posted August 22, 2005 04:16 PM            

August 22: Sun into Virgo
It's time to focus on details. While that may not sound like much fun at first, once the Sun really gets going on his path through meticulous, detail-oriented Virgo, you won't mind a bit. The best part of the Sun's trek through this sign is that we'll all acquire the ability to concentrate on the little things that can make or break any endeavor. The tough part is the fact that seeing those details so well can often make us inadvertently critical of both others and ourselves. The remedy is to keep busy and stay productive. Set reasonable goals, put them down on paper and cross them off as they're done. It's all about accomplishment now. Go get 'em!

August 25: Mercury square Mars
Back on the 13th, when Mercury was retrograde, it touched base with Mars. You'll remember that date because you probably had an argument -- or at least a less-than-pleasant encounter -- that turned out to be quite fiery and dramatic. You'll be tempted to do an instant replay of that same situation now, but don't. Put the issue to bed. You may not be able to handle it with anything less than serious fireworks, but if you're determined to end it, you'll pull it off.

August 30: Venus trine Neptune, Mercury trine Pluto
Four planetary players have conspired to bring you a day that's chock-full of good feelings, warm emotional exchanges and promises you won't have to worry about fulfilling. Loving Venus, dreamy Neptune, communicative Mercury and intense, forever-oriented Pluto have come together to form a team that's impossible to refuse. Needless to say, if you've got something to offer or accept, there's just no better time than the present.

September 1: Venus conjunct Jupiter
There's something about charming Libra that just can't be ignored, so when loving Venus and mighty, outgoing Jupiter come together in this sign, it's understandable that we mere mortals might suddenly not just insist on being with someone we love, but also make a spectacle of our feelings for that person. Yes, it's definitely time to give others their due in sweet Libran style -- but you can also expect to receive that same treatment in return, and every bit as graciously as you've extended it. Above all else, remember now that one small, honest compliment and an admiring glance can literally make someone's day. Or week. Or more.

September 3: New Moon in Virgo
Virgo has carried around a very heavy reputation for far too long. It's known for being picky, fussy and hard to please. That, however, is only one side of things. In truth, Virgo is simply concerned with perfection, and innately aware of how one tiny flaw can completely destroy even the most mighty, most powerful structures. Taken to the nth degree, that awareness of flaws can certainly become overly critical, but that's not ordinarily the case. Most often, Virgo is simply an expert at getting the job done right -- and we'll all be coming into some of that meticulous energy now. If you've been waiting to start a project, go for it!
This new Moon will most affect Virgos born September 2-6, Sagittarians born December 2-6, Pisces born February 29-March 3 and Geminis born May 31-June 3.

September 4: Venus sextile Pluto
This will undoubtedly be a week to remember, but it's the weekend that will be the best, as loving, sociable Venus will connect in an exciting sextile with intense, seductive Pluto. When these two get together, there's no doubt that being irresistibly drawn to someone will be on everyone's agenda. The question is whether you'll end up arguing with them or letting them know how much you adore them. Prepare yourself for a conversation that will be anything but boring -- something that will usher in either a solid beginning or an amiable ending to something that's been up in the air for far too long.

September 9: Mercury opposite Uranus
Talk about a day to remember! Communicative Mercury and startling Uranus will get together in an opposition, arguably one of the two most difficult aspects. This is the stuff that sudden, sometimes upsetting, communications are made of, and even complete strangers can easily end up on the receiving end. Of course, with the element of surprise so prominent, even if you know someone well, one or both of you may be prompted to impulsively confide something you never, ever thought you would. Go ahead. Make some coffee and share the news -- after you've extracted a solemn promise.

September 11: Venus into Scorpio
Venus is the ancient goddess of love. She's been the proud owner of the title for eons, and her astrological resume confirms how well deserved that reputation is. The sign Venus is currently wearing describes the influence she carries over one and all when it comes to who and what we love -- and how we do it. So as of today, when Venus will set off for a month-long trip through seductive and oftentimes jealous Scorpio, we should all expect to be especially possessive of who and what we love. Your primary urge will be to stand guard, and that can be a lovely compliment. But keeping a clear head for the duration (and not going overboard) wouldn't be a bad idea either.

September 13: Sun trine Mars
The Sun's trek through Virgo inspires us all to be especially particular about how we spend our time, who we spend it with and how we allow them to treat us. But let's not forget that Virgo is an earth sign, and every bit as comfort-oriented as its famously sensual cousin, Taurus, if not quite as bold. When the Sun connects with red-hot Mars, however, who just so happens to be wearing Taurus, it puts the heavens' two fireballs in quite the passionate mood -- and all bets are off. Needless to say, physical pleasures of every variety will entice you now. Don't even try to pretend you're not interested.

September 15: Mercury trine Mars
If you thought the beginning of the month was exciting, just wait until this weekend rolls around. As early as late Thursday, communicative Mercury will get into an easy trine with Mars, who just so happens to be the ancient god of war. Now, Mars has never been famous for compromise; but when Mercury and Mars are cooperating, what you've got is the potential for passionate, assertive conversations -- the kind that neither party will need to win. You'll both be far more intent on enjoying the excitement of communicating with an equally emphatic kindred spirit.

September 17: Full Moon in Pisces
Pisces and Virgo are an interesting pair. Pisces is concerned with the spiritual, ethereal side of life: basically, the intangibles. Virgo is all about daily life: the practical, concrete side. The beauty in the two, although they're opposite, is that they bring together the best of both worlds -- the balance that can only be found when inner and outer come together. That magical, silvery full Moon you'll see tonight when you cast your gaze toward the heavens will endow us all with the ability to find that balance, with just a little bit of effort. When you encounter a situation that asks for both practicality and intuition -- and you will -- take a moment to think about how best to solve it.
This full Moon will most affect Virgos born September 16-20, Sagittarians born December 15-19, Pisces born March 14-18 and Geminis born June 14-18.

September 20: Mercury enters Libra
Mercury is the messenger of the gods, often portrayed with wings on his feet and his head. Now think of Libra, a sign that's famous for being partner-oriented, cooperative and compromising. In a nutshell, when Mercury is in Libra (as he is now and where he'll stay until October 8), we're all far more willing to be nice to each other, to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and to extend and accept kindness and apologies. Now that you know, think of how you can make the best use of this respectful, affable influence.

Enjoy the Sun's transit of Virgo!