Lift + Launch: A Kite of Fire + Air Emerges
Early August brings a subtle shift in the cosmos. A kite pattern begins to form in the sky around August 3. But on August 6, Mars enters Libra, and the whole configuration sets sail. In astrology, this pattern captures the ease and harmony of a grand trine and adds just enough tension to create lift and direction with the planet at the tail of the opposition. Kites are relatively rare as they only form once every few years.
This particular kite involves the early degrees of Aries, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, bringing quick-moving air and fire into dynamic play. Things could move pretty fast where ideas fan momentum like canyon winds in dry conditions. If you have personal planets in these early degrees, you may feel a surge of clarity, restlessness, or forward motion. The structure peaks during the Full Moon in Aquarius on August 8th and 9th, amplifying themes of group influence, emotional insight, and personal responsibility.
Along the ridge of this kite is the opposition between Mars in Libra and Saturn/Neptune in Aries. Both Mars and Saturn typically struggle in these respective signs, but it doesn’t mean they are ineffective. Instead, they both have to operate creatively to get their needs met. Mars in Libra has to lean into strategy and rely on his social networks instead of brute force. Saturn in Aries has to call the group to action and lead with instinct instead of careful planning. Although Neptune does not hold essential dignity in traditional astrology, don’t count him out of the picture. Neptune can distract and elude with his actions, so it’s important to keep your wits about you. Misdirection can be a theme.
In order to use the sky effectively, rely on the talents of fire and air to get things done. Use your social networks well with the air grand trine and keep the information flowing. This is a time for collaboration and discussion. If you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, realize that neither clarity nor full agreement is going to happen. Instead, take the lead with what you have. Aim for 70% clarity and 51% agreement when launching something new. This kite formation will last until August 13th.
Pride Check: Mercury Wraps Up Its Retrograde in Leo
This month, Mercury retrograde is finishing up his backwards trek through Leo. Since July 17th, the planet of communication has been reflecting on what motivates your joy. This can be an attunement to the inner chatter about how you see yourself vs. how others perceive you. Or it could be a time when you wanted to realign your creative voice with your public persona.
Every Mercury retrograde can bring headaches with issues of technology, communication, scheduling or even transportation. But now that we have passed the cazimi point on July 31st, a sense of clarity emerges. Mercury retrogrades offers everyone a chance to revisit, reclaim, and reconnect. Rather than pushing forward with new projects, this is the time to pause, revise, and find a more aligned approach.
In Leo, Mercury shines a spotlight on self-expression, confidence, and ego. You might be reflecting on the tradeoffs you’ve made in pursuit of joy, rethinking how you lead, how you parent, or how you play. These themes tie directly to Leo’s fixed fire. In the end, the ultimate outcome is one of better integrated self-acceptance.
Over the next couple of weeks, let this Mercury retrograde work its magic for you. One simple strategy is to notice how your self-talk shapes your outlook. When you make a mistake, do you berate yourself, or are you proud of your ability to catch and course correct? These little messages have a big influence on how you radiate joy. Mercury wraps up this retrograde on August 11th with a powerful opposition to Pluto. Do the shadow work now and see what you can uncover.
Benefic Bounty: Venus + Jupiter’s Conjunction in Cancer
Circle August 12 on your calendar with all the glittery pens. Venus and Jupiter, the two benefics, conjoin in Cancer and bring emotional growth, heart-centered connection, and a generous dose of sweetness to the table. While these two planets meet up every year, 2025 brings an extra dose of luck with Jupiter in cardinal water. The last time this happened was the summer of 2014. Honestly, this Venus/Jupiter conjunction is August’s crown jewel, bringing a cosmic reminder that love and belonging are worthy investments.
Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, which means he gets to operate at his highest level. Here, Jupiter is like the favorite auntie who gives the best hugs and serves up wise advice over a slice of her famous pie. She brings encouragement and warmth. She makes you proud of your roots and reminds you of what is important for the future.
When Venus joins the party, happiness expands. Social graces, emotional connection, and even financial ease are all on the menu. In Cancer, this energy gravitates toward what is familiar and meaningful. Time with family or close-knit friends gets top billing. You might gather for a housewarming, reunite with loved ones, or spend time with the women in your life who feel like home. Some may receive funds for home improvements or see long-awaited support finally come through. Everything about this is singing green lights from the rooftops.
Jupiter amplifies Venus’s desire to connect, not through flash but through nourishment. Set aside time to emotionally invest in the people and spaces that matter most. At a minimum, set some time aside to really connect with those who are in your chosen family.
If you experienced tension during Mars’s time in Cancer last fall or this spring, this conjunction offers relief. Mars can cut ties or stir up defensiveness in Cancer’s waters, especially during his retrograde. However, Jupiter and Venus offer healing. This is a balm to Cancer-ruled areas of your chart and a chance to reconnect with softness, safety, and joy.
Dates of Note:
August 1: Venus squares Saturn + Venus squares Neptune. You may feel a clash between evolving beliefs and the need to belong. While old rules of engagement are getting revised, be aware of how you feel caught between idealism and responsibility. Don’t sacrifice yourself or over-promise results just because you want to feel liked.
August 6: Mars ingresses into Libra. The planet of drive and action moves into the sign of his detriment today. In the sign of the scales, he struggles to assert himself when he’s constantly evaluating the social climate. Over the next 6 weeks, irritation may bubble when agendas feel forced instead of finessed. Instead, lean into your diplomatic skills to build collaboration. Charm can open a lot of doors.
August 8: Mars trines Uranus + Mars opposes Saturn. Today is a double dog dare in action, and the stakes feel high. Tension and innovation rule the day. Often, the most brilliant solutions only come when your back is against a wall. Despite potential partnership challenges today, spend time with people who emotionally support you as much as you support them. This afternoon, the Aquarius Full Moon begins to build. Look for emotional clarity around personal boundaries and responsibilities. Pay attention to where you’ve disengaged or are unsure. This will provide the clues where you need to take a stand. Break routines today, but don’t jeopardize what you’ve already built. Today and tomorrow are the most difficult days of the month.
August 9: Full Moon in Aquarius. Heavy is the crown today as Saturn in Aries rules this lunation. You may feel you’ve taken on too much or have done the group’s bidding and self-sacrificed your own ambition. Use today’s full moon to take stock of how your long-range goals align with the community and where they may differ. While you may wish to rush forward, stillness may yield more clarity. Sick with facts over passions today.
August 10: Mars trines Pluto. Whatever conclusion you reached with the full moon yesterday is ready to be tested today. The planet of action gets a boost from instinctual Pluto. This is motivation and stamina rolled into one. Use the energy to commit to a goal and attack it with laser focus. Diplomatic efforts bring powerful group change. Use your influence to drop those pebbles into still waters and watch the ripples reach the shore.
August 11: Mercury stations direct + Saturn sextiles Uranus. Although most Mercury direct stations bring a bit of resolution, information remains hidden at this one. While the bombshell may come, understand there is still more below the surface. This is a calculated disclosure. Be aware of misdirects and make sure you come prepared with follow-up questions for the man behind the curtain.
August 12: Venus conjoins Jupiter. Today’s aspect is luscious as the two benefics meet up in Cancer’s waters. Use today’s energies to emphasize what unifies our common experiences. This is a great day for team building, connecting with mentors, establishing trust, and bathing in happy shared moments. Invest in others, and others will reward your generosity. This is one of the best days of the whole year!
August 14: Mars sextiles Mercury. This is an interesting aspect that will last for about 4 days with Mercury still trying to build up speed from his station. Swift thinking and assertive conversations take the throne over the weekend. Use the time to write or refine a presentation so you can speak with confidence by Monday. This is a good time to make social connections and build bridges that showcase your talents.
August 22: Sun ingresses into Virgo. Over the next month, anticipate a shift from play into productivity as the Sun glides through mutable earth. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, who likes to handle the details quickly. Granted, the process may be scattered at times, but there is a method to this fast-paced madness. This is a month of figuring out what is efficient and adjusting things along the way.
August 23: New Moon in Virgo. This annual renewal is all about coming back to what is practical and shaking up what is routine. This lunation is ruled by Mercury in Leo and conjoined Regulus, a fixed star linked to leadership and dignity. Talk through expectations and motivate the group into finding their grounding with schedules, meal plans, and procedures. Today is an ideal time to clean up the office, organize the school supplies, or figure out carpools. This is a time to level up your systems.
August 24: Sun squares Uranus. Today’s energy is a powerful reminder that flexibility is key. While order may be desired, Uranus in Gemini may bring scattered distractions. Keep your sense of humor when spotting the mistakes. You may find the rewrite is better than the original.
August 25: Venus ingresses into Leo + Venus trines Saturn. The planet of relationships moves into expressive Leo and immediately forms a supportive link to Saturn. Self-confidence comes when we are with others who support our best qualities. Be that quiet emotional support. This is a good day to affirm your steadiness with children or loved ones facing social transitions. Relationships that begin under a Saturn influence have the power of longevity and maturity.
August 26: Venus sextiles Uranus + Venus trines Neptune. Ideals and values seem to align today. Assume the best about others and let your guard down. Being yourself can draw new people in. This is a wonderful day to make new friends.
August 27: Venus opposes Pluto. This may be a day when feelings could get the better of you. Power dynamics could surface. Recognize when others may be projecting their own baggage onto you. Use the Libra Moon to build upon your emotional intelligence in social situations. Today is a good checkpoint for your inner truths and how you want to stand apart from the crowd.
August 28: Neptune sextiles Uranus. This outer planet aspect carries generational weight. The last time Uranus and Neptune met was in 1993, marking global shifts that felt idealistic and radical. That pivotal year marked the formation of both the first web browser and the EU. Now, their sextile asks us to evolve what started at the conjunction. If you were born in the early 90s or had a major event around that time, this could be a year of visible progression in that story. Pay attention to what feels visionary, future-forward, and just slightly out of reach. It’s time to nurture these seedlings for the next 2 years with this sextile.