Weekly Horoscope: August 18-August 24, Brace Yourself for Surprises and Curveballs

We can get more out of life and reach fulfillment in ways we may not have originally expected, which will be particularly noticeable this week.

The focal point of the week will be the month’s full super blue moon (nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon) on Aug. 19, 2024. Its energy has been building over the past weekend and echoes throughout the days to come.

This is one of the most challenging full moons of the year, as the planets are at war and Uranus (the planet of chaos) will be throwing surprises, curveballs and rocky news out of left field. We’ll feel scattered and under the weather likely until we get to Aug. 24, which is a more festive and exhilarating day.

A rare cosmic alignment arrives this week, one we will notice again near Christmas and again into 2025. Jupiter (the planet of expansion) clashes with Saturn (the planet of hardship), meaning that certain projects, plans and goals we’ve been building toward may need a major readjustment.

Do so with patience and strategy, rather than just feeling defeated! Remember life is a journey — and to enjoy the golden hours, we must sometimes experience the darker nights.

Read on for your weekly horoscope to see what the stars have in store for your zodiac sign!

Aries (March 21 to April 19)

This week’s full moon would normally be one of your favorites in 2024, Aries.

However, it could actually force you to face some hard truths around a friendship, your communities or even a long-term goal you’ve been building toward. While you will likely notice a need to connect to others this week, you may realize that someone you trusted doesn’t actually have your back.

On a different note, you may notice that someone behind-the-scenes is working against you in regards to your ideas, communication projects or contracts and you’ll need to do damage control quickly.

Trust that if you step up to defend yourself and work harder, you may still win in the end.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)

Your mind is deeply focused on your professional world, ambitions and career this week, Taurus.

While normally this week’s full moon could bring exhilarating news around a promotion, competitive job offer or a big opportunity, you may instead need to step up to the plate and work harder to prove yourself at this time. If you are to leave a job or project behind, it may just mean you’re being redirected to better horizons ahead.

On a different note, this week shows that situations around money could be rocky — especially if it involves a friend or a goal you’ve been building toward. For instance, you could learn that a friend isn’t going to pay you back or the financing you needed to achieve a meaningful milestone may require more than you expected.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)

While you’ll likely feel a surge of excitement to shake things up and step into new territory this week, Gemini, you may actually face some hurdles on the way.

This week’s full moon is creating all sorts of havoc for you and you may find you’re questioning your plans, goals and beliefs. Travel, legalities, communication-related endeavors and international situations could have you frazzled.

On a different note, you are clearly feeling a need for expansion, growth and new beginnings, but it appears there’s a heavy burden being laid upon your shoulders when it comes to your professional life and career.

For instance, you could be drowning in projects or face a conflict with a superior. On the opposite end, you may notice you’re feeling very unfulfilled in work and recognition.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)

Go with the flow now, Cancer. This week’s full moon is unlikely to be your favorite in 2024.

While normally it’d encourage you to take a deep look at relationships, hopefully bringing you closer to someone important, this week’s full moon is like hot lava. You could be going through — or find out you’re headed toward — a separation or settlement.

On a different end, this could instead bring a focus on your wealth, assets, investments or benefits. For instance, you could find you’re taking a hit on one of them or even something like an inheritance is not being divided fairly.

In other news this week, someone or something behind the scenes is trying to limit you, so pay attention to your intuition about who and what that is.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)

Despite it being birthday season, Leo, the week ahead may be one of the rockiest points in the month. The key, though, is to do your best to remain optimistic!

This week’s full moon would normally bring exhilarating news about relationships, but it may actually be stirring the pot instead and revealing that you’re not seeing eye-to-eye. I do believe that with patience and compassion, you will persevere through this, especially if you deeply care for your partner.

On a different note, you may notice challenges around friendships, your social circle and money. For instance, don’t lend money to someone now — or if you have, you could find that someone has no intention of actually paying you back.

If you’ve been seeking funding for an important project or goal, it could also be harder to do so at this time.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)

Birthday season begins this week, Virgo, and the month following will surely put you in the spotlight! However, before that arrives, you’ll be dealing with a rocky full moon that highlights your routines, employment, coworkers, pets and physical health.

One of these areas is going to experience sudden changes that will leave you on edge as you wonder how to damage control. Don’t let your anxiety get the best of you — instead, try to breathe through the stress and focus on solutions rather than worrying about what you can and cannot control.

On a separate note, this week shows a clash between your career, public persona and ambitions in relation to a significant partner whether that’s in business or love. For instance, you could be feeling the urge to soar higher in your career, yet your lover is not supportive — or as you’re seeking aid to move to your next goals, a business associate doesn’t have your back.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)

A very big week lies ahead for you, Libra, and normally you’d feel high as a kite! This week’s full moon highlights your passions, romantic life, children and a genuine sense of joy.

Normally this would be a major moment to fall in love, find a soulmate or grow closer with your sweetheart. Yet, with the planets at war, you’ll find challenges around one of these themes.

For instance, a lover could act out of character and cause an explosive fight or a bad report comes to you in regards to one of your children. The best thing to do is to know that you can handle this and it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.

On a separate note, this week will require you to be flexible around your work life, career projects, wealth or physical health. Pivot accordingly, you’ll be glad that you did.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)

Stormy weather approaches this week, Scorpio, and you’ll find yourself rubbing your temples! Every zodiac sign will be facing some challenges, and for you, the main focus will be on your home, family, domestic life or real estate.

Usually, this signals a move or situation where you must step in for one of your kindred — but with the planets in disagreement, you could see that something falls through. Breathe. This, too, shall pass.

On a separate note, you may notice frustrations in different ways. If casually dating, you could feel as if the spark and intimacy just aren’t on the same page as they used to be. You could also feel irritated that your sweetheart isn’t spending money in a way you think makes sense.

If financing a creative project, money may not be there. Or if you’ve been paying a lot of money in regards to a child, it’s more than you’ve expected.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)

More often than not, Sagittarius, you’re a little lucky charm to yourself and others. However, this week will push your luck to the limits!

The full moon is forecasting thunderstorms, highlighting challenges around one of the following themes for you: intellectual and communication-related projects, contracts or travel. For instance, you could be debuting a proposal or website — and it isn’t received in the way you’d like. A contract you’ve been negotiating may also not have the terms you’ve hoped for.

On a separate note, you could also face some hurdles around home, family and domesticity in regards to your routines and employment. As an example, you may notice that there’s tension at home because you’re so slammed with work and you must reorient in a better way.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)

It’s been a peculiar month, Capricorn, and this week will throw more curveballs at you. Luckily, you’re one of the most resourceful and persevering people around!

This week’s full moon highlights your income, job and financial matters and normally would signal a raise, lucrative client or job offer. However, with the planets glaring at one another, it may instead showcase the end of an income stream or a very heavy expense. Be sure to keep your expenses light at this time.

In other news, you’ll also face some challenges in regard to employment matters. You may be involved with a communications project or contract discussion, yet it’s not working with co-workers or your work responsibilities as you’d hoped for.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)

One of the most significant weeks of 2024 is here for you, Aquarius. With a full moon spotlighting you front and center, you’d normally be able to call the shots and own the moment.

However, this full moon is rather cantankerous and could bring shocks, surprises and stormy weather your way. It may be best to lie low, relax and take a step back rather than running forward stubbornly.

On a separate note, you may also notice that there’s tension around money or resources, especially regarding a sweetheart or a passionate desire you’ve been hoping to build toward.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)

The week ahead could feel like you’re on a sailboat in the midst of a thunderstorm, Pisces. But don’t worry, this, too, shall pass.

This week’s full moon is particularly rocky and it highlights your need for privacy, rest and closure. Someone behind the scenes or a situation from your past could actually be working against you, despite your desire to proceed and build the life of your dreams.

Don’t curse the cosmos, though, rather note that this situation is karmic in nature! If you are struggling with mental health, you may also need to consult with a specialist. Watch your health.

If you experience challenges around home, family or domestic concerns, do your best to lead with love, trust and compassion.

Kyle Thomas — who’s known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers — is a celebrity astrologer who writes PEOPLE’s weekly horoscopes. Learn more about him here!