MONTH OF August
Slow it down, Capricorn. August is already primed to be a time when you slip away for an off-the-grid summer escape or tuck yourself into your cocoon. The Sun is making its annual trip to Leo and your intimate, private eighth house until August 23, and you crave a chance to narrow your focus, investing time in your most important ties only.
But this year, the pull to pull back is even stronger. There are FOUR retrograde planets all month long (Venus, your ruler Saturn, Neptune and Pluto), and six by the time August closes. Translation: Slow down and finish what you’ve already started rather than rushing into anything new.
The most prominently featured retrograde is Venus, the planet of love, harmony and attraction. Venus is retrograde in Leo from July 22 until September 3. Everything from a financial investment to a joint venture to a super-close relationship could need attention or repair work this summer.
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Retrogrades bring back the past, and Venus’ backspin could herald the return of an ex or the flareup of unresolved resentments. Thought you were done holding a grudge about THAT issue? You’ll find out in the next few weeks!
Forgiveness is a process, and you may not be ready to fully and authentically extend it to a certain someone. But consider the impact: Is clinging to these upset feelings hurting the other party…or you? If you’re the one who’s suffering from living in the past, Venus retrograde could be a time of profound heart healing and letting go. If there are amends to be made or trust issues to address, don’t shy away from that.
The opportunity to travel, start a business or return to school arrives with the Sun’s shift into Virgo on August 23. With El Sol in your no-limits ninth house, you’re feeling the call of opportunity and potential! But (womp womp) that same day, communication and technology planet Mercury turns retrograde in Virgo until September 15, which could throw curveballs into your ambitious plans.
On August 28, Uranus joins the retrograde brigade, U-turning in Taurus and your passionate fifth house. This could add an extra edge of tension to Venus retrograde, so handle your love life and your fiery emotions with care.
This month is not all slow motion, though. The skies will serve up not one, but two, illuminating full moons, both of them supermoons! Money is in the spotlight on August 1, when the Aquarius full moon beams into your financial sector, bringing revenue opportunities and helping you get your life streamlined and simplified so you canclass="body-el-link standard-body-el-link" receive abundance.
The second, a rare blue moon, is in Pisces and your social, communicative third house. News you’ve been waiting for, possibly as far back as six months ago, could come through. A kindred spirit could appear or intriguing offer could reach the decision-making point. But don’t rush to make things official now. If you can hold off until Mercury turns direct on September 15, you’ll have better cosmic conditions for this venture.
Patience, Capricorn: By the second half of September, momentum starts picking up and you’ll be back in your power. Your steadfast sign understands the power of timing, so use this astrological wisdom to your advantage.
It’s Leo season until August 23
Privacy please! With the Sun taking its annual plunge through Leo and your eighth house of merging, intimacy and spirituality until August 23, the first three weeks of August are meant to be a restorative time. Rather than headlining all the parties, you’ll want to deep-dive into your most cherished personal goals and projects—RSVPing “yes” only to a few exclusive invites.
With Venus retrograde in Leo disrupting some of your closest bonds until September 3, that’s a wise move, Capricorn. Avoid the people who push your buttons and instead, pour your energy into an all-consuming project. Slip off the grid for now. You’ll be back, refreshed and ready, for industrious Virgo season later this month!
The eighth house governs the space where we combine our resources—time, money, emotions, sex—into a greater and more powerful entity. Thinking of making an investment? Whether that’s in a piece of property, an asset or a relationship, Leo season has you curious about what happens when you invigorate something with your willpower or join forces for mutual gain.
The August 1 Aquarius full moon spotlights your finances
Money matters come into shclass="body-el-link standard-body-el-link" arper focus right as the month begins. On August 1, the skies light up with a full supermoon in Aquarius and your second house of financial security. Take an unflinching look at your income, savings and spending habits.
Today you could reach a peak professional moment, something you’ve been working toward since the January 21 Aquarius new moon. You might ponder a whole new financial path, whether that’s a different role, a fresh revenue stream or a better way to manage your money. Stay alert for news of a job offer or a new client prospect.
The second house also rules your day-to-day habits. If too many poolside margaritas have you sleeping restlessly or you’re mindlessly scrolling your social feeds instead of enjoying the sunshine, make a pivot. We’ve still technically got a month and a half of summer left. The changes you make today will help you enjoy the rest of the season.
The August 16 Leo new moon is a “money, power and sex” day
Your laser focus gets an additional lunar lift from the Leo new moon on August 16. What factors will make you feel certain going all the way? As a Capricorn, you need trust along with the lust. The fiscal floodgates also open today since the eighth house rules shared finances and assets. Put your feelers out and plant some seeds. With the right strategic moves, you’ll set yourself up for a six-month cycle of abundance. As you know, every little cost or earning adds up—so take consistent steps toward paying off debt, saving and investing.
You may need to put the kibosh on drama at the new moon when a tempestuous square between the la luna and erratic Uranus (in your flamboyant fifth house, no less), stirs up jealousyclass="body-el-link standard-body-el-link" or sparks intense emotional outbursts when you least expect them. On top of that, this new moon is making close contact with Lilith, the “dark moon” point, which could bring up anger, hostility and resentment.
Feeling mercurial? Don’t stew over drinks or around irksome people. The more toxic ingredients you add to this gathering storm, the worse it could be when it makes landfall. Spend time with supportive and grounding friends doing something fun, laughing and treating yourself—no need to do it in a way that leaves you hungover or full of regrets.
Virgo season begins on August 23 and optimism returns
On Sunday, August 23, the Sun shifts into Virgo and your expansive, optimistic ninth house for a month. Between now and September 23, you’ll feel inspiration return. You’ll be emboldened to take a chance on a visionary plan. Maybe you’ll plan an epic getaway, launch a business idea or return to school to pursue a passion. Don’t limit yourself—if the spirit moves you, now’s a great time to sign up for courses and expand your horizons through learning, entrepreneurial ventures or metaphysical study.
But…Mercury turns retrograde from Augustclass="body-el-link standard-body-el-link" 23 to September 15
Just don’t rush into implementing anything major yet. Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation and communication, will turn retrograde in Virgo from August 23 to September 15.
Going big and bold could hit the wrong note during this signal-scrambling time. One of your outspoken remarks could be taken the wrong way, leaving you with a mess to mop up. Be careful with those group texts and emails—this is the kind of retrograde when you accidentally send a #burn to everyone, including the person you’re throwing shade at!
Tone it down at the Sun-Saturn opposition on August 27
On August 27, the bold Sun makes its annual opposition to your ruling planet, stalwart Saturn. This can be a day when plans become chaotic or everything feels a bit heavy or pessimistic. As the Sun and Saturn clash across your communication axis, you’ll need to be mindful of your messaging today. Filter the information you take in AND the words you put out!
You’re normally good at keeping a low profile, Cap, and today brings a special advisory to keep your opinions to yourself. When the swaggering Sun gets checked by cautious Saturn, your impulsive rants and bold proclamations will fall flat.
You have something important to say, yes. But even the most powerful message could use a good edit. With Mercury also retrograde, even THAT might not do the trick. Review: Maybe there’s a more diplomatic way to express your opinion? Sweeten harsher truths with a spoonful of sugar and avoid stinging the people you love. If you find yourself on the receiving end of unfair “feedback,” try to disagree diplomatically instead of lashing out in defense.
Uranus turns retrograde in your dramatic fifth house on August 28
Diva alert! This August 28, Uranus begins a five-month retrograde through your fifth house of fame, self-expression and love. (Yes, in the final days of Venus retrograde—just for fun!)
With Uranus retrograde for the rest of the year, an old romance could resurface, but it could also create a bit of chaos—so think twice before you open that door. You might return to a back-burnered creative project or distance yourself from a situation that’s bringing up anger and tempestuous emotions.
Dial down the intensity between now and January 27, Capricorn. The temptation to rebel is intensified by shock jock Uranus, and as it tears through this passionate zone of your chart, drama could also ensue. An attraction—or a desire for attention—could be the source of this. Find a way to get the applause you crave without turning everything upside-down. And if someone around you is acting out, get support if you run out of strategies to calmly handle their chaos. You can’t control others, but you don’t have to let THEIR problemclass="body-el-link standard-body-el-link" s control you!
The Pisces full supermoon on August 30 is a blue moon
Two-for-one lunar special: incoming! August 30 features a rare second full moon, aka a blue moon. This one, another supermoon, is in Pisces, which will beam into your third house of communication and community. Host a gathering—or tell everyone to meet at a favorite park or pub. Make the rounds, catch up with your crew, and do it all in one fell swoop. Bonus: You might just play superconnector (or Cupid!), introducing some of your favorite folks to each other. Who knows where that could lead?
Got a decision to make? No more turning this over in your head, Capricorn—it’s time for productive dialogue. If you have something to get off your chest, this lunar lift could provide the perfect setting for #realtalk and honest conversation. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Unless they’ve proven to have malicious intent, assume they’re doing the best they can with what they’ve got. You’ll find out once you clear the air!
Intimacy interrupted? All month long, love planet Venus is retrograde in Leo and your erotic, merging-minded eighth house. To say this is a summer loving buzzkill could be an understatement. This retrograde could stir up jealousy, possessiveness and old wounds around abandonment and betrayal.
Venus retrograde, which happens every 18 months, can get messy. Unless, of course, you lean into the powers of a retrograde, which turns our collective attention to the past. An old flame could resurface, turning into a white-hot reunion (whether it’s just sexual chemistry or you both discover that you’re actually soulmates). For couples, this can be an important time to do the deeper work on your bond with a healer or therapist, or to find your own way back to each other if you’ve grown disconnected.
From August 13 to 18, Venus is making its “inferior conjunction” with the Sun, meaning it will disappear from our view. This is THE window of opportunity to finally put old patterns and disempowering love stories to bed. And if you do, the August 22 Venus-Jupiter square could help get everything out into the open, creating a space for you to air the harsh but necessary grievances that are driving a wedge between you or blocking you from attracting the passionate love you want.
The August 16 Leo new moon also offers a chance to renew your sexual and spiritual bond. However, its harsh angle to hotheaded Uranus could also bring volatile emotions and strong reactions to the surface.
Whew, Capricorn! While we’re not advocating denial, taking breaks from the intensity will be a smart strategy this August. If you can’t beat the heat in your love life, get away from it! It’s an adventurous kind of month, at least as far as your love life is concerned!
Passionate Mars is sailing through Virgo and your footloose ninth house all month (until August 27). While Venus is lobbying for deep connection and permanent bonds, Mars wants to make a jailbreak and pursue freedom. (Is this a bit of a mind****? You bet.) The ninth house is all about travel, growth and taking your potential to new heights. With Mars putting the “lust” in wanderlust, no less than ten thousand feet should do—so make sure that passport’s up-to-date.
Attached? Doing adventurous things together will get the adrenaline pumping, which is great for your bond. Plan a trip, even a weekend getaway. Just watch for a flareup of the “grass is greener” syndrome, which could tempt you to go grazing in the wrong field.
Driven Mars is zooming through Virgo and your expansive ninth house until August 27, a visit that only happens every two years. With the red planet making you think bigger-than-big, your normally cautious sign is fired up to take a risk. You’re eager to expand, but which way is the “right” way? You might have to experiment with a few trial projects to figure that out. As eager as you are to just go with your gut, rushing through negotiations could leave you with a messy cleanup later.
Be mindful not to take on TOO much at once. You could end up with a case of information overload or analysis paralysis. Exciting opportunities will keep rolling in, and you want plenty of white space in your calendar when that happens.
From August 27 until October 12, Mars will be in Libra and your tenth house of career, so save some of your energy for the fall, when you’ll be at your focused, professional best. Let yourself experiment and explore ideas this month. Then, when Mars makes its move, you can start making some of yours!
Love Days: 8, 12
Money Days: 20, 1
Luck Days: 17, 26
Off Days: 10, 16, 24
Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (a.k.a. The AstroTwins) are ELLE.com’s resident astrologers. They have written several astrology books, including Momstrology and Supercouple, and star as the astrological matchmakers for Prime Video’s Cosmic Love. The Eduts have read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Roberts. For their spot-on predictions, books, and online courses, check out our horoscopes coverage or visit astrostyle.com.
