Welcome, August – that time when summer energy begins to fade. We sense the oncoming of fall-winter. Last summer vacations are planned, and talks of back-to-school begin. It’s also Leo time- romance, creativity, fun, passion, outgoing, and outside. It’s gateway season, and this year, more retrogrades are encouraging us to internalize. Where are we in our lives? What do we want, and the bigger question – how will we get what we want?
Depending on your journey, you might find yourself dreaming, thinking, planning, or acting. Leo’s archetype is ‘I WILL,’ so the energy gives us the surety to act, but we have many retrogrades us slowing down. We’ll feel that the universe is putting the brakes on some areas of our lives, such as existing or new relationships, family, careers, finances, or health. Energy doesn’t just impact us personally; it also affects our outer world, which might be finance, housing markets, corporate advances, manufacturing, retail, etc.
The large outer planets (Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto, Jupiter) have slower rotations and often show how we respond to outer things in our life – systems, processes, community, and social norms. Inner planets (those closest to the sun impact us more internally – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Moon)
Retrogrades slow down, soften or hold the energy in place.
- Pluto retrograde in Capricorn – shadow, death of old, rebirth of something better/new.
- Saturn retrograde in Pisces -relates to self-discipline, strength of character, and our responsibilities.
- Neptune retrograde in Pisces -relates to our imagination, doors to the mystical.
- Uranus retrograde in Taurus – relates to our uniqueness, intuition, and gateway for sudden events or insights.
- Venus retrogrades in Leo – Venus relates to how you love.
- Mercury retrogrades in Virgo – Aug 23: Relates to how you think. Represents reason, common sense, communication, and learning and skills. Signs most impacted are Gemini and Virgo.
- Chiron (not a planet) retrograde in Aries illuminates our wounds and what to heal/help.
Venus is the energy that will impact us most this month. Venus is the planet of love and relationships, while Leo is the sign of love and romance. Venus retrograde takes a direct hit at love and our relationships. We may struggle with expressing our love in an open, healthy way. We may struggle with friendships, work relationships, and meeting new people. This can be a good time for reconnecting with old flames and your own heart. If you have children, they will likely be more rebellious, so try to have more patience with them. Retrogrades are perfect times for healing, self-assessment, and changing directions. It’s a time when the universe slows and provides more breathing room for processing, reflection, decisions, and only taking action when the planets go forward again. It can be frustrating for signs that like to take action NOW and figure out all the details later. You get a breather from the pressure of a do-society for signs that like to take a slower pace and have plans in place.
August is a time for fun, play, and relaxation, and this year, the universe is conspiring with all the retrogrades to encourage us to slow down, pay attention, and maybe add a few pauses in our day.
Shine on 💓 In Gratitude and be Blessed. ~Laurie
Words from the Wise – Owl Medicine
I’m not the problem. You are not the problem. The problem is the problem, and we are here to resolve it.
Use Owl medicine when needing to look at a situation in a new way. Meditate in darkness for a few minutes over the next few days and see what might be revealed to you. Tap into your elder wisdom, that of the past, your cellular knowledge passed from your ancestors. Observe your environment, watching and listening for signs that might give you the answers you seek. In the space of void, the universe can provide. ~LaurieWondra – Owl Lady