Weekly Horoscope: August 17-24, 2020

Communication is the theme of the week! Mercury—the planet of thought process and the mind—angles toward some prominent planets and shifts signs, stirring up a lot of mental energy ready and eager to be expelled. Feisty, go-getter energy finds us, as bold Mercury in Leo forms a trine with assertive Mars in Aries. We’re speaking from our hearts and about topics that light our inner flames.

Our mid-week new moon even incorporates Mercury, as it syncs up almost exactly with the sun and moon in Leo. This new moon offers us a reminder that our individuality and creative spirit really are our greatest assets. Toward the end of the week, a noticeable energy shift will become present. As the sun and Mercury both enter methodical Virgo, we’ll be more plan-oriented—it’s time to cut out the excess and streamline our mental space and daily routines.

Responsibility is a theme that will close out the week, but not without a little bit of 2020’s notorious tension. Mars and Saturn square off, causing us to encounter roadblocks and even squabble with authority figures. Your communication, or ability to withhold communicating, is sure to be put to the test.

Key Dates

• August 17: Mercury in Leo trine Mars in Aries
• August 18: New Moon in Leo
• August 19: Mercury enters Virgo
• August 22: Sun enters Virgo
• August 24: Mars in Aries square Saturn in Capricorn

Your Zodiac Sign’s Weekly Horoscope

Read your zodiac sign’s full weekly horoscope.

Aries (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Time to tap into your inner artist, Aries. The new moon in Leo on August 18 lands in your fifth house of romance, play, and self-expression. Any passion project you’ve been working on is sure to get a boost thanks to the moon’s sweet trine to action-oriented Mars. This is shoot-for-the-stars energy, whatever you set you aim to achieve is possible.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)

Home is where the heart is, and you’ve got your nearest and dearest on the mind. With the new moon in Leo landing in your fourth house of home and ancestry connecting with Mars in your spiritual twelfth house, you’re overdue for some time to unwind. Or maybe even a seance. Prioritizing time with family will prove to be the recharge you’ve been needing.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Your iCloud is full and over your data plan this week, Gemini. As the new moon in Leo on August 18 invigorates your third house of communication, you might feel like you’ve won a popularity contest. Mars’ drive adds fuels to the texting conversations and email chains. You’re chatty as it is, but this week’s energy will have you feeling slightly overwhelmed from the amount of responses you’ll have to dish out.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Asking for what you’re worth because the theme of the week, as the new moon in Leo on August 18 lights up your second house of income. Mars’ energy amplifies your desire to take action. Your typical passive approach is out of service. Themes of self-worth and value are peppered throughout your week, having you reflect deeper on your contributions to the world.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

Shockingly, you’re in the spotlight, Leo! With the new moon on August 18 showing up in your creative and boisterous sign, you’re ready to charge full-speed ahead. This is your cosmic reset. When a new moon lands in your first house of self and identity, you can shape its influence. With Mars angling from your ninth house of higher learning and expansion, tapping into education and the theme of expansion will bring about results in the material realm.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

As almost any Virgo will tell you, sometimes the best way to recharge is with alone time. It’s time to listen to your own advice, as this week’s new moon in Leo lands in your twelfth house of spirituality and closure. Just because we’re practicing social distancing doesn’t mean that we can’t still prioritize alone time. Hold off on the Zoom happy hours and take a step back and a step inward. With Mars in Aries’ trine to the new moon, you’ll be reflecting deeply on personal issues and power. Magic is in the air.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Teamwork will make the dreamwork this week, as the new moon in Leo on August 18 activates your eleventh house of networking and large groups. Mars in Aries forms a trine to the new moon, encouraging action, but this won’t be possible if you aren’t able to accept help from others. Who should you tap for a helping hand? This looks like a one-on-one collab, thanks to Mars making its way through your 7th house of partnership. Your romantic partner might even have some game-changing insight!

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

It’s going to be hard to hide this week, Scorpio, the sun, moon, and Mercury are all teaming up in your public tenth house of fame and recognition! With a triad of planets encouraging a public boost, you may find that putting yourself out there, and resisting the urge of privacy, will bring bountiful rewards. Mars syncs up with the Leo trio in a supportive trine aspect to offer the energy and drive to commit to earning the recognition you deserve.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Social distancing just got a little more frustrating with this week’s new moon in Leo showing up in your ninth house of travel and higher learning. The key to using this restless energy is to invest your time in a topic of interest. What area of study has piqued your interest? The new moon, along with Mars in Aries go-getter attitude, offers an opportunity to make this actually happen. With Mars transiting through your fifth house of creativity, a great way to utilize built-up energy this week is through artistic pursuits.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

This week’s energy might feel a little unsettling at first. Stoic and guarded Capricorns will be tasked with facing their depth and emotions. The new moon in Leo on August 18 offers serious Capricorns a chance to unlock true emotions regarding intimacy and vulnerability. Speaking from the heart will be easy, as Mercury, the planet of communication, meets the new moon and moves through bold Leo, as well. Vulnerability can be power, and that’s your greatest lesson this week.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Commitment is coming up, Aquarius. When the new moon in Leo on August 18 lands in your seventh house of commitment, themes regarding partners, business relationships, and co-dependency can crop up. What are your values in relationships? What does it take to be in a successful partnership? New moons are all about intentions and new beginnings. The floor is yours, and you’re able to set the tone for your relationship sector for the next six months.

Pisces (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Sadly, we can’t always be lost in daydreams, Pisces, sometimes we’ve got to get down to the nitty-gritty work! On August 18, the new moon in Leo shows up in your sixth house of day-to-day routines. While this doesn’t sound like the most riveting part of your birth chart to activate, a strong foundation in this area of your life is necessary. This is the perfect time to reset for fall: kick bad habits, reorganize your closet, and cut out self-destructive behaviors. Incorporating a more structured daily health practice (yoga, meditation, etc.) into your life will work wonders. Art courtesy of @rachaeldayart.