Leo (23 July – 22 August)
The Sun, your ruler, is in Cancer and the most hidden sector of your horoscope until the 22nd. This is often a time when you want or need to retreat and take a step back from being the centre of attention. Sometimes, this is to take care of yourself and, at other times, it’s in order to care for people close to you.
You may find that you’re closely tuned in to your emotional life, whether you’re drawn back towards the past or you have strong feelings for your family or a place that means a lot to you.
This is because there’s a stunning Grand Water Trine taking place from the 5th to the 8th. This is when the Sun in Cancer teams up with Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces. You may be feeling particularly sentimental or receive a legacy or gift that’s linked to your past.
This is a positive period for helping out the ones you love and asking for their support in return. What flows out comes back around and, wherever there’s something lacking, embrace possibility.
Big planet Jupiter turns direct in Scorpio and your home and family sector on the 10th. Any plans that were brewing at the start of the year can now be revived. Jupiter is a positive influence and a forward-moving planetary energy. Organise a family celebration or come together with loved ones to make your living space work for everyone included. Also, you may choose to open up your home to someone new.
There is a tricky influence in the star sign Cancer, however, on the 13th, when there’s a New Moon or Solar Eclipse taking place. This is the start of a new eclipse cycle which cuts across the Cancer/Capricorn axis of the zodiac and lasts until July 2020.
This highlights your work and health, your lifestyle and routine and how you can be of service to others. As Pluto opposes the New Moon, this is about transformation and could coincide with an ending as well as a new beginning. You might want to radically change your diet or retreat completely, even for a short while.
Taking a total step back might not be possible, however, because of the strong focus on your star sign Leo. Communication planet Mercury is in Leo throughout the month, which means that other people want to listen to you and what you have to say. You may be advising others or giving talks or workshops with Mercury in your star sign.
It is worth noting, however, that Mercury turns retrograde on the 26th and remains on go slow until August 19th. Therefore, this is another indication that life will slow down once again. If you have anything important to pass on, say or initiate, make it happen earlier in the month.
Love planet Venus is also in your star sign Leo until the 10th and this is gorgeous for treating yourself, practising self-love, gratitude and kindness. This might be significant for you because of what’s happening in Aquarius and your relationship sector.
This is where you find Mars, the warrior, currently retrograde, i.e. in retreat and on go slow until August 27th. This can be a grumbling Mars or indicate a relationship that’s complicated. Someone may be rethinking what love means or where a relationship’s heading, whether this is you or someone close. Any tensions could erupt on or close to the 5th or the 27th.
In fact, the 27th is an extremely significant date for you because, on this day, there’s a Full Moon or Lunar Eclipse cutting across the Leo/Aquarius axis of the zodiac. Eclipses bring what’s hidden to light and they pinpoint change or drama. Plus, this eclipse is caught up with Mars, adding extra energy and drive to events.
Relationships can begin or end during an eclipse period which lights up your relationship sector. Although it’s best not to make any big decisions on the eclipse itself, events moving forward can change the course of your life.
Note too that Mercury turns retrograde, the day before the eclipse. This indicates that you might have to play a longer waiting game with regard to love or partnership until Mercury is back up to speed mid-August. This could feel unbearable if you’re dealing with strong emotions but rein in your Leo appetite for leaping into action.
This eclipse is part of an eclipse cycle which began in August 2016 and lasts until January 2019. Apply these dates to your own life and consider what you’re building with regard to relationships and what you’re moving away from. This is important both in your personal life and your professional life.
Money is another key factor in this month’s astrology as the planet of relating, Venus, moves into Virgo and your personal money sector on the 10th. Plus, there’s some lovely earth sign energy connecting your work and money sectors from this date until the end of the month.
This is because Venus teams up with the slower-moving planets, Uranus, Saturn and Pluto, also in earth signs. This is supportive so consider carefully who you’re working alongside and which income streams feel easy to you.
Look out for people who can step in to help you out and delegate your work, especially if there are individuals whom you find difficult. You are entering into a period where you want to do less not more.
Ultimately, it’s an important time to make money moves which either free you from financial ties or help you secure your financial future. Build strong foundations and create a supportive team around you.