NEW MOON REPORT
August 18, 2001
by Maritha Pottenger

The New Moon in showy Leo puts the accent on creativity and promotion. Activities in which you can take the center stage or put yourself forward are favored. Now is the time to use your dramatic instincts, to make a splash, to announce a big venture to the world.

New Moon at 26 Leo 12, Saturday, August 18 at 7:56 PM PDT.
New Moons are times to initiate, to make new beginnings. With Leo, the emphasis is on anything exciting, vibrant, expressive, or larger-than-life. You gravitate toward the extraordinary. Any form of creativity would be a constructive outlet. Pursuits that allow you to shine, to achieve positive recognition or applause are also a very good idea. This opportunity is more important for people born around August 18-22, November 17-22, February 14-18, or May 15-20.

Jupiter sesqui-quad (tri-octile) Uranus, Sunday, August 19 at 00:40 (12:40 AM) PDT.
Restlessness is on the rise. This combination is excellent for freewheeling, adventurous, risk-taking activities. New ventures will appeal, but people with heavy fire in their horoscopes, or a tendency to rush in, should beware. It is easy to try to do too much, or to leap before looking. Balance this urge to break loose in a big way with some common sense.

Sun enters Virgo, Wednesday, August 22 at 6:28 PM PDT.
Competence is highlighted. This is an excellent time to improve anything, to focus on efficiency and productivity. You will want to do something really well. Activities that hone your skills or sharpen your analytical or technical abilities are favored. You will seek positive attention and acclaim through your work or tangible projects.

Pluto turns direct, Thursday, August 23 at 9:08 AM PDT.
A new cycle begins in regard to Pluto matters, be they self-mastery (e.g., dieting, stopping smoking, establishing a positive habit pattern), joint resources, occult studies, depth investigations, life-and-death concerns, or anything that requires an intense emotional commitment and focus. This phase will last until mid-March 2002 (when Pluto turns retrograde).

Venus enters Leo, Sunday, August 26 at 9:13 PM PDT.
Grand romantic gestures go over big. With the planet of love entering the sign of dramatic excesses, all sorts of flirtation, affairs, creative self-expression, and performing arts are possible. If you have a special someone, now is the time to be generous (with attention, praise, presents, etc.). If you are looking for a beloved, extravagant approaches are more likely to meet with success. Go all out!

Mercury enters Libra, Friday, August 31 at 5:38 PM PDT.
The planet of communication enters the sign of diplomacy, so using a silver tongue is a good idea. Take advantage of opportunities to "win friends and influence people" by what you choose to say (or write) and how you convey it! You may also use lovely language (graceful metaphors, flowing speech, poetry, etc.). People inclined to "people please" based on their natal horoscope need to guard against going overboard with social lies or trying to say what others wish to hear.

Full Moon at 10 Pisces 28, Sunday, September 2 at 2:44 PM PDT.
The polarity being emphasized is that of bits-and-pieces versus the Whole. You and other people are likely to clash over questions of how much detail to include, and how much to focus on the big picture. Realism could vie with idealism. The key is keeping clear priorities, so you get enough-but not too much-data. This Full Moon is extra significant for people born around February 28-March 4, May 29-June 3, September 1-5, or December 1-5.

Mars enters Capricorn, Saturday, September 8 at 10:52 AM PDT.
A hardworking motif is accented. Energy and action center on the realm of career, duty, responsibilities, and getting the job done right. Seeing the fruits of your labors is extra important. Assertive capability is the upside of this combination. Clashes with authority figures or fighting against the limits are downside potentials. You can accomplish a great deal.