I look forward to writing these newsletters every month. For those of you who are new here—welcome! I started the Mars Day Newsletter (as opposed to a Moon Day or Mercury edition) because I wanted to capture the direct, action-oriented energy that Mars brings. To be honest, my Mars placement in Sagittarius in the 9th House is one of my absolute favorites. As an Aries Rising, Mars is also my chart ruler, so this energy is deeply personal to me. It’s just so juicy.
One of my core missions as an astrologer is to share my own placements and reveal how they play out in real-time in my own life. My hope is that by being open with you, it brings us closer together and opens your heart to the personal self-discovery that astrology uniquely brings up. Let’s start here: I am a Capricorn Sun, Aries Rising, and Libra Moon. The area of my chart I want to highlight today is my 9th House, which houses my Black Moon Lilith in Capricorn alongside Mars, Mercury, and the asteroid Pallas Athena in Sagittarius. Because of the core structural backbone of my chart—my MC/IC, North Node/South Node, and Ascendant/Descendant axes—I am in a constant, lifelong dance of balancing The Self vs. The Other.
This past weekend, I was in New Orleans—my favorite city. While there, I got a reading from a reader I had seen two years ago. He’s 90 now (it’s wild how much two years can change things!), but something he said has been replaying in my head ever since. He looked at me and said:
"You tend to think that if you choose one path, you’ll lose out on another." Boom. Right there.
Weeks prior, during a meditation in my prayer closet, I had posed a raw question to Spirit: "Can you be a highly spiritual woman while being deeply in love with a man?"
Why do I feel like I have to choose? Why does choosing commitment feel like an automatic loss of freedom? With my astrological makeup, having a solid, grounding partnership is vital to me. But my personal freedom is of supreme, non-negotiable importance. Why does it feel like partnership requires a sacrifice of selfhood for women? Does it really have to be that way? These are the exact ideas, strategies, and belief systems my 9th House placements challenge me on daily.
Funny enough, the reader in New Orleans didn't actually answer my question (lol!), but Spirit had already delivered the answer in my prayer closet and on my recent Substack Live: You can have both—if you are willing to speak up for it.
We can sometimes fall under this Neptunian illusion that if something is "meant to be," it should be completely effortless and seamless. But I stand firmly by the truth that anything truly worth having takes real work. The things that came too easy in the past were often taken for granted and didn't last. The things where no effort was invested also crumbled. Real, deep freedom within a connection doesn't just happen by magic—it requires deliberate, honest work. The sky is officially calling our bluff this August, presenting opportunities for us to heal the self-talk, clear the illusions, and rewrite our contracts. Here is how the sky is setting the stage.
Neptune Square the Horizon (Ascendant/Descendant Axis)
Neptune is still retrograde in the sign of Aries and will be until December 12th 2026. But something juicy is that Neptune (the planet of dreams, fog, idealization, and spiritual truths) forms a 90-degree square to the Ascendant and Descendant—the literal horizon line in astrology that balances The Self (AC) with The Other (DC). A square demands action through friction; it forces a conflict into the open so it can finally be resolved.
The Dragged: The Illusion of Loss: Buying into the false belief that to have deep commitment, you have to forfeit your autonomy, freedom, or spiritual path (or vice versa). Silent Resentment: Expecting a partner or relationship to "just work" if it’s meant to be, leading to passive-aggressive tension when real-world effort and boundary-setting are required. Projections & Pedestals: Losing your own identity inside a romantic fantasy, or holding back your true voice out of fear of breaking the illusion of peace.
The Divine: Radical Clarity through Communication: Understanding that effortless connection is a myth—real intimacy is built by having the courage to speak up for what you need in real-time. Integration, Not Sacrifice: Realizing you don't have to choose between ultimate personal freedom and profound partnership; the right dynamic expands your freedom rather than shrinking it. Unshakable Boundaries: Using the friction to clear away romantic brainwashing, stepping fully into your authority (The Self) while showing up as an equal, honest partner (The Other).
Chiron Retrograde Square Pluto
On August 3rd, 2026 at 3:10 PM CDT, Chiron (the Wounded Healer) stations Retrograde at 0° Taurus in the 5th House of Creative Expression, Inner Child Healing, and Joy, forming a high-friction 90-degree square to Pluto in Aquarius in the 3rd House of the Mind and Communication.
This transit creates a visceral confrontation between your creative self-worth, permission to play, and inner child healing (Chiron in Taurus in the 5th) and the subconscious mental scripts, toxic self-criticism, and societal conditioning (Pluto in Aquarius in the 3rd) that dictate how you view your value.
The Dragged: Performance-Based Self-Worth: Believing your art, play, romance, or joy is only valid if it’s "useful," monetized, or approved by others—feeling like your inner child has to "earn" the right to exist. Abusive Mental Loops: Letting Pluto’s harsh 3rd House inner critic run wild—running subconscious scripts that shame you for being bold, accuse you of being silly or impractical, or tell you that taking time for pleasure is selfish. Toning Down Your Light: Shrinking your natural Taurus warmth, creative expression, and authentic shine out of a deep-seated fear of being judged, misunderstood, or rejected by the collective.
The Divine: Radical Mindset Overhaul: Using Pluto’s transformational power to burn down abusive internal self-talk and completely rewrite the way you speak to—and about—yourself. Inherent Creative Value: Realizing that your inner child, your play, and your unique creative fire are inherently valuable. You don't need external validation, monetary return, or perfection to deserve joy. Unfiltered Expression: Refusing to let mental fear censor your authentic self. You claim your right to create, love, and take up space in the world as a non-negotiable birthright.
Venus Enter Libra
On August 6th, 2026 at 2:12 PM CDT, Venus enters her home sign of Libra in the 11th House of Community, Collective Vision, and Alliances. She brings an alluring, harmonious energy to how we gather and collaborate. Sitting in a powerful trine to Pluto in Aquarius (3rd House), an opposition to Neptune (5th House), and a subtle adjustment to the South Node in Leo (10th House), this transit is an invitation to build magnetic, authentic community while shedding the need for superficial validation.
The Dragged: The "Curated Friend" Trap (Neptune Opposition): Idealizing people or group dynamics, putting potential allies on a pedestal, or editing your raw creative truth just to fit into a circle. Performer's Exhaustion (South Node in Leo): Falling back into old ego habits where you feel you have to "stage-manage" your public image or be the center of attention to be valued, rather than just connecting heart-to-heart. Superficial Harmony: Keeping conversations polite and surface-level to avoid friction, sacrificing genuine depth for a fake sense of peace.
The Divine: Magnetic Collective Authority (Pluto Trine): Using your authentic voice and transformed mindset (3rd House) to attract soul-aligned friends, collaborators, and community who truly match your frequency. Grounding the Dream (Neptune Resolution): Releasing relationship illusions and bringing your real 5th House creative fire into your 11th House networks without needing to pretend or over-accommodate. Sovereignty in Connection: Moving away from needing external applause (Leo South Node) and stepping into true, reciprocal, beautiful partnership within your tribe.
Mercury Moving into Leo Conjunct Jupiter, Opposing Pluto and Juno in Aquarius
On August 9th, 2026, Mercury enters Leo and immediately forms a majestic conjunction with Jupiter in the 10th House of Career, Public Reputation, and Legacy. Together, Mercury and Jupiter create a direct opposition to Pluto and Juno in Aquarius in the 4th House of Roots, Family, and Ancestral Lineage.
This powerhouse alignment grants monumental vision, persuasive command, and professional magnetism—opening a prime cosmic portal to break generational financial/career ceilings and overwrite old family scripts around power and visibility.
The Dragged: Ancestral Guilt: Hesitating to step into major career advancement, higher pay, or public visibility because of subconscious family conditioning or fear of outshining your roots. The Shrinking Trap: Staying small or playing down your achievements to keep private relationships or home dynamics comfortable (4th House Juno contract). Impulsive Arrogance: Using big talk or posturing (Leo) to cover up deep-seated security fears without putting solid professional boundaries in place.
The Divine: Generational Breakthrough: Using your voice and vision to break old family contracts around scarcity, struggle, or playing small—claiming your birthright to flourish. Shooting Your Shot: An ideal window for job interviews, asking for a promotion, launching a major public project, or pitching high-level clients with undeniable authority. Sovereign Intentions & Ritual: Performing an intention ritual centered on career sovereignty, personal authority, and rewriting your financial legacy.
Mars Enters Detriment in Cancer (12th House) Opposing the Capricorn Horizon
On August 11th, 2026, Mars moves into its detriment in Cancer, sitting quietly in the 12th House of the Subconscious and Unseen Patterns, right on the Ascendant line. Standing in direct opposition to the Capricorn Descendant (the house of professional agreements, career standards, and committed partnerships), this transit exposes the buried emotional defensiveness and unseen resentment running under the surface of your daily interactions.
The Dragged: Passive-Aggressive Sideways Action: Suppressing your frustration until it leaks out as moody irritability, emotional guilt-tripping, or quiet retreat instead of direct communication. The Emotional Armor Trap: Feeling deeply defensive or hurt by the demands of career or partners (Capricorn DC), while refusing to acknowledge your own emotional exhaustion. Subconscious Self-Sabotage: Letting 12th House hidden resentments erode your energy, leading to burnout, procrastination, or moody withdrawal right when you need to show up.
The Divine: Honoring the Subconscious Radar: Using the 12th House to quietly audit why you feel irritated. Recognizing that your moodiness is a sign that an emotional boundary was crossed. Somatic Emotional Release: Giving yourself permission to rest, cry, vent, or retreat safely without feeling guilty, rather than forcing yourself to act like an unfeeling machine. Direct Emotional Boundaries: Translating Mars's energy into healthy self-protection—learning to address friction calmly with others before it metastasizes into suppressed resentment.
Total Solar Eclipse in Leo (10th House)
On August 12th, 2026 at 12:36 PM CDT, a powerful Total Solar Eclipse in Leo ignites the 10th House of Career, Public Reputation, and Legacy. Eclipses act as destiny fast-forwards—wiping away outdated professional structures and launching a high-stakes, 6-month portal of unapologetic career sovereignty and public visibility.
The Dragged: Imposter Syndrome Panic: Freaking out or trying to shrink back into the shadows when sudden visibility, leadership roles, or public attention are thrust upon you. Clinging to Expired Timelines: Fighting to hold onto a job, client, or career path that the Universe is actively closing down because you are terrified of stepping into the unknown. Ego Posturing: Letting the dramatic energy of Leo turn into defensive arrogance rather than rooted, authentic authority.
The Divine: The Fated Career Upgrade: Embracing sudden professional pivots, launches, or promotions as fated stepping stones toward your highest potential. Stepping Into the Spotlight: Unapologetically claiming your space, owning your authority, and allowing your work to be seen and celebrated on a larger public stage. Coronation of the Self: Realizing that your legacy isn't built on playing it safe—it's built on having the courage to lead from the heart.
The Catalyst: Black Moon Lilith Retrograde Meets Juno in the 5th House
On August 17th at 7:23 AM CDT, Black Moon Lilith turns Retrograde in Sagittarius in the 5th House, colliding with the heavy weight of Juno in Capricorn.
Lilith in Sagittarius carries the deep, raw wound of feeling restricted, censored, or caged in your pursuit of truth, freedom, and authentic expression. When placed in the 5th House of creative fire and inner child healing, it manifests as a suffocating feeling that your joy and raw truth are being actively suppressed. Paired with Juno in Capricorn—the energy of binding obligations, financial duties, and strategic trade-offs—you are forced to look at the golden handcuffs you've put on yourself. With Mars in Cancer firing shots from across the chart, the tension peaks: You feel deeply restricted and depleted by your current commitments, but terrified that breaking free will ruin your emotional or financial safety. This isn't just about wanting to have fun—it’s a visceral confrontation with where you’ve allowed your creative spirit and freedom to be contained.
The Dragged: The Golden Handcuffs Trap (Juno in Cap): Staying loyal to contracts, clients, or career routines that physically drain your creative battery because you’re terrified of losing financial predictability or social status. The Pre-Station Panic (Mars in Cancer vs. Lilith): Feeling so suffocated by duty prior to August 17th that you react out of emotional volatility—burning bridges, rage-quitting, or sabotaging commitments instead of changing the actual terms. Suffocating the Inner Child: Treating your play, art, and raw expression as trivial hobbies that only get attention after every single chore, invoice, and duty is fulfilled (which is never).
The Divine: Renegotiating the Contract: Realizing that Juno in Capricorn gives you the power to rewrite the deal. You don't abandon your duties—you restructure your contracts, boundaries, and schedule so your labor directly funds and protects your wild Sagittarius spirit. Strategic Sovereignty: Using the August 17th Retrograde portal to stop blaming the outside world for restricting you. You audit your own signed agreements and build a concrete blueprint for actual freedom. Dethroning the Martyr: Refusing to let Mars in Cancer manipulate you with guilt or fear of disrupting comfort. You claim your right to unapologetic 5th House joy as a non-negotiable health requirement, not a privilege you have to earn.
Mercury Enters Virgo Conjunct the Sun & South Node
On August 25th, 2026 at 6:04 AM CDT, Mercury enters its home sign of Virgo in the 1st House of Self and Identity, forming a brilliant conjunction with the Sun and the South Node. This laser-sharp alignment sits in a tense square to Uranus in Gemini (10th House) and a direct opposition to the North Node (7th House)—marking a monumental moment of mental liberation, identity purging, and sudden professional shifts.
The Dragged: The Perfectionist Trap (South Node in Virgo): Falling into severe over-thinking, anxiety, or micro-managing your image and life out of fear of making a mistake. Mental Overwhelm & Shock (Uranus Square): Experiencing sudden anxiety or career disruptions because you’re desperately trying to control every detail while the universe is demanding a plot twist. Shedding the Old Script: Clinging to an outdated identity or self-critical loop that keeps you from showing up as an equal, present partner in your relationships (7th House North Node).
The Divine: The Master Self-Audit: Using Mercury in Virgo’s supreme intellect to ruthlessly purge self-doubt, toxic perfectionism, and old mental patterns that no longer serve you. Embracing the Plot Twist: Leaning into Uranus’s sudden career downloads—realizing that an unexpected shift in your public direction is actually liberating your authentic self. Clearing the Way for True Connection: Reclaiming your personal authority (1st House) so you can enter your partnerships (7th House) clean, clear, and fully grounded in your power.
Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (11th House)
On August 27th 2026 at 11:18pm CDT the Moon gets Full, a transformative Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces lights up the 11th House of Community, Collective Vision, and Future Hopes. Sitting conjunct the North Node and directly opposing the Sun, Mercury, and South Node in Virgo in the 5th House, this eclipse brings an emotional climax and purge—demanding that you release micromanaging your self-expression and surrender into genuine collective belonging.
The Dragged: The Isolation Trap: Holding back your gifts or withdrawing from community because you feel your work, message, or self isn't "perfect" or polished enough yet (5th House Virgo South Node). Clinging to Outgrown Circles: Staying tethered to social circles, networks, or audience expectations that no longer match your evolving frequency out of fear of being alone. Over-Thinking the Future: Trying to intellectually control or predict how your dreams and alliances will unfold instead of trusting the natural flow.
The Divine: Surrender & Soul-Tribe Alignment: Releasing control and allowing the Universe to align you with the right collaborators, networks, and soul connections who love you for who you are, not just what you produce. Purging Perfectionism: Burning away the self-critical Virgo loops that keep you from sharing your authentic 5th House magic with the world. Stepping Into the Shared Vision: Realizing that your individual journey isn't just about you—it’s meant to ripple out and nourish the collective whole.
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