Leo (23 July – 22 August)
Your ruler the Sun is in Cancer and the most private sector of your chart until the 22nd. This month requires a careful balancing act between being centre stage and finding time for yourself. You might be dealing with a confidential or personal situation or want to keep some aspects of your life secret from other people.
Sometimes when the Sun is hidden away in your chart, you need more time to yourself to recover or recuperate, whether life has been stressful recently or you’ve been unwell or low in energy. Bear this in mind throughout July and know that having a strong spiritual or inner strength will help in the month ahead.
Action planet Mars is also in Cancer until the 20th, moving alongside the Sun. Mars rules anger and if this gets turned inward, it can show up as depression or being hard on yourself. Find a way to channel any difficult emotions or feelings outwardly and focus your passion into the world.
The most difficult date for Mars this month is the 2nd when it opposes Pluto in Capricorn, the all-or-nothing planet. Try not to put yourself into an overly stressful situation early in the month, especially with regard to your work or health. This combination feels like burn-out if you take on too much.
The Sun also has to run the gauntlet of other planets this month and although it’s not a super challenging Grand Cross situation, you may still encounter more obstacles or opposition than usual. Either that or you find yourself pulled in too many different directions.
The Sun in the cardinal sign of Cancer runs into three key planets in the other cardinal signs, Libra, Capricorn and Aries. On the 6th, the Sun clashes with over-the-top planet Jupiter in Libra and your communication sector. This indicates high hopes but don’t get carried away without concrete evidence or checking the facts.
The most challenging planetary aspect takes place on the 10th when the Sun is up against Pluto in Capricorn and this combination falls the day after a powerful Full Moon in Capricorn on the 9th. This could be a decisive Full Moon for you when you have to make some tough decisions about what next.
Again the key areas are your work and routine, your lifestyle and your health. If you want to give up a bad habit, let it go at the Full Moon. It’s a similar situation if you’re struggling with work, either because you’ve taken on too much or you’re currently unemployed. Do what’s right for you now and put self-care and well-being high up your list of priorities.
The final clash comes on the 21st when the Sun runs into unpredictable Uranus in Aries. Mars gets there first on the 18th but the two planetary aspects play out a similar theme. Travel or study plans may have to be rearranged or perhaps you find your own beliefs or ideology changing.
Yet this is not the month to be a wall-flower or avoid what’s happening in your life. Instead, view this period as an important time of preparation ready to come out of your shell if necessary and to stand up for yourself.
Communication planet Mercury is in your sign of Leo from the 6th to the 25th so you can’t hide what you’re feeling, even if you find that you’re opposed to what other people say or do. In fact, this is a powerful month to make your mark and you can do so with confidence after the 20th.
This is the date that Mars enters Leo, the planet representing passion, action and courage. Two days later on the 22nd and it’s the start of your birthday month when the Sun lights up your sign of Leo. Finally, on the 23rd, the New Moon also takes place in early degrees Leo.
This is a stunning combination that highlights you, your personal goals and aims, your image and profile. Take centre stage in your life, be bold and daring and use your confidence to good effect. If anyone holds the power towards the end of July, it’s you.
Another key date is the 27th when the Sun and Mars align in Leo. Yes, you might be feeling angry on this date but when you’re passionate about what you believe in, you’re a force to be reckoned with.
The end of July could also prove pivotal for a 1-to-1 relationship so notice who’s by your side or alternatively who lets you down. There will be another New Moon in Leo in August but next time around it’s a powerful Solar Eclipse.
Be clear now about what you want and need in a significant relationship or in your life in general. Don’t wait to hear what other people have to say first. This is your gig.
Lovely Venus is also in play this month as it enters sociable Gemini on the 5th. This lights up your friendship and group sector so other people will light up your life. Make new friends, hang out with old friends at a get-together or reunion.
If you’re looking for love, this is a good month to take charge, to chat someone up, to ask someone out on a date. It’s potentially a lively time with stand-out dates on the 7th, 14th, 18th and 19th.
If you’re in a relationship or married, it’s a more complex picture this month, whether you run into a disagreement about children or parenting or one of you is spending too much time with a good friend. Events on or around the 24th will reveal where there are any discrepancies between you.
Remember too that August will be a big month for you so deal with any issues head on rather than attempt to brush things under the carpet. Be clear with the people you love so there are few misunderstandings.