August Apples

Every August I start filling buckets with fallen apples for our neighbours' horses.

Walking across the road to feed them apples is something I look forward to all year. It's also a special treat for them when they're allowed a little extra sugar.

This week, apples were scattered all over the driveway as per usual at this time of year. I run them over with my car every time I drive in and out. Before I had time to gather them up for the horses, my husband picked one up that had escaped my tires, took a bite, and said it was delicious.

He suggested I pick one straight from the tree and try it for myself. 

He was right.

Apparently we've been feeding the horses perfectly good apples for the last four years.

That was news to both of us. 

Since we have over two hundred fruit trees and berry bushes that were planted long before we moved here, there are so many trees we can't identify. And every season seems to reveal another little surprise. I don't think we'll ever figure out what all of our apple trees are.

But nonetheless, I think this week we'll start picking from that tree and making our first batch of fresh apple juice. There will still be more than enough for the horses.

Worth Noticing

This week's astrology isn't particularly dramatic. Instead, it unfolds through quiet shifts that are easy to miss if you're not paying attention.

Mercury continues moving farther away from its recent retrograde, making conversations, decisions, and plans feel a little less tangled than they have over the past few weeks.

Often called the "Wounded Healer," Chiron stations retrograde this week, inviting us to revisit old stories with a little more compassion and a little less judgement. Rather than pushing us toward the next thing, it encourages us to look back with fresh eyes. Sometimes healing isn't about fixing anything. Sometimes it's simply about seeing it differently.

Venus moves into Libra on August 6, bringing a little more attention to beauty, relationships, and creating spaces that simply feel good to be in. It's a lovely time to gather around the table, refresh a neglected corner of your home, or reconnect with someone you've been meaning to reach out to. Sometimes the smallest touches of beauty have a quiet way of restoring us.

August 8 also marks the peak of the Lion's Gate Portal. While it's not a traditional astrological event, many people see it as a symbolic time to reconnect with purpose, creativity, and the direction they're quietly growing toward.

Current Astrological Landscape

This week's sky encourages us to slow down just enough to notice what's changing beneath the surface.

Mercury is gradually clearing away the uncertainty left behind by its recent retrograde, making conversations, decisions, and plans feel a little easier to navigate.

At the same time, Chiron's retrograde reminds us that growth isn't always about moving forward. Sometimes it comes from revisiting an old story with greater compassion than we had before.

As Venus returns home to Libra, beauty, harmony, and meaningful connection begin asking for a little more of our attention. It's a welcome reminder that creating a beautiful life is part of the work we're doing.

By the end of the week, many people will also be reflecting on the symbolism of the Lion's Gate Portal. Whether you follow it closely or simply appreciate the idea, it offers an opportunity to reconnect with what inspires you and the direction your life is quietly taking.

Expanded Transit

Not every shift arrives with a dramatic turning point.

Some happen so gradually we almost miss them.

This week feels less like opening a new door and more like realizing one has been standing open for a while.

The conversations that once felt difficult may begin to flow a little more easily.

Something you've been trying to understand may finally make sense.

An old story may no longer carry quite the same weight it once did.

You don't have to force any of it.

This week's sky reminds us that clarity often arrives quietly, healing takes its own time, and beauty has a way of restoring us when we make room for it.

Sometimes all that's needed is a second look.

You Might Notice

• changing your mind about something
• seeing an opportunity you hadn't noticed before
• feeling more certain after a period of uncertainty
• finding beauty in ordinary moments
• realizing something is ready before you expected

Who This Week Feels Strongest For

Aries — Chiron encourages a gentler relationship with your own story.

Libra — Venus brings harmony, beauty, and meaningful connection back into focus.

Leo — The Lion's Gate highlights creativity, confidence, and living from the heart.

Gemini — Mercury helps conversations and decisions regain their flow.

A Good Time To

• take a second look
• revisit an old idea
• make something beautiful
• reconnect with someone important
• trust what feels quietly ready

Apothecary Support

🌿 Frankincense

For stepping back and seeing the bigger picture.

Brings: clarity, perspective, grounded optimism.

🌸 Peace Roll On

For meeting yourself with a little more gentleness as old stories resurface.

Brings: tranquility, compassion, emotional balance.

🍵 Breathe Tea

For slowing down long enough to appreciate the beauty that's already around you.

Brings: presence, calm, quiet reflection.