Lightning and the Moon. Photo by Marc-André Besel.
Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: August 1 - 7, 2022
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)
MON: Mercury trine Eris, Mars conjunct the North Node
TUE: Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sextile Uranus, Mercury quincunx Pluto, Venus sextile Mars
WED: Mercury enters Virgo
THU: Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron
FRI: Venus quincunx Saturn
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Venus square Eris, Venus trine Neptune, Mars square Saturn
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THE URANUS EFFECT: The planet Uranus is named for the Greek god Ouranos, who had a variety of aliases, including the lord of Earthquakes and Lightning Bolts, the god of Chaos, and the ruler of the Starry Skies. True to these descriptive titles, when the planet Uranus is strongly activated, we tend to experience life as being chaotic, unpredictable, and surprising.
Today and tomorrow, July 31 and August 1, Uranus aligns with both Mars and the karmic North Node. This three-way alignment is highly charged, almost electrical in its effect, both literally and symbolically. While its short-term impact may be unsettling, its higher purpose is to help move us beyond places where we've resisted change because of an attachment to what is familiar and comfortable.
Thus, we cannot expect life to follow familiar patterns at this time. What we once relied upon for stability and security (Taurus) is going through a significant shift. Habitual patterns are being broken down. These breakdowns, although disruptive now, will ultimately enable breakthroughs, as we will be more open to the changes that are necessary for humanity to survive and evolve.
HEATING UP: This alignment of assertive Mars and rebellious Uranus is bringing a great deal of heat to the surface, internally and externally. We may feel quite restless under this influence, more easily irritated or prone to anger. People are on edge, actions can be impulsive and behaviors erratic. And, with these two planets in earthy Taurus, we may see more earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and other eruptive events in nature. It is no surprise that this alignment is corresponding with increasing evidence of how climate change is affecting our daily lives.
Although the effects of this alignment may be the strongest as we cross the bridge from July to August, this influence has been building since early July and will be strong throughout the first half of August. We are likely to see specific fallout and reaction to the Uranian chaos by next weekend, when Mars is exactly square disciplinarian Saturn and attempts are made to gain control over the runaway horse.
OMEGA AND CHANDRA SYMBOLS: As Mars, Uranus, and the North Node align, they are located in the 19th degree of Taurus. The Omega and Chandra symbols for this degree, channeled by astrologer John Sandbach, provide additional insights into the energies that are being activated with this conjunction. These symbols and their descriptions can help us focus on the higher potentials of these volatile times:
Omega symbol: "A bottle of gold dust gathered from many places over many years. This image helps us understand the value of little things, and to see how even the seemingly most insignificant thing can reflect cosmic truth. Powers of observation are very great, knowing how to seek out and find what is most valuable in a situation."
Chandra symbol: "A crown turns into goat horns. The crown is a socially conferred symbol of power, whereas the goat horns are power that is innate – growing out of the head rather than something that is placed on the head. And so this degree wants to attain to ‘the real thing,’ which is its spiritual self. It can be very resistive of guidance as well as suspicious of the approval of others and might at times actually reject outer support, for it is intent on seeking its own true power in its own way – its inner gold."
As we reflect on these symbols, we are reminded that Uranus is not only the "lord of Chaos" but also the "ruler of the Starry Skies" and the planetary representative of Divine Mind. Knowing this can help us focus on the expansion of consciousness that is possible at this time, and be less attached to the forms that are falling away.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here is my list of this week's important planetary aspects, along with my brief interpretations of each:
Monday
Mercury trine Eris: This aspect increases self-assertiveness, especially when expressing our opinions. However, we can also be impatient and have less attention available for listening to others.
Mars conjunct North Node: There is a powerful drive to achieve and to make progress now. This conjunction increases stamina and determination.
Tuesday
Sun sesquiquadrate Neptune: Uncertainty and confusion make it hard to know our best course today.
Venus sextile Uranus, Venus sextile Mars: Developments in relationships and finances today are directly tied in with the major shifts that are occurring.
Mercury quincunx Pluto: Be wary of speaking impulsively. Words can have a negative impact today, as some easily feel intimidated.
Wednesday
Mercury enters Virgo: While Mercury is in Virgo, from August 3 to 25, our minds are more discriminating as we try to sort out fact from fiction. The shadow side of this greater capacity for discernment, however, is a tendency to be critical and fault-finding, or to over-obsess on getting things "perfect."
Thursday
Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron: Critical words can wound today, so be careful of a tendency to speak in haste.
Friday
Venus quincunx Saturn: Adjustments are necessary in the areas of relationship and/or finances. This may be especially true in situations where one person has been in a position of authority over another.
Saturday
No major aspects are exact today.
Sunday
Venus square Eris, Venus trine Neptune: Issues are likely to arise with friends or loved ones today, triggered by the stress of these times. However, focusing on our hearts helps us access the compassion and understanding that will smooth over the rough patches.
Mars square Saturn: When Mars is impacted by a square from Saturn, it's like slamming on the brakes when going full speed ahead. This aspect represents a major reality check, as we run into obstacles that must be handled before we can proceed.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Your need to connect with family and the desire to nurture are especially strong this year, Leo. You have significant opportunities to take on new projects and adventures that ultimately bring greater meaning and fulfillment into your life. These activities will also assist you in healing old insecurities and a lack of faith in yourself. However, you are not likely to make everyone else happy with your choices, as this is also a year when you have a strong need to be fully authentic, breaking free of the need for approval from others. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Ceres, trine Jupiter, trine Chiron, square Uranus)
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The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
