Astral/Tarot Readings for the Week of August 16, 2026
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
A summary of major astrology transits for this week helps focus the Tarot. Please remember that astrology aspects are not predictions but merely signposts to help understand the astral influences that may affect you. More is revealed when you are aware of which houses these aspects present themselves in your natal chart.
WEEK’S OVERVIEW: Retrogrades take the stage, bringing calm pause and reflection. This is the week to consider and assess what mental messages may be preventing you from moving forward in the direction you desire. Remember, the journey is everything!
ONGOING:
· August is a 9-month in a 1-year. This month is the time to clear out emotional baggage. [This is aided by the retrogrades.] We’ve grown, evolved, and become wiser from a multitude of experiences throughout our lives. Take the time to pause [and maybe jot an actual list] of mental messages from childhood that no longer apply or that are hindering you in some way. Spend the month working to delete these burdens to make life more carefree, and to prepare for moving forward in September, a 1-month of new beginnings.
· Saturn is retrograde in Aries until December 10, providing an interval of reviewing personal accountability [perhaps having a hard time saying no], reassessing long-term goals, and revising as necessary. This is a long period of looking inward at several aspects of your life and determining if you feel you’re on the right track or need to pivot.
· Neptune is retrograde in Aries until September 9, pausing to renew balance in healthy habits and to reconsider what societal influences have affected your personal desires – and perhaps no longer serve a purpose. Pluto is retrograde in Aquarius until October 16, producing tentativeness or a hesitation to speak up in your own behalf. Through August, September, and October, Neptune and Pluto are sextile, creating a harmony of the two energies conducive to personal inner growth, and enabling us to recognize old patterns that are preventing forward movement.
· Chiron is retrograde at 0° Taurus until October. This energy addresses feelings about self-worth, and urges turning major focus away from pleasing others to focus on inner growth and trusting your own instincts.
SUNDAY
· Mercury in Leo conjunct Jupiter in Leo – started last Thursday running through today. Jupiter triggers the excitement of learning something new.
· Mars in Cancer square Neptune retrograde in Aries through Wednesday. There’s great creative energy here but beware of overindulgence, particularly of food, drugs, or alcohol.
MONDAY
· Mercury in Leo trine Saturn retrograde in Aries through tomorrow. Timing is good now for considering new plans or options. Your common sense is strong. If you’re feeling stressed, as always, take time to meditate/pray and have some quiet reflective time.
· Venus in Libra sextile Jupiter in Leo. Great time to set goals and accept help for reaching them. This energy is in place through Thursday.
WEDNESDAY
· First Quarter Moon at 27° Scorpio. You may be feeling some inner conflict that your emotional needs are not being met. Be kind to yourself; recognize and trust that you are worthy of all the good vibes surrounding you. Some project or idea considered back in November is pushing its way forward. The strongest of this energy will pass within a day. [Remember, the Moon moves quickly.]
FRIDAY
· Venus in Libra opposite Saturn retrograde in Aries. Venus moves quickly so this exact aspect will wane by Sunday. During this period you are likely not trusting or are doubting the love that others are expressing. Have compassion for yourself and for your loved ones. Remember that Saturn is retrograde for awhile still. It may be a great time to reassess as mentioned in the ‘Ongoing’ above.
SATURDAY
· Sun enters Virgo. Happy Birthday to all the Virgos! Virgo energy supports organizational skills, hard work, and service-oriented activities. Virgo rules pets and gardens. Mercury energy influences Virgo, making communication a key factor. Virgoans can also be critical in their communications; so remember to be kind.
SUNDAY
· Sun in Virgo trine Chiron retrograde in Taurus through Wednesday. You are likely feeling empathetic today towards others as well as yourself. You may personally feel an innate ability to easily conquer any difficulties that come along.
For educational and entertainment purposes only
TAROT
I always take a few moments of quiet to center myself, take a few deep breaths, and listen to intuition coming forth as I shuffle the cards. For the Zodiac signs this week, I'm using the traditional Rider-Waite deck. For the Collective card, an overview for all, I am using the Spirit Animal Oracle deck by Colette Baron-Reid.
· Collective card: #9 Brown Bear Spirit – Take Time Out
“There is a time to act and a time to focus your attention on patient strategizing. Brown Bear Spirit signals that you are best served by foregoing hard work toward your goals at this moment and instead taking the time to meditate – or just take a nap so you can refresh yourself and begin planning. Insights will arise as you explore the possibilities and begin envisioning your plan. Be patient at this time. Relax so you can recharge. The call for action will come later.” This sounds very similar to the energy of the retrogrades in astrology and the 9-month in numerology. The Universe is serious about conveying this message!
· ARIES [the Ram]: The Lovers
The Lovers enlightens a significant relationship and the importance of love in your life that aids in developing a new understanding of life in general. It’s a card of human love. Neptune and Saturn are in Aries this week, blending spirituality with material responsibilities. Whether the ‘significant’ relationship is a marriage, a partnership, or a close friendship, it’s comforting to feel its warm energy.
· TAURUS [the Bull]: Strength
Taureans are comfortable with this card anytime. Taurus energy highlights perseverance and facing challenges with hope and even eagerness, parallel with the energy of this card. Taurus is ruled by Venus, who is active this week in setting goals and taking care of the self. The Strength card reminds you that you are strong from within and can handle any fleeting doubts of your abilities.
· GEMINI [the Twins]: The Devil
Geminis are curious and love learning. However, this week you may find yourself obsessing over an event or activity that got your attention. You’ve become more than just curious. You may even be tempted to overindulge or go to extremes. It’s time to pause, take a step back, and reassess, reevaluate, revisit – all those re- words that are associated with retrograde periods.
· CANCER [the Crab]: Ace of Swords
Mars, who is greatly determined, is currently in Cancer. With the Ace of Swords standing alongside Mars, it’s a great week to look at a project or event with a fresh perspective. If what you perceived is not what’s developing, pause and allow yourself to ‘walk around the table’ and view it from the other side. What are you not seeing that is keeping you from moving forward?
· LEO [the Lion]: Six of Pentacles
This card reminds you that life gives us what we need. You may be feeling generous toward others to make sure they get their needs met; however, are you looking inward and providing for yourself? As the astrology repeats suggestions to pause, allow some quiet time this week to be kind to your inner child.
· VIRGO [the Virgin]: Six of Swords
Virgo is ruled by Mercury, who suggests this week in the astrology to consider a new project. The Six of Swords supports that. This card suggests to look at this option from all angles. You may be receiving mixed messages about the direction to go. Again, pause and reevaluate. It’s not necessary to make a decision immediately.
· LIBRA [the Scales]: Temperance
This week you’re being encouraged to follow the parallel themes of Libra and Temperance, which are moderation, balance, and harmony. With Venus in Libra this week, the Temperance card reminds you to trust your instincts and that you can handle any of life’s problems with positivity.
· SCORPIO [the Scorpion]: Four of Wands
With the First Quarter Moon in Scorpio this week, the Four of Wands views this Moon as a celebration of sorts, a time to be still and listen to your home environment sharing optimism and joy. Due to the energy of this card, you likely will not feel the emotional conflict that others may experience during this Moon phase.
· SAGITTARIUS [the Archer]: Eight of Cups
Eights in Tarot signify strength and perseverance. In Cups, the energy is more of an emotional journey. This week, set aside the mundane annoyances. Allow yourself to withdraw from the drama and seek higher ground. Just walk away; it’s not worth giving away your otherwise upbeat energy to a situation that will soon be forgotten.
· CAPRICORN [the Sea-Goat]: Two of Cups
Capricorns are ambitious, long-term planners. Capricorn also governs the 10th House of career and reputation. This card is all about relationship balance. In this case, most likely it relates to your business life. This week will likely see smooth sailing at work, with harmony and open friendship.
· AQUARIUS [the Water Bearer]: The Tower
Pluto, who is deeply transformational, is currently in Aquarius. The Tower’s energy, influenced by Mars, pushes for transformation in the same manner as Pluto – in a profound and often explosive manner. Some sudden change may occur this week, destroying some long-held belief that has been holding you back. Explosive doesn’t mean negative. After all, fireworks are explosive and they’re beautiful!
· PISCES [the Fish]: Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups indicates that wishes come true; however, the reality may not be exactly what you are expecting. Reconsider possible outcomes before deeply wishing for something. Life is good, and God/Spirit/Higher Being provides what we need. Show gratitude.
When checking the Zodiac signs, look at not only your Sun sign, but also your Moon sign and Ascendant to get a fuller picture. If you don't know what those are, email me with your date of birth, exact time and location of birth. I will be happy to send you a free copy of your natal chart. Also, if you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to email me. astrologywithann@gmail.com
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