Let's Talk About August 19th and Why This Month Has Felt So Difficult

It's More than Mercury Retrograde

Hey,

Are you ok? I know those plans that you thought you could move forward with didn’t quite work out. Or maybe shit really hit the fan and you’re tempted to burn everything to the ground but you can’t talk to anyone about it because you feel ashamed that you don’t have it together as much as everyone thinks. Maybe you really fucked up with a client, missed a deadline, or that important email you sent (or were expecting) got mysteriously lost in the ether.

If any of the above happened to you this month, you’re in good company. If we were playing Mercury Rx bingo, think I would have won. (What a cool idea for the future - maybe a new community feature. I’ll noodle on it.)

I usually thrive during Mercury retrograde periods, but this one is hitting me hard. Maybe because it’s occurring in my third house of communication, or maybe because of all the other big astrological events that are happening in the same timeframe, Either way, if you’re struggling - know that you are not alone.

However I don’t want to dismiss some really beautiful moments that I’ve experienced in the past two weeks:

• I did a reading for a dream client who I had been wanting to work with for quite some time, plus another dream client came into my world by complete synchronicity to beta test a new consulting service

• I came to the realization of what I actually “sell” and am partnering with a copywriter to help me capture that on my newly simplified website.

• I have been trying out Vibroacoustic therapy, which basically has the effects of taking a Xanax without having to take a Xanax.

• I’ve also come up with ideas for a brand new expanded offer suite which… as tempted as I am to launch now… I know needs to wait until September to fully be birthed into the world. (PS if you want a Business Strategy Reading, now is the time to book. They’re retiring at the end of the month).

So it hasn’t been all bad - but there certainly have been big “WHAT THE FUCK” moments to remind me that now is not the time to push anything or get attached to my ideas or the way things are.

Now, let’s look ahead.

I usually don’t “warn” about upcoming astrological events because I believe that our power to create our own reality can override “negative” astrological influences. However, sometimes we get tired of always *manifesting abundance* and pretending everything is fine. So I wanted to be real with you about what you may be feeling, why, and how long it will last.

In short, the rest of August will continue to feel volatile but we’ll be able to breathe again in September. My biggest piece of advice is to take Monday off.

The Events of August 19th

The Sun will be squaring (difficult aspect) Uranus right before we have a full moon in Aquarius (Uranus’s sign), then a few hours later Jupiter in Gemini (Mercury’s sign) will form an exact square with Saturn in Pisces, all while Mercury is in Retrograde in Virgo (also Mercury’s sign).

Deep breath. Don’t worry about the specifics, I just include it so you can start to see the patterns and layers and connections of the things that are happening.

Here’s what you might feel:

Let’s talk about the full moon in Aquarius, first.

This isn’t just any full moon - retrograding Mercury and Vesta (the asteroid of our deepest devotion) will also be playing a role in this full moon.

Aquarius is the visionary of the zodiac, urging us to think beyond conventional boundaries. This full moon will call us to innovate and connect with our communities. It will ask us to reflect on how we can let go of our ego and instead devote ourselves to the good of the whole. Are you playing the role you want to play in helping humanity move forward? If not, what’s stoping you?

Allow the answers to come to you.

Then with the extra layer of these other planetary bodies involved in this event, it’s going to be a massive cosmic nudge to look inward. Revisit past ideas or projects that align with your deepest desires. You know what I’m talking about - the things that have set your soul on fire, that you would have devoted your life to had your ego or external circumstances not got in the way.

Recognize what’s been keeping you from going after what it is you really want.

Recommit yourself to your purpose.

Reawaken your devotion to a cause.

Let go and allow your inner voice, and your heart, to guide you.

Jupiter Saturn Square

Jupiter and Saturn are both relatively slow moving planets - Jupiter takes 12 years to make a trip around the zodiac and Saturn takes 30. A square (90 degree angle) between these two planets occurs every 6-7 years, but they’re part of a much bigger story that unfolds between Jupiter and Saturn.

This story started when Jupiter and Saturn were conjunct in March of 2022 and will continue until their next conjunction in 2034. So as you read further, contemplate what story you started in March of 2022.

This is the first of three squares that will occur in the next 12 months. We’ll feel this again at the end of November and in April 2025.

These squares mark periods of tension and adjustment, requiring us to balance growth (Jupiter) and structure (Saturn). They feel wildly frustrating because there’s a spark of inspiration that comes with them but we feel as constricted as we do excited and moving on that inspiration takes patience, work and discipline.

It’s like we want to chase the magic and abundance of Jupiter but Saturn says “No. Be smart, make a plan and work for it. I’m not going to let you have this that easy. Prove to me how much you want it.”

The 19th is when this square will be exact, which means the energy will be at its peak, but we’ve been feeling the buildup since the beginning of the month and will feel its residual effects until the end of the month, and possibly even into the first week of September. Then the first of September marks another big astrological day, but more to come on that next week.

For now, my advice to you for the remainder of August:

1. Reflect on your goals. Re-evaluate your current ambitions - are they aligned with your long term vision for your life and career? How may you expand while still maintaining a stable base?

2. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. I once heard an astrologer talk about squares explaining “turn your blocks into steps” because while these feel difficult, they can be a huge catalyst for growth. Notice the obstacles that come up and contemplate what you can learn from them.

3. Set realistic plans. While dreaming big, make sure you plan is grounded in reality. Work step by step and incorporate the small milestones into the path towards your big dream.

4. Stay open to adjustments. Especially with all this happening on the day of the new moon, which brings things to the surface, be flexible and willing to adapt your plans as needed.

5. Join our community. Next week we’ll be having a community live Q&A where you can submit questions and have me answer them for you on the call. Paid subscribers also have access to me via the comments and chat - so if you’re wondering what area of your life this will be felt the most or your best strategies for moving through it, I invite you to upgrade your subscription so we can navigate the path ahead together.

Our next live Q&A is on Thursday, August 22nd, I hope you’ll join us.

With love and gratitude,

Marissa & team