General Forecast

If you know your ascendant, read it too.

Assuming it’s accurate, a recently released birth certificate shows that Barack Obama, born August 4, 1961 at 7:24 p.m. in Honolulu, has 18 degrees of Aquarius rising, a 3+ degree Gemini moon sextiling Mercury at 2+ Leo and trining Jupiter in early Aquarius. That accounts for his verbal and written skills. His sun at 12 Leo falls in his sixth house of service. Uranus, ruler of Aquarius and his chart, is in his Leo house of partners, conjunct the moon’s north node (destiny) at 27. Also in his marriage house: Pluto at 7 Virgo and Mars at 22+ Virgo, a site the God of War returns to this week. The sole total solar eclipse of 2008 occurs on Aug. 1, but only a partial eclipse will be visible in eastern North America.

Aries

Mar. 20 - Apr. 19

Whether you’ll feel the earth move when your Mars ruler opposes disruptive Uranus depends on your location during the tremors scheduled for Aug. 6th. Near the epicenter or in bed? Maybe the disturbance will simply entail a change of diet or a rescheduled medical procedure. Although surgical Mars passing through your Virgo house of health won’t turn you into a hypochondriac, its once-every-two-year visit is likely to make you painfully aware of what shape your body is in and what you can do to improve it.

Taurus

Apr. 20 - May 20

(April 20-May 20) Two potent planetary alignments can rock your world. While your affable Venus ruler and passionate Pluto perfect a rewarding trine this weekend, you may feel not merely safe and secure, but treasured. After Venus moves into discerning Virgo, you’re liable to become more critical about everyone and everything. Keep this in mind when dealing with a sudden turn of events brought on by the explosive Mars-Uranus opposition. Their hookup links an oddball buddy with the games you like to play. This week, not such good fun.

Gemini

May 21 - Jun. 20

The innate Gemini poet emerges this week as your Mercury ruler is exposed to the full spectrum of images Neptune offers. Perhaps you’ll pick up a camera or paintbrush instead. Whatever the instrument, now, while Mercury is still in demonstrative Leo, is a propitious time to express your self. If you don’t do it, you won’t know what it may lead to. Further indication that a situation is about to change: Mars in your Virgo home base questions the on-again, off-again signals you’re getting from erratic Uranus in your career zone.

Cancer

Jun. 21 - Jul. 22

Another day, another dollar, maybe a lot more. Friday’s sun-moon conjunction in your Leo house of money earned is also –- drum roll, please -- a total solar eclipse. Rather than the usual renewal of energy you get from the monthly meeting of the “lights”, a Moon Child may experience a dramatic shift in perspective after the moon blots out the rays of the sun. Personal assets and abilities could become much more valuable than they were yesterday. Adding to the power of this cosmic event: the south node of your moon ruler will be in Leo for another year.

Leo

Jul. 23 - Aug. 22

Although a total eclipse of your sun ruler can temporarily sap the Lion’s strength, the phenomenon may also mark a crucial turning point in your life. Did anything major happen after the solar eclipse on July 30, 2000? Those who were affected then should prepare to take another step in their evolution again. If, like Obama, you’re a Leo born in 1961, transiting Saturn at 7 Virgo is currently sitting on your natal Pluto. Will a secret Saturn is repressing come to light when the sun advances to that degree at the Virgo new moon on 8/30? Or will the triple hit consolidate the Plutonic power base behind the throne?

Virgo

Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

More than most, high-strung Virgins should make a concerted effort to maintain a sense of balance during what could be a difficult week. Although the solar eclipse in your Leo 12th house of “ripe destiny” probably won’t affect your daily life, ballsy, even bloody Mars in Virgo has you poised to lash out at something you find weird about a partnership. The Mars-Uranus opposition midweek is unpredictable and, more often than not, dangerous. At the same time you may misconstrue whatever nebulous Neptune is relaying to your Mercury ruler.

Libra

Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Playing your cards close to the vest pays off handsomely while your pleasure-loving Venus ruler in glamorous Leo trines security-minded Pluto this weekend. Not that you won’t have a fine time fanning the flames of a mutual attraction, it’s just that you’ll be more circumspect, possibly downright secretive about the connection. This approach should also serve you well after Venus enters discriminating Virgo midweek; it could stave off another “willful suspension of disbelief” romantic Librans are so fond of.

Scorpio

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

If you have Scorpio rising, the Leo new moon/total solar eclipse can have a dramatic effect on your career or your reputation among your peers. However, if you were born around Halloween, it could affect your entire life, your parent’s as well. Are the drama queens drooling in anticipation? Rest assured, even if they can’t see the spectacular event, something to kvetch about will occur when the eclipse at 10 Leo squares their 10 degree Scorpio sun. More irritation, possible fireworks, while your Mars co-ruler confronts barrier-breaking Uranus on Wednesday.

Sagittarius

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21