August 2025By Bob Mulligan (a personal note is at the end of the newsletter) August Highlights Our involvement with the world in August requires extra sensitivity to our own assertions and desires. Mars (god of desire) moves into Libra (sign of the other) on the 6th ushering in a six week period where the urge to partner is the root behind everything else. Projects get done through established connections; new associations emerge. Mars in Libra (sign of his fall) must accommodate others to get traction. Neptune is in Aries now and will remain here for 14 years. This happens every 165 years, and favors individuality and rebellion against the status quo. Faith in our own intuitions and self-worth are strengthened. For society as a whole, we experience crises in leadership. Saturn in Aries is happening now as well. For the next two years, Saturn brings form to this pioneering spirit. Each of us has a responsibility to examine how we take and give allegiance. Saturn (lord of karma) and Neptune (ruler of civilization) aren’t comfortable with each other; neither is happy in Aries. On the 9th, Mars (Aries’ruler) Opposes them. We’ve reached a turning point in our personal lives; the world shifts; this is the day of the Full Moon. For a couple of days we test the limits of newly discovered strengths. Bumping into restraints unveils hidden truths about the world situation. We reach a crescendo; consciously or unconsciously we attune to the natural world. On the 11th Mercury turns Direct, presenting new possibilities. Because Mercury is in Leo, we will have a stronger than normal attachment to our own ideas. Later in the day, Saturn (structure) completes a Sextile to Uranus (freedom). Our picture of life comes into focus. The rollercoaster between the obvious and the reality behind the appearance comes into view. Alternatives are possible. On the 23rd Jupiter is Semi-square Uranus. A vision of freedom can lure us away from responsibilities that actually free us. Shortcuts are not the enemy; it’s their implementation that causes trouble. Venus enters Leo on the 25th. Venus in Leo is so openhearted; people collectively reach for the fountain of renewal. However, the goddess faces a gauntlet of aspects indicating the need to adjust our emotional expressions to meet the new paradigm. Only love can free us from our cocoon that has run its course. The Full MoonThe Full Moon is on the 9th at 3:55 AM EDT, on the 17th degree of Leo/Aquarius. With Mars in Libra Opposite Saturn/Neptune in Aries there is a struggle between our urge to accommodate and our intuition; we must carry on by ourselves. From an objective perspective, because Mars also forms a Grand Trine in air with Uranus and Pluto, our behavior and everyone else’s veers away from the normal and predictable. Retrograde Mercury in Leo is quite active: Opposite Pluto, Sextile Mars and Uranus, while in Trine to Saturn/Neptune. All decisions ultimately come down to doing our own thing with complete confidence. Both Sun and Moon form hard aspects to Saturn/Neptune and Mars. Consequently, any steps we take will have difficulties. With no earth signs in the mix, planning will not have teeth, but allows us to see what must be done over the next two weeks. The Sun enters Virgo The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd at 4:35 PM EDT. With the Sun heavily aspected when he enters the sign of critical analysis, the period between August 22nd and September 22nd will be a wild 30 day ride. With the Sun Square Uranus, every gain will be short lived; the urge for freedom will dominate decision making; the spontaneous and un-thought-out responses to challenges create new problems with each one solved. The Sun is the only planet in an earth sign in this chart. He is at the apex of a finger of god (yod) aspect: the Sun is Quincunx Saturn/Neptune on one side and Quincunx Pluto on the other. This places extra ownership on each of us. Virgo’s ruler, Mercury, is in Leo, the Sun’s sign; the Sun and Mercury are in mutual reception, so our thoughts and actions have extra potency. Mercury is Sextile Mars in Libra. Everyone else’s actions will complicate or simplify our own. It’s best to take others into our confidence, even when we must go our own way. The New Moon The New Moon is on the 23rd at 2:07 AM on Zero Degrees and 23 minutes of Virgo. New Moons are about beginnings, but this one is on the heels of an avalanche of forced change. The South Node of the Moon is in Virgo; we are setting the stage for next month’s Eclipses; these eclipses are the anchors for the rest of the summer and fall. But right now, we have tasks to perform over the next two weeks that rely heavily on skill and tools already in our possession. The Ruler, Mercury, is in Leo and is Sextile Mars; focused energy brings a pattern of new thoughts, stimulated by our collaboration with partners. Jupiter is in his exaltation in Cancer and Trines the North Node of the Moon from the first house in Washington D.C. There will be much enthusiasm for some proposals coming from government. The New Moon is Square Uranus and also in aspect to Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto. A strong anti-establishment sentiment permeates the air; if we are to reach a more equitable society, we have to do the important work on ourselves. The Weeks From the 1st through the 3rd our softer qualities get roughed up a bit if hold ourselves and our viewpoints as more significant than everyone else’s. We are perhaps too glued to the past. If we are genuinely committed to achieving our long-range goals, we need to lighten up and not be sucked into disagreements over details. From the 4th through the 10th enthusiasm builds as the momentum of a gathering vision of new possibilities pushes us forward. Even though there are plenty of people locking arm and arm, learning to act in harmony requires following a common thread and listening to the same tune. From the 11th through the 17th we are unencumbered by the past. Emotional interludes serve the purpose of strengthening our involvement with a picture of future possibilities. If we have been paying attention, the last few weeks have taught us how to avoid ritualized mistakes. New habits mean less effort. Goals remain the same. From the 18th through the 24th happiness comes through implementing personal choice, but also we must recognize our impact on family. Our immediate circle of friends and acquaintances shape the way we make decisions, and at the same time, we may be called on to lead. In this case, our normal systems of inspiration may dry up. The wise reach a balance between the new offerings and our roots. From the 25th through the 31st getting our head and heart on the same page may be difficult. Expressing our passions requires constant acknowledgment of obvious boundaries imposed by the changes in culture. Cheer up, the ships have been burned, there is no going back. The Days 1st – Friday – Venus Square Saturn, Venus Square Neptune – We learn that nostalgia for the old days doesn’t satisfy. Simplifying our demands on life is a good first step, but ultimately, change in our own behavior is necessary. Stubborn resistance to the obvious is a bad play, and at the same time, long avoided issues need to be addressed. 2nd – Saturday – Venus Quincunx Pluto, Mars Parallel Saturn – Love for our beloved traditional routines bumps heads with circumstances generated by our rapidly evolving environment. Correct handling of details that have emerged through our analytic extruder point the way to future harmony. Patience is in short supply, but discretion is still at our disposal. 3rd – Sunday – Innovation for its own sake is unnecessary. Taking a step back into familiar territory strengthens our hand going forward. We can communicate our vision of a better life, but we make more progress by taking in other people’s observations. 4th – Monday – Sun Semi-sextile Jupiter – What was a great help in the recent past, now becomes a hamperment. Picky details allow us to get on the right path, but this same twist of mind needs to be set aside so that a higher mental faculty can lead. 5th – Tuesday – Even when we think we can get the upper hand in a contest with Mother Nature, traditional methods work best; ultimately we submit to the rules of the game. Now is not the time for a higher passage to truth; our path is fresh out of shortcuts; conventional wisdom requires slowing down and losing a few hands of cards while the cosmic pattern is uncovered. 6th – Wednesday – Mars enters Libra, Mars Contra-parallel Neptune – Exactly how we get along with others determines our place in the line at the grocery store, but also determines how much fun we are having. Competitive feelings breed a tangled web of intrigue. Co-operative instincts must be tempered with self-assurance. Genuine love comes from common ground. 7th – Thursday – Sun Semi-square Mars – A short burst of energy releases tension. A way of life it’s not. Respect for other’s uniqueness prevents unnecessary interruptions. Recognition for our behavior comes as a matter of course; coaxing people along keeps the game in play. Being connected but maintaining some distance allows us to be effective. 8th – Friday – Sun Sesquiquadrate Saturn, Mars Trine Uranus, Mars Opposite Saturn – Our contribution to circumstances in our own lives may lack consistency. In order for our rhythm of the day to be heard beyond our line of sight, it will be a staccato drum beat. Isometric exercise may build strength, but doesn’t actually move us forward. Speed of execution is the important adjunct of well-timed intervention. 9th – Saturday – Sun Sesquiquadrate Neptune, the Full Moon at 3:55 AM EDT, is on the 17th degree of Leo/Aquarius, Sun Parallel Mercury, Mars Opposite Neptune – In spite of ourselves we find the energy to move forward. Clouds get in the way of seeing clearly, but mental acuity easily carries us beyond the confines of our self-created dilemmas. Pressure needs to be moderate but consistent in order to move. 10th – Sunday – Mars Trine Pluto, Mars Parallel Neptune – One last major sweep clears the path in front so we are able to walk unimpeded. Honesty is the ticket to free us from self-created delusion. Faith is not blind but leads us to important data. The grand adventure in front of us starts in earnest when we confront uncomfortable facts that don’t match our suppositions. 11th – Monday – Mercury turns Direct, Saturn Sextile Uranus – There is a big difference between faith and fantasy. Our homework is done, regardless of preparation or lack of it. What we know and can share is sufficient. In order to be true to ourselves we need to step beyond the realm of measurement. Politics requires compromise; the truth does not. 12th – Tuesday – Venus Conjunct Jupiter – The wind is at our back and fills our sails. Does that mean we can have whatever we want? Yes, as long as we want what is going to happen anyway. Exceptional strength, effort, and courage are necessary to complete the daily pattern of tasks. This is a great day for enjoying the drift of life. 13th – Wednesday – Venus Semi-square Uranus – New thoughts propel us, but our heart knows best, and it requires effort to harness insight and intuition to the task at hand. Impulsive actions may sputter when we don’t manage to achieve real progress on the first try. Since sitting still doesn’t seem much of an option, we should proceed with caution, but with a new approach. 14th – Thursday – Mercury Sextile Mars – Things are not as they seem. Our lens for viewing the world is distorted, but our reasoning faculties work fine; with attention, the jumble of overwhelming data makes sense. Every aspect of life flourishes when we rely on traditional wisdom and gathered experiences. The real stretch today is to understand. 15th – Friday – Mars Parallel Saturn – Exercising caution in our daily affairs protects us. Diligent hard work may be called for, but haste creates more stumbling blocks. Slow and steady progress is the natural outcome from careful attention to detail. Pleasure is found in a job well done. 16th – Saturday – Waking up to the changes in life can be shocking. Our time is best spent uncovering patterns created by recent activities. The tipping point between the old ways and new methods has been reached. When we stand still, the light of inspiration can catch up. 17th – Sunday – The conversation started a couple of days ago continues. A flood of information will have its effect, even if it doesn’t seem particularly grounded or practical. This is one of those moments when an interlude introduces us to a different picture of discourse; our mental chemistry gets stirred up. 18th – Monday – Mercury Sextile Mars – Who will get the last word? Collaboration moves us all forward. Contentious debates bring new information to the surface, but let’s face it, this plot of land has already been well plowed. Now is the time to put a premium on pleasantries. There is a way for everyone to win as long is our messaging is about substance. 19th – Tuesday – Happiness and abundance are somewhere in our lives, just waiting to be harvested. Our time is best spent stitching together moments of pure gold from our history, so we remember what we are really doing. Giving and sharing opens the door to further abundance. We can help others even when they don’t know we are involved with the circumstances of their lives. 20th – Wednesday – Small kindnesses go a long way towards making the world a better place. A ripple from one heart to another eventually reaches the ocean. Moderate personal satisfaction is achieved by completing the job in front of us and giving others the space to shine. 21st – Thursday – Conversation passes the time, but also heals core problems in significant relationships. The more we know our real selves, the more of our essence we can share. Our confidence reaches a zenith. It’s time to create something of value. This may be a time of insight or revelation; the important thing is that we are authentic. 22nd – Friday – The Sun enters Virgo at 4:35 PM EDT – Other people become a porthole to view into the coming period. At the same time, our inner experience of life is more important than external events. Physical energy is lower than usual. Quiet time alone is more appealing than engaging in competitive sports. 23rd – Saturday – The New Moon at 2:07 AM EDT is on Zero Degrees and 23 minutes of Virgo, Sun Quincunx Saturn, Jupiter Semi-square Uranus – Organizing our thoughts takes extra effort. Our first steps today need to be slow and easy. We have enough on our plate; it’s ok to say no. Others will need help with their responsibilities, but we don’t have to respond. If we follow the guidance of our set path, people get what they need from us. 24th – Sunday – Venus Parallel Uranus, Sun Square Uranus, Sun Semi-square Jupiter, Sun Quincunx Neptune, Sun Quincunx Pluto – Freedom doesn’t mean unpredictability. Visions of things unseen can encourage us to reach for imaginary goals. Rather than chasing an illusion, we can spend our time more productively in pursuit of tangible targets. We don’t have to be married to a routine to be responsible. What is true today will still exist tomorrow. The level of tension is a force that everyone is dealing with. Adventure doesn’t have to be escapism. We can have fun and still be practical. 25th – Monday – Mercury Sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus enters Leo, Mercury Sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus Trine Saturn, Mercury Semi-sextile Jupiter – We hold on to every optimistic impression that comes our way. The journey is just beginning; positive thoughts based on our own true perceptions lifts, not only our own spirits, but also those around us. Positivity is not delusion or denial; it comes to us by overcoming prejudgments. 26th – Tuesday – Venus Sextile Uranus, Venus Trine Neptune – Following our heart leads us to improve our way of relating. If we want to change, we have a pattern laid out in front of us. Now all we need to do is let our own personal truth modify our behavior. It’s easy to turn a blind eye or get swept up into the excitement of the moment. Balance is the gateway to peace. 27th – Wednesday – Venus Opposite Pluto – Making a choice is difficult but necessary. Going all in or running away both leave us dissatisfied. Circumstances dictate some movement, and the middle way is the best. When reason and love are united, conversation is healing. 28th – Thursday – Uranus Sextile Neptune – Civilization is taking a turn and the nature of popular artistic expression is a hint about the direction things are headed in the short term. Our ultimate cultural journey is quite different. What is necessary for each of us is to overcome our own limitations to experience the joy of a higher life. 29th – Friday – Simplification comes through elimination. Letting go of the superficial allows us to fully embrace the essential areas of life that truly nurture. As we lighten up, we rise. We come to a new form of abundance by surrendering the toys and illusions of childhood. Innocence is not ignorance. 30th – Saturday – Accomplishment comes by being relaxed and proceeding with ultimate concentration on the big picture. The unrolling of eternity is revealed to each of us when we concentrate on the highest good for everyone. We each have tools and talents which we can employ; in order for our contribution to have meaning, we must refer to the blueprint, or at least follow those that have it in their hands. 31st – Sunday – Having fun with friends means socializing without regards for ‘should’ or ‘meaning’. Kicking back and releasing ourselves from the productivity conveyer belt is a necessary battery recharge. We help the world most when we are able to be our better selves. My Personal Note Call me if you want a private appointment: 239-261-2840, or e-mail bobmulliga@aol.com. My website, www.theastrologycompany.com. My friend, Arlan Wise, turned 80 on July 26th. She has made such a major contribution to astrology and to my own life. She is a talented Peer Group Leader in the OPA program. I’m attending her group in September. Can you teach old dog new tricks? I’m taking a social media class through Kepler College with Nadiya Shah. It’s a five week class and I have two more to go. If you would like a review let me know. Several people wrote reviews of my book “The Heart of Astrology” on Amazon. Most were taken down because Amazon removes reviews if you are friends on a social media platform. That is just about everyone. If yours was removed, send it to me. The publisher, Regulus, will post them. Back in 2001, my book “Between Astrologers and Clients” was published through Xlibris. Books were sold continuously since 2001. Geez, I’m glad that people read it. Kepler College recommends it and students contact me from time to time. Regulus will publish the second edition sometime soon. Music brings us together and the internet is a great way to share. Here are a few treasures. This song always reminds me of my relationship to my Master, Meher Baba. He was silent from 1925 until the end of His physical life in 1969. Alison Krauss – When You Say Nothing At All If you are of my generation this song reminds us that it was probably more fun being in our 20’s in the 70’s than being in our 70’s in the 20’s. Oliver – Good Morning Starshine Ellen DeGeneres is the best. This is my favorite clip: If you ask, I’ll tell you why. ENGLISH SPEECH | ELLEN DEGENERES: Be True To Yourself (English Subtitles) I wanted to share this clip of Steve Martin because it’s a reminder of how we could be in opposite camps politically and still get along: Steve Martin (Paul Simon Tribute) – 2002 Kennedy Center Honors Back in the 60’s and early 70’s I taught yoga. There were breathing exercises called Pranayama that taught breath control. My daughter Katie and I studied Esoteric Healing for 8 years. We learned specific breathing exercises for advancing spiritually. Two short videos by psychiatrist Dr. Tracey Marks supply the scientific data. The Neuroscience of Breath: How to Use Breathing to Control Emotions – YouTube Why Your Brain Loves Structure: Time Management for Mental Peace “You can have understanding without humility, but not that understanding of the vastness of what you are. That requires humility.” – Eruch Jessawala – page 72 in “Befitting a Fortunate Slave” Bob Mulligan is available for personal appointments, astrology classes, and astrological material. Call him at 239-261-2840 or e-mail him at bobmulliga@aol.com. Visit our website, www.theastrologycompany.com. | 
