(Update-We sent this post to our mailing list with the incorrect dates in the title (“July 12-19”). Mea culpa—I am feeling the retrograde Venus! The dates have since been corrected to August 12-19. Thank you.)
As we move further into August, the planets will make several important shifts. Read on to learn about the current intensity of the Venus cycle, a significant New Moon, a positive change for the Sun, and more major cosmic changes that will occur during the next week:
August 7 to 21: Venus Retrograde and Combust - Traveling in the Underworld
Venus will be in the middle of its retrograde cycle this week. It is also in combustion (close to the Sun) from around August 7 to 21. This is a time when Venus is said to be transiting in the Underworld. In its higher expression, this may represent a period of reflection, release, and spiritual renewal, at least for those who strive in that direction.
On the other hand, we should be mindful in managing our emotions and avoiding unnecessary conflict which may erupt during this period. Additionally, as discussed in my previous article, much of the world at this time may be be steeped in grief, agitation, anxiety, turmoil, and loss, and this may particularly be related to natural or human-made disasters, hot weather patterns, fires, storms, and floods.
As a longtime former resident of Hawaii, I have been very saddened by the recent catastrophic wildfires in Maui that led to the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaiian history on August 9. My prayers have been with the people of Maui and all of Hawaii, and especially those who have lost their lives and their loved ones, those who have been displaced, who have lost properties and businesses, and also the first responders.
On August 9, as I had discussed in my August article, Venus and Uranus formed a stressful 90-degree square aspect. 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 this aspect activates a natal or mundane chart as it did in the Hawaii birth chart, it can point to unforeseen circumstances and disturbances.
Though this current disaster is unparalleled in terms of loss of lives and property, the Hawaiian Islands are no stranger to devastating wildfires. They have often occurred especially during El Niño years like the current one. El Niño is a naturally occurring weather phenomenon of periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern regions of the Pacific Ocean. It brings warmer air and ocean temperatures, a greater threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, and worst of all, drought.
In 2005 (an El Niño year), a wildfire on the Big Island destroyed 25,000 acres. There was another one in 2018 that destroyed 18,000 acres (also an El Niño year). In 1997-1998 when El Niño was quite powerful, 37,000 acres in Hawaii were consumed by fire, including a 13,000-acre blaze on Molokai and a number of large fires in the Puna area, one of the wettest regions of Hawaii island.
In the recent Maui fires, the extremely high winds from Hurricane Dora were a significant contributing factor. That along with human habitation, complex land management issues, issues with water access, electric grid failures, as well as a significant failure with the emergency warning system, all helped to create a perfect storm. In this case, the event is unprecedented due to so many lives lost, and the fact that eighty percent of the town of Lahaina was destroyed. This is even more tragic to the Hawaiian people because Lahaina was the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
I examined the above horoscope of the recent August 1 Supermoon, which set the stage for the first two weeks of August. Mars — the ruler of the fourth house (Mother Earth/the land) — was rising in fiery Leo and in opposition to Saturn in the seventh house. This is called Agni Maruti Yoga, in which Saturn (the wind) is fanning the flames of Mars. This Agni Maruti combination was repeated by Rahu in Aries, which acts like a combination of Saturn and Mars, simultaneously aspecting Mars, Venus, and Mercury in the all-important first house of the Supermoon chart for Hawaii.
As I understand it, multiple fires are still burning in Maui (and also on the Big Island). Mother Nature is unbelievably fierce and shockingly unpredictable at times, and perhaps more intensely so in Hawaii and other vulnerable island chains.
The button below gives access to a list of organizations accepting donations for emergency efforts in Maui. Links attached to the organization names will lead directly to the donation checkout pages:
August 12 to 16: Balsamic Moon - Time to Look Within and Recharge
The Balsamic Moon phase will begin on August 12. This phase kicks off when the transiting Moon moves to a position 45 degrees behind the Sun. The Crescent Moon will be about 13% illuminated on August 12, and will continue losing light over the next 3-4 days during its waning cycle that leads up to the New Moon of August 16.
The Balsamic Moon phase 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 prepare for new beginnings that will begin at the culmination of the New Moon. We may feel more tired than usual during the Balsamic lunar phase, and healing or spiritual practices performed at this time may be especially supportive.
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. The inferior conjunction of Venus is also referred to as the “New Venus.”
Inferior conjunction: Venus between Sun and Earth August 13. Thank you to EarthSky.org for the above image.
The inferior conjunction or New Venus always occurs midway through the Venus retrograde period. It will occur on August 13 this year:
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)
The New Venus is a time for metaphorically sowing new seeds related to our values, desires, and priorities. During the three weeks following the inferior conjunction, we may slowly start to become aware of any new changes stirring within. Then, the midpoint of the 584-day Venus cycle will occur next June 2024, when the superior (or exterior) conjunction of Venus will occur on the far side of the Sun. This is sometimes called the Full Venus, which marks a culmination and turning point related to whatever was established at the New Venus.
August 16: New Moon in Cancer and Ashlesha Nakshatra - Adhika Masa Ends and the Sacred Month of Shravan Begins
On Wednesday, 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 yet another trigger for some unrest, unexpected events, calamity, or eruptions.
On a more upbeat note, 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 (extra) 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 and 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 neutralizing and releasing them.
August 17 to September 17: The Sun’s Transit in Leo - A Vibrant Time of Year
The Sun will enter Leo the Lion on Thursday, August 17 at 4:02 AM EDT (8:02 AM UTC), and will remain here until Sunday, 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 Leo, 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.
August 18 to October 3: Mars Will Transit in Virgo - Testing Our Limits and our Patience
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 discord. 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.
May there be peace in the higher regions; may there be peace in the firmament;
may there be peace on earth.
May the waters flow peacefully; may the herbs and plants grow peacefully;
may all the divine powers bring unto us peace.
The supreme Lord is peace.
May we all be in peace, peace, and only peace; and may that peace come unto each of us.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti! Peace! Peace! Peace! (Vedas, trans. Raimundo Panniker)
My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the tragic wildfires in Hawaii.
Thank you so much for all you do to explain everything. I'm always learning from your posts. I had no idea about Hawaii's other wildfires and I didn't know about the "New" venus either. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge <3
Thank you for sharing!