August Birthstone: Peridot * Birthstone Color: Yellow Green
The Peridot is formed as the result of volcanic activity. This gem has been used throughout history as a connection to nature. Early Egyptian priests drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot, believing this practice to draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.
The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. The ancient Egyptians called them the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. This lovely green stone is also called the “evening emerald" as it nearly glowed in desert after the setting sun.
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Peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona. Peridot is a mineral named Olivine; it has varying shades of greens to yellowish-green. Other colors include yellow-brown, green to brown, red and honey yellow. The green crystal was considered protective against evil and when set in gold, thought to be especially helpful against night terrors. It was ground to powder and used as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought on by fever.
The force of nature is alive within a Peridot, making a gift of this gemstone symbolic of vitality. It signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead. It helps to regulate the cycles in one’s life such as mental, emotional, intellectual and physical cycles. It also is used to magnify the inner aspects of any situation or circumstance. It can be used to provide a shield around the body and is used to cleanse and stimulate the heart and solar plexus chakras bringing acceptance and openness to matters of love and relationships.*
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MOON PHASE
DATE
DEGREE & SIGN
TIME
Full Moon
01
10 Aquarius 15
11:27 PM
Last Quarter
09
17 Taurus 34
02:55 PM
New Moon
17
25 Leo 08
11:54 AM
First Quarter
24
01 Sagittarius 48
09:54 AM
Blue Moon/Full Moon
31
08 Pisces 35
09:58 AM
Planets in the morning sky
Mercury from the 6th, Venus and Jupiter
Planets in the night sky
Mars and Saturn
Retrogrades
Mercury goes Direct on the 8th, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto all month
The sun will go into Virgo on:
August 22
ARIES - March 20 – April 18
The summer seems to be coming to an end and you have so much that still needs to be done. A bit more discipline in getting those things done will help you feel so good about your shortened “to do” lists. Health issues including exercise and diet programs are on your mind. You want to get your body in shape. Even though you have been thinking about a slimmer or healthier you for some time, perhaps you did not give it the old college try. This time it will work. If you need a yearly physical exam, stop putting it off and make an appointment to see your healthcare professional. Many changes are on their way. You feel that it’s time for something different. Right now personal freedom and choices is a big issue. You are tired of the old hum drum stuff that just isn’t working any longer. You would like to be free to make your own path without comments from the peanut gallery. Arians are very strong people who want to defend their right of self expression no matter what the cost. It’s a time to be cognizant of everything that is no longer working in your life and choosing a different path.
TAURUS - April 19 – May 19
Budgeting your income is important now so that you will have whatever you need in the future to deal with unexpected expenditures and responsibilities. You may be thinking of making a very important move in your life. Think of all the consequences before taking on this daunting change. If everything seems to fall into place easily, then it is meant to be. If you need to keep finding obstacles in your path, perhaps this is not the time for you to go in a different direction. Ride out the storm or do something else to pass the time until the time is right. Nervous energy and maybe feeling a bit depressed and confused over your life may be happening at the moment or will soon follow. This will be short lived. Remember, there are always other options or solutions, even though you may not have thought of them yet. Career continues to go well, but it seems to be getting a tad more stressful and you may be unenchanted with the policy or people you work with. Patience and logic will get your through these challenging times. Hang in there.
GEMINI - May 20 – June 19
What a lovely time to take care of yourself inside and out. A spa day, joining a new gym (or doing exercises at home) and buying a few new outfits on sale for summer would be just what you need to lift your spirits. This is a wonderful time to rekindle romantic relationships or take your relationship to the next level. If you are not in a romantic partnership at this time, there is always hope. The combination of Venus and Jupiter in Gemini gives you amble opportunity to attract someone special. However, the trick is you have to get out of the house or away from the computer to find that person! You tend to be warm, friendly and open now and extremely tolerant of others. Use your quick wit and humor to diffuse any uncomfortable situations and you will do well this month. Most would love to invite you to their parties or get togethers because you are a very interesting and funny person, so when you are invited out – go!
CANCER - June 20 – July 21
Dust off those suitcases and make plans to get away for a vacation or a mini weekend vacation with your partner or family. There is so much to be done. You have a list of activities that need to be attended to and so many responsibilities to handle, so before you are overwhelmed with everything, take much needed time for yourself and enjoy. Your constant worry does not help anyone including yourself; remember, when you worry about family or friends, you are actually causing them harm. Worry is negative energy so you don’t want to have more negative energy attracted to them, so just wish that they make good choices, are safe and blessed, etc. Neighbors may be an issue, whether you are helping them or perhaps having some issue with them, so just be aware that this is a temporary thing and let it go. Otherwise, new beginnings and changes are coming to you. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, it is a sign that you need to take better care of yourself. No one else will do it for you, so you must do it for yourself.
LEO - July 22 – August 21
You are shedding the old you and looking for a more glamorous you. Whether it’s a makeover, buying new clothes or just a new hair color – have fun with this whimsical energy around you. There is also a good deal of excitement, vitality and good opportunities coming your way. This is a great time to expand your business or look for a better position; if you are totally satisfied with your job, then this may be a time for reorganization or a time when you should put some of your amazing ideas into practice. Share them with someone in authority to get the ball rolling. This is also a wonderful time to think about your life and what you love about it and what you wish to change. It’s a great opportunity to get rid of the dead-end jobs, people or projects that are bringing you nothing but regret and trouble. Making good decisions about your future, your new objectives and goals are very important at this time so think plans through before taking any big steps. If you are unsure about a direction to take, perhaps you need to rethink your plans and move a bit slower.
VIRGO - August 22 – September 21
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about spirituality and enlightenment. Reading metaphysical or esoteric books, going to lectures and seminars or any other form of learning in this field will be in your best interest. You feel as if many things are changing in your life and the choices you make in the next few months will make a big difference in your future. Choose logically and wisely. Think things through carefully and then make an informed decision. Friends’ actions will be very confusing to you. You should be very patient and try to understand the issues they are dealing with. In turn, they will be very understanding towards any of your concerns or worries that may come up in the future. Romantic affairs as well as children may also be confusing issues for you and you really want to straighten things out because you are getting tired of the chaos. Be aware that those close to you may exaggerate or lie about situations, their feelings or beliefs because they do not want to hurt your feelings. Be considerate and let them off of the hook easily because they actually thought you would have been otherwise upset.
LIBRA - September 22 – October 21
Making decisions is never an easy task for you; however, this seems to be a very important time where you must weigh friendships and relationships in general to see whose side you will take and which direction you will proceed after sifting through all of the facts. This is a month of handling your responsibilities and obligations with a smile on your face, so you can move on to more fun things that you want to do. You can’t move on with so many things hanging over your head. Ask for help from loved ones or close friends who would like to repay you for all the positive things you have done for them over the years. Even though you may seem as if you are on a perpetual see-saw, trying to get things done and then being stymied by responsibilities and tasks, things will straighten out and you will feel a great deal of accomplishment and pride in getting your jobs done. Be aware of your words since a stray thought or comment could alienate you from a loved one. Be extra caring and compassionate towards your partner so that life will be more enjoyable as a couple.
SCORPIO - October 22 – November 20
The burdens of life are lifting slowly but surely and you are much more able to handle any issues that come your way. Being a very patient (yet stubborn) person, you will not want anyone or anything to get in the way of your upcoming plans. Part of your wishes for drastic changes including jobs, moving and even in an important relationship, are only in the thinking stages at this time. Some are considering retirement or taking a part time job instead of dealing with the monotony of your current position. Others will finally make a bold move and think about starting their own home based business and have the freedom they always wanted to work from home and to have a more flexible lifestyle. Thinking changes drastically. Your core being is in a transition phase of what do you really want in this life vs. what you need to survive. Fear is the only thing holding you back from doing what you want to do. Perhaps finding something that is fun or enjoyable would be a good place to start to see what is missing in your life. This is not the best time to look for a new romantic partner, but there may be some issues with your current one. Figure out what the issues are and then just deal with them one at a time until compromise or resolution is reached – then all will be well.
SAGITTARIUS - November 21 – December 20
Good changes in health and service to others, whether it’s in the volunteering venue or however you help others, will give you the confidence to help others more. Health seems to improve even though you may not be taking extraordinary care of yourself. You are trying! Money and your financial security is blessed now, but be a bit cautious about large expenditures since you are in a very generous mode and may just give your financial security to those who really do not deserve it. This is a time to shine in many areas of your life. Do what you want to do and try what you have been unable to do in the past. Be open to new ideas, but try to be a bit more grounded and focused when taking on too many new responsibilities. You know how you are – being a bit too scattered for your own good will only get you frustrated at all the things you’ve left undone. Start a few new things and when they are completed or if you’ve lost interest, then start new ones. As long as you think things through logically and with your infamous reasoning abilities, you will be able to do everything on your mind now.
CAPRICORN - December 21 – January 19
Even though some of the family issues may seem too overwhelming to deal with at times, things will be going in a much better direction if you take the lead and make some much needed decisions. You cannot change anyone else, so change your reaction (or lack of reaction) and everyone else will adjust to follow your lead. Make sure you are not worrying about anyone that you love since the negative energy will only attract more negativity to your loved one--send blessings, love and good decisions their way instead. You may feel as if so much is going on in your life that you don’t know where to start. Handle what is most important to you whether it’s your job, home life, partnership, your children and/or friends or friend issues. There seems to be so many changes on the horizon for you in the near future that life will be an interesting adventure with many new joys, celebrations and tons of fun.
AQUARIUS - January 20 – February 18
Home life is important and may change. Making decisions about your future is also just as important. Getting your home set up the way you want it would be a great first step towards making your house or apartment seem as if it is finally your sacred space. Get everything that you need to make the space your own.
If single, this is the time to go out and have some fun after some of the upsetting circumstances during the last few months. Others have moved on with their lives, so why haven’t you? Your mind is constantly thinking of the past or those from your past and it would be wise to deal with those situations whether through therapy, counseling or prayer. It’s time to move on and enjoy the life you have with gratitude and appreciation for all that you have. New furniture may be on the agenda or at the very least a quick facelift of your space perhaps through painting a few rooms, window treatments or brilliant colored bed linens. Organizing and reorganizing seems to be in your future. You are not quite sure exactly what you want to have done, but once you figure it out, your space will be stunning.
PISCES – February 19 – March 19
Your charm and charisma is well known in the astrological community and you seem to be using it a lot to get what you want. Don’t fall into the trap or lying or exaggerating since it will get worse as the year goes on. Then you will find yourself in the deep end of a hole that you have dug yourself into without a shovel in sight. Deal with this time in a spiritual or religious way. You need to relax, meditate and get in touch with your inner self. Perhaps you may want to go to a retreat as a vacation to center and ground yourself. If you can’t do this, make sure you surround yourself with those who are positive and in the same mind set of serenity and tranquility as yourself. Being careful with finances is also a good thing since you may be tempted to spend impulsively. Learning how to deal with a budget would be a positive step to your financial future and security.
