ASTROLOGICALLY SPEAKING,

With Saturn opposing Chiron the last few weeks of July and Mars applying to square Saturn, we have witnessed an increase in collective wounding through the atrocities of war….London bombings….Egypt bombings and the continuing blood bath in Iraq.  We discussed the meaning of Saturn in aspect to Chiron in last months forecast….evoking themes of desperation and deprivation.  When planets aspect each other, they are symbolically having "a dialogue" with each other.  Collectively, we experience the archetypal meaning of these generational planets on a global scale (as well as on a personal scale, depending upon on natal birth chart configurations). 

The planet Saturn represents boundaries as well as defenses.  Chiron represents a core wound, yet its meaning is far more significant than feeling hurt.  Chiron seeks to transcend the pain and find meaning in in life’s pathological imperfections.  The opposition of these two planets calls for a balance…..rigid defenses pitted against being injured by life.  There is this sense of being permanently flawed.  How can we utilize Saturn’s dedication and commitment to concretize humanity’s suffering in a manner that encourages breaking through fear consciousness and actualizing humanitarian values throughout this world?  Our world is in major crisis and mother earth - father sky is sending us a big message.

The planet Jupiter has been in harmonious aspect to  Neptune this year, encouraging compassion and aide to those in need.  Jupiter-Neptune is an energy of unconditional love and spiritual unity. We have witnessed this outpouring of service  during the tragic Tsunami disaster. Jupiter will make the last of its trine to Neptune on August 17 (occurred previously on November 29, 2004, and March 13, 2005).

The planet Mars (recently entered  the sign of Taurus), the mythological God of war, will be in the sign of the bull until February 17, 2006, due to its retrograde phase beginning on October 2, 2005.  What does this mean for us on a global scale?  Mars turns retrograde for approximately 2 months every two years.  Our motivation to act and assert is more psychological, reflective and more deliberate than impulsive.  Taurus can be extremely stubborn and determined when its security is challenged.  Taurus is contemplative, methodical and will persevere to preserve its earthly comforts and financial resources  This particular retrograde phase will strongly impact the birth charts of both Vice President Cheney and President Bush.  On October 1, Mars will station retrograde on Richard Cheney‘s natal Uranus. It appears the administration may be enduring some upheavals.  We will further discuss Mars in Taurus in future forecasts. 

In August,  MERCURY WILL STATION DIRECT ON AUG 15 AT 11:52 PM (EDT) AT 8 DEGREES OF LEO.  We start the month with the continuing Mars-Saturn square and Mercury oppose Neptune, suggesting inspirational, confusing and/or deceptive communications and profound frustrations for many.  Mars-Saturn energy can be aggressive in a violent manner.   Mars-Saturn days are like trying to drive your car with the emergency brake on.  Positively, we are forced to narrow our focus and discipline ourselves with endurance and staying power.  There is always the positive manifestation of these energies.  We must first have the ability to envision or imagine all the possibilities to make the positive real.

AUG 1-2    MERCURY OPPOSE NEPTUNE- as discussed above, the focus is inward and contemplative in all communication matters….ideally, unhurried, unrushed ….a shift from the mundane to the sacred.  Cultivate thoughtful reflection, immerse yourself in creative pursuits and lighten up for a few days if possible.

AUG 4    NEW MOON AT 12 LEO AT 11:06 PM (EDT)  This New Moon conjoins Mercury in Leo and opposes Neptune, suggesting the beginning of new perceptions and ideas with a creative and dramatic flair.  Other areas highlighted may involve authenticity, children and the power of our will.  What will you create next?  What have you been mulling over the last few weeks?

AUG 5-6    SUN CONJUNCT (MERCURY SEXTILE JUPITER)  AT 13 LEO    This is called the inferior conjunction of Mercury to the Sun, indicating the midpoint of the Mercury cycle. We are further consolidating inner work….some of the mental fog is lifting, however, it is not yet time to make major decisions or sign important contracts.  Expect new ideas and  perceptions to appear at this time.  Expansive and philosophical Jupiter adds an energy of confidence to Leo’s powerful will.

AUG 8   SUN OPPOSE NEPTUNE   This polarity can either infuse the collective with inspiration, enhanced artistic appreciation, compassion or a temporary psychic fog where all is not clear.  Individually, we fare best when giving ourselves a break and embracing sensitivity to others.  There is a palpable lack of objectivity at this time.  Check your perceptions with others.

AUG 9-10    VENUS SQUARE PLUTO at 21 Virgo-Sagittarius     The planets symbolizing love and transformation are in heated conflict at this time.  Intensity, jealousy and control issues may crop up for many.  The other end of the spectrum is passionate and intense creativity as well as the capacity for profound, psychological depth.  If resentments come up, face them and deal with them….honestly and fairly.

AUG 13    MERCURY SQUARE MARS    Cultivate patience and try not to force things at this time.  Mercury is still retrograde while Mars is pushing for action and fast talking.  Arguments or tensions may surface.  A good day for debate….with the goal of revising or reviewing strategies. With Mars sextile Uranus and Sun trine Pluto, we can channel our innovative ideas with insight, confidence and leadership.

AUG 15   MERCURY STATIONS DIRECT AT 8 LEO   The atmosphere is full of renewed mental activity and forward momentum.  Cars, computers, technological gadgets are working more efficiently.  Travel plans are flowing more smoothly.  We find the glitches and we fix them.  We move forward with our new perceptions and ideas which germinated during the retrograde phase.

AUG 19   FULL MOON AT 26 AQUARIUS AT 1:54 PM (EDT)    The polarity between Aquarius and Leo is at its peak today.  Both sides of this spectrum are illuminated with clear realizations as well as shadow material.  Aquarian energy can be either humanitarian, progressive and altruistic or iconoclastic and alienating….a rebel with a cause.  This is a wonderful time to connect with others and engage is socially significant endeavors. 

AUG 25-26    MERCURY SQUARE MARS     Mercury and Mars are in fixed signs, emphasizing the potential for mental gridlock and tension.  On Aug 28, Mercury will sextile Jupiter again, bringing the potential for harmony and optimism to our communications with others.

AUG 27-28    MARS SQUARE NEPTUNE   Mars-Neptune runs the gamut from underhanded deception to saintly compassion.  Mars is drive and Neptune is either completely inspired or lost in some addictive space, with seemingly no way out.  Squares present us with obstacles and challenges.  How will we use them?  Actions can be hampered by misunderstandings, yet romance and fantasy are alive and well on these days. The Mercury-Jupiter harmonious aspect  on Aug 28 can bring out the better half of this duo.

AUG 29-30  VENUS TRINE NEPTUNE   This positive influx of loving compassion and generosity is a welcome change of pace.

AUG 30    MERCURY TRINE PLUTO    Excellent powers of concentration and powerful perspectives may be communicated today.  Research, writing, teaching and counseling are infused with depth and penetrating insight.

AUG 31  (in effect late Aug through early Sep)     SUN OPPOSE URANUS AT 7 VIRGO - PISCES    This is a powerhouse potential of sudden change, rebellion or
Unexpected developments.  Try to avoid confrontational individuals at this time.  At the least, there may be a few pleasant surprises for some.

VENUS ENTERS LIBRA  AUG 16

SUN ENTERS VIRGO       AUG 22

Namaste,

Carol Bellis