ASTRAL/TAROT READINGS FOR WEEK OF AUGUST 23, 2026

“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.”  ~ Henry David Thoreau

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 still demand attention, but Mercury also heavily brings its influence. Of course, the BIG event this week is the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, bringing an end to this year’s eclipse season, and Mercury Cazimi the Sun during the eclipse.

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.  We’re coming to the last week of the month. Spend this time sweeping out the old to smooth the way for the new. September is 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 our own instincts.

**Sun entered Virgo Saturday, August 22. 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.

MONDAY

·       Saturn retrograde in Aries opposite Venus in Libra until Tuesday. The retrograde softens Saturn’s restrictive energy, and with Aries’ push for action and Venus’ desire for balance and harmony, you may feel a restlessness or even one of being hard on yourself. Provide plenty of compassion for yourself and for others, who are likely dealing with the same sense of disquiet.

·       Jupiter in Leo trine Saturn retrograde in Aries. This aspect represents a positive feeling of ability and personal growth. When Saturn is retrograde, it acts more like Jupiter. Also, Aries and Leo have similar attributes regarding action and belief in their own capabilities. This will likely be a great period for most, depending on where this falls in your natal chart.

TUESDAY

·       Mercury enters Virgo, signaling a time for organization and precision; dedication and perfectionism; logic and reason; caution and conservation. Mercury rules the hands, which may need to keep busy. This can be felt a few days before and run through September 10. [Personally, my natal Mercury is also in Virgo and I have been insistent on serious housekeeping, like cleaning out closets! I will be happy when this passes; I am tired.]

·       Mercury in Virgo trine Chiron retrograde in Taurus until Thursday. The energy of Chiron retrograde brings healing power and spirituality. With Mercury’s influence, you are likely to feel more intuitive than usual. Let it flow!

WEDNESDAY

·       Mercury conjunct Sun in Virgo through Saturday. This closeness compels the Mercury energy to be very personal and keen on striving for the best you can be to the point of being egocentric, that your way is the ‘right’ way, even if it’s not. Avoid being confrontational. Think before you speak.

THURSDAY

·       Mercury Cazimi the Sun at 3° Virgo. A Cazimi is an exact conjunction of a planet with the Sun, referred to as being “in the heart of the Sun.” This strong energy brings clarity and purpose to your personal goals. It may even feel a bit overwhelming as well as inspiring.

·       Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 4° Pisces – lateThursday evening or, depending on your time zone, early Friday morning. A full moon indicates the Moon is in opposition to the Sun, bringing stronger emotions and restlessness [Virgo vs. Pisces: both seek healing but in different ways]. When a full moon is in Pisces, the energy is somewhat dreamy and more spiritual and intuitive; with the Sun in Virgo, the energy is more direct and logic-based. When a full moon is in a Lunar Eclipse, the already strong emotions are heightened, oftentimes bringing clarity to what you’re feeling emotional about. With Mercury Cazimi the Sun [again being opposite the Moon] during this eclipse, the energy is also seeking clarity but with reason and purpose. These energies may be felt a few days before and for several days afterwards, giving you an opportunity to sort through the jumble and make sense of what needs healing and how you will go about that.

FRIDAY

·       Mercury and the Sun in Virgo square Uranus in Gemini through Sunday. Mercury and Gemini both influence communications. However, with Mercury square Uranus, the energy is rebellious, often belligerent. Considering the egocentric nature of the Sun conjunct Mercury, the Sun square Uranus challenges anyone in disagreement. Coming off the Lunar Eclipse, this would be a good day for laying low, seeking solitude, and avoiding confrontation. It likely would end with many hurt feelings.

In considering all these planetary aspects, more is revealed when you are aware of which houses these aspects present themselves in your natal chart and the other transits affecting in your natal chart.

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 Work Your Light Oracle deck by Rebecca Campbell.

·                 Collective card: Starseed

“What lights you up?” A “starseed” is a soul who has returned to Earth with a double mission: to raise their own consciousness as well as the consciousness of those around them. Setting aside beliefs of reincarnation, this card suggests embracing your purpose on this planet. What do you believe you can contribute to society or can provide to make someone else’s life better? What will provide you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day?

·                  ARIES [the Ram]: Three of Pentacles

This card suggests approaching a project with the main goal of personal accomplishment as opposed to the financial compensation. With Saturn retrograde currently, the feeling of restriction is replaced with the need to grow. The Three of Pentacles actually aligns well with the energy of the Collective Card, accepting that life’s purpose is not about amassing wealth but of sharing successes for the greater good.

·                  TAURUS [the Bull]: Strength

With Chiron currently in Taurus [and in retrograde], the focus of the Strength card is on facing life or some particular difficulty with hope, and of finding that strength within to solve problems despite any emotional apprehension you may have.

·                  GEMINI [the Twins]: Five of Swords

Uranus in Gemini generally offers communication and inventiveness. However, with the current square with Mercury and the Sun combined with this card, you may find yourself in conflict with others this week; or worse, you may feel defeated and deflated in yourself. Allow some solitary time to nurture your inner child. Things are rarely as bad as they first seem.

·                  CANCER [the Crab]: Two of Pentacles

This being the end of the month, you may be juggling finances or tasks in a project. Avoid scuttling sideways and allowing yourself to be pressured into something that just doesn’t feel right. You always have choices, and your intuition is strong. Trust yourself to recognize when the ‘right’ time comes to pivot.

·                  LEO [the Lion]: Knight of Swords

Expansive Jupiter is currently in Leo and, of course, Leo being ruled by the Sun invites expressive energy to the table. The Knight of Swords is ambitious, which blends beautifully with the Jupiter in Leo energy. Avoid delving into a long project right now that would quickly seem uninteresting and like slogging through molasses.

·                  VIRGO [the Virgin]: King of Swords

The Sun, Mercury, and the Lunar Eclipse energy weighs heavily as the King of Swords seeks clarity above all else. There’s a high air of wisdom to provide balance. Avoid letting it turn into a controlling or domineering approach as that will only muddy the waters. Take the high road.

·                  LIBRA [the Scales]: Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles reiterates the Collective card this week. The energy compels you to approach any activity with fascination and with less concern for rewards or social position than for the satisfaction of the work itself and how it helps others.

·                  SCORPIO [the Scorpion]: The Sun

The Sun card arriving during a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse and a Cazimi is just the card that Scorpio needs this week since they lean toward intensity. This card provides some levity, and some simple childlike joyous energy to relieve you from the ordinary and remind you that life is good. Enjoy!

·                  SAGITTARIUS [the Archer]: The Devil

You may be feeling obsessive or indulgent from the multiple energies this week, particularly that of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. This would be an excellent time to step back and reassess. Remember “devil” spelled backwards is “lived.” Consider what you’ve lived through and the knowledge you’ve gained. Let it guide you to a calmer state of mind.

·                  CAPRICORN [the Sea-Goat]: Six of Pentacles

In numerology, sixes are affectionate and caring. The Six of Pentacles provides generous energy that may lead you to aiding your loved ones while providing you with a spiritual gift of wonder. You may tend to keep your feelings to yourself, but others recognize your kindness.

·                  AQUARIUS [the Water Bearer]: Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is wise from having faced life with courage and deep sorrow. The card’s energy tends to be honest and direct but often harsh. With the conflicting energy in astrology this week, it would be wise to watch your words; think before you speak. You likely will feel that you’re being truthful – and you probably are – but it could still come across as severe.

·                  PISCES [the Fish]: Two of Wands

This card parallels the crux of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. You likely will feel you are at a crossroads and a decision must be made immediately. First of all, avoid being rushed into anything. Secondly, the choice is always yours. Tap into your spiritual side to help guide you.

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