"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?" —Mary OliverWhen something ends for a Scorpio Sun, something new needs to be born or reborn. My weekly column ended with the final column published on the 27th of August. Looking at my chart in light of the potent eclipse of August 1, 2008 I did have a strong hunch that it was time to begin something new. I instantly decided that I would resume writing a monthly column, not based on the arbitrary calendar month, but on the astrological months. These begin around the 18-23rd of each Calendar month. The Sun spends less time travelling through Aquarius.
The annual publishing dates will be August 22, September 22, October 22, November 21, December 21, January 19, February 18, March 19, April 19, May 20, June 20 and July 22.
To read your horoscope and skip the long intro click on your sign: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
It seems natural to begin with the Virgo Edition; the Sun is in Virgo from Aug 22, 2008 11:02 PDT (18:02 GMT) through Sep 22, 2008 8:44 PDT (15:44 GMT). Refresh your memory about time zones . I think that the last monthly edition I wrote was back in 2003. I am also adding introductory pages about astrology; read about the Sun moving through the signs each year and the notion of being born on the cusp. The dates used in the horoscopes here reflect typical dates using Pacific time, which is -8 hours from GMT.
The Sun is in Virgo, read more about Virgo, which is a productive, industrious and analytical sign. The Sun's motion through the houses, which represent areas of life sets the major theme for our month (see the dates in timeline above) each year. Because the other planets will not hold the same position from year to year, our experience is different from year to year. (See the astrodata for the month)
The Sun in Leo month was our biannual eclipse season. Eclipses are the timers of the Zodiac, the Solar eclipses relate to new beginnings and the Lunar eclipses resonate more with emotional and relating type of matters. The solar eclipse on August 1 was in Leo and brought new beginnings and endings in an area of our lives and the Lunar eclipse on the 16th of August brought resolve, compromise and surprising assistance into our lives.
Now with the Virgo energy we need to roll up our sleeves and sort it all out and be productive about it! There is a better way to handle things, right! We have been busily handling the issues and tasks on our plate, but naturally, life has intervened. It is always a delight to find the perfect quote to express the energy of a period. "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" So stuff happened and now it is up to us to foster and nurture something new.
It has been easier to be organized and stay focused on what we perceive to be our personal objectives. Speedy Mercury has been in analytical Virgo since August 10. This changes as of August 28, when Mercury takes up residency in accommodating Libra for two long months. This means we need to learn to accommodate others and be willing to offer our advice and intellectual resources to others.
Mercury is the communication planet, speeding along as an Evening Star, visible briefly at sunset. As this month advances, pay extra attention to important communications, and avoid rushing with your chores and tasks. The well-publicized Mercury Retrograde period takes place from September 24 until October 14, 2008. However, the glitches tend to happen about two weeks prior. It isn't that Mercury causes us to send of an email full of crucial mistakes or forces us to say exactly what we think to someone important; Mercury's role is merely to define what we might do. During September 10-30, in particular, we are more likely to rush, feel pressured to finish projects, clear the decks and get ready for something we'd rather be doing. Well, if you'd rather be painting a picture, taking photos of nature (or anything else you rather enjoy), and you need to clean your garage, balance your bank accounts, get that deck finished before the rainy season begins or whatever you ought to be doing but would rather not—it is logical that you are more likely to rush through the obligations and in your haste make more mistakes.
From August 28 until early November, we will be working solidly toward our ideals and aspirations for the year and the next year. 2008 is a year of ideas, learning new things and about relating. In astrology, we look at the length of time a planet stays in one sign as significant. Mercury only spent 18 days in its own sign Virgo—that's short. For Mercury to spend two months in one sign is very long. I love to liken this to a visit from a friend or relative; it is a delight to see them for a few days, maybe a week or even two, but two months… this means we have to adjust our own routines, accommodate their schedule and needs while hoping to find time to do what we wish as well. I will talk about this for the individual signs. Note that if you know your rising sign, read that sign as well.
Astrology calls the Mercury Rx period, as the catch up period, a time to fix your mistakes and polish off projects at hand. It isn't ideal for is beginning something new, however, during those three weeks, we tend to notice the details and be able to concentrate despite any distractions life throws our way.
A year ago, September 2, 2007, Saturn moved into Virgo (read my article from back then). After almost a year of this influence, let's review what it means and how it has manifested so far. Saturn's role very briefly is to limit, to constrict and to teach us to do with less. Virgo on a mundane level is associated with the working classes, soldiers, pets, food, agriculture and nutrition. Mercury its ruler is associated with travel, vehicles, transportation in general, education and communication including the media.
During the first three+ weeks of August, many of the planets were in industrious Virgo. Working was natural for most of us. Everyone stated being super busy. Some of us watched the Olympics, did you notice how often the comment that practice makes perfect, or that repetition is the key to mastery was made. I was busily updating my website; launched a second astrology site, www.astrotieto.com , which is in Finnish. At the same time, I was busily keeping up with my other obligations. Remember that the planets joined Saturn in Virgo, and the messages Saturn has for us were accentuated.
In the news, we had so many items about food, nutrition, health; advise about how to get the obesity of children (and adults) under control. Disney decided not to have MacDonald's on its premises, and fast food restaurants are now serving fruit in addition to the 'not good for us' fast food. Schools are banning vending machines that fail to offer nutritional items; soft drinks are replaced with water and fruit juice. Can we be saved from ourselves? Organic food and locally grown food are becoming more commonplace. Back in the 1970s, we had reusable grocery bags, and then we forgot. Saturn was in Virgo back then too. Granola bars and healthier snacks came on the scene… but then we forgot. Now every store wants us to be green and buy reusable bags, recycling is becoming bigger—remember it started in the 1970s, but then we became lazier and forgot...
Breastfeeding was the norm until the late 1970s; baby formula was the last resort. During the past two-three years (this began with Saturn in Leo, which is associated with children), breastfeeding has been in the news often. Now that young mothers want to breastfeed once again, the issue has become should they be allowed to bare their breasts in order to feed their babies in public places. Standards need to change, Virgo is one of the most considerate signs; of course, they can be critical as well, but only with the purpose of improving, what they know can be.
Saturn in Virgo is associated with working classes and I think with factories, manufacturing and skilled labour. During the years, Saturn is in Virgo, those jobs change. The automobile market, for one, has suffered immensely over the past year or so. Jobs are vanishing and new ones will emerge; not everyone is equipped to transition from what they have always known and retrain to do something they never wanted to do. With the rising cost of oil, and the upcoming Mercury Rx, we might see the radically lowered prices for vehicles.
During these years, up until 2010, we will learn to recycle, work methodically, adjust our lifestyle and embrace the changes in how we get about using alternate fuels. 2009, is a year of reality and in the now, we formulate our collective ideals about what that needs to be.
New Moon in Virgo August 30
Full Moon in Pisces September 15
Mercury moves into Libra August 28 for two months
Venus in Libra August 30 until September 23
Mars in Libra August 19 until October 3
Jupiter direct station September 7
Pluto direct station September 8
Vesta direct station September 10
* Mercury Rx station September 24
Venus conjunct Mars in Libra September 11
Mercury conjunct Venus in Libra September 14
* Mercury conjunct Mars in Libra September 23
March 19-April 19
Getting ready for the autumn, school beginning, getting back into routine and organizing everything around you is the theme for Aries, when the Sun is in Virgo. Since early August, you have been at your most productive; you may be leaping ahead and feel like the autumn is here already (spring in the southern hemisphere). Either way you are racing against time, to get life on track. At the end of August, some of your attention shifts to relationships and networking. There are some spectacular alignments of the stars throughout this Sun in Virgo month. The potential for finding love, partnerships and strengthening your existing partnership are great. In order to meet people, you need to take some time out of your busy schedule to be out there mingling at parties and other gatherings. The Saturn in Virgo years are ideal for working hard toward your aspirations, honing your skills and acquiring new vocational training. It is important for you to look after your diet and health. Avoid working too hard, stretching your days into the nights—remember to take time for rest and relaxation as well. From about September 10 onward, avoid rushing with both communication, when taking care of obligations and in traffic—in short, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the task at hand.
April 19-May 20
You are a practical earth sign, just like Virgo. Work is something you identify with readily. Most of the Taurus people I know are busy with home renovations. They describe their homes as if a Tornado swept through. The eclipse season of August, brought both home/family and work matters front and centre. Your creative, innovative ideas are in high gear every year, when the Sun is in Virgo. Similarly, every year your loved ones, children and partner, are prominently in your mind during the Sun in Virgo months. Since last September, the themes have been more pronounced. During the Saturn in Virgo years, you are likely to find that you need to support your children, partner or father more than usual. There are limitations beyond your control, but you are extremely resourceful and helpful, when you feel you need to be. At the end of August, work matters become more important. You are likely to find new offers and opportunities, the next few months are the time to network, talk to people you know and formulate your new plans. Opportunities are something we are only able to grab if we have our plans and ideas in order. If we don't prepare and play out those 'what if' scenarios, it's harder to say 'yes, I will give it a go'. From about September 10 onward until the end of September, pay extra attention to your safety around machinery and traffic; pay attention to your diet; and actually now would be a good time to improve your diet and lifestyle.
May 20-June 20
When the Sun is in Virgo, you are in home and family mode. Getting ready for the autumn is easy, you are extra organized and able to prioritize with ease. Since last September, issues around family members, and where you live have become more prominent. During the years Saturn is in Virgo (completes in 2010); it is more likely that we experience some limitations and assume more responsibilities with family and housing matters. Depending on our age, this may be the timing for starting a family, looking after the affairs of a parent or child, buying a home or getting married. At the tail end of August, romance and creativity enters the picture more prominently than in years. I expect to hear about several engagements and proposals during this month. Baby news are also more probably with the current planetary patterns. 2008 is a year of ideas, and for Gemini primarily about you want from life! The creative, innovative potential is wonderful—what do you find fun and exciting. Are you having fun? If not, what do you need to change to feel alive, full of life, each and every day? This month and until the end of October, is a great time to work on any projects that require innovate thinking and/or utilize your creativity and inspiration. From about September 10 through early October, you need to pay extra attention as to how you phrase things, especially with children, spouse/partner and close friends.
June 20-July 22
This month the areas of life emphasized for you are everyday life and family/home matters. During the month when the Sun is in the sign of Virgo, your attention is on handling communication matters, being busy with schedules and appointments. The phone seems to ring more and you are more involved in the lives of siblings and neighbours. Since September 2007, Saturn has been influencing in this area. Saturn imposes limitations on us as well as makes us work harder toward our goals. The years (about 2.5 in all) that we experience this astrological configuration are often the ones when we spend time acquiring new skills and knowledge. We may become more involved in our community, helping at our kid's school, or being more active at your school, participating in local politics or arranging neighbourhood events. During this month and through early November, family matters are important. This could spell renovations and beautification of your nest, spending more time with family members and being a charming host/hostess more often. This part of the year is more about having personal time; however, it is a highly dynamic time for you. You are likely to make many fresh, new choices for yourself. 2008 is a turning point year for Cancer, perhaps getting ready for a new career or new lifestyle.
July 22-August 22
The two areas of life that are the most active for you this month are money and everyday life. You typically deal with money matters during the month the Sun is in Virgo. However, since September 2007, it has become more important or more pressing. You tend to worry about money more than most, the lack of it, learning how to economize and getting a better handle on expenses are some of the prominent themes. This influence is strong during the month, but continues to stay in the picture until early 2010. It's a good time to visit your banker, financial advisor, etc. and ask them those tough questions or do your part to improve your long-term outlook. The energy of the month is productive and we have many wonderful opportunities to mediate, negotiate and find common ground with people in our lives. The second full week of September has an incredible amount of promise; we simply need to ensure that we are actively in charge of our lives, participating. For Leo the opportunities are around making money and making contacts and/or contracts. Minimally it is a socially active month. Life is moving fast, and we tend to be super busy, however, ensure that you don't put the 'cart before the horse'. Take extra time to express your ideas, etc. with clarity and ideally, without typos—people are busy reading between the lines.
August 22-September 22
With all kinds of planetary energy in your sign, you are in a mode to complete, to perfect and likely making some big decisions. The month when the Sun is in our sign apart from spelling out its another birthday, tends to be our personal New Year, we review and analyze what we did over the past 12 months and what we need change in order to achieve our main objectives. The Sun in astrology represents our identity, the potential we are maturing toward, our vitality and our energy. (Read about the sign of Virgo in general.) With the many planets in your sign this month, it is as if everyone wants to give you advice, and their goals and aspirations may not align with yours. The advice you might be along the lines that you need to accept more responsibility, grow up and take charge, learn new skills, manage your health, etc. Some of it is very positive, and some critical; avoid reading between the lines. After all, you are in charge of your own life and destiny. As the planets shift sign toward the end of August, a new influence emerges. Money, how to save, spend and budget; during September it is easy to exceed your budget. The things that concern you most during the early part of September are the ones you will be addressing at length throughout the autumn—namely what is it you value most, and where do your priorities differ from those of others. It is important to strike a balance. This Virgo month is great for finding new sources of income and better ways of making your personal assets grow.
If you would like a birthday report, consider the Solar Return charts available via email or instantly on line. For these ones, you will need to know the time you were born. If you are off by 30 minutes, the difference will be less for a computer-generated report. If you only know that it was around noon or in the morning, you will not benefit from these reports. Some predictive reports, such as Starlight will offer good insights without a known birth time.
September 22-October 22
Each year, when the Sun is in Virgo is a time you spend pondering life, making different plans and analyzing your life. There is much behind the scenes energy, you are not very eager to discuss what you are thinking. Since last September, you have spent more time thinking about what changes you feel you must make and you have worried about things more than usual. Pay extra attention to your dreams, and insights; our subconscious mind talks to us in dreams and images, we tend to ignore these in our busyness, however, at this time your dreams may be downright prophetic. How often over the past year, have you stated, “I knew it,” the moment you hear surprising news. A few days ago, Mars, which represents energy and our actions, moved into Libra, which tends to mean that you are ready to leap into action. You are more assertive and more determined, but you can also 'put your foot in your mouth' now and state exactly what you think. Beware, especially September 4-9. From now until the end of the month, the many wonderful alignments in Libra make September 2008 memorable. There is a strong potential for romance, finding a better job, a better home, etc. Best of all, you will begin to feel more in harmony with life.
October 22-November 21
Every year during the Virgo month, you are busy creating and/or revising your personal goals and assessing whether you are reaching your aspirations. Since last September, you may have found that some of things you have been working on offer such limited rewards that it is time to let them go but from a practical perspective that might not be possible. You tend to be flexible with your plans; however, you do not like to release anything that could be 'brought' back to life with solid effort. The New Moon of August 30 launches a new cycle concerning your ambitions, now everything has to be more solid and you don't mind the work, if you can see it leading toward something you desire. Try to make some time to visit friends, colleagues and return those phone calls, it is a great month for making important connections and naturally it is always delightful to catch up. Beginning the end of August, you crave for alone time, you work best behind the scenes and are likely to make 'foreign' connections. After the past year, you need more time than usual to wrap up your personal year. I personally, like to do a major clean up of all the nooks and crannies during years like these. I begin modestly with my massive desk and work toward the closets and storage spaces, and find that I can think with more clarity when I work in a clutter-free zone. For Scorpio this is a major 'surrender' year, let it go and move onto something new.
November 21-December 21
Since September 2007, Saturn, which is naturally associated with accomplishment, the earned kind, has been occupying the area of career for Sagittarius. Over the past month or so, and more pronouncedly now, other planets have 'moved in'. During the years, Saturn is in Virgo, you are likely to solidify your career, change it or retire and move onto something that resembles your avocation more. August and September are the biggest months in terms of changes and new opportunities are likely to present themselves over the next two-three months. 2009, begins a serious asset generating period that lasts until 2024. In the now you are 'lining up your ducks', sorting things out by priority and likely to be doing a lot of decluttering—getting rid of anything that you feel serves no future purpose. Your special planet, Jupiter, moves forward September 7, which can mark the beginning of a grand adventure. Stepping into the unknown in a sense, testing your 'wings'; you have spent so many years at becoming more than you thought yourself capable of, and now you are ready for LIFE. I think the energy this month, is absolutely awesome; just beware you don't promise something you cannot deliver. September can be a test to your romantic relationship, the simple key is communication, avoid holding back information or simply saying what you think others wish to hear. Remain honest and open. Make a checklist of the important things you need to remember, because this month life comes at us fast.
December 21-January 19
As the year turns with the changing of the seasons, so it seems, does your life. The hints about what is ahead are showing up everywhere. The Sun in Virgo month, is usually a rather nice one for you. You spend quality time with your partner, children and close friends. You use your creativity in productive ways, and often sign up for a course just to keep on learning something new. You find it easy to put your hand up and volunteer, however, since September last year, you may have found that you have collected far too many 'hats' and feel that you don't have enough time to call your own. September is a wonderful month for rectifying the situation, you don't mind hard work but you do need some playtime too, right. With your knack for taking in vast amounts of information and condensing it into an 'executive summary', you can make quick work out of what truly matters to you. Late November, those huge changes of which we had a preview shortly after your last birthday, reappear. In the interim, it might be a good idea to ensure that your finances are in order and that you are not carrying too much debt. You may experience significant changes in your daily environment throughout this Virgo month. You may find yourself advising coworkers, neighbours, colleagues and your children; remember that sometimes all they want is that you listen, offering unsolicited advise can be tricky most of September.
January 19-February 18
Your resources, finances and obligations are typically what you address during the Sun in Virgo month. Since September 2007, you have had to become more conservative and pay extra attention to how you spend and accumulate money and savings—in financial terms, we are talking restructuring. During the couple of years when Saturn is in Virgo, we tend to fret and worry initially, and then we swing into action. This is that action month. If you have overcommitted either financially or commitments you have made to others, you now need to prioritize more effectively and perhaps 'change your mind' about some of those commitments. The strong Virgo influence now, could also prompt you to 'gut and renovate' your home, office or things you own. September can be a wonderful time for travel and for exploring new concepts, beliefs or contemplate returning to gain new knowledge. If you are travelling September-October, remember to consider travel insurance and double check that you made the arrangements correctly. Naturally, things associated with publishing, and legal matters are strong possibilities. If you have created something that you want to publish or promote this is an excellent month to do so. 2008 for Aquarius is about regaining your enthusiasm about life, finding your true calling and getting ready for a new chapter in life in 2009. Throughout this year, you seem to have a guardian angel looking over your shoulder.
February 18-March 19
Relating and making shared plans and commitments are the big themes for Pisces. During the Sun in Virgo month, it is always about relating, meeting new people and being cooperative for you. Since last September, Saturn has been in Virgo, which is the polar opposite of Pisces. This may have imposed limitations on what you can do, and you may find that you need to seek 'permission' from someone else or from government authorities in order to do what you would like, and the word compromise has cropped up more often than it used to. This month is ideal for checking out insurance policies, mortgages, and other financial obligations to ensure everything is in order. You find it easy to investigate and research now, and as 2008 is kind of a 'release and surrender' year for water signs, this is a good time to take stock. It is rather tempting to buy what you desire rather than compromise, and buy what you can easily afford, so beware before letting that purchase become extravagant. This month it is important to talk honestly and openly with your partner, not simply share what you think you must. Technically withholding information isn't lying, but your conscience would nag you if you weren't completely honest. Pay extra attention to bank statements and any official document you need to sign. In addition, when paying your bills it's just as easy to pay it once as twice, and the second time affects your bottom dollar; pay attention to details.
Banner Graphic by, Warwick J. Massey, www.silentw.com
PST = Pacific Standard Time is 8 hours behind GMT=Greenwich Mean Time; PDT is Pacific Daylight Time and is 7 hours behind GMT. Time zones are typically expressed with either letters or the variance from GMT. The GMT times are given in brackets and all you need to know is the variance of your area to GMT and either add time if you live East of the Greenwich meridian at 0°W/E00' or deduct if you live west of the Greenwich meridian, which runs through England, France etc. I use a website http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ to get current information.
I use the 24-hour format on this website; that is 13:00 is 1PM, 17:00 is 5PM, thus any number in excess of 12:00 can be reduced to the PM time by deducting 12. Midnight is 0:00. Back to top
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is a certified astrological professional. who has maintained an astrological practise since 1988. To learn more about Anne read her bio and to learn about consultations click here. To book a consultation with Anne call her office at 1.604.574.9545 or send an email.
If you'd like a more detailed horoscope for your personal year, check out the Order Reports on line section. You can get birthday reports that cover your year in great detail.
Photograph: Ritva Sillanmäki August 2007
Anne is the the founding president of the Fraser Valley Astrological Guild, an International VP for ISAR in Western Canada (International Society for Astrological Research), a member of the Finnish Astrological Association, and a member of the Canadian Association for Astrological Education and of the National Council for Geocosmic Research
