On July 22, the sun entered the dramatic, fire sign of Leo. Flamboyant, creative, dogmatic, and fixed, Leo people seek the limelight. For anyone with the sun in Leo, and, to a lesser degree, the moon or rising sign in Leo, the life journey is about finding one's purpose and identity through self-expression. While the sun travels through Leo in the middle of Summer, everyone has the possibility of being drawn into a spirit of fun, adventure, and playfulness.

Mystical rectangle highlights the creative power of our words

The first week in August brings us the opportunity to ground and stabilize after the lunar eclipse in July brought dramatic changes into our lives. A full moon in Aquarius, opposite the sun in Leo, occurs on August 3. With most of the planets arranged in a "mystical rectangle" aspect, this full moon has a particularly spiritual quality that brings a higher vibration, or higher octave of awareness. Spirit has been working with us for several months now, concerning the nature, power, and quality of our communication. During the first two weeks of August, the mystical rectangle, coupled with Venus and Jupiter appearing as morning stars, is holding open an energetic doorway that allows us to become vitally aware of the creative power of our words.

Changes in our work or career life

Mars, the dynamic planet of action, was released from its two-month long retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Sagittarius on July 19, and begins to gather some speed in August. The Mars retrograde period brought a time of reflection on the path we have taken with our work, or creative energy in the world. Under this transit, some of us have decided to make significant changes in our careers, while others have seen the need for minor adjustments, or refinements. All of us have been challenged by the Mars retrograde to look deeply at our motivations and guiding principles. The wisdom we have gained from this introspection can now be expressed in some tangible way through the work we do in the world.

A surge of energy follows the new moon.

A new moon in Leo on August 18 continues the theme of playfulness and brings a spirit of adventure as it forms a harmonious triangle with dynamic Mars in Sagittarius, making this is a good week to try something new and innovative, to take a risk, and to open to new possibilities. We can expect to experience a surge of energy and enthusiasm following the new moon, as it sets a new theme for the coming four weeks. If you have been ready for a change, this is the time to make it. Do be clear in your communications and agreements with others, however, as Mercury approaches a difficult aspect during the third week of August.

Virgo shows us what must be perfected.

The sun enters the earth sign, Virgo, on August 22, bringing a new context of experience for all of us. The last sign of the Summer season, Virgo brings us the bounty of the summer harvest, and begins to prepare us for the coming Autumn season. As we use the last thrust of Summer energy to fulfill our desires and stretch our imaginations into new possibilities, we need the analytical energy of Virgo to see what must be perfected in the creative process. On August 24, and 29, respectively, the planets Pluto and Chiron return to direct motion in Sagittarius, and join Mars in firing up our enthusiasm for new adventures. After months of retrograde (apparent backwards) motion in Sagittarius, these two planets bring us an awareness of the principles needed to guide our lives in these changing times.

Sun Signs for August 2001

ARIES - Deep restructuring and transformation of your belief systems leads you to important realizations. This is your month to bring your dreams and visions into reality. Imagine what brings you the most fun and pleasure, and aim your life in that direction.

TAURUS -Your characteristic caution and prudence in financial matters pays off this month, as you receive a substantial inheritance or return on an investment. You may now have a new vision for your career direction, or improving your home life.

GEMINI - A significant transformation in your love life, or with a partner, requires you to restructure your presence in the world. This month, you have many opportunities for creative self-expression that can be imbued with your spiritual ideals.

CANCER -Possibilities for increasing your financial well being are presented this month, and some of them will include a partner, or a partner's resources. Letting go of an old way of thinking, and opening to entirely new possibilities will improve your health.

LEO - Your long term goals are changing now as concerns with children, or a new creative impulse, takes your life in a new direction. Being clear about the lifestyle you want to create with a partner or mate helps to bring your vision into reality.

VIRGO -Where is your sense of joy and aliveness? August is your month to recuperate from too much work and strain. Avoid allowing career and business demands to overwhelm you, instead, do something fun, purely for pleasure.

LIBRA - Legal matters and moral or philosophical issues may create a strain in your communications. Becoming more aware of the intent behind what you say helps ease the situation. Creative time with children and artistic pursuits bring much pleasure this month.

SCORPIO - A transformation in your finances and home life brings many new possibilities and opportunities. This month, the need to work harmoniously in partnership is emphasized, and will bring mutually beneficial realization of dreams.

SAGITTARIUS - Your outlook on life continues to transform as you negotiate new terms or establish mutually acceptable boundaries with your mate or partner. Long distance travel, or new spiritual interests open new vistas and provides enlightening conversation.

CAPRICORN - As you financial dreams and goals begin to get actualized this month, you work with a partner to complete existing projects. You are letting go of an old way of life, and embracing a new set of values based on a spiritual realization.

AQUARIUS - A new friendship, partner, or lover enters your life, changing your perspective, and opening the way for an entirely new direction. It is important for you to clearly communicate your own needs and desires, and do not let fears hold you back. Trust your inner guidance.

PISCES - Changes in your work, or career direction give you much more flexibility in your daily life, but may require more focus at home. You can now devote more time to your artistic projects, or developing your inner, spiritual experience.

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Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.