Forecast for Aug. 23-Sept. 5

Our area of greatest challenge (and greatest chance for success) during the next two and a half years is revealed after Saturn transits into Virgo on Sept. 2. Saturn is associated with material power, responsibility and limitation (AKA character building) and is creating a priorities shift for everyone (read your sign below for specifics). Influences with a bit less impact during the next two weeks include the sun transiting into analytical Virgo on Aug. 23. On the same day, a clash between Mars and Jupiter can wreak havoc on travel plans. The full moon in Pisces on Aug. 28 energizes philanthropy and spiritual activities. And a series of headstrong aspects involving Mercury-Pluto, Mar-Uranus and Sun-Jupiter on Sept. 2-4 creates challenges with communications, travel and negotiating. Fortunately, Mercury transiting through Libra Sept. 9-26 encourages a more balanced perspective.

If you know your rising sign from your time of birth, read that also.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your focus and challenge for the next two and a half years will be establishing work priorities, revamping your health regimen and/or getting involved in charitable endeavors. Patience and paying attention to details is key.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Saturn says the next two and a half years will see a creative project come to fruition. Or perhaps increased involvement in your child’s activities will be your creative outlet. A serious (challenging?) romance may also be in the works.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Saturn’s two- and a-half-year journey through your home-life sector may see you buying or remodeling a house, having a child or taking care of a family member. Also, analyzing your family roots can prove enlightening.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Saturn’s two- and a-half-year transit will challenge but ultimately empower your ideas. Whether you’ll be writing a novel, promoting yourself or starting therapy with your significant other, communicating clearly will be the key to success.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Not without some obstacles, Saturn’s two- and a-half-year cycle will help get your finances in gear and boost your earning power-if you can be disciplined and patient enough to take care of the necessary groundwork.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If you’ve worked hard and believed in yourself, Saturn transiting through your sign for the next two and a half years may see a dream of yours finally realized. Be strong, keep your focus and keep your faith.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Gaining clarity about your past and empowerment through aloneness and stillness will be Saturn’s gift to Libras over the next two and a half years. Taking up meditation or other spiritual disciplines can bring profound fulfillment.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Surrounding yourself with powerful people over the next two and a half years will help manifest your aspirations. Also, you may find yourself involved in a group that is out to change the world-or at least your community.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Acquiring power in your career will be your focus over the next two and a half years. Or, if you’re beginning a new career, Saturn will help give you the patience and discipline to build a solid foundation.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your focus over the next two and a half years includes realizing a goal or goals that may involve education, spiritual values or travel. A test of honesty through a legal situation may also be in the stars.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your focus over the two- and a-half years will be organizing your finances, especially debt, and perhaps acquiring investors for your projects. Eliminating old material and emotional baggage will improve your chances for success.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Improving your relationship with your significant, and/or developing a business partnership (perhaps with your significant other), will ultimately give you a stronger personal and/or professional foundation over the next two and a half years.