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Transits

August, 2009

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:

--Free Samples: Inner Healing Reading, Sexual Soul Mates Reading, Career Path Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Pets by the Signs, Why the Signs Can't Sleep, Yoga by the Elements
** All about Virgo
** Your Starcast for August 22 to September 21
** Astrolesson: Money, Work and Career: The Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses

August: 22: Sun enters Virgo

Virgo's interesting mix of practicality and idealism make its natives some of the most successful people in the world. During this solar period, you are able to utilize this ability to hone in on your dreams with laser-like focus. The analytical prowess of this sign will help you determine what is worth spending your time on and what you should cut loose. Because this is such a productive period, by the time the Sun finishes its travel through Virgo on September 21, all your efforts and hard work will be rewarded!

As the Sun shines a big spotlight on all things Virgo, your thoughts naturally turn to your desire to become healthier. Hopefully you exercise, eat a healthy diet and tend to your emotional and spiritual health -- at least most of the time! Our free sample Inner Healing reading reveals what the stars have to say about your well-being.

Although some accounts of Virgo would have you believe that they are all researchers, librarians and clean-freaks - nothing could be farther from the truth! Many of the world's most beautiful, sexy people are born under the sign of the Virgo Virgin. In fact, we profile the gorgeous Virgo Beyonce in this issue of Monthly Highlights. In honor of her and sexy Virgos everywhere, we offer you a free sample Sexual Soul Mates reading where you will uncover you and your lover's deepest desires.

Virgos may be sexy, but they are also very hard workers. It seems they are born with an inner contentiousness. But these days, even people with a great work ethic may need to explore career alternatives. Check out a free sample Career Path reading to help you take control of your destiny.

Beyonce, born September 4, 1981 in Houston, Texas, exhibits all of the hard-working traits of her sign. Plus, she is, as many of her sign-mates are, more modest than most celebrities. To make up for her less assuming personality, she created an alter ego named 'Sasha' to help showcase her more flamboyant self. And the world has benefited! Happy Birthday, Beyonce! You have already accomplished so much for your young years! We are looking forward to seeing your next chapter! See what the stars have to say about Beyonce and other gifted Virgos in our Celebrity Section!

Have you ever met a Virgo that was pet-less? Sure, they're out there - but they're hard to find! While many favor more traditional pets like cats and dogs, others are in love with their iguanas or pigs! An Aquarius might prefer an unusual pet while Cancers tend to stay loyal to the animal that was their favorite childhood pet. In Pets by the Signs, find out what animal is a good fit for your Sun sign.

What is the saying? A time to work and a time to rest! As hardworking as Virgos are, every one of them needs to be reminded to get enough sleep. As satisfying as multitasking can feel, too little sleep can interfere with ambitious plans. Each Sun sign has its own sleep-glitches. What keeps you awake? Not enough sheep to count? Check out Why the Signs Can't Sleep for some fun facts about what each sign is obsessing about when they are wide-eyed when the lights are out.

What do you do to stay in shape? Exercise helps to maintain great health, but sometimes it's hard to get off the couch after a long workday! It seems like every city these days offers yoga classes, which provides such a great way to become physically stronger as well as gaining wonderful mental, emotional and spiritual benefits! Did you know that the element of your Sun sign has special information for you to help you reap the benefits of yoga? Check out Yoga by the Elements and perfect your temple pose!

Happy Birthday to all you Virgos! You inspire us to work harder and achieve more. You are the perfect role model for how to advance in the world. Let your favorite Virgo know just how much you appreciate them by sending a free astrological e-card!

** All about Virgo

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 in 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.

** Your Starcast for August 22 to September 21

As the Sun enters analytical Virgo, you'll be able to accomplish more during this solar period than any other time. But you'll need to watch for twists and turns, because the aspect patterns are quite complicated now. Get ready for intense negotiations when warrior Mars enters emotional Cancer and Mercury enters lets-agree Libra on August 25. The square between Mars and Mercury on the same day is a bit cantankerous. Venus enters Leo on the 26th and forms a quincunx on the same day. Even though you would love a festive atmosphere, it's just not in the cards Ð or planets! Mercury squares Pluto and Mars opposes Pluto at the same time, and that much intensity and disagreement will dominate any occasion. Stay out of the fray if at all possible. Because Mercury is moving at a snail's pace getting ready to turn retrograde, the challenging square to Mars on September 3 continues to dominate all interactions. That sensitivity is heightened with the full Moon in Pisces on September 4. Them, Mercury turns retrograde on September 6 and you'll go back over discussions and negotiations that have been going on since August. Powerful Pluto turns direct on September 11, adding to the intensity of this time period. On September 12 when Saturn and Neptune form a quincunx aspect, it's time to get clarity on the difference between your fantasies and your dreams. Saturn opposes Uranus on September 15 with a message: Change! The Sun joins this opposition with a conjunction to Saturn and an opposition to Uranus on September 17. Then, get ready to work hard and immerse yourself in Virgo themes as retrograde Mercury returns to Virgo on September 17, followed by a new Moon in Virgo on the 18 and Venus entering Virgo on September 20. By the end of that week, you should be a Virgo expert! Finally, Mercury joins the Saturn-Uranus opposition with a conjunction to Saturn on September 22, ending this solar period on a serious note.

August: 22: Sun enters Virgo

Do you have a dream or a goal you want to achieve? Perhaps you invented a better mousetrap or have ideas to help make the world a better place. As the Sun leaves dramatic Leo and enters earthy Virgo, you're ready to focus your energy; you are ready to accomplish something. This sign, with its beautiful blend of idealism and practicality shows up strongly in the charts of entrepreneurs. These traits help you concentrate on the important matters and leave behind what doesn't matter. Decide what you would like to accomplish, write down your goals and then set them in motion. Virgo reminds us that dreams are attainable when you roll up your shirtsleeves and commit to them.

August 25: Mars enters Cancer

As warrior Mars put his energy into protective, sensitive Cancer, your actions are very much influenced by your emotions and desires for safety and security.ÊPay attention to your feelings, instincts and hunches as you move forward with your projects and plans. Don't act on anything that doesn't feel right, but watch out for oversensitivity and a tendency to over react.

August 25: Mercury enters Libra

When communicative Mercury enters peacemaker Libra, you look for areas of agreement and shy away from conflict. Usually. Because the atmosphere this week is intense, the climate is not fabulous for making agreements. If you're one of those people who can get even mortal enemies to sit down and smoke the peace pipe -- step up! The world needs you. For the rest, keep in mind that your words and actions carry a lot of weight right now, so think carefully before you tangle-up with anyone.

August 25: Mercury squares Mars

Because Mercury is moving slowly and will turn retrograde next week, this aspect is stronger and more lasting than it would be normally. Keep an eagle-eye out for people who are itchy to start a fight. While Mars in Cancer is emotionally driven, Mercury in Libra's motto is fairness. Should you consider other people's needs, or do what you feel is right for you? This in an argumentative aspect that shows people are quick to jump into the fray. Don't bonk people over the head with your point of view. Knowing when to step up or to the side is a talent to put to use now!

August 26: Venus enters Leo and quincunxes Pluto

If it weren't for the quincunx to Pluto and the atmosphere of the Mercury-Mars-Pluto energy, Venus in Leo would be a perfect time to throw a party! But now, the fun-quotient of this placement is overridden. Think of it like this: as you are setting the stage for a fabulous event, people with long-held grudges enter the room and dominate everyone's attention. They are noisy and intense and insistent. Do yourself a favor and throw a party for one: You!

August 26: Mercury squares Pluto and Mars opposes Pluto

This aspect -- a 'T-square' -- occurs when a planet squares two planets, one on each side. Think of it as three people or groups who don't agree on much. With Mercury in I-want-fairness Libra, Mars in I-want-to-be-safe-and-secure Cancer, and I'm-in-charge Pluto in ambitious Capricorn, watch for a war of words or actions when the issues of power and control arise. This is a power struggle of some kind. Instead of becoming embroiled in the rhetoric, why not side-step the bullies of the world and take the power of this aspect and use it to do something helpful for yourself and humankind.

September 3: Mercury square Mars

Mercury is moving at a snail's pace as it gets ready to turn retrograde, so the challenging square to Mars continues to dominate all interactions. The urge to act rashly is strong and you would do well to count to 10 before you put something in motion that you will regret. This is the kind of aspect that divides the boys from the men, the girls from the women and the mature from the immature.

September 4: Full Moon in Pisces

Put on your armor as the emotional full Moon occurs in thin-skinned Pisces. You are now receiving information from people and from the environment that relate to what you set in motion during the last new Moon in dramatic Leo on August 20. Add to the mix a slow Mercury square volatile Mars and you have all of the ingredients for people acting without thought. No matter how important something seems, step back and assess with a cool head. Make a point of connecting with your spiritual self -- watch a sunset, meditate or listen to a beautiful piece of music.

This full Moon will most affect those born September 2-6, December 3-7, March 1-5 and June 1-5.

September 6: Mercury turns retrograde

Communicative Mercury entered let's-be-fair Libra on August 25. Now, with this change in direction, you have the opportunity to review your agreements and conversations from the last three weeks. Because of the Libran desire to avoid conflict, you may have agreed to something that didn't sit quite right and now, especially with the current square to Mars, you may be more than ready to speak up. While it is important to be true to your thoughts and beliefs, the way you act is also important. Use the Libra charm and sociability to make things right with you and others. That way, the decks will be cleared when Mercury turns direct on September 29.

September 11: Pluto turns direct

When Pluto turned retrograde last April 4, it was time to review your life plan. Whether you are seeking a new job, looking to relocate or searching for the partner of your dreams, how you go about getting what you want is just as important as the goal itself. Make sure you act in a way that makes you proud. Now, as Pluto turns direct in achievement-oriented Capricorn, you are ready to implement an action-plan.

September 12: Saturn quincunx Neptune

Saturn represents building; Neptune represents dreaming. Some of us are good builders; some of us are good dreamers. Globally and personally, these two energies are having a serious conversation right now. And you are in the process of getting clearer about the difference between your fantasies and dreams. This aspect reminds you of the importance of making appropriate adjustments in your long-term planning as new information becomes available. Ask yourself what you are willing to work hard for and let go of any flimsy fantasies.

September 15: Saturn opposite Uranus

This month brings the latest installment of the Saturn/Uranus opposition message that has been in place since November 2008. While Saturn represents rules and responsibilities, Uranus is all about change. Maintaining a balance between those areas of your life where you are working hard to build something substantial and remaining flexible and open to the changing currents has been essential. While the whole world grapples with building within the midst of change, your birth chart shows you the areas where your tightrope walk is occurring. Your challenge: build upon your experiences while also being open to change.

September 17: Sun opposite Uranus and conjunct Saturn

The Sun's connection with the Saturn/Uranus opposition emphasizes the build-something-change-something theme. Watch out for someone or an event that moves you out of your normal everyday routines. Align yourself with the one who has the authority and clout to help you. As the Sun joins with serious Saturn and opposes innovative Uranus, you are challenged meet your responsibilities within a changing environment. You should be used to this by now!

September 17: Mercury re-enters Virgo

Are you ready to make significant improvements in your life? Every action is preceded by an idea and with the communicator planet returning to this hardworking sign, you will come up with plenty of ideas! Mercury in uber-analytical Virgo is like putting a hamster that has had a long nap and a snack on an exercise wheel. If you listen carefully, you'll hear that whirring sound as your mind receives a mental workout! Write down some of those brilliant thoughts so you can put them to use later after Mercury turns direct on September 29.

September 18: New Moon in Virgo

Any new Moon in Virgo is considered to be a hardworking Moon and one that gives you plenty of energy to accomplish something that is meaningful to you. This particular new Moon aligns with serious Saturn giving an added emphasis to the value and rewards that are obtained from putting in plenty of elbow grease. Use this time to hone in on what you want to achieve. Infuse your goals with this lunar energy to help you organize and implement projects that are the most important to you.

This new Moon will most affect those born September 16-20, December 15-19, March 14-18 and June 15-19.

September 20: Venus enters Virgo

With the love planet entering earthy Virgo, put your starry-eyed self on the shelf and turn your attention to the more practical facets of your important relationships. What can you do to contribute to your partner's happiness? Whether you take over the laundry chores, schedule a couples' massage, or bring more nutritious food into the house, the well being of your partner and the relationship itself is emphasized as Venus travels though this efficient and health-conscious sign.

Enjoy the Sun's transit through Virgo!

** Astrolesson: Money, Work and Career: The Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses

In today's economy, many people are thinking about income, work and career. In astrology, these important areas of life are represented by the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses. Whether you are looking for work or would like to earn more money, information from these houses in your natal chart can help steer you in the right direction, the one that promises the most success. The Second House is the house of income, and planets located in this house in your birth chart say something about how you make money and how you go about contributing to your material stability. Mercury in the Second House can describe a person who derives their income from communicating, such as working in journalism or education. The Sixth House is the house of work, but not career. It describes your day-to-day work, your routines and schedules and your coworkers and employees. This house describes your work environment and planets here have something to say about your work relationships and how you approach your work. If Saturn is located here in your natal chart, you may prefer a structured work environment. Neptune can show that you are empathetic to employees' problems. The Tenth House represents public identity: your worldly status, reputation, vocation or career. This house represents how the world sees you and how you impact the world. Someone who has many planets in the Tenth House will put a lot of energy into advancing their career. Planets in Sagittarius can show a person in the travel industry while Pluto can describe an individual likes to be in charge. Whether you are at the beginning of your career-life or are looking for new money-making opportunities, these three houses provide you with an invaluable roadmap that helps you chart your course and gives you that extra edge -- courtesy of the stars! Eager for more insight into the perfect gig for you? Check out our Career Section!