The Milky Way. Image by Karin Henseler
Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: August 15 - 21, 2022
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)
MON: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter
TUE: Mercury trine Uranus
WED: Sun quincunx Neptune, Sun trine Eris; Moon in Aries conjunct Eris and square Pluto
THU: Venus trine Jupiter, Mercury quincunx Saturn; Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus and square Saturn
FRI: Sun quincunx Pluto, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune
SAT: Mars enters Gemini
SUN: Mercury opposite Neptune, Mars semisquare Chiron
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THE HEAT OF AUGUST: No matter what season it is where you live, the heat is definitely turned up this month. The challenging energies of the Pluto-Eris square and the Saturn-Uranus square, which I wrote about last week, are building now and will be with us through early November.
On top of that, the planet Uranus is very strong right now, since it is moving very slowly in anticipation of stationing retrograde on August 24. The influence of a planet when it is moving slowly versus when it is moving at normal speed can be likened to the difference between walking in filtered sunlight versus standing still, in direct sun, at high noon. The heat of the sun hasn't suddenly changed, but we feel its effects more profoundly because the energy is more focused in our experience. For the rest of August, we are essentially standing still at high noon, absorbing the energies of the planet Uranus, which is directly overhead.
THE URANUS EFFECT: Of all the planets, Uranus is the one most noted for abrupt, surprising, and often disruptive change. It is known as the Rebel, the Revolutionary, the god of Chaos. When astrologers write about Uranus, we usually reference earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and the like, as being symbolic of its influence on the physical plane.
However, Uranus is also a transpersonal, "higher octave" planet. As the representative of Divine Mind, it invites us to expand our consciousness. In the mundane world, the planet advances equality and social progress; in the spiritual world, it guides us to an Inner Awakening. Uranus is also the planet of genius and invention, so we will want to watch for progressive developments over the next few weeks, especially in the areas of the environment and climate change, since Uranus is now in nature-loving Taurus.
As we move through this highly-Uranian time, through the end of August and beyond (due to Uranus being activated by its square to Saturn), it may be helpful to observe unexpected events as being purposed to open up our perceptions and to move us beyond where we've been stuck or resisting change. Situations that arise will require us to go beyond our rational mind's interpretations of reality and to access a higher perspective. Changes that occur may indeed happen because a specific change of direction is needed, but they are also cosmically designed to break us free from set ways of perceiving our earthly experience.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's important planetary aspects, along with my brief interpretations of each. Please note that although I don't usually include lunar aspects in this list, due to how quickly they come and go, I am including now the Moon's interactions with Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, and Eris. This is because the Moon can act as a "trigger" for the energies of the longer-term squares we are working with.
Monday
Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter: While optimism is a wonderful trait, when Jupiter is in hard aspect, we must be cautious about being overconfident or over-extending ourselves. This aspect can also correspond with differences of opinion, especially over legal or moral concerns.
Tuesday
Mercury trine Uranus: The rational mind and the higher mind are in harmony with this aspect. Be open to insights, "aha" moments, and intuitive hits that inspire new directions in your work and service.
Wednesday
Sun quincunx Neptune: Our perceptions of reality are not necessarily accurate today, due to a tendency to over-idealize.
Sun trine Eris: The need for self-expression is strong, which can inspire some to take impulsive risks today.
Moon in Aries conjunct Eris and square Pluto: Tensions are heightened today as individuals push against authority figures or governmental controls.
Thursday
Venus trine Jupiter: This trine encourages social interactions and play time with friends. Some may be especially self-indulgent, and averse to work.
Mercury quincunx Saturn: The mind may be more pessimistic with this aspect, and it can be hard to move beyond worries about the future.
Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus and square Saturn: Sudden changes and detours can interrupt set schedules, so do your best to be flexible.
Friday
Sun quincunx Pluto: While we might prefer to be otherwise engaged, circumstances seem to be in control today.
Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune: People are very impressionable and may not have clear judgment. Do your best to be discerning in matters of the heart and in financial dealings.
Saturday
Mars enters Gemini: Although usually transiting a sign in about two months, Mars will be in Gemini for seven months, due to going retrograde on October 30. During this time, communications and information downloads will be occurring more and more quickly. The caution with this transit is that it will be easy to speak impulsively or to act based on a fleeting idea, rather than taking the time to make sure of where our words or actions may lead. We can also feel more scattered or anxious, due to the increase in nervous energy.
Sunday
Mercury opposite Neptune: The imagination is very strong. This may lead to expansive visions and meditations, but can also cause confusion or misperceptions when dealing with practical matters.
Mars semisquare Chiron: Insecurities can cause conversations to derail if one or both parties do not feel they are being heard or respected.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, circumstances require you to be very clear about what you want and that you realistically assess what is possible, as compared to what might be ideal. Pay close attention to details that you would usually prefer to ignore, as this will help you avoid pitfalls. As you gain inner clarity and focus, you will move beyond the need to fight for what you want and feel more inspired to do the work necessary to achieve your personal and career goals. Be patient with slow but steady progress, as well as any delays that may occur. The qualities of discipline and tolerance you are building will serve you well in your long-term endeavors. (Solar Return Sun square Mars, opposite Saturn, quincunx Neptune, quincunx Pluto)
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WEBINAR IN 4 WEEKS: I'm excited to announce my next webinar! The title is "Walking the Tightrope: Staying Focused and Balanced in Changing Times." This class will cover the planetary energies we're working with for the rest of 2022; these next four months will be quite memorable, as you can tell from the title I chose! The class will air on Wednesday, September 14, but it will be recorded for replay if you're not able to join us live.
For the full description and link to register, please visit https://tightrope2022.eventbrite.com. I hope you can join us!
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
