The moving moon went up the sky, / And nowhere did abide; / Softly she was going up, / And a star or two beside.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

No, there's no stopping the waxing moon – nor would you want to. So many changes for the 2002-03 year get hinted at in August, and if you need inspiration, follow a Leo. Haven't a few famous Leos undergone some unusual image adjustment lately? Most of it has been splendid: Sir Mick Jagger, for one. (Of course, there's also the soon-to-be-deposed Martha Stewart.) This week you'll want to build on matters that were obvious at the end of the first week of August.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 Waxing moon in Scorpio. Good day for making things grow – but quietly, without making a big fuss. Scorpios, mid July through August is all about fine-tuning your awareness. What you thought was true isn't quite the case. When the moon is in your sign, like today and tomorrow, truth will out, and Scorps born Nov. 1 through 6 are most affected. Leos: you howl at your peril. Later in the week, you can deal with the people who get in your way (probably by leaping over them).

Thursday, Aug. 15 First quarter moon in Scorpio-Sagittarius. It's easy to be rude and then take offense (Pisces and Taureans, I'm looking in your direction). Leos (July cats especially) may leap to conclusions before all facts are in. Or is that leap on the couch where you're forbidden? Scorpios, isn't it time to be difficult to reach? When's the last time your cell phone batteries wore down? Sagittarians begin a three-week period of mastering a new skill. Embrace competition – it will improve the process for you. VOC 10:13 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16 Waxing moon in Sagittarius. Exhaust yourselves on exotica. Or chase some trucks – these are the dog days of August. Sagittarians, getting it done is better than getting some of it done well. Can you appreciate that distinction. Love for air signs (Libras!) is an amusing proposition. Taureans and Scorpios, carelessness comes too easily this weekend (doubly so for those born between the 7th and 14th of May or November).

Saturday, Aug. 17 Waxing moon in Sagittarius. Being on the move is better than being at home (though air signs may need to be with a group). Also a good day for buying a car, especially some sporty model or an import. Sagittarians, do you need to change your hair? Virgos, great day for writing, particularly scenes of drama or conflict. VOC 3:39 to 9:15 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 18 Waxing moon in Capricorn. If you wake up clutching your head and looking askance across the sheets, you're exactly in tune with the astrological zeitgeist. Double points for Capricorns and Cancers who "had a funny feeling" about that funny feeling. Capricorns, however, you can repair the damage by some thoughtful little act you do without expecting a return. (Tricky, ain't it!?)

Monday, Aug. 19 Waxing moon in Capricorn. Great for banking, or investing in some dull stock that doesn't prompt excitement or envy in others. Be slow but efficient, Capricorns; if you're going to speak up, make sure you dress appropriately – your clothes sense could be lagging this month. Pisces may be the only people in the group who can put all the pieces together. That's "can," not "might." Aries, today is the "hump day" part of your week. VOC 12:13 p.m. to 5:16 a.m. tomorrow.