Forecast for August: Compassion

"Compassion is a verb." – Thich Nhat Hanh

The channeled reading for August brings forward the Queen of Cups. In the tarot – a collection of archetypal symbols – the court cards can be seen as reflections of our personal and collective development. The Suit of Cups governs the realm of emotions, and the Queen of Cups embodies the archetype of the divine feminine, particularly the quality of compassion.

In many ways, the Queen of Cups parallels the Buddhist bodhisattva Kuan Shih Yin, whose name means “one who perceives the sounds (cries) of the world.” We are currently in Leo season (until August 22), and with Mercury retrograde in Leo until August 11 – and Chiron and Venus newly in Aries and Cancer respectively --the celestial focus is boldly underlined: this is a time for heart-centered awareness.

And then, the challenges begin. Today, August 1, the Moon enters Scorpio, and Venus squares Neptune. We may feel the pull to go down rabbit holes or find ourselves disillusioned or dissatisfied with aspects of our lives. Ride those waves – they will transmute and transform.

Later this week, Mars moves into a challenging aspect with Chiron. If emotions like anger, frustration, or hurt arise, try comforting your injured inner child before reacting or resorting to passive aggression. We all have access to Queen of Cups energy—a calm, compassionate inner presence that can anchor and soothe.

To fully embody the Queen of Cups, look for opportunities to extend grace and compassion to others – the driver who cuts you off in traffic, the co-worker who leaves you hanging, the tired child who can’t keep it together at dinnertime. Remember: most of us are doing the best we can in any given moment.

Affirmations & Reflections by Sun and Rising Sign

♈ Aries
I’m healing, and I am healed.
You're perfect just as you are right now.

♉ Taurus
Pleasure is my birthright.
Yes – and you do it better than most.

♊ Gemini
I am safe with my own thoughts.
Meditate? Yes, you can. Just observe those rapid-fire thoughts and let them pass.

♋ Cancer
I hold myself tenderly.
What kindness or favor could you extend to yourself?

♌ Leo
I am a rock star.
But even rock stars need rest – stadium shows are exhausting.

♍ Virgo
I forgive my inner critic.
Your standards are higher than most. Consider taking a holiday—from yourself.

♎ Libra
My needs matter.
You're usually drawn to pleasing others. What if you put your own needs first?

♏ Scorpio
Lighten up, play a little.
It’s not shallow or wasteful. Play reconnects you to your personal mission.

♐ Sagittarius
Talk to the hand.
Say no—say it often. Boundaries are loving.

♑ Capricorn
I allow myself to rest and restore.
What if productivity included naps?

♒ Aquarius
I’m ready for an information detox.
Put down your phone and go for a walk. Pet your dog – anything analog.

♓ Pisces
It’s okay to feel happy.
You feel the world’s pain deeply. Your joy is a gift back to the collective.