Author: Nadia Gilchrist

August 22nd, 2019: Relationship Pride and What’s Behind It

Photo by   rawpixel.com   from   Pexels

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

  • Leo Sun conjunct Juno (29 deg)

  • Mercury in Leo inconjunct Neptune Rx in Pisces (17 deg)

Sun/Juno illuminates the pride and power of a successful partnership, but Mercury/Neptune raises a few questions. Honesty may not be a priority – perhaps one person is evading the truth in order to preserve the shine. Too, there can be a caution to acknowledge what’s not obvious – this is not all about what’s in the spotlight.

Dreams are good, but not at the expense of purpose. This is a tricky balancing act where one or both partners must acknowledge what defies immediate definition without allowing that information to undermine their mutual purpose. Compassion or spiritually may need to be interwoven with overt examples of relationship success.

Note that this can apply to any type of partnership: romantic, business, creative, etc.

Venus’ Transit of Virgo

Photo by   Matheus Bertelli   from   Pexels

Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

Venus enters Virgo on August 21st at 5:06 AM EDT. Relationships, money, values and self-esteem are filtered through the lens of precision and service. This means an exacting standard around what you want, have and own, or (if distorted) an attitude of slavery regarding who you love and what you’re worth.

This transit will hi-light the specifics of what you want – what’s missing and what could be better. This is excellent for self-improvement but it can also lead to picking away at your self-worth until there’s nothing left. The focus on flaws must be balanced with the drive to improve. Change the recording from “I’m worthless” to “I’m worth the upgrade.”

Venus in Virgo wants you to get real about love and resources. This entails looking at the specifics (the truth) of what’s working and what isn’t. If what you have/love isn’t working, this will not be a happy transit. But if you can see beyond the “failure” to the opportunity to make it better, this is can be the moment you grab the Virgo scythe and cut through the wasteful people/situations that are preventing you from being your best.

If you’re into helping others, this transit can be about love through service. It’s tricky energy because it can quickly tip over into slavery. But with proper boundaries and self-awareness (your self-worth is not defined by what you do for others) this can be a time where you experience the love and happiness that comes from simply making someone’s life bette: no applause ,no congrats. There’s nothing in it for you – you’re helping them and that’s it but that’s enough. Again, be careful -some will take advantage of this and if your values are weak you’ll fall victim to the belief that you’re only worth what you can do for others.

Overall, I see this as a transit of focus. Virgo is about specifics, so this is an opportunity to focus on what you really want and what really makes you happy, with an injection of realism.

BTW, Virgo is associated with pets, so those with Venus in Virgo tend to have an affinity with domesticated dogs and cats (or gerbils, guinea pigs, etc). Love is expressed with worried nurturing and obsessive care. This can also extend to human pets *ahem* partners – the fussing/control issues are a way of expressing love. If your partner has Venus in Virgo this doesn’t mean that they view you as a pet, but they do see you as a work in progress and their ultimate responsibility.

Here are the aspects Venus in Virgo will make:

  • Aug 24th: conjunct Mars (4 deg)

  • Aug 24th: square Ceres in Sagittarius (4 deg)

  • Aug 25th: inconjunct Chiron Rx in Aries (5 deg)

  • Aug 26th: trine Uranus Rx in Taurus (6 deg)

  • Sept 1st: opposite Black Moon Lilith in Pisces (13 deg)

  • Sept 1st: trine Saturn Rx in Capricorn (14 deg)

  • Sept 2nd: square Jupiter Rx in Capricorn (15 deg)

  • Sept 3rd: trine South Node in Capricorn (16 deg)

  • Sept 4th: opposite Neptune Rx in Pisces (17 deg)

  • Sept 6th: trine Pluto Rx in Capricorn (20 deg)

  • Sept 12th: trine Vesta in Taurus (27 deg0

  • Sept 13th: conjunct Mercury (28 deg)

  • Sept 14th: Libra ingress

Patreon Post: Uranus and Freedom

Photo by   Lukas   from   Pexels

Photo by Lukas from Pexels

A new Sneak Peek Patreon post (for $5 Patrons) is up. It’s a monthly behind-the-scenes look at my thought processes when writing a particular blog post. This one is about Uranus, loss and freedom.

Please check out my Patreon page to access this post (and many others) and to support my work. Scroll down the Patreon page until you get to “Recent Posts.”

August 20th, 2019: Keep Striving

Photo by   Nick Kwan   from   Pexels

Photo by Nick Kwan from Pexels

  • Moon in Aries square Pluto Rx in Capricorn (21 deg)

  • Waning Trine between the Aries Moon and Leo Sun (27 deg)

The Moon/Pluto square is a crisis of power versus initiative. The Aries Moon represents something new and impulsive while Pluto Rx adds an extra push, motivated by fear of being controlled or losing control.

This can be a very aggressive influence with manipulative undertones. Usually, Aries is upfront and honest, but the Pluto square suggests hidden motivations. There may be a struggle to break away from authority.

Nonetheless, the pressure of this crisis can propel you into the Waning Trine, an easier influence that involves sharing your energy with others. Aggressive beginnings will flow into something you can be proud of, as others sit up and take notice. Or, an initial power struggle/compulsive effort can help you break through a barrier and reach others.

The takeaway is that you should keep trying, even when confronted with initial resistance. Acknowledge what’s going on beneath, so it doesn’t control you. But keep striving for that breakthrough because there’s light on the horizon.

August 19th, 2019: Success Through Partnership

Photo by   rawpixel.com   from   Pexels

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

  • Venus in Leo sextile Pallas in Libra (27 deg)

  • Venus in Leo conjunct Juno (28 deg)

Excellent partnership aspects today, as Venus harmonizes with Pallas in Venus-ruled Libra. Relationship strategies/plans are balanced and creative, and Venus/Juno indicates a bright, bold union of love and commitment. There can be a public agreement between two people that features mutual joy, pride and power. There’s also a bit of drama – the relationship with a flourish.

These aspects are about you and another in perfect harmony. Being together increases self-expression and cooperation, as well as success. There’s a strong social facet as well – the two of you at the centre of the party or on stage.

Whether or not you’re part of a couple, consider how joining forces with another (romantically or platonically) can boost your chances of success.

Mars’ Transit of Virgo: Do It Right

Photo by   rawpixel.com   from   Pexels

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Mars (action, anger, sexual energy, motivation) enters Virgo on August 18th at 1:18 AM EDT. The external expression of will is focused through details and improvement, but also the increased awareness of flaws. This can be a highly effective fix-it transit but you can also fixate on what’s wrong and refuse to move forward until it’s just right.

Small steps are the way to go. If you want to upgrade, do it in gradual stages rather than tackling the whole thing at once. Do the best you can but don’t get hung up on absolute perfection, because that’s a moving target. The key is knowing when to stop – when continued efforts to improve will end up destroying your subject.

This is also an excellent “clean up” transit – next to Scorpio, Virgo is the ultimate sign for purging and cleansing. Mars in Virgo urges you to cut out what’s not healthy (this includes relationships and habits) while working to improve what is healthy. As this is the sign of service, you can also focus your efforts on others, but the caution is not to let this devolve into slavery.

Consider what’s motivating your actions: the desire to upgrade, assist or distract yourself from the real issue with picky details and nosing around in other peoples’ business? Mars in Virgo does not always have pure intentions. Ration your energy and direct it towards the most effective target. If you’re avoiding something, redirect towards the problem and recognize that the quest for perfection can be another form of procrastination.

Having said this, during this transit you don’t want to cut corners. If you’re going to do it, do it right or don’t bother.

Here are the aspects Mars in Virgo will make:

  • Aug 24th: conjunct Venus (4 deg)

  • Aug 25th: inconjunct Chiron Rx in Aries (5 deg)

  • Aug 25th: square Ceres in Sagittarius (12 deg)

  • Aug 28th: trine Uranus Rx in Taurus (6 deg)

  • Sept 2nd: conjunct the Sun (9 deg)

  • Sept 3rd: conjunct Mercury (10 deg)

  • Sept 9th: trine Saturn Rx (13 deg)

  • Sept 9th: opposite Black Moon Lilith in Pisces (14 deg)

  • Sept 11th: trine the Capricorn South Node (15 deg)

  • Sept 12th: square Jupiter in Sagittarius (16 deg)

  • Sept 14th: opposte Neptune Rx in Pisces (17 deg)

  • Sept 19th: trine Pluto Rx in Capricorn (20 deg)

  • Sept 30th: trine Vesta Rx in Taurus (27 deg)

  • Oct 4th: Libra ingress

Horoscopes for August 18th, 2019 to August 25th, 2019

pexels

pexels

Overview

Venus enters Virgo on August 21st. Relationships, money, values and self-esteem are filtered through the lens of perfection and improvement. Venus in Virgo loves to fix and fixate on the details, and her conjunction with Mars (action) on August 24th can indicate a new beginning where you get what you want, based on your ability to focus and do the correct thing. Venus and Mars will make an awkward inconjunct Chiron Rx in Aries on the 25th, underlining the constant Virgo theme of “not quite good enough” – there will be flaws that can’t be fixed but this shouldn’t prevent you from going after what you want. 

The Sun enters Virgo on August 23rd, and the season of purity, perfection and service begins. Virgo zeros in on what’s wrong, severs what doesn’t work and tries to upgrade everything. This is the time of year to get organized and get it right, while discarding what isn’t healthy for you.

Mercury in Leo trines Jupiter in Sag on August 21st, indicating optimistic, outgoing words and thoughts. But Mercury’s inconjuncts to Saturn Rx in Capricorn on the 21st and Neptune Rx in Pisces in the 22nd suggest that limits and illusions will have to be accounted for.

Aries

Venus into your sector of routine, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, activates favourable prospects in work or health. You’ll be motivated to do what’s best (regarding diet, exercise or self-improvement) or you’ll want to offer your best to someone else. But the inconjunct to Chiron Rx in your sign suggests positive developments can hi-light vulnerabilities- you won’t be able to completely fix an ongoing problem. Acknowledge the wound but don’t allow it to undermine an effective solution; you don’t have to get it perfect.

Aspects to Mercury in your sector of self-expression can encourage you to look for more or speak out with optimism (in a creative or romantic matter) but be aware of official limits/rules plus hidden doubts or illusions. External realities and background fantasies will have to be accounted for so you don’t lose focus on the main opportunity. 

The Sun into your sector of routine hi-lights practical efforts and getting organized. What you have to attend to (regarding others and yourself) will become a major focus. 

Taurus

Venus into your sector of self-expression, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, suggests getting what you want in the areas of new romance, creativity or children/pregnancy. This can be a celebratory influence as you attract through focused, careful actions. But hidden or acknowledged wounds can trigger a thread of doubt or fear – don’t ignore what’s happening in the background but don’t lose sight of positive developments. 

Aspects to Mercury in your domestic sector promise bold plans for home and family, especially involving domestic finances. This is about thinking bigger and better, but you’ll also have to acknowledge a tendency to reach too far – legal rules/boundaries must be obeyed, despite the temptation to listen to what others are suggesting. Keep your plans optimistic but realistic. 

The Sun into your sector of self-expression can boost your joy, celebration and the sense that you’re doing it right. Any work that you’ve put into a desired goal will be favourably  hi-lighted. 

Gemini

Venus into your domestic sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, can activate favourable issues with family, a relocation, home business or a domestic partnership. What you do and what you want will come together and your domestic actions should be received favourably. Good for home improvements or addressing family problems. But keep an eye out for external influences (friends or the public) – social anxieties or the wounds of others may trigger some interference. Or, you may have to adjust domestic goals with social issues. 

Aspects to Mercury in your communication sector suggest buoyant conversations with a partner involving big promises and shared ideals. However, background restrictions involving finances, intimacy or psychological issues will have to be be accounted for, as well as unrealistic future dreams. 

The Sun into your domestic sector emphasizes the core details of home and family, especially matters that need to be improved.

Cancer

Venus into your communication sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, suggests that words with actions can lead to something very good. Excellent for delivering your message with forceful charm, receiving good news or taking steps to put a plan into action. Attention to detail is key. However, you’ll find that awkward career issues involving success or ambition will have to be worked around: you may have to accommodate doubts or approach certain matters with sensitivity if this is a business conversation. 

Aspects to Mercury in your sector of personal resources can deliver hopeful news regarding finances or hook you into a lucrative work opportunity. But you’ll also be dealing with the rules/limits of a partner and misguided ideals about new opportunities. Stay focused on what you know is viable and try not to get distracted by “what if’s” or unproven hopes. 

The Sun into your communication sector amplifies all exchanges of information with an emphasis on specifics, improvements and saying it right. 

Leo

Venus into your sector of personal resources, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, favours a financial boost or increase in self-esteem and security. But the key will be taking  detailed action aimed at exactly what you want. Meaning, you must have a specific game plan that involves an upgrade. Be aware that you’ll have to make adjustments with some difficult issues around travel, education, legal matters or publishing,

Aspects to Mercury in your sign can urge you to come out and say it with pride and pizazz – this influence will enable you to get your message across in a charming and convincing way, and everyone will hear it. But don’t forget to factor in rules/restrictions involving health, work or obligations (you may not be able to say absolutely everything that you want) and keep an eye on the tendency to spin some inaccurate stories. Fantasy and white lies can creep in, even though you have the best intentions. 

The Sun into your sector of personal resources illuminates the specifics around earned money, your values and what’s best for you. 

Virgo

Venus into your sign, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, gifts you with attraction power plus the motivation to do something with it. This is your moment to act and get what you want, assuming you’ve worked out the specifics (of course you have). Excellent for starting a new and better lifestyle, relationship/approach to relationships or self-image. The inconjunct to Chiron in your sector of shared resources can trigger some hidden insecurities regarding shared finances or intimacy, and you will find that your efforts are not completely flawless. There will be some awkward moments and reasons to question certain financial issues. No situation is ever perfect but as long as you keep your eye on the details and proceed carefully, you should be ok. 

Aspects to Mercury in your hidden sector can amplify a secret idea/goal or see you getting your hopes up about a domestic matter. Unspoken thoughts can be undermined by illusions that you’ve projected onto someone else, and by fears about your worthiness. As long as you’re prepared to honour real-world obligations and avoid getting caught up in another’s fantasies/weakness/addictions, you can move forward with this unspoken potential. 

The Sun into your sign means this is your time of the year: the spotlight is on you, which also means your insecurities, worries and perceived flaws will be magnified. Now is the time to take stock of whether you’ve worked on making it better or whether you got caught up in the endless loop of fault-finding, criticism and not being ready to start because everything is not “just so”. The Venus/Mars conjunction in your sign says there is no time like the present to get started.

Libra

Venus into your hidden sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, can activate a secret attraction or desire. There’s a mix of unlimited potential and the urge to reach for something perfect, or something that inspires sacrifice. Use caution, because another’s wounds, or your painful issues with a relationship, will impact what’s happening. Consider if this potential will undermine or uplift you, and if you’re fully acknowledging the wounds that will be exposed. Your actions could be misguided or inspired – it’s a fine line, so tread carefully. 

Aspects to Mercury in your social sector can open up encouraging communication with friends, groups or the public in general. Good for making an announcement or networking, but you’ll have to balance this with an area of confusion or weakness (in a work or health scenario) plus domestic obligations. Some of what you say will be defined by heavy responsibilities at home. 

The Sun into your hidden sector illuminates all matters that are secret or undeveloped. Issues in your blindspot, or areas that need more time to manifest are the theme, as well as stepping back to concentrate on personal matters. 

Scorpio

Venus into your social sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, indicates a very public and positive manifestation. A new attraction, social/business activity or new beginning involving your public image will depend on your precise actions. This is positive for the most part, but you will have to factor in difficulties in a work or health scenario. Certain issues will not turn out perfectly, and you may find yourself unprepared. Too, public attention can hi-light personal flaws, but that’s no reason to hold back. Just proceed carefully and leave room for mistakes. 

Aspects to Mercury in your career sector suggest an encouraging conversation with management or lucrative information about a job/your professional image. Money and security matters can be boosted, but you’ll have to balance out this info with the temptation to get caught up in unrealistic dreams. Too, you could end up saying too much. There will be certain rules you must follow and some official guidelines you can’t ignore. 

The Sun’s move into your social sector illuminates matters with friends, groups, your public image and your place in the collective. There can be a focus on exactly where you fit in or where you notice public flaws in yourself or others. 

Sagittarius

Venus into your career sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, emphasizes efforts to improve and attract with your future in mind. Ambitions can come to fruition via a professional relationship, new job or tweaks to your professional image. However, a success can also emphasize where you still feel less than (talented, attractive, capable). Acknowledge the insecurity but focus on what you can do. 

Aspects to Mercury in your opportunities sector (including the trine to Jupiter in your sign) encourage you to have faith and explore in the areas of education, legal matters, travel, publishing or moving beyond your comfort zone. The more you consider new opportunities/knowledge, the more will come your way. However, know that an illness or area of weakness at home/with family, plus certain restrictions involving finances, will have to be integrated into what you’re learning/saying. This is about optimism  with a shot of realism on the side. 

The Sun into your career sector hi-lights future goals and current ambitions. Small changes and a general refinement of matters in this area will have a bigger impact than one, radical transformation. Take it step by step. 

Capricorn

Venus into your opportunities sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, looks  good for making it happen in the areas of travel, education, legal matters, long-distance romance or publishing. A distant want/love can be made real with your careful but faith-based actions. However, family issues or domestic troubles will have to be accounted for as they will be emphasized by the good things you attract. 

Aspects to Mercury in your sector of shared resources suggests good news or expansive (but private) discussions involving shared finances or intimacy. Watch for a background surge of optimism and confidence. However, the inconjunct to Saturn Rx in your sign will narrow your focus a bit as rules/obligations must be factored in. And, make sure you keep your eyes on what’s realistic and proven – there will be a slight temptation to get caught up in what if’s or dreams. 

The Sun’s move into your opportunities sector hi-lights the step-by-step path to what’s new or distant. You can get there if you proceed carefully and take note of all the details. Faith is based on concrete examples of improvement.

Aquarius

Venus into your sector of shared resources, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, suggests a very positive development in the areas of loans, taxes, you partner’s finances, intimacy or psychological issues. Actions that are focused on digging deeper, getting real and targeting the precise (albeit uncomfortable) issue can uncover more resources, intimacy/passion or self-esteem. Conversations/information will hit some sore spots, and some of the details may remain “broken.” But this is part of the process of getting closer to someone, developing trust or finding your hidden strengths. 

Aspects to Mercury in your partnership sector indicate buoyant conversations with another that open new social doors or boost your public image. Excellent for all relationships (public, private, romantic or platonic) but be aware that background limits (or an ongoing ending) will have to be factored in. And, don’t lose sight of the realities of your financial situation or self-esteem issues: consider the line between having faith and compromising your values. 

The Sun’s move into your sector of shared resources illuminates what you cannot fully control. Some details can be adjusted and refined, but others will be there to test your ability to accept your limits. 

Pisces

Venus into your relationship sector, and the Venus/Mars conjunction, can indicate a passionate new partnership or positive moments in an existing relationship. Another’s actions will make you aware of how your love life can be improved, how your standards can be elevated or exactly what you want and don’t want. You can attract through your focus on what’s best/healthiest, but you’ll also be dealing with self-esteem issues. Know that a partner is not meant to boost your self-esteem (that’s up to you). In some cases, you’ll be dealing with the dynamics of attempting to “fix” another. 

Aspects to Mercury in your sector of routine suggest good news about work/career as your solutions expand your future potential. Too, you can become aware of more work opportunities or ways to improve your situation. But the inconjunct to Neptune in your sign is a caution to keep your eye on what’s real as opposed to what’s hoped for or suspected. And, external rules or judgments will also have to be acknowledged. 

The Sun’s move into your partnership sector emphasizes the details of your one-on-one relationships. Pay attention to what you usually overlook.

August 17th, 2019: Drifting With The Pisces Moon

Photo by   Allie Smith   from   Pexels

Photo by Allie Smith from Pexels

  • Moon in Pisces square Jupiter in Sagittarius (14 deg)

  • Moon in Pisces sextile Saturn Rx in Capricorn (14 deg)

  • Moon in Pisces conjunct Neptune Rx (17 deg)

  • Moon in Pisces sextile Pluto Rx in Capricorn (21 deg)

  • Moon Void of Course in Pisces (6:34 PM EDT)

  • Moon enters Aries (Aug 18th, 12:32 PM EDT)

The dreamy Pisces Moon makes a grounding sextile to Saturn (rules, limits) but this will probably be overrun by the euphoric square to Jupiter and conjunction with Neptune. Jupiter and Neptune will pump up the illusions, confusion and yearning for something more. Used properly, this energy can offer some beautiful hours of inspiration- Jupiter will exaggerate but also keep things active. And Neptune can indicate a pure point of transcendence, creativity, compassion. or innocence.

But if you get caught up in something undermining, you can float down the wrong path. These energies are escapist, so consider where you’re escaping to. When in doubt, touch base with your focus or foundations (Saturn). Remind yourself of your responsibilities.

The Moon’s final aspect before she goes VOC is a sextile to Pluto, which can gently intensify the above and leave you with a deeper understanding of what limits you transcended. Pluto (transformation) also suggests a quiet ending, which is emphasized by Pisces as the last sign. Watch for a small “death” and release.

As the Moon enters Aries the next day and the VOC ends, it’s the perfect opportunity to jump into something fresh with renewed motivation.