August 1 – 7, 2008
Assuming it's accurate, a recently released birth certificate
shows that Barack Obama, born August 4, 1961, at 7:24 p.m. in Honolulu, has 18
degrees of Aquarius rising, a 3+ degree Gemini moon sextiling Mercury at 2+ Leo
and trining Jupiter in early Aquarius. That accounts for his verbal and written
skills. His sun at 12 Leo falls in his sixth house of service. Uranus, ruler of
Aquarius and his chart, is in his Leo house of partners, conjunct the moon's
north node (destiny) at 27. Also in his marriage house: Pluto at 7 Virgo and Mars
at 22+ Virgo, a site the God of War returns to this week. The sole total solar
eclipse of 2008 occurs on Aug. 1, but only a partial eclipse will be visible in
eastern North America.

Aries

Whether you'll feel the earth move when your Mars ruler opposes disruptive
Uranus depends on your location during the tremors scheduled for Aug. 6. Near
the epicenter or in bed? Maybe the disturbance will simply entail a change of
diet or a rescheduled medical procedure. Although surgical Mars passing through
your Virgo house of health won't turn you into a hypochondriac, its once-every-two-year
visit is likely to make you painfully aware of what shape your body is in and
what you can do to improve it.

Taurus

Two potent planetary alignments can rock your world. While your affable Venus
ruler and passionate Pluto perfect a rewarding trine this weekend, you may feel
not merely safe and secure, but treasured. After Venus moves into discerning Virgo,
you're liable to become more critical about everyone and everything. Keep
this in mind when dealing with a sudden turn of events brought on by the explosive
Mars-Uranus opposition. Their hookup links an oddball buddy with the games you
like to play. This week, not such good fun.

Gemini

The innate Gemini poet emerges this week as your Mercury ruler is exposed to the
full spectrum of images Neptune offers. Perhaps you'll pick up a camera
or paintbrush instead. Whatever the instrument, now — while Mercury is still
in demonstrative Leo — is a propitious time to express yourself. If you
don't do it, you won't know what it may lead to. Further indication
that a situation is about to change: Mars in your Virgo home base questions the
on-again, off-again signals you're getting from erratic Uranus in your career
zone.

Cancer

Another day, another dollar, maybe a lot more. Friday's sun-moon conjunction
in your Leo house of money earned is also — drum roll, please — a
total solar eclipse. Rather than the usual renewal of energy gained from the monthly
meeting of the “lights,” Moon Children may experience a dramatic shift
in perspective after the moon blots out the rays of the sun. Personal assets and
abilities could become much more valuable than they were yesterday. Adding to
the power of this cosmic event: The south node of your moon ruler will be in Leo
for another year.

Leo

Although a total eclipse of your sun ruler can temporarily sap the Lion's
strength, the phenomenon may also mark a crucial turning point in your life. Did
anything major happen after the solar eclipse on July 30, 2000? Those who were
affected then should prepare to take another step in their evolution again. If,
like Obama, you're a Leo born in 1961, transiting Saturn at 7 Virgo is currently
sitting on your natal Pluto. Will a secret that Saturn is repressing come to light
when the sun advances to that degree at the Virgo new moon on Aug. 30? Or will
the triple hit consolidate the Plutonic power base behind the throne?

Virgo

More than most, high-strung Virgins should make a concerted effort to maintain
a sense of balance during what could be a difficult week. Although the solar eclipse
in your Leo 12th house of “ripe destiny” probably won't affect
your daily life, ballsy, even bloody Mars in Virgo has you poised to lash out
at something you find weird about a partnership. The Mars-Uranus opposition midweek
is unpredictable and, more often than not, dangerous. At the same time you may
misconstrue whatever nebulous Neptune is relaying to your Mercury ruler.

Libra

Playing your cards close to the vest pays off handsomely while your pleasure-loving
Venus ruler in glamorous Leo trines security-minded Pluto this weekend. Not that
you won't have a fine time fanning the flames of a mutual attraction, it's
just that you'll be more circumspect, possibly downright secretive about
the connection. This approach should also serve you well after Venus enters discriminating
Virgo midweek; it could stave off another “willful suspension of disbelief”
romantic Librans are so fond of.

Scorpio

If you have Scorpio rising, the Leo new moon/total solar eclipse can have a dramatic
effect on your career or your reputation among your peers. However, if you were
born around Halloween, it could affect your entire life, your parents' as
well. Are the drama queens drooling in anticipation? Rest assured, even if they
can't see the spectacular event, something to kvetch about will occur when
the eclipse at 10 Leo squares their 10 degree Scorpio sun. More irritation, possible
fireworks, while your Mars co-ruler confronts barrier-breaking Uranus on Wednesday.

Sagittarius

It's Archers born close to the Capricorn cusp who'll relish the joy
and warmth that Venus spreads as she waves goodbye to the Lion, a fire sign as
high-spirited as your own. Enjoy the weekend because, after the goddess enters
the Virgin's domain, it'll be three-plus weeks of organizing, scrubbing
and polishing up your act for all of you. This way, come Labor Day weekend, everyone
will be prepared to play with the Libras you love to hang with. Plus, you will
have already addressed the concerns artistic Venus brought to the conference table.

Capricorn

If you're a Cap born around Christmas, you can enjoy the weekend as much
as your Sagittarius neighbor. If not, use affable Venus' transit through
Virgo, an earth sign as practical and well-organized as your own, to make friends
and influence some well-placed people who eschew the glitz and glamour. Therefore,
when the goddess joins your Saturn ruler on the 13th, you could be in the enviable
position of getting exactly what you want. Planning ahead is what natives of your
sign are so good at. Also, knowing foggy Neptune is in your money house, double-checking
financial data.

Aquarius

Be prepared. Adopting the Boy Scout mindset should come in handy midweek when
your independent Uranus ruler faces stiff opposition from militant Mars. Since
this flare-up occurs across your financial axis, let's hope that the worst
you're in for is an argument over money. That being said — forewarned,
forearmed, etc. — be sure to take a moment on Friday to direct the Leo new
moon energy toward something you and your partner really want. Or want to lose.
Because this lunation is a total solar eclipse, it packs a more powerful punch.

Pisces

Read for Aquarius. While the ruckus raised when Mars in picky Virgo opposes innovative
Uranus in your sign might have nothing to do with money, it could indicate that
a purely personal attack is on the way. Who is the latest party to take offense
at your eccentricity and is there anything you can do to mollify them? Should
you even bother? At the same time a cloud of confusion can surround an issue regarding
work or your pet's health while awaiting word around the 6th. Verify the
information until you're dead sure.

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