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The landscape changes and the environment heats up as Mars enters emotional Cancer and Mercury enters diplomatic Libra on August 25. They are sensitive and touchy as they immediately square each other. Venus escapes into Leo on August 26 only to run into a quincunx from intense Pluto. And even though she is in charge of the entertainment, everyone else is running the show as Mars reaches an opposition to powerful Pluto, and Mercury squares Pluto the same day.

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. Pay 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.

Past Issues of The Stars This Week