Horoscope for the week of August 29, 2008

Tip of the Week:

The Sun is now in the Tropical Sign of Virgo. Virgo is an Earth Sign co-ruled by Mercury, the planetoid Chiron, and two of the largest asteroids namely Ceres and Vesta. Virgo is the 6^th Sign of the Zodiac and its mode in Mutable which means that it is versatile and flexible, oriented to service and completions or finishing touches of projects. Characteristically, Persons with Virgo strongly emphasized in the chart by way of the Sun, Moon, two or more planets, Virgo on the house cusp of the natal Sun Sign and/or the sum total of elements and modes (chart signature) equalling Virgo, are generally analytical, detailed, critical, fastidious, fussy, observant, cerebral, practical, independent, giving, service oriented, dedicated to causes, humble, health conscious, adventurous and resourceful.  Incidentally, there are many ways of deciphering the emphasis of a Zodiacal Sign in a person’s character beyond the Sun Sign, although the Sun is the single most important factor. Again I am referring to Tropical Astrology, the Astrology of the West which is based on the actual seasons and sunlight on the planet. This is also the Astrology best used for planting and for attunement to the Moon cycle and rhythms, by the way. Tropical Astrology is truly the Astrology of Zodiac ‘Signs’ which is based on the archetype of a circle or 360 degrees divided by 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each. Eastern Astrology is more specifically the Astrology of constellations and fixed stars which are of varying sizes and whose actual shape is open to interpretation; thus the notion that the equal division of the sky predates constellational associations. Virgo in its highest attribute is aware of and focused upon holistic thinking and expression. At a more basic level, Virgo tends to compartmentalize knowledge, which can be very useful as in the case of dictionaries and encyclopaedias, for example. However, this exact tendency is also prone to reductionistic thinking, matter-of-fact conclusions and consequently narrow and materialistic notions. Virgo is often strongly emphasized in the charts of healers, health advocates and doctors, athletes, technicians of all kinds, teachers, writers, engineers, scientists, chemists, pilots and servicemen of all kinds.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

New ideas about health and security are coming you way. Whether you are being challenged or posing challenges, there is an assertive tone at play. Strangely, your subconscious is trying to gain your conscious attention. Powerful dreams and intuitions, unrest and lack of inner peace, knocks and jolts appearing to come arbitrarily from without and recurring signs are examples of ways our subconscious attempts to gain our conscious attention. It is important that you tune-in and respond, especially now. Take a humble and diplomatic approach and be willing to consider the opinions and assertions of others, which should be quite obvious this week.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Inspired by current events, you want to achieve new levels of health and beauty. This will require changes in your beliefs, attitude and habitual lifestyle. If you want to quit a habit, use your imagination and associate as much pain to it as you can. It is said that people will do more to avoid pain than to pursue pleasure. Subconscious associations of pleasure and especially of security are very powerful and are the reason why people do things they know consciously are not good or healthy. Smoking, for example, is a classic indication of unconscious behaviour, often committed by intelligent people. Creating healthy habits is a sign of wisdom and respect and breeds genuine confidence as well.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Taking inventory to assess the value of your holdings and possessions is underway. You are in the mood to clear clutter. Making key investments is also guiding your thoughts. You are getting ready to make some big changes that have been on your mind for some time. Take risks to invest, yet keep good economy in mind all the while. Some big returns from past efforts are coming in these days, for better or worse. Many things can be hidden form others but the soul sees all. Such is the way of life in duality and the interaction of the higher and lower mind. Your deeper quest for freedom requires that you understand this eternal truth. Closer to home base, get organized to create beauty.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Thoughts about the big picture over the long term are leading you to pay attention to the details. This stretch of your perspective is a priority for you now. Renovations and other actions to increase your confidence and power potential are part of the plot. These may be on your home or workplace or imply personal changes of some kind. Intuitions about the future include realistic assessments of new economic and business related directions. Gaining more knowledge and facts in order to take certain risks and/or advance to the next level is important. If you feel apprehensive about anyone or thing, do pay close attention to your intuitions.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

The world is changing quickly now and you are determined to keep pace with the times. This includes casting a practical eye to the future. Creating a streamlined approach is a priority. Fortunately, your energy levels are running high now. Take advantage of this cycle to get a lot done quickly and with minimum effort. This implies decisive action. Also, make calls and appointments, network and manage your time effectively. The more you initiate actions the more likely are you to follow through. Still, you are wise to take a sober and prudent approach, at least for the rest of this year. With practical diligence you will be ready to expand and diversify in the New Year.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

You mood is determined and sober. You are ready to take some new paths and this requires independence, leadership, initiative and discipline. Your ambitions are growing and you know that you must be self reliant for the sake of a more secure future. Fortunately, this is just your style. This can include increasing the scope and quality of your network. However, you are wise to aim for increased self-sufficiency in all that you do. This will become increasing important over the next few years and even beyond that. Self reliance is the key theme here but does not mean being alone. To prepare, heal and consolidate on all levels. Break bad habits and aim to journey light and free.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

This is a good time to step back for awhile to retreat, rest and meditate. Slowly but surely prior notions of security and how you have been in the world are changing. You are more willing to face and even confront certain fears. Your focus will remain sharp and you will want to get straight to the point in all your communications. In fact, you could feel outright aggressive even though you might choose to conceal your ambitions. This will include entertaining a variety of possibilities. This is a good time to explore and sample yet weigh your options for a while and prepare to commit more fully in 4-5 weeks. Meanwhile, rest and regain your energy reserves for the sake of even more upcoming assertions.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Who are you and what are the best features of your individuality? These and other such questions are leading you to ask some really big questions. Our priorities change along with the changes unfolding in the world at large. This is a dynamic time overall and you want to pursue a variety of directions. Alternative approaches are appealing. Entertain options but wait to commit. You may be ready for smaller commitments in a couple of months but as for larger ones it could take a while yet, a few years in fact. This is a time for self discovery and increased self-awareness. The famous adage, ‘Know thy self!’ applies here. This includes aspects of your personality and basic character, which are much more complex than most people seem to know as well as knowing yourself as a soul.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your career is calling or at least it is time to assume more leadership. You want new tools, skills and knowledge towards building a more solid foundation. Yet, you also feel rebellious and this is obvious to others by your actions. You are in no mood so suffer fools gladly. Your mind is open and you are determined to negotiate for a better deal. In certain respects, circumstances are themselves the authority that is demanding your respectful attention. Your willingness to keep an open mind combined with your resolve to break through limiting lines of resistance is the key to your success now. Beyond all logic and reason, listen to the wisdom of your heart. Heart wisdom is not beliefs, instincts or sentiments; it is intuition that is best heard when the mind is quiet.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

What do you know and what else can you learn? Both training and gaining instruction yourself is a main focus. You sense the need for diplomacy yet you also feel pragmatic and you want to get straight to the point. Be open to alternative approaches and be willing to learn to achieve a greater measure of success. As the sign of the goat you are destined to climb the mountain to higher levels of achievement. This implies keeping a strong focus upon matters at hand and towards the future. Beliefs about history repeating itself could prove to be your downfall. In certain ways it does, but when it comes to personal performance, you can aim to rise to the next level. This will require discipline and knowledge.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

You are undergoing a transformational and hopefully regenerative cycle now. With the summer season drawing to a close, the time has come to shift gears and entertain new directions and approaches. Arts and culture are still big on your mind. Playing with new ideas and concepts includes pushing yourself and perhaps others out of the habitual comfort zone. You will notice that you are determined and focused yet also open and negotiable. This attitude and approach will soon prove to pay off. Clear the clutter and the corners now to create a more uplifting home and working environment. Do your research with aims to secure, improve and beautify your self, your surroundings and your position.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Cultivating more creative and passionate relationships is a central theme now. To this end you are willing to investigate the possibilities. This could prove very good for your love life, if disruptive somehow. You are prepared to make some diligent efforts. Aim to take a cooperative approach to share the wealth as well as your passions and your love! The key is to genuinely come from the heart. While your lower chakras may be active, if you yield to them at the expense of feeling and acting with love, your experiences and the consequences of them will prove less than fulfilling. Center your attention on your heart beyond the imaginings of your mind and the desires of your loins and you will have it all!