AUGUST THEME: CELEBRATE YOUR SOVEREIGNTY
by Simone Butler

I love how astrology parallels current events. Sicko, Michael Moore's terrific expose of the U.S. health care system, debuted during Saturn (reality) in Leo (executive privilege). That two-year transit, which ends this month, has illuminated nefarious abuses of power. Saturn has also been opposing Neptune, which symbolizes the denial by HMOs (Saturn) of desperately needed medical procedures (Neptune), resulting in needless deaths.

While investigating socialized medicine in France and England, Moore discovered that both patients and doctors were happy with their system. In fact, he was assured that citizens would revolt if their rights to free health care were threatened. Particularly in France, with its long history of public protest, the government is afraid of the people and bows to their collective will. In the U.S., however, people are afraid of the government and succumb to its rule.

Health care reform will require Americans to stand up for their rights. As Saturn moves into health-conscious Virgo in early Sept., watch for a two-year dismantling and rebuilding process. Reform is inevitable. Already there is talk of Congress instituting free coverage for uninsured children. Yet we must let our opinions be known, whether by writing letters to Congress or the local newspaper, or staging public events in support of the health care system we want.

In addition to championing the collective welfare, as Saturn sweeps through the final degrees of Leo, we're also asked to claim our sovereignty on a personal level. We often forget that we govern our own reality. What are the principles that make your life work? And, are there ways you're failing to uphold them? My body, for instance, has strict rules about what I can and cannot eat. When I rebel, as I did the other night with those delectable sweet potato fries at Miami Grille, I pay a high price.

With five planets in Leo at the August 12 New Moon, it's time to find pleasures that help, rather than harm, us. We can use all that fun, fiery energy to cook healthy meals for each other or play games together. A BBQ in the park or swim at the beach might leave you feeling better than an expensive night on the town. The New Moon opposes imaginative Neptune, so a stimulating art project or musical outing could also get your creative juices flowing.

Here's an exciting idea: Why not take a drive to the mountains to enjoy the annual Perseid meteor shower on the night of the New Moon? With no moonlight to block the view, we'll be able to observe dozens of shooting stars in the northeast sky (no telescope required), from about 11 pm (PDT) on Aug. 12th through the next morning.

Venus (the Love Goddess) joins Saturn (Father Time) in Leo at this New Moon, sending a message to get real about our talents and beauty. We've got to stop worrying that we fall short of the ideal. As my friend Jannine recently noted, "After the age of 50, our beauty comes from our wisdom, not our pretty face."

Venus' retrograde descent (July 27 to Sept. 8) is a chance to rediscover our true beauty and power. The pace of relationships and negotiations slows down and a feeling of nostalgia prevails as the Love Goddess goes underground. Rely on your own resources rather than looking to others for support. Postpone big purchases and the launch of new relationships until after Sept. 8. Instead, revive and complete creative projects, get in touch with buried talents and remember what--and who--you truly care about. Don't forget that you come first--true sovereignty stems from self-love. Happy Summer!

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