by Sally Shotwell
It's Leo season and the life-giving Sun(our consciousness) is basking in his home sign. The symbol for this sign is the noble Lion and the myths associated with the hero's quest to find his true self(think Percival). He triumphs over challenging, dangerous foes, and trials which require his bravery and the faith that all will end well. Leo represents the Heart and unconditional live we feel as innocent children before acculturation kicks in and our feelings become vastly more complicated.
This month we are fortunate to have a lot of fiery planetary support for Leo's novel mission to enhance our lives. Relationship-oriented Venus is in Leo, aggressive Mars enters fiery Sagittarius August 2 joining serious Saturn in the sign of the Archer and to top it off, Uranus is in pioneering Aries.
The energies they generate ensure that the
August 2 New Moon(new beginnings) in Leo promises a fulfilling experience. The Sabian Symbol is "
Children play on a swing hanging from the branches of a huge oak tree; the power of tradition as it shelters the beginnings of individual self-expression." Throughout history the tree has been revered as a divine symbol representing a transcendent presence always available to us in the midst of change. Happy children signify the potential inherent in our own development. The seeds we plant now blossom according to our intention and the quality of the nurturance we bestow upon them.
This energy is inspiring but with so much combustible material at hand, let's resolve to maintain an inner balance while intense change is manifesting around us.
Are we arranging for a quiet haven to retire to and practice stillness?
Are we remembering to take deep breaths, listen to tranquil music or do what ever relaxes us?
August 5, airy, social Venus enters earthy, practical Virgo, giving us a chance to ground relationships that may be frayed at the edges. Considerate gestures and low key communication go a long way in resolving differences. Let's remain aware of what stimuli we're exposing ourselves to since it can be insidious and really put us in bad moods!
August 13, serious Saturn turns forward in philosophical Sagittarius. Saturn's restraint may help us navigate a tense interaction between himself, expansive Jupiter in earthy, perfection-happy Virgo and dreamy Neptune in watery, escapist Pisces. Since there's no meeting of the minds in this group, it makes sense that we put our own judgments and decision-making on hold. Lest we forget, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are all RETROGRADE and we don't know what business they're up to sub rosa.
Still fueling the flames, August 16 we have the Leo Sun enjoying the company of unpredictable Uranus. This promises to stimulate us and guide us to think outside of the box, broadening our connections. This segues will into the theme of the
August 18 Full Moon(culmination) in Aquarius which is a Lunar Eclipse(changes). The Symbol for this Full Moon Eclipse is "
A garage man testing a car's battery with a hydrometer." This testing is for an electrical charge and Uranus is the planet of technology. His mission is to help us find our authenticity which, for him, depends on our vibrational level and how we share our light.
New options are presenting themselves to us as we consider altering aspects of our lives in order to progress inour awareness. This can be intimidating for ourselves as well as those around us. There's a new cycle beginning with the powerful September 1 New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo and we may have some personal housecleaning to do in the meantime.
Are we taking time for introspection?
Do we have like-minded compatriots to discuss our musings with?
August 22 the Sun enters practical Virgo,joining Venus and Jupiter in encouraging us to employ analysis and organization in all our ventures. Virgo can get a bad rap for being critical but the high standards are meant to improve all of our situations. This desire to serve is paramount and we do well to embrace it but, let's remember to not neglect ourselves in the process.
August 24 and 25 we have forceful Mars interacting first with somber Saturn and then nebulous Neptune. These are awkward connections which cause frustration leading to the potential for volatile behavior. Let's be mindful of our surroundings and head for the hills if we feel uncomfortable.
August 27 we're rewarded for being alert as pleasure loving Venus glides around the dance floor in the arms of scintillating Jupiter. This influence is one we should pick up on. It carries over to the 28th when she moves on to frolic with Mercury before she twirls into her own sign of airy, beauty loving Libra on August 29. Here we benefit from her interest in relationships which are always in our purvue. She brings graciousness into the picture and strives for harmony. We're given a reprieve from some of the gritty stuff we're experiencing and let's take advantage of it.
August 30 Mercury, still in Virgo, turns retrograde until September 22. We well know the drill about reviewing information and zeroing in on details in our transactions during these periods. Let's also remind ourselves that, due to delays, we're givien the chance to slow down, regroup, and prepare for promising new developments. This is exciting!
Blessings!
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with a super-natural curiosity and an undying thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.
