August is quite an active month and it starts out ushering in the first of three Saturn-Pluto oppositions which initiate a year of facing reality in every area of our lives. Aspects in fire and air signs again dominate the first half of the month moving everything up to the surface and into movement.

August may easily set the tone for the rest of the year. Pay attention to what comes up for you and asks you to move forward on deep levels. Letting of the fluff in our lives and realizing the basics will be a theme repeated many times.

Saturn opposes Pluto in August and November, 2001, and May, 2002. This is the highlight, or full moon, of their approximately 36 year cycle together. These two planets will interact in every area of our lives, both personal and mundane, over the next year.

In Evolutionary Astrology Pluto represents the soul both individually and collectively. The vast majority of our soul's desires are unconscious and are classified as desires to separate from that (the Source) which created us or desires to return to that which created us. We exhaust countless lifetimes of separating desires until finally the desire to return, and understand that which created us, eventually becomes the only desire left.

Saturn represents the individuated conscious mind, and how we structure our realities in space and time. Saturn is the boundary of what we can handle in our everyday lives. Saturn also represents the collective agreements we make to function and survive as groups in whatever way - relationships, social, religious/spiritual, economical, national, species, etc.

When Saturn and Pluto oppose each other they force us to face reality. Essentially, the deep, unconscious, separating desires, individually and collectively, are brought up into the light of day and exposed for what they are - separating desires. The quest is to readjust and metamorphose those desires into returning to the Source. We may experience it as cleaning out the closets so to speak - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually letting go of excess and getting to what is necessary and real.

These Saturn-Pluto oppositions take place in the middle degrees of Gemini-Sagittarius. The emphasis becomes opinions versus beliefs, mine versus yours, or the United States versus other countries. Another example is facing the reality of what to believe from opposing opinions on health care, energy and the environment, governments, the economy, communications, or, just about any area of our life.

Saturn wants to be stable and secure, causing it to crystallize and get stuck in what is known. Pluto brings death and rebirth, literally and figuratively, blowing up whatever is stuck and needs to metamorphose.

Historically, these two planets have been active in many wars and conflicts, recessions, and major earth movements. They have also helped us to really create foundations that allow us to grow and move forward in realistic, solid steps.

Saturn teaches us about inner authority versus outer authority. Patriarchal principles have conditioned us for thousands of years to give our power away to "outer authority" - a judgmental, angry, "perfect" god, priest/rabbi/preacher, parents, boss, partners, etc. Positively, these opposition aspects bring us an opportunity to recover our own inner authority - to realize God/Goddess is within and we are co-creators and can be "in" this world, but not "of" (conditioned by) this world. What is your choice?

The Sun is in Leo during most of August. The Evolutionary Astrology Mantra is: I align my will with divine will. We are not the source of creation, we are a channel for the Creative Source to come through us. During Sun in Leo, ego learns to be an expression of soul therefore allowing for healthy, creative manifestations of ego that come from our soul's deepening alignment with the Source. May you be successful.

Venus enters Cancer on August 1 for three plus weeks. Here is the opportunity to learn to love ourselves on the deepest levels emotionally. Venus in Cancer needs to search for emotional self-reliance so that giving and receiving love is truly unconditional, versus emotional manipulations. Insecure Venus in Cancer looks for love on the outside and is continually hurt and rejected when others do not love us as we want them to. It is for us to learn to love ourselves that way.

On August 2 Mercury opposes Neptune retrograde at 7/8 degrees Leo-Aquarius. A moment to be still and listen to the messages coming up from the deep. In Leo everything revolves around ourselves, and this Mercury opposition to Neptune in Aquarius gives us the chance to understand how each of us can fit into the needs of the larger situations we find ourselves in. Inspired communications with real solutions can be the result. Here, we can make an effort to understand other's belief systems. Is there common ground?

The Full Moon of Aquarius is August 3/4 at 11/12 degrees Leo-Aquarius. This is the annual full moon to consider others' unique contributions to the collective as well as our own. With Moon in Aquarius we can detach and see the larger picture and then understand our own creative role (Sun in Leo) to fulfill in the play of life. We can see how each of us have specific parts in the play. Where are your creative ideas coming forth for you? Where can you contribute to your community?

The Sun makes a waxing sextile to Saturn on August 4 at 12/13 degrees Leo-Gemini. Over the next few days Sun and Mercury dance with the first Saturn-Pluto opposition. With Sun and Saturn we can bring forth our ability to initiate new reality if we are in alignment with natural laws and our path home. If we are not facing reality there may be some upsetting developments to help us shift our ideas of what is best for us.

That same day Sun makes a waning trine to Pluto retrograde at 12/13 degrees Leo-Sagittarius. Ideally this is the Creative Principle manifesting with the universe. Public approval and support of our unique contributions to society and groups. Are you receiving the "pat on the back" and promotion? If not, where can you make an effort to understand the needs of the whole.

Collectively we may face some shocks as corporate America faces the reality of a recession. We are far removed from natural laws. Downsizing will show up everywhere this winter with the Saturn-Pluto oppositions. Here may be the messages of what is coming. How are your realities shifting?

The next day Mercury makes a waxing sextile to Saturn at 12/13 degrees Leo-Gemini. More of the same - messages, messages of what does not work for us or the planet anymore. It is time to be mentally sharp and assess what is ahead. Expansion and contraction, death and rebirth are natural parts of the cycles of natural law. From time to time all of us must let go of the past and move forward.

Here are the deep messages of what structures and beliefs do not support us. Mercury makes a waning trine to Pluto retrograde also on August 5 at 12/13 degrees Leo-Sagittarius. For 13 years (1995-2008) we are continually metamorphosing our beliefs (Pluto's passage through Sag). The month of August brings lots of messages of the woundedness of our belief systems, and the structures we have created from those false beliefs now crumble around us.

Messages abound with what is necessary to realign ourselves with natural laws, and realize that whatever happens to others in other countries, or other parts of our country, also impacts and affects us. For better or worse the global community is upon us.

The first Saturn-Pluto opposition is August 5 at 12/13 degrees Gemini-Sagittarius (also November 2, 2001 and May 26, 2002). There is a tendency to draw lines in the sand, thinking it will protect us to defend them. Saturn and Pluto in air and fire signs stirs up a dust storm that totally transforms the landscape. Pay attention to the headlines and messages now. It is telling us of what is to come.

Again, where are you being giving the messages to make changes in your life? Where are your beliefs limited? What are you being asked to let go of? How well can you shift and grow into new realities, new routines, larger, more inclusive belief systems that actually allow you to let go of excess?

The days of expansion are behind us for awhile. The Jupiter-Pluto oppositions (expansions) of last year are now tested with Saturn. Beliefs that are moving us toward natural laws can be grounded with solid foundations during the Saturn-Pluto oppositions. False beliefs can face oppositions and battles, literally and figuratively.

Historically, we have not done so hot with Saturn-Pluto interactions. Aspects between these two planets have taken place during both world wars, the 1930s depression and the Vietnam War and civil rights riots in the US. It doesn't have to be that way. Saturn and Pluto can get to the essence of what is necessary for survival. Life and death are both faced and choices can be made that allow us to evolve and grow with solid foundations.

We can expect harsh realities with our energy sources via rising utility costs. We can choose energy sources that are not as harsh on our environment. We can make everything more energy efficient. We will have to out of necessity, a Saturn-Pluto word.

We may face a deepening recession and our stock market expansions are now contracting, leaving us wondering where the retirement funds will come from. Perhaps it is time to face the reality that the planet cannot support everyone living the American lifestyle as it is now. What do you really need and what can you do without?

We will see our health continue to decline. Major diseases upon the planet synchronize with the outer planets passages through the signs of the zodiac. From 1998-2003 Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are passing through fire and air signs. This is classic with airborne epidemics. Add Jupiter in an air sign over the last year and Saturn in an air sign for the next two years.

The Jupiter-Pluto oppositions last year have brought the expansions of airborne (aerosol) germ warfare. The Saturn-Pluto oppositions will bring the reality of this home in the harshest ways. The next Saturn-Pluto war may be germ warfare, bioterrorism. It is not a question of if, just when. It is already happening and truth is there if we look.

An airborne germ warfare crisis crosses all boundaries (Gemini-Sag), economic classes, lifestyles, etc. With AIDS we had to be careful with sex and needles. How do we stop sharing the air that we breathe? When we poison our air we do it to everyone.

We will see new health and healing methods emerge, again, out of necessity. Our old health systems are not handling it now and another Saturn-Pluto reality shock will be the realization of this on deep levels.

We are already watching the current US administration spout out the "we are right, you are wrong" themes in arms control and global warming. And we are watching other countries standing up and say "we disagree and we will do things without you." Pray for peace. How can you actively participate in helping the US be a team player instead of trying to run the show and force its way upon everyone else?

The examples of what realities we will face over this winter with the Saturn-Pluto oppositions are endless. Realign yourself with natural laws and spiritual principles so that you may understand what changes are necessary for you, and grow and evolve and by example offer others a different choice.

Also on August 5 the Sun makes a superior conjunction to Mercury at 13/14 degrees Leo. Messages of what is needed for each of us to blossom and grow. Ask how you can be a part of the solution to the problems. Here is the outcome from the Mercury retrograde cycle in Gemini in June - where must I mentally shift, open up and change? This aspect can bring awareness of the divine spark we are manifesting.

Finally on August 5 Venus makes a conjunction to Jupiter at 5/6 degrees Cancer. The emotional undertone to the intense mental activity of this time period. The intent of this conjunction is to intuit the ways we can love ourselves and others on the deepest levels. Venus and Jupiter just want to have fun, and it is hard to do so right now.

How can we evolve our belief systems (Jupiter) to love (Venus) and support (Cancer) us? How do our values (Venus) need to grow (Jupiter) in order to realize we are all one big family (Cancer)?

Mercury makes a waning trine to Mars on August 7 at 17/18 degrees Leo-Sagittarius. Messages of what steps we each need to take to find fulfillment and purpose. When crisis happens it is not to close us down; rather, it is time to find a way to grow. We can realize what that is for each of us right now. Others are full of messages on how they can save you. Remember: true healers point the way home, not to themselves.

Next Mercury opposes Uranus retrograde on August 10 at 23/24 degrees Leo-Aquarius. We can be overloaded with messages from the unconsciousness. Allow everything to come up and out. This aspect passes through quickly; however, it messages can be profound. Pay attention, where are your thoughts taking you? What are others telling you right now? Where are you in need of a mental liberation?

Also on August 10 Sun makes a waning trine to Mars at 18/19 degrees Leo-Sagittarius. The messages of the last few days must be acted upon. How can you uniquely be a part of the solution? How can you be responsible for yourself instead of blaming others? How can you get to the essence of what you need to do, and let go of procrastinating behaviors?

August 13/14 Mercury enters Virgo for a fast 2-1/2 week passage. This is one of Mercury's rulerships and it can be at some of its best here. Patriarchal conditioning influences Mercury in Virgo to be critical and lay the blame outside of self. Mercury in Virgo realigning with natural, spiritual laws and principles asks how we can improve upon ourselves and therefore help improve any situation?

Here is the energy to analyze the areas where you need to face reality. Mercury in Virgo can figure out the details of what must change in order to create a reality that is moving toward more alignment with what is solid foundation.

The Sun makes its annual opposition to Uranus retrograde on August 15 at 22/23 degrees Leo-Aquarius. Both are in their own signs of rulership and very strong here. At its worse Sun-Uranus can battle over me versus them, my needs versus the needs of all concerned.

At its best this is the essence of Creation manifesting. We can realize what special and unique talents we can each provide for the whole. We can shine forth with the spark of Divine. Which do you choose? Our success comes from balancing our own needs as well as the needs of the whole.

Mercury makes a waxing sextile to Jupiter on August 17/18 at 7/8 degrees Virgo-Cancer. Here are the ideas to expand in the ways that feel safe and secure. Watch for the thought patterns that want to manipulate things and control. Search for the messages that allow us to continue moving forward.

The New Moon of Leo is August 18 at 26/27 degrees Leo. Our annual time to shine as the divine spark we are. This is the opportunity to express ourselves with healthy ego in alignment with our connection to the Source. Set the intent of how you desire to blossom and grow. Allow the Saturn-Pluto oppositions to ground your growth in reality. Then your foundations will be firm and supportive.

Mercury makes a waning square to retrograde Pluto at 7/8 degrees Virgo-Sag on August 20. More messaging with powerful punch. Here is a chance to realize where our soul's are operating on false, conditioning beliefs, and here is a chance to let go of our lies. It is also a time to discern what is real, what is truth for you. Messages of more inclusive belief systems may come at this time.

The next day Mercury makes a waxing square to Saturn at 13/14 degrees Virgo-Gemini. This combines with the Mercury-Pluto aspect above to let us then create new realities based upon understanding what is evolving as new truth for us. We have the ability to really fine-tune where things are at for each of us and how we may move forward. Another mini-reality crisis in midst of the major ones over the next year. How are your realities shifting yet again?

Sun moves into Virgo on August 22, initiating an annual quest to grow and evolve. The Evolutionary Astrology mantra is: I discern with intuitive wholeness. Virgoian energy allows us to really makes changes when we operate from unconditional love for ourselves, and an understanding that life is about changing, growing, evolving.

At the end of this Piscean Age Virgo, the polarity of Pisces, is so trapped up in guilt. We have been lead to believe that the patriarchal god is perfect and we are imperfect, which leads to the original, conditioned sin of guilt at our imperfections. We beat ourselves up again and again because we hold ourselves up to these impossible standards of "right" and "wrong" conduct as humans, and fall into guilt again and again when we realize we are not perfect.

Natural spiritual laws and principles, which are always observable in nature, show us that life everywhere is a process, a cycle from beginning to end to begin again. Perfection is a process. Reincarnation is a process, repeated again and again until we perfect ourselves. Think about it: why would a perfect god create such a imperfect mess???

Is it not possible that the Unmanifest manifested in a process to perfect even itself? Is it not possible that the Universal Source is an Evolving Force itself? This would then make us co-creators with the Source. This would allow us to unconditionally love and accept ourselves, From that foundation we can grow and evolve as we discern a better way to become whole, to return to the Source evolving and perfecting from our experiences. Let go of right and wrong and adopt choices and experiences, choices and experiences questing to make better choices and experiences.

This is the true message for Virgo to discern. Virgo would then see the cup half full instead of half empty, understanding instead of judging. So may the Sun's passage through Virgo show you all the ways you may improve upon yourself - FROM - a foundation of unconditional love and acceptance just as you are now. Today I am the best that I can be in this moment. Tomorrow I may discern another way in which I may grow and evolve and perfect myself.

Mars makes a waning sextile to Uranus retrograde on August 23 at 22/23 degrees Sagittarius-Aquarius. This is about as mild as Mars and Uranus can get. Larger truths can be revealed which allow us to release old behaviors and desires that no longer work for us. Surrender to however you are being asked to let go. Resisting and insisting on your way will just create turmoil and reality shocks.

Pluto goes direct on August 23 at 12/13 degrees Sagittarius. Another completion of an annual 5 month retrograde cycle to release old soul patterns and desires. At this time situations may come up in our lives that bring us to a crossroads of what we really want. We have actually been throwing off old desires within our souls on deep, unconscious levels, and it is now time to move forward into new desires.

Pluto retrograde cycles represent the deepest levels of soul growth we can go through. What was going on when Pluto went retrograde March 17 at 15/16 degrees Sag? Those issues are now coming to completion and understanding. Deeper levels of truth may be revealed to you the end of August.

Pluto in Sag is questing for the truth and metamorphosing our belief systems. Lies are being revealed, individually and collectively. Countries are facing their governments' lies and betrayals being made public, both deceptions to other countries and to their own citizens. Those around you who have lied are facing exposure. Where have you lied to others? Truth is always revealed sooner or later. Pluto in Sag asks us to speak our truths.

On the largest scale possible many of us are realizing that God/Goddess exists within us, and not "out there" judging us. This is an excellent time period to realize natural, spiritual laws and principles versus the false beliefs we have been conditioned to believe over the last 2,000-4,000 years.

The Universal Source is God/Goddess, both masculine and feminine. The Universal Source is within us. It is an inside job and never found outside until we find it inside first. And, the Universal Source is an Evolving Force. May it be revealed to you this month how you can better co-create with the Universal Source and evolve yourself on the path home.

Venus goes into Leo on August 26/27 for a three week passage. Here is the chance to love, love, love yourself. Will you choose to do it with ego, expecting others to love you and live only to meet your needs? Or will you choose to love yourself as deeply as possible in the ways you would like others to love you?

Love by example with Venus in Leo. Here is the chance to look for love from deep within, to be acknowledged and loved by God/Goddess on the inside, not the outside. Then our love will be inner spreading out, and the outside will truly be giving and wonderful in return.

Mercury makes a waning square to Mars on August 28 at 24/25 degrees Virgo-Sagittarius. Another brief encounter to let go of the old - old thoughts that destroy you, old behaviors that hurt you and do not reflect your inner knowing. Allow others to bring messages to you of what they see. They can be good mirrors right now.

Finally Mercury moves into Libra on August 31 for a rather long passage for Mercury - 9-1/2 weeks. Mercury will walk through another retrograde cycle in Libra during October. So the energetic movement into relationships is starting again. Watch for the relating messages Mercury brings up over the next month.

Mercury in Libra is about listening as well as speaking. This has also been a theme for this year, so here it comes again. Add this to the deeper cycles of facing our truths and facing the reality of what is. What realities are coming up for us in relationships? How do you need to learn to work with others, and communicate more equally with others?

August has been a strong month with lots of changes. The major themes of getting real and facing truths are upon us for the rest of the winter and into spring. Reflect on what has been revealed to you this month. These are your personal themes to work with. Ask how you can better align yourself with natural laws and you will always be in reality and with truth, and therefore safe and loved.

May you be successful in creating deep, solid foundations for yourself that support you through your evolving, growing changes ahead.

May God/Goddess bless you in August!

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If this is your first time reading my forecast.........I suggest reading the entire forecast to receive an overall impression of the energy for the month, and then refer back to it as things arise. My intent and desire is to help you understand the opportunities for personal changes on emotional, mental and spiritual levels which manifest the physical reality of your world. I send you blessings for a growing, evolving month!

P.O. Box 552, Rapid City, SD, 57709 605-348-5111, 877-348-5111 Email: kimmarie@astrologybykimmarie.com