Alex

The planets will be thumping hard on the ceiling of the sky, and the clanging and banging they will be doing will be akin to a bull in a china shop. All this commotion will be instantly noticed here on earth, especially during the first week of August.

What is happening on August 6 and 7 is something we have never seen in our lifetimes and will probably not see happen again. Planets will square off in four packs, each in a different corner of the sky. On one corner you have Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, opposed to Saturn, Venus, and Mars clear across the sky in Libra in the opposite corner. On the third corner we have powerful Pluto in Capricorn directly opposed to the moon, transiting in Cancer and filling the fourth corner. Each planet will be in very early degrees of a cardinal sign (Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn), so when they move into position on August 6 and 7, they will calibrate into a perfect square pattern with a giant X in the middle. This is a cardinal cross.

Usually we need four squares and two oppositions to create any kind of cross pattern, but this time we will have ten squares (planets at 90 degrees) and seven oppositions (planets at 180 degrees). This is amazing. The only planets NOT involved, as part of this cross pattern will be the Sun, Mercury, and Neptune. You are fortunate that your ruling planet is not part of this group, for it means that you will more likely be an onlooker to events, not a subject of the event itself.

On top of all this, Mars in his journey through Libra will reach a critical degree that will unlock a message from the June 26 eclipse. For this reason, if you did not notice any news near that lunar eclipse, you might now. Or, you may hear something on September 8 or December 14. There will be several trigger points as we go along, because this type of configuration is quite strong.

Key areas to watch will be travel agreements and legal paperwork, as well as work projects. As you go along, you may feel run down, so your health may need tender loving care, too. You may want to get advice or a procedure from a doctor, or someone close may need you there as he or she goes through an operation.

At work, Pluto, in your house of work projects will be sending angry beams to a host of planets. You’ll need to be sure that projects move along smoothly without a glitch. Take nothing for granted, keep summarizing what the client says she wants, and don’t assume you have it right until you check everything twice. You won’t be able to count on getting helping from co-workers, for they are likely to be cranky and overworked. Your regular routine will be disrupted, so don’t get ruffled - go with the flow. Everyone will be dealing with each day as it comes.

People you may hire to work for you could be problematic too, and you may be disappointed with the quality of their output. You’ll have to hover over them more than usual, just to be sure they understand what you need them to do. It’s also possible a subordinate may suddenly quit or be let go, so you’ll have to have contingency plans for a replacement or else be there to get the work out.

Still, there are two points to consider when a cardinal cross is operational, as it will be near the end of the first week of August. First, planets in cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) are feisty and create a sense of urgency for solving challenges. Even so, don’t be too hasty because you will need to foresee ramifications of all your actions.

As mentioned earlier, there will be ten squares, but squares help us face situations - you probably won’t have the option to ignore things. You will feel energetic and resourceful too, so realize the universe will provide the tools you need at just the time you will need them. In the tensions that the powerful cross pattern creates, you will make necessary changes. You won’t be able to ignore anything that comes up now - discussions will take place, and you will begin to devise a plan.

Most of us are creatures of habit, and so the universe in its wisdom occasionally will put a powerful hand to your back and push you forward. Later you may be glad for all that transpires now, for you will feel a freedom and a release that you had not felt before.

Another crazy part about a cardinal cross is that events will unfold on either end of the spectrum, and in high contrast. They will be either very good or awful, with little middle ground. Matters will get corrected, and so you may be on the receiving end of a reward or happy adjustment that you never saw coming. Indeed, good things happen on these types of events, too.

As you see, you will be in overdrive in the first three weeks, but especially in the first 10 days, so you will need to watch your health carefully. If you feel ill or if you have a tooth that hurts, see a doctor or dentist to have things checked. Protect bones, teeth, eyes, skin, and knees.

Your third and ninth houses will also be under stress, so the first order of business will be to avoid signing contracts in August. Table those papers for mid-September. There could be problems in the wording, so you will have to go through the document with great care, and nitpick every word.

A lot of focus will be directed toward written projects, and if you give a speech, to the words you speak. Be careful about whom you send email, and don’t include anyone in error. Be very careful about the information you share on social media sites, and for heaven’s sake don’t leave personal information in the photocopier. The cardinal cross is focusing on third house activities, and those include all sorts of communications, both personal and professional, as well as any publicity you will receive or generate.

If you were hoping to take a vacation this month, there may be a delay. Your work will be very busy - so much so that you may not be able to get away. See how your boss feels. You won’t be too popular if you walk out just when the office is experiencing an avalanche of work and staffing problems.

If you travel even a short distance for any reason - and it is possible that you will - you must be sure your car is in good working order and that you have proper directions. If you travel for business, ascertain that your appointment still stands, as things may change at the speed of light this month.

Things will become even more complicated when Mercury begins to retrograde from August 20 to September 12. You will begin to see frustrating delays show up the moment the month begins. It will be important to avoid making any announcements, agreements, or binding promises until mid-September.

The new moon in Leo will arrive August 9, and that is your time to come into your own. As you already know, however, the cosmos will be in pandemonium, so proceed as though you were driving through a blinding snowstorm with little visibility - slowly and carefully. Neptune will be in the neighborhood, and by that I mean Neptune will be across the sky, looking at the new moon, but not so close as to cause anything serious, but close enough to limit your vision.

Uranus rules your partnership house but with Saturn in a fairly tight opposition to Uranus, you may feel checkmated by a close partner, collaborator, or competitor. Your partner may stymie your plans. Or, your partner may try to convince you to do things in a different way - one that does not please you. As you see, things may seem “off” this month in a weird way. There will be no harm in waiting for better days.

If your birthday falls on or within five days of August 9, you will benefit from having a new moon so close to your birthday. The year will be filled with fresh starts and new chapters. It is very rare to have a new moon on your birthday, as it may not happen again for decades. The coming year should be a turning point, so anticipate it with glee!

Financially, Uranus, the planet of unpredictability, will move back to Pisces on August 14, so you may see finances gyrate a bit until Uranus makes its way back to Aries on March 11 of next year. Additionally, the cardinal cross is likely to make investors moody and emotional, so you can see the stock market dip very low. A conservative, careful approach will be necessary now.

The full moon, August 24, will bring a financial matter to fullness however, particularly if your birthday falls on July 23 or within four days of this date. This full moon will get plenty of support from Pluto, so you may see a nice chunk of money from a freelance project or other source. Money may go out too, as you may have a financial obligation to take care of now.

A perfect day to seek support from any authority figure will be when Pluto makes a decisive, friendly aspect to the Sun, your ruler, on August 25-26. Certain planetary positions suggest you may be getting ready to rent an apartment, make an application for a mortgage or home improvement loan, or talk to a broker about selling a house. All these activities will shine on this day, but remember - Mercury will be retrograde so the gremlins will be out and about everywhere. The only thing is, you won’t see them!

In a month this busy (and at times, stressful), you will need some fun, and there will be opportunities for that too, especially as you get closer to month’s end. If you can travel for fun over the weekend of August 20-22, it would do you a world of good. Venus and Mars will make a rare conjunction on this Friday evening. Romantically, that’s a “10” for it will be in Libra, a sign that blends beautifully with yours. These two planets will be setting the scene for a perfect experience out of town, perhaps for a dinner at a cozy inn or chic bistro.

Your best days to socialize this month include: August 17, 20-22, 26-28, and 31.

Summary

You’ll be able to be productive this month as long as you are mindful of the mixed messages that will come at you from all sides during the first three weeks of August. Sifting fact from fiction won’t be easy. Stay grounded and realistic, and ask more questions than you feel are necessary. An innocent inquiry could lead you to uncover a latent problem you may be surprised to learn. Once you know about it, you’ll be able to protect yourself before getting in too deep.

The new moon in Leo on August 9 will be your moment to shine. It’s your cosmic birthday gift, and it comes wrapped with help from Mars, the action planet, situated not too far from the Sun and moon. You seem filled with energy and enthusiasm, and rightly so. Make your first initiation or announcement for a plan dear to your heart near that new moon.

Mercury is about to retrograde on August 20 to September 12, and so when you plan your actions, you will want to stay as far away from those dates as possible. You will start to see postponements, delays, and forgetfulness and feel a general slowdown as early as August 1. Mercury retrograde creates havoc and a need to backtrack, so plan to relax during that phase. You can push forward again in mid-September 15.

You will be in the mood to travel this month, but work obligations will be intense and may come in the way of any plans you had to take off. It looks like you’ll be needed at the office, and getting work done will need to be your first priority. Even so, you can do excellent work now, so if you have to change travel plans, do so willingly, knowing that, as you get deeper into August, the pace will be smoother and easier.

Difficulties in travel will be at their most troublesome over the long weekend of August 6-8 due to Venus in opposition to Uranus. If you are single, your outlook for romance will be rather dismal then too, so delay your key weekend away. Another truly trying time will be August 12-13. Instead plan to go over the weekend of August 28-29 when you’ll have a far sunnier outlook for fun and love, thanks to the moon conjunct good fortune Jupiter in fellow fire sign Aries.

A financial deal will be concluded - or payment to you wired to your account - within four days of August 24. With Pluto so nicely aligned, you are due for some good news, and possibly a sum of cash or a work project completed. You will have support from at least one major authority figure, perhaps at work or from your banker, as two examples. If you are finishing up a court or divorce case or are striving to make any other kind of financial settlement, you’ll be happy with the results. Just be sure to finish things up by the end of the week, August 27. There’s also the chance you may be focused on a house, condo, or family estate, and if so, again, you’ll find the news upbeat.

One of your best days this month will be August 25-26 when Pluto and the Sun join forces. Your guardian planet, the Sun, will make sure you are protected, and the help you get from an extremely powerful person may truly amaze you. Be sure to use those dates for your key meetings, especially in regard to career and home and family-related goals. Remember, though, to make no final commitments until mid-September due to Mercury being out of phase.

Dates to Note:

Your annual birthday new moon arrives August 9 - your moment to act in the week that follows. Be careful, though. With Neptune acting up, you may have to dig for accurate facts. Take your time.

Carefree travel will dot your schedule over the weekend of August 20-22.

Good news about money should come up within 4 days of August 24, the full moon. VIPs love you, and extra work may even come to you.

One of your best days to see a doctor or dentist would be August 26, when the Sun, your ruler, will beam Pluto in Capricorn.

Mercury will retrograde in your career sector from August 20 to September 12. If you are interviewing for a job, or waiting for approvals, don’t hold your breath. Things won’t be resolved until late September. Don’t push - delays will benefit you.

You may make money as a result of overtime, a side job, or a new client - news will reach you at the full moon August 24, plus or minus four days.

Real estate and family-related matters bring encouraging news near August 26, too, but refrain from making any moves until later next month.

Travel is indicated and could bring lots of fun on August 28-29. Another good time to go will be August 20-22.

Avoid travel on August 7, 8, 12, and 13. The first half in general will be difficult for travel and for any sorts of contractual negotiations.

Romance will be linked to travel, so if you can, get away for a long weekend during the second half of August. Your office will be very busy this month, so getting approvals for time off may not be that easy.

Your best days to socialize this month include: August 17, 20-22, 26-28, and 31