The Mars-Saturn conjunction this week, ruled by Jupiter conjunct the slowing Mercury (which will be retrograde from August 30th until September 22), sets up a perfectionistic, wildly over-optimistic environment. The Mars-Saturn conjunction also squares Neptune, which is closing in on the South Node, suggesting a heightened danger of self-deception and delusion. This mix of ingredients is likely to produce some serious disappointment along with some tragically misguided pursuits of illusory mirages. There is little hope that intuition will serve as [...]

This week is dominated by Saturn square Neptune from Sagittarius to Pisces along with Jupiter in Virgo opposing Chiron in Pisces. The bold, self-willed optimism of last Tuesday's Leo New Moon (1:44 PM PDT 10° Leo) is dampened under the over-riding challenges from those slower moving planets. Despite whatever brave face we are able to display, there are powerful undercurrents of disillusionment, sensitivity and an indescribable yearning for something more. [...]

There is quite a bit of unsteady, impulsive, recklessness at play in this week's environment, but the Leo pride is on full display, prompting a strong desire for reassurance and support. The challenge is stepping back from the desire to gain that support from external sources (other people) and look within for the validation and reassurance we are craving. Our immediate environment may play a highly significant role in how well we are able to navigate the [...]