Hello there horoscope readers and astrology lovers! We are in for interesting times ahead, so take up the challenges, enjoy the beginnings of autumn and see what the stars foretell!

The sun enters Virgo on the 23rd of August.
So Virgo this is your birthday month: We are certainly living in interesting times, with your ruling planet Mercury travelling backwards or retrograde until the 11th September so it may be quite a challenging month for you, especially in the area of finance. Mercury is the messenger of the Gods and also the trickster; it is almost as things just aren't what they appear to be. Sometimes the planets can give watch other a hand by giving them some light. Mercury's position in the skies at the moment shows that this is not possible currently he also has the qualities of a wild card, a bit like the Fool in the tarot, it really depends on what else is happening as to what part of life is being challenged. I would say though that you need to consolidate and look at what new project you would like to undertake and plan it, but don't initiate anything new until after the 12th September.

Libra:
With Venus, your ruling planet in your own sign you should be having a great time, and you may feel quite confident and raring to go. Although, you may find that deep down there are small emotional niggles that should be addressed. Are you being valued for what you do and who you are, or are you being taken for granted. Often, because Librans like to network with people they appear to be quite easy going, but are all in danger of living for some-one else instead of appreciating their own value!
Spend some quiet time reflecting on if you are being treated the way you would like to be, and if not ask! There is empowerment in asking for what you really want. Renegade, retrograde Mercury in your Solar chart is travelling around in the house of secrets and hidden issues, maybe you will find out something about your family that has been hidden. Maybe you are involved with a large corporation or institution that has something to do with your decision making processes, whatever it is step lightly through this area, and be kind to yourself!

Scorpio:
If you are feeling a bit aloof and disconnected early in the month, this feeling does go away. But use this mood to decide what changes you want around the home, you may find that you want to alter the way your bedroom or lounge looks, so go ahead and make the changes because small differences make interesting alterations to your own perspective. In your solar chart, Venus is in a very prominent position and this means that love or at least networking is in the air. You may well feel more self confident as the month moves on, and if not then this is an area that you are well placed to work on at the moment.


Sagittarius:
The confusion that you feel may well be described as push-pull, and this is what makes you feel slightly jittery, or excited or both! There may be some interesting developments around siblings and short journeys. You could become fascinated by a new area of learning, especially in the esoteric or alternative world, this would do you a whole lot of good, because you are not some-one who makes polite conversation easily, and you want to express your depth well. Try to formulate your own opinions about a subject and do not sublimate yourself to other people's opinions although of course you can take their point of view on board, sometimes you will choose the easy way out, for peace.

Capricorn:
Well now, the ruler of your chart Saturn is being aspected by Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto…now if you are experience some huge transformation then go with the flow, and as they say, if you can't fight them join them. If you have had any ideas about changing anything in your life this may well be a good time to initiate that, there are positive results to be had by taking the planetary configurations seriously and working with them without resistance. You may feel that you want to go over some old ground again, there may be a project that started earlier in the year that will be completed now.

Aquarius:

At new moon on the 9th of September, I would certainly make a start on an important project especially if it is using other people's resources, you will have the focus and dedication to complete your project. You may have already found that your finances are erratic or unpredictable. Currently this is one of those lessons in life that you will learn and in January you may feel that pressure again, but what you put into place now will mean that January may well be an easier month for you. If your work entails other people, groups and causes then implement new ideas and then watch them blossom.

Pisces:
Your traditional ruling planet Jupiter is having fun and games with erratic Uranus, and this could spell changes on a global level, and then added to that mix we have in the early part of the month retrograde Mercury which can mean that communication and travel are all upside down. I was delighted and surprised when the BA strike was called off, it means that some-one is doing something right! In your personal horoscope one of the best ways to deal with this massive planetary transit is to use your original ideas, spice them up and present them in a way that makes others stand up and take notice, there are some ideas that you have that are worth pursuing! Think globally and act locally!

Aries:
If your energy levels seem to dip, take good care of yourself and go on a cleansing fast during the Mercury retrograde which ends on the 11th September. It is a great way to reset your body for the next season, and it is also a great way to get rid of toxins both emotional and physical. If you do not know about fasting speak to a health care professional such as a Naturopath, or herbalist, or e-mail me.
You may want to spend some time on your own and re-evaluate your life, and this is healthy, and I think necessary every now and again, instead of blundering through life unconsciously, you can take a fair amount of control over events in your life, and this is one of those times that it will be useful.

Taurus:
You may feel that you need change and excitement in your life, and I would agree, but, don't be rash because that is not going to solve anything. The changes may be subtle, even if it is that you colour your hair differently, that is change. Or you may decide to join an art class, or even go into group therapy. There is a certain pleasure out of deciding to do something new with your life, and then doing it! If you don't the planetary energy might just help you along in ways that you do not want, there is always change in life, and that is what we find interesting and sometimes challenging, but we would find it more challenging if everything stayed the same all the time.

Gemini:
The focus will be where you feel most at home, or literally at home. There are changes and also possible delays, with your ruling planet appearing to move backwards. But if you want to make the most of this time it is a great time to reflect and also plan if you want to make changes in the house, but don't start until after the 11th September. Also read Virgo's entry because Mercury also rules Virgo. As you work with some of the possible changes in your career, remember that the people that you work with are the people that you relate to on a daily basis and you would have seen that there are alternative ways to relate, think about this while you are planning your next career move. The working relationships are important. It is vital that you see other's point of view at the moment.

Cancer:
Around about the middle of the month your focus may well be on finance and personal security, if you have not got a savings plan in order then this is a good time to develop and awareness. There are possible changes in the offing for you and it seems as though these changes are as a result of an overseas or foreign connection, or you are involved with higher learning, and this could be anything from meditation classes to degree courses, but the flavour is philosophical or even psychological.
Whatever you do decide home is best, and this is where your security is, make yourself comfortable, and do some armchair travelling with a good book!

Leo:
Leo's enjoy being recognised for their gifts and abilities and this month is no different. So why not use your considerable gifts to assist yourself as well, yes, this month is a bit about you! You could find yourself booking workshops in your area that assist you learn more about yourself. Have a look at the idea that you may want to enhance your creativity, transform some of your old clothes into new ones, something practical that would help with the bank balance and also your self esteem. Enjoy this creative spurt in your life, you will certainly be learning more about yourself!

Bernie, our resident astrologer, is contactable at 01506-433638 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it She is giving workshops in 'Getting to know yourself through your birth chart', ritual, meditation and tarot, to find out more e-mail or phone her. Bernie also does private consultations and does Life Empowerment Awareness Process [LEAP] which helps deal with negative patterning in your birth chart or life experience.