August 2022 horoscope: It’s time to bask in your own glory

Grace McGrade is an intuitive astrologer and priestess based in Los Angeles. She is the host of the podcast, “Bitchcraft: Spirituality for Bad People.” Her sessions include birth chart readings, tarot, energetic clearings and psychic consultations.

Exhilarating highs and lows are in store for August as we roll into a season of epic drama, also known as Leo season. The heavens are heated as we open the month with an atmosphere of unpredictability, as seismic changes catapult us into rapid growth. The uncommon, earth-shattering configuration between Uranus, Mars and the North Node in Taurus promises mass awakening. We may be experiencing bouts of mythical synchronicities, fated encounters and sudden insights. On a collective level, we are in a period of dismantling structures, experiencing systemic breakdowns that will hopefully lead to greater freedom and equality long term. Issues around global resources are pressing us to become more decentralised, and adopt the Leoine attitude of individual sovereignty.

Ruled by the sun, the sign of Leo energises us and invigorates our flair for the theatrical, creative, and expressive. It’s time to bask in our own innate divinity and lovability, and occasionally demand that others do the same. Matters of the heart are accentuated, and we replace our desire for safety with our need for play. Leo pertains to our childlike essence, and although we are encouraged to celebrate what makes us unique, we may be quick to jump to child-like antics, as our appetite for drama increases. Venus accompanies the Sun on the throne of Leo on the 11th, encouraging us to proudly profess feelings.

A full moon in Aquarius on the 11th has us eager to find a balance between our need to express and feel seen, and the terrors of living in a digital age. We are called to inspect our desire for public and community approval, and ask ourselves if we are entrapped in the perspectives and perceptions of others. With access to infinite vantage points, we may find ourselves battling insecurities. War god Mars has spent most of 2022 in Aries, creating an emphasis on the self and amping up our fight or flight reflexes. On the 20th, it switches gears and enters Gemini, facilitating steadfast conversations. We may feel like we are trying to convene multiple truths occurring simultaneously. Mars stays in Gemini for seven months, encouraging us to switch perspectives and communicate clearly.

Virgo season begins on the 22nd, reminding us that playtime must come to an end. We switch gears, assess our organisational skills, and focus on cleanliness of the exterior and interior. Utilise the new moon on the 27th to set intentions around matters of health, wellness and daily routine. We may be privy to judgment and analysis of our fellows, but ultimately, Virgo wants to see us grow and improve. We are called to anchor in the self-love we adopted through Leo season, and churn it into sustainable action.