Your horoscope for the week ahead: Summer drama will start to cool down as the sun enters sensible Virgo

Summer drama will begin to cool down as we leave Leo season behind at the top of this week. On Monday, the sun will make its way into sensible Virgo, giving us the tools we need to reorganize our lives with precision and efficiency. Channel the energy of Virgo season to settle unfinished business, clean up your space and be more direct about your needs. 

Monday will also provide us with the ideal conditions to make progress in our endeavours. As chatty Mercury in perfectionist Virgo trines transformative Pluto in ambitious Capricorn, we'll be able to really grease the wheels. It's a perfect opportunity to begin exciting collaborations and persuade others to help us out. 

When Uranus begins his retrograde motion in steady Taurus on Wednesday, you could find that changes in your external world start to slow down as internal shifts ramp up. When the planet of rebellion moves in reverse, he encourages us to reflect on how we can improve our inner world. Uranus will take five months to complete his trip — use this time wisely so you can work on redefining your self-image. 

On Thursday, communicative Mercury enters social Libra, helping us employ a little diplomacy to smooth out some rough edges. Our interpersonal skills tend to shine under this influence, arming us with focus and grace. Just be careful that you don't end up sitting on too many fences during this time, as you could find it more difficult to make decisions. 

We'll be given a shot at a fresh start on Saturday, when the moon begins a new cycle in meticulous Virgo. If you find your energy waning, take time to look inward and toward who you want to become. This is an excellent day to commit to a healthy habit or begin a new routine, as our dedication to creating a brighter future is heightened during this lunation. 

A rude awakening could arrive on Sunday, when love-and-beauty-ruling Venus opposes strict Saturn, causing us to zone in on our flaws. Avoid spiraling into self-loathing by concentrating on how you can create positive change in small increments, and support this optimistic outlook by choosing to let whatever comes your way roll off your back. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, August 22, 2022.

Aries

You're able to find joy in the simplest things, Aries. And bringing that effervescent attitude to your responsibilities this week could help you achieve your goals quickly. Toward the end of the week, be careful not to push yourself — or others — too hard, as you could land yourself in an embarrassing predicament. If at all possible, avoid competition and conflict. You could also have an intense revelation this weekend regarding your career. Maybe you need to reassess your efforts or redirect your energy — whatever the case may be, you'll be stronger once you rectify the situation. 

Taurus

When was the last time you threw a party, Taurus? In the coming weeks, you could find yourself in the mood to host, so get organized by filling up your social calendar and asking friends to lend a helping hand. Don't hesitate to go all out with themes and drum up buzz among your besties. On the career front, you have the potential to break out of any repetitive loops you've been stuck in. Ask yourself how you can expand your skills to find a gig that's a better fit. Meanwhile, if you feel compelled to discuss your finances with others, be careful what you divulge. Your tendency to be open and trusting is a beautiful thing, but you still need to be wise.

Gemini

Are you ready to slow down, Gemini? Your attention will be called home this week, with domestic projects and family matters taking priority in your world. Keeping your loved ones content will help life flow smoothly. You may even want to host a low-key gathering to add happy memories to your space. If you can find the right balance between managing your responsibilities and personal needs during this time, you could also develop a new routine that has a powerful impact on your wellbeing. This weekend, consider how you can attract more abundance into your life. A bit of discipline and structure could help you to build your wealth. 

Cancer

It's time to come out of your shell, Cancer. This week, something will awaken inside you, allowing you to explore your spiritual side and ask questions that expand your mind. There will be no space for empty chit-chat — you're ready to dive into profound subjects with anyone who crosses your path. Just be sure to mind your manners and your social graces, as your energy can become quite intense under this influence. At the end of the week, some work-related news could put you at risk of losing your cool. Remember that it's in your best interest not to stir up trouble, so you may have to swallow your pride and find a compromise. 

Leo

What do you truly value, Leo? Over the next few weeks, you could find yourself hyperfocusing on your finances and earning potential. To avoid becoming too absorbed with material concerns, consider how you can support your friends and family, and even give back to your community at large. Meanwhile, if tensions at work begin to rise, you may want to take it as a sign to start forging a new professional path. Your idea of the perfect job has evolved over time, and so have you. And with Uranus in retrograde over the next five months, you'll have the opportunity to redesign your career goals and reevaluate how you can create success for yourself. 

Virgo

You've got a glow about you, Virgo. People will be especially drawn to you this week, impressed by your natural talents and grace. As you celebrate your season with friends and family, let them do the heavy lifting. Just remember to ask for what you want directly — not everyone is as detail-oriented as you are. You may also be in a chatty mood when it comes to your coworkers. Make use of this social energy by brainstorming how networking could help to propel your career forward. If you feel pressured to spend money on a health fad at the end of the week, pause to evaluate the true cost of this expensive distraction and reflect on what you really need.   

Libra

You could face some intense realizations this week, Libra. There may be a part of you that wants to help others in a more meaningful way. If you need help processing your emotions as you consider how you'd like to give back, journaling could help you unload your thoughts so that you can return to them later with more clarity. Meanwhile, let yourself be vulnerable as you reach out to friends, particularly if you've been wanting to share your thoughts about what the universe looks like. Don't be afraid to get deep. And if a lingering seed of an idea has been inspiring you, make preparations to plant it this weekend. You'll finally have the energy and focus to really help it thrive. 

Scorpio

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback, Scorpio. When it comes to your career, your loved ones are your biggest supporters, and you'll be in an ideal position to put their wisdom to use this week. You may also start to notice that certain friendships have evolved and no longer serve you. As Uranus goes retrograde over the next five months, let go of people who don't have your best interests at heart so you can clear space for new connections that offer harmony and joy. Near the end of the week, your personal needs could conflict with your professional responsibilities. Aim to take the path of least resistance and find a positive way to release your frustrations.

Sagittarius

Get ready to step into the spotlight, Sagittarius. This week, you'll be excited to voice your ideas and bring your passionate energy to the table as you enter into environments that allow your creative spirit to shine. As your public life thrives, take a moment to think about what this could mean for your career trajectory. You may want to invest a bit of time in crafting your image, amping up your online presence and networking with people who share your vision. Others will be refreshed by your optimistic and giving nature. And as you mix things up socially, you could even find yourself setting some fulfilling new goals.

Capricorn

Feed your mind, Capricorn. Travel, adventure and deep discussions will all call to you this week, encouraging you to expand your worldview. Invest your energy in activities that nurture your sense of wonder. If you've been trying to be more social of late, inviting friends to take a yoga class or go on a walk could help support your bonds while refreshing your body, too. They may even pass on a few tips that will help you enhance your wellbeing or refresh your routine. On the weekend, try not to beat yourself up as you face some hard truths about your work habits. Focus instead on creating concrete rules for yourself that will actually help you succeed. 

Aquarius

Your sense of security is calling out to be supported, Aquarius. And this week, you have the ability to heal old emotional wounds and start building a new foundation in a healthy, loving environment. As you come to the realization that you need to change, you could find yourself feeling extra considerate toward your loved ones, understanding their motivations and grasping your responsibilities to them with ease. Near the end of the week, you'll have the chance to set a powerful intention when it comes to your mental wellbeing. Committing yourself to a simple mindfulness practice could help to elevate your mood.

Pisces

Take a moment to consider how you show up for others, Pisces. Do you treat yourself with the same amount of love? This week, you'll be invited to reflect on your one-on-one relationships and deepen these connections — just remember to seek balance as you work to strengthen your bonds. Toward the end of the week, you could be tempted to blow off some steam by overspending. Guard yourself against this by keeping an eye on your cash and seeking out more productive ways to release nervous energy. Rather than reaching for your credit card, you may want to try recentring yourself in nature.

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.