This August looks interesting. Interesting, normally in this context, being a word that denotes sarcasm or at least an interpretation of potentially negative events with a positive spin. It is an August bathed in masculine energy in all its variables and forms, from forceful will, the will to power, repression, obstruction, top down energy, frustration, aggression, anger, creation, manifestation, drive and much more. As if we needed telling; with so many planets bringing forth every male archetype under the sun. Including the Sun (in Leo). The energy of the super masculine in everyone of us, in at least one area of life. Yes. thankfully Venus is in Cancer, finally. She’s doing her own thing and doing it nicely in another fellow feminine domain. At some point towards the end of the month she will even collaborate with powerful Neptune in Pisces to bring forth more of the beautiful and inspiring aspects of life.

But look at what we’ve got in the meanwhile; athletic and youthful Mars is super energized in Aries, his domicile but going retrograde later and unable to perform; business, cool heartened Saturn in ambitious-for-all-that-is-material Capricorn, also his domicile bringing obstacles and an austere outlook in life; Pluto representing death in Capricorn, sign of conclusions and endings certain to bring an intense sense of fear, resentment and loathing; Jupiter the God-authority-of-all-Gods also in Capricorn, his fall and corrupt condition unable to honour what is noble and coming from a higher moral place. And, last but not least, Mercury, our decision making ability and rational thinking guardian is in all powerful ruler Leo.

We might have been hoping for some tarot relief but the outlook is one of stoic reality. Accept the gifts and be grateful for the lessons. The Fool has a very Mars in Aries quality about him, and his influence will indeed dominate our environment as well as our innate ability to deal with everyday life situations and the bigger picture as well, for the next six months or so. We really want to get going but frustration and anger will escalate as we encounter more and more problems along the way. If we don’t want to fall of a cliff (with our dog), we are going to have to learn how to deal with whatever we are being served along the way. He has drive, he is innocent, he wants to get up and go. These are qualities necessary to achieve anything. They should be honoured. It’s the fundamentals we need to create. Without this enthusiasm and innocent will nothing can get started. And we are desperate to start something. A new job. A new relationship. A new way of life. Like The Fool, Mars in Aries which trines the Sun in Leo in August can not wait. And neither can we, the Sun is blasting out.

So what is this dark and lonely Hermit doing here? In a scary, dark and seemingly cold landscape, he’s holding a lantern in what can only be described as grim surroundings. Well, he might just be the Capricornian element we need to shape and give form to our legacy as it’s coming out in the light of day. It will assist us to keep the breaks on when needed. The Hermit will always rely on his own light that comes from within. He’s teaching self sufficiency, fortitude during scarcity of resources and persistence towards a goal. He is not giving up, no matter how gloomy the conditions. So he’s reminding us the inevitability of the declining light that comes from the outside. He’s empowering us by saying: no. The internal light is the enduring light. Keep focusing on that.

That’s how we reach the Knight of Pentacles. The card of service but also of rewards. He is advancing calmly and methodically. We are safe in the knowledge that we can reach our destination. He is our answer to the trials that await The Fool and the sadness that comes with The Hermit. Tap into his energy to get out of challenging situations that may cause frustration and anger. Tap into the energy of boring and sometimes tedious tasks with gusto in order to overcome emotions, sensitivities and troublesome states of being.

There is a lot of divine masculine energy this month of the archetype that is more associated with the hero-warrior, the king-authority, priest-knowledge, and lover-sensuality. All our senses will be on high alert and our sense of self will need recognition. We all have those energies within us and we can put them into good use for ourselves and for others. Look ahead with optimism but be aware tough times are on the menu. Some, will be bigger than us. Some, we will be able to control and shape into something that’s useful and worthy, no matter where it’s coming from. Take action now. It’s time of doing. It’s time of being out in the world. We will need to focus on one thing and implement relentlessly and with care. Movement is happening. Material rewards are within our reach. And sensual experiences – sounds, tastes, views – always will follow August. But we can take our time – Rome wasn’t build in a day – or so they say!

Flavia