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Many planets are continuing their retrograde as August arrives. With Rahu and Ketu, six of the heavenly bodies are retrograde during the first part of the month.
We will also see tension between Mars and Saturn, due to a mutual opposition between the two planets.
With several key planets moving retrograde right now, let’s take a look at what that means astrologically.
The influence of retrograde planets often prompts us to reconnect with something from the past. Many of the words beginning with RE - such as re-think, re-invent, re-evaluate, and re-consider- fit this influence. Perhaps we have been hasty or neglectful, and we need to redo something. No doubt there is more to learn before we can move forward with confidence again.
When planets become retrograde, they revisit the same area three times in the astrological chart. This area can indicate something that needs more attention. Often, we need to slow down. Spiritually, retrograde planets can indicate a time of contemplation. However, July and August are also marked by changes, intensity, readjustment, conflicts, and uncertainty of direction.
Saturn and Neptune are now close travelling companions. They remain within a degree of one another throughout August, and they remain close throughout the entire 2025.
Neptune turned retrograde on July 5, and a week later, Saturn followed Neptune’s example. They will both be direct again towards the end of the year.
Saturn is associated with boundaries and structures, while Neptune dissolves boundaries, especially in the water sign Pisces. Saturn and Neptune in Pisces can bring confusion, but also promote creativity and lead us to heightened spiritual awareness.
A retrograde Saturn is a time of karmic readjustment.
Mars is in Virgo between July 28 and September 13.
Mars has energy and can act quickly and with strength. In Vedic astrology, Mars is also known as Kuja. Kuja means born of the Earth. Mars is also identified with Kartikeya, the God of War.
Mars is now in the earth sign Virgo and is influenced by planets transiting other earth signs; Uranus in Taurus and a retrograde Pluto in Capricorn.
Pluto rules the underground and holds deep powers of transformation. Capricorn governs foundation and structure. Pluto in Capricorn indicates a gradual transformation of the Earth's foundations and infrastructure.
Mars also receives a trine aspect from rebellious Uranus. Uranus wants to break free and can act irrationally, impulsively, and unexpectedly.
There is a mutual opposition between Mars in Virgo and Saturn/Neptune in Pisces.
Mars, receiving energy from both Pluto and Uranus, has power. Still, he is also angry due to the opposition from a dutiful and restrictive Saturn.
Mars and Saturn are both malefic planets, but with different agendas. Mars enjoys action, while Saturn wants us to act with discipline and to take responsibility.
Their differences cause frustration on both sides. Mars is forceful, while Saturn blocks and delays.
The agitation of Mars and the frustration of Saturn can trigger Earth changes.
Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, a water sign, respond to the fury of Mars with water dramas: tsunamis, flooding, storms, record-breaking rainfalls.
On a personal level, activities such as walking, spending time in nature, and engaging in physical exercise are beneficial for working with this energy. The Mars / Saturn energy is also suitable for working with land and construction.
Mercury, the planet of communication, business, and trade, transits Cancer until August 30. In Cancer, Mercury’s decisions are based on emotions. Cancer is protective and focused on security within the domestic sphere.
Mercury Retrograde in Cancer suggests a need for change and protection regarding business and home security. If you travel during Mercury retrograde, it is important to give yourself plenty of time and to double-check all information. Leave nothing to chance and be prepared for delays.
On August 16, the Sun joins Ketu when he moves into Leo, a sign of kings and leaders.
Ketu, the south node, governs past karma. Due to his non-attachment and instinctive behavior, Ketu is depicted as headless. Situations may change regarding leadership.
The Sun with Ketu encourages letting go of the ego. This is a good spiritual aspect and helps us to go within.
Jupiter and Venus are both in Gemini, in Ardra Nakshatra until August 12.
Ardra deals with trauma, drama, and storms. Jupiter and Venus both act as healers, advisers, and counselors in Ardra Nakshatra.
After August 12, both Jupiter and Venus are in Punarvasu nakshatra, which translates to “the return of the Light”, or “renewal”.
We are lucky to have the two benefics in these Nakshatras at a time when many need healing.
This is a time when it’s important to work on remaining grounded and even-minded.
You are immortals, endowed with eternal joy. Never forget this during your play with changeable mortal life. This world is but a stage on which you play your parts under the direction of the Divine Stage Manager. Play them well, whether they be tragic or comic, always remembering that your real nature is eternal bliss, and nothing else. The one thing that will never leave you is the joy of your soul.
–Paramhansa Yogananda
Blessings,
Lina
In September 2025, we will see two eclipses. Eclipses are powerful and serve as catalysts for change in the world.
Major planetary shifts occurred last month, and we should notice a different energy in June.
Jupiter leaves Taurus and is transiting Gemini between May 14, 2025, and June 1, 2026. This particular transit is positive for the air signs, but we need to remember that this is still an intense time astrologically.
