Welcome to the dog days of summer. While the sunshine season is slowly crawling to its end, the planets have other plans. Here’s what you’ll need to know entering the final weeks of summer fever, and the soundtrack to go with it.
In General
August is bookended by two major planetary events. On August 1st the supermoon in Aquarius exaggerates the air sign’s free-spirited energy and entices us to release any and all things that no longer serve us, including any pent-up frustration and anger. At the tail end of the month, we are greeted by a super blue moon(!) in Pisces. This presence of water energy resonates with our emotional sensitivity and is best channeled into creativity, interpersonal cultivation, and environmental immersion.
Recommended Tracks: "Paint the Town Red" by Doja Cat, "Live Well" by Palace, and "Just A Little While" by the 502s
Leo
Leo, you live and breathe radiance, and often people don’t feel the need to remind you because it’s so evident. However, sometimes you will sacrifice authenticity to remind yourself of your own likeability. With the Aquarius supermoon, spend more time focused on what amplifies the energy your truest self and less on what pushes you to please others. Mid-month, the Sun and Venus form a square with Uranus and Jupiter in Taurus. This event compels you to challenge yourself and try things outside of your comfort zone- no matter how boundless you already consider yourself.
Give these a listen: “Attention” by Doja Cat and “Kiss Her You Fool” by Kids That Fly
Virgo
Tactful Virgo, this month dances on a tightrope between playing to your methodical strengths and challenging your sometimes over-critical weaknesses. With your ruling planet of Mercury, along with confrontational Mars, in your sign this month, you are confronted with managing both the cerebral energy of your home planet and the boldness of the red planet. Focus on balancing: big picture/small details, taking a stand/steading yourself, putting yourself out there/taking time for yourself. Trust your intuition, and don’t forget to smell the roses along the way.
Tracks: “Heaven in Hell” by the Growlers and “Rules” by Doja Cat
Libra
As the keeper of balance amongst the signs, you are no stranger to the process of finding clarity. However, with your ruling planet of Venus retrograding through Libra, you may be experiencing a greater struggle than usual in uncovering the root of your desires which typically leads you to this understanding. Try to avoid over-analyzing situations, and focus on what your gut is telling you. With the Leo new Moon on August 16, you may be relieved of some of this confusion. To help you until then -and through the rest of the month, of course- remember, Libra: if it’s not a hard yes, it’s a hard no.
Try these on for size: "Them Changes" by Thundercat and "New Magic Wand" by Tyler, The Creator
Scorpio
Scorpio, Venus’ retrograde in your 10th house of career and public appearance this month leaves you grappling with how you can live more fully. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing; you just need to keep yourself focused on what you desire the most. Go after exactly what you want this month (and every month), and don’t settle for anything or anyone that doesn’t match your vision board. If you maintain this all-in energy, there is a potential for a high payoff, especially if you channel this attitude into your career goals.
Recommended Songs: "Nobody’s Business" by Rihanna, "Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar, and "Motiv8" by J. Cole
Sagittarius
There are two key houses struggling in your August horoscope, Sagittarius, namely your fourth house of family and foundation, and your tenth house of ambition and appearance. This challenge in your chart may leave you learning how to strategically prioritize what is truly most important to you. One thing you should consider when tackling this issue: what’s holding you down isn’t what’s holding you back. Stay loyal to the people, places, and things that support you, and look inwards to see how you can upgrade your lifestyle to achieve your goals.
Recommended Tracks: "Exactly What You Run From You End Up Chasing" by Tyler, the Creator, "LOYALTY" by Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna, "Make it Better" by Anderson .Paak and Smokey Robinson, and "Tribe" by Bas and J. Cole
Capricorn
Capricorn, this month represents novelty experiences for you. Usually, and sometimes to a faulty extent (it’s okay, I’m a Capricorn too), grounded and focused, this Leo season has you indulging in some much-needed spontaneity. With a lot of focus being on your ninth house of travel, expansion, and higher understanding this August, you may be feeling compelled to step further outside of your comfort zone. Take this time to harness the energy of your strengths to grow and learn. Enjoy the thrill of this higher intensity, and you will soon bask in the spiritual and emotional abundance it will yield.
Queue: "Mr. Rager" by Kendrick Lamar, "The Nights "by Avicii, "Monte Carlo" by Remi Wolf, and "I Want To Break Free" by Queen
Aquarius
A free spirit at heart, you may be feeling an unusual and potentially overwhelming need to slow down. With Venus retrograding through your opposite sign of Leo, experiencing more stress and/or anticipation than you’re used to is expected but manageable. However, this higher intensity may clash with the dynamic nature of your disposition, leaving you prone to uncharacteristic bursts of affection, but also flares in your temper. Take this as a blessing, Aquarius, and appreciate that you have so much to care about. Channel this fast-paced energy only into what best serves you and the ones you love most, and enjoy the ride.
Tracks: “Window” by Still Woozy and “Soaked” by Benee
Pisces
This Leo season has two major themes for you, Pisces. First, the Sun in Leo for the beginning of the month amplifies the energy of your sixth house of routine and rituals. This is a prime period to ground yourself in good habits. In the latter half of the month, the Sun moves into Virgo, and your seventh house of relationships is highlighted. Take this time to nurture your relationships and romanticize the connections you value the most.
Top Picks: “Self Care” by Mac Miller, “More Than a Woman” by Bee Gees, and “Me Gustas Tu” by Manu Chao
Aries
Aries, this month is a critical time to play to your strengths. With your ruling planet of Mars moving forward into Virgo, the sign of ritual and refinement, you’re feeling encouraged to devote your passionate energy to meticulous details. Now is the time to apply your firepower to clear objectives. In other words, reflect and become clear on your intentions, then harness this energy to accomplish your goals.
Tracks: “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, and “Now or Never” by Kendrick Lamar
Taurus
As is thematic with this month, Taurus, you are being called to prioritize what supports you, and to minimize -or eliminate altogether- everything else. With the Venus retrograde moving through your fourth house of home and family, you are coming to navigate who, what, and where makes you feel the most fulfilled and stimulated. Take time to reconnect with yourself and your past, only holding firmly to what nourishes you. With Mars’ alignment with Jupiter, themes of confidence, competence, and competition are also being highlighted. This is an exciting time to pursue things you may desire in timidity. A grounded Earth sign, no one hates change more than you do. However, it’s time to become clear on what is true to you and transform your life, even if that means letting go of things that are stable, but no longer help you grow.
Recommended Songs: “Little Lion Man” by Mumford and Sons, “Alice” by Vista Kicks, and “Take It Easy” by Eagles
Gemini
One word for you this month, Gemini: communication. At the end of this month, your ruling planet of Mercury is going into retrograde in Virgo. This is a key time for you to learn and listen rather than teach and talk. Take time to reflect on your actions and think twice before you speak. With your quick wit and intellect, it is important to know that this does not necessarily mean you must be in a constant state of analysis. Absorb your surroundings and live in the present, budgeting time to journal and reflect to make each day better than the last.
Recommended Tracks: “Nights” by Frank Ocean and “Rocky” by Still Woozy
Cancer
There are three key things for you to look out for this month, Cancer. For the first phase of August, planetary energy is concentrated in your second house of self, aesthetics, and assets. This in tandem with the Venus retrograde makes it an important time for you to reflect on your perception of self and your career/finances. Finally, the blue supermoon in Pisces on August 30th activates your ninth house of philosophy and higher learning. With your compassionate and nurturing instincts, this planetary shift calling you to have faith in yourself and your energetic abilities could result in a beautiful period of growth in all aspects of your life.
What you need to hear: “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” by Joji, “Glitter” by Benee, and “Summertime Magic” by Childish Gambino
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