The Stars This Week: August 13-19, 2012

Count on Yourself!

Venus, the relationship planet, opposes Pluto and squares Uranus on August 15. This is not the week to count on people, since this week's aspects bring a basic lack of cooperation. However, with a Mars-Saturn conjunction also occurring on August 15, this is a good week to count on yourself, take initiative when you can, and further your own ambitions and projects. Make sure you take advantage of the new Moon in Leo on August 17, since it highlights helpful aspects!

August 15: Venus opposes Pluto and squares Uranus
This aspect brings relationship tension, arguments and power plays, so you'll need to keep your wits about you in order to get along with people. As Pluto opposes Venus, powerful people -- or those to whom you have given power -- will challenge you. And with rebellious Uranus in the mix, you'll want to watch your tendency to be impulsive or rash. The ways you relate to others matter a great deal right now, and if you behave badly, you can count on having quite a mess to clean up. Help yourself by walking away from confrontations, unless you feel especially called upon to stand up for yourself!

August 15: Mars conjuncts Saturn
Saturn is quite the taskmaster in this pairing with energetic Mars. Meanwhile, Mars in Libra loves to invest in others, and depending on who wants your attention -- and why -- this can be good or bad. Saturn reminds you to keep your responsibilities in the forefront of your mind; it also reminds you that no job is worth doing if it isn't done well. This is a great time to roll up your sleeves and get something done, so take your time with all your endeavors. If you're the impatient type, you will be tested. Otherwise, you're likely to get more done now than you have all year!

August 17: New Moon in Leo
Shake off the relationship difficulties of a couple days ago, as you're now given plenty of opportunities when the bold new Moon sextiles the Mars/Saturn conjunction! If you're a creative person or have a wonderful idea you want to get out into the world, this is a perfect time to grab others' attention. Hard work pays big dividends now, so put in those extra hours! New Moons are always a great time to either start a project or take the next step with one you've already begun.