In this new series, which I try to publish every Thursday, we take a planning-focused view of magical timing for the coming week. A reminder that you can find more details, bonus content, and back issues by subscribing to the newsletter at the bottom of this page (or any page).

The first full week in August is a big one — at least for me. First of all, it includes my birthday this coming Monday. The week also ends with the companion solar eclipse to to last week’s lunar (they come in sets you know). It’s a partial solar, and just like last summer’s total US eclipse, in Leo.

Sunday 5 August 2018 — For Not Being Afraid of Punishment
Leo Sundays are a good match for magic, particularly solar-focused magic. You probably aren’t literally on the lam from the law but that doesn’t mean this day isn’t useful. Are you overly concerned with the opinions of the authority figures in your life? Do the potential negative opinions of society keep you from doing what you want or living you best life? This is the day to get the courage you need to adjust this way of thinking. Hours 11 (for success) or 18 (good for working) would both be excellent choices.

Monday 6 August 2018 — For Binding or Unbinding a Couple 
Apart from being my birthday, this isn’t a particularly auspicious day for magic. But it is interesting to do a bit of birthday analysis on your special day. Last year my birthday was on a Sunday — the same as the day I was born, and a particularly auspicious day for this Leo with Leo rising. This year my birthday is on Monday. Last year did seem to be about my public persona, perhaps this year may be more about my emotions and intuition. Since I’m not a match-maker, I’m going to take Binding and Unbinding as metaphorically a symbol of magical manipulation. This suggests a year-long focus on Witch- and spellcraft. Finally, in my ongoing quest to slowly learn about astrology through self-exploration, I’ve done a transits horoscope over at Astro.com (choose “Extended Chart Selection” from under the Free Horoscope and pick “Natal Chart and Transits” from the Chart Type dropdown. Then put your birthday in for Start Date. It’s interesting to see what planets are doing compared to my birth planets.

I’ve also decided to have a birthday sale for new consulting clients. If you book a consultation in August and put HappyBirthdayIvy in the Secret Code field on the booking form, I’ll give you $15 off!

Wednesday 8 August 2018 — For Love and Bindings of Love 
The Sun is in Leo and the Moon in Cancer, both at home in their ruling planets. In addition, the Sun is conjoined with Mercury on a Wednesday. Of course, Mercury is also in retrograde… but with the summer of retrograde causing flaring tempers and miscommunications, this might be an excellent day to recommit to a partner. Hour 16 is specifically helpful for binding spells. Usually considered more for malifica, you could also interpret this as an opportunity to bind partners together in a bond of mutual respect and clear communication.

Saturday 11 August 2018 — For Winning / Luck
Solar Eclipse day. According to Susan Miller over at astrologyzone.com, eclipses within about 5 days of your birthday are particularly important for you in the coming year. They’re also important if you are born six months from the eclipse (so within 5 days of February 11). I can’t recommend that article highly enough. Miller digs deep into how eclipses are to be interpreted from an astrological standpoint. From a Western Magical perspective eclipses can prove challenging for magic. In this case, and particularly since it’s on a Saturday, internal work around discipline and limits are probably best.