Welcome to Indy Maven’s astrology column coming by way of Kelli Jenkins, better known around Indy as one of the Spellsisters. Check out their website and Instagram feed for even more info from the world of horoscopes and tarot, or to book a private reading.
August 2025 Overview
With August, we welcome in bold energy, magnetism, and easy (or at least easier) bursts of creative energy. After a period of stagnation and exhaustion, it feels like coming back to life again. Radiant and confident, it’s like your most authentic self is back to seek pleasure and prioritize happiness.
This might make it sound easy, but Mercury is retrograde until the 11th, Neptune is retrograde through November, and Saturn is retrograde through December. One of my least favorite things about internet astrology is the portrayal of any retrograde as this demonic, chaotic evil that strikes fear into even the most casual dabbler of astrology.
I see it differently. It’s all about the “re” for me—rehashing, reflecting, revisiting, reviving, and maybe even regenerating and rebirthing. This month, with Mercury retrograde joining the Sun in Leo, how you see and express yourself in relationships of all kinds is pulled into focus. This can (and most likely, will) affect your relationships, but that isn’t an inherently bad thing.
Leo rules the 5th house, often referred to as the house of pleasure, governing all the things that bring joy and happiness—think: hobbies, friendship, romance, and play. Also known as… summer. Because of this, Mercury’s current retrograde is likely to bring up opportunities to gain clarity and reflect on how you express yourself.
Neptune began its annual retrograde on July 4th, and while the effects of an outer planet’s retrogrades are not as extreme or obvious, they can be just as intense. Neptune is the planet that rules dreams, illusion, and intuition, which means that, naturally, during this retrograde, we could receive sobering news, reality checks, and greater spiritual clarity. This will illuminate the reality (or unreality) of fantasy, and encourage us all to be realistic about dreams.
Throughout Neptune’s retrograde, it’ll be easier to distinguish between imagination and potential. Take advantage of any compulsion to act on these feelings or assert your needs. Neptune is spending the next few months in Aries before returning to its home sign, Pisces, in October. This is Neptune’s final return before moving on, and with its 160+ year orbit, it will not be back in Pisces in our lifetime.
Since mid-July, Saturn has also been retrograding in Aries, but it will enter Pisces on September 1, where it will continue retrograde motion until the end of November. Saturn deals with rules and responsibility, making this a good time to tie up loose ends, especially where business feels unfinished.
You may also feel called to reconsider your goals and motivations, especially the ones that are long-term and have a bigger impact on your life moving into the future. This is the first time Saturn has been in Aries since 1996!
TBPMFH, I think this combination of transits is part of what is causing the current universal reassessment of structures and power dynamics. It’s like, you think you’re going to sell this building, but then an appraiser comes to tell you that it’s too shitty. It has to be demolished. Any shitty foundations are being scrutinized and challenged, and they’ll continue to be until we have rearranged the establishment to be more solid.
Anyway, all of this is to say that this period of incubation is coming to an end. All of these retrogrades are giving us a final moment to take in what we’ve learned and make any last adjustments.
We are, and have been, in a period of massive change—including tons of reflection, which can lead to major reformation and/or rebirth. It’s not that everything has to change for you to feel huge shifts. Sometimes the change is barely perceptible, but it’s felt on a meteoric level.
Important Dates This Month
August 6: Mars enters Libra ♂︎→♎︎
Mars, the warrior, enters Libra, the sign of beauty and harmony. Fight fair, but fight for justice.
August 8: Mars in Libra trine Uranus in Gemini ♂︎♎︎△♅♊︎ | Lion’s Gate Portal
A burst of confidence and energy makes this the perfect day to take a risk and start something new. The Lion’s Gate Portal is a cosmic portal for rebirth, bringing clarity and giving manifestations an extra boost. Take time to set intentions and dream big.
August 9: Full Moon in Aquarius ⏺♒︎
Big day for big dreams! Magic feels real, and things you’ve been wishing for can unexpectedly come to fruition. Release self-sabotaging tendencies, and give your desires room to breathe.
August 11: Mercury direct in Leo ☿⤳♌︎
Speak your truth with ease. Ask for what you want, and know that asking is a revolution in itself.
August 22: Sun enters Virgo ☀→♍︎ | New Moon in Virgo ⏺♍︎
With more purposeful action and diligence, the best ways to help others and get where you’re trying to go become clearer. When you’re intentional with your energy, the path appears.
August 25: Venus enters Leo ♀→♌︎
The sun sets on summer with fiery, passionate energy that’s infused with glamour and maybe even a little drama.
BIRTHDAY ROYALTY <3 Leo (July 23 – August 22):
This is your month, and everything is on your terms with so much action in your sign. Sure, Mercury retrograde could create some communication gaffes or logistical errors, but you know how to balance your boldness. You never let a little misstep get the best of you. And even so, people look to you as an example of how to harness all this energy. Your charisma is extra-activated, and this month has the potential to bring you amazing creative inspo. This month, you’re electrified and magnetic. You know what to do.
Tarotscope: The Sun — Your star shines bright, and you are a beacon.
NOW FOR THE REST OF YOU...
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Later in the month, the Sun and New Moon meet up in your sign to give your habits and routines the reboot you’ve been waiting for. By the end of the month, you will have reorganized, reset, and turned your attention towards wellness. Coming soon: you, so aligned and energetically refreshed.
Tarotscope: The Hermit — When you nurture reflection, you refine your intentions.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 9th is highlighting community and collaboration for you. Expect to make surprising new connections and find new ways to collaborate with others. Mercury is asking for clear communication, though, so don’t ghost on your opportunities. Make sure to follow up.
Tarotscope: Two of Cups — Alliance-making energy arrives. Be open to a new match.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Mercury going direct in Leo is making you feel more empowered. You may find yourself focusing on your career, and your drive for recognition intensifies this month. Old conversations could resurface, and the people around you could feel the need to rehash old stories. Set boundaries as needed, especially in professional contexts.
Tarotscope: King of Wands — You’re motivated to give your ambition the attention it deserves.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sparks are flying for you this month, creatively, romantically, professionally, etc. All of the above. Leo’s influence is encouraging you to begin again–especially when it comes to passion projects and things you hold close to your heart. You could feel uncharacteristically compelled to share before you would normally feel ready, and I say go for it.
Tarotscope: Page of Wands — Inspiration is calling, and it can change your life if you’re listening.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
For you, this month highlights refinement of shared resources and financial strategy, as well as your closest intimate relationships. Mercury retrograde is pushing you to refine budgets, debts, and agreements. With the Full Moon in Aquarius, release any tendency you have to avoid or deny necessary restrictions. Set new goals and make solid plans with the New Moon in Virgo.
Tarotscope: Three of Pentacles — You’re manifesting a solid foundation. Ask for help where it’s needed.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
This month’s Full Moon lights up your sign on the 9th. Expect clarity around emotions, and recognize the completion of cycles for what they are. You have been gaining momentum and working towards something big. Prepare yourself for success towards the end of the month. Big things are coming
Tarotscope: The Star — Your intuition is insightful, and you are a visionary.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
It’s all about the foundations for you this month, especially when it comes to your inner landscape. Rebuilding is at the forefront, especially later in the month. Home projects and emotional recalibration will clear up space in your mind, helping you feel more empowered to take charge and command respect. You are discovering outworn patterns and healing old wounds.
Tarotscope: Six of Cups — Nostalgia is a necessary part of how you move on.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your house of communication and collaboration is lit up by the Sun in Leo. This makes August an amazing time to express your ideas and speak out for what you believe in. Watch for communication errors and double-check everything before hitting send.
Tarotscope: Knight of Swords — Trust yourself and speak your truth, but be strategic about it.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
This month is highlighting your financial sector, boosting your pursuits, and making you feel more confident in your abilities. You could see an increase in your income or resources (time, love, energy, etc.), but even if not, you are getting more comfortable asserting yourself and knowing your value. Stay diligent and disciplined when it comes to your finances this month.
Tarotscope: Queen of Pentacles — You feel most prosperous when there’s balance. Even serious people need to have fun.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Your social life is at the forefront this month, and it feels like the connections you are nurturing this month are setting you up for future success. You’re excited about building this community and potentially beginning to see ways you can lead. Be gentle with yourself, though, because even as you’re building your network, there’s still a part of you that’s processing the past.
Tarotscope: The Lovers — Are the choices you’re making aligned with your heart?
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
The spotlight may drift away from you after Leo season, but now it’s your time to reconnect with your internal world. You need a little emotional reset, anyway, so use all this retrograde energy to heal, rekindle your self-love, and you’ll come out feeling refreshed. The introspection is more than welcome.
Tarotscope: Four of Cups — You’re not in a rut just because you need to rest.
Photo of the Spellsisters by Schwebach Photography.
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