So full.

Right?

Like, gorged at the table of experiences and feelings that I don’t know if any of us were expecting or maybe even wanted. But we are full. Perhaps to the point of discomfort. The experience of taking in so much that our nervous systems start to hit the point of static electricity.

 

If there is still action to be taken before closing this chapter, I hope you give yourself the grace to pause. Not necessarily a full stop, but to shake your mane out and move forward with measured purpose. Cancer season, back when we turned the corner of midsummer, was all about leaning into the liberty of beginning; freedom in the unknown of what’s to come. Leo season with Venus Rx has been a trial by fire, and I continue to hear from clients, friends and family that bewildered articulation of the moment, 
“Things keep happening and I’m trying to roll with it.”

 

What are Leos really good at? Shaking off the dust and carrying on with grace.

In western astrology, we associate the sign of Leo most strongly with the lion. The “king” of the jungle (a misnomer as such) is imbued with regal qualities such as leadership, responsibility, protection, and provision. While regalness is derived from hierarchical thinking, it is nonetheless particular in its expression. To be seen as regal is to carry a sense of responsibility to the place that one uniquely inhabits. We can recognize and identify this combination of qualities in others, and ideally express them ourselves. You, filling your own place through your unique expression, will ground and embolden your decisions.

 

Another symbol of the sign of Leo is the marigold. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the symbolism of the sunflower and Leo, but marigolds hold a valuable place in countless cultures across the globe. Their rich and vibrant colors invoke joy and optimism, and they are rich in healing and nourishing medicinal properties. There is something almost universal in the reverence of the marigold, whether in celebration of life or death, and it is this embodied honor for the cycle of nature that pairs so well with the regal nature of Leo.

 

Have you noticed that each sign has its own internal progression? Most of the time Zodiac signs and seasons are taught in a simple, one-note kind of way. Leos are the dancehall stars, Cancers are the “moms,” Scorpios are nuts. While these oversimplifications make great content (and of course when it comes to people the entire chart is at play), there is far more nuance to the energy available to work with during these seasons. Each sign has three facets, and as we move through the zodiac season, we can work with these energies like building blocks culminating in a full expression of the range.

 

Tomorrow morning’s New Moon in Leo will occur in the last degrees of the sign. Astrologically, this decan (subdivision of the zodiac sign) is ruled by Mars so this is where we see the bold and extroverted Leo nature shining through, more so than the generous and freedom-loving energy or the tender and devoted side of our lions. And for a new moon, a time of clearing and starting anew, this is some potent energy to kick off our next lunation. This next cycle will be one to recommit to your truth. The New Moon in Leo squares Uranus, so there’s the possibility for emotional tension or an unexpected change. While you’re feeling yourself and your staying power, remember that not every conflict is a crisis; not every change is a fight or an oppositional challenge—I’m looking at you, folks with Channel 28-38! You may be pleasantly surprised by the changes that come your way. You may find opportunity in the most unexpected of places. Allow yourself the grace of consideration.

 

Venus has been stationed retrograde since July 22, and on Sunday it passed the midpoint crossing the heart of the sun (known as Venus Cazimi). I hope that if you were able to experience the intensity of this shift, that you are feeling grounded again in self-love and self-worth. Venus retrograde, like all retrogrades, doesn’t have to be a complete upending of what was before. Venus especially is not one to cause unnecessary chaos. She wants you to feel the power of love and success that nurtures your best self. Representative of her own regal qualities, any challenges or conflicts that have come about recently are in service of your growth in your relationships, finances, and self-worth. Currently, Venus is still in a wide conjunction with the sun and moon, so this energy may still be very present. Again, shake out that mane, own your unique place, and things will look very different by early September.

 

On August 23, the sun will enter Virgo and Mercury will station retrograde until September 15. This will be a time for digestion of what has transpired over the summer and of what needs adjustments and tweaks. It could be a time of welcome softer energy, but that also means that starting something anew during this time might feel arduous. Go ahead now and make the moves that you’ve been building toward, with steps that only your shoes can make.

When the sun and moon are conjunct tomorrow morning for the New Moon in Leo, they will both be in Gate 4.5—Formulization. This gate in the Ajna center, opposite 63’s “Doubt,” is where ideas form as answers to questions, but these particular ideas must be tested through logic. In its expression through Line 5 (the .5), we may be tempted to pass off responsibility to others for these ideas in order to avoid punishment or failure of those that do not stand up to logic. 

 

Alternatively, this gate correlates to Hexagram 4 in the IChing, Youthful Folly, which concerns the attitude with which we approach the Sage or Source or God. When we open to co-creation of our life with unseen forces, when we come to whatever we deem as “the great” with our questions and faith, it is most important that we approach with the openness of a child. To be youthful is to be unafraid of failure because failure itself is a golden opportunity. To be youthful is to walk up to things with curiosity and consideration. Do not allow yourself to miss this because of fear. No one is asking you to be right, and beguiling or paying lip service to others so that you may eschew responsibility will inhibit that expressive self worth that Venus has been trying to show you.