Monthly Astro Forecast: Solar Eclipse in Leo

As everyone with even the vaguest of interests in matters celestial or spiritual must be aware, the next new moon, on Monday 21 August, is a solar eclipse, at 28° Leo. The eclipse is visible from much of North America, and may or may not have strong connections to American politics, which have been so much discussed by astrologers that they have even made it into the mainstream media. It does seem to be an especially dynamic energy, with close connections in the eclipse chart to both Mars and Uranus, planets of action and change. Its a fiery solar eclipse, there's aggression here, and the potential for drama. The energy of the individual is strong, with a big impetus to find and express our authentic selves, or simply to demand attention and insist things are done our way. The closest aspects are trines, where the energy flows easily and harmoniously. Maybe too easily, so that we ignite the fires and risk them burning out of control, firing ourselves up to action and even rebellion without considering or caring about the consequences. Leo can be a childish energy, even petulant. Remind you of any world leaders around about now?

In the chart set for London, England, the solar eclipse takes place in the seventh house, realm of partnerships and of the "other". The close trine to Uranus brings third house concerns into focus. Self and other, self and collective, always the dynamic of Leo and Aquarius. The third house is our neighbours, our local community. How can we be a good partner, a good friend, a good neighbour, and still be true to ourselves? If this eclipse connects closely to your natal chart, you may see changes coming into your life from these areas. This is an expect the unexpected kind of eclipse, the seed point for a revolution. Inner or outer, in relationship or in community. I think this eclipse has the potential to strengthen the collective, and perhaps we are already seeing this as people unite against racism and extremism, even as those who would divide us along such lines seem to gain in power. The process of this eclipse cycle is to work on the balance between the individual and the collective, how we balance our own self expression with our contribution to society. Ideally we can honour our passions and make them our service to others.

Perhaps it's a good thing that a few days after the eclipse, the heavens bring some more grounded energy. The Sun moves into Virgo on August 22nd, bringing that "back to school" feeling. The transition from Leo to Virgo is about manifesting our dreams and visions, applying our talents, putting our creativity into practice. Summer makes way for autumn, and we are asked to consider how and where we focus our energy at this time of seasonal transition. Moving into September, the Sun opposes the outer planets moving through watery Pisces, Neptune on September 5th and Chiron on September 19th. These short transits are an opportunity to illuminate our potential for health and healing, and to highlight emotional or spiritual imbalances which may affect us on a physical level. Ideally, we can balance Virgoan need for tangible effects with Pisces' holistic, intuitive approach to find the healing which works best for us. On August 25th, Saturn goes stationary direct in adventurous Sagittarius, reminding us where we need to work hard to move forward on our journey. We may find ourselves questioning our worldview, seeking proof of our faith. Or it could be the end of a phase of doubt, with the way ahead becoming clear again even if its hard work.

There's still plenty of potent Leo energy around though, with Venus moving into Leo on August 26th, prompting us to consider self worth and to let ourselves shine. I always see this as quite a flamboyant placement for Venus, the performer who wants to be recognised as talented and beautiful. On the same day, Mars conjuncts the North Node, fuelling the fires of our journey towards individual self expression. If you've been tempted to strike out on your own, to stand out from the crowd, it's time to take the risk. We may have to defend our choices to those close to us, especially if they are not comfortable or familiar or what is expected of us, but this can strengthen our resolve. Time to have the courage of your convictions, and take action, ready to get stuck down and dirty with the practical hard work when Mars moves into Virgo on September 5th. On August 31st, Mercury retrogrades back into Leo for a few days, giving us an opportunity to revisit our creative vision with the benefit of a detailed Virgo review, and make any changes we need to move forward. On September 5th, Mercury goes stationary direct and we can begin to make progress in the right direction. The interplay between Virgo and Leo continues into September, with Mercury moving into sensible Virgo on the 10th. Venus crosses the North Node in Leo on the 14th, highlighting our relationships and the connections which influence our path in life. This is a good time to consider how our relationships change us, to contemplate where we act from habit or projection (South Node) and where / how relating to others helps us to grow as an individual (North Node). Venus moves into Virgo, becoming less flamboyant and more likely to value the earthy gifts of focus and applied knowledge, on September 20th, just a few hours before the next new moon.