Astrology by Lisa Stardust

This week is the calm before the storm, so get your shit together. Mercury in Leo aspects Mars in Libra, allowing us to be defensive and resilient against any drama that people throw our way. The Sun enters Virgo on August 22, making us more efficient and productive during the dog days of summer. As the season comes to a close, reflect on what you've learned and how you've grown. The New Moon in Virgo, which is known as a Black Moon because it’s the third New Moon in the season which has four of these lunations, occurs on August 22/23. It is going to be a prime time to manifest. Being that the eclipses are coming in the next two weeks, this is the opportunity to set intentions.

Witch-Tip

Written by Bri Luna

Since the Black Moon in Virgo is a rare window for planting serious intentions, try a “New Moon Order Ritual”

Cleanse your space: Wipe down your altar, sweep your floors, or burn a little rosemary or lavender. Virgo energy thrives in tidy, intentional environments.
Write your intentions: On a small piece of paper, list no more than 3 things you’re calling in. Keep them precise, Virgo magic loves clarity.
Seal it with earth + flame: Place your paper under a bowl of salt (for grounding and protection). Light a white or green candle and say aloud, “With this flame, I set my path in order. What is meant for me arrives in perfect time.”
Close with gratitude: Thank the Moon for carrying your words into form, and keep the paper safe until after eclipse season.

This way you’re anchoring your manifestations before the storms roll in so when the eclipses shake things up, your roots are already strong.

Aries

All the ups and downs of the past month have finally taken a toll on your emotions, leaving you energetically depleted. You need some R&R. Instead of letting your anxieties consume your mind, try to chill out for at least one minute during the day.

Taurus

Look within yourself and to the past for the answers you seek. Your spirit and positivity will grow. Most importantly, you will transform your faith in yourself and the future. Your past is lighting the way for you to evolve and move into a better tomorrow.

Gemini

Changes are happening within you, which may feel confusing at the moment. Before you start gaslighting your feelings to yourself and keeping yourself in a cycle, meditate on what transformations are brewing inside you. Then, you can move in great strides towards achieving greatness.

Cancer

Words have power, and they can hurt if not used properly. Think before you let people know how you feel to ensure you aren’t being mean with how you express your sentiments. Then, you can avoid drama with those in your social circle and your family.

Leo

Stepping up your game when it comes to love is extremely important now. Letting that special someone know how you feel will take your relationship to the next level. Not only that, but it will also mend past confusion and bring you both to a deeper understanding of each other.

Virgo

It’s hard to get regimented back into life as summer ends. Be patient with yourself and others as you ease into your groove as work recommences. This year, the lesson you need to implement into your daily vibe is a more relaxed approach to getting things done.

Libra

Anxieties are rising within, mostly because you are moving away from old thinking and into a new mindset. Try distracting yourself for a few minutes before you allow tensions to overtake you. Not thinking about matters so deeply will ease your mind over the upcoming days.

Scorpio

It’s time you started taking stock of things that matter to you, instead of taking them for granted. Start the new astrological season on the right foot. Make a gratitude list this week to ensure that you look at the bright side of situations, not the negative.

Sagittarius

You have an intense side to you that not everyone sees — until now. This week, you are expressing your innermost feelings to everyone you know: the good, the bad, and the ugly. They will understand that you are trying to evolve, which is part of the healing process.

Capricorn

It may be hard to let go (change is hard for everyone, not just you); however, it’s time you gamble on yourself and give yourself the chance to be happy. You’re on the road towards healing and recovery. Don’t give up now. The most significant risk of all is loving yourself.

Aquarius

Money issues have come to a head, making you rethink your holiday shopping. Before you have a major meltdown over past decisions, use your vitality to make better financial decisions and plan to save over the next few weeks to elevate your bank account. Don’t dwell. Push forward.

Pisces

It may be hard to get intimate with those you care about, even though you genuinely want to have a deep connection with them. Let go of your fear and allow yourself to take little baby steps towards getting to know your squad, lovers, and family better.