August 22–28, 2008

If you know your ascendant, read it too.

GENERAL FORECAST: Charming, civilized and conversant, courtesy of the Venus-Mercury conjunction in Virgo on the 21st. Once the sun enters this highly critical, service-oriented earth sign on Friday, and erratic Uranus raises its volatile head, you might not come across as the witty, well-mannered person you were yesterday. Tread carefully Saturday night if you don’t want your romance to blow up in your face. By Wednesday, during another juicy Mercury-Pluto square, suspicions could be confirmed. Once again, the ugly truth triumphs!

ARIES (March 20–April 19)

It might not qualify as “pleasure” per se, but there is a good chance you’ll soon be mixing business with an enjoyable pastime. Working a celebrity charity event? Taking a client to a ball game? Since your heartfelt Mars ruler is in your Libra marriage house for the first time in two years, playing the field might not be as appealing as usual. Despite the Ram’s tendency to pursue with passion and possibly scare the object of your affection, this time, try wooing with finesse and the romantic gestures that a Libra would.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)

Verbal and visually gifted Bulls benefit when Mercury and your artistic Venus ruler meet in your Virgo house of creativity and romance. Teachers and other performers, both gifted or not especially, may be more expressive as well. Be aware that all of you are likely to have a change of heart when least expected. More specifically, at the end of the month, when suspicious Pluto raises doubts about someone or something you love dearly. Emotional, and to some extent financial, insecurity could linger through Labor Day.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Talented Twins shouldn’t neglect what appears to be an easy opportunity to show your stuff. Don’t assume that because this audience isn’t your typical employer or fan base that they won’t appreciate what you can do for them. Taking chances, betting on long shots works in your favor until Labor Day. That’s when your Mercury ruler gets drawn into a complicated dance through your Libra house of creativity, romance and recreation, setting the stage for the hassles that’ll arise during the next retrograde period: Sept. 24 to Oct. 15.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

While you may already have a reason to treasure lucky Jupiter’s presence in your Capricorn marriage house, it could pale when compared to the benefits you’re about to accrue. The rewarding trine relationship this year between Mr. Lucky and constructive Saturn in discerning Virgo is as close to a blueprint for success as they come. Add the supportive trine from the Virgo sun just after Labor Day, and your fall season should begin on a resounding high note. Just remember to keep your partners, the source of these favors, content.

LEO (July 23–August 22)

Unlike the Crab, the Lion needs to keep its co-workers, not its life or business partners, happy. They, along with service personnel and health professionals, are the people providing the benefits you’re about to enjoy. Because the trines from generous Jupiter to Saturn and the sun occur in your Virgo house of money earned, the majority of the rewards should be monetary. Perhaps other valuable items will show up, or the values you profess will be reinforced, but basically it’s about the bucks. Is there a raise in the works?

VIRGO (August 23–September 22)

Although it’s been building all year long, the streak of good luck you’ve been on is liable to reach a peak before your birthday celebration is history. Thanks to growth-oriented Jupiter in your Capricorn house of creative output, true love and other risky endeavors, even reticent Virgins can go hog wild with joy. Well, maybe not when restrictive Saturn in your sign and jolly Jupiter trine, but certainly while the resourceful Virgo sun and the giant planet perfect the most advantageous aspect of them all on 9/4, the opening day of the NFL season.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22)

While the blessings bestowed by the beneficial trine between your Venus ruler and enthusiastic Jupiter may be on the wane, more favors could flow to your family from a well-placed associate. Not that you won’t be appreciative, but since you’ve been handling the matter for some time, you could sense that your methods are being tested. Until ballsy Mars in Libra challenges Jupiter shortly after Labor Day, you won’t be sure. New attractions and amusements to distract you after Venus enters your sign on the 30th.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)

The special connection between the Scorpion and the Virgin is a mystery to many; nonetheless, more often than not, the relationship is strong, honest and mutually beneficial. Scorpios don’t mind the Virgos’ paranoia and constant quibbling, and they actually listen, sometimes even follow, their advice. Since both signs are protected by Jupiter this year, don’t be surprised if you reap more than you sow in next few weeks. Especially around the Virgo new moon on the 30th.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)

It can’t be repeated often enough: Your Jupiter ruler in your Capricorn house of assets is key to the goodies being spread throughout the zodiac. While career concerns may dominate your thoughts during Virgo, favorable aspects from the crown of your solar chart to your bank balance should ease you mind, especially when the sun and Jupiter trine on Sept. 4. Further action follows, so be alert to what seems to be developing right around the new lunar cycle that begins as August ends. Until then, secrets revealed, passions unleashed!

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 20)

The free ride you’ve been on continues as far-sighted Jupiter in your sign attracts further advantages right after Labor Day. Going to St. Paul for the GOP or Minneapolis for Rage? For cautious earth signs like yours, any day during solar Virgo can be a blessing, especially if the benefits coming your way include lots of Other People’s Money. The increased interest in sex shouldn’t hurt, either. But the icing on the cake, the cherry on top, appears when Jupiter and your Saturn ruler perfect their rewarding trine on 9/8.

AQUARIUS (January 21–February 18)

For a change, clarity. Perhaps not as much as you’d like or need if you were born in mid-February, but for Aquarians who don’t have nebulous Neptune sitting on their natal sun degree, a break in the fog and fantasies clouding your vision. So much for the summer hiatus. Now it’s back to school or the drawing board as Mercury and Venus join Mars, another of the personal planets, in your Libra house of higher education and lifelong goals. Wait for the new moon on the 30th to click in before taking the next step.

PISCES (February 19–March 19)

Friends don’t let friends champion the wrong cause. The ridiculously easy, super-supportive trine next week between expansive, expensive Jupiter and the “make it perfect” Virgo sun, as rewarding a planetary relationship as there is, can be a major drain, emotionally and financially, on someone close to you. How vocal a protest you should make depends on how vehemently you think your opinion is the correct one. However, if you’re still on the fence, then bide your time until more information is revealed as, no doubt, it will be.

Curious about the future? Order a personalized Transit Forecast (30 to 40-plus pages) detailing the major themes and issues that will arise over the next 12 months. Send name, date, time and place of birth, with a check or money order for $40 plus $3.50 s&h, to ROCKIE GARDINER, 6701 Colbath Ave., Valley Glen, CA 91405.

https://www.rockiehoroscope.com

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