“Oh Sweet child of mine….. Oh sweet love of mine…..”
~~~ Guns and Roses

“Every little soul must shine….must shine…every little soul must shine…….”
~~~ Paul Westerberg from the song Mr. Rabbit

This month the summer peaks and life heats up as we celebrate the Sun’s passage through its own sign Leo the Lion. Just as Cancer is the only sign ruled by the moon, Leo is the only sign ruled by the Sun. It is the sign of royalty, leadership, wild animals, artists, performers and children.

While Cancer the preceding sign is involved in a deeply internal incubation, in Leo a star is born. Leo rules the solar child who cannot wait to get on stage and express, perform and play. Like the Sun, Leo loves to be the center of attention and can easily command center stage. This is an important skill for the sign that rules theater and performance.

Leo rules royalty, mirroring the kingship of the Sun within our solar system. In Leo we are reminded that we all come from a divine and kingly celestial heritage. As Karl Sagan put it “we are made of star stuff.” While the Earth is our mother, the Sun is the masculine or active force that makes all life on earth possible. Leo rules the heart which also sustains us for as long as it continues beating.

Like the Sun which constantly pours light heat and energy upon us, Leo is also generous with energy and resources, but generally likes recognition for its gifts. Leo rules leadership. Like its totem the Lion it is OK being in charge, the King or Queen of the jungle. The Lion also represents the entire animal kingdom and represents a wild untamed life-force within us that needs maturity and tempering before it can be used in enlightened ways or to actually achieve enlightenment. Otherwise immature Leo is prone to wild fits of temperament and dominance.

The other dark shadow cast by the blinding light of Leo is that of extreme self-centeredness or narcissism. This is the shadow of not only Leo but of the Aquarian age. Despite all the progress we have made toward global democracy the obsession with fame, celebrity, selfishness and excess acts like a drug and continues to disempower us from meaningful dialogue and action that could remake our world into something sustainable and soul nourishing. The problem and solution to this problem lies in the most transcendent Leo archetype: the sacred inner child.

Within each of us is an inner child. This is the child part of us that was conditioned by events in our outer lives as we matured. Most of our immature, frightened and selfish behaviors stem from this part of us periodically or regularly taking over and running our lives. It is helpful to remember that narcissism is actually a disorder brought about by an extremely weak sense of self. A narcissist is someone who did not get anywhere near enough real reflection from their early caregivers, hence the obsession with self-seeking. In a culture currently obsessed with orchestrating fun and play dates for children the one missing ingredient seems to be real presence and true attention.

This is the solution for both our inner and outer children. In astrology the God who brings the sickness is the God who brings the cure. Our selfishness needs to be treated by going within and truly connecting with the self in the form of the inner child. Often we would rather run from this because it can be painful or overwhelming to connect with a needy and vulnerable part of ourselves, but the dividends are worth it. Paradoxically, we can only truly mature when we first acknowledge and deal with our immature parts.

The child holds the key to our authentic selves and to the shining contribution that we came here to make. While some inner child work can be painful and difficult (If there was serious abuse in your childhood, it is best to work with a trained professional) other inner child work is as simple as child’s play. Go within and connect with the child. What did they love to do and play at when you were young? Your inner child may need to paint, play hand ball, fly kites, make collages, dance or ride a bike. This may sound light and too easy but Leo, the sign of the mighty Sun rules fun and recreation. Leo reminds us that regeneration depends upon us having fun, and doing that which gives us joy

Leo rules creativity. Remember all acts from making coffee to writing a book are in some way creative. If you were neglected as a child you may not feel entitled to make a contribution. Again the solution is spend quality time with your inner child. Really see them and really listen to what this part of you needs or is starved for, then as the adult begin to give that mature solid support and attention to this part of yourself. This is a healthy use of attention and will have the excellent side effects in your adult life of you becoming more mature and kidnapped less often (Napped by the kid) Also it will take the pressure off everyone else in your life to give you endless attention.
Everyone came here to shine. Every single one of us is here at this time to contribute what only we can to the whole. This month while Mercury, the planet of thought, is retrograde in Leo use the reflective time to meditate on the state of your inner child, your creativity and your unique contribution. Remember all gifts are equal in the eyes of the universe. One need not get an Academy Award to make a major contribution. Your gift may be cooking, arts and crafts, music, computers, animal communication, organizing or something else. The important thing is that you love doing it. Let yourself shine where you shine. Another way to heal this part of you is begin noticing and delighting in other people’s talents. See how much they contribute to the Greater Good. Have no fear of scarcity. The universe went through extraordinary efforts to bring you into being. There is something wonderful for you to do here that is a perfect expression of you and only you.

This month to make the most of Leo energy. Play. Have fun. Spend time with kids and notice how they make fun out of the most simple things. Spend time in wild places, oceans, forests, trails. Hang out with animals. Create! Create! Create!. Make art. Make a list of 10 things you loved doing as a child and do one of them immediately. Do inner child work. When not running around with kids and animals, be regal. Be a leader. (not a tyrant) Lead from the front. Explore your innate royalty. Have fun. Go to the theater or any performance. Take to the stage yourself. Each day while the Sun is in Leo spend at least ten minutes being really present for your inner child. Let your true radiant self shine, shine, shine!

The Sun went into Leo on July 22nd giving us all added vitality and solar energy to power our summer and will remain there till August 22nd when it enters Virgo. We are all asked to focus on joyful self expression and our authentic selves at this time.

Mercury went into Leo on June 25th and went retrograde in Leo on July 14th. It will remain in retrograde till August 8th. This is a great time to do a deep meditation and reflection on your relationship to your children, your inner child, your creativity and your romantic life. On the 8th when Mercury goes direct take action on what you discovered during the retrograde. Mercury will remain in Leo till August 31st when it enters Virgo.

Venus begins the month in Gemini where it joins Jupiter the planet of massive expansion, making this an excellent time to expand our minds viewpoints and philosophical understanding. Big love may be in the air. We may fall in love with a spiritual path or an approach to knowledge. On August 7th Venus moves into Cancer and our love turns towards home and family and nesting. Venus finishes the month in Cancer bringing our hearts back home.

Mars, the planet of war, drive and desire, is in diplomatic, peace loving Libra, where it joins Saturn, teaching us to fight for Justice and balance in our lives, while setting graceful boundaries. This is a great month to formally study art or get involved with issues of justice. From the 9th of August till the 23rd, Mars and Saturn are actually conjunct giving us disciplined energy to create and fight for Justice and beauty in our lives. On August 23rd mars enters Scorpio, bringing our energetic focus to areas of intimacy, joint wealth, death and the deep unconscious.

Saturn is moving through the last degrees of Libra as it prepares to move into Scorpio this October. Now is the time to ends relationships that are not based on fairness and mutual benefit.
All the outer planets are currently retrograde making this a time of deep reflection on the truly transformational issues of the day:
Uranus, the planet of revolution and evolution is retrograde in Aries giving us a reflective pause in the revolutionary activism we have been seeing globally. This is a time to reflect on personal and collective liberty, and all that stands in the way of true humanitarianism. This is a moment of revising strategy rather than taking action.
Neptune the planet of spirituality and vision is retrograde asking us to go within and revise the vision for our lives and the world. This is a time to connect with the source or go on vision quest.
Pluto the plant of power and transformation is retrograde in Capricorn asking us to revise our approach to finance, corporate culture and government.

The full moon on August 2nd is in Aquarius, bringing issues of individuality, creativity our inner child and friendship lives to a head.
The New moon in Leo will be at 11:54 AM on August 17th. This is an excellent time to move forward with creative projects. Join us at spiritual living .com on the 17th for our monthly New Moon teleseminar for details go to spiritual living .com

There is another full Moon, this time in Pisces on August 31st. This is a blue moon, which is an extra full moon within a cycle. it is a great time to integrate what has been going on for the past 3 months. Virgo Pisces help us to assimilate and integrate knowledge and experience. More about this at our New Moon ceremony.

ARIES: The Sun is shining in your creative sector this month bringing added vitality to your urge to express yourself. Mercury is retrograde in this house asking you to remember and retrieve inner child parts and creative projects you may have forgotten. Do the work of reflecting, remembering and rescuing. You will be happy with the results. Try to imagine a world where you can fully have yourself your autonomy and independence, while at the same time have fair committed partnerships where everyone benefits. There are major opportunities for you this month in the communication sector. Say yes to all opportunities involving writing and speaking. Don’t be afraid to think big in this department. With benevolent and massive Jupiter in this sector. Bigger is better. Reflect on your creativity till the 8th then move into action.

TAURUS: Home and family are the big focus this month and with Mercury retrograde in Leo there is a deep reflection on issues of family but especially your children. This month really consider your relationship to your kids and put their wellbeing at the forefront. If you don’t have children use this time to reflect on your roots and ancestry. On the 8th move forward with what you have decided or arrived at. There is a big opportunity for you to make money this month, but communication is the key. If you are a writer or have something you’d like to pitch or propose wait till after the 8th. After the New Moon on the 17th is also a great time to move ahead with creative projects and ideas. Saturn is in your work sector along with Mars. You have been working hard and setting boundaries in this sector. In October this energy enters your partnership sector. Build that boundary muscle now.

GEMINI: It’s a wonderful life at the moment Gemini, with mighty Jupiter, the God of protection and expansion in your sector; you are living larger than ever before. Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love, has been gracing your sign for months now bringing a honeymoon energy that has you reeling with beauty and delight. Mercury is retrograde in Leo, making this a time of reflection on childhood issues. Be careful and circumspect on how you communicate with others. This is a great time to do some inner child work, or to reflect on old projects or creative ideas you once cast aside. Mars and Saturn in the romance and creativity sector make this a great time to focus on your creativity. Beware of temperamental flare-ups with romantic partners. This aspect could make or break a romance.

CANCER: The Sun is shining in your house of personal wealth and self-esteem making this a great month to focus on both. With Mercury retrograde in Leo in this sector, this is a great time to reflect on how your childhood experiences may have affected your self-esteem and your earning potential. This may also be a time when your actual children need your attention. Spend the time between now and the 8th to focus on your relationship to them. What needs repair or recovery? After the 8th act on what you have discovered. With Saturn in your home and ancestry sector along with Mars you may find yourself angry with your home life situation. Saturn is teaching you that good parenting often means saying no. Let fairness be your guide at home. Pluto continues to oppose you with the goal being your empowerment. Find partners who support the new empowered version of you.

LEO: For those of you born before the 8th this will be a year of deep reflection. Those born after the 8th will be moving ahead with mental plans and ideas. Your birthday month begins with Mercury retrograde in your sign giving you an uncharacteristic inward focus. This is a good thing. It is time to heal all that stands in the way of your joyful expression. It is also a good time to tie up loose ends and finish up unfinished business. After the 8th when Mercury goes direct move ahead with creative plans. Have fun this month rediscovering what gave you joy as a child. Fun is the key to you giving your gifts to the world, but it must be fun and joy as you define it not as the world or pop culture does. Dare to truly be you regardless of peer pressure or popular opinion. The serious focus for you is in the realm of communication. Do your homework here. There is a major opportunity coming to you from the friendship sector. Say yes to all opportunities and do plenty of networking. Get in touch and stay in touch with your inner child. This is the key to your joyful participation in life.

VIRGO: The Sun is shining in your spiritual sector along with Mercury retrograde, making this a time of deep spiritual reflection. This month spending time with children, animals or your inner child is your holy work. The child is one of the deep spiritual archetypes and represents the re-born consciousness. It also represents a return to innocence and complete childlike reliance on the source. Spend the time between now and the 8th contemplating how this applies to you. This is a time to return to childlike innocence and connect with the source. After the 8th move ahead with creative plans. There is major planetary energy in your financial sector. Mars is giving you fuel to move ahead with money making plans and Saturn is helping you get your ducks in a row and formalize fair partnerships. After the 8th is a good time to sign contracts.

LIBRA: Mars has moved into your sector joining Saturn the hard teacher who has been testing you and all your relationships to the breaking point. With Mars entering the fray, this could be the critical mass that ends any partnerships where there is unfairness going on. Mars will also give you renewed vigor, desire and passion if you have been experiencing burnout due to overworking. The Sun is shining in your house of friendship and networking, so look for a new burst of energy from that quarter. With Mercury retrograde also in that sector old friends and contacts may resurface. You may be reflecting on friendships at the moment and evaluating them. It’s a good time to focus on creative friendships and projects you may want to collaborate on. Watch your speech with friends and contacts till after the 8th when Mercury goes direct.

SCORPIO: This month the Sun is shining in your career sector giving you added vitality to focus on that arena. With Mercury in retrograde in that house it’s a walk down career memory lane. Till the 8th is a good time to reflect on your authentic self and how your career supports or thwarts you. Now is also a great time to resurrect old creative projects and do some inner child work to see if old childhood issues may be thwarting your career trajectory. Saturn and Mars are in your spiritual sector so it’s a great time to ramp up your spiritual practice and Feng Shui the old cycle that comes to an end in October. There is a big opportunity for healing and joint ventures in your house of the deep unconscious. Go deep and transform as only you can Scorpio. The result could be wealth beyond your wildest dreams.

SAGITTARIUS: This month the Sun is shining in your house of long journeys Sagittarius, making travel fun and joyful. With Mercury retrograde in this house some travel plans may go awry. Just go with the flow till the 8th when Mercury goes direct. You may be returning to a much loved location. This is also a time for deep philosophical reflection. Contemplate your relationship to childlike joy and innocence, to creativity and the arts. Arts in most ancient cultures were a way of connecting to magical and sacred forces. Muse on all of this and after the 8th take any creative action that feels alive to you. With Jupiter and Venus in your house of partnerships this is a time when your love life feels truly expansive. Love has never felt so abundant and joyful. Enjoy the ride.

CAPRICORN: The Sun is shining in your house of the deep dark unconscious this month illuminating the dark nooks and crannies of the soul. Mercury is also down there shedding added light to the darkest places within you. With Mercury retrograde this is a great time to do some shadow work. Also explore inner child parts that you would much rather avoid. What does the neediest inner child part need from you? What does the angriest inner child part need from you? Finding out and supplying the need could be truly life altering. Mars has entered your career house, joining Saturn and giving you an added burst of energy to deploy toward your career goals. Jupiter and Venus in your work and health sector give you wonderful and expansive opportunities on both fronts.

AQUARIUS: The Sun is shining in your partnership sector this month bringing added vitality and fun to your relationships and partnerships. With Mercury retrograde also in this sector you may be reflecting on your partnerships and how they mirror unresolved issues from your childhood. Guard your speech with partners till the 8th when Mercury goes direct. There is a wonderful expansive energy in your house of children and creativity. With Jupiter in that sector you may be traveling with your children, or their education and higher learning may also be expanding your mind. Art, creativity and fun are excellent ideas for you this month. Play at things that used to give you joy as a child.

PISCES: The Sun is shining in your house of work this month shedding light on your work life. Mercury retrograde in that sector may bring back old contacts who want to work with you. It is also a good time to take stock of your approach to work between now and the 8th when Mercury goes direct, and reflect on what is and is not working in your approach to your daily work. Jupiter and Venus are still in your career sector bringing massive opportunity to your home and family. There is a wonderful new expansive feeling around family, home and ancestry. Mars has entered your realm of intimacy and shared resources giving you a strong desire to partner up and share your life with someone. Neptune in your own sign makes you more sensitive and visionary than ever. Trust your instincts.

Namaste,
Demitra