The third and fourth weeks of August come packed with punch…possibly literally. If the 4 planets at play directly impact your birth chart,  pack your bags for a short solitary trip to blow off some steam if possible, or to get out of the line of fire of someone else’s steam blowing. Can’t get away? Do something physical – and do it hard to release the tension of the coming weeks.

There’s a lot of ambition and the desire to work hard during this month, with high energy and the possibility of achieving much. The culmination of something you’ve really put effort into could be at hand. But there are pitfalls to be aware of to harness this energy successfully. We’re experiencing a strong Grand Cross alignment between 4 planets that demand change during August, and a couple of them are hot heads. These 4 planets move into a tense and motivating 4-way cross, each one pushing in a different sort of way. Saturn wants change slowly and cautiously with a well-defined goal and represents order, discipline and structure; Uranus wants change yesterday with a bit of shock value thrown in and represents a revolutionary energy that makes way for uniqueness and stepping outside the status quo; Pluto wants complete transformation after a good purging, representing death, transformation and rebirth; and Mars wants to enforce its own way and survive, whatever else happens, and represents how we act upon our will. Therefore…

The third week of August, commencing now, has us fiercely feeling the need for independence, and wanting to pull all the stops to make it happen – yet there is resistance – the possibility that we remain grounded, despite the ants in our pants. Mars is edging closer and closer to an exact square (90 degrees apart) with Uranus, with the day of the most breathless and intense display of this energy occurring on Wednesday, August 19. Rebelliousness is likely in those most impacted (it all depends on your natal chart), and most of us can expect impulsiveness or at least restlessness, either in ourselves or by being challenged by those feelings in others. Yet despite our antsy feelings, we might not be able to forge ahead as cleanly as we want. Head butting  and tempers could flare easily, so be prepared by creating a release valve of some kind – a place or activity where you can vent, preferably alone, so that you can come back to the group in a good space.

The goal of this time period is perhaps realizing that a change is necessary, and it should be change that pulls in your unique creativity. It probably should also be a goal that involves others and that has a “greater good” aspect involved. If it doesn’t then your ego attachments and will might be challenged. The up-side of this month is that there’s a lot of energy to tap into to get things moving. Remember that you’ll be most successful if you honor what’s still useful and authentic about whatever needs changing. In other words, throw out the dirty bath water, but you probably don’t need a brand new tub. A new exotic blend of essential oils in the fresh clean water might do.

Pablo Picasso - Girl Before a Mirror - 1932

The fourth week of August strongly pulls in the opposition to Pluto from Mars. If nothing else there is intensity of purpose. This combination at the lowest vibration of possibility screams two words: power plays. If the battle for control commences in your life this month, take a look at yourself to see how this outer conflict is mirroring your inner conflict – there’s likely something unconscious within you that’s trying to push it’s way into consciousness. This is an energy that you can harness to create powerful and positive change – don’t waste it fighting resistance. Instead ask the penetrating questions and act with integrity and subtle authority. Utilize it by getting to the core of the matter honestly, and learning that it’s only yourself that you can control. At its highest vibration this is a time that can bring the courage for deep-reaching transformation and healing on a soul level.

Some cautions: be care-ful, don’t drive fast, wear a helmet, protect your adrenals, re-schedule surgery if possible (especially if it’s on your head), thoughtfully deflect anger rather than reacting.