8 Things You Didn’t Know About the Astrology of August 2023
August is a BUSY month for the cosmos and here’s why. There are several transits and events happening that you should know about to better understand how to navigate through them and come out the other side with a sense of alignment and discernment. So here are 8 things you probably didn’t know about the astrology of August 2023.
There are TWO Full Moons in August this year.
Yup. You read that correctly. TWO full moons. Typically there is only one full moon each month but in August, we’ll have a blue moon which is the second full moon in a month. It’s a rare occurence. Hence the saying “once in a blue moon”. The first full moon is happening in the sign of Aquarius on August 1st and the second full moon is happening in the sign of Pisces on August 30th. Follow me on instagram or tiktok @selfloveastro where I will go much more in depth about both full moons and what they mean.
2. Mercury will be going Retrograde beginning August 23rd.
Mercury goes retrograde usually around 3-4 times a year. This year is no different. We will enter our 3rd mercury retrograde of 2023 on August 23rd in the sign of Virgo. When Mercury goes retrograde it’s a time for revisiting, reevaluating, rethinking and reflecting on the themes of mercury which include communication, transportation, ideas, friends, and technology. When it occurs in the sign of Virgo, it specifically highlights these things in the context of Virgo energy. Virgo energy deals with perfectionism, being of service to others, organizing things or making things more efficient, criticism for better or worse, as well as prioritizing physical health via fitness, nutrition, meditation etc. Look to where Virgo is in your chart or book a reading with me to learn more about how this Mercury Retrograde in Virgo will affect you!
3. There’s a New Moon in Leo happening on August 16th.
This is a special New Moon because for the first time since 2020, the new moon in Leo will no longer be opposite Saturn. However, it will be lined up next to Venus which is currently Retrograde until September 3rd. Be mindful and selective about setting intentions as things might not exactly pan out the way you imagined since venus retrograde is involved in this new moon chart.
4. Mars enters Libra on August 27th.
Mars is the planet of our drive, motivation, the way we assert ourselves, anger, sexual drive and the way we take action towards the things that we want. On August 27th, it’'ll be entering the sign on Libra. Aligning itself with the south node and making an opposition to the north node which is currently in the sign of Aries. We might feel an underlying motivation to stay with the familiar, our comfort zone, to not ruffle any feathers and keep things harmonious, cute and peaceful. However, that opposition to the North Node in Aries may bring some challenges to this and provide opportunities or situations that may force us out of this comfort bubble we’ve tried to keep around us and try to get us to move in the opposite direction and standing up for ourselves, be brave and figure out what independence looks like for us.
5. Uranus goes retrograde August 28th.
Uranus has been in the sign of Taurus since May 2018 and will remain there until 2026. Uranus is an outer planet that spends most of the year in retrograde so it’s not something that we will feel as heavily as a Mercury or Venus retrograde. Uranus will be retrograde for the rest of 2023. Nonetheless, when Uranus does go retrograde, it’s a time that as a society, we can look to rethink and reevaluate some of the themes of Uranus like technology, sudden change and independence. Its influence awakens unconventional thinking about social justice and humanitarianism. And due to it being in the sign of Taurus, this may also highlight things like money, beauty, our material possessions and our connection to nature. The retrograde allows us to revisit and rethink these themes as a collective.
6. Mercury in Virgo will be opposite Saturn in Pisces
For the entire month of August, we will be feeling this transit. Mercury in Virgo will be opposite Saturn in Pisces. At moments, it will feel stronger than others. Regardless, these two will be in their respective sister signs, or opposite energy. When Mercury is opposite Saturn, you can expect some challenging energy in regards to boundaries or structures. It’s possible to feel as though there’s delays happening that make you self doubt and be more inclined toward pessimistic thinking. Try not to make any big life decisions in an impulsive way. Mercury is the planet of communication and Saturn is the planet of structure, delays/restrictions, karma and responsibility. So your words hold weight and you’ll likely need to take responsibility for what you say while this transit is active. So mean what you say and say what you mean. This energy will remain true even later in the month and into September while Mercury is retrograde.
7. Sun in Leo conjunct Venus Retrograde in Leo on August 13th.
This is called a Cazimi. When the Sun and another planet align in the sky, as they will on August 13th, it is a powerful energy that can easily be felt. Specifically because this one is happening with Venus in the sign of Leo which is ruled by the sun, it’s an even stronger transit. This event is happening just about halfway through the Venus Retrograde cycle. The sun will shine a light on the shadows of Venus’s retrograde and our past romantic and relational patterns. It will give us the opportunity to illuminate our narrative stories about love and relationships with a new found confidence and creativity.
8. Full Moon in Pisces on August 30th will be opposite Mercury Retrograde in Virgo.
The last Full Moon of August won’t come to us easily. Full moon are already an emotionally heightened time and this one is happening in the very sentimental and emotional water sign of Pisces. Full Moons are also typically a time for releasing and letting things go. Things tend to end and cycles may close during full moons. Added to the mix is the mercury retrograde in Virgo that is asking us to rethink, revisit, reevaluate, reconsider certain things in our lives. It’s very likely that you can anticipate the endings of certain patterns, thoughts/beliefs, relationships or expectations. Set yourself up for this full moon opposite mercury retrograde by giving yourself time to feel any feelings that come up and to trust and listen to your inner guide. Engaging in any sort of creative outlet would be the best way to make use of this heightened and emotionally charged energy.
So yeah. There’s A LOT going on within our external and internal worlds as we start to wrap up the summer and transition into a new season, new school year, new chapter. It’s the universe’s way of creating a storm that can help us find clarity or alignment on what comes next for this new chapter that we’re entering. Give yourself grace, set yourself up with self love practices, routines and habits to take care of yourself during August. And if you find that you aren’t being affected by any of this, thats great!! But keep in mind that the people around you and that you interact with might be and to hold space and empathy for them too.
Happy August my loves and try to make some time for joy for the rest of the summer too. If you find yourself needing some personal guidance to help you navigate any of these transits, please don’t hesitate to book a 1 on 1 reading with me and I can break down the best ways for you to personally cope and navigate through these cosmic storms. 🖤
