It is time to let your creative juices flow. If you have been thinking of starting something new and fun-filled then this is the month to act. Creativity means different things to different people. For some tending to accounts and bookwork is joyful. For others it is writing, performing, dancing or any of the arts. Yet others still love nothing more than to spend quiet and special moments with their spouse or children. The question is – what fills you with joy? Allow the thoughts to enter your mind and then note the instant reaction in your body – peace and joy or tension. If tension then perhaps this is a “should” rather than a “want”? If nothing else take some time out this month to settle down and read a good book, or watch an inspirational dvd. Watch the children around you and take note. If you are a parent then your child or children may become more of a focus than usual, no matter what their age.

How are your communication skills? August provides you with the opportunity to observe and perhaps change the way that you connect with other people. This is particularly true when it comes to your relationships with siblings and other family members. Often the word “communication” invokes images of talking rather than listening. You now have the chance to learn more about both. Are you really connecting with your loved ones or are you simply share air space? You are likely to be busy and yet you may decide to write, learn, study, read, draw or join a neighbourhood group. If nothing else your FaceBook status updates may be more regular. You may make adjustments in your professional life to enable you to take some time to explore your creative opportunities, or you may simply rest at home.

Money flows abundantly in your life this month. The question is: “Is it flowing in or is it flowing out”? In other words you need to be wary of blowing out the budget. The same could be said for your energy levels. You need to make sure that you are not burning the candle at both ends. It is time to slow down and count your blessings. Your self-esteem and income are under the influence of the planet of abundance, but you need to make sure that you make wise decisions. Your mind is likely to be active right now. Perhaps you are planning a particular project, or something is playing on your mind. This might be the right time to recall a quote from self-help author Robert Collier who says that “all riches have their origin in mind. Wealth is in ideas - not money.”

Three planets are currently in your Zodiac Sign suggesting that this is a time for developing new goals. It is time to expand your horizons. Cancerians are the natural nurturers of the Zodiac. Right now it is time to nurture you not others. You might feel like life is in turbo charge mode. Rather than resist try to make the most of the opportunities that arise. Ideas that have been floated in the past can now be put into action. The planets are aligned in such a way as to give you an extra boost of confidence, so make the most of your good fortune. Market yourself. Present yourself in your best positive light. This is not the time to sit back and comfort yourself with food. You want your world to expand not your waistline!

Those around you are unlikely to see any changes in you this month as you appear to be your usual cheerful and loveable self. However, beneath the surface something is brewing. This could be that serious matters or loved ones are upsetting your usual equilibrium or that you are contemplating a change of direction, or both. Whatever the scenario August is a time to look after the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sides of yourself. You may receive a monetary gift and so perhaps you can afford to go on a short holiday, indulge in a massage or an outing to the theatre. It is important that you focus on your own health and wellbeing. This is the ideal time to tune in to your Guardian Angel or that still small voice within that guides you through your life’s journey.

The planet of love and money has moved into your Zodiac Sign heralding a time of pleasantry and good company. However, you also have a need to retreat and recharge your batteries which contrasts somewhat with Venus’ message. The likely result is combination of both influences. Your Virgo powers of discrimination mean that you are likely to mingle but only with a few select good friends, and close family members. You are more likely to be attracted to the company of women rather than men unless they are involved in a group that is of interest to you. Otherwise you may enjoy your own company perhaps working on a solitary pursuit close to your heart.

Your emotions are heightened this month as you contemplate the changes that are occurring in your life direction. This could be excitement as you pursue a lifelong dream, or you could be a little anxious as a result of external influences. The message is the same either way. It is time to contemplate the direction in which you are heading, and make adjustments if necessary. You need to broaden your horizons. Does your life have meaning and purpose? Are you on track to achieve your goals? Do you need to take a more spiritual approach? Are you satisfying your emotional needs as well as your material ambitions? These are the types of questions that you need to focus on during the month of August. As a result you may make changes that affect your direction and your budget. This is a time of short-term pain for long-term gain.

August can be a satisfying month during which you slowly work towards your career goals. However restraint is necessary. If you are naturally a hard worker and a high achiever then you are likely to recognise the need to restrain your personal needs in order to achieve a long-term goal. However, if not then you may find August a challenging month. It doesn’t have to be so. If you recognise that you have to move slowly and strategically then you can be satisfied that the fruits of your labour will eventually flourish, but not right now. This month you need to look after yourself physically to ensure that you have the energy that your profession and life direction is requiring. You have heard of the saying “good things come to those who wait”? Or perhaps you would prefer a quote from US Statesman Colin Powell: “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Do not despair though as the planets are also sprinkling a little magic for you. It comes this month through connections with overseas, other cultures, the arts, sciences or religion.

Overseas connections and your profession are influenced by positive planets this month. Nevertheless this is a time of some intensity. You are getting mixed messages. On the one hand your career and connections with people from other cultures are flourishing. Venus, the planet of love and luck, is shining its rays on your life direction. Opportunities to connect with friends, colleagues and generally pursue your work objectives abound. You may even receive a reward or a bonus! On the other hand it is an intense time during which you are re-evaluating how you invest your time and energy. Perhaps you are reassessing your monetary investments, and shared resources. On the other hand you may be taking a more mystical approach to life, as you ponder the meaning of life and death. Something has triggered your reflections. In order to balance the energies that are influencing you at the moment you may benefit from spending some time in nature – a walk on the beach, a camping trip to nature parks, or perhaps a visit to your local botanical gardens.

Partnerships are the focus during August. If you are in business then your business contracts, relationships and agreements are under the microscope. It is time for a reappraisal even you maintain the status quo in the long run. If you are in a committed relationship then your partner is likely to be requiring some attention, or asking for some changes. These are likely to be beneficial as the positive planet Jupiter is in your relationship sector. If you are single then you may be reassessing your solitary status. Mating, dating and relating are in the stars for you this month. You may also benefit from connections with overseas partnerships, cultural or spiritual interests, or anything that broadens your mind.`

The planet of love and money is influencing your shared resources this month. Therefore you may like to reassess your material investments, any asset or monetary matter than is shared with someone else or any fiscal matter. This is your opportunity to change arrangements in a way that is of more benefit to you. It is also time for you to pay attention to your own health and wellbeing. This can range from taking up a new and exciting hobby, to getting the car cleaned or the pets to the vet. The chores that you complete now will clear the path for other things to enter your life. In particular love, sex and intimacy are also likely to provide some happy moments during August.

August is a fun month. If you want to know how this month could be for you then take a moment to watch young children play and then emulate them. Live for the moment, surround yourself with positive playmates and have some fun. Also this is an ideal time to let your creative talents have a voice. Make a start and don’t worry about perfection. Again watch children. Do they worry about colouring in pictures to the very edge and getting it perfect? No they enjoy choosing colours, having a go and relishing their efforts. This is your month to take the focus off your inner critique and enjoy the freedom of being in love – with anything that you do! You may also take some moments to just “be”. Breathe, sit, relax if you want or Play with a capital “P”!