Here is another look at what the planets have in store this month.
Eclipse cycles happen twice each year, often triggering high drama events of emotional intensity. This month there will be two of them, one week before and one week into the Olympic Games, symbolically bracketing the international event. Both fall into the regal sign of Leo, which has plenty of drama to spare as it is. This will likely add fuel to the fire and bodes for exciting times. The fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio) are going to feel this most, especially when born around the 1st or 16th of the month. The other fire signs (Aries, Sagittarius) born around these days may benefit as well.

Bernadette Brady, an eminent eclipse researcher writes this about the Aug 1 event :
“This (Eclipse) Series concerns itself with breaking out if a very negative situation where no hope can be seen to a more positive space containing many options. A worry that may have been affecting a person will suddenly clear. The solution is shown by the Cosmos and needs to be taken up without to much delay.”
Quote from The Eagle and the Lark, Weiser 1992

During the second half of the month Venus, Mercury and the Sun will join Mars and Saturn in Virgo. That’s half of the planets in the hard working, practical sign of the healer, book keeper and nutritionist. This sets the tone for much inner healing, conscious choices in the produce section and much gratitude for being able to serve one another.

Famous Topanga Leos:
Randy Smith, Linda Crawford, Lisa Bialac-Jehle, Michael O’Rourke, Juliana McNaughton, Allan Wingate, Elizabeth Shapiro, Robyn Feeley, Jenise Blanc, Gilbert Levy, Angele Dayer, Amy Walker, Malcolm Groome, Star Oakland, Lon Miller, Warren Chase and all the other great lights not mentioned here.
Happy Birthday one and all, have a blast!


Calendar:

Aug 1, 2:13 am PDT
Solar Eclipse / New Moon 10* Leo
4 planets in Leo makes for a dramatic entry into the month. A call to remember the need for self expression. Introversion comes with loads of creativity, so dig out your easel, instruments or sewing machine.

Aug 4
Venus trine Pluto
Good for tackling unfinished business with old lovers, especially if there’s a Scorpio involved. Call them up, get together and shine some light into the murky past.

Aug 5
Venus enters Virgo
A shift toward more practical, no-frills sentiments. Not a great day for shopping. When Venus is in a new sign the sense of esthetics changes. A style that looks great in the mirror today, may do nothing for you tomorrow.

Aug 6
Mars opposes Uranus
Restless, antsy, feisty energy. Not a great time for confrontations of any kind, opt for some outdoor activity instead. Also Mercury opposes Neptune today: the psychic radar is at an all time high. However, both these aspects together can trigger gross misjudgments of speed or distance. Watch out in traffic.

Aug 9
Mercury trines Pluto
Good for deep thinking, philosophical discourse, counseling, writing and spiritual inquiries.

Aug 10
Mercury enters Virgo
This is the home turf for the trickster of the planets. The mental processes shift toward being more methodical, analytical and helpful to those in need.

Aug 13
Venus conjunct Saturn
It’s a no-nonsense, taking care of business kind of day. Work hard, brainstorm, make a few to do lists.

Aug 15
Sun opposes Neptune
This clouds the perception with a dreamy layer. Good for artwork and music, not great for linear thinking. Also Mercury conjuncts Saturn which makes it difficult to get your words out. It also favors less liberal and more conservative viewpoints.

Aug 16, 2:16 pm PDT
Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon 24* Aquarius
Always a fun time to get together with friends, this Moon opens a clearer look at the big picture. Good for meditation, spiritual quests and prayers. Because the Moon is conjunct Neptune any intoxicant will effect you more strongly today, so be conscious when eating, drinking or smoking. Also Mars squares Pluto today, which raises the potential for violence and or painful accidents involving things you didn’t see coming.

Aug 17
Mercury trines Jupiter
This encourages brilliant ideas, it’s great for writing, talking and negotiations. Make sure to get your message out today.

Aug 19
Mars enters Libra
Mars in the first degrees of a cardinal signs is extra feisty, so take it easy and be prepared to intervene or calm the tempers of those that get carried away.

Aug 20
Sun trine Pluto
A good time to negotiate or for power talks. Don’t mince your words or be bashful now, say it as it is.

Aug 21
Mercury conjunct Venus
This makes for strong instincts and impulsive reaction, it’s not great for tasks involving patient attention to detail. Try to tackle the extra large projects instead.

Aug 22
Sun enters Virgo
With 4 planets in Virgo there is a sense of responsibility to those in need. Good for cooking, making dietary changes and organizing things. Mercury opposes Uranus: impatience and a desire to try something totally new and different.

Aug 23
Venus opposes Uranus
Feeling antsy and rebellious, can’t be fenced in or limited by too much conservative caution. You inner rebel wants to shine.

Aug 27
Mercury square Pluto
Get your words out now, good for counseling, deep conversations.

Aug 28
Mercury enters Libra
The collective focus shifts towards fairness and balance. Less finicky, more deliberate. Slow, careful decision making processes.

Aug 29
Venus square Pluto
Intensity yes, passion yes, jealousy no. “Love and control are mutually exclusive. When you’re in love you’re not in control, when you’re in control you’re not in love.” Osho

Aug 30, 12:58 pm PDT
New Moon 8* Virgo, Venus enters Libra
The second New Moon this month is excellent for inner healing. Consider nurturing the heart, changing your patterns, fasting , praying and cleaning the house.

“A Slice of Heaven” is a monthly Astrology column about making good use of the planetary influences. Lola Babalon is a Topanga Psychic, Astrologer and Herbalist. She provides spiritual counsel, hands-on healing and no-nonsense readings for individuals, couples and groups. She also produces local herb tinctures, fine aphrodisiac Love-potions and can be found online at www.sexpeace.net 310/455-0103