What’s in store for you in August? Gritty Pretty’s resident astrologer Emma Vidgen reveals all…

After a pretty challenging July, take heart that there’s progress on the horizon this month. Despite the advancements, situations beyond your control won’t move nearly as fast you’d like (classic #ariesproblems). Manage the collective anxiety by throwing yourself into fitness. Whether it’s mastering a headstand or clocking a 25-minute 5k, smashing a new goal will help burn up nervous energy. There’s some major sweetness on the romance front to look forward to as well. Things look extra rosy for Aries from the 16th onwards, with connection and commitment coming in hot the last week of the month. 

Tip: Set a new fitness goal…and smash it

The work/life drama that dominated July is still hanging around, but won’t feel quite as tense as it did. Changing tact, especially early in the month could help alleviate the “stuck” feeling. Random inspo or unexpected advice during the first 10 days of August should help build a new game plan that will move you closer to a long-term solution. Give yourself a break from all the stress by escaping into your favourite creative outlet. Art, design, music—whatever helps you feel in flow. If fertility and babies are on your radar, that area could ramp up too—especially from the 12th onwards. 

Tip: Get out of your head by using art as a form of therapy 

After a turbulent couple of months, there’s some much-needed clarity coming your way, especially once Mercury, your ruling planet, moves into Virgo on 12 August. From a macro perspective, progress is slow, but in the meantime you’ve got work to do…mostly at home. Cooking, decluttering, styling—it will all feel like a deeply therapeutic experience as you unleash your inner Kelly Wearstler. With BVE (Big Virgo Energy) powering up the cosy corner of your chart, your ability to edit, cull and collate will have your place looking like a location house in record time. 

Tip: Restyle your space with the precision of an interiors editor

If cash flow has been doing your head in the past month, a solution should come into view in August. It might take a few weeks, but there is progress to be made—especially if you’re willing to come at things from a totally new angle. Stay open to advice or new perspectives in the first 10 days of the month that could deliver an “aha” moment. By the full moon (22 August) you should feel more optimistic about everything. The power of story holds special healing magic for Cancerians this month. Escape the macro angst by getting lost in your favourite books and TV shows. 

Tip: Consider an off-the-wall approach to fix a money dilemma

Experimentation isn’t always your natural reaction, but this month it should be your first response when curveballs come your way. Looking at things from a new vantage point—whether it’s your wardrobe, your workout or your skincare—is the perfect way to shake off that stuck feeling, especially before 12 August. Get creative and make your own fun anyway that feels good. Despite the restrictions, there is joy to be tapped, but you’ll have to get creative. A full moon (22 August) brings to light the progress you’ve made, and will make you feel extra confident—especially when it comes to love and relationships. 

Tip: Unleash your creativity to make your own fun

Your innate desire to fix things is both your most admirable quality and your greatest vulnerability. With a swathe of planets lighting up your home sign, your desire to rush in and help when things get tough, will be extra strong in August. Noble as it may be, the potential for burnout is real. With Mars in the mix, your efforts could also be misconstrued as criticism. Avoid the frustration by asking yourself, “Do I really have the bandwidth to take this on right now?” before you say yes. Being a bit selective with your energy—at least until Virgo season kicks off (22 August)—will make life feel a whole lot more manageable.

Tip: Remember saying “no” can be an act of self-love.

What’s your favourite way to recalibrate? Yoga, meditation, journaling—whatever is in your wheelhouse—August is the time to make it non-negotiable. While the astro weather is not quite as bumpy as July, there’s still plenty of unpredictability in the mix. And as a sign who likes to keep things on an even keel, the turbulence, especially the first half of the month (until 12th) could be challenging. Putting self-care first will help manage big feels. The second half of the month looks a lot smoother, with tensions easing and collaboration flowing more easily from the 16th onwards. 

Tip: Schedule self-care like it’s non-negotiable

You might feel like you’ve been banging your head against a wall at work, but the start of August is a time to ask, ‘Is there another way to fix this?’. Getting inventive with your approach to an ongoing roadblock has the potential to reap major rewards. It might not be the quick fix you’ve been looking for, but it could lead to something that supports a long-term solution. All that brain power deserves some respite, so make sure you schedule time to connect with friends. Yes, it may not be as intimate (i.e.. in person) as you might like, but getting social—even if it’s only on Zoom—is important to finding balance in August.

Tip: Try a new tact with an ongoing work problem

After a seriously swampy July, this month, there’s more tenacity available to face the uncertainty that is now. Trusting that stuff will improve on a macro level (albeit slowly) and instead focussing on the things you can control will help you maintain a sense of steadiness. A newfound fire for your professional goals will have you feeling unstoppable at work, especially after the 12th. It’s the perfect time to tackle a project you’ve been putting off. The back half of August looks especially satisfying as your motivation is matched only by your charm. It’s busy, but deeply rewarding.

Tip: Savour the satisfaction of big wins at work

Money stresses feel decidedly less hectic this month with some big planetary shifts offering extra support. Cash-related quandaries won’t magically disappear but you’ll be in a much better place to work towards a real solution. The secret is to stay open to new or unusual approaches. Something you haven’t thought of before could be the key to getting on top of things—especially between 1-12 August. From the middle of the month (16 August onwards), you’ll feel a whole lot more in flow as the stars align in your professional life. A new contact or opportunity (around 23) holds long-term potential if you’re willing to commit.

Tip: Get creative with your approach to cash worries

While the bigger picture will take a while to resolve, you’ll be feeling more confident than you have in months. That extra swagger will go a long way to help to improve your overall outlook, even if progress on a macro level feels slow. The first half of the month (until 12 August) is perfect for getting experimental and thinking outside the box—especially when it comes to your love life and living situation. By the full moon (22 August) you should feel a lot more positive about an issue that’s been keeping you awake at night.

Tip: Look outside your comfort zone to fix a long-term worry

The focus falls firmly on your love life this month as the planets align for a major relationship makeover. Reviewing the way you do everything—from the apps you use to the age range on your preferences—will help you reinvigorate your approach to love. If you’re in a relationship, reflecting on the way you communicate and approach conflict will help you finesse the way you relate. It’s uncomfortable work but you have the support of the sky to get to the root of the problem. Be mindful your moments of insight and constructive feedback don’t come across as nit-picking—especially around the 18-19 August.

Tip:  Give your love life an extreme makeover 

Hot tip: try reading these horoscopes for your rising sign as well as your sun sign. You can check the Co-Star app or have your charts read by an astrologist to see what your rising sign is.

Emma Vidgen is an astrologer and meditation teacher. Follow her or book a reading @emma_vee and @thewayward.co.