Key events this month are the Aug 6-7 Lammas / Lughnasa cross-quarter and the Aug 11-15 Leo waxing crescent aligning in turn with Mercury, Saturn, Venus and Mars. Throughout August the “great benefics,” Venus and Jupiter, shine brightly in the night sky. Venus empowered in home sign Libra brings liberation, love, better balance and much needed global adjustments. Jupiter in Aries brings in the new king, a new consciousness for a new time. Things wind down after Mercury goes retrograde on Aug 20.

Now we’ll have time to relax, finish up old business and clear our slate for the Sept 3 Virgo New Mercury that will reveal in word what is now revealed in action.

The Aug 6-7 cross-quarter fire festival builds on the July 11 Solar Eclipse, the most powerful event of 2010. When a solar eclipse occurred the Druids would build bonfires and beat drums to initiate a new creation. Druid culture was built on the relationship between the cycles of heaven and life on earth. A solar eclipse is more than a fleeting event, the lunar cycle following (7/11-8/9) perpetuates and unfolds its power.

Next in importance to solar eclipses are the 8 solar fire festivals, 8 turning points or "hinges" of the year. These are times when our inner psychic nature and the outer world are more easily changed. This renovation may involve celebration, dance, singing, chanting and/or meditation at a place of natural power: a grove of trees or open field, by lake or sea or sacred well, at a crossroads or hilltop.

Ritual fire transforms energy released in the breaking of old patterns and helps refocus this energy toward new creation. The next fire festival after a solar eclipse is a special opportunity for bringing positive change to our world. This is especially true for the Aug 6-7 cross-quarter time following the July 11 Total Eclipse of the Sun. It’s time to fire on our vision for the new time!

August 1-7 – New Vision / Celebration / Illumination

Lammas/Lughnasa

This fiery month begins with Lughnasa celebrating the Celtic Sun god Lugh. Also known as Lammas or Loaf-mass, it is traditional to share bread of the first harvest to ground and make flesh the new vision. The festival climaxes Aug 6-7 when the Sun (Lugh) reaches the midpoint power gate of Leo.

August 4-7 (11:38 am 8/4 - 8:21 am 8/7)

Open-minded, Ready for Change

Moon Out of Bounds North

New ideas are more easily and successfully shared now. This time is ideal for new business ventures or special social gatherings. Share opportunities, make announcements and bring new discoveries to light.

Aug 6-7 – Illumination, Powering the Vision

Lammas Cross-Quarter

The Lammas festival that began Aug 1 culminates at this midpoint Leo “power gate of fire.” This Summer season cross-quarter is most favored for mountain top picnics. The bread of the first harvest (hence Lammas or "loaf mass") prepared now becomes imbued with a special energy like the Hobbits “Lammas bread” that sustains them in their quest. This solar power gate brings opportunities for illumination. Dreams and portents now predict what is to come in the Autumn season. Take note! Aug 6 is the Catholic Feast of Transfiguration celebrating the day when Jesus went up on the mountain to be illuminated. The Sun is exactly mid-Leo at 10:51 am EDT Aug 7.

August 6-8 – Make a Wish!

Balsamic Moon

Put wishes on the air. Needs felt now invoke Moon Magic from the new lunar cycle. This is a time to bring those who need healing to mind. Feeling invokes healing.

August 8- 10 – Time to Go Within

Dark of the Moon

The Dark of the Moon is a 3-day period beginning the day before the New Moon and ending at Sunset the day after when the crescent becomes visible. While unfavorable for most outer activities, this time is ideal for inner work. The New Moon (exact 11:08 pm Aug 9) is a cosmic spring that flows freely with special blessings as we slow down and go within. A Grand Trine between Sun/Moon, Ceres, and Eris [Persephone] promises the revelation of many great mysteries in this Aug 9- Sep 8 lunar cycle.

Aug 11 (11:54 pm) – Imagine!

Moon at the Equator/Zero Point North

Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator moving North is like Spring Equinox, a time to envision. The magic Moon window opens for two hours 10:54 pm – 12:54 am edt.

August 11-15 – A Time to Sow

Crescent New Moon

The New Moon tide energizes whatever it touches; it’s time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. These days are ideal for starting a new business, sharing opportunites or having a successful public event. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is in the 7th House. Mercury with the lunar crescent Aug 11 quickens communication, Saturn with the Moon Aug 12 cuts away what hinders new movement, Venus with the Crescent Moon Aug 12/13 brings new love and new creation.

August 15- 16– Let Go the Old, Power On the New

1^st Quarter Moon

The First Quarter Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky. It signals a time for decision, a time to cut free from the past and affirm our true life purpose. Choices made now are likely to be the right ones. Breathe deeply and focus on the light overhead to make your ideal real.

Aug 17-20 (1:01 am 8/17 – 2:34 am 8/20) Inner World Illuminated

Moon Out of Bounds South

Outmoded patterns of belief and emotional blocks are revealed and can more easily be released now. The best opportunity comes Wednesday evening as the Moon draws near Antares, a powerful red star in Scorpio. This is a time to eliminate inhibiting beliefs and open minds and hearts to bright new possibilities.

August 24 (exact 1:05 pm) – Illumination

Sun in Virgo Full Moon

Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunity for healing body, mind and soul. Meditation, deep breathing, music and dancing help open to receive the lunar blessings. During this Full Moon we begin to prepare the elixir of immortality that will be gathered at the next Full Moon Sept 22-23. A Full Moon is like a pitcher pouring out a healing elixir, we just raise our cups to receive. Special energies flow through the 3 days following the Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters, and flashes of inspiration. It’s Moon Magic time!

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email [email protected]. www.gaiaastrology.com