Sun Into Leo 2011: Here For the Party!

Leo, the bright, shiny and charismatic force of cosmic encouragement is poised to host her annual celebration on July 22nd when the Sun enters its home sign at 9:12 P.M. PST.  From the onset, Leo’s solar journey is shaping up to be one of 2011’s liveliest and most glittering planetary gatherings. Venus will join the Sun in Leo, Mercury will turn retrograde, Neptune will wander back into Aquarius, and Mars is due for a few contentious battles. To enjoy the entertainment and festivities, regal Leo has assembled an impressive and stellar guest list. VIPs chatty Mercury and attractive Venus will be her guests of honor as they accompany the hosting Sun through Leo's glamorous and dramatic domain. Let’s mingle.

That Leo trio will be making electrifying alliances with spontaneous Uranus in instigating Aries. Can you say tequila shots? Aged sipping tequila is probably the better beverage selection. That’s because Venus, Mercury and the Sun are also planning some productive schmoozing with reserved Saturn while he’s in agreeable Libra.  Generous Jupiter has of course been invited. Unfortunately the prized planet of plenty is traveling through Taurus and thus forming some uncomfortable squares to the Sun and Venus on August 1st and 5th. But it’s nothing that a little royal charm can’t smooth over.  After all, both Leo the Lion and Taurus the Bull appreciate life’s luxuries and both recognize the value of hard work. A winning choice for conversation topic would be their latest shopping expeditions.

Though she can clearly spot his mounting oppositions to her and her friends from across any room. magnanimous Leo will also warmly welcome spacey Neptune to her soiree.  He's always good for getting the guests intoxicated.  Then there’s her personally favored attendee, bad-boy Mars.  The tension is already building for his August 3rd entrance into Cancer where his August 9th bout with Uranus and August 11th run-in with Pluto are inevitable.  Lively Leo positively adores passion, and we all know how she feels about an audience.  So, if an anticipated Mars skirmish or two draws a crowd, all the better. Leo would rather die than be accused of throwing a dull party, or God forbid one that is under-attended. If her tattooed love boy becomes too unruly, Leo can always count on Pluto in conservative Capricorn to play bouncer.

Helping Leo slow down long enough to graciously listen to her guests, and to think, reason and converse clearly with them will be Mercury’s retrograde from August 2nd through 26th. While he will have just crossed into calm, analytical Virgo at the start of this retrograde, the Messenger of the Gods will traverse all the way back to 18 degrees of Leo by the time he stations. That means that most of this retrograde will be spent in those incendiary later degrees of fixed, fiery and ferocious Leo. Some party-goers could get a little loud under these conditions. Mercury’s backward motion is cautioning them and us to consciously express ourselves. Another cosmic call for graceful exchange will sound from distant, dreamy Neptune.

Also in retrograde motion, Neptune will arrive back in rebellious and innovative Aquarius on August 4th. Because Neptune is one of the slower moving outer planets, its influence is subtle and in effect over an extended period of time. Its opposition to the Sun, though exact on August 22nd, will be felt throughout the Leo cycle. Its presence is likely to heat up much of the cocktail chatter, especially if the subject of politics arises. Personal responsibility versus institutional responsibility, independence versus interdependence and the individual versus the collective are predictable themes when an opposition between the sign representing the individual will, Leo, and the sign representing groups and community occurs. Moreover, the Sun is the celestial force associated with the sign of Leo, and the astrological symbol for the Sun is a single dot in the center of a circle.  The dot symbolizes the individual and the circle infinity.  Astrologers Douglas Bloch and Demetra George describe Neptune as representing the ability of the finite self to experience transcendence through unity with a greater whole. Thus, we are presented with an axis that at one extreme asks the ego to dissolve into a greater whole and at the other to maintain its unique identity. Ultimately, Lion-hearted Leo was born to lead, to dance, to sing and to play. Through her effervescent expression, she inspires us to do the same. So while her encounter with intriguing Neptune will deeper her compassion and spirituality, she’s here for the party, and so are we!

Please join Elizabeth on Friday, July 29th, for the latest edition of the Hay House Book Club at Hay House Radio featuring Dayna Macy’s delicious new book “Ravenous.” You can sign up for Elizabeth’s free e-newsletter at her site: .

Sun into Leo 2010: Got Lemonade?

Several days into the average heat wave, many a withering spirit desperately searches for news of an impending cooling trend. During 2010’s massive T-Square and Grand Cross, many of those with strong Cardinal sign placements in their charts are similarly seeking refuge from the intense Cosmic action. Then there are those Souls who love the heat, those oddballs who thrive in its infernal ferocity. No matter your preference, this year’s solar journey through the spirited fire sign of Leo is going to be a scorcher. Cooler winds will begin to prevail by the time it winds down on August 23rd. In the meantime, a July 25th full moon is set amongst more massive squares and oppositions, Mars and Venus will add more fuel to the T-Square by joining Saturn in Libra, and a Mercury retrograde starts on August 20th. If ever a sign was invented to cheer us all up and on to the completion of this celestial marathon, it is Leo. The Sun arrives in the effervescent, magnanimous sign of the lion at 3:21 P.M. PST on July 22nd.

Gallant, confident and boundlessly enthusiastic, Leo loves to lead, inspire and perform for others. To earn their adulation, this fixed sign is ever willing to roll up his sleeves and work hard for those coveted applause. His natural tendency toward extroversion, seemingly endless supply of creativity and passion, and lion-sized heart make Leo a magnet for those seeking encouragement and optimism. And generosity? Leo has learned that the true gift of his wealth lies in his ability to share his riches with others. With the sky heating up, in 2010 Leo is in fact on a singular mission to turn every lemon in the Kingdom into ice-cold, thirst-quenching lemonade. Given the Cosmic forecast, sitting down and sharing a glass with this regal creature might be just the recipe for getting through the dog days ahead. After all, the King of the Jungle knows a thing or two about conquering beasts and living sovereignly.

On July 21st, Saturn moves back into Libra thus reenergizing the T-Square by forming a more precise square to Pluto in Capricorn and closer oppositions to Uranus and Jupiter in Aries. Remember that Pluto is already simultaneously squaring Uranus and Jupiter. On July 25th indeed the square between Pluto and Jupiter will be exact, recurring on August 3rd. Also on July 25th, the moon will be full in the fixed air sign of Aquarius, and on July 26th the next Saturn Uranus opposition will be exact. Squares and oppositions bring matters to the fore and tensions to a head, and all the planets involved in these are in the provocative Cardinal signs. Under such challenging aspects, what’s a glamourous, pampered and pleasure seeking sign like Leo to do? That’s simple; he dawns his designer shades and views it all through those famous Leo-tinted glasses.

For example, while some will claim that the Pluto Jupiter square is a clash of conflicting values with Pluto in stern Capricorn imposing the rules while exuberant Jupiter in Aries wants to run amok. Leo sees this as a winning combination for life’s go-getters. Capricorn builds stamina and Aries just can’t say no to taking action. To Leo, the 25th is a fabulous time to launch an exciting, long term venture. On July 29th Mars, the Warrior, will join Saturn in Libra. With Mars’ infamous battle-lust and Saturn’s reputation for restrictions, some fear these two in league. Leo agrees with astrologer Sue Tompkins who maintains that this pair teaches us how to balance fear with courage, assertiveness with control and impulse with discipline. With the two sitting under heavenly arbitrator Libra’s watchful eye, the potential for conflict resolution is even greater. And really, who wouldn’t want to master this stuff? On August 7th Venus arrives home to join these two, bringing her quest for beauty to the affair.

Then there’s that pesky Mercury retrograde sitting at end of this cycle ready to roll on August 20th. Mercury will be in discerning Virgo, the meticulous sign that the Sun will travel through for most of this retrograde. The perfect opportunity to review details says Leo. Moreover Leo asserts, by then Uranus will have already ducked back into peaceful, dreamy Pisces (on August 13th) where it will be followed by Jupiter on September 9th. This is a great chance to rest, relax and let the our intuition mingle with those newly discovered facts. For somewhere between the two, along that Virgo Pisces axis, lies a solution to one of life’s persistent questions or problems. Ah, a golden opportunity to rejuvenate reasons Leo. With that, his official royal proclamation is announced:

“Spa time! Leo-tinted glasses and lemonade for all!”

For more astrology news, be sure to listen to Elizabeth’s visit with astrologer CA Brooks on Tuesday, July 20th, at 11 AM PST on “Simple Tales” on 12Radio. Then, to celebrate the Sun’s arrival into Leo, Elizabeth joins Julia Stonestreet Smith on Thursday, July 22nd, at the “Stonestreet Cafe” at 7PM PST also on 12Radio.com. You can also sign up for Elizabeth’s free monthly newsletter at her site..

Sun into Leo - The Show Must Go On

    
     The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd, and being the Leo birthday girl that I am, I would like to announce the release of my new CD single at iTunes and at Amazon's new MP3 store.  I am so elated and excited about this that I can hardly sit still.  "In A Moment" is the title track and its recording was my absolute happiest musical experience in Los Angeles.  Not only did I get to work with amazing musicians such as Peas (whose credits include work with Kitaro, the "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" soundtrack, and scores of major TV shows), Rachel Leslie (a J-Lo backup singer) and Kathleen Keane (who has worked with Martin Hayes and other Celtic music luminaries), but we had a great time in the studio.  This song was written in honor of the wedding (about time!) of my lifelong friend Diane Ray who is the Producer of Hay House Radio.  Congratulations to her and her new hubby Barry.  I hope you feel the love in this track and won't mind dropping $5 to buy a copy of this 5-track CD. 


                               


   
     To hear the music and to find out more about my Celtic music project, Awakening Queen Maebh, just visit the Musician Page of my website. Now to this month's feature article.



Special thanks to astrologer C.A. Brooks for her emergency assistance with Chiron’s activity. You demonstrate the generosity of heart for which the Leo season we are ushering in is famed. Hats off to you!

Following the dark moon solar eclipse at Cancer’s conclusion, on July 22nd audacious, royal Leo struts right onto center stage. Instantaneously kicking lingering Cancerian worries to the curb, Leo boldly reflects our own abilities to shine, to live fearlessly and to thrive. In the face of another full moon eclipse on August 5th, squares, oppositions, incessant scenarios of global disaster, oh my, self-assured Leo enthusiastically beckons us all to follow the yellow brick road. Sure, the prophesied year of 2012 approaches, in the blink of an eye Pluto’s quest through uncompromising Capricorn has abolished yet another of our stagnant, once-cherished institutions, and according to the mainstream media anyway, there’s plenty to be afraid of. So what in the world is Leo doing up there, merrily prancing and dancing around as if there’s no tomorrow? And what on earth, in our “perilous times” is Leo up there singing?

“You’ve got to ac-cent’tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-in-ate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative,
and DON’T mess with Mr. In Between.”

And most importantly, how does he/she look so damn good doing it? From July 22nd through August 22nd the answers are obvious, Leo lives life in the present, and Leo lives life in style. Best of all, you are cordially invited to Leo’s extravagant celestial soire.

In order for some of the magnanimous magic to rub off on you however, you’ll need a pair of Leo-tinted glasses. These highly-prized designer shades come with purple-heart bravery and amber-golden optimism colored lenses. Let’s take a peek at the upcoming planetary trends with a pair on.

The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd on the heels of the second eclipse in an usual series of three. Eclipses can disseminate shocking and intense energies as they bring hidden issues to light. For example, the recent full moon eclipse of July 7th while the moon was in the earth sign of Capricorn brought a bevy of health issues to the surface for many. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, teaches us the limitations of our physical systems, our bodies. Pluto is also now in this stern and serious sign, making the truth about the gravity of these situations pretty much unavoidable. The dark moon eclipse while the Sun and moon are in Cancer on July 21st will likely bring domestic issues to the fore. In either case, the Universe is bringing our attention to matters needing to be addressed. Leo considers what is being presented through the prism of courage. He then looks to the pending full moon eclipse on August 5th at 5:55 P.M. PST, in visionary and unifying Aquarius, where Jupiter, Neptune and Chrion are positioned, and he sees the perfect occasion to heal whatever the preceding eclipses have revealed.

Leo also notices three special groupings of planets around 2009’s exalted trio, Jupiter (gifts, the Lion’s absolute favorite!), Neptune (dreams and spirituality) and Chiron (healing). On July 27th Venus (in Gemini) trines Jupiter and Chrion and on the 28th it trines Neptune, on July 30th Mercury (in Leo) opposes Jupiter and Chiron and on the 31st it opposes Neptune, and on August 14th Leo’s ruler the Sun opposes Jupiter, on the 15th Chiron and on the 17th Neptune. Leo looks at those Venus trines and lunges for his day planner to schedule spa and beauty treatments, and maybe some time to meditate. For that matter Leo reckons, anytime after after July 31st when loving Venus lands in nurturing Cancer is a great time to be pampered, as if an astrological excuse was ever necessary. The oppositions, however, are a little trickier. Leo knows that they represent polarities, but his hopeful outlook sees them as opportunities to bring balance and synthesis to competing agendas and viewpoints, With Chiron’s assistance, he decrees that all will be made well in his kingdom. This solar cycle. like all others, brings the often dreaded squares, Venus to Uranus on July 28th, the foreboding Mars to Saturn on August 10th and Mars to Uranus on the 18th. (Mis)use the words Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Squares in astrology, and you can scare the pants right off of a lot of people. Not Leo. As the coolest of cosmic cats he calmly and clearly recognizes the powers of formidable forces, so he marks those days on his calendar with the words “beware of tension” and “chance for resolution” in big bold letters. And really, even if temporarily panic-stricken by the misguided musings of fearful astrologers and TV anchormen, would Leo ever display his inner terror to the entire world? Not on your life.

If you really want to know where the Leo heart lives, look for the dates he’s circled to apply for that historically low mortgage rate, after clever, clear-thinking Mercury has moved into grounded and discerning Virgo on August 2nd perhaps? Maybe he’s set his gigantic heart on August 17th, when Mercury conjuncts Saturn, because he knows that Saturn’s sober influence under sensible Virgo will guarantee him of a very realistic evaluation. His ruler also sextiles Mars that day, giving his audacious move a heavenly green light. Leo doesn’t care if there’s an entire Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing “The sky is falling, the sky is falling.” He wants to live in the plushest of lairs and is poised to pounce on that $15.000.00 first time buyer’s credit. Why he’s already working on the guest list for his star-studded housewarming party.

Vein, bossy, arrogant and childish the nay sayers project on the regal spirit of Leo. They miss his point entirely. It takes guts, first-class showmanship and sometimes a little exaggerated self-confidence to play the role of leader. Who better than the hard-working, loyal Lion with his heart of pure gold to help cheerlead us out of times of doubt and Depression? When he wins, he lavishes the gifts and goodies on everyone holding court, inviting all to dream big and to know it is entirely possible to succeed. And if he doesn’t, instead of sitting around sulking - that would make his eyes puffy - his improvisational gifts go right to work on the next big adventure.

So with those fab-u-lous new spectacles Leo has graced you with this year, watch the proud gorgeous spirit of this fixed and feisty fire sign toss his commanding, luxurious mane, along with fear and caution, to the wind. Leo asserts to one and all that life is just marvelous, and if it is not, we possess the ability to make it so again.

Sun into Leo: Time of Empowerment

On July 22nd the Sun returns to its home sign of Leo, initiating one of the most powerful solar cycles of the 2008. Two eclipses, the start of the Olympic Games and the 888 movement for global harmony and healing will occur during this cycle. If this article finds you unhappy with any aspect of your life, take heart and action. This year the season of the Lion generously offers lavish sums of confidence and courage, and most importantly a golden opportunity to heal and to take our power back.

Chances are that you are already familiar with the transformational energy available during eclipses. This pair happen on August 1st with the new moon at 3:13 A.M. PST and August 16th when the moon will be full at 2:16 P.M. PST. Fiery reds, oranges and golds and royal purple are Leo’s magnificent colors and they correspond to the first three and sixth chakras or energy centers of the body. The first three chakras represent our power and expression in the physical dimension. You may want to think of these as the manifestation chakras. Their state of weakness or wellness largely determines what and who shows up in our lives. The third eye represents our spiritual awareness. The upper and lower three chakras meet at the heart or center chakra where the dance of who we truly are and how we are showing up in the world is ongoing. This Leo cycle with its eclipse energies is ideal for healing and strengthening these chakras. We can combine our consciousness with being here now in powerful new ways. Here are some suggestions on how to work with these energies.



Meditate on it. Simply relax and begin pouring color into each chakra, red for the root, orange for the sacral, golden-yellow for the solar plexus and royal purple or violet into the third eye. As you feel each color’s energy entering your energy field, allow it to wash away all old messages and memories that have made you feel blocked, hurt or dis-empowered in any way. Intend that those old, lower, dark and heavy energies are replaced with the luminous empowering radiance of each color and affirm your healing. Whether you’re troubled by a minor irritation or you are trying to clear an issue or pattern you have carried around for years, affirm that the negative energies it corded in you are released for once and for all time. Then immediately begin rewriting your “story” the way you want it to work out, fully taking in the loving and healing energies being extended to you. This practice may be applied to personal issues as well as global ones. In closing your work, affirm that you are taking your power in the situation back and ask for guidance from the Divine as to the actions to take next, trusting that the steps you need to take will be revealed. And thank the Divine for working with you. For stronger work, perform this mediation in the sunshine. Not only is the Sun Leo’s symbolic planet and our planetary source of power, it is also associated with the Egyptian god of healing Ra and ArchAngel Raphael who is the veritable head surgeon of the Angelic realm. You can also work with the purifying and enlivening properties of fire by burning Leo colored candles at this time. And you can sport the Leo colors or flashier fashions from your wardrobe during this cycle to raise those Leo vibrations.

It’s important to realize that many of our problems are caused because we gave or continue to give away our power, in one way or another. While it’s easy to blame and to project, it’s wiser to use the precious energy we are for self-healing. As we heal, so does all around us. To that end, I want to mention two things in closing. One, the Olympic Games begin on August 8th, right smack in between the eclipses. On this occasion when people are literally connecting from all corners of Earth, I request that you say a prayer or affirmation of world peace. 08/08/08 also marks the beginning of the movement for global harmony and healing. The idea is simply that for eight days we take action on the social issues that most concern us to create a butterfly effect of positive change. To whatever extent you participate or not, I invite you on one or all eight days to simply hold the space for the ascension of our collective consciousness. A beautiful white organic gardenia candle, thoughtfully wrapped tissue paper, has been sitting in my altar drawer for the past couple of months, and now I know when to light it.

With love and blessings,
Elizabeth