Overview
The Capricorn Pluto continues its squares with the Aries Rahu (and the Libra Ketu) within a degree (currently right on), which will last through September 2. This enduring one-month ordeal brings forth significant material destruction and painful life experiences. The Capricorn Pluto’s energy intensifies when it interacts with the explosive and karmic north lunar node Rahu, magnifying the effects.
Collectively, the Ukraine-Russia war has entered a phase of severe human casualties and material destruction. The ongoing retrograde Neptune’s transit in Pisces suggests that Russia will undergo a profound change with internal power struggles, potentially leading to Putin losing his grip on the country.
For the United States, particularly politicians, reporters, and media industry personnel, this period brings turbulence and turmoil. Republican politicians and the Republican Party may find August particularly trying and difficult.
Religions, too, will experience significant changes during the Pluto-Rahu square, presenting both pain and an opportunity for transformation.
Individuals with lunar nodes unfavorably placed with respect to Pluto in their natal charts should remain vigilant. Unexpected and painful events may occur if not careful. However, it can also be a transformative period for those who stay aware during this difficult time.
The next significant planetary events for August are linked to the planets turning retrograde (Venus, Mercury, and Uranus). These events are likely to affect us on a personal level, with the energies of retrograde Venus and Mercury (turning retrograde on Aug 24) in sidereal Leo taking center stage.
Retrograde Venus in sidereal Leo poses challenges for women in leadership and entrepreneurial roles, marriages, home life, lovers, artists, actors, and people in the entertainment industries. On the other hand, retrograde Mercury in Leo can be frustrating for leaders in politics, show business, business leaders, reformers, money managers, builders, and individuals in positions of power.
Uranus becomes retrograde in sidereal Aries on August 29, significantly impacting financial markets (Aug 29 thru Jan 27, 2024). World financial markets are likely to experience unprecedented volatility during this retrograde transit of Uranus in Aries. Additionally, places like the United Kingdom and California may make headline news.
August Travel Advisory (Astrology-based Insights)
Given the recent news of travel ordeals, such as flight cancellations and delays faced by thousands of travelers daily, and considering the influence of the deadly Pluto-lunar node square, July and August may not be the most desirable months for vacations. However, it’s unfortunate that July and August coincide with the vacation time for most of us, as planetary calendars and our (solar) calendars don’t always align. If possible, postponing your travel plans might be a wise move. However, if you must travel during this period, it is advisable to avoid the periods of Aug 15-17 and 23-26, as these days are likely to be the worst for travel in August.
Surprisingly, despite the generally unfavorable travel conditions, I believe that individuals who have travel planets placed in favorable air signs in their natal charts would be least likely (almost zero chance) to experience travel problems, even on the worst recommended days.
Challenging Times Ahead: The Impact of Retrograde Venus on Relationships
On July 23, Venus turned retrograde in sidereal Leo, and during her retrograde motion, she will move back to Cancer on August 7. On September 4, she will turn direct again. This retrograde occurrence happens about once every 19 months, lasting for approximately six weeks.
In general, a retrograde Venus in Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun, heralds a very challenging period for women in leadership and entrepreneurial roles, marriages (committed as well as non-committed), home life, lovers, artists, actors, and individuals connected with the entertainment industries. It is likely that the ongoing strike of actors, screenwriters, producers, and directors will continue throughout the retrograde Venus period.
Typically, during the Venus retrograde period, divorce rates tend to peak, and conflicts between spouses intensify. Delays, frustrations, and misunderstandings take center stage in domestic matters. Considering Leo’s association with fire signs, challenges are likely to arise for leaders, politicians, administrators, actors, and individuals who influence society.
As the retrograde Venus transits through Cancer, a water sign, social reformers, healthcare providers, caregivers, charity organizations, mothers with babies, and pregnant women may face challenges.
If your birth chart prominently features Venus, and Venus is active in your transit chart, you are more likely to experience the effects of the retrograde Venus during August 8 – September 4.
Navigating Challenges: Retrograde Mercury in Leo (Aug 24 – Sept 16)
On August 24, the planet Mercury begins its retrograde motion in sidereal Leo, maintaining its backward trajectory until it turns direct on September 16.
Retrograde Mercury typically brings about anxieties, communication breakdowns, unexpected delays, frustrations, missed deadlines, unforeseen obstacles, and disappointments in daily routines.
The retrograde phase in Leo specifically signifies more frustrating periods for leaders in politics, show business, business leaders, reformers, money managers, builders, and individuals in positions of power. It is advisable to avoid starting new projects or ventures during this time and instead take the opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments. Additionally, it’s an excellent time to declutter and tackle postponed chores that were set aside due to time constraints.
If Mercury holds prominence in your birth chart and is currently active in your transit chart, you are more likely to experience pronounced effects of the retrograde period, particularly in the matters related to the house it currently transits through in your Gochar (transit) chart. However, those with Cancer, Taurus, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, or Libra as their ninefold ascendant are least likely to be significantly affected during this period.
Transformation Amidst Challenges
The Capricorn Pluto continues its squares with the Aries Rahu (and the Libra Ketu) within a degree, an enduring ordeal that lasts through September 2. This period is marked by material destruction and painful life experiences, with the Capricorn Pluto’s energy intensified when it aligns with the explosive and karmic north lunar node Rahu.
As a result, the Ukraine-Russia war is likely to enter a phase of enduring severe human casualties and material destruction. Russia’s incredible change is further influenced by the continued transit of Neptune in Pisces, with Neptune turning retrograde on July 1. Putin’s grip on Russia as an autocrat is likely to weaken, while Ukraine may continue to gain ground despite the hardships.
For the United States, including politicians, reporters, and media industry personnel, this period presents turbulence and turmoil, particularly for Republicans and the Republican Party during July and August.
Religions, too, experience a significant shift during the Pluto-Rahu square—a period of pain and profound opportunity for transformation.
On an individual level, those with Pluto and lunar nodes in opposition, square, quincunxes, or conjunctions in their natal charts, especially if placed unfavorably, are more likely to feel the intensive energy of material destruction and/or psychological and emotional breakdown during July and August. The challenges may lead to questions like “Why me?” without clear answers. However, enduring this difficult period with resilience can turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as the energy of the square aspect fosters transformation and a deeper understanding of one’s life, leading to newfound stability.
Saturn’s Retrograde Influence: Unveiling Transformation in Social Media and News Industries
On June 18, Saturn turned retrograde in sidereal Aquarius, and this backward motion will continue until November 4. The retrograde Saturn calls for a slowdown and reflection on the events and developments in our lives.
Aquarius, being an air sign symbolizing intelligence and a fixed sign representing perseverance, will strongly reflect Saturn’s energy in scientific research related to information technology (such as Artificial Intelligence). This progress will unite us at an unprecedented pace, leading to a new level of understanding and contributing to our spiritual growth.
Consequently, philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders (not religious leaders), and peace-makers will play vital roles in shaping our world with clarity and purpose.
However, there’s a downside as well. Some prominent social media, news media, and internet-related companies may face challenges and be replaced during Saturn/Pluto’s transformation process.
Individuals who have Saturn in Aquarius (Saturn return) in their natal charts are already experiencing the impact of retrograde Saturn’s energy, resulting in significant life transformations, especially at the mental and psychological levels. Despite the painful period of frustration due to unexpected changes, this retrograde period is likely to be exciting for those with dominant Saturn in their birth chart and Aries, Taurus, Virgo, or Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant.
Global Insights
The important challenging possibilities for August include:
July 1 – Sept 2: Ukraine-Russia war entering in an intensive new phase of conflict, a new wave of renewed violence between Israel and Palestinians, as well as outbreak of violence around the world causing instability.
Aug 12-15: Religious leaders facing challenges and difficulties. More controversies that test traditional moral values are likely to occur, and in general, religious authorities will have difficulty in keeping people happy.
Aug 21-23: A rise in covert activities. China and Russia are likely to experience some very drastic changes in their domestic as well as international policies, and those changes will influence the psyche of those nations at a deeper level.
Aug 23-24: A strong possibility of the both natural and man-made calamities causing destruction and loss of lives, and perhaps a painful experience for an international political leader.
Aug 31 – Sept 2: A short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan. Terrorism and violence around the world, especially in Iraq, Iran and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreaks of the both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.
The important auspicious possibilities for August include:
July 1 – Aug 23: A possible breakthrough (a remote possibility) for Ukraine-Russia war. A good period for world economy, especially for Europe and South Africa is likely. Also, this is a good time for collective spiritual growth, technological discoveries and inventions.
Aug 2-7: Positive changes that religious, academic, and social fields will likely to enjoy.
Aug 15-24: Significant changes in religious, academic and to some extent social fields are likely. Initial reaction to these changes might appear to be a bit confusing and perhaps chaotic, but a majority of us are going to embrace this new wave of change.
The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are: Ukraine, Russia, China, the United States, the Middle East Region, India-Pakistan, and Europe.
Planetary Energies for Individuals
Saturn-Rahu ninefold trine (Saturn-Ketu sextile) (Sept 1– Aug 23)
Saturn-Rahu ninefold trine is usually favorable for those who have lunar nodes favorably placed in their natal charts with respect to Saturn. If such placing is connected to the first, second, ninth, tenth, or eleventh house then expect monetary as well as power gains, promotions and improved prestige in professional and social fields. The idea that you always wanted to pursue your desired goals but somehow could never get started….now is the time to follow that dream. You will distinctly notice and feel the positive energy flowing through you during this period.
Saturn-Jupiter ninefold square (Aug 12-15)
The energy of the Jupiter-Saturn ninefold square is typically responsible for loss of motivation, insecure feeling, loss of direction in life, general unhappiness and difficulty in keeping the faith in yourself. This is like a test period. A period that can be viewed a real positive from self-discovery standpoint since it will require you to bring best out of you to deal with situations around you. If you have such a square in your birth chart and if any one of these planets is presently active in your Gochar (transit) chart, then you need to look at the things with a different attitude. The best thing to do is to stay the course of present action without making new commitment.
Jagdish Maheshri
Professional Vedic Astrologer
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