Mars entered Gemini back on July 20th. Since then, it has been steadily approaching Jupiter where they come together in a conjoined embrace on August 14th at 16° Gemini. The next day on August 15th (PT), Mars in Gemini squares Saturn Rx in Pisces at 17°, and Jupiter also squares Saturn Rx on August 19th.

On August 18th, Venus in Virgo squares Jupiter in Gemini at 17°. Then on the same day Jupiter squares Saturn Rx on August 19th, Venus opposes Saturn Rx in Pisces at 17°. Finally, to complete this mutable t-cross configuration, Venus in Virgo squares Mars in Gemini at 22° on August 22nd.

Interestingly, on August 14th, the Moon in Sagittarius moves through the mutable grand cross by squaring Venus in Virgo, opposing Mars and Jupiter, and then squaring Saturn. The Moon on this day, functions as a travelling translator who is taking note of every planet's perspective on the intensifying conflict this month. The Moon also signifies the embodiment of energies as psychosomatic sensations and emotions. It's as if the Moon in Sagittarius will encapsulate the themes unfolding from August 14th to the 22nd in one day. So pay attention to your moods, interactions, embodied senses, and events around you as they may materialize the symbolism of August's midmonth tension.

TLDR (too long, didn't read aka a summary of the above); August 14th - 22nd is the eye of the storm for this month's peak events. Planets at 16-17° of mutable signs are a hotspot that signals an increase in motivation and an orientation toward achievement. There's also the possibility of rising frustration, stagnation and being generally out of balance.

In your personal charts, if you have any planets or angles around 16-17° of mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces), then you're explicitly experiencing these challenging energies somewhere in your life. You can look at the house significations that the impacted planet(s) inhabits, as well as the house(s) they rule for specific topics that are undergoing a boiling point of sorts in August.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN A LIL

Tracy Marks in her book The Art of Chart Interpretation, 2009, said that a t-cross (also called a t-square) is like a three-legged table. There can be an inclination to lean too much on one side, which can result in an overdoing of the expression of said planets and then a simultaneous compulsion to seek balance by leaning heavily in the opposite direction. If you can picture it, this setup requires constant movement to establish a more stable footing.  

A t-cross involves planets opposing each other that are both squaring another planet(s). The planet(s) that is squaring the opposing planets are called the focal planet by Tracy Marks. She said, "The secret of using the t-square effectively is to learn to express the focal planet in a positive manner, rather than be driven by its tension to compulsive activity, excess and overcompensation.". To add, an awareness of what feels out of balance or excessive can be very useful data and doesn't have to be a point for negative self-judgment. Also, your dynamic with astrology doesn't have to be about what's useful or positive for it to have any meaning, especially if that is not in alignment with you at the moment.

The key to understanding a t-cross is breaking down:

• the modality of planets involved ― cardinal, fixed or mutable

• the nature of the planets involved and their overall position and condition, the house they're in and the house(s) they rule

• the focal planet's role as a stabilizing fulcrum to integrate the opposition and tension-filled energies among all the planets involved

ALL OF LIFE IS RELATIONSHIPS

Mars came in hot to help mobilize and stimulate all the potential growth that Jupiter started when it first entered Gemini on May 25th. Together, they inspire auspicious action that can be energizing, but it can also be an overestimation of potential. In short, do not move with haste as accidents can happen, especially with Mars involved. A slow approach can also take you far.

Saturn becomes a key influence in containing what may be an overzealous estimation of capacity, luck and optimism. Jupiter in Gemini may have been acting like an overstimulated child on too much sugar, and Mars is also here to further emphasize the lack of boundaries. Their square to Saturn can be a helpful restriction so that too much of a good thing does not cause a sugar crash and tummy ache. Saturn is like the parent that enforces a reasonable schedule, which ultimately maximizes pleasure when there is a definite end time.

But also speaking of sugar, Venus enters the scene by interacting with all three planets as well. Venus is the planet of indulgence and its opposition to Saturn can be restricting. This interaction is a bit challenging, especially for Venus, as it's quite the joy killer when she's already struggling to begin with. In some way, Mars and Jupiter's exuberant confidence can assist Venus in pushing forward despite the rocky road ahead.

One thing to remember is that this month's t-cross is happening in mutable signs. Mutable signs are known for being adaptable, flexible and most importantly, relational. Any tension you may be experiencing requires your ability to bend and yield around unforeseen circumstances. It calls on you to apply your creative and critical thinking skills and not go about your life moments in isolation. You need connection and feedback so you can better adapt to the changes that are coming.

ON THE BIGGER CYCLES OF JUPITER AND SATURN

Jupiter and Saturn squaring each other is also part of a bigger cycle that echoes these two planets' great conjunction on Dec. 21, 2020. Jupiter squaring Saturn is one of the three first-quarter squares that connect the events of the last almost 4 years to now. The next two are in December 2024 and June 2025 (in Cancer and Aries, respectively).

Austin Coppock wrote: "The Jupiter-Saturn cycle is one of astrology’s longest used and most reliable yardsticks for measuring history. The two planets conjoin every 20 years, providing a tool for examining history in two decade increments(read in full here)."

The first quarter or waxing squares between planets require adjustment and change as a response to the tension that is building up. You need friction for things to move. And yes, sometimes friction is necessary to generate heat and excitement. Often, people need an impetus to experience the motivation to change, like the consequences of one's actions. Even when someone's action is that of neglect and avoidance, there are consequences to this that ultimately create tension.

Some of your best-laid plans might be undergoing much-needed reassessments right now. It requires trimming your ideal list to a more feasible set of actionable items. For this month, the path ahead is a challenging one. Maybe a bit joyless. But remember, this too shall pass. This moment is good for epiphanies and realizations that untether you from your reality. But they can be for reasons that encourage your growth and healing.

THERE'S MORE HAPPENING THIS MIDMONTH!

I won't be writing about them here, but I'll maybe post some tidbits on my IG about Mercury's ongoing retrograde back into Leo (also on August 14th!), it's cazimi on August 18th, which marks Mercury retrograde's halfway point, and the Full Moon at 27° Aquarius that's square Uranus in Taurus on August 19th. Phew! So be sure to follow me on Instagram: @charmastrology.

If you want a more personalized conversation, I offer month-ahead consultations that break down the astrology of the month ahead and how it personally impacts you. Until then, may you navigate the road ahead with grace and kindness. Take good care for now.