(Photo courtesy of NASA on UnSplash)
Hello everyone, and welcome to August. We are in a 9 month (8 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 18; 1 + 8 = 9), bringing us to a time of closure of the monthly cycle that began last October. This month we should find it easier to complete unfinished projects, make firm decisions and bring dreams to fulfilment. In order to welcome in the new 9 month cycle that begins in September, we need to let go of anything that may no longer serve us.
Mars has ownership of number 9, and as ruler of Aries, a Fire sign, brings drive, energy, and passion. Its focussed energy supports us in completing projects of any kind.
We should not forget that 2026 is a 1 year, a seed-sowing time. The overall picture here is that if we can be adaptable in both thoughts and actions, we can more easily bring in this new energy, one that gifts us with the promise of new beginnings.
In this 9 month’s “letting go” energy there is always a great deal of movement. This could mean a house move, job change, or perhaps the ending of a friendship or relationship. It is always comforting to remember that when people move out of our life, new ones will enter to support our soul growth.
One worthwhile activity is to cleanse our personal space. I must admit I don’t smudge my home as frequently as I would like. With time speeding up I seem to forget and only remember to do so every few months. However, in a 9 month, I never overlook this ritual.
Smudging is important to get rid of stagnant energy, paying special attention to room corners and cupboards where energetic debris collects. My smudging tools include Sage, Palo Santo, and sometimes the use of my hoop drum. Setting an intention before commencing this ritual gives it more power and meaning.
For me, a 9 month also signals it is time to perform a decluttering of a couple of rooms in my house. A thorough turn-out of my walk-in robe and my office and filing cabinet will serve as good starting points. Physical decluttering helps release stuck emotional baggage and clears the way for new energy to enter.
Taking a look at recent astrological happenings, late July saw a rare cradle-like pattern form in the skies that remains highly active this month and beyond. This geometric pattern is known as Barbault’s Basket.
All 4 outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus were in tight aspect to each other at exactly 4 degrees, having recently moved from Earth and Water signs to Fire and Air.
This configuration that peaked on 21 July with its slow-moving planets, was a decisive turning point; its influence will stretch well into the next decade. Synchronistically, 2026 is a 1 Universal year, a year of new beginnings.
Four major planets that share the same degree create a striking resonance around the symbolism of 4. Four is the number of the builder representing firm foundations; however when existing structures become too rigid, the unexpected happens to enable something new to emerge.
Ruled by Uranus and the sign of Aquarius, this masculine energy is concerned with innovation, liberation and illumination, reinforcing themes of awakening and evolutionary change. Rather than a coincidence of degrees, it appears to me that Barbault’s Basket has a Uranian signature that underpins this entire planetary pattern.
Number 4 and Uranus/Aquarius don’t bring change for the sake of change. They may bring in the unexpected to restore us to the path we have resisted. Flexibility is the key to allowing this energy to express constructively with minimal disruption.
These are extraordinary times with exciting chapters ahead. Both astrology and numerology are pointing to a great shift wherein the old energy is being dismantled to free us up to embrace a higher purpose.