Opportunities for Creative Self-Expression Enable you to Shine - August 2011 Astrological Update

Leo Keywords
Confident, warmhearted, magnanimous, proud, creative, ardent, dramatic, enthusiastic, romantic, generous, loyal, self-centered, hearty, commanding, affectionate, noble, dignified.
Rules:

The heart, spine
Key phrase:I WILL

LEO (July 24-August 23) rules the Sun in the natural zodiac and is symbolized by the lion, the hot-blooded, fiery beast of the jungle. Like the sun, Leos want to shine, to be in the limelight, to be seen and heard. This is the sign of self-consciousness and ego, and it is not pure accident that many of these natives wind up in the theater and on movie screens, for Leo is the sign of entertainment. Leo's quest to be in the limelight grows out of a strength of will and the passion of the heart for self-recognition. When Leos have not gone the route of egomania,

August holds the potential for new beginnings, as the Sun transits into the majestic, fixed, fire sign of Leo on July 23rd. Energies are high and exuberant. Leo is the natural natal ruler of your Sun sign. Wherever Leo falls in your natal chart shows where you are innovative, imaginative, resourceful and dramatic. Opportunities for creative self-expression enable you to shine and showcase your uniqueness.

On August 2nd Mercury makes the second of its tri-annual retrograde journeys through the sign of Leo, until August 26th. Mercury rules how we think, communicate, and integrate our thoughts and ideas into our everyday reality. Its reversal shifts the energy and accelerates the pace. Many aspects of our life are revised prompting us to make new decisions, using the fiery, action-oriented traits of Leo. Use this period to gather information and remember this is never a good time to start new projects or relationships. This is a time to review, re-evaluate and reconsideration as you integrate new adjustments into your life. Once Mercury turns direct, you will be in a better position to put it all together. Remain flexible. The cosmic urgings of this energy suggest letting go of the past, to embrace the future.

The New Moon at 7 degrees Leo, on July 30th, offers an infusion of new beginnings. Those of you with planets on or near 7 degrees Leo, Aries and Sagittarius benefit, as well as those with planets on or near 7 degrees Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. New beginnings emerge from old foundations to offer positive revelations. Reactivation of an old dream is revisited. Take time to meditate, refocus and open yourself to new possibilities. Nurture your dreams with loving care and watch them revive.

A cosmic face-off between the Moon/Pluto duo in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries spell conflict through August 8th and again from August 27th through September 15th. Stand strong; listen to your heart and reserve judgments, to effectively deal with these challenging aspects.

On August 13th, the energy shifts to the Full Moon at 20 degrees Aquarius. Sudden impulses to help us break free from the status quo are implied. Reversals regarding friendships, groups, and organizations are highlighted. Unexpected breakthroughs move to the forefront. Since these energies are can be erratic, avoid challenging and unusual moods by grounding yourself. Taking walks, sitting or lying on the ground are suggested. Hematite and Smoky Quartz are protective stones for grounding.

Venus in Leo makes a magical opposing connection with Neptune from the 15th through the 21st, allowing us to revel in a pink fog of romantic fantasy. Self-delusion may be strong and judgment weak, during this time period. We are soon brought back to reality, when Venus travels through Virgo, where earthly concerns of the heart become more pragmatic and analytical.