Hidden Insights: Astrology for the week of 5 August 2018

A solar eclipse, long-term retrograde, a sign change, and a couple of hard aspects give Hidden Insights a great deal to share this week. The combination of these celestial events will make for an eventful and exciting week for much of the zodiac. On Monday, Venus finally moves out of critical Virgo, and into harmonious Libra. This will bring relief to many romantic relationships that may have been rocky for the last few weeks. Here Venus allows us to refocus on how to exist in a fair and balanced partnership.

While the eclipse this weekend is exciting, the big event will be Uranus stationing retrograde on Tuesday. It will remain in backwards motion for the next five months. This could spell trouble for the global economy. Trade issues surfaced when Uranus was entering Taurus, and now that it’s turning retrograde, more dramatic changes are promised. We can expect an increase in trade tensions that will continue to hurt the people’s wallets all over the world. We can also expect an increase in seismic activity. Areas that are prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or shifts in land should be particularly cautious right now.

The week comes to a head on Saturday when the solar eclipse in Leo will hit the northern latitudes of the globe. Since this is only a partial eclipse, the effects will be less dramatic and shorter lasting than a total eclipse. It’s important to note that this eclipse is also aligned with the Mercury retrograde and two powerful fixed stars, Debhe and Merak. They work together to tame ego. This is a time when the destructive side of our personalities come to light, and will need to be dealt with. The eclipse may also bring karma to people who have used power or influence for their own personal gain. It’s time to address the darker aspects of our egos, and embrace humility.

Astro Homework

A mirror is more than just a reflective surface in which to check your physical appearance. If used properly, it can also reflect your inner self.

Your challenge this week is to confront your shadow self in a mirror. We all have internal aspects and secrets we wish we could keep hidden, but like the Moon, the truth can only stay hidden for so long.

Allow yourself to confront your more uncomfortable traits. This allows for growth, forgiveness, and healing.

Aries (21 March — 20 April)

It’s time to bring a little more romance back into your life this week, Aries. If you’re being honest with yourself, you may have been neglecting someone special in your life. You may also have been denying your own romantic side. The Venus opposition to Aries allows you to slow down and pay  more attention to your seductive side. Be particularly vigilant with your bank accounts and spending right now. Uranus may bring unexpected surprises to this area of your life. Wednesday brings an important conversation about an upcoming vacation or trip. Try to be open and not let words ruin what should be a good time. Thursday and Friday will be your most challenging days, where one road block after another seems to come across your path. Be patient, and avoid an unnecessary argument.

Tea of the week: Oolong

Taurus (21 April — 20 May)

This week your focus is on taking care of less than exciting responsibilities, Taurus. Obligations and regular chores need more of your attention right now. While you’re focusing on being productive, it may feel difficult to fully unwind and relax. Try to understand that getting everything done that you need to is ultimately for your greatest benefit. Much of the world may even seem to be working against you right now. Fortunately, this is coming to an end soon; you’ll be able to reap the rewards for your hard work, determination, and patience. Friday has the potential to bring the good news you have been waiting for. However, it’s not likely to be exactly what you were expecting, as Mercury is still in retrograde. While there may be a few more delays with what you are waiting for, it will manifest soon. It may be necessary to reach out to an expert or person in charge who can help you move forward with this delayed goal.

Tea of the week: Jasmine

Gemini (21 May — 20 June)

As Venus moves into your fifth house, Gemini, it may be difficult to stay focused, as your mind seems to be on vacation. Retreats and getaways are pulling on your heart and calling you to escape reality. While this may not be affordable for you this week, you will have the upper hand if you start researching vacation destinations, and it may even be time for you to start looking internationally. While you may want to map out foreign destination and start a plan, you should wait to make these plans concrete or make payments towards an adventure. This is because travel closer to home and your mode of transportation will demand your attention by midweek. If you have not recently had your vehicle serviced, you should make plans to do so as soon as possible. You should also be cautious of hazards on the road to avoid and potential damage. On Friday, you can anticipate an important conversation concerning your daily work, as well as a potential visit to the veterinarian, if you have pets.

Tea of the week: Peppermint

Cancer (21 June — 20 July)

Staying tucked away at home is likely to become a priority this week, Cancer, as Venus brings a renewed desire to hibernate. You may even start to redecorate or rearrange your personal space in order to make it more conducive to relaxation. As Uranus makes its motion backwards, it will hit your sector of friends and social groups rather harshly. This could make communicating with friends a bit of a challenge, and you may find yourself questioning everything they say or do. Try not to judge others based on their words or behaviours right now, chances are you are not interpreting the situation clearly. Financial good luck could come your way on Tuesday, and you could be lucky at games of chance on this day. The weekend’s eclipse brings luck to you as well. Others may be having a bit of a rough time with this one, but you will seem to be in the right place at the right time all day.

Tea of the week: Chamomile

Leo (21 July — 20 August)

Your charm and enthusiasm is heightened this week, Leo, as Venus brings a touch of elegance to the way you communicate with others. You will quickly find that anything you say will win over others. This will be particularly useful as stress at work brings more chaos than you are used to. Fortunately, you’re way with words this week will help rally coworkers and even supervisors to give you hand.  Tuesday brings harmony to your personal relationships, and you are likely to have a romantic day or evening with someone special. The end of the week brings tension to your home life after a week of harmony. A difficult conversation about money could lead to an explosive situation on Friday. Saturday’s solar eclipse falls in Leo, and promises to bring some uncomfortable internal turmoil. Those born on August 6th, 7th, and 8th will feel this most intensely, as the eclipse will strike your natal Sun in exact alignment. As whole, this triggers a change in life’s direction for many Leos, and that will have a long lasting impact between now and the beginning of January 2019

Tea of the week: Hibiscus

Virgo (21 August — 20 September)

As Venus changes signs, you start to feel a sense of safety and security in your life, Virgo. Friends and family who are there to support you will become more prevalent, which will help you reestablish stability in your life. Tuesday should be an interesting day that could bring a sense of eureka over an ethical or moral situation you’ve been wrestling with. This is to say that you have the motivation and clarity of focus to finally set a bad situation right. As this energy builds through the week, expect a great deal of internal dialog as you try to map out exactly what you want to say. It might be a good idea on Wednesday or Thursday to reach out to a friend or neighbour for their input. Allow yourself the time to plan, and your announcement on Friday go smoothly, especially if you have to confront a sibling or family member who needs some moral guidance.

Tea of the week: Matcha Green

Libra (21 September — 20 October)

Warm and fuzzy feelings fill you this week, Libra, as your ruling planet, Venus, moves into your sign. You’re feeling more social and outgoing right now, and perhaps in a better mood than most of your peers. Keep up the positive attitude, and those dealing with the stress of Mercury, Uranus, and the eclipse can benefit from good mood. Essentially, you are the beacon of light in chaotic world right now. Friends may even seem to be coming out of the woodwork looking for you to help distract them from their troubles. Wednesday could bring either the gathering of a group of friends, or the plan to get together, and you’ll want to make sure you’re able to attend. By Saturday you are likely to have a few friends at odds with one another, and you’ll need to be the voice of reason.

Tea of the week: Darjeeling

Scorpio (21 October — 20 November)

Your romantic life takes a sharp turn this week, Scorpio, as Venus moves into the most isolated area of your chart, and Uranus turns retrograde in your house of love. The need to retreat will be stronger than usual, and it’s probably a good idea to keep to yourself as much as possible. A surprising event on Wednesday could have you visiting a friend in the hospital or prison. Don’t discount the need for bail money. Work also heats up, as the conjunction between Mercury and the Sun along with the eclipse strikes your house of career. Challenges at work and with supervisors start this week, and will likely last for a few months. Do your best to keep your head low, and focus on your strengths. Now is not the time to try your hand at new tasks at work. The weekend brings to a head the tension in your romantic life that was triggered earlier in the week. Remember that having an open dialog with others will help prevent others thinking you are avoiding them for false reasons.

Tea of the week: English Breakfast

Sagittarius (21 November — 20 December)

A social and possibly a romantic week is in store for you, Sagittarius. Friends will be more likely to make plans right now, and you may feel more popular than usual. For those of you who are single, the stars are right for you to be introduced to someone through a friend, or even start dating someone you’re already friends with. If you are already in a committed relationship, this week brings the chance to renew some passion, particularly on Tuesday and Friday. Your work also gets a bit of a boost, as you start to realize you want to change your approach. This could lead you to applying for a new position, going back to school, or getting further training to do something different. With the eclipse in your sector of higher education this Saturday, it’s possible for you to enroll in a program or take training courses before the end of the summer.

Tea of the week: Kombucha

Capricorn (21 December —20 January)

Work and new responsibilities fill your schedule this week, Capricorn. You may  learn to fall in love with work all over again. Venus brings joy to this area of your life right now, and it’s  a great time to impress the boss. An opportunity to make more money also presents itself. Be on the lookout for a way to turn a hobby into a source of income. Wednesday brings attention to your debts, and it may be time for you to restructure how you are paying your bills. An important conversation about joint debt will lead to the release of some financial stress before the end of the week. As the eclipse approaches on Saturday, this theme continues, and a new way of dealing with income and debt is fast approaching. While this may feel uncomfortable or unstable at first, you’ll soon find that uncomfortable situations can be the most productive and beneficial.

Tea of the week: Lemon

Aquarius (21 January — 20 February)

You’re itching for adventure this week, Aquarius, and it may seem like you’re only comfortable when you’re on the go. Fortunately, you’re able to stay busy, and you may even have a friend or two who joins you on a last minute road trip. A bit of love is in the air on Wednesday, when someone special surprises you with a kind word or small gift. Tensions may rise a bit on Thursday when a tough decision needs to be made about a legal or contractual agreement between you and a government official, school, or personal agreement. If you find yourself stuck, ask a female friend or relative for some advice. The weekend brings more relationship building with others. As the eclipse strikes your sector of relationships, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with someone important to you, and strengthen your bond with them.

Tea of the week: Rooibos

Pisces (21 February —20 March)

Unconventional and intense people are likely to flood your environment this week, Pisces. On Tuesday, an interesting exchange with someone who tests your understanding of reality will give you a great deal to think about. As your mind flows towards things that are unusual, taboo, and obscure, you may even find that your sexual desires changing. You’re feeling like you want to try something in the bedroom — or any room for that matter! — that is new or different. Allow yourself to indulge in new pleasures; you are likely to find you have a kink that has been hidden. This weekend’s eclipse hit’s a concerning area of your chart, which could bring a new medical issues to light. While Hidden Insights does not give medical advice or practice medical astrology, it might be wise for you to pay close attention to your body over the next several months. It’s always best to take care of something before it becomes an issue.

Tea of the week: Green