Planetary Energies for August 20 to 26, 2012

NorthPoint
Astrology Journal
by Pam Younghans
Photo: Aurora display on August 18 just north of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Photo by Matt Melnyk)

THERE ARE TIMES when the old ways no longer suffice. Pluto and Uranus are making sure that we become aware of those old ways and their insufficiencies. This theme is at the heart of many of the changes we have been experiencing this year.

Pluto and Uranus are not represented strongly this week in the "highlighted aspects" list -- but we are already starting to feel the effects of the second Pluto-Uranus square, which will be exact on September 18. As we work with this energy over the next six to eight weeks, we will be taking another step (leap?) forward, divorcing ourselves from old patterns and situations that have proven to be restrictive and disempowering. In their place, we are encouraged to embrace individual freedoms (Uranus in Aries) and personal empowerment (Pluto in Capricorn) in greater and deeper ways.

OVER THESE NEXT few weeks, I'll be watching (and writing about) the times when the other planets interact with Pluto and Uranus, since these interactions may provide some important clues as to our next steps in the liberation and empowerment process.

This coming week, the primary interaction is on Monday (August 20), when the Moon squares Pluto (10:00am PDT) and the opposes Uranus (11:25am PDT). The Moon moves so quickly, the clues may be subtle and fleeting -- but if we pay attention, we may become aware of some essential insights that will help guide us in the weeks ahead.

THE SUN enters Virgo on Wednesday this week. This is our astrological indicator that the current season (summer in the north, winter in the south) is drawing to a close. While the Sun has been in Leo for the past four weeks, the emphasis has been on what brings us creative satisfaction, and we've been encouraged to lighten up and play more. For many, it's been hard to motivate ourselves to do work, especially the type of work that is routine and methodical.

Now, with the Sun moving into practical Virgo, there is a subtle shift. We gradually turn our energies and intentions toward the work that needs to be done, and are supported in doing the tasks that help us feel worthwhile and useful.

HOWEVER, with Neptune opposing the Sun on Friday, the end of the week is not the best time to try to get much done on a practical level. It will likely be hard to focus on the task at hand, and we may miss a few details even if making an extra effort to be conscientious.

We might call Friday a "mini-Mercury-retrograde" type of day. Settling down to do the day's work may be difficult, and daydreaming can get in the way of getting our work done. But, those same imaginings may also provide inspired visions that we can implement later -- if we remember to write them down before the wisps disappear into nothingness.

MARS also changes signs this week, leaving conciliatory Libra after spending seven weeks in that sign. Beginning on Thursday, Mars will be in fearless Scorpio, inspiring each of us to take action based on our passions and instinctive reactions.

This placement of Mars can be very cathartic for those who have felt unable to act on their truth -- especially if they have held themselves in out of fear of creating a disruption in relationships or even just risking another person's displeasure. As Mars traverses Scorpio for the next six weeks, we will become increasingly motivated by how our gut responds, and less by what our minds may be telling us is appropriate or acceptable.

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: For additional ponderings, please visit http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments! To Subscribe to the NorthPoint Journal: If you have been forwarded this issue of my NorthPoint Astrology Journal and would like to receive it directly every week, please click here. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage, fill out the subscription form, and click on Submit. To request a personal astrology reading, please e-mail Pam at pam@northpointastrology.com. Or, see the "Readings" page at www.northpointastrology.com to learn more. Please feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2012. All Rights Reserved.