The Sun Moves Into Leo & An Aquarius Full Moon Follows

  The Sun leaves the Cardinal Water sign of Cancer Monday morning at 11:56 a.m. moving into Leo, Fixed Fire, for 30 days of fun in the sun, drama, creativity and willful egos!!  Leo is the sign of the child and as such symbolizes the joy, awe and delight of being alive; after all, it's ruling planet is the life-giving Sun. If you are a Leo, or know any Leos, you know they are warmhearted and outgoing, often expressing themselves enthusiastically and dramatically. While the Sun is traveling through its' home territory of Leo, people like to make flourishing displays of love and creativity, so long as it is returned. Don't be afraid to show your affection this month, especially with your children or grandchildren. Let them show you how to play and have fun! Just don't laugh at anyone's self-expression - it won't be well received.
 
  The build-up to tomorrow's Full Moon in Aquarius, highlights of our progress since the Cancer New Moon on the 8th. How did you feel during the last two weeks...? were things overwhelming as you tried to build in some security for yourself...? Maybe you just wanted to hide, what with all the emotions flowing around and breakdowns in communication, also cars, phones and computers on the fritz during Mercury retrograde. Well, now that Mercury is direct and the Sun is about to change signs, we'll be noticing a shift in the energies again, away from so much water and toward more enthusiasm!

   The Sun is starting his journey through fiery, Fixed Leo the same day as the Full Moon occurs in the opposite sign of Fixed Air, Aquarius. This polarity encompasses sharing of ideas and creativity for the good of all, so while relaxation and fun is on your mind, the bigger focus is how to expand that enthusiasm to insure that everyone gets to be included in enjoying themselves in some way. And remember that tomorrow's Aquarian Moon energy isn't concerned with your feelings, just your thoughts. You can share what you think about recent events, etc. but watch out for becoming overly emotional or self-centered. The humanitarian spotlight of this Full Moon will show us where we need to work together for the greater good.

   There is even more to add to Monday's excitement, because volatile Mars joins forces with expansive Jupiter in Cancer, increasing an atmosphere of expectation and possibility on the home front. Mars represents action and Jupiter likes to make a big deal out of everything, so just be sure that whatever you're tooting your horn about isn't going to stir things up in a belligerent way. Rather, focus your energies on getting something done around the house that makes everyone feel better about where they live. The opportunity you've been waiting for may appear and you get the green light to act at long last!

  Another planetary ingress is Venus' entry into Mutable Earth sign Virgo, putting emphasis on valuing organization and planning. As Venus symbolizes money, it's a good time to make a budget and look at spending or saving patterns. What can you do to be more discerning about where, or on what, you are putting your resources into? Virgo also rules the intestines so proper diet and nutrition habits can be instituted from now through mid-August.

    All-in-all, this can be an active time of interaction and anticipation as we decide how best to use our skills and resources within the context of the whole. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!
 

  

New Moon in Cancer & Saturn Goes Direct

   The New Moon occured a few hours after midnight at 17 degrees of the Cardinal Water sign, Cancer. When the Sun and Moon come together, our inner and outer selves can align for a focused new beginning. In water,that puts the emphasis on emotions, home & family and nurturance. You now have a lunar cycle to plant new seeds for emotional security, tend them with loving care and watch how your subconscious responds to life through feelings rather than reason. Be gentle with yourself and your loved ones!

    The waxing Moon energy of the next two weeks is ideal for building family solidarity and listening to the needs of each member of the household. Are someone's needs being overlooked or taken for granted? Is one person getting the lion's share of attention, good or bad, because they demand or need it more than the rest of you? Even people who say they don't "care" about what goes on, probably do, but are so used to be passed over they just aren't in the habit of giving their opinion or input. Whatever the situation in your house, this is the month to address the emotions of everyone involved for a more harmonious home. One way to come together and find out what people need, is to prepare a meal together (you make the salad, I'll grill, you do the potato salad...) then actually sit down at the table together and enjoy each others' company - eat first, then talk when the meal is done!

   As Cancer involves feelings and deals with the subconscious,  this is an important time to pay attention to your habitual way of responding to emotional stimuli, ie: button-pushing! Do you want to stop over-reacting when upset, or maybe you need to stop reaching for something to eat or drink that you know is only a bandaid for the bigger issue... this is a good month to work with yourself on new and better habits. Start slow, be consistent and remember everything takes practice!!

   Another big shift is happening today as the heavy-hitting planet of responsibility, Saturn, goes into direct motion after four and a half months of being retrograde. Expect that it will take from now until mid-October to begin to see progress in your joint projects, especially as they involve business. Saturn shows us where we need to focus our efforts and in Scorpio, this usually has to do with deep personal feelings involving our desire nature, whether it's for a better sexual relationship, a co-creative venture or a new business partnership. You've been learning a lot about what your partner needs in the last several months and now that you understand the give and take ratio a bit better, you can work with what each of you brings to the table. This focused effort will pay off in the long run if you are both committed to bringing about positive results and don't operate from obsessiveness, jealousy or a feeling of inadequacy.

   As you treat yourself and your loved ones with tenderness this month, remember to spend time in the water whenever you can and keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground~