Horoscopes from July 31st to August 7th, 2016

Overview  

The August 2nd New Moon in Leo trines Saturn Rx in Sagittarius, giving creative or notice-me potentials a solid foundation. This is excellent for starting something that goes the distance. The square to Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio adds an edge which can increase the potency, but it must be handled with care. Lilith’s raw energy (sexual and otherwise) makes her an outcast and dark goddess who bows to no one. 

On the same day as the New Moon, Mars’ entrance into Sagittarius wraps up something that began back on March 5th, 2016, when Mars first entered this sign. Between then and now, Mars went retrograde and revisited Scorpio, slowing things down and pushing you into uncomfortable territory. Now (finally) you can dispense with the purging and deep examination. Mars into Sag is about faster and further - on to the next chapter. This optimistic passion will underline the New Moon events. 

Venus enters Virgo on August 5th, squaring Mars in Sagittarius to August 6th. Venus wants to upgrade in this sign, and the challenge from Mars can push you to do just that. There’s attraction, but it’s edgy and motivating. What was good enough will no longer cut it. Also on August 6th, Mercury in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius. Saturn’s limits will focus an already ultra-focused Mercury on what’s wrong or what can’t happen. Combined with Venus/Mars, you’ll have a moment where you can give up in frustration, or come out swinging and target what’s not working. Remember that Virgo is the fix-it sign.

Aries:

The New Moon in your sector of self-expression can confirm a romantic, creative or artistic goal. Matters involving children/pregnancy look good as well. What you want is possible, and you’ve got a solid, long-term vision of how it can happen. Passion will be a powerful motivator, but watch out for buried anger/jealousy. Mars into your sector of opportunities will fire your faith and desire for adventure, urging you to take these new developments as far as you can. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sector of routine. Self-improvement and relationships with co-workers/those you’re looking after will be key issues. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can push you to work harder or be more precise, as flaws are pointed out.

Taurus:

The New Moon in your domestic sector is encouraging for family, relocation, renovations, domestic partnerships or a home business. The foundation of what’s developing will be bolstered by increased financial or emotional maturity. Mars into your sector of shared resources can intensify determination, lust, or the desire to spend. All this will fuel domestic developments. Watch out for projected anger, assumed rejection or manipulative moments involving a partner. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sector of self-expression, putting the focus on what you really want, be it romance, pleasure or artistic success. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn throw some grit under the wheel, making it clear that you can’t just sit back and wait for good things to happen. Moments of discomfort, criticism or romantic tension will ensure that you bring your best to the table, and take your desires seriously. Use negative feedback to redirect and fine-tune your efforts. 

Gemini:

The New Moon in your communication sector can spark an announcement, conversation, or understanding. Words/intel should be communicated or received smoothly, with solid cooperation as the basis for what’s next. Excellent for all one on one discussions, but keep your ears open for grumblings about lack of appreciation. Mars into your partnership sector suggests that a new attraction, or increased sense of passion/purpose in an existing relationship, may be part of the discussion. 

Venus joins Mercury in your domestic sector, emphasizing family relationships or home improvements. Getting things just so may be a theme. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn point to nitpicky conflicts about domestic details. Be cautious about getting sucked into little things that don’t matter - tension can be diffused if you step back and focus on long-term goals, or a partner’s overarching concern. 

Cancer:  

The New Moon in your sector of personal resources suggests a new business endeavour, launch or source of income that has solid potential. If you’ve done the work and have all the details covered, you can build something that lasts. The powerful urge for recognition will be part of what’s driving this, but make sure you don’t become distracted by what you’re not getting. Mars into your sector of routine adds a boost of energy and enhanced work ethic.

Venus joins Mercury in your communication sector, giving you sharper insight and a savvier understanding of the best way to phrase your ideas/requests. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can trigger disagreements, but this can push you to craft your words precisely, while proving your point. An error or stressful diagnosis may be revealed. 

Leo:

The New Moon in your sign can solidify a creative/romantic potential, or boost your confidence in whatever direction you’re heading. You’ve got an unbeatable combination of purpose, focus and vitality. One note of caution - don’t allow past resentments/jealousies to undermine this fresh start. Make sure your urge to shine is coming from a place of confidence, rather than old, destructive patterns. Mars into your sector of self-expression adds fuel to the fire, with passion, magnetism and the urge to put yourself on the line. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sector of personal resources, honing your recognition of financial or emotional opportunities. Excellent for discussions about earned money, or deeper analysis of what you need. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn will enhance your ambition and determination to squeeze opportunity out of obstacles. If what you feel you deserve isn’t available, look for a solution (or accept that you’ll have to work harder). 

Virgo:

The New Moon in your hidden sector suggests that a background, domestic development can slide into place quite nicely. There may be an external manifestation, or an internal sense of knowing and quiet confidence. Things are moving in the right direction, so keep tabs on unproven suspicions, paranoia or jealousy. Don’t allow fears to undermine a solid potential. However, there is also an opportunity to speak up about something unpleasant that’s been ignored. Choose your words carefully. Mars into your domestic sector indicates that changes around the home will drive you forward, or you’ll be the one initiating domestic progress. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sign, gifting you with attraction potential, plus the desire to make the most of your natural talents. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn will energize you, while keeping your focus on what matters. Challenges and delays will make domestic developments a bit bumpy (and there may be some disagreements) but this should only increase your ambition to improve things. 

Libra:

The New Moon in your social sector suggests a positive social contact, announcement, launch or group activity. Public respect for you and your ideas will be part of these developments. You may have a few fears about not being accepted, but know that you’re building something based on knowledge and authority. Mars into your sector of communication adds power and optimism to your words, and also gives you the courage to speak out.

Venus joins Mercury in your hidden sector, suggesting that despite public developments, there’s more going on in the background. A private potential or background desire/attraction is emerging. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn point to reality checks on these potentials, but the challenge can also clarify what you really want/really think. Too, your public conversations/ideas could be influenced by illusions.   

Scorpio:

The New Moon in your career sector suggests a lucrative potential with room for real growth. A new launch, new facet to your professional image or interview/job opportunity holds financial promise and security, and the square to Black Moon Lilith in your sign will certainly get you noticed. The trick will be using this powerful energy in a way that makes your intensity beautiful, rather than repellent. The key will be in how you use it: move forward with an acceptance of who you are/what you’re going through, rather than with suspicion or anger. In some cases, sexual politics in the workplace may be a major theme. Mars into your sector of personal resources adds additional fire by stoking your moneymaking potentials. 

Venus joins Mercury in your social sector, putting you in touch with those who can help, guide and benefit you. Get out and socialize/network: you can attract strategic allies. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can stoke your drive to succeed even more, and temporary setbacks or restrictions will simply help you weed out those who aren’t on your side. Financial negotiations may hit a few rough spots. 

Sagittarius:

The New Moon in your sector of opportunities can open a door involving travel, education, publishing, legal matters or exploration. The trine to Saturn Rx in your sign suggests that this will be the result of a plan that was set in motion a while ago, and now you can launch with the knowledge that you’ve got an excellent foundation. Mars into your sign keeps the momentum going, as your energy level and desire for adventure increases. Mars can bring also bring much-needed fresh start. As you move forward, remain conscious of background/unacknowledged issues that can undermine you. Something unpleasant that you’ve been avoiding or denying can be destructive if you allow it to keep building.  

Venus joins Mercury in your career sector, boosting your professional image and improving relationships with those in authority. You’ll have knack for zeroing in on the perfect career opportunity or idea. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can help you power through the issues that need improving, while boosting your discipline and focus. Problems on the job, or with a new business, don’t stand a chance as you take aim and fire. 

Capricorn:

The New Moon in your sector of shared resources suggests encouraging new beginnings involving debts, taxes, loans or your partner’s finances. Too, physical/emotional intimacy can experience a quiet breakthrough. Success will be based on your focus and maturity in handling a drawn-out ending or transition. Don’t allow social competition or jealousy to distract you. Mars into your hidden sector adds confidence and background motivation to do what’s right for you. Actions will be guided by instinct. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sector of opportunities, suggesting hopeful developments and increased attraction potential for long distance travel/romance, education, legal matters and publishing. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn suggest some restrictions on new areas of exploration, but you’ll also be guided by a gut feeling of what’s right or most crucial. One note of caution: if travelling or heading into unexplored territory (literal or metaphorical) go slow and pay attention to red flags. If something sounds wrong or you’re not sure, don’t do it. 

Aquarius:

The New Moon in your partnership sector can set you up with a social contact that has significant potential (romantic or platonic). There should be a sense that you can build on this, along with a feeling that both of you are looking towards the future. Status or ambition may factor in, and a bit of competition can make things spicy, or uncomfortable. You may feel challenged to bring your best to the table, and Mars into your social sector gives you plenty of fuel to do just that. 

Venus joins Mercury in your sector of shared resources, urging you to look more closelyat intimacy or financial matters. Areas that you’ve been avoiding (debts, taxes, loans, your partner’s finances, getting closer to someone) will now draw your attention. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can stir up passionate moments mixed with reality checks and awkward discussions. It may be time to take a hard line with spending/saving, while figuring out what you’re lacking.

Pisces:

The New Moon in your sector of routine suggests progress in a health or work matter. Focus and a sensible approach can put you in line for more improvements and recognition. Take note of any restless urges to push further into territory that you’re not ready to enter yet. Mars into your career sector pumps up your confidence and ability to go after the job, business opportunity or promotion. 

Venus joins Mercury in your partnership sector, upping your ability to attract, while tuning you into the specifics of what you want in a relationship. A new or existing relationship can benefit from closer attention to what’s best/what’s real. Venus/Mars and Mercury/Saturn can enhance competition and challenges, while identifying relationship areas that need improvement. Disagreements or feelings of guilt/failure are signs that something is amiss, but are you the one at fault?