Grace McGrade is an intuitive astrologer and priestess based in Los Angeles. She is the host of the podcast, “Bitchcraft: Spirituality for Bad People.” Her sessions include birth chart readings, tarot, energetic clearings and psychic consultations.

Exhilarating highs and lows are in store for August as we roll right into a season of epic drama, also referred to as Leo season. The heavens are heated as we open the month with an environment of unpredictability, as seismic changes catapult us into rapid growth. The unusual, earth-shattering configuration between Uranus, Mars and the North Node in Taurus guarantees mass awakening. We could also be experiencing bouts of mythical synchronicities, fated encounters and sudden insights. On a collective level, we’re in a period of dismantling structures, experiencing systemic breakdowns that can hopefully result in greater freedom and equality long run. Issues around global resources are pressing us to turn into more decentralised, and adopt the Leoine attitude of individual sovereignty.

Ruled by the sun, the sign of Leo energises us and invigorates our flair for the theatrical, creative, and expressive. It’s time to bask in our own innate divinity and lovability, and infrequently demand that others do the identical. Matters of the guts are accentuated, and we replace our desire for safety with our need for play. Leo pertains to our childlike essence, and although we’re encouraged to have fun what makes us unique, we could also be quick to leap to child-like antics, as our appetite for drama increases. Venus accompanies the Sun on the throne of Leo on the eleventh, encouraging us to proudly profess feelings.

A full moon in Aquarius on the eleventh has us desperate to discover a balance between our need to precise and feel seen, and the terrors of living in a digital age. We’re called to examine our desire for public and community approval, and ask ourselves if we’re entrapped within the perspectives and perceptions of others. With access to infinite vantage points, we may find ourselves battling insecurities. War god Mars has spent most of 2022 in Aries, creating an emphasis on the self and amping up our fight or flight reflexes. On the twentieth, it switches gears and enters Gemini, facilitating steadfast conversations. We may feel like we try to convene multiple truths occurring concurrently. Mars stays in Gemini for seven months, encouraging us to modify perspectives and communicate clearly.

Virgo season begins on the twenty second, reminding us that playtime must come to an end. We switch gears, assess our organisational skills, and deal with cleanliness of the outside and interior. Utilise the brand new moon on the twenty seventh to set intentions around matters of health, wellness and day by day routine. We could also be aware about judgment and evaluation of our fellows, but ultimately, Virgo desires to see us grow and improve. We’re called to anchor within the self-love we adopted through Leo season, and churn it into sustainable motion.