Leo (23 July-22 August)
The Sun is in Aries as the month begins and a fellow fire sign. Aries rules anything in life that expands your experience and broadens your horizons, whether travel, study, a deeper sense of purpose or spirituality. Aries also rules publishing and the Law in your chart. So there’s an expansive feel to your stars and a restlessness as the month gets underway.
Aries is one of the signs involved in the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square; Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. For you this involves your work, routine and daily affairs square to adventure, freedom and doing things your way. It makes it more difficult to settle for what’s normal or everyday as you crave excitement.
If you’re out of work, this is the time to try and do things differently. Think outside of the box, use technology and social media to help you, try something new and embrace change. Stepping into the unknown inevitably feels scary but often it’s the first step that’s the hardest and once you make that leap into a new adventure, the rest is history.
Friends play a key role in your development now and increase your chance to embrace new experiences. In fact, it’s via your friends, a group, club or society in which you’re involved that new opportunities open up. This is where you find Jupiter, the biggest and best planet in the heavens, and it’s where you find fun and can share good times with the people close to you. It’s your friends who remind you of the good things in life and bring a sense of humour and warmth to all that you do.
There are a couple of significant dates with regard to 9th house activities, i.e. all that’s mentioned above. On the 10th, there’s a New Moon in Aries, perfect for booking a holiday, signing up for a course and doing something different. On the 7th, Venus and Mars come together in Aries, so if you’re looking for love, keep your eye out for someone from a different culture, someone who makes you laugh or someone you meet whilst studying. Venus and Mars were lovers in mythology and they bring love and desire together. The 18th is action-packed when the Sun and Mars connect in Aries strengthening your will and a brilliant day to be forceful and get things done.
This month is especially powerful for your work and career as the personal planets begin to move into the sign of Taurus up at the top of your chart one-by-one. Venus (relating) is first on the 15th, followed by your ruler the Sun on the 19th and Mars (ambition) on the 20th. What you put in place earlier in the month paves the way for you to make progress at work and with regard to your career. Taurus is persistent, reliable and goes the distance so ensure you embrace these qualities as you move onwards and upwards with your job search or vocation.
Money is one area that needs careful handling, but play your cards right and you can negotiate a good wage, settlement or financial deal, depending what you’re currently involved in. Neptune is in the sector of your chart that rules shared finances and using your creativity helps you pull off a deal that can benefit you now.
The dates to note are the 19th, 24th and 27th when Venus, the Sun and Mars team up with Neptune. Neptune has a boundless quality so think big and have vision, but don’t let money matters become a muddle and do use your common sense and ensure you seal the deal. Leave nothing floating or unfinished at this time and get agreements in writing. Be persistent and pedantic if necessary.
A major date to note this month is the 25th when there’s a lunar eclipse cutting across the Taurus/Scorpio axis. This puts the spotlight on home and family v. work and career, plus it shines a light on where you’ve come from and where you’re heading to. Eclipses often symbolise dramatic turn-around events when one door closes for another door to open. Think back to what took place on or around November 13th 2012 when there was a solar eclipse in Scorpio down at the base of your chart.
This is where Saturn, the planet of limitations and responsibility, currently resides and this may be about obligations or a duty you have to family or someone older. Saturn at the base of your chart acts as an anchor but it also holds you firm and restricts your movements. This is in total contrast to Uranus in Aries, the side of you that wants to break free and bring about change. Be aware of this conflict and notice how it plays out in your own life. The stars suggest that there are no quick fixes but instead try and find a way to work with what’s possible.
The 22nd and 28th are both important dates as Saturn opposes firstly Venus and then the Sun. It may be helpful to note that both Saturn and Uranus are your relationship planets so when it comes to love you will experience conflicting needs and wants and what you’re able to do or not do is closely connected with your partner’s fate.
Do the best with what you have and work within your current situation. The last week of the month isn’t easy but as always with Saturn it’s important to face life head on and work hard to find solutions to problems. The solar eclipse on 10th May in Taurus may provide an answer.
[art by Rankin Miss at flickr.com]