The Fire Monkey Month:
August 7 – September 6
“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” ~ Lily Tomlin
The month of the Monkey carries us into the season of Autumn as those in the Northern hemisphere commence the first harvests which are celebrated on August 1 in the Celtic tradition as Lughnasadh.
While the Monkey month will deliver us from some of the heat of summer, it will still bring a great deal of the intensity which has been a hallmark of this year. However, with the extreme amount of fire in this year’s chart it may be a warmer August than usual with more than the usual number of wildfires. Those of you who joined my annual Fire Horse workshop will remember that the 4 Pillars chart for the year contains two Bing Yang Fire stems or two suns in the sky as they are expressed in the natural world.
While there may be two suns on Tatooine, there is only sun in the skies above Earth so in our world there can be only one – a fight to see who will come out on top is inevitable. We may see these power struggles playing out both globally and locally this month, those in power would do well to proceed with caution as your authority may be challenged or even usurped.
The Fire Monkey pillar is a special Scholarly Pillar and brings with it scientific advancement and new technology which move humanity forward. Albert Einstein was a great living example of this pillar, and we may find that some of the vying for supremacy that plays out this month will be in the tech sector as the Fire and Metal of this month’s pillar are the elements associated with technology. Fights over AI and data centers will continue to be front and center as the Horse/Leo – Rat/Aquarius clash is a clash between those in power and the masses. Expect outspoken opposition to increase especially this month.
On the positive side, if your own Day Pillar is either Bing or Yang Fire or Wu Yang Earth this would be an excellent month to focus on your own learning and study and a great time to showcase your skills and talents. Not sure what your Day Master element is? Look it up here.
Given the continued intensity of the month ahead, the I Ching hexagram for this month #40, called Relief offers us some wisdom to help us navigate these unusual times. Relief hexagram is comprised of the Thunder trigram above the Water trigram, illustrating the powerful build up of moisture released during a thunderstorm. There are many times in the course of human life when tension or stress accumulate and build up. Certainly in the midst of this tumultuous year, anxiety and anger can also build up one news cycle at a time. The wisdom of this hexagram is to look for a pressure valve and a way to release the energy of these pent up emotions. Seek out ways to bring yourself relief. Perhaps in conflict its a cathartic and honest conversation. Maybe its stepping away from a screen to take some deep breaths in nature. Sometimes it simply a good cry or the soothing balm of music. Do notice when emotions like a thunderhead have built up and seek out a healthy outlet to bring yourself some relief and respite and encourage others to do the same.
“Happiness is the relief after extreme tension.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald
LAST CALL!Sacred Springs Retreat, October 17-20, 2026
Due to unforseen circumstances two spaces have become available to join us to commune with the sacred healing waters of Saratoga Springs and to find respite in the beauty of the autumn season. Retreat includes daily yoga, sacred nature connection, shamanic ceremony, spa amenities in luxe accommodations. Saturday, October 17- Tuesday, October 20. If you feel called to join us please let us know by August 6, and use this link to send to send payment to secure your spot today!
Learn Chinese Astrology!
Whether you wish to embark on your journey of learning Chinese Astrology or deepen your existing knowledge I will be offering new opportunities for in-depth learning of 4 Pillars BaZi Astrology. All courses will be offered live online with access to session recordings for review and study. Early Bird Discounts for both courses are now available, an additional discount is also available for those who register for both courses.
Foundations in Chinese Astrology:
4 Days: Monday, September 28 – Thursday, October 1, 2026
Register Here:
Advanced Chinese Astrology:
Two weekends: Saturday, October 3 & Sunday October 4 and Saturday November 14 & Sunday November 15, 2026
Early Bird Tuition available until August 1!
Register Here
Fall Magic Intuitive Development
The time of Samhain, or Halloween—when the veil between the physical world and the otherworld is thin—offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to spiritual realms and subtle energies. Join intuitive reader Cynthia Papa-Lentini and Kripalu faculty member Beth Grace for a weekend of inquiry, exploration, and heightened sensitivity. Cynthia and Beth will lead you through a variety of exercises to access and trust the energy in and around you. They will also introduce a variety of hands-on intuitive tools including dowsing, tarot, and nature-based divination that you can utilize to expand your connection to your spiritual self. Register Here