SAGITTARIUS HOROSCOPE

This isn't the time to rifle through contingency plans or cast about for exit strategies – not when there's a First Quarter Moon in your zodiac sign on August 31st. A First Quarter Moon is a waxing Moon which means it's increasing in light, so you need to be perfectly clear about what you want because this is the time to make your own luck. Sagittarius is a sign that's famous for holding fast to its beliefs in the face of daunting circumstances; moreover its absolute faith in Hail Mary passes has prevailed upon many a centaur to go for broke rather than stop short.

It’s a make or break time for you. You’ve had your fill of power struggles and don’t want to feel beholden to anyone, but are you ready to break out on your own and go it alone? That’s the question you'll be asking when the Sun squares Uranus, planet of revolution and change, on August 24th. This is when the game board will be knocked over and all the pieces sent flying. Whether you leave those pieces where they are or try to gather them up again is your call. Just remember that those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

Don't let shame get in the way of discussing a delicate matter on August 12th. You've been living with a secret for too long and the Venus/Jupiter conjunction shows you getting the help and understanding you need. You'll be relieved to discover you're not alone and that there are plenty of people ready to lend their support. How much you want to divulge is up to you, but know that you aren't sharing anything that they haven't heard before. Draw on their perspective and experience because that's what it's there for. And maybe one day you'll do the same for someone else in similar straits.

Sometimes the hardest people to sell on the “new you” are the people you see every day. They may roll their eyes at your decision to dress for success at work, talk you into going off your diet when you're out together, or poke fun at your attempts at self-improvement. It's only natural for loved ones and friends to try to get you to go back to being the old you. It's familiar and they like that, but is that really in your best interests? In the end you’re the one who has to believe in yourself because other people can't do the believing for you.

You're apt to feel abandoned – and even betrayed – by a financial organization or agency you relied on when Venus squares Saturn and Neptune on August 1st. It's hard to believe the draconian conditions being introduced, but that's what's happening and you need to play the hand you're dealt. Sagittarians often roar to life when life starts withholding things. You become braver, more resourceful, and sharp. Obviously it would be preferable if things didn’t have to take a downturn for this to happen, but now that they have, you'll surprise yourself with how intrepid and enterprising you can be when your back is against the wall.

Neptune and Saturn's entrance into Aries has provided a tremendous boost to your morale. Not only are you inspired by the path you're on, you also have the focus and discipline to go the distance. No more philosophizing for you; that Aries energy has obstacles to surmount and prizes to win! Your first bump in the road will be on July 25th as the Sun opposes Pluto. This is when the rug will be pulled out from under one of your best efforts. It's rough being thrown from your horse, but if anyone knows how to climb back on without missing a beat – it's Sagittarius.

Mercury retrogrades as often seen as a vexing period of delays and postponements but for you, this Mercury retrograde will prove fortuitous in a backward way. Over the next few weeks you'll discover how – although a faulty premise sent you down the wrong path – it was for the right reasons; or that your frowned upon decision to pull the plug on a popular project will wind up being vindicated in the end. Obviously it would have been nice to have known all of this beforehand, but it wouldn't have made any sense. Some things – like Mercury retrogrades – have to be experienced for yourself.

Hopefully you enjoyed playing Spin the Bottle as a kid because that's what your love life will feel like for the next seven years. You'll have a hard time making heads or tails of who's coming and who's going. For most zodiac signs this would be unwelcome news, but you could really get into it. That's because people born under sign of the Centaur value their freedom, but don't want to be lonely either. A variety of lovers or an on-again, off-again liaison may be exactly what's needed to give you the space you need, the adventure you seek, and the colorful company you desire.

If Sagittarius is good at anything, it's climbing back on that horse they've been thrown from it. Admittedly, it may have taken longer than usual but it looks you've got the hang of things now. Not only do you have a firm grip on the reins, you also know what direction you want to go in. This is wonderful news as the current alignment of Stars are urging you to heed your hopes rather than fears. The only thing to watch out for is being overdrawn at the goodwill bank. Fortunately it's something you can remedy by paying back some of those rainchecks you bounced.

The Sun conjunct Ruling Planet Jupiter on June 24th should portend good things except that it's tied up in something you regret doing. Whether it’s a cobbled together lie, a heavy conscience, or a guilty secret you're going to have to sit down and think about what it means to remain silent. You were born under a moral sign. You may play at happy-go-lucky, but you believe that good begets good. It may feel you're risking it all by coming clean with the truth, but you couldn't live with yourself if you didn't. Put your faith in doing right and right will do right by you.