August Amalgamated ~ 30 July 2007

In the spirit of the astrological times and given that people feel pressured, rushed, creatively flat and succumbing to the silent pressures of the watchful eye/gun of timekeeper Saturn, this G. T. will fit that billing. Following are some bullet points of planets, patterns and galactic effects to get you through the dog days of summer should you be in the Northern Hemisphere, and through those three dog nights should you be in the Southern Hemisphere.

Between roughly the 4^th through the 7^th of August, Mars transits the spread of the Pleiades, which now extend into Gemini. This passage requires an excavation of those things that might have recently gotten under a person’s skin. Annoyances, frustrations and events that inspired sadness or a sense of a letdown need time to clear. Honoring the emotions that accompany a hectic time such as the one through which we all pass, do a body and spirit good.

On the 6^th Jupiter halts, turns and resumes direct motion. Before you holler “Hallelujah!” to praise the heavens, how about developing a plan of everything you’ll do as soon as the big guy changes course? Jupiter is our optimistic planning strategist. Review all the plans that didn’t track, contacts that could not be made and great ideas you didn’t have the time to polish since about the first week of April. Pick the ideas you still want/intend to pursue and direct them to the top of your post August 6^th docket with a dollop of renewed enthusiasm.

Granted, the above two tasks suggested require a ton of energy and effort. As August10^th through 14^th rolls around, Venus, back in self-oriented Leo, joins Saturn at the foot of the throne of the regal fixed star Regulus, standing across the sky from the talented and process-oriented black hole, Cygnus X-3. The unique Cygnus black hole system functions within a 4.8 hour orbital period. Venus wants what she wants. Saturn seeks to bring excellence into form and desperately aches to restore quality of life. Regulus reminds us to give ourselves the royal treatment - that is, the positive royal treatment, not the onslaught of critical review that can pop up like an annoying Internet ad, just when one is most busy planning vacations. The summary here reminds everyone to take mini-vacations if long term intervals of repose are not readily do-able. At least once a week, chill and do something fun for a time lasting no less than five hours at a shot. When pesky moods creep up, allow enough time - like five hours - to clear them out once and for all such that they do not dog you.

Come the 23^rd, Mars in Gemini opposes Jupiter, well on the move toward the Galactic Center and Pluto. Since Mercury also engages the lunar south node, how about a refresher class of “What have I learned?” going back into April. Repeat no actions that failed to produce optimal results. Then, with Mars in Gemini and provoked by Jupiter for more and to give all you’ve got, keep both hands on the wheel. Multitask does not mean watch the news, fix make up, send a fax, text message, chat on the mobile and down a brew all while behind the wheel. Multitasking suggests that one remain cogent of all important priorities, shift attentions as required and apply energy and intent as long as required for completion of the existing task.

As August wanes in number and the Sun slips into Virgo, Venus opposes Neptune on the 25^th, both bodies retrograding. A wistful review of how it’s supposed to turn out helps, especially if one can avoid regret in the reverie process. After all, Venus returns direct on September 8^th again opposes Neptune on the 20^th. Just in time for the balance of night and day - the equinox - Venus and Neptune step forward and issue inspired upgrades to all plans. ‘Tis the season to restore balance, after all.