Subject: Must-Read Astrology Forecast! 💫💫💫

Dear Stargazers,


What's notable this week - and why I labeled this forecast a "must read" is that it includes a few warnings (self-sabotage, fraud), the potential for a major turning point and a reality check.


This week also sees Mercury begin its third retrograde cycle of the year (there will be a fourth one from December 13, 2023 - January 1, 2024), and and while it can be irritating, the good news is that retrograde-related frustrations usually work themselves out.


Although Mercury gets the most press (and fittingly so since it rules communications), it's not the only planet on the move this week as the Sun makes its way into Virgo and Mars moves into Libra.


There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

ASTROLOGY FORECAST
AUGUST 21 - 27, 2023
All dates and times are given in EDT.


Monday, August 21. The day starts off on a pleasant note with the transiting Libra Moon promoting an atmosphere of harmony. However, mid-afternoon could see cooperation go out the window when the transiting Moon clashes with Pluto, which has the potential to trigger jealousy, resentment and control issues. From 4:31 PM - 7:23 PM, the Moon is void, an influence that can help bygones be bygones. As always, it's best to avoid decisions or actions that require a definite outcome during this time. At 7:23 PM, the transiting Moon enters Scorpio, which ushers in a focused and determined energy.


Tuesday, August 22. Self-discipline is likely to be in short supply today as Venus squares Jupiter (self-indulgence) and Mars opposes Neptune (procrastination).


While the Venus-Jupiter square could simply inspire you to treat yourself to something special, if you're not strong-willed you could find yourself yielding to a temptation that stretches (or blows) your budget or your waistline.


The influence of the Mars-Neptune opposition is a bit trickier, because while it may simply inspire you to put something off of no real consequence, there is a nefarious side to this influence that could inspire you to postpone something that in reality is a form of self-sabotage.


This influence also warns of the potential for fraudulent action. On that note, be careful in your dealings with others today, especially if money is involved, because you are more likely to be ripped off. If you are making a large purchase, be sure that warranties, guarantees and other representations are in writing. On a personal level, promises made today are likely to be broken. The likelihood of the foregoing is increased by the fact that Mercury stations retrograde tomorrow.


Wednesday, August 23. While the overall influences today are very positive, the transiting Moon's midday encounter with Uranus, together with Mercury's station could introduce some turbulence to the day. Specifically, events, travel, important decisions, contract negotiations and/or signings could be adversely affected. While this is by no means written in stone, a flexible attitude, cautious approach and attention to detail will probably go a long way today.


The transiting Sun enters Virgo at 5:02 AM EDT, and Mercury stations retrograde at 3:54 PM EDT. More on these cosmic events below.


Thursday, August 24. The influence of the expansive transiting Sagittarius Moon (from 4:08 AM) offers a supportive backdrop for today's powerful Mars-Pluto trine. Whenever Mars (action) and Pluto (transformation) work together in such determined harmony, they accomplish significant goals without rubbing people the wrong way.


Although you still need to be mindful of Mercury (communications) and Venus (money, values) retrograde, if you work with this energy and take some type of bold but strategic action, you could experience a turning point that brings you closer to a major ambition and/or living your best life.


Friday, August 25. If you need to work on something that requires attention to detail, today's transiting Sagittarius Moon suggests that it could take more effort to focus on it. This influence is likely to be the strongest during the afternoon hours when a run-in between the transiting Moon and Mercury brings about a restless energy that could easily distract you from the task at hand.


Saturday, August 26. In contrast to yesterday's restless energy, today's transiting Capricorn Moon (enters 9:06 AM) brings a steady influence that will help you accomplish your weekend goals. From 2:00 Pm - 4:00 PM, the influence of the transiting Moon's sextile to Saturn gives an added boost to your productivity.


Sunday, August 27. To a large degree, how you experience the influence of today's Sun-Saturn opposition will depend upon how satisfied you are with your life.


Since the Sun represents one's conscious self (ego) and physical vitality and Saturn represents limitation, some of you may feel discouraged about your circumstances, while others may feel physically and/or emotionally depleted.


The best use of this energy is to take a realistic look at your circumstances and past decisions. For some of you, the issue may simply be the need to create a healthier work-life balance. For others, it may be time to face reality about something that just isn't working and needs to be cut loose.


Whatever the issue may be, given that Mercury is retrograde an introspective approach is likely to be very beneficial, together with today's series of flowing trines from the transiting Capricorn (reality) Moon to Jupiter (optimism, expansion), Mercury (brainstorming) and Uranus (breakthroughs), your efforts today should be well-rewarded.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VIRGO!


Happy Birthday to everyone born under the Virgo Sun!


As the 6th sign of the zodiac, you're here to teach us how to solve problems, heal our lives, restore order and serve a higher cause.


Wishing each one of you a brilliant solar return!

MERCURY RETROGRADE

AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

From the moment Mercury crossed the Maiden's threshold on July 28, his attention has been focused on improving issues related to work, service, health, pets and daily routines.


Now that he has stationed retrograde, the clock is ticking as he's tasked to review his work, reassess his conclusions and if need be, revamp his plans by the September 15 deadline.


Like Mercury, during this time you are being called upon to evaluate how you can improve your health and well being, increase your job satisfaction, be a better pet parent, streamline your daily routine and optimize your overall efficiency.


If you're mindful and consciously work with this reflective influence, it will not only help you recognize what needs to be reworked in your life, but it will help you formulate an effective plan to do that can be incorporated after Mercury goes direct.


Getting Personal


So which life areas are being targeted for review in your life? They're revealed by the house in your horoscope where Mercury retrograde is paying a visit.


If you don't know where Mercury in Virgo is transiting retrograding in your horoscope, you can read your rising sign if you know it, or if you don't, you can refer to the list below to find out where it is according to your solar (sun-sign based) chart.


Note: After you identify the house in this list, click here for additional Mercury retrograde insights by house. When you get ti the page, scroll down to read about how you might experience the retrograde according to the house it's visiting in your chart.


If your Sun Sign is:

 

Aries, Mercury is retrograding in your 6th house (health, work, pets, diet, nutrition).

Taurus, Mercury is retrograding in your 5th house (romance, children, creative self-expression, entertainment).

Gemini, Mercury is retrograding in your 4th house (home, family, real estate, parents).

Cancer, Mercury is retrograding in your solar 3rd house (siblings, neighbors, short trips, cars, contracts, negotiations.).

Leo, Mercury is retrograding in your 2nd house (income, spending, personal values, self-esteem, tangible assets).

Virgo, Mercury is retrograding in your 1st house (your physical body, attitude towards life).

Libra, Mercury is retrograding in your 12th house (spirituality, creativity, mental health, addictions).

Scorpio, Mercury is retrograding in your 11th house (groups, associations, hopes, casual friends, colleagues).

Sagittarius, Mercury is retrograding in your 10th house (career, fame, status, reputation).

Capricorn, Mercury is retrograding in your 9th house (education, law, religion, foreign and long-distance travel, publishing).

Aquarius, Mercury is retrograding in your 8th house (intimacy, shared resources, other people's support, birth, death, estate matters).

Pisces, Mercury is retrograding in your 7th house (marriage and all one-to-one relationships including best friends, adversaries, business partners and clients).

TRANSITING MARS IN LIBRA

August 27 - October 11, 2023

Whenever Mars is in the sign of the Scales, he's in the sign of his detriment.


What exactly does that mean? It means that Mars is at a disadvantage because he has to abide by Libra's rules, which requires him to be gracious, polished, poised, romantic, considerate, fair, cooperative, beautiful and balanced.


One's first instinct might be to say, "Well, good luck with that!"


After all, Mars is an ego-driven planet that has a well-deserved reputation for being rough around the edges. True, but more than that, Mars is a competitor who never backs down from a challenge, so despite the odds being stacked against him, he always rises to the occasion.


While Mars is in Libra, his ambition is subdued, his aggression is diluted and he sheds his winner take all approach to life. When he tries his hand at fairness and diplomacy, he discovers that he's an excellent mediator. Even more surprising, he has a desire to settle down.


Still, while there is much for Mars to appreciate about life in this balanced sign, he is never entirely comfortable here. Hard as he may try to suppress it, his ego and sense of self remain strong, and he can never really embrace Libra's me before you lifestyle.


When all is said and done, Mars may not be at his best in Libra, but he's always the best he can be.


And sometimes, that just has to be good enough.


Getting Personal


The house that Mars is transiting in your horoscope describes the life areas where you are likely to be more assertive, ambitious, competitive or argumentative. It is also where you are likely to initiate some kind of action or experience a challenge to your ego.


However, since Mars is in Libra, there's a chance that you may not feel comfortable about standing up for yourself, competing for something (e.g., a job) or initiating some type of action.


If you don't know which house transiting Mars in Libra is visiting in your horoscope, you can read your rising sign if you know it, or if you don't, you can refer to the list below to find out where it is according to your solar (sun-sign based) chart.


If your Sun Sign is:


Aries, transiting Mars is in your solar 7th house of lawsuits and one-to-one relationships.

Taurus, transiting Mars is in your solar 6th house of work, health, service, pets.

Gemini, transiting Mars is in your solar 5th house of romance, children, creativity.

Cancer, transiting Mars is in your solar 4th house of home, family, real estate, parents and intuition.

Leo, transiting Mars is in your solar 3rd house of siblings, short trips, transportation and all types of communications.

Virgo, transiting Mars is in your solar 2nd house of money, income, values & self-worth.

Libra, transiting Mars is in your solar 1st house - it's all about YOU!

Scorpio, transiting Mars is in your solar 12th house of solitude, secrets, past lives and clairvoyance.

Sagittarius, transiting Mars is in your solar 11th house of goals, casual friends, colleagues and group relationships.

Capricorn, transiting Mars is in your solar 10th house of career, status and fame.

Aquarius, transiting Mars is in your solar 9th house of foreign travel, higher education, legal matters and publishing.

Pisces, transiting Mars is in your solar 8th house of intimacy, other people's money and support, jointly-held assets and transformation.

COMING UP


I'll be back here next week with more guidance to help you make the most of the upcoming planetary influences.


If you enjoy this newsletter, please forward it to your like-minded friends and family or share it with your online communities by clicking the "view online" link at the top, copying the URL and sharing it on social media. Thank you in advance, and


Until next time,


May Jupiter's blessings be your constant companion,


Debra Anne Clement

© Debra Anne Clement 2023 All Rights Reserved.