Well, this is gonna be a month, friends. If you’re thinking about taking August off, give it your best shot. Here’s all the astrology you need to know in your August 2024 horoscope.
Your August 2024 horoscope begins in the middle of Leo season and a Mercury retrograde shadow period. When Mercury turns retrograde from August 5 to 28, expect delays if you’re trying to get a straight answer or clear direction on next steps.
When Mercury hits the cosmic pause button, it can be a valuable time to step back, reflect and course-correct. Did you miss a key details in your haste to close the deal? If only the quicksilver planet didn’t ALSO like to complicate things by foiling technology, travel and communication in its retrograde wake.
Hold off on the hard launches and big announcements, especially since Mercury splits its backspin between garrulous Virgo (August 5 to 14) and showboater Leo (August 14 to 28). Read more about the Summer 2024 Mercury Retrograde.
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Mixed messages won’t do us any favors, especially mid-month—here’s why
On August 14, the two most impatient planets, Mars and Jupiter, make an exact conjunction (meetup) in talkative Gemini. It’ll be almost impossible to keep our thoughts to ourselves, so prepare for the misunderstandings (and rumors) to fly. We’re already bracing ourselves for some spicy election clips.
Speaking of which, August 19 is the start of the Democratic National Convention. And it just so happens to coincide with one of the most insane days we’ve seen in the stars for a while, with a full moon double T-square criss-crossing the skies. (That’s saying a lot, if you still have your protective paper glasses from a certain solar eclipse on April 8!)
For starters, on August 19 there’s a full moon in Aquarius, the sign that rules politics and society
Well-timed, except it just so happens to be opposing Mercury retrograde in dramatic Leo and in a harsh 90-degree square to disruptor Uranus in staunch Taurus. Will there be tough questions, hard lines and strong opinions—at the very least? You bet your ballot there will. With all of these planets in rigid fixed signs, nobody’s backing down easily.
The second T-square, which is in the more adaptable mutable signs, happens between Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. Think of this like a swarm of paparazzi and major news outlets, all reporting on the heavyweight drama happening at the DNC and beyond. Even more debates and tough questions will circulate, giving everyone a lot to ponder—including some possible curveball intel.
A significant “opening square”
Part of this second T-square involves an important 90-degree square between Jupiter (in Gemini) and Saturn (in Pisces). It’s significant because it’s what’s called the “opening square” between these two planets, a key moment in the 20-year dance that Jupiter and Saturn do. Every two decades, we have what’s called a Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, where they arrive at the same point in the sky and appear as a single, bright star from our vantage point on earth.
On December 21, 2020, a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius (dubbed by “the Christmas star” by the media) was believed as an important moment that moved humanity deeper into the Age of Aquarius, a time when community, technology and togetherness would become the presiding values over material wealth, property and accumulation.
The August 19 Jupiter-Saturn square serves as a checkpoint, as we’re a quarter of the way through this cycle. The timing, and the pattern in the stars today, is eerie to us.
What Else You Can Expect From The Stars In Your August 2024 Horoscope
See your full August 2024 Horoscope
Pump Up the Passion with the Leo New Moon on August 4
Your August 2024 horoscope welcomes the annual Leo new moon on August 4. Turn a page on your creative (and romantic) endeavors, and try to do one thing to put your talents on display or draw attention to your gifts, especially if your work-to-play ratio has tipped too heavily toward responsibilities. Productivity might just ramp up when you’re taking breaks to relax your mind and enjoy downtime with friends.
Trade Cocktails for Mocktails When Venus Visits Healthy Virgo
Decadent Venus leaves hedonistic Leo for healthy Virgo on August 4, and suddenly, self-care is sexy.
Give your love life a healthy makeunder during the Venus in Virgo transit, and reboot the routines that restore your glow. It’s an ideal time to adopt a regimen you look forward to, from dance class to kickboxing. Then, revel in the endorphins post-workout.
Pro tip: Virgo’s love language is performing acts of service. Venus hosts Virgo until August 29.
The August 19 Aquarius Full Moon Sparks Teamwork
There’s power in numbers when the year’s only full moon in collaborative, progressive Aquarius on August 19 stokes camaraderie. On a personal level, champion a cause you care about. Speak up if you see an injustice. Find the people who share your vision and values, and see how you can stir up change for the greater good.
From Wild to Mild? Virgo Season Begins August 22
The Sun shifts out of high-wattage Leo and moves into Virgo on August 22. Collectively, it’s time to scale back, prioritize and bring efficiency to our lives, after a month of probable (but fun!) excess.
Read your Monthly Horoscope
Photo by Rosie Dienhart
