This week it's the "Dog Day" full moon, named after Sirius, the Dog Star. Can't you just hear the baying of the hounds? Perhaps you've been hearing them for a while – the waxing moon brings out the be(a)st in us all. This lunar interval may indicate the climax of events that began at the Aug. 8 new moon (or thereabouts). So if a monkey wrench has been hurled into your machine this week, you'll hear the teeth of the gears grinding.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 Waxing moon in Aquarius. What seems obvious won't be for long. Those who seem helpless will dig themselves out. Old ways of thinking don't fly. Imagine what that would be like if translated into Nostradamian vieu français. We're darn close to the full moon. Aquarians, start inventing something. Geminis, don't think your way out of a good relationship. Leos, howling won't help.

Thursday, Aug. 22 Full moon in Aquarius. Good day for unexpected innovation or invention, or the news that comes from the far side of the moon. Aquarians, you may be in that difficult space between needing and rejecting attention. The affection of others won't be easy, in any event. Taureans, bluntness is inevitable. Think before you speak. Scorpios, spin is more likely than traction. VOC 2:29 to 3:11 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23 Waning moon in Pisces. Weird day to start a trip, great day to start a "trip." Pisces, watch your feet. Actually, better to watch your feet than watch what's going around you. Geminis may be brusque or absent – don't expect much of them. Cancers have a chance to improve romance that stalled or sputtered in the past fortnight. Taureans and Capricorns, if your seedlings are pot-bound, transplant (yes, that's a metaphor).

Saturday, Aug. 24 Waning moon in Pisces, sun moves into Virgo. Opposites attract today. Sagittarians may need a little boohoo moment to move forward. Pisces should make time for friends and partners; emotional connection trumps "personal needs." Virgos, you may think you're "explaining," but others hear back talk this weekend. Can you seize solitude? Scorpios, love is in the air – remember to breathe. VOC 10:58 p.m. to 3:48 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 25 Waning moon in Aries. A good day to stop a habit or buy things for temporary use (charcoal, makeup). Aries, in the next two days you have the power to persuade, especially March rams. Capricorns, it's OK if family isn't where you're at right now. It's also OK to squander money on an impromptu spree. Geminis, has your communication style been sloppy? Don't fret – you're about to get forgivably appealing.

Monday, Aug. 26 Waning moon in Aries. Stick to the new, the young, the temporary. Depth in romance (especially for Capricorns and Cancers) isn't a prospect. Aries, does this sum up August for you: new possibilities. It's the start of attention (perhaps unwanted) for you from folks who "talk big." Sagittarians, the temptation to abandon ship for a life raft is strong. But how sturdy is that life raft?