying level, not least in the bedroom.

Then there is today’s new Moon, which is conjoined by Libra’s totem planet, lovely Venus. With Sun and Venus moving in tandem throughout August you’re promised a more convivial passage in your social life (pleasure and business come mixed up at present). Librans casting round for a dancing partner spot a promising face across a crowded room or bustling lawn – your luck looks in on the 3rd/4^th, and at the full Moon weekend of the 12^th/13^th, when even the most dedicated workers among you should make an effort to leave the house and be in company.

Professionally, you already know the score. It’s graft and penny counting, but with a great outcome promised a little further down the line. This month you can factor in a busybody or two to add to the grey powers that seem to govern your world this year – a smart step backwards from aggravation could be a cure in the last week of the month.

Mercury’s imminent retrograde holds no great perils for you beyond the usual dying phones and missed bus routines. Give yourself lots of time to accomplish tasks. The month of Virgo, beginning at the 23^rd, is something of a blessing despite the aforementioned hint of aggravation (a Mars-Saturn square for the technically minded among you). Any kind of retreat is good, but a spell in a spa/monastery solitary place is especially positive….someplace spiritual, a place of healing.

Scorpio

Onwards! And backwards! This August you are faced with the need to handle contradictory moods – not your own but those presented to you by circumstance. The mighty Sun beats a path across the roof of your ‘scope, favouring career matters, public appearances, anything that involves you parading yourself (Venus is involved so dress up). At the same time, Mercury’s retrograde makes old business as good as new and calls for patience when trying to seal deals. The days around the 17^th look a particular communication logjam, and, perhaps, disinformation.

It certainly doesn’t look like a season for introversion and self-analysis. Your planet, Mars, is splendidly sited after the 3^rd, favouring you as a mover and shaker with a global reach. Holidays abroad may involve more than just a chill-out on the beach (a spot of whale-watching or an outback trek maybe).

The theme of grand vistas and long distance love affairs is underscored by the ongoing presence of Jupiter in your relationship zone. The giant planet draws to a halt later this month, marking the end of a three month phase – October birthdays, in particular, can assess what, or more likely who, has arrived during this time. Jupiter is about broadening one’s outlook, in this instance perhaps via a new partner or teacher, someone who ‘has the answers’. As pointed out in the last two forecasts, with Jupiter in opposition, getting your own way is less important than what you can get through co-operation. Relationships need to be handled as partnerships, not exercises in power and control.

Saturn remains the secret, silent agent in your affairs. As the planet of hard knocks and long term plans remains behind the scenes, whatever you are brewing up in private is important, as is anyone who is confined away from life’s hurly burly; an elderly relative perhaps.

In all matters the weekend of the 6^th has resonance for you, and more than a touch of empowerment. Enjoy.

Sagittarius

Push on where you can push on and kick back when you can’t. August presents you with a chequered picture. Personal relationships may continue to demand more than what seems their fair share of your time and energy, but you are now in resolution mode, following a possibly stormy June and July. Calm any lingering storms or, just maybe, accept defeat.

For those of you on the loose, August looks promising. Planets in your fellow fire sign of Leo draw your attention to previously unconsidered candidates. In existing partnerships, new arrangements are possible, along with revisions of previously agreed terms and conditions – Mercury in rewind has its uses. Much though Centaurs dislike being tied down, it’s in your interest to be upfront about where you see relationships heading.

Nor are you on straightforward ground where the job is concerned, if only because Mercury’s imminent backslide ups the possibility of one unholy misunderstanding early in the month. Keep your lines of communication open and your message clear. Deals that fall through or disappoint can be usefully put on the back burner for a few weeks until Mercury returns – in all professional matters the new Moon of August 29^th opens a more dynamic phase.

That doesn’t mean you needn’t show up in the meantime. Jupiter – the Centaur’s planet – in the zone of routine and infrastructure suggests you can usefully toil and prosper, with the emphasis on financiers is carried over from last month. Saturn brings a similar message. The ringed planet’s transit of your 11^th house cements your ties to professional teams, colleagues and committees. If you’re looking to climb a notch of the career totem pole you can do so most easily by showing a steady, conservative face to the powers that be, keeping your radical, freewheeling spirit (every Sag has one) for more private affairs.

The month of Virgo, starting at the 23^rd, throws further emphasis on career. If you’re appearing in public, dress up. Earlier in the month, the 8^th and 9^th offer you the chance to impress, show off and woo.

 

Capricorn

The question, as always, is how much of a burden you are prepared to shoulder and to what end. The march of the Goat’s planet, Saturn, across the roof of your horoscope, makes the nature of your professional quest an all-consuming question this autumn. You are certainly in a position to make your mark, and if you are still on the foothills of Mount Capricorn, then the next six months is a time to throw all your energies into The Job and emerge triumphant at a new peak.

On the flip side – and even Saturn has a flip side – comes the question of whether all the outward status and success for which you strive amount to what your fellow Cap Humphrey Bogart once termed ‘a hill of beans’. When, in short, does your hunger for public approbation become oppressive?

It’s a question you alone can answer. At least you have Jupiter, ‘the greater fortune’ to help you decide. The large and ‘lucky’ planet remains in spiffing position for you, favouring you not as grim career politician but expansive lover and bon-viveur. That particular role becomes almost irresistible in the last week of August, when Venus and next month’s new Moon complete a triangle of earth signs. You look like a world-beater then.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First there is the annoying matter of Mercury retrograde to contemplate – helpful to you principally as a time to re-examine finances, and go into your wall safe to ensure your portfolio of bonds and real estate investments is paying off. Since today’s new Moon makes strong contact with the root of your ‘scope, domestic issues and home security are up for a review.

Relations with principal players – spouses, lovers, business partners, ex’s, enemies – have been tested (perhaps not so sorely) over the last month. Six weeks of Mars in opposition, beginning on the 4^th, is no recipe for smooth relationship sailing, but you can get issues out in the open and strike the correct balance with whichever other half is in question. It might be an idea to tread warily around the 10^th/11^th however, when it would be easy to overestimate your power or to use it inappropriately. Your ability to keep everyone happy is undervalued by others (it’s one reason you carry that professional burden – to be godfather or mother) but at mid-month it’s likely to be tested.

The month of Virgo, opening on the23rd, oils your wheels and enhances contacts with far-flung places and people. Away you go!

 

Aquarius

Tiring? The month of Leo is your zodiacal opposite and complement, so with Sun, Venus and Mercury spending much of August there, your month is all about opposites and complementary people.

Oh, and stamina. Since the Sun represents energy and joi-de-vivre, its current position is its weakest for you. It‘s time to charge batteries and reassess, and with Mercury reversing into this same zone, there is plenty of reconsidering and recuperation to be done. Be kind to yourself. Don’t demand too much. Autumn brings more opportune times to push on your personal agenda and throw your weight about.

During August you’re likely to be outfoxed in any case. Three planets and a new Moon in your seventh house raise issues about all one-on-one relationships. Not just existing partners and spouses but also ex’s – lots of them around this month! -  plus open enemies and rivals. Quite a bit of peace-making and hatchet-burying can be done now, but you’ll have to put aside thoughts of jealousy and play the big-hearted forgiver (not quite you, eh?). It would be easier if what you were being told is reliable and truthful, but Mercury is a slippery-tongued worm at worst, and anyone who accords with that description is best kept out of your affairs or at arm’s length. Once Mercury turns round on the 23^rd, you start to unravel the real reason for others’ behaviour.

With Venus strong in your personal mix all month, there’s a streak of attraction involved too – enticement for singles, people offering bouquets for all of you. It’s just the there’s a heck of a jumble going on, and with the stakes recently raised in your home life, there may be big decisions looming. If so, do your deliberation before the 23^rd and take action afterwards.

Jupiter at the root of your ‘scope does cast a beneficial presence over home and hearth, however. If you’re looking to move, this autumn is auspicious. If you want to stay put, new arrangements can be contrived; a different deal with the ex, a new lodger, an ex-lodger…you have major options. Don’t spend too long decision-making, however, the ‘new term’ of late August is highly opportune.

As delineated in the last two forecasts, Aquarius’ ruling planet, Saturn, remains obligingly sited and good for all hard-nosed property and financial decisions. This is, whatever your immediate feelings, a time of a following wind –right onto late 2012 – in which the next few weeks represent a minor blip.

Neptune’s reversal into Aquarian skies may be the subject of grand speculation from other astrologers; suffice for your correspondent to say that only birthdays 16-18 February need be on guard, and since the distant planet of mystery was with you earlier in the year (think back to your birthday, you should know what issues and people to expect to return.

The annual full Moon in Aquarius rages from lunchtime on Friday 12^th to lunchtime on Sunday the 14^th, reaching exact fullness at 6pm GMT on Saturday. The perfect time to be the life and soul of the party or the scary out-of-control one. You choose!

 

Pisces

Work work work? If you’re lucky, perhaps. A new Moon in the zone where you toil, administrate, run your errands and fix your health is the cue to graft, or at least clean up your diet and streamline your infrastructure (either fix that antique fax machine or throw it out, for example). With Mercury about to spend the next three weeks backsliding in the same zone, you’re likely looking at a slightly slacker month than you have recently faced. It’s a good month for healing, whether yourself, someone else or a wounded relationship.

Today’s new Moon also finds Neptune about to reverse out of your sign. Other astrologers talk of the mystery planet as your ruler, but your present correspondent prefers to stick with Jupiter as Pisces’ signifier. Those of you born in the first few days of Pisces (19-22 February) are those best placed to judge whether Neptune’s presence in recent months has brought welcome developments (a touch of fame anyone?) or dissolution, or nothing much. That way you’ll be prepared for Neptune’s re-arrival at your birthday next year.

Here and now, with Neptune opposing a stationary Mercury, looks to be a confusing few days for all the zodiac’s Fishes; time to sit on your hands and see rather than get carried away with promises. Mercury’s re-arrival in early September should clear up issues that are now hanging in the balance, especially with one-on-one scenarios. Meanwhile there are three weeks of pesky Merc Ret to get through; a case of having to do things twice one suspects, and of having a Plan ‘B’.

Jupiter, Pisces’ traditional ally, continues to be splendidly sited for you, not least at this current lunation. Holidays, travel and any kind of escape looks more than usually welcome and rewarding. Developments in commerce, horse-trading, favour-swapping and the like are smiled upon.

Jupiter can also help in matters of the heart. The picture here is slightly chequered. Mars’ march through Cancer for the coming six weeks certainly helps those of you in the hunt for a suitable sidekick. Yup, it’s a jungle out there, but you can make your presence noticed through a mix of bravado and cunning. It’s up and down though – the 11^th looks like a squall, whereas the 15^th/16^th – days of a fat Piscean Moon – would seem ideal.

Even if you aren’t chasing beaux or belles, Mars lends any heartfelt quest an element of restlessness and determination. The creators among you can create. The show-offs among you can preen.

Long experience might show you that the month of Virgo, starting on the 23^rd, is not always your easiest. Maintaining physical stamina is one issue involved. Still, with Venus opposite for a few weeks, you shouldn’t be short of a special someone to take your mind off troubles. Unless of course, they are the trouble!

 

Aries

As if you didn’t have enough problems, weren’t under enough pressure! Here’s a three-week retrograde of Mercury to screw up your schedules! Issues you thought were sorted out turn out not to have been sorted at all! Are the idiots supposedly in charge doing this because they are merely incompetent, or do they have it in for you personally??

There’s little point advising an Aries to relax at the best of times, let alone when they are facing an attack from a quartet of no-messing planets, more of which shortly. Nonetheless; exhale! That Mercury retrograde first of all – it could be just the ticket to get some of your more needling critics off your back for the sleepy season of August, might even blow back an old lover or friend to brighten up a drowsy August afternoon.

Then there’s the fact that it is the month of Leo, when the Sun occupies a sign as fiery as your own. Furthermore, today’s new Moon in Leo conjoins Venus, and when the ruler of your solar seventh house occupies your fifth house in tandem with the Sun in dignity (to indulge in engine size data for astro-heads), then you’re offered fun and frolics on a no-strings basis. Leaving routine behind may not be completely possible, but you do have escape routes. Those of you looking for adventure/romance/whatever-comes-your-way should head straight out the house, first circling the 17^th and 18^th s days when your mojo works especially well.

Aries’ ruler, Mars – planet of passion/unreasonable anger (delete to fit) – arrives at the root of your ‘scope on the 3^rd, opening a six week stay when you can redecorate the house at terrifying speed, evict the troublesome squatter, or have a bust-up with the family (again delete to fit). This isn’t the most uncomplicated phase of your year (frankly, there isn’t one), but a little patience and focus will take you a long way to your targets in August and the month following. The 10^th and 11^th, meanwhile, are not days to get involved in ultimatums. You’re outgunned then (and on the 25^th ).

 

By way of compensation for any aggravation comes the promise of more cash money in your coffers as lucky Jupiter shines in Taurus – for you, sign of the cash cow. Right here, right now.

Obviously the demands of professional duty are pressing – this column has pointed out several times this year that Saturn in opposition is invariably an exhausting process, nor is it one to give you much rest until Christmas – yet if you can’t wriggle from the

 

 

Taurus

Stick or twist? The Bull is by legend the most intractable of the creatures in the zodiac (zoo-diac being the derivation). Taureans are unlikely to be on the move without good reason (like a slap-up meal), but with Jupiter now in your skies, the rules have changed a little. Jupiter can entice stubborn tail-draggers to change home or swap a life of quiet contentment for a year long camper-van tour (a very well-fitted camper van, that is).

A new Moon at the root of your horoscope is an annual event, but Jupiter gives today’s an altogether different dimension, putting emphasis on domestic issues; possible relocation, an upgrade of your domestic conditions, a new lodger or member of the family (or kicking out someone who has overstayed their welcome. The common thread is that the change liberates you from the past and enriches you either literally or philosophically. For some Taureans, such a change might be happening in the world of work, though it’s roots that are fundamentally the subject of this lunation.

The presence of the Bull’s planet, Venus, with the Moon further emphasises the importance of the current time in shaping your future, or at least, the next six months. Your ‘lucky stars”, as they say, are aligned, so even if you have shakes about current events, they promise to ease in a more exciting future.

In the short term things are complicated by the imminent Mercury retrograde (3^rd-27^th) that favours finger-drumming delays rather than quick action- the days around the 17^th look particularly bogged down. Patience – at which Taureans excel – will serve you well. Travel, communication and paperwork glitches aside, your agenda seems to move on apace. The world of work calls; if you have any stay stuck at it, if you haven’t stay relentless in its pursuit. The full Moon of the 13^th favours public appearances, and while this is on a weekend, a link with career might present itself.

Parading your talents – or availability  -is what the Sun-Venus combination has in mind after the two planets change sign on the 23^rd. With ruler Venus in Virgo for the following three weeks, seeing-and-being-seen is de rigeur, not just (though especially) for single Bulls. With Venus lining up obligingly with Jupiter at next month’s new Moon (on the 29^th), it seems you are on something of a roll. If you have had enough of one particular relationship, remember that with Jupiter on your side there are at least 50 ways to leave your lover, many of them helpfully outlined by Paul Simon. For all relationships – romantic, sibling, friendships – the 11^th looks a tad prickly. By way of contrast the weekend of the 20^th, when the waning Moon is in your skies, looks peachy.

 

Gemini

Retreat or advance? Double or quits? As a Gemini you always have options – frequently so many that the temptation is to try and do everything, cover all options and keep everyone happy.

In August such a policy is a no-go. Far better is a sanguine assessment of your situation/progress coupled with some light-hearted fun. Simple practicalities are the first operational principle. With Mercury, your quicksilver ruler, sliding backwards until the 27^th, you’re going nowhere new fast. Old business, old friends, even old lovers are good to put on your ‘to-do’ list. Revisit, reassess, repair. When travelling and arranging, double check tickets, times, and the rest.

Secondly, Saturn’s inexorable march through your fifth house – meaning affairs of the heart – asks you to be certain of where your affections lie, and where you are putting both your romantic hopes and private professional dreams. No drastic moves called for necessarily, just emotional clarity. Many Twins are still catching up with the implication of events in your birthday month (those eclipses rend to echo onwards…). Autumn will be a time for action on many fronts, conserve your energy meanwhile.

The Leo Sun, moving in partnership with Venus, promises plenty of high summer larks meanwhile. High junks maintain your spirits. New faces mingle with old friends, perhaps arrive because of them, especially between the 13^th and 18^th. Escape from routine when and where you can. The month of Virgo, from the 23^rd, is a sterner affair; expect to be called to account thereafter. If you can extend your vacation up to the new Moon (August 29), all well and good.

Prior to Mercury’s retreat on August 3^rd is a little window of opportunity for last minute actions, and a chance to tweak events involving your public reputation. Neptune is the planet of both fame and infamy; attempts to spin and smear your way out of trouble threaten to come back and bite early next year.

 

Cancer

Sporty type or lover, it’s the way you play your game that’s under inspection in August, the way you assert yourself, express your anger and get your way (wicked or otherwise).

The key planet in your affairs is Mars, the problematical warrior planet that is traditionally ‘bringer of war’ and instigator of fevers, and in modern times is reckoned the marker of athletics champion and red-hot lovers. To some extent you can take your pick from that list, while remaining aware that bangs and bruises are also part of Mars’ menu, and that the days around the 11^th (when Mars faces Pluto) are not the time to be throwing your weight around.

How to express anger, desire and ambition is part of the deal with this transit of Mars, which runs from August 3^rd to mid-September. Since prickly aspects are in play, you have to advance your cause and be prepared to upset one or two people (they’ll recover). The 25^th and 26^th look good for big decisions that favour you, maybe at someone else’s expense. Keeping officialdom onside is paramount, however.

Everything is complicated by the retrograde of Mercury (3rd-27^th) that calls for care with signatures and money matters. Finances can be very usefully addressed now, especially anything you are meant to have already completed.

If you’re looking to move on romantic matters, this is a positive month despite Mercury. Mars means letting others know what’s on your agenda – let ‘em take it or leave it – with the 18^th as one useful date. You might as well be upfront with your problems and needs, just do it with panache, not in anger.