Vedic Astrology Update for August

Hello friends! Today I am sharing the most significant astrological events that will occur in August. Read on to learn how the cosmos could impact you during the next month: 

August 1: Lammas - The Ancient Gaelic Festival of First Fruits

We will begin the month of August with the celebration of Lammas, one of the annual turning points on the Wheel of the Year. Also known as Lughnasa (Loaf Mass), Lammas is observed in the northern hemisphere as a cross-quarter point, halfway between summer solstice (June 21) and fall equinox (September 23).

Lammas commemorates the first harvest and celebrates hard work and artistry. It is traditional on this day to bake Lammas bread as a holy offering to the Grain Mother "Ker.” She is said to unfurl her golden cloak across the land to bring an abundant early harvest. It’s a good idea to take a break and spend time in nature around this time, and to give thanks to Mother Nature for the abundance in life.

August 1: The Full Moon in Capricorn - Another Reason to Pause and Enjoy Our Achievements

The first Full Moon of the month will occur on August 1 at 2:32 PM EDT (6:32 PM UTC). (A second Full Moon will occur on August 30-31 — see further on about this). The Full Moon of August 1 will occur in Capricorn, the mysterious and magical sign that exemplifies the manifestation of Spirit in matter.

The Full Moon will occur in Shravana nakshatra, which relates to inner listening and contemplation. This will be a good time to tune in and pay attention to the "small still voice within," and to take time to simply enjoy life and appreciate our achievements.

Please note that the time to perform Full Moon rituals and practices will be on Monday night, July 31, when the waxing Moon is strongest during the purnima tithi, the last day of the Moon’s waxing cycle before it reaches its fullness.

Both Full Moons in August will be perigean supermoons which occur when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit (at perigee). A supermoon appears brighter in the sky, and its lunar effect is more intense that normal. This can result in higher tides, greater than normal emotional energy, seismic activity, or storms.

August 2 and 3: The Moon and Saturn Conjoin in Aquarius - Time to Be Mindful

The Moon and Saturn conjoin for a few days every month. In August, their conjunction will occur on the 2nd and 3rd. This transit can have a very serious, introspective, alienated, or depressive tone. It’s important to stay focused, avoid negative thinking, and remember that this too shall pass if you feel emotionally challenged by it.

August 4 to 8: Retrograde Venus in the Gandanta - Mind the Gap

From August 4 to 8, retrograde Venus will transit across the one-degree cusp between Leo and Cancer. This edge between a fire and water sign is called the gandanta in Vedic astrology. The energy here can have an extreme transformational quality and can be destabilizing or exhausting in some cases.

Venus in the gandanta can also be a trigger for emotional intensity for some. This position may also reflect rains, storms, or floods, water accidents, extreme acts of violence or criminality, relationship or financial issues, irritable and agitated feelings, or transportation accidents. Venus already transited in the gandanta from Cancer to Leo recently from July 4 to 9, so now we are revisiting the same transit, only this time Venus is retrograde. It is possible that something experienced during the previous transit will be repeated.

On August 7, retrograde Venus will re-enter Cancer, where it had been transiting previously from May 30 to July 6. This time it will transit in Cancer until October 1. Generally, this will be a time to work on clearing emotional blocks, improving self-confidence, and creating a stronger foundation of inner security and emotional stability. For more details about this complex Venus retrograde cycle, please refer to my previous article.

August 6 to 8: Moon in Aries May Activate Volatility

During the Venus gandanta period, the Moon in Aries will transit in conjunction with Rahu, Jupiter, and Uranus, and will form a square aspect with the Sun and Venus in Cancer. A square is an aspect of stress and tension that can also provide opportunity for new understanding and personal growth.

In this case, the square aspect may indicate an aggravating, annoying, or moody period for some, perhaps a time when it is difficult to feel motivated or to stay on track, when it is important to exercise caution and avoid volatile situations, or when a mini-crisis could occur that opens the door to a new direction.

August 7 to 21: Venus Descends into the Underworld

Retrograde Venus will be invisible (combust the Sun) from around August 7 to 21. During this period, we should be extra mindful in managing our emotions and avoiding unnecessary conflict. On a more constructive note, the mythic goddess is said to descend into the underworld at this time, which emblematically signifies a period of reflection, release, and spiritual renewal for those who strive in that direction.

Ancient astrologers believed that when Venus was retrograde and combust (“in the underworld”), the world would be steeped in grief, agitation, and anxiety, the people would suffer from extremely hot weather patterns and fires, and the kings (leaders) would experience turmoil and loss in their personal lives as well as throughout their kingdoms. A similar Venus combustion cycle occurred in Leo and Cancer eight years ago in 2015 during a time of some unrest.

On August 9, Venus and Uranus will form the second of a series of three stressful 90-degree square aspects. The first already occurred on July 2, and the next will occur on September 29. Because of these repeating transits, it is possible that some related events from early July may not come to a full conclusion until early October.

Historically, this particular aspect between Uranus in late Aries and Venus in late Cancer has been a trigger for political upheaval, accidents, disasters, or international incidents. When it activates a natal or mundane chart, it can point to unforeseen circumstances and disturbances in all kinds of matters.

August 12 to 16: Balsamic Moon - Time to Look Within and Recharge

When the transiting Moon moves to a position 45 degrees behind the Sun, this is the beginning of the Balsamic Moon phase, which occurs in the last 3-4 days before the New Moon. This is the time to seek the inner light as the light of the outer world is diminishing. This is the phase in which to rest, let go, and heal ourselves as we prepare for new beginnings at the culmination of the New Moon on August 16.

August 13: The Inferior Conjunction of Venus - Sowing New Seeds

Venus always begins its new 584-day cycle at its inferior (or interior) conjunction with the Sun. This special event occurs when Venus is retrograde and closest to the Earth as it will be on August 13. The inferior conjunction of Venus is also referred to as the “New Venus,” a time for metaphorically sowing new seeds related to our values, desires, and priorities.

A New Venus cycle opens when the Sun and Venus meet in inferior conjunction. It is a moment when the Venusian faculties of emotion and evaluation are impressed with what Dane Rudhyar calls a "new quality of will and purpose." But the new quality of Venusian response and meaning does not become realized all at once. It is rather gradually translated from potentiality to actuality throughout the 584-day Venus cycle. (Michael R. Meyer, Venus Morning Star - Venus Evening Star; AstroDienst)

August 15: Indian Independence Day

The modern horoscope for India is set for August 15, 1947 at midnight in New Delhi. This day is celebrated every year as a public holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the the United Kingdom (76 years ago this year). Happy Independence Day!

August 16: New Moon in Cancer and Ashlesha Nakshatra - Adhika Masa Ends and the Sacred Month of Shravan Begins

On August 16 at 5:38 AM EDT (9:38 AM UTC), the New Moon will occur with the conjunction of the Sun and Moon at 29 degrees of Cancer in Ashlesha nakshatra. The New Moon will tightly square Uranus and will also form a 2/12 (inconjunct) aspect with Mars. The Sun, Moon, Mars and Uranus all occurring near the 29th degree of their respective signs can be a trigger for unrest, sudden events, bombshells, or eruptions.

The New Moon will bring an end to the Adhika Shravan month (read about Adhika Masa/Adhika Shravan in my previous article). At the same time, the New Moon marks the beginning of a very sacred time of the year in the Vedic calendar known as Shravan Masa. This is the second Shravan month after the previous intercalary one.

The sacred Shravan month will extend from August 16 to September 14. It is sacred because it celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over Yama, the lord of death. It also commemorates Lord Shiva drinking the poisonous halāhala which sprang from the epic churning of the great ocean performed by the gods and demons in search of the nectar of immortality. These allegorical myths symbolize the spiritual journey and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

In the Shravan month, the Universe is rejuvenated by the Shiva Tattva, the highest, purest, transcendental essence of nature. During this time, devotees traditionally purify their bodies, minds, and spirits through various rituals like detoxing, fasting, mantra japa, prayer, pujas, and special offerings. The New Moon sets the stage for this as it occurs in Ashlesha nakshatra, which represents both literal and metaphoric poisons and the process of releasing them.

August 17 to September 17: The Sun’s Transit in Leo - A Vibrant Time of Year

The Sun will enter Leo on August 17 at 4:02 AM EDT (8:02 AM UTC), and will remain in Leo until September 17. According to Vedic astrology, the day that the Sun enters sidereal Leo is called “Simha Sankranti.” This day is generally auspicious for matters related to finance, trade, and commerce; for peacemaking; and for health matters and practices.

This month’s sankranti is one of the rare and special Vishnupati days observed in certain parts and sects of South Indian/Vedic culture and astrology. On these days, Lord Vishnu makes a special appearance to bless devotees with prosperity, spiritual bliss, happiness, and peace of mind. Special pujas and other rituals are performed on these days.

When the Sun transits in its own sign of Leo the Lion, its expression is especially vital, dynamic, regal, fortunate, generous, adventurous, and powerful. Of course it depends on the house Leo occupies in one’s own natal chart as to how this transit will manifest. In general, it can suggest quite a vibrant time of year for many of us, when our whole mind-body-spirit system naturally seeks to rejuvenate and recharge itself.

“Sunrise in Blue" by Joseph Parker (© Joseph Parker)

August 18 to October 3: Mars Will Transit in Virgo - Testing Our Limits

From August 18 to October 3, Mars will transit in Virgo. How it will affect us individually depends on the house position of Virgo as well as the general thrust of the natal horoscope and dashas. Mars prefers transiting in houses 3, 6, or 11 (This transit will take place in these houses for those with Aries, Cancer, or Scorpio Ascendant, Sun, or Moon).

In general, the transit of Mars in Virgo can be a time that tests our limits and our patience, when our ambitions can go over the top, and when we can get stuck in the weeds, as in losing the big picture because of anxiety, perfectionism, and analysis paralysis.

Therefore, we should focus on minimizing nervous system stress through creating more inner and outer balance and making sure to avoid unnecessary conflict. One of the best ways to manage Mars is with consistent aerobic physical exercise, resistance training, Qigong, Yoga, or just simple stretching to release muscular tension.

August 21: The Heliacal Rise of Venus in Its Transition from Evening Star to Morning Star

During its retrograde and combust cycle, Venus will be transitioning from its Evening Star apparition to its Morning Star apparition. After its approximate two-week period of invisibility, Venus will reappear in the morning sky around August 21. This is known as the Heliacal Rise of Venus. These dates will vary slightly depending on one’s geographical location.

In ancient mundane astrology, the Heliacal Rise of Venus as Morning Star was associated with danger, accidents, disasters, disclosure of misconduct among those in positions of power, or even their fall or collapse. It can be a time of revelation as well as dramatic events. For more about this, please refer back to my article about Venus Retrograde.

The Vedic holy festival of Nag Panchami will also occur on August 21 this year. It is a day to pay homage to the Naga power which exists within all of nature as the mystical serpent force known as Kundalini Shakti. Additionally, Lord Shiva is honored on this day, as he rules over the kingdom of the Nagas.

August 22: Venus in Cancer Will Square Jupiter in Aries - An Opportunity for New Understanding and Personal Growth

This past June, Venus in Cancer squared Jupiter in Aries. This same aspect will occur again in August and September. This particular square aspect can indicate self-indulgent habits or thoughts, and the need for moderation. It also suggests a time of questioning and reconsidering the wisdom of certain long-held beliefs, values, and principles.

How this transit may manifest depends on the houses occupied by Cancer and Aries. This is one of the dynamic astrological patterns I focus on in my astrological consulting practice with clients.

August 23 to September 15: Mercury Retrograde in Leo - Reflect, Reevaluate, and Revise

Mercury will transit in Leo from July 24 to October 1. It will station retrograde on August 23 at 28 degrees of Leo, and will station direct on September 15 at 14 degrees of Leo. In general, during a Mercury retrograde cycle, we may have an opportunity to revisit and complete unfinished business, and to reflect, reevaluate, and revise our current situation and plans for the future. The house occupied by Leo in an astrological chart will determine the area of focus.

Keep in mind that Mercury will be transiting close to Mars in Leo from August 1 to 25. This combination can suggest innovative ideas and problem-solving, but also hot tempers, inflamed nerves, earthquakes, and fires.

The retrograde/retroshade pre-shadow period will extend from August 3 to 23, and the retrograde post-shadow period from September 15 to 30. During the pre-retrograde shadow period, we will get a glimpse of what’s in store for us in the coming retrograde cycle. In the post-retrograde shadow period, we will be adjusting to all the shifts that occurred for us in the previous two months.

August 23 to 30: Saturn Sun Opposition in Aquarius - Be Extra Mindful

Saturn will oppose its enemy the Sun on August 27, but the aspect is in range from August 23 to 30. This is a time when some may become overwrought with negative thoughts, including feelings of insecurity, frustration, or isolation. Fortunately, this transit will be short-lived.

August 28: Uranus Will Station Retrograde in Aries - Snafus, Restlessness and Unease

On August 28, Uranus will station retrograde at 29 degrees of Aries. It will remain retrograde until January 27, 2024, when it will station direct at 25 degrees of Aries. Uranus represents a higher octave of Mercury, so this can actually manifest like Mercury's own concurrent retrograde period. It may compound some of the typical snafus we see with technology, communication, transportation, or travel. Uranus stationing retrograde can also reflect an added sense of restlessness and unease.

We may experience the effects of Uranus' station for ten days before and ten days after the actual time of its station. Those with natal planets or chart points around 27-30 degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) may especially notice this energy and could feel off-balance or hyper-sensitive around the Uranus station, so be mindful.

I have noticed that Uranus stations often indicate geopolitical turmoil or meteorological storms, as well as terrorist events, accidents, or explosions. Uranus symbolizes social consciousness, political tension, anarchy, nihilism, rebellions, and revolutions. Aries and Krittika nakshatra where Uranus is transiting can represent fires, wars, accidents, and violence.

As the ruler of electricity and lightning storms, Uranus is called the "bolt out of the blue," often acting in eccentric, erratic, shocking, and sudden ways to break down or break through systems. Any of the natural significations of Uranus may become unrestrained, stronger, and more bizarre than usual around the Uranus station.

August 30-31: The Blue Supermoon in Aquarius

A second Full Supermoon will occur in August, on Sunday August 30 at 9:36 PM EDT (which will be August 31 at 1:36 AM UTC). When the Full Moon occurs twice in a month, the second one is called a Blue Moon. This is always a very special Moon which I will write more about in a future article, so please stay tuned!

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is an important Vedic festival that will occur on August 30 this year. It is a day when various rituals are performed using sacred threads, amulets, mantras, and holy water. You may read more about it on the Divine Life Society website.

I hope that this update will help you plan your activities during the month of August! If you have any questions about a specific transit or event, please let me know in the comments. Stay tuned for our monthly planning calendar which will be released on August 1.

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and Western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most Western and a small number of Vedic astrologers. All the astrological charts that I work with and share are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.