As August commences we see that only the three slow moving planets are still retrograde, though Pluto, the transformer, sees fit to turn direct on 23rd August at 12 degree and 31 minutes of arc in Sagittarius. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn gain speed as they move through the signs of the zodiac. Mercury moves swiftly through the remaining 27 degrees of Leo and right up to 28 degrees of Virgo, therefore completing almost two full signs of the zodiac in just 31 days of August. News and communications will speed up and we could find England's Royal family in the news, perhaps one of the younger members of the family or a child (as Mercury and Sun are in the Royal sign of Leo). Venus quickly darts through the homely sign of Cancer for the most part of August and this is a favourable time to have dinner parties or other entertaining at home with family and friends.

Mars moves approximately 10 degrees over the entire month from approximately 16 degrees Sagittarius to about 26 degrees Sagittarius. In September it will move into the more industrious and business orientated sign of Capricorn where it is exalted.

Jupiter having entered Cancer in early July, now moves approximately 6 degrees through this sign. From the New Moon on 19th August 2001 there will be a waxing Moon which is a favourable time to purchase real estate, as it will eventually increase in value. With Jupiter also in the sign Cancer (relating to homes etc) this should add even more benefit to the purchase of real estate at this time. Summing up, I believe that the most optimum time to purchase real estate is between 20th August 2001 until 2nd September 2001.

Saturn has settled into Gemini for approximately two and a half years and will focus on important communications and business dealings.