LIBRA

The August 2012 Full Moon takes place in Aquarius on:

Sydney – August 2 @ 1.27pm AEST
Auckland – August 2 @ 3.27pm NZT
New York – August 1 @ 11.27pm EDT
London – August 2 @ 4.27am BST

The August 2012 New Moon takes place in Leo on:

Sydney – August 18 @ 1.54am AEST
Auckland – August 18 @ 3.54am NZT
New York – August 17 @ 11.54am EDT
London – August 17 @ 4.54pm BST

The second August 2012 Full Moon takes place in Pisces on:

Sydney – August 31 @ 11.58pm AEST
Auckland – September 1 @ 1.58am NZT –
New York – August 31 @ 9.58am EDT
London – August 31 @ 2.58pm BST

INFORMATION FOR ALL THE SIGNS

The headline news this month is probably the end of the current Mercury retrograde cycle on August 8, a super-powerful once-every-two-years link between Mars and Saturn and the move of the Nodes into Taurus/Scorpio. In your more in-depth forecast below, I will outline what this means for you and your sign but first I want to explain these phenomena in broader terms.

Firstly, the end of the Mercury reverse cycle might sound like nothing but good news, however, Mercury retrograde (like all astrology) is not something to be “wished away”. There is something fantastic and usable about anything and everything that happens up in them there skies! In the case of Mercury retrograde, it’s a chance to realign ourselves. Mercury is the mind planet and when it goes backwards, it gives us a chance to rethink and review. And although that can be tricky, because sometimes we end up questioning things we thought we were sure of, actually it’s what we need. In the same way that businesses have quarterly adjustments, we have Mercury reverse cycles three or four times a year.

So do use the first week and a day of August to work with the reverse energies.

For you, the end of the Mercury reverse cycle is all about … friendships

Hallelujah! On August 8, Mercury, the planet of communications will start going forwards again. This means the atmosphere is about to be less confusing. For you, Mercury has been going backwards in your ELEVENTH HOUSE of friends. If you’ve been having hassles with your mates over the past few weeks, now you know why! When Mercury’s going backwards here, it can sometimes almost feel like people are trying to misunderstand you! This weekend, as Mercury changes directions, you can expect (or at least allow for the possibility) one last blast of mayhem in the Friends Department. If and when it comes, try to stay cool because after that, life really will flow more easily.

AND WHAT ABOUT MARS AND SATURN?

The meeting on Mars and Saturn in Libra is a red rag to us all. These two planets only meet up in this way about once every two years, so it’s big news. Mars is the planet of action and Saturn is the planet that puts the brakes on, so in some ways, when they meet up, there is room for frustration. It can be a bit like driving pedal to the metal with the handbrake on. So if you are feeling frustrated, breathe and remember that good things are worth waiting for… The upside of this link is quite different in many ways, though. It’s about giving some energy to you in a part of your life where you felt as though you had almost run out of steam.

For you, it’s all about your whole life! Try a little harder for a little longer and the rewards will come. Use the lessons you have learned in the past!

Once that cycle is over, Mars moves back into Scorpio for the first time in two years… Here’s what that means for you …

What would you think of someone who thought they were super special just because they had a flashy sports car? Exactly. So make sure you don’t become like that now – as Mars moves through your 2nd house, you can start to identify too strongly with What You Have rather than with Who You Are. Take charge of your finances, but don’t let them take charge of you. Be very careful re overspending and impulse buying over the next few weeks. Best advice: Work on your self-esteem. Make a list of your good points and start to appreciate yourself. The good news is that life is about to slow down a little and you’ll have a chance to relax…soon.

AND SO TO THE NODES

The South Node is moving through your 8th House which is all about sex and intimacy (and also about joint finances). The North Node is pushing into your 2nd House which is related to self-esteem, cash, property and possessions. It’s a curious cycle. Success, happiness and fulfilment are now more likely to come from within, from your own self-esteem levels, than they are from anywhere else. Don’t look to other people to fund you. Where you can, stand on your own two feet financially. Sexually, don’t go to places which you already know are off limits or in any way bad for you.

A FINAL NOTE…

I drew a card for you – if you’re reading this – it is meant for you so pay attention and contemplate it’s meaning as the month unfolds. You got: CLEAR YOUR SPACE. Get rid of clutter and clear the energy around you, and use feng shui.

As I was putting this month’s forecasts together, the Chakra Clearing oracle card came up again and again. As I didn’t want to give every sign the same card, I chose again. But it seems as though the heavens are urging me to tell people who read this to clear their chakras! If you know how to meditate, then you are clearing your chakras every time you do your practice. However if you don’t, click here for a wonderful and very popular chakra clearing video.

For your Daily Horoscope and more info about the month ahead as it unfolds, please visit Yasmin Boland’s moonology