This month Mercury Retrograde returns from August 2nd through the 26th. Since Mercury is the next fastest-moving planet after the Moon, we feel the effect of these retrogrades as surely as people notice full moons.

We will all be getting the opportunity to understand that our own perceptions are the true source of our joyful and painful interactions. Our own accountability allows us to understand the deeper levels of our part in our personal dramas. Mercury Retrograde is a gift in its second chance for insights previously missed the first time around: “The stars impel; they do not compel.”

The retrograde escorts us through a review of our own recent history. It is a journey through our subconscious with a view to becoming conscious. This retrograde, along with the influence of Mars in Cancer, is a recipe for revealing emotions and most likely will open everyone up to a lot more of their personal sensitivity and compassion. At first, compassion for ourselves and then (hopefully) compassion shared gracefully with others.

AUGUST FORECAST

Please also read the forecast for your Rising Sign if you know it. If you’re on a “cusp” and don’t know your Sun sign, you can read both signs to find your fit.

Aries March 21 – April 19
Mercury retrograde retraces your journey through your solar 5th house in conjunction with the New Moon in Leo. Romance, children, creative projects and personal expression all get a recharge and a second look.

Taurus April 20 – May 20
Family matters are up for Taurus. Review recent family conversations and perceptions. New Moon in your solar house of family and roots gives you fresh energy to see the truth behind your long-held beliefs and subconscious emotional patterns.

Gemini May 21 – June 21
For Gemini, August spotlights the deeper levels of your communication impulses. What is the source of your words and intentions? A deeper responsibility is brought to light as you reflect on the way your conversations affect others.

Cancer June 22 – July 22
Cancers’ awareness centers on their values for the month of August. There is ample energy in the first half of the month for you to attract what you desire through your own means. The Full Moon on August 13th intensifies energy around the resources other people can offer you.

Leo July 23 – August 22
Happy Birthday and Solar Return, lovely Leos! August is a happy rebirth of your identity. Fresh energy is now available to nurture and create the self you want to project out into the world. Activities that bring you joy and warmth are the focus.

Virgo August 23 – September 22
After the powerful shifts Virgos experienced with the June/July eclipses, August offers a time of great personal reflection. This is an opportunity to finish processing the personal events and energies you have experienced in the last 12 months. Take the time to let your subconscious show you which parts are the most meaningful to carry into your future. Be willing to release all that isn’t supportive of who you are now. September is the new beginning for you.

Libra September 23 – October 22
Harmonious Libras are in their element this month as many friends and social events draw you in. Reuniting with past connections and old friends is likely during this Mercury retrograde energy.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21
August is a powerhouse career month for Scorpio. The subtle Scorpions are in their element. Make use of this Mercury Retrograde energy to uncover information and behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence your career. Take this month to understand the hidden issues and plan for action in September.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21
August provides a picture perfect month for Sagittarians as they expand their horizons in mind and body. Mercury retrograde can inspire you to travel to memorable locations in your mind or by physically revisiting them. Past memories reignite spiritual passion and your desire to connect to something greater.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19
Mercury retrograde and the New Moon lead you to peek into the shadow areas of your life. Revealing the truths that have been previously hidden is healing and enlivening for you. Full Moon brings these types of rewards.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18
For fair-minded Aquarius, August’s theme is partnership: New starts, new dreams, and new energy. The Full Moon brings fruition and a new identity in terms of relationship.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Pisces is discovering new skills which lead to important growth in the areas of materializing dreams and the valuable use of practical disciplines. Put your best foot forward. The Full Moon on the 13th will show progress and fulfillment.

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If you would like to have a question answered using your personal natal chart, please email me your question with your birth information to diannec@webegirls.com. Please include your accurate birth time, birth date, birth city and state. For privacy, your name will be changed.

Dianne Curwick has been reading professionally with a word-of-mouth clientele since 2000. She has read for people from all walks of life throughout the United States. Previously, she penned the astrology column for the Los Angeles publication “IN Magazine.” She has also taught astrology chart reading classes as well as spiritual growth classes using the natal chart as a tool. She says, “The whole world opens up to me through symbols that seem to rise off the astrology chart and speak to me. They draw me in and serve as a touchstone for intuitive information to flow through me. I am in an altered state when I am reading the chart. I feel like I’m plugged in to an energetic source, receiving answers faster than I am asking questions.”

For a personal reading by Dianne visit www.StardustAstrology.com.