Today’s Tarot Card for August 23 is The Star

The Star

This Tarot Deck: Celestial

General Meaning:  What has traditionally been known as the Star card is about reconnecting one’s Soul with the Divine — the transcending of personality, family, community and reputation. It has to do ultimately with the freedom to be one’s Self. The Soul is responding to celestial influences — forces that can provide the personality with a stronger sense of purpose. The Star card helps us to remember our exalted origins and our attraction to a Higher Union.

This card could also be called the “Celestial Mandate” — that which refers us back to our reason for being, our mission in this lifetime. The Star reminds us that, in a sense, we are agents of Divine Will in our day-to-day lives. If we let go of the idea that we are supposed to be in control, we can more easily notice and appreciate the synchronicities that are nudging us along. In this way, we become more conscious of the invisible Helping Hand, and we better understand our place within — and value to — the larger Cosmos

Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, August 23

We are pushed into the shadow world where transformation awaits us as energetic Mars enters the deep realms of Scorpio. The time for diplomacy and open negotiations is over as the Moon and Mars in passionate Scorpio add complexity with subversive actions and secret alliances. We are ready to fight for our convictions, even if it means taking on intense opposition. Thankfully, dreamy Neptune is also in the picture, revealing a more spiritual path.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You may be charging through these days with newfound excitement, but a familiar friend is knocking at a hidden door of your own subconscious. Old issues are brought to light that you might have thought were resolved a long time ago. However, the unconscious mind isn’t limited by our sense of linear time. Allow the thoughts from your past to resurface now, for they are messengers that can help you remember what is important to your journey.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

A problem may not come to a head today, but it still feels as if a power struggle is brewing with someone close to you. There are parts of this conflict that might not be out in the open yet. Although neither of you have all the facts, it won’t necessarily prevent the current standoff. If you feel that you are being pushed around, try your best to be flexible in your response since this can help ameliorate the tension in the air.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

An interaction with a powerful person today may leave you wondering what happened and why you even jumped into the fray. This isn’t a negative situation, but it might be difficult to remain detached from the drama unfolding in your immediate surroundings. Even if you try to push it out of sight, it’s not going to go away. Don’t waste energy fighting it. Summon your inner courage now and let your feelings, not your logic, guide your way.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may be resentful about something you are required to do now. Your inner voice is telling you to grit your teeth and just finish your chores, while a second voice is encouraging you to express your feelings in protest. You are caught between these extremes, wondering what to do. If you are angry, it’s best to share your concerns as kindly as you can or the suppressed energy will come back and bite you when you least expect it.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You could inadvertently instigate an argument by overreacting to a situation on the home front today. It sounds like a good idea to sidestep confrontation, but there is a price to pay for keeping silent. You may feel as if you’re walking through an emotional minefield now, but being truthful is still your best option. Set your fears aside; no one needs to get hurt if you are considerate of other people’s boundaries. Expressing your feelings is the first step toward clearing the air. Listen to the response you receive with an open heart.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

The pace of your daily routine speeds up today, but you would rather block out the world for a while so you can recharge your batteries. Unfortunately, checking out from your responsibilities isn’t as simple as you wish. Even if you manage to escape, it probably won’t last for long. Don’t fight against the flow. Cooperating with others relieves the pressure and sets a good example for everyone to follow.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You want to be practical now while fulfilling your obligations. Even just taking care of your finances by paying bills and balancing your checkbook can give you a feeling of accomplishment now. But don’t be afraid to think about your personal values and how to better integrate them into your life. Thankfully, setting goals doesn’t mean you need to reach them today; just aim yourself in the right direction. There’s more time to get there than you think.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are feeling frisky now that powerful Mars and the emotional Moon are in passionate Scorpio to turn up the heat. You are itching with excess desires and attractions, but may not know what to do with all your energy. Physical exercise is a good idea; even a relaxing walk will help to keep things flowing. Your tendency is to bite off more than you can chew, so monitor your actions before you find yourself in over your head.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are riding a surge of intense subconscious energy today, like a surfer on a powerful wave. You like the excitement; the adrenaline rush makes you feel fully alive. Just don’t get so distracted that you lose touch with your unexpressed feelings. You may have an opportunity for increased intimacy now, but you have to be willing to take a different kind of risk. Instead of avoiding the discomfort of vulnerability, discuss your desires with someone you trust.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You can kick back today and contemplate your current position in life. Naturally, there is always something else to do and more goals to accomplish, but just spending time with friends or family now brings you great joy. However, beneath your apparent happiness you could be struggling with a more serious issue that you aren’t ready to share. Don’t judge yourself too harshly if you decide to enjoy yourself while you can. The existential questions of life will still be there when you return to them later on.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your astute perspective inspires you to be hopeful, no matter how bleak the global economic or political landscapes are now. Even if it seems like the rest of the world has gone mad, you don’t have to accept defeat in your personal world. Be relentless in your pursuit of a more meaningful life for you and those you love. Your optimism and persistence enable you to rise above the chaos and do the right thing.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

There’s an underlying tension that is creating a struggle between who you want to be and what your partner or friends expect from you. There may not be an easy resolution to this dilemma, but you still might believe that things will resolve if you just hang on. This is a dangerous strategy because you can talk yourself out of taking the necessary action that would bring you closer to happiness. Instead of clinging to an illusion now, seek concrete ways to make positive changes in the present moment.

New Moon Report for Aug. 23: Mars in Scorpio

New Moon Report

by Jeff Jawer

Mars in Scorpio

Thursday, August 23, 8:24 am PDT, 11:24 am EDT

The warrior planet’s entry into its watery home sign amplifies passion and intensity. The best way to harness this power is to eliminate distractions and concentrate efforts where they are most needed. When desire is strong we can push through pain and disappointment to overcome obstacles and deepen meaningful alliances. Persistence is an ally when it’s used to resolve a difficult problem or to reach a worthy goal, yet holding on to anger or resentment is a less admirable application of Mars’ power. If you’re going to fight, make sure that it’s for the right cause

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 23

Hold Everything! The first main aspect today is excellent as the Moon in Scorpio makes a flowing trine of 120-degrees to Venus in Cancer (2:35AM PDT). In the couple of hours just before this alignment becomes precise, you can move ahead on the romantic front. But when the aspect becomes exact, it also starts a void lunar uncertainty zone that continues until 3:51AM PDT tomorrow. Finishing odd and ends is one way to accomplish several tasks today, but don’t be in haste to launch bold, new objectives.  Mars entering Scorpio (8:25AM PDT) is certainly going to act like a prod to push you into being a better detective, researcher and investigator. However, the old saying of look before you leap is remarkably apt right now. Strive to empower your key partnerships this evening when the Moon makes its monthly union with Juno (7:21PM PDT). Be more fashion-conscious and consider new decorating schemes for a favorite room at your residence. Let your productivity quotient rise in earnest — thanks to a Venus-Ceres parallel (8:43PM PDT).  Take it easy in affairs of the heart in the shift from Thursday night to Friday morning since the Moon is contra-parallel to Venus (11:59PM PDT) while the annual Sun-Neptune opposition is on the verge of manifesting tomorrow morning at 5:33AM PDT. This is the wrong evening to throw your weight around with a loved one when you should be more accommodating, tender and sincere.