The Aries full moon will be exact in the morning hours of October 17th, but we are already feeling it, and it will be especially potent tomorrow, October 16th. This moon is forming squares with Mars, the planet of action and aggression, and Pluto, the planet associated with power and compulsion. And when it’s in Aries, the moon is ruled by Mars, so the Martian energy is extra heavy.
What does this mean? Intensity! Even though this moon marks the end of eclipse season, this will still be intensely felt and give off eclipse-type vibes. Aries has many great qualities (leadership, pioneering, joie de vivre, spontaneity), but it is not known for restraint. You may already feel more punchy than normal. Have you had trouble sleeping? I woke up at 3:30am last night and didn’t fall back asleep until 5ish, and the whole time I was awake I was agitated. If you have sleep issues regularly or if you find yourself easily influenced by the moon cycles, tonight and tomorrow night you should try to wind down early and do whatever you can do to help you rest.
The Aries moon is opposite the sun in Libra. Mars is in Cancer, and Pluto is at the very last degree of Capricorn. These four planets are forming a grand cross in the four signs known as the cardinal signs. Cardinal signs are the initiating signs of the zodiac. Each one ushers in a new season and represents beginnings.
She’s startin’.
Dorinda, like yours truly, has an Aries moon. People with Aries moons can be impulsive, can be eruptive when pushed, and have an emotional need to be #1. Of course, the entire birth chart of a person influences how they react and respond to conflict, but Dorinda’s iconic explosiveness is a pretty good representation of the potential intensity of an Aries moon. Can’t wait to see her on Traitors!
Full moons are about culminations and releases, so you may find yourself with the impulse to release some pent up anger or resentment this week. This is especially possible because of the friction with Mars and Pluto. At the same time, Venus, the planet of diplomacy and relationships, is in a tense opposition to Uranus, the planet of disruption, which unfortunately doesn’t make things easier. This is divorce energy.
It’ll be tough, but whenever you can over the next few days, try to ground yourself. If you can feel yourself boiling into a rage, take a couple steps back. Walk away from your laptop. Put your phone on the charger and leave the room. Take a walk if you feel yourself about to throw your plate across the dinner table.
You’ll feel this more acutely if you have any personal planets or luminaries (the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars) or angles (ascendant/rising, descendant, midheaven, or IC) at or around 24 degrees of any of the cardinal signs mentioned above. And if you ever want a complex look at how the transits could affect you based on your birth chart, book a reading with me!
As we go into Scorpio season, things won’t be less intense, but the mood will be a little less fiery, which I’m looking forward to. More on that in a couple weeks.
Jupiter moved into Gemini on May 25th, where it will be until June 9th of 2025. When Jupiter transits through a sign, we see the themes associated with that sign amplified and spread. They get bigger and more prevalent.
Gemini is an air sign that represents duality and communication. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, known as the trickster. I just read Circe by Madeline Miller and loved it. The book features Hermes (aka Mercury) as a character, and the playful and impermanent nature of Mercury is well described in the novel. Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He wants to be amused, entertained, to engage in tête-à-têtes, but he leaves at his liking, coming and going with the winds. In traditional astrology, Mercury can be either a benefic or a malefic planet, depending on certain factors. Again, duality is inherent to its essence.
With Jupiter moving through Gemini over the next year, we can expect to see advances in communication and transportation technology. We’ll also likely see a continued preponderance of news about air travel. I hope there will be improvements and expansion in air travel, but I also expect that there’s going to be a lot of news and buzz about increasing winds due to climate change, so there will probably be more and more stories about the kind of turbulence that has been so prominent lately.
Jupiter is technically in its detriment here because Jupiter rules Sagittarius, the sign opposite Gemini. Whereas Sagittarius wants to dive deep into topics and learn everything it can about them, Gemini wants the CliffsNotes. Geminis want shortcuts, tips, tricks, and workarounds. They get both intrigued and bored easily. They’re quick-thinking, questioning, and skeptical. Those with prominent Gemini placements often have a lot of friends and a lot of different interests because they need variety. They’re renaissance people.
Right now, the sun, Mercury, and Venus are all also in Gemini, giving us a lot of a ton of swift, airy Gemini energy. It’s like a blast of Gemini. The languorous days of Taurus season are behind us. My snake plant promptly died when all these planets moved into Gemini. I decided to give up on trying to keep it alive. And a few hours later I signed up to practice French on Duolingo. That’s Gemini season.
And coming up on June 6th, we have a new moon in Gemini. So atop all this Gemini energy, the new moon offers a chance to start anew, to make some choices, to put words to our thoughts and dreams. Saturn in Pisces will be squaring the new moon, causing some tension. Saturn is the planet of responsibility, so you may feel burdened and not fully able to do what you want, but write it down anyway. Gemini season is the season of the notes app.
Based on your rising sign, these are the broad brushstroke areas where you’ll see a lot of focus in the next few weeks, and then more long-term sustained growth over the next year as Jupiter moves through this part of your chart.
Gemini rising – This is your first house, the house of self. You may be faced with some big choices over the next year which could result in long-term implications, but generally (everything is dependent on your own chart and planetary placements), this is a time of opportunity for you. Ride the wave. You get an extra boost now, and some of that magic will sustain until next June.
Cancer rising – This is the area that deals with the subconscious and solitude. Dreams will be vivid and if you keep a dream journal, you’ll likely learn a lot about your innermost desires and fears. It’s a good time for planning a solo trip or meditation retreat for sometime in the next year. If you can, spending some time alone will likely be extra restorative and illuminating.
Leo rising – Gemini is in your house of friend groups, community, and hopes. You may see some more action in this area and find yourself branching out, making new connections, and putting yourself out into the world. Leo placements are social creatures, but you’ll probably feel more social than you already do and reap the rewards to casting a wide net.
Virgo rising – This part of your chart deals with your public persona and legacy. Most often this is tied to career, so this year you may be presented with some opportunities for career advancement or growth. You could create output that earns you widespread recognition. If you have been wanting to forge a new career path, this would be an auspicious time to take steps to do so.
Libra rising – The planet Jupiter and the part of your chart where it will be this year share some significations, meaning that you may feel even more of a push toward some of their themes: spirituality, teaching and learning, and long distance travel. While Jupiter is in Gemini, you may take a longer and/or longer-distance trip than you would otherwise, develop a strong interest in another culture or language or religion (or astrology, which is a topic associated with this area of the chart), or enroll in an academic program or begin teaching classes yourself.
Scorpio rising – For you, Jupiter will be in your 8th house. In traditional astrology, it’s the area of the chart that deals with life and death. More modern significations, though, expand the associations to the things we give to or receive from others. It’s the fruits and the byproducts of our relationships, everything from inheritances, our partner’s finances, and loans, to murkier stuff such as our emotional baggage and trauma. This could play out in many ways. You may get a mortgage or sell your place (when Jupiter was in my 8th house, I bought an apartment). You may get a bigger tax refund than usual that allows you to do something you wouldn’t normally do. Or you could start therapy!
Sagittarius rising – Jupiter is your chart ruler, so when Jupiter moves into a new part of your chart, you (and Pisces risings) feel it the most. There will be a lot of focus on relationships and partnerships this year. It could be that you’re entering a new phase of an existing relationship, or you begin a new one altogether. It could also mean you join forces with someone in a business partnership of some kind. Compromise and collaboration will be heavily featured themes for you with the planets in Gemini.
Capricorn rising – The transits through Gemini are occurring in your area of work, health, and service, so there will be a short-term heavy focus on these themes, and then as Jupiter continues to go through Gemini for the next year, you’ll see an expansion in this area. It’s a good time to take steps to improve your work habits and your health routines, as the efforts put in now can pay off in the future. This part of the chart also deals with pets, so given Jupiter’s significance, you may find yourself adopting a new furry friend this year.
Aquarius rising – Lucky you, this is the fun house, the part of your chart that rules joy, creativity, and romance. With so many planets in Gemini, this is the time to start doing the stuff you want to do. Lean into your creativity, and enjoy your sex life. This is also the part of the chart that deals with children, and Jupiter indicates expansion and growth, so just know that and act accordingly, depending on whether you do or don’t want a child anytime in the near future.
Pisces rising – Gemini is in the area of your chart that is associated with home and family, and Jupiter is your chart ruler, meaning that you’ll likely feel Jupiter’s influence more than most other rising signs. This could be a year where you expand your home base, or focus more energy on your home. It could also be a time when your family grows, or the time you spend with your family increases.
Aries rising – The area of your chart that deals with your neighborhood and neighbors, your siblings, short-distance/domestic travel, and communication will be buzzing. It’s a variegated collection of themes, so you may see growth or focus in just one of these topics or several. Maybe you find yourself traveling for work or pleasure a lot more than usual this year, or maybe you actually end up connecting with your neighbors in a way that feels enriching and expansive.
Taurus rising – For you, Gemini is in your house of money and resources. This could indicate growth in income or an expansion or advancement to the way you earn your income. With Jupiter going through your second house, there’s a lot of potential for increased abundance over the next year, which could resonate in different ways. Maybe it’s money; maybe it’s the people around you that you value most.
Enjoy the intellectual stimulation, and stay safe from the winds! And take all of these horoscopes with a grain of salt. Astrology is entertainment, not fortune telling.
“All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights” – Josh Ritter, “Kathleen”
The aurora borealis was visible for a wide swath of the US last weekend. At least where I was, it was cool-looking to the naked eye, but captured through a cell phone camera, it was pretty spectacular. The geomagnetic storm that allowed the lights to be visible farther south than usual was a very rare event. Did you feel like you were buzzing? It felt very Uranian, which is appropriate given all the Uranus conjunctions we’ve had lately.
Slow-moving Uranus, the planet of disruption, surprises, revolution, and yes, electricity, has been hanging out in Taurus since May 2018, and in the last month, we’ve had several faster-moving planets meeting up with the big U. First, there was the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in April, which coincided with the proliferation of the student protests against the war in Gaza, and to which we will likely be able to trace other major movements and innovations that have yet to unfold. Then, on May 13th, there was a Sun-Uranus conjunction, which means that individually, we have felt some nervousness or anxiety, got some jarring news, or had some emotional or mental revelations. Now, on May 18th, we get the Venus-Uranus conjunction, which could mean that personally, you learn something you didn’t know about your partner, or you may get some unexpected news about your finances, or something you thought you valued may suddenly shift.
Right on the heels of the Venus-Uranus conjunction, also on May 18th, there is a Sun-Jupiter conjunction. This happens once a year, when the sun gets to the same place in the sky as Jupiter. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth, and success. For those of us with day charts, this is especially auspicious, because the sun is our sect light and Jupiter is our primary benefic. (For those with night charts, the moon is your sect light and Venus your primary benefic. And if you want to learn more about your individual chart, book a consultation with me!)
The Sun represents our identity, our calling, our life force. The Sun is what gives us purpose. The Sun meeting up with Jupiter marks a time for us to think about how we want to expand our sense of purpose over the next year. If you have been horrified by what is happening in Gaza, for example, this is a great time to get active, call your reps, and join a movement. If you feel moved to do something else–writing, going back to school, planting a garden (Taurus always lends itself to the literal planting of seeds)–go for it. This weekend is a ripe time to listen and pay attention to inspiration that crops up.
Jupiter has been in Taurus since May of last year. You can read my thoughts on Jupiter in Taurus here and check out what this would have potentially meant for you depending on where Taurus is in your chart. However, since Jupiter moved into Taurus after the Sun had already arrived there, and the Sun moves a lot faster than Jupiter, this is the first and only Sun-Jupiter conjunction we’ll get in the sign of Taurus for a while. So, again, really have your feelers attuned to what is moving you and inspiring you, especially as it relates to the part of your chart with Taurus, because the seeds you plant now (it’s Taurus, all the metaphors are gardening metaphors), may blossom into events and outcomes that are especially fruitful for you.
With the electricity in the air, many of us have felt in our bones that big or new things were on the horizon, and this weekend is when whatever it is that is next for us may become clear. And in a couple days, Gemini season begins! Less planting, more talking.
As always, take all astrological-based advice with a grain of salt. Astrology isn’t fortune telling, and this post is based on my own interpretations of the planetary movements and what they represent.
There is a new moon in Taurus tonight, May 7th, at 18 degrees. This new moon is glorious for two reasons: 1) it is supported in rulership and by aspect, which I’ll get into, and 2) it marks the end of eclipse season.
How was your eclipse season? Every single eclipse does not have world-shaking, life-upending implications for every person. However, if you think back through your life, many of the most unpredictable, wrenching events that have occurred likely did so around eclipses.
I’ll offer a case from my own life. Libra falls in my 4th house, which has significations of home and family, and Aries in my 10th, which relates to career and public identity. Coinciding with the Libra lunar eclipse, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and my world has changed. This has resulted in shifting things around, pulling up stakes to change my home base, and the importance I place on my work and my public life sloughing away, like skin shed from a snake.
This has also meant that I haven’t been writing or consulting current astrology as much of late, but I know it’s there, a constant, and I see the impact unfolding for me personally. I’m ready for this eclipse season to be over, and with this eagerly anticipated new moon in Taurus, it will be. FINALLY.
And this new moon is resplendent (figuratively). It’s in Taurus, a fixed earth sign. The moon is exalted in Taurus, meaning that when the moon is in Taurus, it is like a special guest star, with fanfare and a spotlight. It operates with aplomb.
Taurus is practical and deliberate. The energy is slow and grounded. This new moon takes place between Venus and Jupiter, also both in Taurus, and both planets are benefics, which means that in ancient astrology, they were considered favorable (vs. the malefics Mars and Saturn).
The moon in Taurus is ruled by Venus, which, because it’s in Taurus now, is firing on all cylinders. Taurus is Venus’s domicile (along with Libra), so Venus has no barriers when it is in Taurus. Venusian energy, with its focus on relationships, love, luxuries, and values, is unfettered and prominent with this new moon.
The moon is also making a supportive aspect to Saturn in Pisces. Saturn lends it some stability, and in earth sign Taurus, this new moon becomes an auspicious time to lay the groundwork for new projects and for working toward our desires. It could be an especially potent time to start new physical routines and to focus on your self and your body. The Saturn aspect imbues anything we start now with some extra discipline, much needed after the chaos that the eclipses and Aries season wrought.
And because it’s in Taurus, the earth goddess sign, it marks a great time to garden and plant flowers, to buy a new piece of clothing or jewelry, and/or to learn to make a new signature dish or dessert. It’s all about beginning anew with mindfulness. Get out in nature if you can. In the words of English rose Natasha Bedingfield, feel the rain on your skin; no one else can feel it for you.
The new moon inspired me to write again and to do a little ritual, which I also haven’t done in a minute, because of the hope springing from it. And then I wait to see how this personal eclipse story of mine will conclude in March of next year, when the final eclipse of this cycle will occur. The rest is still unwritten.
Mars moved into Aquarius on February 13th and immediately met up with Pluto. In combination, these two planets are very powerful and volatile, and a conjunction between them can bring fights for power, violence stemming from grievances, and obsessions. The energy is intense, and as I’m writing this, on Friday the 16th, we’re still very much feeling this, but it’s waning. The most useful way to harness the Mars and Pluto conjunction is for us to tap into our bravery to face and overcome our deepest fears.
Now Venus moves in Aquarius today, February 16th, and it also joins with Pluto. Venus-Pluto conjunctions often indicate sexual obsessions, fixations with beauty and/or wealth, and deep, transformative circumstances in relationships. Maybe not the ideal vibe for Valentine’s Day, but it’s a good time for doing some deep soul searching about what you really want and hold dear.
Then next week, fresh off their conjunctions with Pluto, Venus and Mars meet late on February 21st (exact in the early morning hours of Feb 22nd). The Venus-Mars combination is most frequently marked by passion. It’s drive and action (Mars) combined with love and value (Venus). This energy can be very productive. It’s good for going after what we want. Venus and Mars generate magnetism, so we all may be feeling a little more attractive and attracted to others and experiences during this time.
This year, Venus and Mars are conjunct in Aquarius, so it’s an interesting energy. Aquarius is a sign that’s all about the collective, and it’s an air sign, the cold one, so it’s marked by intellectualizing with a cool detachment. It may chill the passions brought forth by Venus and Mars and direct them from being about self-gratification to instead improving the conditions for others. This marks an excellent time to get active about the causes you believe in.
We are nearing the halfway point of the Venus retrograde period, and a Venus cazimi will occur on Sunday, August 13th, at about 7:10am EDT. “Cazimi” is an astrology term that refers to the configuration formed when a planet is conjunct the Sun, or “in the heart of the Sun.”
Cazimis happen fairly regularly, but this Sun-Venus alignment, which will occur at 20 degrees of Leo, is noteworthy because it marks Venus’s transition from evening star to morning star, as it crosses the sun in its retrograde journey.
It’s also an opportune time for reflection, clarification, and manifestation. This is because of the combination of energies that will be present with the Sun and Venus meeting up.
The Sun, which represents the true self and our purpose, meets up with the planet that rules relationships, love, beauty, money, wealth, and that which we value. This conjunction will assist us in sussing out our hearts’ true desires from what we don’t actually want. Venus will still be retrograde until September 3rd, but this second phase of that trajectory should feel a little easier than the first and should offer more clarity on anything Venus-ruled you have been feeling confused about over the last 3 weeks. Use this cazimi’s influence to reflect on what you really, truly want in your life and put that out into the universe.
This past week was wild, astrologically. There was a new moon in Cancer that was followed by the nodes shifting signs, going from Taurus and Scorpio to Aries and Libra (where they will be initiating the start of a new story in our lives over the next couple years), then a Mars opposition to Saturn, the Sun opposing Pluto, and Venus stationing retrograde. So if this past week has felt intense for you, you’re not alone! Big shifts, stops and starts, power struggles, relationship drama, and deep introspection are all afoot.
Pluto is in Capricorn at 29 degrees, so as the Sun ingresses into Leo, it’s also pushing past its opposition to Pluto, so between that and the transition out of Cancer season, we should feel a little bit of an emotional catharsis now. As of the evening of July 22nd, we are out of the moon-ruled, emotional territory, and we have entered the realm of the sun. It’s daylight.
Leo is the only zodiac sign ruled by the sun. The sun is the life-giver of the solar system, with the planets all revolving around it. Similarly, Leos are often the center of attention. Leo is a fixed fire sign. It’s like a campfire or a fire burning in the hearth. And Leos attract others, who bask in their warmth.
Leos are confident, and they are natural leaders. They got this. The tarot card associated with Leo is Strength, and it usually depicts a woman taming a lion. Tame a lion? Step aside, non-Leos, and let a Leo handle this.
With the sun in Leo, it is in its domicile, the place it feels most comfortable. With Venus also in Leo the entire time the sun is here, it’s a potent combination. The Leo energy will be strong. This will be especially true on August 13th and the couple days before and after, when the sun and Venus form a conjunction. Both will also be making a square to Uranus at that time, so we may be compelled to push forward with changes we’ve been considering during this Venus retrograde, or forces outside of ourselves may take care of that for us. If you have been feeling the effects of the Venus retrograde in a way that’s been draining, this may bring a bit of relief. An oasis in the midst of the Lawrence-of-Arabia-esque journey that Venus is undertaking in the sign of the sun over the next few months. (Not surprisingly, T.E. Lawrence was a Leo.)
Read below to see the themes this Leo season is illuminating for you. I recommend reading for your rising sign first, if you know it, because those themes will resonate during the month. Then read for your sun sign, because those themes will likely play out for a briefer period of time, as the transiting sun aspects your natal sun.
Leo – It’s your season, but you already knew that, I’m sure. For Leo suns, your solar return is coming, so happy birthday (month). For Leo risings, the sun is moving through your first house, lighting you up, illuminating you and making you even more radiant than usual. Use the vitality you feel over the next month to think about your goals and go after what you want.
Cancer – The sun is going into the area of your chart that deals with money, values, and resources, so you’ll find your attention focused there at this time, especially with Venus, the planet that rules those same things, in this part of your chart. With Leo as the ruler of this area for you, it means that you can make money by being yourself, so you may find yourself curating a successful Poshmark or Depop closet or leveling up one of your hobbies or interests to earn an income off of it.
Gemini – Leo rules your 3rd house of socializing, communications, siblings, and neighbors, so you’ll feel rejuvenated in this area. It’s the time of year for you to be out and about. You are a social person generally, but at this time of year, that’s what really fortifies you. You’ll also feel more inclined toward self-expression than usual, so this is a productive time for putting your thoughts and your projects out into the world.
Taurus – This part of the summer usually pulls focus on your home and your family. You may be traveling to see family now, and you’ll likely be thinking about putting down roots as Venus is retrograding through this area of your chart. The sun gives you some extra energy, so this is a great time for doing stuff to make your home feel like a source of vitality for you.
Aries – Aries is a fellow fire sign, and the sun also loves Aries (it’s exalted there). So Aries risings and suns may be feeling a boost when the sun is in another sign it relishes. With the sun moving through your 5th house of creativity, fun, and joy, this is a time to live your bliss. It truly could be the summer of love for you, with a new romance blossoming or your sex life getting energized. Get out of the house and have fun.
Pisces – It’s time to work. For most, the dog days of summer are a time of relaxing and taking vacation, but especially for Pisces risings, it’s a natural time to focus on your routines. While others are off and disconnected from work, you may be feeling an enhanced ability to get stuff done and improve your work habits and productivity in the quiet times. This is also a great time to commit or recommit to a health routine, which will in turn give you more energy.
Aquarius – This will be a time of focus on your relationships. Aquarians have some natural resistance to Leo qualities. Leo is about the self, Aquarius is about the collective. For example, many Aquarians find the concept of a birthday month absurd. However, this is a good time to embody some of those Leo qualities in your relationships. Focus on you. What do you want to get out of a relationship, and what do you need to feel emotionally fulfilled and vital? The Venus retrograde will have you thinking through these issues. Use the sun in Leo to lean in to the “me” of “me and you.”
Capricorn – With the sun in your 8th house, you will likely be seeing a focus on the resources of others during this period. It could be that your partner has some change to their finances during this time, or that investments of yours begin to pay dividends for you. You may also be considering refinancing or realigning your portfolio in some way. With Venus retrograde, it’s an auspicious time to take stock of your investments and your obligations, but you’ll likely want to hold off on actually making changes or taking action until Venus goes direct in September.
Sagittarius – The sun will be lighting up themes that are already very resonant for your sense of self: study, adventure, and travel. With Venus retrograding through this area of your chart, you may be thinking about how what you learn (and/or teach) matters to you. It may be a time to sign up for classes or lay the groundwork to go back to school. You’ll also feel energized by planning some travel. It’s a great time, especially during the earlier part of Leo season, to think about taking a trip to a country or continent you’ve never been to before.
Scorpio – You’ll be feeling some extra energy in your area of career or how you want to leave your mark on the world. You’re likely contemplating what is important to you in this area of your life as Venus is retrograde here, but the sun gives some extra boost to these considerations. This is a good time for putting yourself out there, on display, and trumpeting your own talents and experience, to make strides in your career or your legacy.
Libra – For Libra risings, you’ll feel strengthened through your friendship groups and communities this month. This is a time for being social. The Leo sun and Venus will both be making helpful aspects to your ascendant, if you’re a Libra rising, or sun, if you’re a Libra sun, giving you some extra shine and energy this month. People will want to offer help if you need anything, so don’t hesitate to put out feelers. This is also a good time for focusing energy on your longer term goals and discussing them with friends and acquaintances, because they may be able to help set those wheels in motion.
Virgo – You may be thinking more introspectively than most during the next month, as Leo rules your 12th house of inner thoughts, the subconscious, and things that are hidden. It’s a very good time to pay attention to the dreams you have. Especially as your ruler, Mercury, moves into Virgo at the end of July, you should write down what you can remember of your dreams and plumb their meanings, as they will likely give you some insights on your deepest feelings and fears.
As always, take these horoscopes with a grain of salt. These are based on my interpretation; astrology is not fortune telling. Also, the transitory impact of the sun and other planets depends on your entire birth chart, so some of the above may or may not hold true for you depending on what else is going on. (If you’d like a full birth chart reading, email me at dreamlogicastrology@gmail.com!)
Venus, the planet associated with love, beauty, femininity, relationships, money, assets, and that which we value, is currently in Leo, just a few degrees behind Mars. Venus has been tagging along closely behind Mars in Leo for a couple weeks now, but Venus will be stationing and then going retrograde on July 22nd, so Venus will be slowing and Mars will be forging ahead, on into Virgo.
Here are the key Venus in Leo dates:
Entered Leo on June 5th
Goes retrograde in Leo on July 22nd
Retrograde until it stations direct on Sept 3rd
Moves forward through Leo until October 8th
This is a long time for Venus to be in one sign. What is Venus in Leo all about? Venus in Leo is showy. Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun, the giver of life, the main source of our vitality, so Venus is fiery in Leo. There’s an external quality to it, so the things that Venus rules are on display when Venus is in Leo. It’s big and bold. We’re showing our hearts on our sleeves. It’s about ostentatious displays of wealth and love, even if we’re just convincing ourselves. It’s “She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina” vibes, where the song’s main character can’t really afford to go anywhere to show off her fancy hat, but she wears it regardless.
Thinking about Venus in Leo, the other thing that came to mind immediately was Jeff Bezos taking those posed photos of Lauren Sanchez on their mega yacht and also literally having a bust of her created. I’m rooting for the orcas, but that is a pure distillation of Venus in Leo vibes.
When Venus goes retrograde in July, it will be a reality check. Sometimes Venus retrograde can feel a little harsh. You may have to deal with external factors that pose a conflict or confront you in one or more of the Venusian areas of your life, such as relationships or finances, and that may be tough. Leo is one of the “me” signs; ruled by the sun, it’s about the self, so the issues that may arise during the retrograde will likely feel very personal.
However, in traditional astrology, Venus is a benefic, so it’s a planet that is considered helpful. Use the retrograde period (July 22 – Sept 8th) to reconsider things and revise if necessary, and then you’ll be ready to move forward in those areas when Venus is direct again. The planetary retrogrades represent times to reassess and reevaluate, and those words are particularly key when Venus goes retrograde because Venus is about our assets and values.
In my interpretation, regardless of your sun or rising sign and even with the retrograde, Venus in Leo is a great time for socializing and being out and about. It’s a good time for pleasurable pursuits. I wouldn’t do anything big in terms of changing your appearance, though during the retrograde period, though, and maybe wait to schedule cosmetic procedures until after the retrograde ends.
Below is a bit about how the long transit of Venus in Leo could play out based on your sun and rising sign. My advice is to read for your rising sign first, as that’s where you’ll see these themes unfold over the course of the transit, but also read for your sun sign, because you’ll also likely experience those themes as well at some point during the Venus in Leo period. (For some reason, I also wrote these in reverse order of the zodiac? Maybe I did it subconsciously because of the retrograde. But that’s why these seem out of order.)
Leo & Leo Rising – This is a significant time for you. Venus in the 1st house and/or passing over your sun makes this transit even more about the self, even more about you. Go with it. This is a time for thinking about yourself (which you’re already inclined to do as a Leo rising or with the sun in Leo). A productive use of this long Venus in Leo period is to think about what you want, revise during the retrograde, and when Venus goes direct, lay out the long term plan.
Cancer & Cancer Rising – This is occurring in your 2nd house of money and resources, which has a cross-over with the things Venus rules, so you’ll likely be experiencing some money stuff during this period. That could mean a career opportunity, since the second house is about how you make your money. Or you could be in a situation where you’re compelled to reevaluate your finances and realign them in a way that really pays dividends later.
Gemini & Gemini Rising – Venus is moving through the area of your chart dealing with communications, short trips, and your neighborhood, so you’ll likely be feeling even more social than usual during this time. You may find yourself building some new relationships during this period, which could potentially feel a little one-step-forward-two-steps-back due to the retrograde, but could ultimately be long-lasting. It’s a great time to take weekend trips away to recharge and to bop around town. This part of your chart also deals with siblings, so this Venus in Leo period may feel particularly sibling-focused if you have one/them.
Taurus & Taurus Rising – Venus will be going through the area of your chart that is associated with home. You may be taking a lot of care with your living space and zhuzhing it up during this time. You can use the retrograde period to take into account the different needs you have, and then once Venus goes direct, start the redecorating. You may also experience an increased focus on your family as well.
Aries & Aries Rising – With Venus in another fire sign, it will be making a trine to your ascendant or sun, so unless you have some other mitigating factors in your chart, overall, this should generally be a nice, fun time for you. Venus is going through the part of your chart that deals with creativity and joy, so it’s a great time to really embrace and reconsider whatever creative practices you have and to lean into what makes you truly happy. It also has the potential to be a really sexy time for you, so if you don’t want to get pregnant (or get someone else pregnant), practice safe sex!
Pisces & Pisces Rising – With Venus in your 6th house of work, health, and daily routines, it’s a good time to try out new fitness routines, commit to a health regimen or make changes to your diet, and go to the doctor. It’s also an auspicious time work-wise; you may be able to find ways to bring more pleasure to the everyday grind. Venus retrograde can also bring back some relationships from the past, so in your house of work, it could mean that you hear from or get in touch with old work colleagues.
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising – When Venus is in Leo, the focus will be on your partnerships. If you’re in a committed partnership with someone, you may be feeling a little stressed or emotional about the relationship while Venus is in retrograde. Exes can also come back into your life during Venus rx, and with Venus in this part of your chart, this is more likely for Aquarius rising people. It may cause you to reevaluate your current relationship and/or recommit to that relationship in a more passionate way.
Capricorn & Cap Rising – Venus will be moving through your 8th house. The 8th house is about the stuff we get or inherit from others (everything from wealth to trauma). With Venus in this area of your chart, it could indicate a time when whatever you are getting from others is positive, or it could be that the person you are in a relationship with comes into more money or builds their assets. It could be that the taxes you filed are corrected and your refund is bigger than you anticipated, or that some debt you owed gets canceled.
Sagittarius & Sag Rising – You will likely be thinking about applying your time and money to some long-distance travel or cultural pursuits. It’s a great time to sign up for a language course or to go abroad, especially if traveling and/or learning are activities that are important to you. You will likely feel even more enriched by the experience than you normally would, and it could mean meeting people and building new relationships through that travel or study.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising – You may be feeling extra focused on your career these next few months. If you are looking for a new job or opportunity, this is a fortuitous time to make connections and work on your resume. If you’re happy where you are, you may think about how you can invest in yourself in a way that will continue to grow your professional life and help you get to the next step in your career further in the future.
Libra & Libra Rising – Venus rules Libra, so you will feel the Venus transits more acutely than other signs (other than Taureans). This is a time to be out with your friend groups. It’s a great time for socializing for everyone, but this will recharge Libras especially. You cast a wide net, so take advantage of your extensive networks and see people. Get out in the community and commit to causes you feel passionate about. It’s a good time to form coalitions or support groups; they may end up serving as resources for you down the road.
Virgo & Virgo Rising – This may be a subtler transit for you than it is for most. Venus will be moving through the area of your chart that is associated with the realm of the subconscious. This will likely be a time of some introspection for you, and you may be well served by doing some shadow work and developing or strengthening a meditation practice. Virgos and Virgo risings often devote a lot (or most) of their time to others and act as caregivers, but during these next few months, your focus can be on your innermost feelings.
Disclaimer: astrology is for fun; it’s not fortune telling. The above horoscopes are my interpretation of the Venus transit, but as usual, take everything with a grain of salt.
There’s a new moon in mutable air sign Gemini shortly after midnight (on the East Coast of the US) on Sunday, June 18th. In Gemini, this new moon is about flexibility and versatility. The main aspect this moon is making is a square to Neptune in Pisces.
Neptune makes things foggy, and with hard aspects to Neptune, such as the square (90-degree angle) the moon and sun are making to it, there are often disappointments or things don’t turn out as you had planned or hoped. So with this new moon, best not to manifest or lay out concrete plans but instead to focus on Neptunian things: our emotions, our vibes, our literal dreams, and our visions.
The new moon phase is often a time when we may feel more tired (vs. full moons, when many feel wired). With the sun squaring Neptune, this is especially true of this new moon. If you can, rest. Try to get a longer night’s sleep than usual on Saturday, and again, pay attention to the dreams you have and what your subconscious is telling you, but focus more on the feelings than making sense of them and planning action based on your interpretations.
Elsewhere in the sky, there have recently been some sign changes.
On Sunday, June 11th, Pluto, which is currently retrograde, went back into Capricorn. Since Pluto moved into Aquarius in March, we’ve seen increased focus on AI and technology. Now, with Pluto back in Capricorn, some of the major stories of the past 15 years will be revisited, so things may seem less future-oriented. In the news, the AI stuff may take a back seat to politics and the economy. With Capricorn representing the patriarchy and systems, and Pluto about power, we’re going to see more events where those who have power try whatever they can to hang on to it.
Pluto’s in Capricorn until January 2024, then it goes back into Aquarius. However, it moves retrograde back into Capricorn again later in 2024 and will be in Capricorn until Nov 2024 (where it will be during the next US presidential election–yikes!), when it makes its full transition in Aquarius. Unfortunately, there’s the Tr*mp of it all. The efforts to hold him accountable and the fights over whether he has executive privilege or is subject to the laws that apply to the non-rich and non-powerful are extremely Pluto-in-Capricorn and USA-Pluto-return vibes, almost a little too on-the-nose, if you ask me.
Mercury also changed signs this past week, going into Gemini on June 11th. Mercury rules Gemini, so with Mercury there, Gemini season is really in full swing. Lots of talk, lots of communication, lots of movement, lots of duality and versatility and options and choices to make.
Venus is now in Leo, where it will be for a few months because it’s going to go retrograde in July. Venus in Leo is fiery and vibrant. I’ll write more about Venus in Leo and its upcoming retrograde next week.
On Saturday, June 3rd, at 11:40 pm Eastern, there will be a full moon at 13 degrees of Sagittarius (opposite the sun in Gemini).
Sagittarius is a Jupiter-ruled fire sign. It’s about learning and exploration and spirituality and travel, and Jupiter is the planet of expansion and amplification. Full moons are always emotional and a time for release, but in a Jupiter-ruled sign, the emotions are going to be even bigger and more amplified than with other full moons. You may feel an intense desire to embark on Sagittarian-type activities. This full moon will likely be marked by a strong need to explore.
Jupiter is currently in Taurus and is answering to Venus (the planet that rules Taurus), so this full moon is also likely to have Venusian themes, with a focus on relationships, love, and money. Venus is currently at the late degrees of Cancer and approaching an opposition to Pluto, still at 0 degrees Aquarius. That energy will be felt around the time of this full moon.
Oppositions generally mark culminations or turning points, and with Venus opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, you may experience some deep and long-lasting changes at this time. Venus-Pluto aspects can feel a little obsessive. This may tie into the Sagittarian themes, so a positive manifestation of this full moon may be an intense drive to learn more about a topic that interests you or to book a trip far afield. However, the energy of the full moon could also potentially manifest in feelings of jealousy and insecurity. You might be convinced your partner is keeping something from you, or you may be the one hiding something. Even in friendships and family relationships, we may be feeling extra sensitive, or power struggles can present themselves.
With the full moon in Sagittarius, a sign that is very much about truths, opposite the sun in Gemini, which is all about talking, there will likely be some secrets revealed. It should be an interesting weekend.
