RISE AND SHINE! Ready for more joy & playfulness in your life? The Sun is now in its own sign, LEO the Lion – and you can expect a
lively, solar-powered month ahead! Now’s the time to crawl out of your shell, center yourself and allow your authentic individuality to shine forth. “All the world’s a stage”, so play your role to the max! Take pride in who you are and get in touch with what makes you happy. Allow that divine spark within you to radiate outward and bless the world with your unique presence!
The Sun is the source of all life and light on this planet — welcome this revitalizing force, recharge your batteries and soak up some rays (carefully, since LEO is a fire sign). Just as the Sun is the central pulse of our solar system, you, too, are the heartbeat of your personal universe and the source of your own experience And, whatever (and whoever) is revolving around you can provide an accurate reflection of the energy that you’re putting out. What do those in your close orbit tell you about yourself? Are you comfortable with the “I am” that you are projecting, or are there some aspects of your personality, self-image or appearance that require some attention? Immediately after the Sun begins its month’s transit through LEO, Mercury completes its 3-week retrograde in CANCER and turns direct on the afternoon of July 23. Hooray! While most of us have been focusing on the four F’s (finances, food, fuel and feelings) for a while now, at least we can move forward and get back in flow from here on out. Since water (CANCER) can extinguish fire (LEO), it’s possible your emotional, dietary & security needs will continue to require equal attention until Mercury finally moves on to join the Sun in LEO on August 9.
The Mercury-Venus sextile on July 24 can provide much sweetness and harmony, and shared efforts can be very productive considering that Venus is currently in VIRGO. The cosmic Neptune-Pluto sextile is also EXACT that day, adding a powerful mystical and creative dimension to all your undertakings. Don’t get caught up with the small stuff or take things too personally. Expand your consciousness — and look at the big picture. Let your heart be your guide! ♥
Saturn turns retrograde on July 26, likely causing a few days of frustration, obstacles or delays as it changes directions. This initiates its annual 4½-month retrograde cycle — a time to strengthen your foundations, review your long-term intentions and solidify your commitments. Utilize this upcoming cycle to recycle outworn possessions, clear up debts & obligations, scrutinize insurance, tax, government or business matters, re-evaluate your habits, put your back, knees and teeth in healthy condition and clean up your karma.
The turbulent Sun-Pluto opposition peaks on the same day, so find some productive ways to let off some steam (but don’t be pushy or project your stress onto others). BE the change you want to see happen! Also on July 26, the North Lunar Node (
) leaves PISCES and begins its new 18-month cycle in AQUARIUS. Change, rebellion, revolution and evolution will be accelerated as this new cycle unfolds.
Artificial intelligence, technological advances, astounding inventions, scientific breakthroughs, increased space exploration and extraterrestrial communications will take top billing. The electrical grid will become a source of greater concern, especially with the tremendous expansion of AI data centers. The demand for freedom & equality (on all levels) will intensify, along with an increased interest in democratic principles, alternative approaches and metaphysical thinking.
At the same time, the South Lunar Node (
) will be in its opposite sign, LEO, so we will be facing quite the conundrum. Jupiter recently began its year-long transit in LEO, which emphasizes individuality, personal identity and self-expression. However, the presence of the South Node there asks you to shine authentically while leaving self-centeredness, egotism and arrogance out of the equation. By focusing on “the other” (relationships, teamwork interactions, feedback and mutuality), you will receive more than enough attention, acknowledgment and self-awareness. “One is always in the dark about one’s own personality,” according to Swiss psychotherapist Carl Jung (a LEO). “One needs others to get to know oneself.”
The week of July 27 starts off with the compassionate Sun-Neptune trine and the enlightening Sun-Uranus sextile. Take advantage of the healing energy and brilliant ideas that emerge on that day, and put them to good use. Allow them to stave off the edgy square between Venus & Mars that is building up over the next day; focus on kindness & fairness and limit any critical, sarcastic or thoughtless comments, in particular those that are gender-based.
The Sun & Jupiter will ignite an exuberant, expansive and generous energy as they align in LEO on July 29. This adventurous, communicative aspect may light a fire under you to set travel, educational or promotional plans in motion. There could be some major fireworks taking place on the global stage. Enjoy the positive uplift, yet watch a tendency to overextend yourself, promise more than you can deliver or experience burn-out. Keep a handle on your enthusiasm and be realistic as you shoot for the stars! 
The larger-than-life Sun-Jupiter conjunction will truly fan the flames as it participates with the dramatic Full Moon in LEO & AQUARIUS, which culminates on July 29 at 7:36 am PDT. Be prepared for unusual encounters, unexpected changes, sudden separations or amazing flashes of insight. Some long-standing relationship issues may need to be faced & confronted. Maintain your personal integrity, identity & self-esteem, while at the same time honoring those qualities in others. Keep your ego in check! Pay special attention to the mirroring effect you receive from your one-on-one interactions.
On August 6, Venus leaves industrious VIRGO and begins a month’s journey through its own sign, LIBRA. From now on, you’ll be more inclined to set your work aside and make more time for friends, group activities and cultural events. ‘Tis the time for socializing, sharing & caring. The grounded Sun-Saturn trine, also on the 6th, could stabilize current relationships, as well as stimulate a renewal of long-standing ties. Old friends from your past may show up. This would be an excellent time to check in with the elders of your tribe; they may have some valuable wisdom to pass on to you.
Mercury — which has been in security-conscious CANCER since the beginning of June — finally enters joy-based LEO on August 9. Come out of your shell and join the party! Focus on your personal presentation, self-image and lifestyle, and make any corrections or improvements that would improve your self-confidence. Let your light shine! Some exciting social encounters and potential new friendships could be initiated with the vibrant Venus-Pluto trine on August 10. However, the illusory Venus-Neptune opposition peaks at the same time, so keep your head on straight and don’t run away with your fantasies. All might not be as it seems at first.
You’ll want to pull your scattered pieces together as Mars ends its transit of restless GEMINI and begins its new 6-week cycle in self-protective CANCER on August 11. You’ll have a strong desire to improve your financial situation, invest (and spend) your money and tuck some away for a rainy day. Make time for self-care, nurturing yourself & others, researching supplements and getting your dietary habits under control. It could be a good time to consult a nutritionist or test for food allergies. Picnics, potlucks and fine-dining experiences will be on the menu; try out some new recipes or explore your local restaurants. Stock up on the basic necessities of life.
The Mercury-Pluto opposition, also on the 11th, could clue you in to any obsessions & compulsions that may be driving you in unhealthy directions. Do your utmost to restrain from taking your stress out on your intimate others. The healing Mercury-Neptune trine, on the same day, may inspire some uplifting insights in how to rise above it all. Exercise, yoga, sleep, meditation and music might provide a much-needed retreat from the rat race. Also on August 11, the scintillating Venus-Uranus trine can bring about magic & miracles in social relationships. Accept any spontaneous invitations to get out & about — this electrical aspect can attract romantic surprises!
The New Moon (& Solar Eclipse) in LEO brightens up the energy on August 12 at 10:37 am PDT, setting the stage for higher levels of authenticity and personal sovereignty. As Robert Louis Stevenson so aptly put it, “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life.” Are you happy with the life you’re living? Remember that you are both the co-creator and the star of your own drama – and that you have the capacity to rewrite both the script and the characters in it. Open your eyes to new possibilities and unexplored avenues of self-expression — be the sunshine in your own life! Approach things wholeheartedly (LEO is associated with the heart, spinal cord and eyes).
With the enlightening Mercury-Uranus sextile accompanying this New Moon, be open to brilliant insights, breakthroughs and connections as this lunar cycle unfolds. Look at things from a different, even opposite, point of view, and be open & alert to the unique perspectives of others. Mercury & Venus make their second sextile this solar month on the 13th, although this time it’s in fire & air signs — vital & intellectually-stimulating times ahead! Make it a point to get together with dear friends and enjoy some special comradery. Spirits are high, the energy is up and the life force is vibrant. You could be inspired to organize social get-togethers, ham it up, entertain and be entertained. Get in touch with your inner joy!
The Mercury-Jupiter sextile, on August 15, suggests a fabulous time for bringing people together in a spirit of joyfulness, laughter, uplifting conversations & positive energy. An adventurous, optimistic attitude will be running the show! Plan on taking it easy and recuperating by the evening of the 16th, however. You could feel a bit exhausted & overwhelmed after experiencing such exuberance (due to the turbulent Mars-Pluto inconjunct, and the spacey Mars-Neptune square). Put a good night’s rest on your schedule so you can greet the upcoming week with renewed vitality!
Monday, August 17 begins the week with a combination of solid contentment (Mercury-Saturn trine) and buoyant social interaction (Venus-Jupiter sextile) — blending all the best aspects of the LEO month together! Hold on to this colorful, whole-hearted energy as we move towards a more grounded, serious reality as the weekend arrives.
The Venus/Saturn opposition, which peaks on August 21, could bring up some frustrations, loss or disappointments with friends & loved ones. Be patient, realistic and non-judgmental in your actions towards others, and be willing to release any relationship that is no longer mutually-satisfying. Face any feelings of grief that may emerge during this time and know that life is always renewing itself.
This solar month ends on August 22, which also happens to be the midpoint of Moon Wobble – a 2-week cycle of cosmic instability due to the Sun/South Lunar Node conjunction. Take it easy and don’t make rash, impulsive moves until this disruptive energy eases up. Since this particular Moon Wobble falls on the auspicious 29th degree of LEO, conjunct the Royal Star Regulus, there could be some surprising developments and disruptions regarding leadership in the global community.
The Sun will move on to VIRGO in the evening of the 22nd, and you’ll be ready to step back from the bright lights and refocus on your work and in putting your life in order. Meanwhile, stay centered, trust in the universe, and live life fully with confidence and generosity. Acknowledge the divinity within yourself and within others — open your heart and let your spirit soar! As Swami Beyondananda so playfully says, “The best way to illuminate the darkness is to make light of it.” SHINE ON!!
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY & SOLAR RETURN to my joyful, vibrant LEO friends!
©2026 Diane Elizabeth Clarke