Leo (23 July – 22 August)
There’s strong fiery planetary energy throughout April as both the Sun, your ruler, and communication planet Mercury are in your fellow fire sign Aries. The Sun remains here until the 20th and Mercury all month.
Aries rules the bigger picture in your life. This is about travel and study on the one hand but also where you find meaning and purpose. You might actively want to learn more, widen your knowledge, walk a spiritual path, devote yourself to religion or become an armchair philosopher.
When planets are in Aries, you can make advances with regard to publishing, the Law, the media as well. You’re reaching out into the world and not only extending your own learning but being encouraged to teach and pass on what you know.
Admittedly, communication planet Mercury is retrograde in Aries until the 15th. When Mercury’s on go slow, your attention turns inwards, which is ideal for study and research, reading and writing.
Plus, on the 1st, there’s an important conjunction between the Sun and Mercury. This is the time when they come together in the zodiac and begin a new cycle. It’s called an Inferior Conjunction and when they are exactly side-by-side, sometimes you have an amazing insight or you find a solution to a problem.
Wherever there’s been frustration, the Sun/Mercury conjunction clears the way and you can start reviewing your situation. Think of reorienting your compass and finding a new direction, a way of changing tactics that enables you to get ahead.
You could be quite happy spending most of this month travelling or pursuing meaningful activities. A Grand Tour perhaps or some major cultural sightseeing. However, there is another factor that suggests you are going to have to balance your time carefully.
This is due to the dominance of planets in the earth sign Capricorn ruling your work and routine, your lifestyle and your health. Mars is here all month, the planet of action and ambition, which does indicate that you’re likely to be busy.
Plus, Mars runs into Saturn on the 2nd and Pluto on the 26th. This is a powerful combination of planets, a formidable trio so don’t underestimate other people’s influence and know that a lot could be demanded of you.
Ideally, you want to harness this planetary energy so you’re the one with the power and able to put your drive and determination to good use. Or perhaps you get people in power on your side and they work for you. This would be the best solution.
Do be wary of taking on too much, however, as Mars can indicate a time of stress. Plus, as Capricorn rules your health, you need to prioritise what’s urgent, what’s important and what you can delegate or let go of.
There is help at hand if you’re feeling overwhelmed or being out of work is creating its own level of stress. For starters, look for a boss who can help you. This may be a woman because Venus, the planet which rules women, is currently in Taurus and your career sector where it remains until the 24th.
Venus in Taurus indicates someone who’s firm yet gentle and someone who can take the pressure off you. Working from home is another option or asking for support from family and loved ones.
This could be a time when you’re in flow financially and, if this is true for you, then go with it and find ways to deal with the more challenging side of your job, your current project or business. The best period for working closely alongside other people is the 7th to the 17th, when the planetary energy is easier and agreements can take place.
The Full Moon on the 30th also feels decisive for the work/life balance as it falls across the Taurus/Scorpio axis of the zodiac and the foundations of your horoscope. This is often a time of clarity when you see your situation clearly or a job or project comes to completion.
Mid-month, however, is the time when excitement builds, especially the period from the 15th to the 18th. Firstly, communication planet Mercury turns direct on the 15th, an excellent date to take the initiative and make plans.
Secondly, there’s a New Moon in Aries the following day on the 16th, a symbol of new beginnings. If any travel or study plans have fallen through, this is the time to try again. Plus, this New Moon sits side by side with innovative Uranus and, on the 18th, your ruler the Sun teams up with Uranus.
This is important for relationships because the Sun rules you and Uranus is one of your partner planets. Someone close may behave spontaneously during this mid-month period or perhaps you’re the one who’s ready and willing to leap on a plane or do something crazy all in the name of love.
Whatever happens is likely to be short-lived and, if anything, you’re wise to be back focusing on work and career from the 20th onwards. This is when your ruler the Sun reaches the star sign Taurus at the peak of your horoscope.
For the next month, you’re the one in charge and you’re more than capable of bringing order and calm to any challenging situation. You’re the boss at home and at work.