Astral Weather Report: August 19-26
The Appearance of Venus as the Morning Star, Nag Panchami, Mercury Retrograde, and More!
Can you believe that the second half of August is here already? During the next week, the planets are going to make some major moves. Read on to learn all about some of the significant cosmic changes ahead:
August 19: Moon Conjoined Mars in Virgo - Chandra Mangala Yoga
The waxing crescent Moon will conjoin Mars in early Virgo on August 18 and 19.
Shortly after sunset on August 18, the very thin waxing crescent moon – glowing with earthshine – will shine in the west next to faint Mars. On the following evening, the slightly thicker crescent moon will be higher in the sky. Chart via John Jardine Goss/ EarthSky.
When Mars and the Moon conjoin, this is known as Chandra Mangala Yoga in Vedic astrology. The higher expression of this combination may appear as courage, passion, assertiveness, creativity, and high energy. Its lower expression may manifest in impulsiveness, impatience, irritability, or criticism.
August 21: The Heliacal Rising of Venus - Transitioning from Evening Star to Morning Star
During its current cycle, Venus is transitioning from its Evening Star apparition to its Morning Star apparition. Since August 7, Venus has been combust, meaning that it is so close to the Sun that it has been invisible to the naked eye. Venus will reappear in the morning sky about an hour before sunrise on or near August 21, known as the heliacal rising of Venus.
The date of the helical rising of Venus will vary slightly depending on the latitude of the observer and on local viewing conditions. After its resurrection from the underworld, Venus will grow brighter every day as the Sun moves further away from Venus, while Venus will remain retrograde and moving further away from the Sun until September 3.
Morning Star, painting by Nigel Radcliffe
In ancient mundane astrology, the heliacal rising of Venus as Morning Star was considered a sensitive time. It was associated with danger, accidents, disasters, mysterious events, disclosure of misconduct among those in positions of power, or even their fall or collapse. This astronomical event is thought to trigger new revelations as well as dramatic events. For more about this, please refer back to my article about Venus Retrograde.
August 21: Nag Panchami - Honoring the Primordial Cosmic Energy
The Vedic holy festival of Nag (or Naga) Panchami will also occur on August 21 this year. It is a day to pay homage to the sacred “Naga” power which exists within all of nature as the primordial cosmic energy. This energy is expressed as the mystical serpent power or kundalini shakti symbolized by the Nagas, who are transformational celestial beings. Lord Shiva is honored on Nag Panchami, as Shiva rules over the kingdom of the Nagas. It can be very helpful this day to do special prayers and mantras invoking Lord Shiva.
Various forms of worship and celebration are performed on Nag Panchami according to cultural traditions and and depending on one’s preferences. These include pujas, ritual offerings, fasting for some, and for others, eating special foods like rice dishes or laddus, which are also offered to and said to be enjoyed by the Naga spirits.
For those who have astrological afflictions of the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu (which also represent the serpent power), it is especially auspicious on this day to propitiate the Nagas. Specific pujas are performed in Hindu temples for this, such as the Kala Sarpa Puja, or the Nag Panchami Puja.
Another way to propitiate the Naga energy is to focus on the muladhara (root) chakra which lies at the base of the spine. The coiled serpent representing our creative energy (kundalini) lies just beneath this chakra, making the muladhara a main avenue for the awakening of spiritual power.
The muladhara chakra is associated with the primal energy of the Earth element that grounds us in the here and now. This Earth energy is also coming on strong now in the northern hemisphere as we have transitioned into the late summer season which is governed by the Earth element.
For those into yoga, there are certain asanas and mudras that address this chakra specifically. More simply, anyone can walk or stand outside in bare feet to activate the muladhara chakra:
One of the easiest ways to connect with muladhara energy is to stand tall, close your eyes, and feel your feet touching the ground. Imagine your feet, legs, and root chakra being steady and allow that to spill into your entire body and your breath. To take it up a notch, try stomping. Remind yourself you belong here. (Yoga Journal: Root Chakra Tune-up Practice)
Another beneficial practice for Nag Panchami is to meditate on the muladhara chakra by chanting the Lam bija mantra, as in this amazing video on YouTube:
August 21-23: Mars-Neptune Opposition - Caution Advised
Mars in the early degrees of Virgo will oppose Neptune in the early degrees of Pisces from August 21-23. You may feel a slight dip in your energy, so make sure to take it easy and not overdo things. Additionally, be extra-careful of fraudsters at this time, and avoid taking risks.
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 twice again, on August 22 and September 16.
This particular square aspect between Venus and Jupiter suggests a lengthy period of time (June-September) in which some may be questioning and reconsidering the wisdom of certain long-held beliefs, values, and principles. How this transit may manifest more specifically will depend on the houses occupied by Cancer and Aries in a birth chart. This is one of the many dynamic astrological patterns I have recently been focusing on in my astrological consulting practice with clients.
August 23 to September 15: Mercury Retrograde in Leo - Reflect, Reevaluate, and Revise
Mercury is transiting 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. Usually the stationary period is in place for two days before and two days after the retrograde and direct stations. During the entire Mercury retrograde cycle and particularly from August 21-25, we may experience communication breakdowns or travel delays. Also around the retrograde and direct stations, bizarre events may occur, especially related to an unresolved matter from the recent past. We may feel sluggish, groggy, or disoriented, and there may be turnarounds in various matters for either good or bad.
Generally, 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 has been transiting close to Mars in Leo since August 1, and this will remain in place during the retrograde station (until August 25). This combination can suggest hot tempers, inflamed nerves, earthquakes, disasters, storms, and fires.
August 23 to 30: Saturn Sun Opposition in Aquarius - Be Extra Mindful
Saturn will oppose the Sun on August 27, but the aspect is within the orb of influence from August 23 to 30. Saturn is currently very strong in Aquarius (in its own sign). The Sun is also very strong in its own sign of Leo now.
The natural relationship between Saturn and the Sun involves some enmity according to Vedic astrology, as Saturn represents the shadow of the Sun. Saturn represents the internal or external forces that can inhibit our confidence, inner power, vitality, and self-expression.
When Saturn and the Sun are both very strong and in opposition to each other, this can indicate a tendency to engage in power struggles, or to become overwrought with negativity, including feelings of physical or emotional exhaustion, pessimism, victimization, insecurity, self-criticism, frustration, or alienation.
This period will be an especially good time to do extra protection prayers, to remain firmly rooted and grounded in oneself, and to erect stronger personal boundaries as needed. Mars will trine Pluto from August 24-25, so on these days, we may feel an extra boost of positive energy and will power to help override any challenging issues with Saturn and the Sun.
As you can see, we will be shifting during the next week. In particular, Mercury and Saturn could point to some challenges. Fortunately, Venus will provide us with the ability to use our strength and experience personal growth in the near future. By honoring and communing with the primordial cosmic power during the Nag Panchami festival on August 21, we can attune to the changes that are occurring in nature at this time too, as we in the northern hemisphere have just moved into the late summer season which is governed by the Earth element.
Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the real.
Oh God, lead us from darkness to light.
Oh God, lead us from death to immortality
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all.
Thank you! Beautifully written.