The Sun entering Leo today begins the process of two eclipses on the Leo-Aquarius axis. The first takes place Friday: a total lunar eclipse in Aquarius, conjunct retrograde Mars — followed by a partial solar eclipse in Leo itself.
We’re also approaching the peak of the summer season, with the Sun in its sign of rulership; and one of the cross-quarter days, Lughnasadh (pronounced lunessa), celebrated by neo-Pagans the first week of August, as the Sun nears the Leo midpoint.
A total lunar eclipse in progress, in 2014, over Katmai, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Apart from the eclipses, the standout aspect of the week is retrograde Mars opposite Pallas, with both conjunct the nodes.
Pallas is the goddess of protection, law and diplomacy, placed on the cutting-edge North Node of the Moon. This shows a potential direction we might head in: trying to work things out. That might require letting go some of the “strong ego” quality for which Leo is famous.
Mars retrograde in Aquarius describes either a group dynamic, or one person expressing their individuality, pitted against a group of some kind. So we have two dynamics set up against one another, amplified by the nodes. The setup is more a question than an answer. Which dynamic rules? How does the group treat the individual? What is the relationship between the one and the many?
Another prominent feature of this week’s astrology is Venus in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces, which happens Tuesday. This aspect speaks of the nature of discernment and boundaries within relationships. Many people have something of a blind spot when it comes to both what they want and what they don’t want. You might consider that you don’t need to settle for anything less than what you desire with your whole soul.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the day before the lunar eclipse, Mercury stations retrograde in Leo. Mercury will be spending its entire retrograde phase here: in a naturally creative sign, which opens the possibility of innovative ways of thinking, and fresh, quirky solutions to longstanding problems.
On the other hand, speaking of “strong ego,” Mercury in Leo can also be given to exaggeration and hyperbole, as well as boasting. In the internet age, when everyone is a blogger, this is sometimes an easy temptation, and you can find yourself slipping across the line between a good story and playing with the truth. To paraphrase the author Susan Coolidge, fiction definitely has a place, so long as you don’t try to make people believe it’s real.
Understanding yourself and your motivations is essential to communicating honestly. Forget the idea that there is a specific image you need to present to the world. Even in the hall of mirrors that is the internet, you can offer simple, clear thoughts and feelings without any embellishments or drama attached. Remember, this too is a form of courage.
— with Amy Elliott