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Transits

August, 2008

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:
** Note from Astrology.com:
--Featured Readings: Sexual Soul Mates Reading, Numerology Personality Profile, Maya-Aztec Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Pets by the Signs, How the Signs take a Day Off, Ultimate Date Guide
** All about Virgo
** Your Starcast for August 22 to September 21
** Astrolesson: Sun signs and Self-Esteem

August 22: Sun enters Virgo

Virgo is a practical sign, yet bursts with idealism -- which is probably why so many entrepreneurs were born during the Sun's transit though Virgo! Use the industriousness of this sign to further your dreams and goals; whether you have a great idea for a new business, are heading back to school or making plans to help the world in some way, now is the time to get those plans in motion. Enough planning and talking! By the time the Sun finishes its trek through Virgo on September 21, make sure you have something to show for your efforts!

Although Virgos are well known for their hardworking attributes, you may not know that the world's most famous sex symbols populate the sign of the virgin more than any other! Richard Gere, Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch, Sean Connery, Shania Twain and Claudia Schiffer are all Virgos. Speaking of sex symbols, would you like to check out a hot and steamy reading? Find out about your deepest desires and connections between you and someone else in our Sexual Soul Mates Reading.

Although you may be used to looking at the planets for answers, numerology also provides an interesting analysis of your personality. Plus, it's fun to see what other systems can tell you about yourself. Our Numerology Personality Profile will give you amazing insights into your strengths, talents and opportunities!

Who hasn't heard about the date 2012 these days? The ancient Mayans had their own system, which turns out to have been amazingly accurate. Now is your chance to learn more about this remarkable astrology with a Maya-Aztec Reading, where you'll not only find out about the hidden forces that drive you, but also what dates are most important for you in the next five years!

Born September 8, 1979 just outside of Philadelphia, Pink excelled early in her life (in true Virgo fashion) performing in talent shows and, at 13-years-old, singing backup in a rap group. It didn't take long for this naturally gifted girl to be noticed. She loves to be in charge of her career (another hardworking Virgo trait) and her commitment has paid off with her wildly successful music career. Happy birthday, Pink! We love how you are your own person, and appreciate how conscientious you are. Read more about Pink and other Virgo hotties in our Celebrity Section!

Most Virgos love their pets. And how about you? Are you a cat person or do you prefer a dog's loyalty? Several other animal types are beloved pets as well, from iguanas to snakes to goats! Find out what animal is the best pet for you in Pets by the Signs!

Everybody -- even Virgos -- needs time away from work! What do you do on your days off? While an Aries can't sit still, a Taurus is content to lounge on the couch or putter away in the garden. We have activities that perfectly adhere to the desires of all 12 Sun signs. Check out How the Signs Take a Day Off to get some fabulous free-day ideas!

Now that you have some time off, how about getting astrological dating advice? Of course you want to start on the right foot, which means everything you know about that other person's Sun sign is going to help you know where to plan a sexy outing, when to make your move, how to navigate the perfect date. Well, lucky for you, we have the Ultimate Date Guide -- satisfaction guaranteed!

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through this month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting pathways and byways ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Sun Signs and Self-Esteem.

Happy Birthday to all you Virgos roaming the planet! Your practical yet idealistic approach to life inspires us all. Let a Virgo know just how much you care by sending them a free astrological e-card!

Virgo has been called picky and critical for far too long. Well, here's where it ends. This sign's certainly into details -- there's no doubt about that. But that doesn't mean that these idealistic, humble folks don't care about others; in fact, it really means that they care so much about helping everyone look, sound and be their best that they're willing to risk coming off as 'picky' or 'critical' to do it -- which is quite a generous sacrifice.

Truth be told, however, Virgo's good at sacrifice, and at making lemonade out of lemons. These extremely tender hearts are always willing to help, and their sharp focus allows them to take charge of even the toughest situation. So if you're a Virgo yourself, you know that when you're that good at grasping particulars, it's quite natural to see flaws -- hence that reputation for being nitpicky. But if it weren't for you, the rest of us would miss the trees for the forest, so don't ever let anyone put you down for your keen eye! We all need troubleshooters in our lives, people who are able to see the potential problems in a situation before they develop -- and that's definitely Virgo. So get out there and find one of these meticulous folks; enjoy a lesson in careful observation and tell your pal that their ability to appreciate minutiae really is precious.

When it comes to relationships, Virgo is as devoted as a sign can possibly be. These sincere souls are willing to do whatever it takes, whenever it's needed, to let their beloveds know just how dear they are. And if you're close to a Virgo, you can attest to the fact that they're the proud bearer of one of the keenest wits in the entire zodiac, thanks to that sharp eye and those quick, accurate comments. As a partner, this sign's as faithful as they come -- like all the earth signs. (Don't forget: Being earthy, after all, means that Virgo was given the gift of fully appreciating the sense of touch and the importance of closeness.) So don't hesitate to reach out and touch a Virgo you know and love -- and let them know how valuable they are to you.

Learn more about analytical and dedicated Virgo, or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not a Virgo? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Virgin might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

With the Sun's entrance into idealistic Virgo, this is the perfect time to make significant headway on your dreams and plans for the future. As Mercury transits into Libra on August 28, and Venus enters the same sign on August 30, love is definitely in the air! Then, a new beginning and a new Moon in practical Virgo remind you to keep your work projects on your radar screen. The Virgo Sun conjuncts serious Saturn on September 3 and forms a supportive trine to Jupiter in ambitious Capricorn on September 4, indicating that influential people are ready to help you ... if you work hard! Watch out that you don't over commit when Mars squares Jupiter turning direct on September 7. Jupiter in Capricorn trines Saturn in Virgo on September 8, and people are ready to support your goals. Make sure you make an empowered presentation since Pluto turns direct on September 8 while remaining flexible with the Sun's opposition to Uranus on September 12. You're feeling hypersensitive at the full Moon in Pisces on September 15, so try not to over react to anything. Carve out some alone time to contemplate the state of the world.

August 22: Sun enters Virgo

It's time to get serious as the Sun enters Virgo, a sign that is earthy yet quite idealistic. Get a sense of your schedule and assess how you can streamline your day to heighten efficiency -- but don't over analyze! This is the sign and the time when you can make significant headway on your dreams. Whether you're preparing to go back to school or planning a new venture, use the great work ethic of the Sun's transit through Virgo and you'll make significant progress.

August 28: Mercury enters Libra

Communicative Mercury's entrance into sweet Libra brings a desire to avoid conflict. See where you can come together instead of disagree. This transit is all about cooperation, making this a great time to sign agreements, invite your friends over for a laidback evening or perhaps write a letter of appreciation to your parents for all they've done for you. Remember, everything you do comes back to you tenfold!

August 30: Venus enters Libra

Venus loves being in her own sign, so this transit brings sweetness to all of your encounters. It's time to focus on your similarities with others and put your differences aside. With Venus joining Mercury in a social air sign, you won't want to be alone. Make plans ahead of time. What a great transit to get together with friends or call the babysitter and schedule a date-night. Since both Venus and Libra have an eye for what's beautiful, this is a perfect time to visit your local art museum, plant flowers in your garden or even join an anti-graffiti campaign and paint a mural!

August 30: New Moon in Virgo

A new Moon in practical yet idealistic Virgo gives you plenty of energy to accomplish something that's meaningful and inspiring. All new Moons represent a fresh cycle, so this is a good time to hone in on what you want to achieve. As you think of a project, dream or goal that you want to infuse with this lunar energy, allow it to help you organize and implement those projects that are the most important to you.

This new Moon will most affect those born August 28-September 1, November 27-December 1, February 25-March 1 and May 26-30.

September 3: Sun conjunct Saturn

With the Sun and Saturn both in Virgo, this is a hardworking conjunction! You can make great progress now, so get out a pen and paper and make a list of your skills to decide where you want to direct this formidable energy. Any conjunction marks a new beginning, and if you apply yourself with this one you'll make great strides -- so get busy!

September 4: Sun trine Jupiter

Are you involved in a worthy cause or do you have a big project that you want to move forward on? Whenever optimistic Jupiter gets close to turning direct (it will do so on September 7), it does so in a supportive trine to the Sun. The Capricorn ambitiousness of Jupiter's placement and the analytical powers of the Virgo Sun provide everything you need to advance yourself. This is a great time to form beneficial partnerships and invest in cooperative ventures.

September 7: Mars square Jupiter; Jupiter turns direct

Feisty Mars traveling through Libra invests its energy in relationships and has a lot to say about the benefits of peace. Yet diplomatic it's not! Jupiter has been retrograde since May 9 and you've probably had to contend with delays in plans. For some of you, there have been significant lifestyle changes. Now it's time to regroup and move forward. With Mars squaring Jupiter, watch out for a tendency to overdo and over-commit.

September 8: Jupiter trine Saturn

Expansive Jupiter and conservative Saturn govern the social and economic world. In a supportive earth trine now with Jupiter in Capricorn, the sign of the builder, and Saturn in Virgo, the sign of the worker, you have all of the ingredients you need to improve your lifestyle tangibly. Make sure you take advantage by utilizing the individuals and agencies that are ready to backup your plans.

September 8: Pluto turns direct

Pluto turned retrograde for the first time in its new sign Capricorn last April 2, requiring that you take a thorough review of how and where you're building your powerbase. (Check your own chart for a specific location). On June 13, Pluto re-entered Sagittarius, and it became important to let go of beliefs that don't serve you anymore. These last few months have seen intensity and power issues ratchet up, and you may have felt that there was a lot at stake. Issues of ethics and morals dominated the dialogue. Now Pluto finally turns direct in this belief-driven sign, and it's time to take what you've learned about yourself and others and make good use of this turnaround time.

September 12: Sun opposite Uranus

If you have a rebellious streak, it will want to express itself with this dynamic aspect! If you are more conservative by nature, watch out for someone or an event that jars you out of your normal everyday schedule. Each year, at the midpoint of Uranus' retrograde period, we all get the chance to stand back and see if we're being true to ourselves. Change is inevitable, so make it good!

September 15: Full Moon in Pisces

It will be important to not overreact to anything with this full Moon (an emotionally heightened time anyway) in Pisces, the most sensitive sign of the zodiac. Add to the mix the rebellious-yet-innovative Uranus sitting next to the full Moon, and you have all of the necessary ingredients to upset the applecart. Expect to hear about or experience situations having to do with health issues. This is a great time to make changes that will make you feel healthier, happier and more emotionally content. Importantly, get some alone time and slow down. Connect with your spiritual self; watch a sunset, meditate or listen to some beautiful music.

This full Moon will most affect those born March 11-15, June 11-15, September 13-17 and December 12-16.

September 20: Sun square Pluto

What do you need to let go of? With the Sun in work-oriented Virgo, and Pluto in ethical Sagittarius, you may be challenged in your work environment. Is someone playing the heavy? One of the most important questions you may need to ask yourself now is if you believe in what you're doing.

September 21: Mars trine Neptune

Mars is the planet of action; Neptune represents dreams and ideals. Both Mars in Libra and Neptune in Aquarius are considered to be quite idealistic, and in this harmonious aspect the world is receptive to your ideas and inspirations. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Open up to the possibilities.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Virgo!

The Sun as the center, as the 'engine,' as the centralizing creative force and expression of the individual, operates powerfully in the horoscope. All planets in the birth chart refer back to the Sun. If the Sun is not strong, with the owner of the chart emphasizing the strengths of the Sun sign qualities, the individual's self-esteem tends to suffer as a result.

Each sign that the Sun occupies has traits that can increase your confidence, as well as those that decrease confidence and self-esteem. It is up to you how you express these qualities, and it's you who will benefit from making sure that you include the best of what your Sun sign has to offer.

For example, Aries Sun-sign people are known for being action-oriented, taking risks and possessing a pioneering instinct. Examples are Aries Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees, Gloria Steinman's leadership in the movement for women's equality, Quentin Tarentino's innovative style of filmmaking, and Al Gore's advocacy work to help the planet.

But Aries also is a sign that has in its toolkit the traits of impatience, anger and the inability to stay involved after initial interest has waned. Whenever an Aries displays the former qualities, self-esteem and confidence are high. The latter expressions reduce a feeling of well-being.

Staying with this example, a strong, confident Aries Sun gives the planets in the chart a central theme to orbit. Communication through Mercury will be clear, action through the Mars will be decisive, and relating through Venus will be receptive to the needs of others.

If the Sun is 'wobbly' (poor self-esteem), communication is ineffective, action is purposeless and relating is selfish.

Look through the positive and negative traits of your Sun sign and make a vow to yourself today to put your best foot forward and leave the negative traits behind. You'll not only open up energy and creativity, but the world will respond to you in a positive way. And that, in turn, is very nice for you and your confidence level!

Learn more about your Sun sign in Sun Sign Central.