Your horoscope for the week ahead: Be gentle with yourself as the moon in Sagittarius brings a big mood shift

There's less astrological action in the sky for the first half of the week, but that doesn't mean that we aren't in for some seriously strong cosmic influences. 

We'll be feeling braver and more outgoing on Thursday, when ambitious Mars sextiles expansive Jupiter. This transit helps to increase our drive, so if you've been working toward achieving a particular goal, you'll have the potential to make significant progress during this time. It also encourages us to be bolder in our social interactions. If you're single or dating, this could be an ideal day to make a fabulous first impression. 

Then, when chatty Mercury in social Libra opposes abundant Jupiter in impulsive Aries on Friday, be extra careful not to put your foot in your mouth. We have a tendency to exaggerate and overcompensate as these planets clash in the sky, so be sure to self-edit if you're in the process of making a deal or pitching to a client. Before sharing your opinions, consider how your delivery might make others feel. Ultimately, if harnessed correctly, this energy can help us become more aware of our flaws and weaknesses. If you can embrace a spirit of humility while doing so, you'll be able to move forward with grace.  

The mood will shift on Saturday, when the moon waxes into her first quarter in open-minded Sagittarius. You may feel an urge to engage in conversations around big issues under this influence. When the moon is at one quarter, she also intensifies our desire to accomplish our goals in a way that can leave us feeling impatient to reach the finish line. If you start to get overwhelmed, take a moment to escape into nature to clear your mind. Try to be gentle with yourself and just embrace the journey.

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, August 29, 2022.

Aries

Make your case, Aries. You're ready to engage in stimulating conversations this week and may find yourself especially attracted to intellectuals. Your charming nature will draw people in as well — particularly when you speak about your passions. So be open and honest about your desires, and you could meet some like-minded people. Later this week, fight the urge to overdo any physical activity, as you could end up creating a fundamental disconnect between your body and mind. Meditation may help you centre yourself and collect your thoughts during this time. But if sitting still isn't working, try going on a brisk walk to reignite your fire.

Taurus

Don't be afraid to open up your heart — and your mind — Taurus. As you dive into the deeper side of life this week, you'll be feeling bold and excited to share your unique perspectives with friends and family. Topics surrounding belief and spirituality may be of particular interest to you during this time. But if this energy begins to make you feel uneasy, you may want to seek out a quiet place where you can reflect on the emotions you're experiencing. Turn off your devices and feel the grass underneath your feet — you can ground your body and steady your mind by reconnecting with the earth, your sign's element.

Gemini

Your talent for flirting is on full display this week, Gemini. People will be drawn to your natural vitality and uplifted by your joyful spirit. If you're single, you'll be sure to charm anyone who enters your dating sphere. Attached? Channel this energy into a spicy surprise for your partner. Meanwhile, conversations surrounding your space could reveal emotional wounds that you didn't realize you were still carrying. You may have to ask yourself some tough questions to get to the root of patterns you'd like to stop repeating. Seek healing by taking responsibility for your flaws, and vowing to move forward with positivity and kindness. 

Cancer

You're a real ball of energy this week, Cancer. And exciting new opportunities are yours to seize  if you can just apply a little discipline to your professional endeavours. Don't hesitate to bounce creative ideas around with friends and colleagues either. This could be a particularly good time to ask for advice from a trusted mentor or get feedback from other people you really respect. Meanwhile, a slip of the tongue could teach you an important lesson about one of your emotional blind spots. So if you do find yourself speaking out of turn during this time, try to focus on seeking self-understanding.  

Leo

Matching the energy of those around you could take you far, Leo. The vibe of this week will be bright and refreshing, so you may notice other people feeling extra enthusiastic. Take advantage of this by brainstorming ideas with friends or coworkers, and seeing what you can create together. Toward the end of the week, you'll want to tread carefully when discussing your money. To avoid causing hurt feelings or creating a rift in your relationships, lean on your natural sense of empathy when bringing up the topic of cash. In doing so, you could come to a realization that will help you grow both emotionally and financially.

Virgo

Indulge your senses this week, Virgo, and you could discover some brilliant new ways to improve your space and uplift your mood. Think about the colours, scents and fabrics that bring you pleasure so you can begin incorporating them into your home. You're building a world of your own design — consider what kind of environment you really want to create. Later in the week, you might notice that venting about your professional life brings up some uncomfortable truths that you usually prefer to keep hidden. Take this time to work through any unresolved feelings so that you can start to heal.

Libra

What's your love language, Libra? Whether you're single or attached, you could find that you're able to express your romantic side freely this week. You also won't have to chase anyone with this energy in your corner, so if you've been looking to capture someone's attention, simply trust in your natural charisma to get the job done. Meanwhile, if you've been finding it challenging to discuss — or even engage with — your spiritual beliefs of late, take a moment to contemplate what's been holding you back. You may not find this investigation of the self to be easy, but a little searching may be necessary to help you to reach new depths.

Scorpio

You're about to embark on a journey of personal transformation, Scorpio. It's time to invest in your physical health and overall sense of wellness. This week, get excited about the process by gathering ideas from friends and family that will help you forge your path. You may also want to investigate how taking better care of your body will ultimately support your mind. Closer to the weekend, you'll want to be wary of discussions around money, as people could throw big numbers around that you can't necessarily trust. Just remember to act with kindness as you try to understand the motivations of those around you. 

Sagittarius

Are you spreading yourself too thin, Sagittarius? This week, take some time to explore how you've been spending your energy. If you feel your passion projects are pulling you in different directions lately, consider this: if you turn all your hobbies into hustles, when do you get to just play and be free? You may want to adjust your schedule to find a better balance. Meanwhile, you could feel pressure to act quickly or answer a flurry of questions that come at you over the weekend. To find calm, set clear boundaries and only respond when you're ready. 

Capricorn

Is there a space in your home where you can truly recentre, Capricorn? If not, you'll have an opportunity this week to create a personal oasis where you can unwind and reconnect with your inner self. This could be as simple as bringing a set of soft pillows into your bedroom or setting up a hammock to enjoy your outdoor space without digital distractions. Prioritize finding quiet in order to reactivate your spirit. If you're in a relationship, you may feel the urge to challenge your partner to a game or playful round of trivia this weekend. If you're single, this competitive energy may inspire you to seek out someone who can really capture your attention.

Aquarius

Do you feel something in the air, Aquarius? If you notice a strange energy buzzing around this week, remember that you don't have to engage with it. Friends, family or coworkers who make lofty claims during his time could end up inadvertently embarrassing themselves and offending others. Knowing this, try your best to practice forgiveness and embrace a spirit of understanding as others go about their blunders. Then, if you feel pressured to tackle a mile-high to-do list this weekend, don't be afraid to ask for help. Go ahead and share your workload with others — you don't have to do it all alone.

Pisces

Assert yourself, Pisces. You're in a prime position to get what you want at work this week, so long as you can summon the courage. Channel your inner salesperson in conversations involving your cash and career, and you'll have the power to make magic. It's important that you trust your intuition as you start working seriously toward increasing your wealth and professional standing. On the home front, you could find that discussing your ambitions with loved ones stirs up some concerns. Contemplate how you can pursue your goals in a healthy way — one that supports your personal life as well.

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.