Monday 8/03 - The week starts on a very businesslike note. People are focused and determined, bordering on obsessive today, as Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto (8:10 AM). This is a good time to work on a project that requires precision and sustained attention. The serious mood continues this evening (Moon trine Saturn at 6:08 PM) and many will choose to work late tonight.

Tuesday 8/04 - The morning is energetic and busy (Moon sextile Uranus at 7:21 AM). People are up early, eager to get a head start on the day.

The Moon moves into Aquarius at 3:08 PM.

Wednesday 8/05 - The Moon is Full in 13° Aquarius at 6:55 PM. That bright planet near the Moon is Jupiter. This is an auspicious alignment for the Full Moon, which is happening relatively close to the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction, making this a rather mystical Moon. The mood is inspirational and outgoing. It may be hard to get to sleep tonight as the energy is so strong.

Thursday 8/06 - This is a great day. The Full Moon high continues as the Moon conjuncts Jupiter (1:47 PM) and Neptune (6:20 PM) making this day lots of fun but a little spacey. Pay attention to your intuition, those gut feelings are particularly canny now.

Friday 8/07 - The Moon enters Pisces at 3:34 AM.

Today's lineup lends itself to some shrewd political maneuvering. People are positioning themselves, not really saying what they mean. Looks like there are some strategy sessions taking place over dinner when the Moon opposes Mercury (7:35 PM). It's all very charming and polite though as a Moon/Venus trine (7:39 PM) has people tuned in to each other's feelings. Tonight's Mercury/Venus sextile (9:53 PM) is noted for its style and good taste.

Saturday 8/08 - Yikes. What a crappy little day, best spent on tackling some difficult or tedious chore that you've put off to the very last minute. This is not the day for parties, celebrations or any leisure recreation, even a hike in the mountains can go awry at a time like this. The Moon squares Mars (5:14 PM) and opposes Saturn (7:27 PM), setting off this coming Monday's Mars/Saturn square. People are uncooperative and unforeseen difficulties arise.

Sunday 8/09 - Things are rather explosive this morning as the Moon conjuncts Uranus (6:44 AM) early on. Sometimes this can be adventurous and exciting but given the current alignment there is more likely to be furious venting of pent up frustrations. Moon/Uranus makes it a bit hard to sleep in, otherwise I'd recommend it.

The Moon enters Aries at 2:23 PM.

This afternoon's Moon/Pluto square doesn't help really things. People are bent on proving that they are in the right, trying to justify bad behavior. It's best not to engage.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 8/10 - People are trying to put their best foot forward and wear a smile even though this may not reflect their true feelings. A lot of emotionality is seething just under the surface giving a forced quality to today's interactions, which just don't seem genuine. (Moon in Aries squaring Venus in Cancer at 11:48 AM).

This evening's Mars/Saturn square (6:16 PM) has been in effect since Saturday and will be active for another few days. Mars/Saturn brings harsh circumstances and difficult people. Obstacles arise and hard work is required. Things lighten up later in the week but as this square is part of a ferocious grand square that is shaping up for August, the issues that arise now will be gathering momentum next week. The Jupiter/Neptune influence is receding and last winter's economic woes will be back on center stage. If you've bought into this summer's market rally, it's time to get out.

Tuesday 8/11 - This is a pleasant day despite the Mars/Saturn undercurrent. The Moon makes a series of harmonious aspects that create an energetic and optimistic mood (Moon sextile Mars at 5:44 AM and sextile Jupiter at 8:56 AM). At this point there is a legitimate question as to where optimism stops and denial begins but it certainly powers us through the rest of this week. The afternoon is relaxed and a little spacey (Moon sextile Neptune at 2:04 PM).

The Moon enters Taurus at 10:50 PM.

Wednesday 8/12 - The Taurus Moon creates a calm and steady pace. Energy is building toward tomorrow's Mars/Jupiter trine. This trine lends the support and motivation necessary to deal with whatever Mars/Saturn is dealing out.

Thursday 8/13 - Mars/Saturn? What Mars/Saturn? With strong Jupiter aspects today and tomorrow, we're flying high on a great burst of optimism and exuberant physical energy. This morning's Mars/Jupiter trine (10:30 AM) has people brimming with enthusiasm. Get out and get some exercise, play, hike, enjoy. This summer weather won't last forever.

Work goes smoothly in the morning as the Moon heads into a diligent trine to Saturn (12:13 PM). Then there's a brief inner struggle as the Moon dives into a series of squares to the Sun (12:55 PM), Jupiter (2:45 PM) and Neptune (8:01 PM). Keep working or head for the hills? Forget it, it's time to go out and play.

Friday 8/14 - The Moon enters Gemini at 4:25 AM.

There are no major lunar aspects on Friday but yesterday's Mars/Jupiter trine is still providing plenty of motivation. Recreation, entertainment and enjoyment are at the top of the list today as the Sun opposes Jupiter (11:53 AM). The opposition between these two giants energizes what could otherwise be a very lazy combination. People can be a bit grandiose under this influence, boasting of past exploits in loud voices, but with a little moderation it's all very amusing. Remember the word "jovial" refers to Jupiter and it's qualities.

Saturday 8/15 - Well, the news doesn't look that good this morning. It seems we've come off of cloud nine and back down to earth rather abruptly. The Moon squares Mercury (12:40 PM) and Saturn (4:15 PM), which are heading into conjunction on Monday, indicating more bad news to come. So there's an undercurrent of anxiety today that interferes with communication. The energy tanks as the day progresses. How about a nice afternoon nap?

Things perk up as sunset approaches and we get a second wind. After a rather dismal day this turns out to be a vibrant evening (Moon trines Jupiter at 5:46 PM, sextiles the Sun at 8:12 PM, conjuncts Mars at 8:56 PM and trines Neptune at 11:08 PM). It's a great evening for a concert or dance and people are super social, flitting from one party to the next.

Sunday 8/16 - The Moon moves into Cancer at 7:13 AM.

It's a quiet day. People are a little cranky this morning (Moon opposition Pluto at 8:35 AM). Not the time to pressure someone with expectations and familial obligations. How about a long, silent session over a cup of coffee and the morning paper. Then start the day.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 8/17 - It's a dynamic week with nine major aspects fueling the intensity. Four of this week's aspects are happening today so it is a powerful though quietly understated day.

There's a tender, gentle tone to the day, despite other indications, as the Moon conjuncts Venus in Cancer (3:12 PM) this afternoon. Moon/Venus in Cancer makes us more appreciative of the simple things in life, beautiful gardens, an abundant harvest, the comfort of our homes and the love and support of family and loved ones.

People are subdued and quiet as Mercury is conjuncting Saturn (9:14 AM), giving rise to serious thoughts and a contemplative mood. Some are struggling with depression or dealing with the bad news that Mercury/Saturn often brings. Communication may be difficult now. The Cancer influence favors emotional communion rather than verbal interchange.

The Sun makes an interesting couple of aspects as it sextiles Mars (4:58 AM) and opposes Neptune (2:58 PM). Sun/Neptune is an otherworldly, fantastical alignment, finely attuned to beauty and idealism but especially vulnerable to life's often harsh realities. Sun/Neptune would rather dream, meditate or simply space-out rather than deal with difficulties. On the other hand, Sun/Mars is an action aspect so the combination of Sun, Mars and Neptune has many people ready to act on their ideals. This can manifest as a commitment to some kind of personal crusade. Backing this up is today's other aspect, a trine from Mars to Neptune (7:29 PM), which acts much like the Sun, Mars, Neptune combo.

Tuesday 8/18 - The Moon enters Leo at 7:57 AM.

The energy is volatile and unpredictable today as Mars makes an explosive square to Uranus (8:24 PM). One take on Monday and Tuesday's alignments is some kind of Islamic jihad or Christian crusade, some irrational, fanatical frenzy. No doubt there'll be major news events along these lines, more so than usual. Neptune can be very self-sacrificing but Mars would prefer to sacrifice others.

Mars/Uranus makes people angry and impatient, easily frustrated and reactive. Be careful driving and around machinery now.

Wednesday 8/19 - The day starts on a quiet and serious note as Venus sextiled Saturn (4:11 AM) early this morning. Things lighten up in the evening when the Moon opposes Jupiter (6:10 PM) and Neptune (12 midnight), emphasizing the good feelings and happy company that Jupiter/Neptune brought in abundance this summer.

Thursday 8/20 - New Moon in 27° Leo (4:02 AM). It's an interesting New Moon.

On the one hand, we have the sunny idealism and good nature of Sun and Moon in Leo opposition to Jupiter/Neptune and Chiron. Since Chiron has to do with health and healing, doesn't it make sense that there is now a concerted effort under way to give this country the health care that it so desperately needs? This is certainly a manifestation of the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction in Aquarius on the Moon (the Moon represents the people or general populace) in the chart for the USA.

On the other hand, there's this ferocious grand square happening (Mercury and Saturn in Virgo opposition Uranus and Mars in late Gemini about to oppose Pluto), promoting a mob mentality that just wants to vent. Like a band of street punks ready to curb kick whatever crosses its path, this grand square is unleashing an irrational rage that only knows it's angry, even if it doesn't understand why.

The way the New Moon falls in Washington, DC indicates that Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron is winning, despite that angry hum in the background.

The Moon moves into Virgo at 8 AM.

Friday 8/21 - This looks like a stressful and frustrating day. Mercury opposition Uranus (5:48 AM) can be an exciting and interesting aspect but, since Mercury is together with Saturn right now, its effects will be more negative. There's a tendency to vent, to rant and rage, releasing a backlog of frustration in one big anger dump especially since the Moon is conjuncting Saturn this evening (7:24 PM). Moon/Saturn is low energy and sad. Self pity is strong now and is frequently the justification for bad behavior.

A more positive manifestation of today's line up would be something like taking the day off to rest up, though there's nothing particularly restful in this line-up.

For you night owls, late, late night looks like fun as the Moon sextiles Venus (12:28 AM Saturday).

Saturday 8/22 - The Moon enters Libra at 9:12 AM.

Yikes. The Moon squares Mars (5:44 AM) and Pluto (10:28 AM) this morning. Isn't this anger kick getting a little old by now? How about channeling all that emotional energy into some good, old-fashioned hard work? Fall is coming. There are chores to be done.

Venus trine Uranus (5:32 PM) wants to get away from it all and enjoy some freedom and a change of scene. Take a break from routine and do something different. There are some interesting people around, unusual characters who intrigue and inspire you to do your own thing.

The Sun enters Virgo (5:39 PM). Oh my gosh, its the end of the summer!

Sunday 8/23 - Today's Sun trine Pluto (12:18 AM) is an aspect of personal power and determination. It gives us the strength and energy to deal with the rest of what is going on. The mood is cheerful and sociable as we head into a Moon/Jupiter trine (9:00 PM) later tonight.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.

Monday 8/24 - August's grand square continues this week. There's a power struggle in the works. The last couple of weeks have been like the howling winds announcing the arrival of a storm. Now the storm is here though there may be a curious silence, like being in the eye of a hurricane. Don't be fooled, we are in the midst of a titanic battle as corporate powers use every means at their disposal to fight against reform. And as above so below, you'll find lots of regular folks on a power trip this week.

Monday morning starts out slowly and peacefully (Moon trine Neptune at 4:09 AM and square Venus at 8:54 AM). Momentum builds around noon with a Moon/Mars trine (12:10 PM) supplying a burst of energy and motivation.

The Moon enters Scorpio at 1:16 PM.

A focused, determined attitude guides the afternoon (Moon sextiles Pluto at 2:36 PM and the Sun at 4:41 PM) and the week. Set yourself a goal and jump into action.

Tuesday 8/25 - There's a shift in the energy today as two planets change signs. Mars enters Cancer (11:16 AM) and Mercury moves into Libra (2:18 PM) and they square each other in the process (Mercury squares Mars at 9:58 PM). Cancer is not a good placement for Mars, which heats Cancer's watery emotionality into a steam. Mars in Cancer has a reputation for making mountains out of molehills and over-reacting to imagined threats. Mecury square Mars is very verbal and loves to debate and argue. Conversation has a way of deteriorating into argument under this influence though it can be very good for writing and breaking through writer's block, as it unleashes a torrent of words.

Wednesday 8/26 - Today is a pivotal day as Mercury t-squares the Mars/Pluto opposition. If you don't want a major scene, this is not the time to confront someone or discuss a controversial subject. Mercury square Pluto (10:07 AM) is willing to use every dirty trick in the book to win an argument, bringing up ancient history and hammering on an opponent's weak spots. Mercury/Pluto is also adept at covert operations and behind the scenes manipulation.

For regular folks, Mercury/Pluto brings up memories and emotional issues from the past. This is a good time for self-analysis or therapy. On the other hand, if one is not given to reflection this may be a time when compulsive behavior takes over.

Mars opposition Pluto (2:32 PM) is an aspect of power. It has determination and great reservoirs of strength and fortitude. The opposition implies struggle, a certain ruthlessness and an implacable will to overcome at all costs. Such intensity can become it's own obstacle.

Venus enters Leo (10:12 AM). By itself, Venus in Leo is fun loving, loyal and creative with a flair for self-dramatization and spectacle.

The Moon moves into Sagittarius this evening at 9:16 PM where it promptly makes a trine to Venus in Leo (10:27 PM). The mood lightens up and people are ready for a bit of fun, though I really wouldn't recommend going out on the town given the other influences at work right now. This t-square can foster a violent criminality.

Thursday 8/27 - The dust is settling from yesterday's fracas. Though that line-up is still in effect, there are no major lunar aspects today besides some minor discord from an early morning Sun/Moon square (5:42 AM).

Friday 8/28 - Finally, a bit of harmony. Mercury sextile Venus (7:26 AM) is gracious and mannerly, now that's a change of pace. This afternoon's Moon/Jupiter sextile (1:10 PM) is friendly and strikes an optimist note after a week of discord.

Things are down in the dumps again by the end of the day though as the Sagittarius Moon squares Saturn in Virgo (5:44 PM). Energy levels are low and people are critical and nit-picky. Plan for a quiet dinner or take a nap.

Spirits revive later tonight when the Moon squares restless Uranus (11:26 PM), so it may turn into a late evening after all. Still, keep an eye pealed if you're out late.

Saturday 8/29 - The Moon enters Capricorn at 8:44 AM.

Another Saturday morning where Pluto and Mars are being triggered (Moon conjunct Pluto at 10:09 AM and opposition Mars at 2 PM). This brings to mind a comment a local policeman made recently that, in our county, domestic violence incidents were up 50% over last year and the year was barely half over. People are definitely venting their frustrations on their families. Why not opt for some quiet time or a good physical work out? There are lots of ways to let off steam other than anger dumping at home. The Moon is triggering Wednesday's t-square today so it's effects may be more visible now than they were mid week.

Things calm down and are more harmonious this evening (Moon trine the Sun at 10:51 PM).

Sunday 8/30 - It's a quiet day. There are no major lunar aspects.

* All times are MDT (Mountain Daylight Time). For EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) add two hours. All aspects in bold are major influences that are in effect for several days. The Moon's daily aspects are rapidly shifting influences that are in effect for only a few hours.