CLATTER: When wind blows through a bamboo forest, the hollow stems of the trees bend and sway.

As they collide with each other, they make a clattering noise, similar to the sound of many horses' hooves prancing lightly on a cobblestone street. This is analogous to what we may experience this week as Mars and Jupiter align in airy Gemini.

Mars is the planet of Action and Desire, while Jupiter is the Great Magnifier. Their conjunction in the sign of the Twins — representing the mind, the nervous system, and communication — increases the amount of information we receive, as well as its impact upon us. This effect is often due to the confidence and forcefulness with which words are spoken or written. 

This week we are likely to be deluged with a wide variety of opinions and "facts," and many distractions will demand our attention. Nervous energy is heightened, making it hard to still the mind. It may take great concentration to ignore the clatter and focus, when our thoughts are being drawn in so many directions.

BENEFITS AND REMEDIES: There are benefits, too, to this Mars-Jupiter alignment. New ideas and exciting possibilities keep our minds actively engaged and our communication networks on overdrive. However, with the planet Mercury (the ruler of Gemini) currently retrograde (moving backward), it may not yet be an opportune time to take action on these inspirations. Rather, consider this a time to brainstorm and journal or take notes, and plan to implement new insights after Mercury goes direct on August 28.

Regarding the information we receive, the main challenge may be one of discernment. Not everything we read or hear will be of a high vibration, and our nervous systems will tell us when it is not. If we begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious, it is time to close the book, turn off the computer, resist the urge to catch the latest "news," and turn to an activity that will calm the mind and the nerves.

There are also things we can do on a physical level to support the nervous system. Calming walks in nature are essential at times like these, as are practices that help us feel grounded and centered. We can also increase supplementation with B vitamins, magnesium, kelp, and adaptogens such as ashwagandha. And — interestingly — listening to a recording of the wind moving through a bamboo forest can be very soothing!

FIXED STAR RIGEL: The Mars-Jupiter alignment, which perfects on Wednesday, August 14, is at the same degree as the fixed star Rigel and is thus activating the qualities of that star. Even ancient astrologers, who saw most of the fixed stars as being unfavorable, believed that Rigel bestowed honor, riches, happiness, glory, fame, and good fortune.

In modern astrology, Rigel is known to add energy, confidence, and determination to all that it touches. It encourages us to use our skills and abilities and helps ensure positive outcomes. However, we must also be aware of a potential for impulsive or rash actions, taking too much for granted, or waiting passively for "fate" to reward us.

SATURN STANDING BY: Mars and Jupiter rendezvous every two years, but this year, their conjunction is greatly complicated by the presence of Saturn. As the Mars-Jupiter alignment occurs, the Ringed Planet is standing by, ready to test both planets by square aspect. The Mars-Saturn square is exact on Thursday, August 15, and the Jupiter-Saturn square is exact for the first time on August 19.

Independent, dynamic Mars urges us to move forward and to take risks, and Jupiter magnifies those qualities. Together, Mars and Jupiter can be impulsive and expansive. They encourage us to take a leap of faith, perhaps without considering all the ramifications of our actions. But Saturn, as the planet of responsibility, integrity, and reason, is much more cautious. 

This week and next, Mars-Jupiter is cheering loudly and enthusiastically, "Go, go, go!" At the same time, Saturn is stepping on the brake pedal. This is not a malefic intention on Saturn's part; but, in its role as Father Time, the planet knows about proper timing and when a slowdown is needed if we are to reach our destination safely. Thus we may experience obstacles and delays in fulfilling the promise of the Mars-Jupiter alignment. This is why, in addition to Mercury being retrograde, we will want to maintain a "wait and see" attitude about all new enterprises at this time. 

The Jupiter-Saturn square that perfects next Monday is a highly significant aspect. It will be exact three times (in August & December 2024 and in June 2025) and will have a major impact on our social structures and belief systems going forward. I'll write more about the aspect in next week's Journal and will talk about it in depth in my "Final Four of 2024" webinar on September 9 (see below).

THIS WEEK'S ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day: 

Monday

Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto: Tension is high today as verbal sparring reaches a crescendo. Egocentric behaviors interfere with clear communications. Angry confrontations are possible.

Tuesday

Venus sesquiquadrate Eris: Willfulness is strong. A self-oriented attitude can cause problems in relationships.

Wednesday

Mercury quincunx Pluto: Words are used to manipulate others and to exert power. People are especially blunt. Our thinking and perspectives are influenced by unconscious fears and self-doubt.

Mars conjunct Jupiter: Speeches are enthusiastic and optimistic, but not necessarily grounded in reality.

Mercury retrogrades into Leo: Words are used for dramatic effect as Mercury re-enters the sign of the roaring Lion.

Thursday

Sun trine Chiron: This aspect supports self-care during stressful times.

Mercury quincunx Neptune: The mind wanders a bit aimlessly this morning, making it hard to focus on practical tasks.

Mars square Saturn: We become aware of an obstacle or setback that limits a hoped-for expansion.

Friday

No major aspects are exact today.

Saturday 

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto: We are likely to focus on a loved one's faults today, and to feel the need to somehow "fix" them.

Sun trine Eris: The need and the courage to be true to self are strong today.

Sunday

Retrograde Mercury square Uranus: Nervous energy is heightened and our thoughts are scattered. The mind has difficulty wrapping itself around new ideas and unexpected information.

Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury: This conjunction advises us to go within to seek truth, and to review all information received to make sure it resonates with our inner being.

Venus square Jupiter: After a stressful week, this aspect may tempt us to over-indulge in some way, as a reward for having "made it through." However, with Venus opposing Saturn tomorrow, we will quickly reap the results of any unwise choices.

Monday, August 19

Venus opposite Saturn: A reality check regarding indulgences, relationships, and financial matters.

Sun square Uranus: Unexpected dramas require that we be very flexible and open to change.

Full Moon: The Aquarius Full Moon peaks at 11:25 a.m. PDT.

Jupiter square Saturn: Rules and regulations, limitations and obstacles arise.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You are advised to be introspective this year, and to carefully consider all decisions before taking action. While there is a strong desire to break out of old limitations and self-definitions, there may be some inner healing needed before you are completely clear about your next best steps. When you are ready, you have great courage to act independently, without needing to wait for the approval of others. (Solar Return Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, square Uranus, trine Chiron, trine Eris)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• Monday: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto
• Tuesday: Venus sesquiquadrate Eris
• Wednesday: Mercury quincunx Pluto, MARS CONJUNCT JUPITER, Mercury retrogrades into Leo
• Thursday: Sun trine Chiron, Mercury quincunx Neptune, MARS SQUARE SATURN
• Friday: No major aspects are exact today
• Saturday: Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun trine Eris
• Sunday: Mercury square Uranus, Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, Venus square Jupiter
• [Monday, August 19: Venus opposite Saturn, Sun square Uranus, Full Moon 11:25 a.m. PDT, JUPITER SQUARE SATURN]

PLEASE NOTE: I'm including aspects for Monday, August 19, in my "Planetary Aspects This Week" list, since they will be impacting us this week and especially next weekend. Those aspects include the Jupiter-Saturn square, a Venus-Saturn opposition, and a very surprising Full Moon in Aquarius that is square eccentric Uranus. I will write about each of these events more fully in next week's Journal, but wanted to give you a heads-up, too.

DAILY ASTROLOGY: To read my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this weekly Journal, please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/ 

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2024 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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