by Mac McLaughlin | Dec 1, 2014 | Weekly Forecasts
Astrology is a symbolic language in which the symbols for the planets and signs, and the aspects that the planets form, relate reams of information. The greatest stories ever told lie within the pages of the ephemeris. The ephemeris is a book of numbers and symbols that informs us of the planetary positions throughout any given year. The stories are limited by our intuition, imagination and background experience regarding the potential power of the planets. Just as an example, written in the shorthand of the starry language, Uranus is in square with Pluto. The stargazers stroke their beards in recognition of the implications that this very dynamic planetary aspect signifies. “Say what?” you say! “What the hay are they talking about anyway?”
Let’s break it down. Uranus formed a square with Pluto in the spring of 2010 continuing to the spring of 2019. The majority of this square aspect takes place while Uranus moves through Aries and Pluto journeys through Capricorn. A square aspect is formed when the planets come within 90 degrees of each other. I give an approximate eight-degree orb of influence. In the old astrological textbooks, the square aspect is noted as evil and when the planets are in square, they create all kinds of havoc, unrest and discord. In my own take on the subject, a square is about as evil as an intersection. If you approach the intersection and use caution and care, you get through safely; if you insist on blasting through, we know it’s just a matter of time before you meet tragedy, injury or death. Is the intersection evil? I think not, but how we handle it makes all the difference in the world.
You can use this Uranus square Pluto as an overlay and pin it on the tensions in Ukraine, Africa, the Middle East and everywhere else where huge problems exist and where the cost of human life is very high and counting. Uranus in Aries spells out revolution and rebellion in which people strive to overcome repression with aggression and violence. Pluto in Capricorn symbolizes the birth and death of nations and all forms of power, be it street gangs, religious fanaticism or political power plays within all governments.
It all adds up to the same thing in which great turmoil and upheaval takes place. The forces of darkness and light clash and man continues to add more karmic indebtedness to the cosmic pile. Certainly, we need more love, more peace, more prayer and more help in solving the issues that have plagued humankind throughout the Iron Age.
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Read the introduction regarding Uranus in Aries. You’re not done; you’ve only just begun and you must learn to lay down your gun. You’re the first-born and must lead the way into the future. Commence your ascent of the internal mountain of peace, light and love. Lead with the torch of surrender, compassion and truth.
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If Taurus had its way, everything would remain the same, just the way Taureans like it. Like it or not, the only constant is change within itself. In the big picture, you have about five years to truly weigh up the pros and cons of all things. After that, changes come with or without your consent.
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You’re the word merchant par excellence and teacher and storyteller. Now’s the time to inspire the young minds and teach them the ways in which we can heal our planet and make the world a better place to live in. You’ve got the gift and certainly the spirit to inspire and ignite that fire.
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Rest a while and take some time to delve deeply into what it is you must do in order to nurture and protect our planet, youth and all living creatures. We are your family and we need your help and protection. No sense waiting too long, as time and tide waits for no man.
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Yes, you are the king or queen – of what, though? A pile of money, some big mansion, somewhere south? You can sit there and gloat about your empty attainments or you can use that kingly power you have been given and spread your light, warmth and love to all who are hungry, needy and suffering.
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Virgo needs to be needed, useful and a significant part of what is going on. Well, we need you now, more than ever. You are capable, competent and none can work harder, longer and more devotedly than you. Plus, you care on a deep level and have great gifts of discernment, modesty and honesty.
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Rahu, the north node of the Moon, is travelling in the middle of Libra. The lunar nodes have much to do with our personal karma. Rahu seeks to acquire anything and everything, but he can never be satisfied nor satiated. Use this energy to attain higher knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Seek and you shall find.
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It’s karmic payoff time, big-time. Now is the best time to settle all accounts to the best of your ability. Truly, there is nothing else to do anyway. Once the burden falls from your shoulders, you will feel a great sense of relief. It is also a time to start anew, to start fresh.
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Read Scorpio for soon it will be your time to set things right and get yourself on the right track or pay off some type of karmic burden from the past. If it sounds a tad ominous, it is not that way. It’s exactly the other way, meaning freedom, happiness and harmony. 2015 tells the tale.
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The winter solstice and the Capricorn new Moon take place on December 21. It indicates a time in which you can make a new start and truly reinvent yourself. Venus and Pluto conjunct close to the solstice giving you the opportunity to reassess matters of the heart. A powerful dying and birthing process takes hold.
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It’s time for some behind the scenes work to take place as you make preparations for some type of dynamic action as the New Year begins. You may feel emboldened and alive; the old spark is rekindled. It’s time to clear out the old and bring in the new – body, mind and soul-wise.
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The Moon transits through Pisces December 26 and 27 creating a series of good planetary aspects that bring joy, peace and happiness your way. Keep in mind that Neptune, co-ruler of Pisces, will visit your sign for 10 more years. Within that time, your spirituality will develop in a most dynamic way.
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by Mac McLaughlin | Nov 1, 2014 | Weekly Forecasts
Every child is precious and special – and, of course, my child is the most precious, cute, smart and beautiful of all. That’s how we all feel – and should feel – about our offspring. You might ask, “What makes a child special and by what power are they gifted with special talents and abilities?”
The stars incline and compel us towards our destiny throughout our lifetimes. If your child is destined to become a musician and you project your will onto the young one and insist they become a scientist or a doctor, you are not helping the child’s destiny. If anything, you are hindering it. If your child is destined to be a doctor and you hand him a violin, again, you are hindering and blocking his/her natural abilities. In this same train of thought, if your child has musical and artistic gifts and you feed that by giving her those toys and objects that relate to her gifts, she will grow and flower at an exceptional rate of speed.
We carry our gifts and talents with us throughout our incarnations and they form our predilections in our present lifetime. My guru taught us that every king wants his son to be a king, not a minister, and we all want the best for our beloved children. The reason for my rambling is that a very special time has just passed, in which the planets held very strong and powerful positions. The Jyotish (Vedic astrology) teaches that if a person is born with three planets in their own signs – or signs of exaltation – they will do well and will hold good positions in their families. A planet is exalted in the zodiac sign in which it can do its best and wield its power freely. A person born with four planets in their own signs or exaltation signs will become very powerful and wealthy. A person with five planets in their own signs becomes equal to a king and will be wealthy and a leader.
In order for a person to truly reap the power that the planets in their own signs or exaltation signs offer up, there are all kinds of rules and varied stipulations to the above qualifications. If your child was born between August 17 to September 20, 2014, they will have either three, four or five planets in special positions; you might want to check into it because little Mozart, Einstein, Shakespeare, Mother Teresa or Joan of Arc might be sitting in front of you, right now.
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Lord Mars spends the month at the top of your solar chart. It’s an indication you should get a move on and strive towards your goals. You are very capable and ofttimes will only do things to prove to yourself you can do them. Well, let’s see what you can do.
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It’s time to nurture the inner self. Taurus works very hard in order to bring security and abundance its way. Now you must put in the same effort in order to achieve inner harmony and wealth. The full Moon on November 6 helps in illuminating your circumstances, especially regarding relationships and finances. Trim away the excess.
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Lord Mercury joins up with Saturn as they traverse your solar sixth house ruling such topics as health, debts, enemies and those that can help you in overcoming your problems. It’s time to go long and to think deep about what needs to be done in order to bring health, harmony and happiness your way.
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You can expect some fireworks in the first half of the month and possibly some resistance to your ideas and plans. You might not mind though; you might be in the mood to get it on and get things done. Romance could be in the works as good times are indicated. Find the balance. It’s important.
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Win some, lose some, win some more, lose some more – that seems to fit the rhythm of the times for dear Leo. Things lighten up a bit after November 22 and you might be relieved once November passes by. It’s all about checks and balances and not going overboard with any particular thing.
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Money, name and fame won’t get you where you want to be. Man cannot live by bread alone for his spirit needs to be nurtured as well. Now is the time to do exactly that. The full Moon on November 6 lights up your solar ninth house ruling such topics as spirituality, philosophy and travel.
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Communications and negotiations work well in the first week of November. Words come easily and your thoughts are put together nicely. Libra does possess the gift of grace when it comes to solving concerns and problems. November 3, 4 and 18 are days in which your patience may wear thin and sparks may fly.
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It’s all the way or no way – never half-way as far as Scorpio is concerned. You are learning things on a deep level and most likely gaining some wisdom through the powerful experiences of late. Looking to the future and clearing out the past is the work at hand now.
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The new Moon on November 22 heralds a new start. You may have grown tired of the status quo and are restless for change. Accommodate the changes best that you can and do what you can while you can. Powers beyond your control are looming on the horizon. All the more reason to make your moves now.
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Power plays and powerful days will manifest on November 4 and 10. It is best to be perceived as a team player and not a power tripper. Any abuse of power is likely to backlash strongly on these days. If you display fairness and integrity in a leadership role, you will gain power, respect and influence.
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News pertaining to career objectives comes in on November 6. The relationship area is hot. Partnerships and alliances are formed and a win is likely regarding legal matters. Home, land and real estate concerns are dealt with now. A gathering or family reunion is likely. The last week of this month is more to your liking.
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The November stars are hinting at travel, publishing, writing and education. Career interests spike towards the end of the month and into December. Many Pisces people are spiritual and now the stars are bringing more of an interest in spiritual and philosophic matters. It is also a time to work on health and dietary issues.
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by Mac McLaughlin | Oct 1, 2014 | Weekly Forecasts
In 1996 and 1997, I had been studying the Royal Family’s charts. Actually, I became quite obsessed with them. Our horoscope is the star map that helps us understand the karma that comes our way throughout our lifetime. We are all experiencing karma every second of our existence. Karma is the law of action and reaction, the positive and negative indebtedness which must be paid in full, in the due course of time. As the mystics teach, there are chains of iron and chains of gold; they are both chains, nevertheless. Negative deeds and thoughts forge the chains of iron while positive deeds and thoughts form the chains of gold. We have individual karma, family karma and national karma. Keep in mind that karma represents everything: love, babies, wealth, health, name, fame and everything in between.
The important point in studying the Royals is that they have accurate and documented birth times. I noticed that many of the Royal Family members were experiencing intense planetary energy in 1997. In February of that year, I gave a talk to a group of local astrologers in Victoria, BC and gave out my prognostications regarding the royals. My premiss was that if only one person was experiencing intense planetary energy, it would get me to pay close attention, but if your whole family was experiencing intense planetary energy, I would know that something was up big-time and I would attempt to address it.
One of my predictions was that Princess Diana would experience some danger while travelling in a foreign country in August and September of 1997. I had started to write a letter to her to warn her about travelling at that time. Unfortunately, I tore up the letter and threw it away, thinking she would neither receive it nor heed it. Tragically, she died in a terrible car crash on August 31 of that year.
My point in writing all of this is that the fates are strongly built up again within the Royal Family. Two eclipses take place in October and they both affect the members of this family, dynamically and intensely. Things are about to change for them in these next 12 months. A great emphasis is on Prince William and Harry’s charts while Prince Charles, the Queen, Prince Philip and Lady Camilla’s charts are all resonating big changes. Let’s hope and pray they all stay safe, healthy and happy. These October eclipses also affect Vladimir Putin’s chart strongly as well and Stephen Harper will be involved in a huge controversial fight for power and control.
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The lunar eclipse on October 8 will bring more than a few jolts of inspiration that will help you figure out what must be done in order to attain peace, harmony and happiness. A new love or a new new path to follow could be the case. Creativity and innovation are running high.
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Pay attention to the energy that prevails on October 8, 9 and 10. You might be in the mood to bring on some important changes in your life. It is time to reevaluate what is most important to you. The last 10 days of the month will also help you in deciding just what to do.
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Relationships and friendships – maybe a little of both – will be on the menu for your consideration throughout the month. Sometimes, it is best to just remain friends and not complicate things too much. On the other hand, sometimes friendships deepen and mature into loving relationships. Then again, sometimes relationships sink ships.
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The lunar eclipse on October 8 will impact you. Cancer is ruled by the Moon and whenever she is full, the Cancer types always resonate, react and respond to the energy that is unfolding. Now a time has come in which you might reevaluate your career and relationship status. You might be restless for change.
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Think big and act accordingly. A grand triangle involving Mars, Jupiter and Uranus is taking place at the time of the full Moon on October 8. It tells us that your confidence and timing are good and others pick up on it. Travel, publishing, writing and spiritual matters come to the fore. It’s your time to shine.
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Resources, money and earning potential are featured throughout the month. Lord Mercury retrogrades from October 5 to 26 and spends the rest of the month getting up to speed again. It means you might be in a time of having to rework and rethink the plan or create a new plan of attack.
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The lunar eclipse on October 8 will have a strong effect on your sign. You may surprise yourself with some of the things you do at this time. A change of scene is likely. It is also time to take a long, hard look at your true values regarding matters of the heart.
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The fates are active now, especially with a solar eclipse taking place on October 23. Venus accompanies the eclipse, indicating you will be looking deeply into all aspects of your life. The urge to make significant and deeply meaningful changes comes up now. The events of the last few weeks urge you towards transformation.
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Mighty Mars visits Sagittarius until October 26. He brings strength, confidence and enthusiasm your way. Jupiter and Uranus also cast fine energy into your sign bringing luck, good timing and innovation into play. Pay attention to what you are doing as the likelihood of mishaps is strong as well. A battle of some sort takes place.
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Home and career sectors are hot, especially in the first 10 days of October. The lunar eclipse on October 8 may be significant for you as it will be a time of reassessment and reevaluation regarding finances and matters of the heart. Long kept secrets are revealed and emotions kept in check are finally expressed.
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You were born with a firm resolve and an ability to get things done when things need to get done. Now that time has arrived in which you might be considering career changes or, at the least, you might have to reevaluate your present status. Connect and relate and share your knowledge and ability with others now.
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Many Pisces are natural mystics and psychics. Now your inner world is about to open up as your curiosity increases regarding the deeper meanings of life. Inheritances and shared monies might also be topics that come up at this time. Health, harmony and balance are big keys and must be worked towards with diligence.
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by Mac McLaughlin | Sep 2, 2014 | Weekly Forecasts
Event-predictive, fatalistic astrology is very much on the way out and a new age of astrology is birthing. It will grow in consciousness as we move ever closer to the Golden Age. According to the true mystics, our grandchildren and their descendants will be the first to witness the advent of the golden age, in which truth and love will be the common commodities people live by. Presently, this does not seem probable or even possible given the state of the human condition with wars and hatred dominating the news every day. Yet the great saints and sages of India have made this prediction and when illuminated souls like Sant Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj and Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj make these statements, you better believe they are the truth. These saints were not common men by any measure; they were saints of the highest order.
We can teach our children that the stars and planets can assist greatly in helping us to understand our behaviour. We currently look at Mars as a planet of war, anger and aggression. The modern day astrologers council that it is okay to get angry and that it will feel good to seek revenge, if only in thought. This is very misguided information and if we teach our children to fight and lash out, we will not get anywhere except further into karmic debt and bondage. We can teach them that Mars offers the opportunity to show true valour by acts of chivalry, kindness and forgiveness. To forgive one’s enemies and to love them takes great courage and bravery and it is the only cure for our ills. Acts of aggression and anger just ferment more action/reaction situations ad infinitum. When we begin to show some true humility and compassion, our world begins to change and kindness and compassion grows within our enemies.
Venus is the traditional planet of love, creativity, artistic expression and all matters of sensuality and sexuality. Unfortunately, we have taken the sacred act of procreation and turned it into recreation and all that it has brought us is a mountain of suffering and disease. When we look at Venus through the lens of spirituality, a unique picture comes into focus. When we’re through courting and child-making, we can transform that love into a higher form of loving devotion to the principles of service, kindness and caring for all of God’s creation and all living creatures. When we do this, our world will change into something quite beautiful as it was initially destined to be.
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You are the first born of the zodiac, endowed with gifts of innovativeness and originality. Now, more than ever, it is the time to stay original. Don’t give in to conformity or tradition. You will be guided and like Jason and the Argonauts, you will eventually find the golden fleece. Stay true to yourself.
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Mars and Saturn are moving though your opposite sign Scorpio. These two are known to cause grief and suffering, malice and avarice. On the other hand, these planets can teach you the opposite energies of kindness and generosity if you choose to work with them from a spiritual perspective. The energy lightens up mid-month.
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The full Moon on September 8 will help illuminate home and career perspectives. Activity and effort increase mid-month and onwards as all kinds of challenges and opportunities materialize. Relationships of all sorts become the dominant feature as you head towards October. You won’t be lost for words and creativity levels are at their best.
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Change is the name of the game and it will be that way for quite a while. Family is always a big thing for Cancer types and now the meaning of love, family and devotion increases and deepens. Your earning potential is very good. Venture out there and see what you can stir up.
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Travel opportunities materialize to your surprise. A time has arrived in which you can grow in many ways. Your timing is good and others respect your integrity and honesty. You may be challenged and tempted in all kinds of ways and it will serve you well to do the right thing and show some true leadership.
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The full Moon on September 8 will bring home all kinds of revelations. Pay attention to your dreams at this time as they may carry a high degree of creativity. Love is a strong factor now and make sure that you have your facts straight regarding other people’s motives as you could be misled.
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The Libra new Moon on September 23 heralds a new start in a new direction. All of September will be a busy and demanding time and you may not mind. Excitement and action rule the days and it will be that way throughout October as well. Mix and mingle and share with your family and friends.
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Mars and Saturn combine their powerful energies in your sign bringing strength, courage and the determination to get things done and move towards your goals. Saturn teaches you to live with less and Mars gives you the courage to do so. Sometimes less is more and I’m sure that you will figure this riddle out.
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Home, family and career topics are the focus now. Lord Jupiter casts fine energy and may bring an increase in travel and a yearning for a more meaningful spiritual existence. Mars has an influence starting mid-month and he ups the ante and brings on the heat and competition, which you may relish and enjoy.
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Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, always brings on a devotional and serious demeanour. You may be feeling the urge to delve deeper and deeper into the mysteries of spirituality and the higher realms of consciousness. Inheritances and joint monies figure into the play over the next several months. A spiritual inheritance possibly manifests now.
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Jupiter casts a fine glance from your solar house of relationships and partnerships. It may be time to think more seriously regarding this matter. Your career opportunities and objectives are shifting and you might be uncomfortable. Keep eliminating what is unnecessary and outdated. Present-day frustrations and limitations help lead you to emancipation and freedom.
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The full Moon on September 8 brings illumination to your situation. Love and creativity are strong features now. Your career sector is heating up and soon you may be in demand and possibly very busy. Wisdom is slowly carved into your soul and will serve you well for the rest of your days.
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by Mac McLaughlin | Aug 2, 2014 | Weekly Forecasts
August starts off with a bang as the fiery brothers Mars and Jupiter square off. This planetary influence is in effect for the first 10 days of the month and we won’t be in the mood to take any guff so things could get rough. Mars is known to have a feisty temper whilst Jupiter has a tendency to overstate the facts and blow things out of proportion. The antidote to this potent planetary mix is to try not to overreact when others display insensitivity or carelessness. As an example, if you’re on the highway and a testosterone junkie nearly blows you off the road, let him go by knowing you passed the test of not letting your ego put you in danger. The poor fellow will most likely meet his destiny one day anyway. We don’t have to wish him any bad luck as he is creating is own karma and, as we know, all karma must be paid in full.
The full Moon on August 10 carries quite a bit of intensity with it as well. Saturn squares off with the lights (Sun and Moon) while Mercury is in square with Saturn. It means we will be pondering or worrying about some type of development concerning negotiations, contracts and travel. For two days before and after the full Moon date, we will feel its effects. Uranus is in a harmonious pattern with the full Moon and it is an indication of possible good news, breakthroughs and accord.
Venus and Jupiter meet up in the third week of August. Known as the lesser and greater beneficent planets, when they join up, we receive the gifts of their benevolence, generosity and love. The Sun enters Virgo on August 22 bringing the instinct to prepare for the fall season which is just around the corner. It’s time to get the kids ready for school and hopefully the teachers and the government will have resolved their differences so we can get on with the program. The Virgo new Moon on August 25 represents a new start and with Mars and Saturn conjunct on that day, it tells us we will have a firm resolve to get things right, with all wheels greased and ready to roll. We will be feeling the instinct to get on with our plans for the fall season and we won’t be in the mood for blocks or foot dragging.
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The full Moon on August 10 lands in your fifth and 11th solar houses indicating romance, entertainment, enjoyment and children as feature topics. Venus casts good energy into your sign bringing good times and happy memories to be cherished in the future. Create and innovate is the mantra of the month. You can reinvent yourself now.
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We’ve all heard of the dog days of summer. August might feel like the dog days in which people are cranky, touchy and testy. Generally, Taurus is tolerant and slow to anger and you might have to use those gifts throughout the month. Let your hair down and don’t let others get you down.
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Health and home are the two topics that will be on your mind. You have fine artistic gifts and an eye for beauty. Your creative energy is strong in the first half of the month. Life takes a more serious turn towards month’s end as you figure out what to do and how to go.
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It’s a gathering time. Your instincts will prompt you to put things together, such as your home life and career objectives. A lot has been dredged up recently and it’s time to bury the past and move into the future. Your creativity is strong now as is the potential for love to manifest.
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It’s your time to shine. There’s a big build-up of planetary energy affecting your sign now and life might not be a cakewalk. There may even be some strong resistance to your plans especially around the full Moon on August 18. There’s a lot of cosmic support, however, and you should move steadily towards your goals.
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There’s a Virgo new Moon just after sunrise on August 25. Lord Mercury is rising as well. This is your kick-off date in which you flip the switch and move into high gear. It is definitely your time to get serious and apply yourself toward whatever it is you would like to accomplish.
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Libra is the sign of relationships. Now is the time to form new friendships and visit with old friends and family members. Nothing remains settled as Uranus and Pluto continue to stir the pot bringing changes and challenges as you strive for harmony and balance. Helping those that need help is on the to-do list.
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You will have to wend your way carefully as there are all kinds of pitfalls, snags and snares as you move through the month. Limitation and frustration build up and test your patience and humility. Kindness, caring, hard work and persistence bring success. A career boost may manifest.
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Career and travel are the features of the month. An interest in spirituality captures your attention. Some limitations could hold you back, however, such as health matters and possible legalities. Old karma rears its head and must be dealt with honourably and honestly in order to clear the pathway towards the future.
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Hidden matters, secrets and issues related to inheritances and joint monies come up now. We have no control over poverty or riches, good health or illness or life or death. Our concern is to do our best and leave the rest to the Lord. A rebirth is in the stars and quite the transformation is taking place.
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The full Moon on August 10 brings a cornucopia of information. No one likes the taste of castor oil, but it does provide a healing effect. The things you learn this month represent the castor oil – bitter, but healing you in many ways. A break with the past takes place and a new pathway emerges.
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It’s time to get yourself together in all kinds of ways – health-wise first, for without good health not much matters. Relationship interests come up towards the end of the month and into September. Clear out the old and make ready for the new. That’s the mantra of the times for your sign.
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