Whilst Venus spends the vast majority of this retrograde period in Leo, she actually shifts direction in Virgo. In this detail lies hidden the key to her entire retrograde journey: it’s all about the nuances, not the bigger picture. Venus in Leo is flamboyant and demonstrative, passionate and radiant, but in the subtle shaping hands of Virgo she knows that the most reliable self-confidence is born of detailed self-knowledge: familiarity with the twists and turns of one’s psyche and their influence upon our well-being and relationships. When retrograde, Venus reveals the underbelly of those relationships, inviting us to see what may otherwise be hidden. She uncovers the subtle dynamics which shape our interactions with each other whilst reminding us the most important relationship is with the self.
Venus retrograde in Leo needs little from the external world. She is sure of her inherent worth, requiring no external affirmation. This can both help and hinder relationships. We may be so sure of our position that other people pale into insignificance against the backdrop of our self-assuredness. Alternatively, confident self-possession may enable us to willingly give completely to another without in any way diminishing our own sense of self. Knowing that the love of the divine flows through our veins enables us to give of that love as required, confident that our stores are forever replenished by Sacred Source. For those in need of this love and affection our attention comes as a healing force kindling their own self-accepting love.
The challenge of this Venus retrograde is to bridge the gap between isolated self-reliance and nourishing interdependence. We do this by embracing those Virgoan nuances. Venus cannot live only within and remain happy, healthy and whole. She needs connection, comfort, affection and attachment to thrive. Venus fans the flames of love and brings us together to share it. She naturally reaches out to connect, not within to detach. If we find ourselves isolated during this retrograde passage, disconnected from those with whom we seek intimacy, Venus encourages us to consider where we may have become so self-sufficient we believe we need nothing and no one. Such a belief is born not of a sovereign self but a besieged one, shielded by defensive walls built to avoid the vulnerability of need, dependency and desire. Venus invites us to wonder how we secured our isolation and how we could possibly need no one in a world of seven billion interdependent people. She asks us to reflect upon issues of dependency: the labour of strangers which ensures water from our kitchen tap; the endeavours of our ancestors whose legacy we live today; the toil of those who produce the food we need to survive. No person is an island, she reminds us. In an interconnected world dependence is not a failing but a fact, not a weakness but a fundamental truth, the realisation of which may just save us all.
It is time to explore our dependency, to face the thoughts and feelings triggered when we recognise our very life rests in the hands of another. In truth we each hold the other in our hands, nourishing their blossoming or crushing their delicate unfolding petals with our own need to control. We each owe a huge duty of care to the other as much as to ourselves and must be willing to embrace each day the vulnerability of inter-dependency for our own well-being and survival.
Venus reminds us that self-reliance is only a strength when it enables giving and receiving in equal measure. We will need it in the coming months to ride the ups and downs of change and stand firm in the face of challenge which threatens to steer us off course. But we equally need others to ride alongside us, cheering each other on when the going gets tough, sharing supplies for the journey and each other’s dreams. We are not islands in a sea of self-protection but instead one life, living through each of us to nourish and nurture itself. As Venus journeys back through Leo she invites us to know ourselves as each other, to celebrate dependence and to honour the truth that we each hold the life of another in our hearts and in our hands.
Mercury’s trine to Saturn stimulates our need for more order and organization in our lives. The Sun enters sunny, expressive, playful Leo tonight, where it will transit until August 23rd.
•The Moon is in Libra all day (until Thursday, July 23rd, at 10:06 PM).
•The Moon is waxing and in its Waxing Crescent phase.
•A New Moon occurred on the 15th, and a first quarter Moon will occur on the 24th.
•Venus is direct and is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Venus will retrograde from July 25-September 6).
•The Sun enters Leo tonight (the Sun transits Leo from July 22-August 23).
Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and forutne. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.
Leo is a sign of individual expression and creativity. Jupiter’s presence here can emphasize the power of one person to make a statement that will be heard by the world. The capacity to get the world stand up and take notice is likely to be expanded during this time. Jupiter’s pursuit of meaning can be enhanced by personal risk and an opening of the heart, with which Leo is associated.
The negative side, however, can be excessive glorification of the ego. Pride in self is healthy, but boundless pride is a blinding light that darkens, rather than illuminates. This can be a time of “bread and circuses,” when meaningful questions are buried in the noise of spectable. Serious inquiry may not come easily when bombast rules the land.
Appropriately, big-time film-makers George Lucas, Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentis and Penny Marshall were born with Jupiter in Leo. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Bette Davis, Geena Davis, Anne Bancroft and Pamela Anderson are also part of this group. Singers Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker certainly fit the Jupiter in Leo profile, as do guitarists Jimmy Page and Keith Richards.
Spirituality, sports and politics have their share of grand Jupiter in Leo figures. Pope John Paul II and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh used considerable media savvy to lead their respective flocks. Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Joe Montana were very different, but equally inspiring athletes. The political stage has been occupied by a diverse group of Jupiter in Leo folks, including Angela Davis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mario Cuomo, Pierre Trudeau, George Wallace, Donald Rumsfeld and Juan and Eva Peron. Big bucks and big ideas include another diverse group of people born with Jupiter in Leo: Bill Gates, Carlo Benetton, Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Bradbury and Rudoph Steiner.
Due to last night’s New Moon, home and family matters are in high focus, and new energy is with you to make improvements to these areas of your life, dear Aries. You might immerse yourself in family projects or home improvement activities. Family is more inclusive or you are more interested in setting things right. Later today, you could have a vague feeling that something is not right. Your perceptions may not be as reliable as they usually are, and reading too much into a situation may even get you into trouble. Avoid, as much as possible, spiraling thoughts and wrestling with regrets or recent decisions. You can feel out of touch. Even so, the Moon begins supporting your sign later morning, and this helps you to feel more alert, capable, and confident.
Taurus
Taurus
There are likely to be busy days ahead of you with a New Moon in your solar third house, dear Taurus. New energy is with you for connecting, communicating, and learning. Ideas can fill your head, but so can too much information. Some of your ideas will take and others may not, but don’t worry about the difference between the two just yet. There’s no rush. Plan to make warm and interesting new connections with people, be open to the idea that you need more intellectual stimulation in your life, and look for ways you can improve your approachability. However, watch for taking on so many things that you feel overwhelmed. Later today, a mildly difficult aspect between the Sun and Neptune can point to a feeling that others are draining you of energy or confidence, which can be the result of their negativity or simply your expectations of them.
Gemini
Gemini
A New Moon in your second house occurred last night, dear Gemini, and you are receiving wonderful energy for improving your finances and tending to your personal possessions. The impulse to buy something can be sudden and should probably be tamed just for now, until you get a plan in place. Ideas, and especially money-making ones, come to you with force and passion. Receive and enjoy them, and sort them out patiently as you go along. This can be the start of something special. Even so, later today, you may need to get over a temporary hump in the form of lack of confidence, a mental disconnect, or illusions related to money and work. Enjoy your imagination, but go slowly.
Cancer
Cancer
The yearly New Moon in your sign has just occurred, dear Cancer, pointing to a time for personal new beginnings. What you’d like to change, improve, or initiate is in your hands. You’re suddenly more noticeable and “out there”, and it’s a good time to ride this energy. It’s also a time for personal re-invention. You are always in charge of your destiny, but times like now, you really feel it. Confidence comes across well; excessive preoccupation with yourself doesn’t! People believe in you, and this only serves to motivate you further to present the best version of yourself. However, later today, watch for some self-deception, as you may not be seeing yourself and others very clearly. You mean different things to different people and this can confuse true understanding of yourself, or you may be giving off mixed signals. Treat any hesitance you might feel now as a chance to slow down and make adjustments.
Leo
Leo
Last night’s New Moon occurred in your soul sector, dear Leo, launching a cycle in which you are strongly inclined to take charge of personal and private matters that need your attention, or give more time to a person in need or an important cause. Buried or neglected issues can demand your attention, but for some of you, you may need to take on a supportive role in which you sacrifice some of your personal plans and goals, at least temporarily, in order to take care of or help out other people. You might take the lead on such a matter, or if you are the one who needs extra rest, then you’ll push for that. If you’ve been neglecting your psychic, spiritual, and emotional needs, then this is a time that forces you to acknowledge and tend to them. Later today, a minor difficult aspect involving the Sun (your ruler) in this same sector can leave you yearning for more and especially sensitive psychically. Try not to over-think things. Stick to the simple now.
Virgo
Virgo
Pay special attention to who you meet and ideas that come to you around now, dear Virgo. The New Moon that occurred last night energized your sector of friendships, networking, community involvement, new ideas, technology, and aspirations. What’s happening around the time of this lunation helps pave the way for personal changes and new beginnings. There can be new friends or associations with groups and people who share some similar interests or a common goal, or new beginnings with existing connections. A New Moon is about taking the lead and taking charge. Open yourself to the need for people in your life who offer you new perspectives, a change of pace, and some exciting variety to your daily life. Tonight, however, there can be some tendency to nurse an idealized image of someone or a plan. There can be a strong desire to believe in someone, but at the same time, fear that you’ll discover reasons not to. Try to avoid over-thinking.
Libra
Libra
Last night, a New Moon occurred in your profession and reputation sector, dear Libra. Even if you’re happy in your position as it stands, there are always some tweaks that can be made to improve your professional and public life. New projects and goals, and possibly even a new area of focus on the job, may emerge in the coming days and weeks. Enter these with healthy confidence, not over-confidence. Take the time to plan, and act rather than react. You have more impact on others than usual, so use this time in the spotlight well. Later today, however, when it comes to practical matters, you just aren’t seeing things realistically. In fact, you can swing from pie in the sky to negative thinking, making it a less than ideal time for making big purchases and business decisions. Daydream rather than make solid plans just for now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Your spirit to explore beyond the ordinary experiences in your life is powerful now and in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio. A New Moon occurred in your expansion sector last night, and this gives you extra energy and resolve to seek out new experiences on mental, physical, and spiritual planes. This can be a period for beginning new activities or projects that feed your thirst for mind-expanding experiences. This is a time of increased bravery and spontaneity. Later today, you may be dealing with mixed messages and minor irritations or delays. The tendency to act in conditioned rather than mindful ways is strong right now, and you would do well to identify these patterns so that you can step around them. Otherwise, it’s a decent day for daydreaming and fantasizing. Take things easy, and slowly right now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Last night’s New Moon energized your sector of intimacy and sharing – a sector of your chart that’s making a lot of headlines these days! Now and in the coming weeks, dear Sagittarius, there can be a feeling of revitalization on a deep, inner level. This can be experienced in your relationship with yourself and/or in a partnership. Inhibitions can drop and there is more acceptance of the deeper side of your personality. Alternatively, you might have had enough of a bad habit, addiction, or superstition, and you are suddenly motivated to end it. It’s a time for getting rid of burdens, or sharing their weight with trusted others. You might decide to rid yourself of clutter or debt. You may be saying goodbye to a bad attitude or habit, or getting closer to someone who makes you feel better about yourself. Later today, there is a tendency for people to be indirect, which can be especially annoying to Sagittarians! It’s not the best time for healthy relating patterns, but consider that you might need some personal space.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Last night’s New Moon brings you good energy for starting a new partnership or committing to a new way of enhancing a current relationship, dear Capricorn. Someone in your life could need more support or attention and you may need to put your own plans on hold. It’s time to strengthen your relationships, negotiate, compromise, and strike up deals. It can be a strong period for communications in one-on-one setups. Take in now, and take action when it feels right. If you need to take charge of a relationship issue, you’ll feel the energy to do so. Later today, situations and people may leave you feeling drained or confused. There is a vacillating energy tonight that is best handled by imagining or enjoying entertainment and art than for serious thinking.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You can be tempted and motivated to totally rework your daily routines now with the New Moon having just occurred in your solar sixth house last night, dear Aquarius. A new health program or fitness routine could be implemented now, or you could be doing a top to bottom reorganization of your workspace or home. Whatever gets you more organized and feeling in charge of your daily life is favored. A new project, work task, or even line of work can be on the table. This is an important time for clearing clutter, both physical and mental. Take advantage, but take it easy. Tonight, dreamy or creative activities can be nice detours from pressures.
Pisces
Pisces
You’re receiving a nice boost of energy that jumpstarts a cycle in which taking charge of your life is appropriate, dear Pisces, particularly when it comes to romance, children, creativity, and entertainment. This is a time for making improvements to your life that help restore balance. You are in need of quality leisure time and channels for expressing yourself creatively. Ideas for enjoying life’s more playful moments can come to you in a rush, or opportunities can suddenly appear, ready to grab. Even if your life seems crammed with things to do, you need to learn to make the most of the time you do have for enjoying yourself. Later today, you may be giving off mixed signals, but who can really blame you? It’s hard to project confidence and clarity if you’re not feeling these things inside. If you feel out of the loop, which is quite possible tonight and early tomorrow, hold off. Be easy on yourself.
When Venus is in Leo, love shouts its name from the rooftops. There’s little subtlety about this combination, since the planet of relationship and beauty is passing through the sign of dramatic expression. Expect your romantic life to be a bit more colorful these days, regardless of your birth chart.
Leo, a fire sign, is about risk. So, Venus’ placement here is a reminder to take some chances with creativity and openings of the heart. Sure, it’s possible that you’ll go overboard and let your imagination turn a mild flirtation into the love affair of the century. But, that’s part of the fun of Venus in Leo.
We’re not here now to play it safe, to carefully monitor and control our feelings, but rather to recapture the hopefulness of childhood. This is a time when wounds may be set aside (at least partially), allowing us to let love flow without restriction or fear. Excesses are possible, even likely, but a truly open heart only leads to greater opportunities to share, connect and create.
Venus in Leo reminds us that we need to be adored now, not just simply liked or appreciated. Pride expands, which can, of course, lead to hurt feelings if one does not receive adequate recognition. Be generous in giving praise, while allowing others to show their appreciation of you, as well. The challenge here is to combine the willfulness of Leo with the responsiveness of Venus. Successful relationships are based on listening, something worth remembering at this time.
The dramatic expression of Venus in Leo can be readily seen through a collection of people who exemplify this combination. The wildly inventive Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (“gaudy”) personifies the joyous creativity of Venus in Leo. Show biz icons Lauren Bacall, Bob Fosse, Barbara Walters and Tom Cruise are also part of this group.
Gestalt guru Fritz Perls was born with Venus in Leo, as were designers Joshua Logan and Pierre Cardin, author Jacqueline Susann, artist Andy Warhol, financier Michael Milken and magician David Copperfield.
Venus in Leo includes superstar performers Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paula Abdul. With Venus in Leo, Amy Fisher, Xaviera Hollander, John Holmes, Jessica Hahn and Pamela Anderson have achieved fame through sex. Yet, the higher side of Venus in Leo love is found in the charts of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Mary Baker Eddy.
When Venus is in Leo, love shouts its name from the rooftops. There’s little subtlety about this combination, since the planet of relationship and beauty is passing through the sign of dramatic expression. Expect your romantic life to be a bit more colorful these days, regardless of your birth chart.
Leo, a fire sign, is about risk. So, Venus’ placement here is a reminder to take some chances with creativity and openings of the heart. Sure, it’s possible that you’ll go overboard and let your imagination turn a mild flirtation into the love affair of the century. But, that’s part of the fun of Venus in Leo.
We’re not here now to play it safe, to carefully monitor and control our feelings, but rather to recapture the hopefulness of childhood. This is a time when wounds may be set aside (at least partially), allowing us to let love flow without restriction or fear. Excesses are possible, even likely, but a truly open heart only leads to greater opportunities to share, connect and create.
Venus in Leo reminds us that we need to be adored now, not just simply liked or appreciated. Pride expands, which can, of course, lead to hurt feelings if one does not receive adequate recognition. Be generous in giving praise, while allowing others to show their appreciation of you, as well. The challenge here is to combine the willfulness of Leo with the responsiveness of Venus. Successful relationships are based on listening, something worth remembering at this time.
The dramatic expression of Venus in Leo can be readily seen through a collection of people who exemplify this combination. The wildly inventive Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (“gaudy”) personifies the joyous creativity of Venus in Leo. Show biz icons Lauren Bacall, Bob Fosse, Barbara Walters and Tom Cruise are also part of this group.
Gestalt guru Fritz Perls was born with Venus in Leo, as were designers Joshua Logan and Pierre Cardin, author Jacqueline Susann, artist Andy Warhol, financier Michael Milken and magician David Copperfield.
Venus in Leo includes superstar performers Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paula Abdul. With Venus in Leo, Amy Fisher, Xaviera Hollander, John Holmes, Jessica Hahn and Pamela Anderson have achieved fame through sex. Yet, the higher side of Venus in Leo love is found in the charts of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Mary Baker Eddy.
There can be a building desire to improve these days, dear Aries, although there can be a hurdle today that likely revolves around the past or your own guilty feelings about enjoying yourself and moving forward in your love life. Do what you can to build your faith in your creativity and make peace with the past. This will free you up to take better advantage of opportunities this week, as you are looking especially good and might even be the object of desire. Charm comes naturally. Good energy is with you for expanding your personal horizons through creative endeavors. Love can be magical and your powers of attraction are strong. It’s a good time for friendships and dating, personal attraction, and your social life in general. There may be good news on a financial level for some of you, and a sense of abundance for others.
Taurus
Taurus
There can be some frustrations with friends and family if they are not mixing well in some way, dear Taurus, or you could be feeling conflicted about plans that haven’t come together well. Adjustments and sacrifices are in order, but dealing with these now can help to free you up for real opportunities revolving around your home, family, and personal life later today and tomorrow. Nice opportunities can arise to bond with those closest to you. This can also be a time for buying a special item for the home, or when money comes through. Taking a trip down memory lane can be satisfying now. There is mostly good humor today, although you can be a little prone to impracticality and exaggeration. This is a good time to expand contact, strengthen ties, and find peace with the past. Your powers of attraction skyrocket.
Gemini
Gemini
If you’ve been taking on too many new interests, you’ll feel the need to tone things down, dear Gemini. There can be information overload, or new information comes up that challenges a previous belief or your own optimistic outlook. Find ways to straighten things out now, and to alleviate stress, as a very pleasant aspect occurring later today and into tomorrow can bring opportunities. Let go of attitudes and projects that no longer serve you or that are less important so that you can make room for the new. Watch for opportunities in the form of new interests, connections, and learning. For some, there could be a creative project, speaking engagement, a publishing of your work, or even a romantic connection made. Success tends to come through word of mouth, others, or clever ideas. People are appreciating your ideas and the power of your words is strong. Your good cheer and optimism can help strengthen close relationships.
Cancer
Cancer
Something happening today, or simply a feeling, can lead you to question a belief, goal, project, or even a person, dear Cancer. If you don’t have the answers right now, have faith that you may not need them at the moment. Consider carefully ways that guilt may be undermining you or keeping you from enjoying yourself. There is a Venus-Jupiter alignment today and tomorrow that can bring in nice prospects or opportunities to feel more comfortable and secure. Money is not just about security for you these days, however – it’s also about freedom. You may be especially motivated to make more, and this attitude can bring greater wealth into your life. This can be a good time for starting or advancing projects that have long-term appeal and profitability. Some of you could uncover a resource or information that benefits you greatly. There could be a significant gift or bonus or you may simply be feeling generous, with others and yourself! Opportunities to make more money could emerge for some of you. Think big and vow to take care of the details later, as the details may not yet be clear – do some overview thinking.
Leo
Leo
Jupiter in your sign tends to put you in the spotlight in a very pleasant way these days, dear Leo, but when it forms difficult aspects, there can be some downsides. Today, Jupiter is in awkward angle to Chiron, and you could suddenly feel that you have less answers than you did before. It’s a brief time of doubting or questioning where you’re headed, your current path, or your alliances, and for some, a moral dilemma can be part of the picture. Simplifying, organizing, and eliminating excess can be helpful if you’re feeling uncertain. Look for ways to make adjustments so that you can fully enjoy Jupiter’s alignment with Venus, which can fill you with a nice sense of abundance, perhaps as if puzzle pieces are coming together. Attracting support from others, if you need it, can be easier, and romantic attention is quite likely. You would do well to put a past grudge behind you, as this is a good time for it. You tend to gravitate towards healthy people and situations.
Virgo
Virgo
A close relationship might be a little strained today, dear Virgo, if topics are being dredged up from the past, or a secret emerges in a disruptive manner. Insecurities can cloud judgment right now. However, find ways to move out of your comfort zone and rise above insecurities and fears, as there can be distinct opportunities to free yourself from a burdensome attachment. Some of you can benefit from synchronicity – something surfaces now, such as an unusual coincidence, that brings some joy into your life. A private matter can also stimulate happy and warm feelings. Helping others, performing a generous act or service, and possibly behind the scenes or anonymously, can be satisfying. Some of you could revive an old relationship or find out about a secret attraction. Love may be complicated but rich. There can be the discovery of an untapped resource now.
Libra
Libra
You might come to a realization or concern that certain details of a project or goal are not particularly practical and realistic, dear Libra. If you’ve been taking on too much recently, you’ll feel that excess now and wonder how you can manage everything. However, it’s very important to make the adjustments you need to make and avoid dwelling on the negative now, as there is also strong energy for opportunities. You are connecting with spirited, interesting people, and while your eagerness to share and enjoy others can sometimes have you going overboard, approaching these things with a little more moderation can be wonderful and a stress reducer. Positive attention can come through enthusiastically helping others. For some of you, a friend can come to your aid. Some of you might enjoy new friendships or meet a love interest through a group, friend, or social networking. Don’t hide yourself away at this time, but also be wary of overdoing your pursuit of pleasure or for taking on too many commitments.
Scorpio
Scorpio
A recurring aspect between Jupiter in your reputation /career sector and Chiron in your sector of romance / creativity comes exact today, dear Scorpio, and this is the final one in a set. For some of you insecurities can emerge when it comes to creative endeavors that stop you in your tracks and perhaps have you questioning long-term goals. You could experience a moral dilemma with your work or reputation. Instead of allowing insecurities to drive your actions, aim to learn more about them in order to make important attitude changes, as tonight and tomorrow, Jupiter aligns with Venus helping to open up doors on professional or public levels. This can be, in fact, a strong time for long-term vision, career, and reputation matters, especially if you put yourself out in the world with confidence. You can be in the position to improve your career or financial state now, and for some, your reputation gets a nice boost. People are enjoying and appreciating what you do. You can feel particularly good about your future, where you’re heading, and your ability to manage others. There can be romantic or friendly connections now, and especially through public exposure or business affairs.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
You might experience some guilty feelings if you haven’t paid enough attention to important people in your life, dear Sagittarius. There could be a moral dilemma of sorts. However, communication coming out of any dilemmas experienced today can take you to a much healthier place. Talk things out or through, and you will feel your motivation building. You are feeling in big terms now, after a possibly bumpy morning. There are romantic possibilities these days, and particularly with people of a different background than yours, or who are offering you an entirely different perspective on life. Intelligence attracts! You are more adventurous with your feelings and bolder with your affections. Sharing your ideas with others might even lead to bigger opportunities. The future looks bright, and some of you could be making educational or travel plans.
Capricorn
Capricorn
A recurring aspect between Jupiter and Chiron comes exact again today, dear Capricorn, and this can have you questioning your current path, worrying about having paid too much attention to your personal life at the expense of other important activities, or dealing with an insecure partner. Avoid subconsciously expecting too much from others, or putting all of your eggs into one basket. Rise above insecurities in order to enjoy another important energy available today that can lead to the strengthening of a relationship or connection with someone. There could be word of money or support coming through, a windfall of sorts, or an open-hearted conversation that makes you feel quite wonderful. Your people instincts are especially strong, and you may find joy through an intimate moment or a moment of profound self-honesty. This is an excellent time for talking about your needs, as others are responsive and some of the usual barriers and boundaries dissolve.
Aquarius
Aquarius
While there can be somewhat demotivating energy surrounding partnerships, values, resources, and finances right now, Aquarius, getting over this hump can be very much worth your while today, as there can be distinct opportunities to win others over or to enhance a relationship. If someone feels they’re giving more than they are receiving, or if there are noticeable discrepancies in values and attitudes about money, then put the energy forth to make the necessary adjustments. This can be a good time for attracting a pleasant or helpful person into your life. There can be mutual benefit through others today, and you might reach a new level of understanding with someone special. You can experience joy in feeling part of a partnership now, if applicable, or if you’re not paired up with anyone, simply being around and being supportive of someone special. You are expressing real confidence and you have a strong desire to move forward – to forgive and forget.
Pisces
Pisces
While there can be some tendency to second-guess your recent decisions or to lose focus, it’s very important to take extra time to realign yourself with what you are looking for, as there is excellent energy with you for opportunities to improve or enjoy your daily life and bodily concerns (health matters, work, and so forth). Look out for impractical thinking and too-high expectations, but do watch for interesting possibilities. Good humor can be healing today. You may be feeling happy about getting things done or being of service. Be open about making connections and socializing in places you never thought to do so, and find new ways to explore and enjoy the work you perform or the services you render on a daily basis.
While you’re emotionally prepared for non-routine experiences today, dear Aries, this is in fact a wonderful time to nurture and develop your pet projects or work today. Conditions as well as people in your life seem to support your efforts, or at least allow you the pleasure of going about doing what you want to do without guilt or distraction. You could be motivated to work harder because of clear goals or to better take care of you and yours. There is a real protector in you these days.
Taurus
Taurus
You may be learning new things about your love life today, dear Taurus, and you are in better touch with your deeper feelings. There is a feeling that love can overcome anything. This is also a good time for career developments or moves. People look at you with more respect, as you have special executive ability and can easily manage others in fair ways. You have a way of being practical, calm, persistent, and sensible, and these things earn you natural respect. Today and tomorrow, make sure you are around people you love and showing your care. These are strong days for building close relationships.
Gemini
Gemini
You can be providing support today in a great range of positions or roles, dear Gemini. You instinctively know that there are learning experiences to be found virtually everywhere, and today, opportunities are rich through friends or networking activities. This is a more sociable day than most, and it’s especially important, both today and tomorrow, to reach out and make connections. Open the lines of communication, as opportunities to advance your current interests and to welcome new people and experiences abound now.
Cancer
Cancer
If your life can benefit from doing some research or investigating a particular topic further, dear Cancer, today is an excellent time to dig in. You are in a great position to look for answers, and your eye for uncovering the right information is keen. The day also favors work in general, as well as nurturing relationships with superiors or people who can help you achieve your goals. Emotional focus today is on being useful and productive – satisfy this need, and you’re likely to be feeling especially satisfied and happy. The glamorous stuff can wait!
Leo
Leo
This can be a powerful day for nurturing your relationships, dear Leo, as your dedication is clear (or that of a partner or friend) and this can help strengthen a bond and enhance a feeling of camaraderie. Today and tomorrow are excellent for coming across well, and for people bringing out the very best in you. If there is a relationship that needs some extra care, this can be a good time for paying the attention it deserves. It’s also a strong time for PR or other promotional activities.
Virgo
Virgo
You have a very genuine desire to help and support others, dear Virgo, and this trait is strongly emphasized today. You can go to great lengths to find the information you need to help someone you care about, and can easily get a bit carried away with research or delving a little more deeply into whatever topic or project you’re currently interested in. There can be a stronger need for a bit of solitude or for familiar faces and activities today, as you’d prefer some time to recoup emotionally. However, your mind is very busy, and you should take advantage of this extra focus.
Libra
Libra
Your powers of attraction and personal magnetism are special today, dear Libra, and your own feelings tend to match the intensity you’re projecting. This is a good day for expressing yourself through creative mediums. You are also coming across as reliable and valuable, so that relationships of all kinds can benefit. Today and tomorrow are especially strong for repairing and strengthening your friendships and partnerships. You are not only received well, you’re also finding more value in the connections you make, and this is radiated in happy ways in whatever you’re doing now.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Today brings good energy for emotional connections and the work that goes into making relationships healthy and satisfying, dear Scorpio. It’s also a fine time for putting in extra energy when it comes to personal interests, work, and fitness or other health programs and routines. You’re motivated to provide, support, and nurture the people you love and to honor the processes that help you and yours thrive. People are drawn to you today – they seem to appreciate all that you do, and find your presence calming and possibly even healing.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
This can be a wonderful day for finding new ways to communicate, dear Sagittarius, as well as to show how much you care about someone through your words or simply the act of reaching out and making a connection. You may be in the position of go-between now. The Moon has moved into your sign, and emotions are heightened. There can be an urgency felt now when it comes to fulfilling your emotional needs, but taming this a little can go a long way towards greater happiness today. Be moderate, but listen closely to the feelings that surface now.
Capricorn
Capricorn
There is a strong focus on making life more secure and fulfilling today, dar Capricorn. A happy and safe environment at home can be a prime motivator now, and you seem to have the support of others and circumstances to find ways to improve your well-being. You can also be experiencing deeper desires and a need for a stronger connection with someone special. The Moon has moved into your privacy zone, and attention is drawn to your inner world as well today. You may need more time alone to think, decide, and process recent events and feelings.
Aquarius
Aquarius
This is a strong day for working on pet projects or studies, dear Aquarius, as you can be super motivated to put time and effort into your work and interests. You have a special way with words today, and you may be recognized for your insight, wit, intelligence, and concern or care. Your ability to get to the point is strong, and your ability to see what others may need is powerful as well. Today and tomorrow are especially good days for meeting new people or enhancing existing relationships with warm, generous energy.
Pisces
Pisces
This can be a time when you’re especially motivated to make yourself more secure, dear Pisces, and if this means working harder to make more money, then so be it. You are feeling particularly independent and focused. This is also a good day for releasing resentment or negative feelings in order to move past or beyond an emotionally “stuck” place. Today and tomorrow are particularly strong for letting go so that you can more fully appreciate the good in your life.
Expect an electric bolt of excitement in your love life this Monday as Venus makes a perfect trine to Uranus, the planet of surprises. You might meet someone special unexpectedly and feel as if it’s “love at first sight.” If attached, you and your partner may enjoy doing something together that you usually don’t do. Go ahead and shake things up — variety is the spice of life! Then, on Wednesday, Venus and Jupiter will embrace in a gorgeous conjunction to offer the very best of romantic indulgence. Your lover may splurge on an expensive gift or a grand gesture of affection. Take it!
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You’ll have the most stimulating love life potential this week so be sure to make the most of it! On Monday, you might find romance in the unlikeliest circumstance. Someone who you think would never be “your type” may wind up being your perfect soul mate. Go ahead and date someone out of your comfort zone — you won’t regret it. Then, on Wednesday, romance gets even sweeter. One way or another you’re sure to feel the love.
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)
The very best of your romantic potential this week is somehow connected to home. Perhaps you and your lover are in the mood to nest for most of the week. It’s also possible that the two of you are making serious plans to move in together — and it might happen quite unexpectedly. Circumstances that quickly shake things up between you and your lover will happily go in the right direction. Open your heart and go with the flow.
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)
This week you may have an opportunity to release yourself from a certain fear you’ve been carrying around connected to sharing resources with your partner. If you’ve been holding back on a commitment due to anxiety over how you would divvy up what is “yours” and “mine” then you can expect an awakening on Wednesday. At the very least it’ll open up dialogue for an honest conversation about what’s holding you back from this relationship merger.
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)
A situation between you and your partner will likely come to a head this Wednesday, thanks to a Full Moon in your relationship sector. If you and your mate are on solid ground, then you have no need to worry about this Full Moon breaking things apart. In fact, it may present a situation that helps each of you realize just how deep your love is. If, in fact, the two of you are going through a rough patch, it might be time for an honest conversation.
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You’re in an enviable position this week. Both of the benefic planets in the zodiac — Venus and Jupiter — are currently touring your sign and will embrace this Wednesday. As a result you’ll possess an incredible type of allure and charisma that’ll be hard for anyone to resist. Your heart is open wide and you’re ready to give all of your love to someone special. Someone who truly deserves what you have to offer. Go ahead, give all you’ve got. Love is beautiful. And so are you!
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
If you’ve been wrapped up in a casual affair or if you’re dating someone and things just aren’t progressing, you may have a reality check on the situation. The emotional sobriety you’ll feel will help you end a lackluster connection with someone without you feeling as if there’s nothing left for you in terms of romantic potential. In fact, there’s every indication that you have feelings for someone else and are keeping them secret. This week, you may be ready to change that.
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
A love connection that has the potential to turn into something substantial might happen for you — in an instant! On Monday, you may meet someone in an unexpected situation. One of your friends might set you up with someone for example, but not let you in on the secret. You might think you’re meeting your pal for drinks after work but he or she brings along a “friend” who also happens to be exactly your type. Yep, that’s exactly how this week might go for you in love. Unexpected but happy developments. Enjoy!
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
If you’re single, it’s possible that an enchanting love connection is near. The person you meet while traveling or working on an internationally related creative project might be serious soul mate material. At the very least, the two of you will have stars in your eyes for the first date. If you’re dating someone, then you may discover that you share a deeper spiritual connection than you originally thought.
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Romance might be connected to spiritual or intellectual pursuits this week. You might have a crush on your professor or other mentor who you hold in high regard. Much to your delight, on Wednesday it’s possible that you’ll discover the feeling is mutual. Although this person has wisdom beyond his or her years, you still feel a deep connection. It’s worth exploring. If you’re attached, it’ll be a five star communication week for you and your mate. Make a vital decision together.
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You’ll wear your heart on your sleeve thanks to a Full Moon in your sign on Wednesday. If there are any feelings you’ve been keeping to yourself that you know are only hurting your relationship, this is the time to “come clean”. Be vulnerable enough to share your innermost thoughts about whatever is troubling you. You’ll be surprised at how receptive your mate is. He or she might have been waiting for this moment all along.
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Communication with your love will be at an all-time high this week. Mercury, now in your true love sector, will be at a gorgeous angle to several planets — Uranus, Venus and Jupiter. Expect sweet conversations about stimulating topics that allow you and your mate to fall even deeper in love. This week, you may also receive a lovely surprise from your partner. It can be an indulgent gift, sweet gesture or declaration of love that takes your breath away.
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You may re-evaluate the company you keep this week and realize that a social connection isn’t worth the stress you’ve been feeling. Talk to your partner about this situation since there’s a good chance that he or she will be able to offer some valuable perspective on the situation. At the very least, your mate will be the ideal sounding board if you simply need to think out loud. On Wednesday, romance is divine. Enjoy the fairytale.
The Balance of the Signs and the Elements for Monday, June 29th
CANCER STRONG
Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive.
LEO STRONG
Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant.
SAGITTARIUS STRONG
Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.
FIRE STRONG
Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily.
EARTH WEAK
There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves.
AIR WEAK
We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.
WATER STRONG
We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is generous, warm-hearted, creative, enthusiastic, broad-minded, expansive, faithful and loving. This person is most likely a relative.
General Description:
Fifth sign of the Zodiac, July 23rd to Aug. 23rd. Ruled by the Sun; correct metal, Gold. Those born under the influence of Leo were believed to be enthusiastic, high spirited, affable, generous, strong, quick tempered, artistic, inventive, generally successful and proverbially lucky. The Leo stones are the Peridot and Onyx, also Amber. The Peridot was in former times valued more than the Diamond. In Rome it was worn as a charm to drive away evil spirits, despondence and illusions. Peridot amulets enjoyed a great reputation in the Middle Ages for inspiring wisdom and eloquence. Many medicinal properties were attributed to Amber, and its supposed virtues are still relied on in the East.
When Venus is in Leo, love shouts its name from the rooftops. There’s little subtlety about this combination, since the planet of relationship and beauty is passing through the sign of dramatic expression. Expect your romantic life to be a bit more colorful these days, regardless of your birth chart.
Leo, a fire sign, is about risk. So, Venus’ placement here is a reminder to take some chances with creativity and openings of the heart. Sure, it’s possible that you’ll go overboard and let your imagination turn a mild flirtation into the love affair of the century. But, that’s part of the fun of Venus in Leo.
We’re not here now to play it safe, to carefully monitor and control our feelings, but rather to recapture the hopefulness of childhood. This is a time when wounds may be set aside (at least partially), allowing us to let love flow without restriction or fear. Excesses are possible, even likely, but a truly open heart only leads to greater opportunities to share, connect and create.
Venus in Leo reminds us that we need to be adored now, not just simply liked or appreciated. Pride expands, which can, of course, lead to hurt feelings if one does not receive adequate recognition. Be generous in giving praise, while allowing others to show their appreciation of you, as well. The challenge here is to combine the willfulness of Leo with the responsiveness of Venus. Successful relationships are based on listening, something worth remembering at this time.
The dramatic expression of Venus in Leo can be readily seen through a collection of people who exemplify this combination. The wildly inventive Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (“gaudy”) personifies the joyous creativity of Venus in Leo. Show biz icons Lauren Bacall, Bob Fosse, Barbara Walters and Tom Cruise are also part of this group.
Gestalt guru Fritz Perls was born with Venus in Leo, as were designers Joshua Logan and Pierre Cardin, author Jacqueline Susann, artist Andy Warhol, financier Michael Milken and magician David Copperfield.
Venus in Leo includes superstar performers Whitney Houston, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Paula Abdul. With Venus in Leo, Amy Fisher, Xaviera Hollander, John Holmes, Jessica Hahn and Pamela Anderson have achieved fame through sex. Yet, the higher side of Venus in Leo love is found in the charts of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Mary Baker Eddy.
The month ahead comes with a fluid and creative underlying energy, gentle yet powerful, bringing to mind deep currents beneath a still surface. It’s time to embrace our creativity whatever that means for us. We don’t have to be Picasso or Beethoven to do this. No ‘talent’ is needed, no standards to be met. Simply allowing ourselves to embrace the beauty of the natural world, the soulful look in an animal’s eyes or the gentle rise and fall of our sleeping child’s chest – all of these things and many more connect us with the creative beauty of the universe which forever demonstrates its awesome wonder even if we remain oblivious, head down, rushing through another day.
In this sense creativity is not something we do but a way of being. In appreciating the many shades of green in the springtime trees, the symmetry of reflection in a shop window, the love that went into a garden we pass, we align ourselves with the power of beauty which awakens the creative spirit. Too often we are led to believe creativity requires talent, gifts and an end product whose worth is affirmed by others. In fact creativity is simply our body doing what it does to keep us alive and our heart reaching out to connect with the world around us. This heart response to moments of beauty is our spirit rising up to be one with them, to claim its place in the creative dance of the universe.
We are invited deeply into that dance this month. With first Ceres (3rd June), then Neptune (12th June) and then Chiron (24th June) turning retrograde, we are turned back upon ourselves to discover the rich well-spring of life, love and creativity that dwells within. This experience is for our benefit only. Whilst we may want to share it with others, there is no obligation to do so! The inner realms are illuminated now, offering up their riches and revealing aspects of our psyche and spirit previously obscured. A willingness to embrace and explore them will reward us with ever deeper appreciation of both the complexity and simplicity of our inner landscape. We may want to draw it out, write our way through it, dance, sing, run or laugh along with our soul. This process is personal, its fruits private, but its consequences will radiate throughout our lives as the reawakened creative spirit gains ever greater influence in the collective consciousness.
The Full Moon in Sagittarius on 2nd June sets the scene for this shift of perspective. Marking the culmination of old habits that keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought, feeling and behaviour, it encourages new responses to familiar situations even when our emotions urge us down the same old track. This Moon offers great support to those who choose to do life differently and step out of familiar ruts. It invites us to take part in one of the most creative acts of all: changing our behaviour. No matter the strength of old and deep-rooted emotion, it invites us to choose a different way and make that choice the first of many which will unleash new possibilities through the embodiment of our creative spirit.
Venus enters Leo on 5th, remaining there until the beginning of October but for two weeks spent in Virgo in July. This lengthy stay occurs on account of Venus turning retrograde next month, which happens about once very twenty months. Venus in Leo is warm and demonstrative, colourful, confident and creative. She provides a wonderful backdrop to the gently creative energy of the month ahead and adds a note of confidence to our expression and appreciation of both ourselves and others. Venus in Leo loves the self reflected back in another’s eyes as much as she loves the other in whom she encounters that reflection. Adoration of self and other are not mutually exclusive for her and only in a relationship which embodies the creative power of self-love can she be truly satisfied. This Venus needs to shine and she needs us to shine along with her, embracing our capacity to re-create ourselves, our lives and our world one magical moment at a time.
When Mercury turns direct on 11th, having been retrograde since 19th May, we have an opportunity to reflect on recent revelations about relationships. It may not have been a comfortable few weeks, but if we can view current dynamics objectively we can come out of it with deeper insight into how we and other people operate in the beautiful mess that is human relationships! If, however, defensiveness and blame have become our default settings we may reach the end of this retrograde phase wearing enhanced armour that will only serve to isolate us in due course. Between 11th and 27th June we have a final chance to address outstanding issues before Mercury moves on to pastures new and we must learn how to walk around in this ungainly armour for the coming months. Far better to shed it before then, steel ourselves for dialogue and do what needs to be done!
Neptune’s retrograde passage (12th June – 18th November 2015) coupled with Saturn’s final sojourn into Scorpio (15th June – 18th September) amplify the need to connect with the divine within, for only by rooting ourselves in sacred source can we truly be free to share ourselves authentically with others. This is how we find the courage to speak the truth, the strength to commit, the power to change and the wisdom to let go. Knowing ourselves as something greater than the ‘little me’ that fears rejection, shies away from misunderstanding and demands acceptance to feel secure, unleashes the creative spirit to fly free and embody the power of mother nature, the awesomeness of the heavens, the depth of the deepest ocean and majesty of the highest peaks. Liberation, Saturn and Neptune tell us, is not about freedom from something, which concretises duality, but freedom to simply be. If we seek only liberation from that which binds, we are merely bound to its opposite. But freedom to simply be what we are in the fullness of our complexity and the simplicity of our divinity – that is true liberation, the flight of the phoenix from the flames of egoic insecurity and fear.
The Gemini New Moon on 16th continues the theme of emancipation. It provides a lightness of being coupled with the necessary energy to uproot some unhelpful influences in our lives. In doing so, however, it poses the question of what we intend to do with the resulting freedom? The desire for liberation is strong in many people these days, but freedom comes with responsibility and a conjunction between Black Moon Lilith and the North Node at the time of this New Moon reminds us we cannot liberate ourselves from each other. Our collective destiny calls now, urging us to make a stand for truth, embrace possibility and allow new ways of being in community to emerge. We cannot survive alone on this planet, nor can we do so by exploiting its inhabitants for our own gain, but by recognising them as the divine spark they are. In doing so we honour the creative spirit which burst forth aeons ago and lives on in each and every one of us. To gaze upon the world in this way is an act of power, a moment of rebellion against the tiny mind that sees you over there and me over here, competing for resources and security, for life itself. Life is not a competition but a team effort with the winning score-line being the one which makes us all victors, equal in value and honoured as a spark of sacred source lit millennia ago and still burning bright through the ages.
The 19th June sees Chiron, Uranus and Jupiter form an alignment which lasts until the 2nd week of July. In this we see the drive for individuality challenged by the desire for dissolution of self and unification with the divine. These two impulses, for individuality and union, exist side by side in the human spirit and are often perceived as incompatible. In fact they are two sides of the same coin, not obstacles to each others’ potential. We are both unique individuals and minute parts of an infinite whole. We can access identity, personality and individual presence alongside a dissolution of self into the collective field which connects us all. The process of conscious evolution necessitates intimacy with both these aspects of human experience.
However, the desire to side-step the messiness of human life and the trickiness of ego identification can result in a flight into ‘spirit’ without the necessary rootedness in the world of form where our body, the anchor of spirit, resides. This is not awakening but instead denial of incarnation and all its challenges. It can indeed be tough to see through the craziness of a world gone mad, but in seeing through it we are still part of it. We must live out our awakening – with its moments of insight, times of freedom and dark passages of isolation and challenge – here in this world not off in another. As the great Zen Masters remind us, awakening is not a pleasantly polite, neat and comfortable experience. It is messy, challenging, exhilarating, liberating and terrifying in equal measure! It teaches us how to be many things in one space, how to live with paradox, embrace contradiction and risk everything to be free.
As the Sun (21st June) and then Mars (24th June) enter Cancer whilst Venus and Jupiter continue to journey through Leo, the interplay of inspiration and emotion is highlighted as the month comes to an end. With a current dearth of planets in earth signs (we have only Pluto in Capricorn holding that fort), we may struggle to bring our imagined creations into form. Possibilities and potential may seduce us but the energy and effort required to manifest them could be lacking. Which brings us full circle back to the issue of creativity, for the more creative we can be in our everyday life – the more we attend to the wonder of life in all its messy glory – the better able we will be to make real our own creative endeavours when the time is right. We cannot rely solely on a moment of inspiration to fulfil our potential, nor on the right emotion to bring forth all we can be. We must also commit to the process, walk the path through famine and feast and do what is needed to manifest in the material realm the delights of our mind and heart.
As Mercury crosses its retrograde degree from mid-May, on 27th June, it wraps up concerns of the past six weeks and clears the decks for a new phase. Soon to enter the watery realms of Cancer it offers a few more days to think logically through current concerns before engaging a more intuitive approach to balance the mental one. Both have value. One is not more worthy than the other and we can recognise, now, how they work together to provide a balanced and rounded appreciation of all the data available! To honour one and dismiss the other is to cut ourselves in half and discard a huge portion of who we are. The mind and heart must work together and in so doing provide all the guidance we need to journey onward. Herein lies the key to creativity: a fulsome and rounded relationship with ourselves, each other and the world around us, which embraces paradox and celebrates diversity, within and without.
A conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in Leo as the month closes, celebrates all that we are as unique individuals and the power we have to change the world for the greater good. It is not only in recognising ourselves as part of the whole that we effect change, but also in standing out from it, to shine our unique light of selfhood and individuality. The iridescent tapestry of humanity, replete with differences of texture and tone, is fulfilled through each of us being ourselves, sharing our gifts, being honest about our foibles and never giving up on the potential for humanity to come through for each other, transforming the world as we go.
“Fairest of the months! Ripe summer’s queen, The hey-day of the year, With robes that gleam with sunny sheen, Sweet August doth appear.” —R. Combe Miller
Zodiac: Leo until August 22 and Virgo from August 23
Gemstone: Peridot
The gemstone is formed deep inside the earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. They are believed to contain healing powers that protect against nightmares and bring the wearer power and influence. Colors range from yellowish green to a greenish brown.
Flower: Gladiolus, Poppy
The gladiolus brings remembrance, calm, integrity and infatuation. Poppy is also a popular August flower: red means pleasure, white means consolation, and yellow brings wishes of wealth and success.
August’s birth flower is gladiolus, or ‘sword lily.’ Gladiolus represents remembrance, calm, integrity, and infatuation. With gladiolus, the recipient’s heart is being “pierced with love.” The other August flower is the poppy. A red poppy signifies pleasure, a white poppy is given for consolation, and a yellow poppy wishes wealth and success.
Peridot, a symbol of vitality and is the gemstone for people born in August. The official name for peridot is olivine, and can be found in a wide spectrum of green from light-yellow to dark olive. The Egyptians were known to mine for the peridot on Saint John’s Island around 1500 BC. It was used to ward off night terrors and more specifically, when set in gold, would ward off evil. It has also been ground into a fine powder to treat asthma sufferers and used as a cure for thirst most experience during a fever. It has been said that its owner, when worn would have the power of invisibility, and that if a thief about to be hanged or beheaded might escape if one was held in their mouth. It can bring peace, protection and sleep. It has also been worn to calm anger by soothing ones nerves, expelling negative energy. They also can attract love.
The peridot has many symbolic purposes, one that it promises growth for the future and gives strength to individuals and those in relationships. Peridot is a brilliant young green and were first discovered in the black sands of Hawaii. Hawaiian legend states they were tears shed by the volcanic goddess, Pele. It is a connection to nature and Early Egyptians drank from cups made of peridot, believing they would be drawn closer to the goddess of nature, Isis.
The Egyptians also called it the “gem of the sun”, due to its brilliance that it would showcase in the desert sun. By miners, it is said that even in darkness, the peridot could be seen, and they would mark the location. They would then return in the daytime to retrieve them. Perhaps this is why the peridot is at times referred to as the “evening emerald”. Today, it is mined in Hawaii, the Congo, Arizona, Burma, Norway, Australia and Brazil.
August is a month in which for many is viewed as the end of the summer cycle. A time when some need to make plans and begin preparing for the cooler months of fall. It is a time of harvest and hard work. Our bodies are challenged with physical work and long hours. This is a time when one might need to search for strength from an outside source or symbol. During this month we are once again in touch with the earth and the significant seasonal shifts. The birthstones representing each month are meant to empower their owners with gifts specifically needed for each of these seasonal shifts. When the human condition falls short of spiritual or mental needs, these precious stones have been believed to gift their owners strength and endurance in many forms.
Other interesting facts about the August Birthstone of Peridot:
-They were discovered first in Egypt on a tiny island named Zabargard over four-thousand years ago
-In earlier times, Catholic Bishops would wear a peridot ring as a symbol of their purity
-In Medieval times, churches were obsessively adorned by them
-Considered a gift from Mother Nature
-They are created from the conditions of extreme heat from volcanoes
-The most abundant deposits are found in Burma.
-They have been recommended for gall bladder and liver illness
Other Symbols of August:
August Birth Flower:
The Poppy, more specifically the poppy native to the Mediterranean regions. These yield a source of opium, that in the ancient world would bring on sleep and ease pain when taken in smaller amounts. Poppies were associated with the god of sleep, Hypnos and Morpheus, the god of dreams by the Greeks.
August Birth Tree:
The Pine tree. It represents, immortality and longevity.
Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and forutne. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.
Leo is a sign of individual expression and creativity. Jupiter’s presence here can emphasize the power of one person to make a statement that will be heard by the world. The capacity to get the world stand up and take notice is likely to be expanded during this time. Jupiter’s pursuit of meaning can be enhanced by personal risk and an opening of the heart, with which Leo is associated.
The negative side, however, can be excessive glorification of the ego. Pride in self is healthy, but boundless pride is a blinding light that darkens, rather than illuminates. This can be a time of “bread and circuses,” when meaningful questions are buried in the noise of spectable. Serious inquiry may not come easily when bombast rules the land.
Appropriately, big-time film-makers George Lucas, Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentis and Penny Marshall were born with Jupiter in Leo. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Bette Davis, Geena Davis, Anne Bancroft and Pamela Anderson are also part of this group. Singers Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker certainly fit the Jupiter in Leo profile, as do guitarists Jimmy Page and Keith Richards.
Spirituality, sports and politics have their share of grand Jupiter in Leo figures. Pope John Paul II and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh used considerable media savvy to lead their respective flocks. Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Joe Montana were very different, but equally inspiring athletes. The political stage has been occupied by a diverse group of Jupiter in Leo folks, including Angela Davis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mario Cuomo, Pierre Trudeau, George Wallace, Donald Rumsfeld and Juan and Eva Peron. Big bucks and big ideas include another diverse group of people born with Jupiter in Leo: Bill Gates, Carlo Benetton, Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Bradbury and Rudoph Steiner.
Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and forutne. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.
Leo is a sign of individual expression and creativity. Jupiter’s presence here can emphasize the power of one person to make a statement that will be heard by the world. The capacity to get the world stand up and take notice is likely to be expanded during this time. Jupiter’s pursuit of meaning can be enhanced by personal risk and an opening of the heart, with which Leo is associated.
The negative side, however, can be excessive glorification of the ego. Pride in self is healthy, but boundless pride is a blinding light that darkens, rather than illuminates. This can be a time of “bread and circuses,” when meaningful questions are buried in the noise of spectable. Serious inquiry may not come easily when bombast rules the land.
Appropriately, big-time film-makers George Lucas, Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentis and Penny Marshall were born with Jupiter in Leo. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Bette Davis, Geena Davis, Anne Bancroft and Pamela Anderson are also part of this group. Singers Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker certainly fit the Jupiter in Leo profile, as do guitarists Jimmy Page and Keith Richards.
Spirituality, sports and politics have their share of grand Jupiter in Leo figures. Pope John Paul II and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh used considerable media savvy to lead their respective flocks. Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Joe Montana were very different, but equally inspiring athletes. The political stage has been occupied by a diverse group of Jupiter in Leo folks, including Angela Davis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mario Cuomo, Pierre Trudeau, George Wallace, Donald Rumsfeld and Juan and Eva Peron. Big bucks and big ideas include another diverse group of people born with Jupiter in Leo: Bill Gates, Carlo Benetton, Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Bradbury and Rudoph Steiner.
Jupiter is the largest of all the true planets. Its mass is greater than all the rest of the planets combined. If it was only 20% larger it would develop enough heat at its core to be a star. Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. Known as “The Greater Benefic,” it symbolizes good luck and forutne. In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit Jupiter is called “guru” or teacher. This fits its association with the higher mind, philosophy, truth and religion. Perhaps Jupiter’s good fortune derives from the capacity to give us a larger view in which to see the world.
Leo is a sign of individual expression and creativity. Jupiter’s presence here can emphasize the power of one person to make a statement that will be heard by the world. The capacity to get the world stand up and take notice is likely to be expanded during this time. Jupiter’s pursuit of meaning can be enhanced by personal risk and an opening of the heart, with which Leo is associated.
The negative side, however, can be excessive glorification of the ego. Pride in self is healthy, but boundless pride is a blinding light that darkens, rather than illuminates. This can be a time of “bread and circuses,” when meaningful questions are buried in the noise of spectable. Serious inquiry may not come easily when bombast rules the land.
Appropriately, big-time film-makers George Lucas, Federico Fellini, Dino De Laurentis and Penny Marshall were born with Jupiter in Leo. Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O’Toole, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Bette Davis, Geena Davis, Anne Bancroft and Pamela Anderson are also part of this group. Singers Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Johnny Cash and Joe Cocker certainly fit the Jupiter in Leo profile, as do guitarists Jimmy Page and Keith Richards.
Spirituality, sports and politics have their share of grand Jupiter in Leo figures. Pope John Paul II and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh used considerable media savvy to lead their respective flocks. Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Joe Montana were very different, but equally inspiring athletes. The political stage has been occupied by a diverse group of Jupiter in Leo folks, including Angela Davis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mario Cuomo, Pierre Trudeau, George Wallace, Donald Rumsfeld and Juan and Eva Peron. Big bucks and big ideas include another diverse group of people born with Jupiter in Leo: Bill Gates, Carlo Benetton, Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Bradbury and Rudoph Steiner.
Jeff Jawer on the topics of valentines day, love, horoscopes, holidays, astrology
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday in 2014, bringing extra opportunities to celebrate the romantic mood of this holiday … which is intensified further by a Full Moon in dramatic Leo the same day! We can all expect the big gestures and extravagant emotions associated with this outgoing Fire sign. However, serious Saturn in skeptical Scorpio forms a tense square to the Full Moon, casting a shadow of doubt on our high hopes. It’s wise, perhaps, to underplay feelings to avoid unpleasant mood swings. But get more info from your sign’s horoscope to see if your heart will feel the heat of the cosmos this Valentine’s Day!
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your heart may be pounding hard with the outgoing Leo Full Moon in your 5th House of Romance. It’s tempting to let your feelings get the better of you, but isn’t that what this day of love is all about? Well, just don’t be overly extravagant in expressing your feelings because sobering Saturn is part of the day’s story. Its hard angles to the Sun and Moon suggest that a bit of self-restraint and patience is appropriate now.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Even if your expectations are high, it’s wise to keep them within a reasonable range. Today’s Full Moon in Leo could trigger powerful feelings, especially at home, but they can swing dramatically from over-optimism to doubt and fear. Finding a middle course will allow you to enjoy the day without the stress of spending or hoping for too much. Appreciate what you have rather than counting on roses falling from the sky.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
While it would be nice to have plenty of leisure time to celebrate this day of love, taking care of business is likely to become your priority. Don’t make elaborate plans because the complications involved may not be worth the effort and expense. Enjoying the company of a caring person while attending to your usual tasks can, strangely enough, wind up being more satisfying than dinner in a 5-star restaurant.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Celebrate this special day by making a simple plan and sticking to it. While the Full Moon in extravagant Leo might tempt you to raise your romantic hopes to the highest level, there’s something about a meal in a quiet, out-of-the-way place that’s likely to arouse romantic feelings. Avoid impulsive behavior because this holiday can add heat to a slow cooking romance, while going too fast could lead to burnout.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
The Full Moon in your expressive zodiac sign should make this a dramatic day. Your emotions can run the gamut from exhilaration to despair and back again. If you enjoy a wild ride on your powerful feelings, you’re in for a good time. But if you’d like some peace and comfort, lower your expectations and plan on a relaxed and pleasant experience instead of one that aims to be remembered forever.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
A luxurious evening in a private setting could be a perfect way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. The extravagant Leo Full Moon occurs in your private 12th House where getting away from it all is ideal. Make this a magical time when you’re free to be as bold and playful as possible. Avoid crowded and well-lit places to share a dark corner where your imagination creates a secret, out-of-this-world atmosphere.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Celebrating this lovers’ event with a group might not sound like the most romantic idea, but it makes sense this year. That’s because today’s enthusiastic Leo Full Moon falls in your 11th House of Friends. Think of this as a time for a party rather than a private experience. Having fun with others is especially desirable because it takes some of the pressure off of spending the evening with just one person.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
This Valentine’s Day has an aura of seriousness that makes a simple event more desirable than an extravagant one. Sobering Saturn in Scorpio forms a potent 90-degree square to today’s brash Leo Full Moon, which can take the air out of a balloon that floats on high expectations. Cooking a special dinner or planning a quiet evening in a familiar setting offers the comfort that expensive gifts are less likely to provide.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
A playful Leo Full Moon adds an extra degree of romance to this special day. This dramatic lunar event occurs in your 9th House of Travel, which makes planning a trip an ideal gift. If you can’t do that, take in a foreign movie or eat out in a beautiful ethnic restaurant. Enjoy the evening without making elaborate promises though, because serious Saturn is lurking in the wings to bring the hammer down on unrealistic expectations.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
The expectations of your partner could be extremely high with today’s bold Leo Full Moon in your 8th House of Intimacy. This could turn out to be a very romantic time, but you’ll probably need to plan it carefully to fulfill your expectations. Surprises are unlikely to prove successful, because knowing exactly what’s going to happen will provide a sense of safety and comfort needed to get the closeness you want.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
You’re usually a pretty chill and relaxed individual, but that doesn’t appear to represent your mood today. A Full Moon in dramatic Leo falls in your 7th House of Relationships to make this a highly emotional day. You or your partner might not want to do anything elaborate and would prefer a quiet evening at home. One big gesture, though, can spur romance without taking too much time or costing too much money.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Your romantic soul should soar on this special day thanks to a Full Moon in dramatic Leo. However, this event occurs in your 6th House of Work and Details, which can complicate your social plans. Take care of all the tasks that you can in advance to free up the time and energy needed to celebrate without distractions. Just don’t let a minor problem push buttons that turn it into a mess that makes it harder to have fun.
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