The Sun is now decidedly in Leo. It seems a minute ago the year was new-minted; and yet now we’re cruising straight for Lammas (the Pagan midsummer festival, in early August), and enough has happened to make the past eight months seem like 16 years.

Photo by Eric.

Mars is also starting to gather speed once more, and is moving away from the quincunx with Uranus-Eris, which might hopefully bring a slight ease of recent tensions. That should be assisted by a grand fire trine, also involving Uranus-Eris (the other parties being Pholus in Sagittarius and Mercury — with Venus hot on its heels — in Leo).

Then on Monday the Sun will itself form a trine aspect to Saturn, on its way to entering that same formation.

That’s a lot of fire energy being expressed through harmonious, or easy, contacts; to name a few possible effects, this can fuel an inventive, playful or pioneering spirit. It’s resonant with the time of year — think barbecues and parties on a warm day, or relaxing on the beach.

We could all use a breather right now, and this week’s astrology has one or two pointers.

Firstly, you may benefit somewhat from treating yourself with the same sort of kindness you’d offer to someone who had recently been through a difficult experience. For example, cultivate the company of people in whose society you feel happier. And notice what you’re eating, because (speaking from many years of experience) nothing gives you mood swings quite like a sugar rush.

Above all, pay attention to your feelings and instincts; work patiently with them, and get to know their true origin. Remember also that shame and guilt are tools of societal oppression, and treat them accordingly should they appear.

Then, if you feel irritation or worry begin to build, take deliberate steps to find a safe and effective outlet. If this outlet is creative, all the better — because this astrological setup is ideal for any project of that sort. If, as the saying goes, you have a novel in you, by all means dust off your pen and get scribblin’.

Eric is about to begin creating the new 2016 Midyear Reading, BALANCE. Covering Jupiter in Libra and other forthcoming astrology, this exciting reading will carry you well into 2017. Seize your chance to get all 12 signs for the bargain price of $47. Grab your copy today. Image from the 2012 Blue Marble by NASA GSFC.