Your horoscope for the week ahead: Virgo season begins, ramping up our desire for perfection

Have you been feeling a bit low lately? On Monday, when emotional Venus in analytical Virgo opposes security-loving Saturn in sensitive Pisces, you'll be encouraged to fight against any feelings of hopelessness by focusing on the bigger picture. You may also notice yourself becoming detached from others under this aspect's influence. Don't hesitate to spend some quiet time alone and pour your energy into activities that bring you joy. 

You'll be wise to tread carefully when the spirit-driving sun in proud Leo squares rebellious Uranus in stubborn Taurus a few hours later. Tempers tend to flare during this aspect, so try to be extra mindful of how you express yourself. Finding positive ways to release tension will help you navigate any conflicts that arise without losing your composure. 

Later on Monday, the intuition-ruling moon will wax full in forward-thinking Aquarius, which could put us in a problem-solving state of mind. This optimistic lunation is excellent for tackling obstacles and finding where you fit in. Just remember to pump the breaks for long enough to celebrate your latest wins and appreciate just how far you've come. 

Then, prepare for a shift in energy as the ego-ruling sun enters meticulous Virgo on Thursday, ramping up our desire for perfection. This transit is also known to strengthen our work ethic and eye for detail, allowing us to organize our lives and streamline our schedules to remove what's no longer needed. Still, it's important that you make time to relax and unwind over these next four weeks — it's easy to over-work yourself under this influence if you're not careful. 

Finally, you could find you're blessed with the ability to find solutions at lightning speed when intellectual Mercury sextiles assertive Mars on Saturday. This aspect also enables us to communicate our thoughts with more clarity and direction, making it an ideal day to ask for what you want or hash out any challenges. Don't be afraid to test your limits and see what you can accomplish. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, August 19, 2024.

Aries

Have you been feeling overwhelmed with work lately, Aries? Your professional world could get even more hectic at the start of this week, leaving you with a mountain of tasks to accomplish. Try simplifying your to-do list to just the essentials as you navigate this turbulent moment. You'll be able to regain your momentum once you get a chance to rest and reconnect with your inner compass. Meanwhile, don't be afraid to lean on your friends and family as a source of comfort. Kicking back with your favourite people can be a beautiful way to recharge your emotional batteries and build confidence. 

Taurus

What do you do when plans fall through, Taurus? If you're faced with this question at the beginning of the week, do your best to be kind to yourself and those around you. Reminding yourself that your favourite people may not always be on the same page as you will help you manage your disappointment and deal with any other emotions that happen to crop up. On the work front, your talents will be on full display this week, creating the perfect conditions for you to gain recognition for your accomplishments. Enjoy basking in the spotlight, and seize this moment to begin planning your next big move with people you admire and respect. 

Gemini

You know more about money than you think, Gemini. So try to have a little faith in yourself if you're faced with certain financial issues this week. Approaching them with a confident attitude is sure to help you make smart decisions when it comes to your cash. Meanwhile, as Virgo season kicks off mid-week, you may start to feel pulled toward your safe spaces and eager to spend more time nurturing your domestic world. Don't hesitate to use the next four weeks to tinker with home-improvement projects and make adjustments that'll enhance the harmony of your environment. 

Cancer

Try to get out of your own head, Cancer. If you find yourself fixating on the past this week, seeking an outside perspective might help you release any grudges that you've been holding on to. You may feel extra prickly when engaging with others throughout this process, so finding a healthy outlet for your frustration will be key. Meanwhile, a particular journey of yours could come to a conclusion, clearing space in your world for bigger and better things. Take a moment to appreciate what this part of your life has taught you and prepare to move forward with grace. 

Leo

Are you ready to take a closer look at your connections, Leo? At the beginning of this week, your relationships could be put under a bit of a microscope, making you more aware of the intricacies of your bonds. Harness this moment to consider how you'd like to move forward with others in friendship, business and love. Meanwhile, you'll want to be careful when choosing your words, otherwise your passionate nature could end up sparking a conflict at work. You're known for being fiercely protective of your creative ideas and doing whatever it takes to see them realized — just watch that you don't scare off potential collaborators in the process. 

Virgo

You can't be a source of strength if you're drained, Virgo. So if you want to continue helping those around you, make an effort to really put yourself first at the beginning of the week. If others ask you for something, you may also want to give yourself time before you respond; your first instinct may not be the most delicate. Then, you'll be ushered into the limelight as your astrological season begins mid-week. Have fun being the star of the show throughout this transit. Just be sure to keep your options open if you're single. You may be feeling extra flirtatious, but you'll have plenty of chances to heat things up with someone new. 

Libra

You'll be wise to watch your delivery around your loved ones, Libra. Even your most well-intentioned ideas could be mistaken for harsh criticism this week, so try to be gentle when interacting with friends and family — especially if you find yourself tackling domestic responsibilities together. Your plans may not initially gel, but that's OK; take a break and give one another some space to breathe. Then, as Virgo season begins mid-week, you'll be encouraged to slow down and look inward. Use the remainder of summer to prioritize rest and reflect on where you want to make your next move. 

Scorpio

Is it time to reset the balance between your public and private lives, Scorpio? While you've been focusing on crushing your career goals as of late, domestic matters could start to command your attention again at the top of this week. See how spending time with your loved ones helps to invigorate your spirit; you may even find that it illuminates a crucial matter that requires your attention. As Virgo season kicks off mid-week, you may also feel more drawn toward your social circle. Free up some space in your calendar to ensure you get plenty of face time with your favourite people during this transit. 

Sagittarius

Knowledge is power, Sagittarius. So if you've been feeling anxious or uncertain about your finances of late, perhaps it's time to do a little research or reach out to people you trust for advice. Educating yourself about your assets will help you make better decisions with your cash moving forward. Who knows? You could even uncover a pesky spending habit that you're ready to release. Meanwhile, if you notice your to-do list starting to pile up, harness your time-management skills to get everything done. Then, once you've handled your responsibilities, set aside a quiet moment to reflect on what you'd like to accomplish next.

Capricorn

Don't hesitate to share the wealth, Capricorn. At the beginning of this week, you'll be blessed with an abundant sense of love and security, and it'll be a brilliant time to channel some of that energy toward helping out those around you. Your good deeds will not go unnoticed. This will also be a beautiful week to nourish your connections with your nearest and dearest by enjoying simple pleasures together from the comfort of home. Hosting a movie or game night at your place could be a fantastic way to reconnect with others — and you may even find it ignites your romantic fire. 

Aquarius

Success doesn't follow a straight line, Aquarius. Remember that if you find yourself reflecting on your career trajectory this week. Consider how both your ups and downs have contributed to your professional achievements thus far. Perhaps you'll even come to the realization that you're ready to take on more of a leadership role; use this newfound awareness to claim your space and start pushing your vision forward. Meanwhile, navigating your closest partnerships could require a more delicate touch than usual, especially when dealing with domestic responsibilities. It may be hard to agree on anything right now, so table your ideas until tensions start to ease up. 

Pisces

Free your mind, Pisces. This week, you'll be encouraged to release any beliefs or ideas that may be preventing you from accomplishing your goals. Spending some time alone will be a brilliant way to centre your thoughts and clear your head. Be sure to pay close attention to your dreams as well; they may reveal things you're ready to let go of. Then, as Virgo season begins mid-week, prepare to prioritize your relationships by incorporating the people closest to you into your routines. If you're single, you could also bump into someone who shares your interests and fondness for nature. Don't be afraid to open your heart to new possibilities for love.