In evil mixture to disorder wander,

What plagues, and what portents, what mutiny,

What raging of the sea, shaking of earth,

Commotion in the winds, frights, changes, horrors,

Divert and crack, rend and deracinate

The unity and married calm of states

Quite from their fixture!

Ulysses in Shakespeare's

Troilus and Cressida (I.iii.94-101)

Long quote, short introduction: Mercury goes retrograde shortly after the middle of the month. Beware of the ides of August?

Aries: While everyone else carrying on about what a damp summer it has been, you are still reeling from the effect of a self-imposed heat wave which has left you in your own personal drought. The good news is Mars is bringing you some welcome relief by mid-month. Of course, mercury does his little back spin then....

Taurus: Remember last April? the awful mercury retrograde that rained out one of the best parties of the year? Just when you think this is going to be a retrograde time like that, an unusual thing happens, a little guiding light shows up to personally guide you through this time. It's like having your own, personal star to help guide your way.

Gemini: While the first few weeks of August are easy, the rest of the month is going to be in pipes, and not in a good way. Mercury is doing two things, apparent backwards movement AND squaring your sun. Lay low, keep cool, stay out of trouble, and avoid culpability.

Cancer: You Crustaceans all know the drill--Mercury means get under the mattress and don't come out until mid-September. Of course, in traditional astrology, this sort of turtle behavior suits you just fine. But here at FGS World HQ, we're going to tell you to get out some during this time DESPITE what others might say. The traditional caveats do apply.

Leo: August is supposed to be your month all the way through; however, the past couple of days might be a bit panic stricken. You've been warned, so have some escape planned. In the first part of the month, though, romance is a big part of your life. Romance, that is, and in a good way.

Virgo: Early in the month, Venus spreads a cooling energy which brings all sorts of nice things dour way. And I'm not picking on you, but Mercury does a little number on you after the middle of the month. Approach Mercury's errant path forewarned and with this knowledge, the little planet's trouble won't get you down.

Libra: Traditional astrology suggests that a Libra never likes to be alone. while that maybe true, between Mercury heading into retrograde, Mars hopping into Scorpio, and Venus making fast tracks across your sky, you are in a prime spot this month to set up a big deal. Only problem? You need to work alone.

Scorpio: You are facing this impending Mercury RX "thing" with a certain degree of fear and loathing. Suddenly though, right at the end of August, your old-time ruler blazes a bright path into your sign. Face it: Mars LIKES being in Scorpio. And you'll find new ways to turn this time into a beneficial time for you.

Sagittarius: This is one of those months that you just feel like doing without. Consider a quick trip to Paris, either France or Texas. Anything to get out of your present situation is nice. And if Paris is out, try Amarillo. While actual travel is not advised at this time, some kind of a break is needed.

Capricorn: don't let little Mercurial problems in other signs cause minor set backs for you. While everyone else is moaning about how know one understands them, be calm and serene, at least as serene as a cappy can be, in your knowledge that this is one Mercury RX that will miss you. Mostly....

Aquarius: there is an unusual, and beneficial, influence operating in a distant corner of the sky: Venus in a complementary Air sign. this is good for much of the month, even with the Mercurial spin on things. Problems? not you many until the end of the month. No dynamite for late August fishing, though, it could blow up in your boat.

Pisces: King Lear's illegitimate son was born under a similar configuration in the sky, almost the same thing so you can look that up in Shakespeare or... trust me, I know you can make the most of this month and reel in some big dollars. But like the king's offspring, you've got to take SOME action.