From Unsplash

When the moon disappears, we move into the New Moon, which is a part of the lunar cycle of the seasons. It’s a time when we can clearly see the stars that illuminate the darkness with their stories of ancient heroes. (Many planets will move into retrograde by the end of August. It’s an important time to plan projects and actions for the next few weeks.)

The New Moon appears at 5:38 am ET on August 16, 2023. The chart is heavy with earth and fire—think of a volcano or the creation of new earth. Many aspects are found with Uranus, the planet of sudden change and the quantum field, which can give an impulsive feeling of restlessness or a breakthrough moment of gestalt understanding.

One of the more wonderful aspects of this chart is Venus Cazimi, which temporarily erases fear and limitation—and helps with finding feelings of success and self-confidence. Venus, like the New Moon, temporarily disappears for a few days as her path alters from the evening star to the time when she becomes the morning star.

Sun (life) and Moon (emotion) in Leo give boldness, power, and increase the desire to express the truth of the heart. Sun (life) conjunct Venus (relationships, love) encourages a focus on relationships, creativity, and abundance. It increases health and vitality. Moon (emotion) conjunct Venus (relationships, love) gives peaceful, harmonious emotions along with a desire to beautify the home and socialize. It also gives greater sensitivity to positive emotion.

Sun (life) and Moon (emotion) square Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) in Taurus. Sun square Jupiter emphasizes the need for moderation, focus on only a few projects, and balanced energy. Moon square Jupiter may bring an upbeat mood, but it’s important to restrain from excess socializing, overeating, and alcohol. Sun and Moon square Uranus, the planet of change. Sun square Uranus asks for an open mind while transitioning into a more uncertain reality. Often, there is a feeling of instability, making it an excellent time to break old habits and create new ones. Moon square Uranus affects our emotions, causing them to move between peaks and low points. It increases impulsiveness and limits patience with commitments.

Mercury (mind) in Virgo, an earth sign, is sharp and precise, exhibiting connection with the rational and creative mind. The mind handles details easily; it sees the world realistically. Mercury conjuncts Mars (assertion, male, overall energy), heightening communication and clear thought. Mercury trine Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) hints at the power of revising decisions and our path in life through the lens of spiritual expansion. Mercury trine Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) connects the personal mind with the cosmic mind, which can be inspirational and life changing—if we allow it. Mercury opposition Neptune increases the likelihood of mental confusion and problems with communication. Mercury trine Pluto (underworld, subconscious) provides resourcefulness, strength, and depth with communication.

Venus (love, relationships) in Leo, a fire sign, is retrograde, causing small problems and misunderstandings with love and limiting communication in relationships. Venus square Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) brings happy, optimistic thoughts and feelings. Venus square Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) can cause changeable emotions and upsets within relationships.

Mars (overall energy, assertion) in Virgo, an earth sign, can be critical and detail oriented. Mars trine Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) helps with overcoming problems and finding success. It often aids in seeing and visualizing a better future. Mars trine Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) gives a feeling of freedom, bringing new friendships and situations into life. Mars opposition Neptune (mysticism, illusion) may cause feelings of inadequacy and weakness, but it increases creativity. (Many aspects in this chart counteract these feelings.) Mars trine Pluto (underworld, subconscious) increases personal magnetism and helps with using our influence wisely.

Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) in Taurus conjuncts Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) brings a sensation of freedom, larger possibilities, and personal growth. Both planets are in Taurus, an earth sign, which involves physical form, nature, and the Earth.

Saturn (limitation, karma) is retrograde in Pisces, moving backwards over the problems experienced in the recent past. Uranus is in Taurus, an earth sign, and six planets aspect Uranus in this chart, which can cause upset, chaos, or deep realization.

Neptune (mysticism, illusion) is retrograde in Pisces, the water sign that represents the fish swimming in opposite directions. In this case, the placement can be said to symbolize the water or emotion of love—or the lower emotions of mass consciousness. Pluto is in retrograde in Capricorn, tracing backward over political and world events from the past.

Planet Retrograde

Currently, Venus (love, relationships), Saturn (limitation, karma), Neptune (mysticism, illusion) and Pluto (subconscious, transformation) are retrograde. In the next few weeks, Mercury (communications) and Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) will move into retrograde. Normally, we experience “planet” retrograde in early or mid-summer, but this year, it comes in late August and September. It’s wise to determine plans and actions before the last week of August.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path. If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.