Horoscope Today: August 18, 2024 (2024)

“The only thing more unthinkable than leaving was staying, the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving.” Golden words from Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestseller *Eat, Pray, Love* that sums up the energy of the full moon for you. Just a reminder: it’s okay to choose yourself. It’s okay to prioritise peace *and* your personal freedom when it feels like everything around you is falling apart. Not everybody will dance the dance of life with you till the very end, and that’s just the way our story in the earthly realm unfolds. The silver lining? This ending is a portal to a new beginning.

Cosmic tip: It’s okay to prioritise your peace and your personal freedom.

Retrograde, who? You’re in the mood to step into your power and claim your throne. You know that the old ways have brought you to this point in your journey, but it’s now time to change the game—to explore the unexplored! This brings us to the most important question: how are you being called to move differently, groove differently, Taurus? Unleashing your creative potential is going to be a big theme for you under the spell of this full moon.

Cosmic tip: Unleashing your creative potential is going to be a big theme for you under the spell of this full moon.

When it comes to matters of the heart, this season calls for open and honest conversations about those nagging feelings of insecurity or unmet needs. Remember, a relationship is a two-way street—it's about both expressing yourself *and* listening with empathy. Miscommunication may be a theme right now, given we’re in the midst of retrograde season. But instead of sweeping things under the rug, face them head-on. By addressing these issues directly, you’ll find new ways to support each other and strengthen your connection. And don’t forget—being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak; it’s a strength that can help you deepen your bond.

Cosmic tip: You deserve to be seen, heard, and understood—so speak your truth!

Holding yourself back has never been your thing, so why start now? Today, take a moment to look within and notice how your own beliefs might be preventing you from living in full colour. Recognise how fear, self-doubt, and that pesky inner critic may be keeping you stuck in a loop of hesitation and inaction. But guess what? You have the power to rewrite your story and open yourself to a world of infinite possibilities. Remember these golden words by Clarissa Pinkola Estés as you go about your day: “Do not cringe and make yourself small if you are called the black sheep, the maverick, the lone wolf... They stand outside the crowd because they have for a long time listened to a different drummer, a different beat.”

Cosmic tip: You’re here to be bold and unapologetically *you*.

The word "resentment" refers to a feeling of bitterness or anger towards someone or something perceived as unjust. It often involves a sense of being wronged. But here’s the thing about revisiting our old wounds, over and over again: it prolongs our sense of suffering. This is detrimental to our well-being because it consumes a significant amount of emotional energy, leading to feelings of exhaustion. Mentally speaking, it can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, hindering our ability to move forward. So, if you’re struggling to forgive somebody or something, remind yourself that there is no victim, no villain. Things transpired the way they transpired because they were meant to awaken you in some way—to teach you certain soul lessons. For now, focus on bringing kindness and compassion into the equation.

Cosmic tip: The time to forgive and move on has come.

Lucky opportunities are all around you—whether it’s a serendipitous meeting, a random email, or an unexpected offer. So, pay attention to the signs, to the omens—and most importantly, your intuition! Right now, your spirit guides are pulling some major strings on your behalf, Virgo. Given that we’re in the midst of retrograde season, the voice of your inner critic is going to be just as loud. The good thing is, you have the choice to break that self-sabotaging pattern and walk boldly in the direction of the new.

Cosmic tip: The wheel is turning in your favour.

Right now, you’re feeling the lurve, Libra, and you’re bringing more joy and sparkle into the lives of those around. Consider this soulscope as an affirmation to follow what makes you happy, to follow your inner bliss, even if that means being your only cheerleader on certain days. Travelling to attend a retreat, a workshop and/or expanding your creative consciousness in some way could also be on the cards this month. As always, remember that art is *not* about perfection. It’s about recognising yourself as a vessel and expressing that which is yearning to be expressed through you. A power crystal to work with at this time: rainbow moonstone.

Cosmic tip: Connect with your inner artist today.

Scorpio, the universe is serving up some serious opportunities right now. New business ideas, potential investments, and even job offers may be on the cards. Yes, it’s a good idea to let go of your rigid ideas and be open to all the ways in which you’re being called to grow. At the same time, remember that we are in the midst of retrograde season. Make sure you read the offer document carefully before investing and proceed with caution. When in doubt, a good question to ask yourself is: does the given opportunity align with my long-term goals?

Cosmic tip: Take a calculated risk.

We get it, Sagittarius. It’s been a wild ride through the multiverse and back. But, you wouldn’t change it for a thing! Today, the cards are urging you to slow down, to brew yourself a cup of chamomile tea and to observe the trajectory of your life from a higher perspective. To observe all the ways in which you have grown and progressed despite the many challenges. That said, you’re also being encouraged to honour the upcoming full moon in Aquarius by tapping into your inner humanitarian. Pay attention to how you’re being called to show up for the collective. Pay attention to how you’re being called to be of service. Overheard at the cosmic conference: “generosity” has always been your superpower, beautiful!

Cosmic tip: “Generosity” has always been your superpower!

Heads up, Capricorn: with retrograde season in full swing, it may feel like everything’s a bit out of focus. The only thing certain right now is uncertainty itself. So do yourself a favour and take a deep breath. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. This period of discomfort? It’s got lessons for you, deep ones about life, death, spirituality, and growth. As a part of your daily reflection, take note of the parts of yourself that you’ve outgrown. Transformation can sometimes lead you through dark and dingy corners of your own subconscious, and that’s okay! You’re prepared to slay the demons standing in your way.

Cosmic tip: Don’t be afraid to examine the shadows that have been lurking underneath the surface.

Instead of thinking of retrograde season as a time for chaos, think of it as your cosmic pause button. This is the perfect moment to reflect, reassess, and take stock of how far you’ve come and where you want to go from here. It’s not about rushing forward; it’s about learning from your past experiences—especially the mistakes. Those slip-ups? They’re packed with lessons that can help you level up if you’re willing to do the inner work. So, take a step back and ask yourself: “What has worked for me, and what hasn’t? How can I move forward with more clarity and intention?” It’s time to hit reset and realign with your goals.

Cosmic tip: Retrograde season isn’t a setback; it’s your chance to reflect and realign!

You weren’t sent here to operate from the victim consciousness, Pisces. You were sent here to remember that you’re an alchemist, blessed with the ability to turn your pain into power. But in order to do that, you’re going to have to confront your fears head-on. You’re going to have to face that which is lurking in the background. Know that your spirit guides have got your back and are doing everything they can to ensure that you step into the most embodied version of yourself. That said, you’re being encouraged to bring the gifts of truth and honesty into your interpersonal relationships. Journal prompt: how and where am I being called to express myself *fully* today?

Cosmic tip: Confront your fears, Pisces.