Astral/Tarot Readings for Week of August 30, 2026

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” ~ Dolly Parton

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: Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods, is the center of attention this week, ruling both Gemini and Virgo. With the Sun currently in Virgo until September 22 and the start of a 1-month overseen by the Mercury-influenced Magician in Tarot, the focus is all about personal organization and making long-term plans. The Last Quarter Moon in Gemini helps to wrap up the past and make plans for the future.

ONGOING:

·       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.

·       Although the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 4° Pisces was last Thursday/Friday, the energy of an eclipse may last for several days or even weeks for some, depending on where it aligns in your natal chart. When a full moon is in a Lunar Eclipse, the already strong emotions are heightened; and the Sun in Virgo oftentimes brings clarity to your emotions. With Mercury still conjunct the Sun and opposite the Moon, this energy is also seeking clarity but with reason and gives you an opportunity to make sense of what needs healing and how you will go about that.

SUNDAY

·       Mars in Cancer square Saturn retrograde in Aries until Friday. You may feel your timing is off; things are not going quite as planned, which can cause over-sensitivity. Use caution in daily activities and avoid impulsive knee-jerk reactions to your temporary quandary.

MONDAY

·       Jupiter in Leo trine Saturn retrograde in Aries throughout the week. When Saturn is retrograde, it acts like a mini-Jupiter. So, the expansive energy of Jupiter is now doubled, although the Saturn vibes will ensure moving slowly toward success in a practical manner.

·       Mercury in Virgo sextile Mars in Cancer until Thursday. This aspect promotes friendship and a panoramic range of positive emotions and clarity, particularly as it affects those closest to your heart.

TUESDAY

·       Welcome to September, a 1-month in a 1-year. In Tarot, One represents the Magician, who is influenced by Mercury. The Magician is independent and a natural leader. A 1-year is a time for new beginnings. A 1-month represents new personal adventures, ones where you show independence and leadership with confidence. Hopefully, last month you were able to shed some of the mental burdens holding you back or pulling you down. Now it’s time to rise from the ashes like a Phoenix and spread your wings. This is a month to form plans and to think how you can make your life more authentic to your purpose here on this Earth.

FRIDAY

·       Last Quarter Moon at 11° Gemini. [Gemini is ruled by Mercury.] This lunar phase wraps up a Moon family that started in June 2024. What major event or adventure needs to close now so you can move to a new adventure? [For me, I retired at that time, and it’s taken me this long to recognize I’m no longer that person and that I have something entirely different motivating me now.]

SATURDAY

·       Sun in Virgo sextile Mars in Cancer. This aspect is close but not exact until September 14, after which it will be close again until September 25. Even when this aspect is close, it creates a strong influence. The extended period of the Sun/Mars connection provides abundant energy to accomplish more than your usual routine.

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 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 Medicine Cards deck by Jamie Sams.

·                 Collective card: Lizard

When I mention in the Astrology that an aspect will last several days, that period is known as the “shadow” time. The Lizard represents the shadowy side of life and our dream state. Just as our dreams are often lost when we awake or perhaps make no obvious sense, our shadow state can also be somewhat nebulous. This card is a reminder to spend time in the shadows, in dreams, to awaken the inner spirit.

·                  ARIES [the Ram]: Queen of Wands

This is a great week to approach business and career dealings with a calm confidence and appreciation for the opportunities presented. The Saturn retrograde energy provides inner growth and enchantment. The Queen of Wands, as a role model, has survived much in life and still has the courage to remain positive in all things.

·                  TAURUS [the Bull]: Seven of Pentacles

With Chiron retrograde in Taurus pulling in grounded healing energy, the Seven of Pentacles promotes patience this week as you sort through what’s working in the health realm and what needs to be adjusted. Meditation/prayer can help clear the mind and focus on true issues.

·                  GEMINI [the Twins]: Temperance

The Moon family that is coming to a close this week is in Gemini [ruled by Mercury] and will likely affect you more than others. Temperance suggests moderation in all things. Although Gemini is known for its multi-tasking abilities, this would be a good time to lessen your load to prepare for coming events.

·                  CANCER [the Crab]: The Magician

Wow! The Magician supports the 1-month of September, AND Mars is currently in Cancer. This is an excellent time to clear the cobwebs from your mind and attitude and get in sync with all the positive supportive energy that is flowing around you. Seriously consider the quote at the top of the blog. If you don’t like where you’re heading, this is the week to do something about it.

·                  LEO [the Lion]: Strength

Leo likes to roar like a lion; however, this week a gentler tone would be most beneficial. You’ve a strong sense of what’s right and wrong; that doesn’t mean you’re always right though. Show your inner strength by listening to others with an open, neutral mind. You will likely learn something new.

·                  VIRGO [the Virgin]: Page of Pentacles

Can you hear opportunity knocking? With Mercury [who rules Virgo] highlighted this week, the energy surrounding you is filled with promise and delight. The Page of Pentacles advises approaching prospects with a sense of wonder and fascination, not with the goal of monetary gain.

·                  LIBRA [the Scales]: Eight of Wands [reversed]

This card [which happens to be slightly influenced by Mercury] jumped from the deck as I was shuffling; so it was meant to be. Whatever big event is occurring or about to occur in your life is going to present itself at a much faster pace than you expected. There’s nothing wrong with that; just good having a heads up to be prepared.

·                  SCORPIO [the Scorpion]: Five of Pentacles

Because of the natural tendency of Scorpio to intensely approach life, the Five of Pentacles reminds you that although you may feel a scarcity surrounding you – whether that’s financial or emotional – it’s certainly temporary, if there at all. The energy of Mars [who rules Scorpio] this week is expressing otherwise. Be grateful for your abundances.

·                  SAGITTARIUS [the Archer]: Five of Cups

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, who is providing positive energy this week. The Five of Cups suggests that your recent feelings of detachment or disappointment are not necessary. You’ve done your best in spite of difficulties along the way. There is every reason to feel proud of your accomplishment.

·                  CAPRICORN [the Sea-Goat]: King of Swords

Saturn rules Capricorn. That planet being in retrograde softens the responsibilities that Saturn/Capricorn place on themselves unnecessarily. The King of Swords provides clarity and wisdom. Revisit and reassess where you’re being harder on yourself than anyone else ever would. This is the start of a beautiful month. Enjoy it.

·                  AQUARIUS [the Water Bearer]: Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups is warning that this may be a time to be passive and not commit to a long-term proposition. Avoid being overpowered by the emotion of the moment. Pluto’s retrograde in Aquarius energy helps to recognize truth from fiction. There is plenty of time to make a decision.

·                  PISCES [the Fish]: Three of Swords

The last few weeks have been hectic due to the current energy of the co-rulers of Pisces [Jupiter and Neptune]. Jupiter continues to encourage inner growth, while Neptune retrograde seeks to dissolve obstacles and explore deeper insights. The Three of Swords implies that the sorrowful feelings you’re carrying around could be seen as joyful memories, something like turning a frown upside down. It’s all in the perspective,

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