Astral/Tarot Readings Week of August 2, 2026

“Astrology is just astronomy inside out. Instead of the mind trying to comprehend the universe, we use the universe as a key to comprehending the mind.” Astrologer Steven Forrest

An overview 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.

WEEKLY ASTRAL OVERVIEW: Four planets are retrograde this week and will continue to be for a while pushing their energy inward encouraging us to reevaluate, reorganize, reconsider, review – all those “re-” words – hopefully leading to some form of internal independence or resolution. A planet in retrograde often creates a lack of confidence and feeling out of place, inspiring us to be patient with ourselves.

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 preparing 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 our personal desires – and perhaps they no longer serve a purpose. Pluto is retrograde in Aquarius until October 16, producing tentativeness or a hesitation to speak up. Through August, September, and October, these two planets 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.

MONDAY

·       Chiron turns retrograde at 0° Taurus, reverting into Aries until the end of the year. This retrograde energy addresses feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, and urges turning away from pleasing others to focus on inner growth and to trust in our own instincts.

TUESDAY

·       Sun in Leo trine Saturn retrograde in Aries until Saturday. This urges self-reflection of your utmost dreams and desires. Are you actually proceeding in the direction you imagined or is it time to reassess?

WEDNESDAY

·       Last Quarter Moon 13° Taurus. Think back to early May 2024. Was there an event that helped ground you or your work? A Last Quarter Moon generally indicates a wrap-up period of that particular Moon family. In this case, the New Moon would have been May 8, 2024 when an idea sprouted; First Quarter Moon, February 5, 2025, the idea taking more formal shape; Full Moon, November 5, 2025, full-on action in that realm; and now the completion. Being in Taurus would indicate something related to security, value systems, as well as creature comforts and self-worth. This influence will be in effect a few days before and after Wednesday.

THURSDAY

·       Venus enters Libra, a sign it rules, bringing harmonic energy with grace and charm, particularly in relationships – business, family, or intimate. This is powerful in terms of resolving partnership conflicts and finding balance. Keep in mind this includes your relationship with yourself. [Refer to the August numerology. This is great energy for handling those nagging mental messages you tell yourself.] Venus remains in Libra until September 10.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

·       Mercury enters Leo and remains there until August 25. Excellent energies for self-expression through visual arts, taking the opportunity to shine in the limelight, even if that’s not normally your ‘thing.’ You have an extra dose of charm and charisma. Avoid allowing yourself to become self-centered and boastful.

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 Divine Angels Oracle deck. As a note: many of this week’s cards invite stepping back, pausing, or taking a time out, which parallels the overall current astrology.

·                 Collective card: Security

“Work hard and stay disciplined to unlock a happy, wealthy and successful life. Your guardian angels are here to help you.” With the retrogrades and August being the 9-month, this sounds like solid advice to maintain a steady path; and always know you have your angels as your cheering squad.

·                  ARIES [the Ram]: Four of Swords

Fours refer to practicality; with Swords, consider communication and logic. Instead of  battling through an issue, take time to pause/rest/relax and allow reason to lead the way. The energies of Saturn, Neptune and Chiron all retrograde in Aries supports the recommendation in this card.

·                  TAURUS [the Bull]: Two of Pentacles

This card represents addressing material issues and making a choice, whether it’s juggling money matters or choosing between two jobs or projects. With Chiron, the Healer, turning retrograde in Taurus before moving back into Aries, this is a peaceful period to think wisely and not rush into a decision before the time is right.

·                  GEMINI [the Twins]: Three of Pentacles

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, who moves into Leo this week, bringing a strong sense of creativity and self-expression. The Three of Pentacles encourages using the Mercury energy to establish a practical plan for developing a project you’ve been considering or recently started.

·                  CANCER [the Crab]: Ten of Cups

Life is glorious! Cancer is nurturing, especially toward family, but the ‘crab’ within tends to always be looking for the ‘other shoe’ to fall. That is not the case. This is a wonderful week to express your gratitude to your God/Higher Spirit for your home, surroundings, and those within it. It’s quite likely there is not another ‘shoe.’

·                  LEO [the Lion]: Three of Wands

Sometimes Leos miss seeing the ‘trees’ nearby because they’re so busy looking ahead for the ‘forest.’ Good developments are occurring all around you; you just need to pause to clearly see them. The Three of Wands suggests that now is a great time to sow seeds for spiritual growth. Trust.

·                  VIRGO [the Virgin]: The High Priestess

The High Priestess is influenced by the Moon, and as such, exhibits strong intuition and connections with God/Higher Spirit. The astrological retrogrades and numerology’s 9-month, along with this card, supports unplugging and turning inward. Reflection with your inner child is most productive.

·                  LIBRA [the Scales]: The Hermit

The Hermit is a Tarot figure that suggests introspection by taking a deliberate time out to contemplate the direction life is taking. The Hermit is meant to serve as a guide to deeper self understanding and renewal of inner energy.

·                  SCORPIO [the Scorpion]: Nine of Pentacles

Scorpio’s intense nature is tested with the Nine of Pentacles, a card that advocates for patience and discipline. There’s a thread of calm self-sufficiency that can provide a softer and still reliable response to whatever difficulty arises this week.

·                  SAGITTARIUS [the Archer]: The Tower

In true Sagittarian mode, the desire to ‘shoot for the stars’ may well hit its mark this week, creating a sudden change or a flash of enlightenment. This could also be a means of releasing those long-held mental messages of the August 9-month energy.

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

Although Capricorn strives for a steady, responsible work ethic, sometimes it’s just as rewarding to create or approach a project for the simple satisfaction of a job well done instead of calculating the monetary result. At times like these, life proves fascinating.

·                  AQUARIUS [the Water Bearer]: Three of Cups

Celebrating the wonder of life or sharing memorable experiences of a good life are sometimes just what a person who is feeling down needs to hear from someone. You are in a position to help make others recognize new meaning in their discordant lives by contributing your insights.

·                  PISCES [the Fish]: Ten of Wands

The major theme of Wands cards is business, career, and other work-related activities. The Ten represents an overload. Perhaps more has been taken on than is healthy. It’s time to delegate and lighten your load. This can even carry over to personal and home matters.

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