EYE ON THE SKY: ASTRO-WEATHER AND DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL GRUNGE
There are still a number of challenges in the stars this week, though some of the intensity is beginning to lighten. Mercury goes direct on August 11th, and Mars is moving out of opposition to Saturn—so indecision, blocks, and delays will start to ease. Venus conjunct Jupiter brings a lift in mood, but it can also lead to over-optimism and overspending;
On the bright side, Jupiter moves into the constellation of Punarvasu (Gemini 20° – Cancer 3°20′) on August 13th and will remain there until June 18, 2026, due to retrograde motion. Punarvasu is considered the most auspicious of Jupiter’s nakshatras, carrying a nurturing and restorative energy. We’ll explore this in more depth in a future update.
On the more challenging side, the Sun will pass through the gandanta zone (Cancer 27° – Leo 3°) from August 14–19, with the most intense effects fading by August 17 as the Sun fully enters Leo. This period can stir up issues around power, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Mars enters the constellation of Hasta (Virgo 10° – 23°30′), which supports strategic thinking and planning, though it is less favorable for athletic performance. Because the Moon rules Hasta, and Mars is debilitated in Cancer, this placement can also bring emotional fatigue and a tendency toward unraveling.
Still, the “big elephant in the room” remains retrograde Saturn conjunct Neptune. Saturn will stay retrograde until November 27th, remaining close to Neptune until October. Retrograde Saturn often amplifies feelings of suffering and can bring health challenges, yet it also acts like a strict high school coach—demanding discipline and self-improvement.
This transit particularly impacts those with Taurus, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces being prominet, and especially those with natal retrograde Saturn. In the natal chart, retrograde Saturn often points to neglected responsibilities. The house it occupies will reveal where these lessons occur. For example, retrograde Saturn in the 2nd house may teach lessons about saving, food, and caring for family. Ultimately, Saturn retrograde pushes us to be honest with ourselves, release fantasy, and take responsibility for what’s not working.
Retrograde planets appear brighter and closer to Earth, turning their influence inward. They focus on the past—on disappointments, struggles, and wounds—which can lead to deep introspection. Forward movement feels blocked, but going back isn’t appealing either. For example, retrograde Saturn may lead someone to ponder spirituality deeply, but in a reflective rather than an active, practice-oriented way.
Meanwhile, in the world around us, the media bombards us with fear—predictions of world war, the loss of democracy, national division, and economic collapse. While some of this is “smoke and mirrors,” it’s worth noting that peace accords have historically occurred under a Jupiter–Venus conjunction. Whether current European leaders will allow such an opportunity remains to be seen.
With such intense collective anxiety, the temptation is to numb out—through alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or comfort eating. Spiritual seekers may binge-watch Netflix or overindulge in food. But these are short-term escapes that ultimately disconnect us from our deepest being.
Why do we fear our emotions so much? We forget that they are temporary and ever-changing. Through meditation and yoga, we can learn to witness our mind, freeing ourselves from being controlled by passing moods. The spiritual path calls us to feel emotions fully—because feeling them consciously facilitates their release.
Ask yourself: Am I my emotions, or something far greater? When you bring the full light of consciousness to emotional turbulence, the waves begin to calm. Remember: you are not just the waves—you are also the ocean.
Like Billy Budd in Herman Melville’s classic, strap yourself to the mast and ride out the storm. Whatever comes, let it pass through you. No emotion, however intense, can diminish your eternal Self. Storms deepen and strengthen us. Embrace them. Merge with the water, and remember—you are the water.
If fully riding the storm feels impossible, here are some grounded steps to support you now:
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Stay disciplined in spiritual practice. Keep up with meditation, yoga, and other uplifting habits. The tendency is to abandon these when challenges arise, but that’s like taking off a winter coat in sub-zero weather.
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Serve others. Donate your time or resources. Service lightens our burdens and shifts us out of self-absorption.
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Maintain healthy routines. Avoid using food, substances, or inactivity to mask difficult emotions. Consistent exercise, balanced diet, and good rest are essential now. Skip the all-night streaming binges—rest will serve you better.
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Seek uplifting company and knowledge. Attend spiritual gatherings, study inspiring texts, and surround yourself with positive influences.
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Do transformational healing work. Address and process the deeper energies at play.
While the energy may lighten somewhat after August 5th, Saturn’s move into Aries Navamsha from August 19 – October 3 could heighten anxiety again.
TRANSITS AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE COURSE
Learn how to use daily and yearly transits to plan your days, weeks, and years—and stay ahead of the Astro-Weather.
PRE-RECORDED CLASS — WATCH AT YOUR OWN PACE (15 CLASSES)
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Taught by an expert with over 30 years’ experience, the course offers practical, observation-based techniques for reading your own chart and understanding how karma unfolds—helping you plan more effectively.
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Week 1: Timing key events using the transits of your Dasha Lord, Ascendant Lord, and key natal planets.
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Weeks 2–3: Intermediate principles—planetary aspects, exaltations, and dignities.
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Weeks 4–7: Advanced transit analysis—retrogrades, exalted/debilitated planets, and the influence of outer planets like Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto.
Full course description:
https://www.appliedvedicastrology.com/product/secrets-of-transits-version-2-0/
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