Welcome to August, one and all.
We’re still in the thick of Mercury retrograde. Though the renegade planet of the mind and the unbitten tongue will turn direct on August 11, it doesn’t clear its post-retrograde shadow until August 25, meaning we will remain in the muck and the mire for the bulk of the month.
“August is set to be an emotionally charged month, with a mix of intensity and opportunity. It’s Leo season, which tends to push people toward bold moves — but with Mercury retrograde in the background, it’s worth slowing down,” Kate Kettelkamp, resident astrologer at Gamblizard and founder of Kronos Astrology, told The Post.
Kettlekamp notes that when the Full Moon in Aquarius rises on August 9, it will be ripe with tension that will play out in personal relationships and group dynamics, “Not necessarily a crisis, but it does call for some awareness.”
Towards the end of the month, a powerful New Moon in Virgo offers a much-needed reset. “Think habits, systems, and long-term goals. When Venus enters Leo on August 25, the energy shifts noticeably toward boldness in love, money, and creative choices. Risk is supported here, but only if it’s backed by real intention.”
Below, she shares which signs should be extra cautious in the coming weeks.
Read for your sun and rising sign.
“You are the moment this month, Leo. It’s your season, your spotlight, but Mercury retrograde is testing your timing. And it could make you feel more like a blooper reel than a highlight reel,” said Kettelkamp.
She noted that the Full Moon in Aquarius will hit lions in their partnership zone.
“That could mean a heated conversation, a revelation, or an old emotional thread resurfacing. Romantic relationships might feel a little unstable, as can business or creative ones. Keep your poker face on — try not to overreact. Or at least take a beat before replying.”
Kettelkamp urges big cats not to dismiss the past, particularly when it comes to revenue streams or lucrative patterns.
“Think back to 2018. What was working for you then? Rework it. Then, come August 12th — when Venus and Jupiter align — go ahead, take the leap. As long as it’s something you’ve thought through, it might just be a quiet win.”
According to Kettlekamp, Mercury in your tenth house of career is stirring up and bringing back unfinished business, Scorpio.
“You might be revisiting old goals, or bumping into a familiar face from your professional past.”
On the August 9th Full Moon in Aquarius, she cautions scorpions to take great care in all communications, particularly those that take place in public or with receipts.
“A well-meaning comment might be taken the wrong way. A vague email could come back to bite. This isn’t the time to take an unnecessary risk or make a reckless bluff — play it safe.”
Kettlecamp says agenda pushing is the enemy during this transit, and your best bet is revision, a slow build, breathing room, and practiced patience.
“Your moment is coming, but this isn’t the week to force it.”
As Mercury retrogrades in Leo, your opposite sign, you could be feeling the off-kilter frequency more than others, Aquarius.
Symptoms include but are not limited to obstinate tech, changing plans, and misread signals.
“August 9th’s Full Moon is in your sign, so something personal, something you’ve been circling for a while, could finally come to light. But the emotional charge may catch you off guard. Give yourself space. Not every conversation needs to happen right now.”
Kettlekamp assures that the latter part of August could bring a welcome and uncommonly sweet surprise.
“Romance, a reconnection, even a stroke of creative clarity. It won’t undo the chaos, but it could make the mess feel worthwhile if you stay in the game without folding too soon.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
