The Stars This Week: August 6-12, 2012

Connect!

You can make wonderful connections this week, but just realize that you'll do it amidst a climate in which not everything is revealed. First, Venus enters sensitive Cancer on August 7, when an open heart strengthens your relationships. Later that same day, Mercury turns direct, a transit that enables you to think straight and get a plan together! August 9 brings romance when the planet of personal love, Venus, trines Neptune, the planet of spiritual love. Finally, don't take anything at face value when Mercury quincunxes Neptune on August 11.

August 7: Venus enters Cancer
Venus finally enters a new sign! The love planet entered its previous sign, communicative Gemini, on April 3, then turned retrograde in Gemini on May 15 before turning direct on June 27. Its long transit through Gemini should have straightened out some of your relationships ... and made you seriously question the viability of others. Now you're ready to enter the emotional waters of Cancer, so listen to your intuition and feelings. Reach out to people you love as you try to connect with others you'd like to get to know. An open heart strengthens the bonds of love and brings opportunities to meet new people.

August 7: Mercury turns direct
Mercury turned retrograde in proud Leo on July 14, within a day of Uranus also turning retrograde in Aries. Whatever surprise, disruption or events that shook you out of your ruts and routines at that time, you've had a little over three weeks to navigate through situations requiring your attention. Misunderstandings, communication breakdowns and technical glitches have tested you during this time, so it's been important to gather information and fully inform yourself of all your options. Now you have an opportunity to take everything you've learned and use it to create not only a more sustainable foundation, but a clearer path toward your goals. So, take a deep breath! Your new insights will help get your best ideas out into the world and create supportive relationships.

August 9: Venus trines Neptune
Venus in nurturing Cancer now forms a lovely romantic trine with spiritual Neptune, bringing sensitive and gentle energy -- and making it easier to open your heart and show your true loving side. Put away your troubles today so you may enjoy the beauty and magic that accompanies this supportive aspect!

August 11: Mercury quincunxes Neptune
Mercury in bold Leo seems so confident, yet with this quincunx to nebulous Neptune, it's best to not take everything at face value; indeed, there's plenty going on behind the scenes. You'll do best today if you keep your own counsel, don't spread gossip and delay making important decisions.