Weekly Horoscope: August 4-10, 2015

This week, the Full Moon illuminates a strong sense that destiny is calling—but we’re unsure if we should answer.

Monday dawns with the Moon in adventurous, freewheeling Sagittarius. It makes no aspects to hinder it, so we may feel hampered if chained to a desk or performing mundane tasks. Also calling to us is a rare quintile aspect—often associated with creative innovation and genius—between forward-thinking, revolutionary Uranus is Gemini and the north node (destiny, collective and personal) in soulful Pisces.

Early this week, it’s important to block off time to pause and reflect on themes like higher purpose or social responsibility, and what we have to contribute. Communicating our thoughts, be it through words, writing or art, even if only in a journal, is key.

On Tuesday afternoon, Luna shifts into industrious Capricorn. It forms challenging aspects to Uranus, Saturn and Uranus, making for a tense and frustrating day. We may find ourselves having to respond quickly to unreasonable requests from those in authority, with little or no grounding in common sense.

Wednesday, August 6, marks Mars’ entry into gracious, sociable Libra at 7:23 pm EDT.  Ordinarily, this is a challenging placement, as Mars is all about independent action in the moment while Libra wants to weigh all options and consult. Downside: This transit can bring periods of indecision or social stalling, and an inability to confront difficult situations or people. Upside: it invites us to explore more tact and grace to avoid conflict, and make positive efforts to resolve same. For the next six weeks, Mars in Libra can help us work cooperatively with others toward a common goal, especially one-on-one.

Things don’t get off to a good start for Mars, as on Thursday it forms a fractious semisquare with the Sun in Leo. Be on the lookout much of the day for disagreeable, irritable people. Avoid situations with the potential for conflict, if you can. A big shift come evening as the Moon enters Aquarius, forming easygoing aspects conducive to socializing and sharing ideas.

The agreeable trend continues into Friday, with excitement building. Mars now opposes stern Saturn, ordinarily an aspect that limits our movement and initiative and brings obstacles and delays. But instead of frustration and delays, Mars’ concurrent trine to Uranus brings creative solutions. Making changes to old routines or taking a risk can pay off now. We’re able to explore new horizons while also being responsible and visionary.

More importantly, over the next few days, Mars will act as a triggering mechanism for other aspects already in play. For together, several planets are forming a special alliance to provide a very special opportunity to access some of the most positive and potent energies this year. The red planet forms a grand trine with Uranus (innovation, genius) in Gemini and Pluto (deep transformation) in Aquarius. Mars’ additional contact with Saturn (structure, foundations), Neptune (vision, spirituality) provides the catalyst for creative change in a big way.

This energy carries into the potent Full Moon in Aquarius on Saturday at 3:55 am EDT. This lunation shines forth in Aquarius, the zodiac sign synonymous with collective evolution and the courage to stand apart and for something. It opposes the Sun in Leo, which is all about coming from the heart and radiating joy and leadership. This one, carrying the above aspects, is an exceptional time in which to ditch old expectations and reclaim your individuality, and to realign with your heart and creativity.

Full Moons bring things to light. If you’ve been longing for clarity about your life direction or important issues, you may feel as if you are, at long last, stepping out of the fog. For this celestial event invites us to awaken our inner rebel and reconnect with our people of like mind. And to do it all with love and compassion, dusting off big, even audacious dreams, long consigned to the “for later” pile. It’s also about creativity and connection, and promises an epiphany both personal and profound.

But while important realizations will be made, the time is not quite right to act on them. For both the Sun and Moon form inhibiting aspects to Saturn, Neptune and Mars. It’s important to resist negativity and pessimism. Adding to any confusion, Mercury is still retrograde. But take heart: the planet goes direct in Leo next Monday. This green lights speaking our truth with confidence—and a little flair. Going forward, we can access greater confidence to celebrate our unique voice and vision, and perhaps express it more dramatically and impactfully. The way lies clear towards the highest future.