How to Celebrate the Leo in Your Life + Horoscopes for Every Sign
Written by Laura Cowan | @6th.house.astro
Summer is heating up as we approach Leo season, and expect the energy to match the weather: hot. Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun, our conscious identity and how we express ourselves in astrology, so expect someone with this Sun and/or rising sign to be confident, creative, and charismatic. Leos are represented by the lion, and their pride is their biggest strength. When a Leo is fully self-assured, they can truly take on the world! At the same time, that pride can create emotional blind spots and make them defensive. If they feel hurt or slighted in any capacity, they take it quite personally. Regardless of whether it was, Leos will see it as such. They are also known to have their dramatic moments from time to time. They do enjoy attention, be it positive or negative. They don’t always want to share the spotlight. Sometimes, they just need a gentle reminder that they’re not alone in the world with their big emotions. Leos are some of the most generous friends and incredibly loyal to their loved ones, as long as they feel like you’re respecting their time and energy. They love giving out compliments and making others feel good about themselves! A Leo will have a lot of love to give, as they are the ultimate “hype man” — they just want their friends to feel as self-assured as they do. If you need someone to dress up with you, go out on the town, and make you feel good about yourself, hit up your Leo friend.
Help celebrate the Leo in your life by making them the center of attention. It’s their special day; let them have the spotlight! Leos love to be pampered — a massage, mani-pedi, or a facial are all up their alley. Treating them to a spa date for the two of you is always a great gift idea. Leo rules the back, spine, and heart; if that massage includes deep tissue work specifically for their back, they’re like putty for the rest of the day. If your Leo pal is more on the extroverted side, they will probably want to take a nap after that spa day and then dress up to go out later. Don’t be surprised if they tell everyone it’s their birthday all night for attention. However, this may lead to some fun experiences, like free drinks and food! If you can, try to take them out somewhere exciting that they’ve never been to before. As long as it’s high energy and gives them room to play, your Leo friend will love it. Since it is still summer, a pool party with all of their favorite people is also a good idea. Especially if it’s a surprise. If any sign enjoys a well-executed surprise party, it’s Leo. Give them an excuse to show off their new bathing suit! If they’re more introverted, an activity that allows them to be creative and play is also appealing. They enjoy embracing their inner child. Sign the two of you up for a painting or pottery class, where they can make something while also getting a little messy in the process. Still unsure of what to get them? If it’s truly from the heart, your Leo pal will feel it.
Leo Season Horoscopes
Leo season began on July 22 this year, and Mercury stationed direct in Cancer the following day. We will finally be getting our mental clarity back as we move through the post-retrograde shadow phase, so any lingering confusion should begin dissipating. A few days later, on July 26, Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries as the north node finally shifted into Aquarius. With Saturn retrograde in Aries, we are encouraged to slow down, review our goals, and master our strategy and willpower before taking action. The lunar nodes shifting into Leo and Aquarius means that eclipse season will be occurring during Leo and Aquarius season instead of Virgo and Pisces over the next couple of years as they change signs. This begins the shifting of our collective themes towards Aquarius themes of humanitarianism, innovation, and focusing on the group rather than the individual. The Aquarius full moon stationed exact on July 29 at 9:35 AM CST, which allowed us to rebel and free ourselves from restrictions that limit our vision for the future.
On August 3, Chiron in Taurus will station retrograde, causing our wounded healer asteroid to dip back into those late degrees of Aries for a bit until next year. Expect wounds around self-assertion, taking action, and problem-solving that you thought were resolved to re-emerge for a final test of sorts. August 6 has us not only emerging from the post-Mercury retrograde shadow phase, but Venus will enter its home sign of Libra. Venus loves being domicile, but don’t forget, it will enter its own pre-retrograde shadow phase at the end of this month. Pay attention to which themes around partnership, harmony, and cooperation emerge for you in September, as this may become more prevalent for you when Venus stations retrograde in October. On August 9, Mercury will finally enter Leo, making our communication style bolder and louder, with people feeling more inclined to tell it like it is.
Mars enters Cancer on August 11, putting the planet of action, motivation, and desire in its fall. As the ruler of Aries and Scorpio, Mars loves to take action, but in Cancer, it is forced to slow its roll and consider other people and situations before moving ahead. Like the crab it is represented by, Cancer Mars would rather scuttle from side to side than tackle something directly — giving it the reputation of being passive-aggressive, or even just straight-up passive. As a result, we may notice that fire that’s usually lit under our ass dwindle to a small flicker. Don’t try to push yourself into having the energy to take charge now if you’re not feeling it. Not every season is meant for that. Instead, use this energy towards protection and self-preservation. Try focusing your attention on your loved ones, too. We’ll feel Mars’s fiery spark again when it enters Leo at the end of September. The first new moon solar eclipse in Leo stations exact on August 12 at 12:36 PM CST, giving us a fresh start in how we express ourselves and experience pleasure and happiness. The Sun enters Virgo on August 22, ending this year’s Leo season. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get notified for your Virgo season horoscope.
For a more personal impact, read below for both your sun and rising signs:
Leo: Happy birthday, Leo! Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, so the mental fog, confusion, and lack of energy you’ve been dealing with lately will gradually lift. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure outdated beliefs, travel plans, or how you share knowledge that you’ve mastered with others. The lunar nodes also changed signs the same day Saturn stationed retrograde. With the south node entering your sign, it would benefit you to start thinking about the old parts of you that are ready to shed like a snake, especially as you will be called to move away from individualism and towards collaborations, partnerships, and contracts. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 may have highlighted what’s to come in terms of partnerships and working one-on-one with others. You may notice this eventually bringing you closer to an aligned community that allows you to be your authentic self.
As Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, any wounds around asserting your beliefs or expressing your opinions that you thought you confronted return for re-evaluation when it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, having you value communication, your neighborhood, or your relationship to siblings (if you have any) and peers. Mercury enters your sign on August 9, officially giving you back your mental clarity, focus, and confidence in communication. If there’s something you’ve been holding back on sharing, just say the thing! There are more people out there who agree with you than you realize! Mars enters Cancer on August 11, slowing down your energy. You could find yourself internalizing your anger, dealing with hidden emotional triggers, or even feeling uncharacteristically passive. Be patient with yourself and take this time to do your shadow work; you’ll bounce back when Mars enters your sign. The new moon eclipse in your sign on August 12 allows you to step into the spotlight and confidently assert yourself in a bold, new way.
Virgo: Mercury, your ruling planet, is stationed direct in Cancer on July 23. Any communication breakdowns among friends, your community, or your dreams for the future will begin to resolve themselves (along with any technology issues you’ve been experiencing). Rejoice! Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure shared resources, debts or outstanding payments, and your relationship with expressing emotional intimacy. The lunar nodes also shifted into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde. This will have you focusing on shedding mental health habits, workplace environments that you’ve outgrown, and self-sabotaging actions that prevent you from minding your physical health and establishing beneficial daily routines. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 highlighted a health issue or how your current routine isn’t working for you, so that is a good place to start letting go of what no longer serves your general day-to-day.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so wounds around intimacy and your personal psyche might become reactivated as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values to your self-worth, talents, and finances. You could be evaluating what you spend your money on or who you spend your time with, asking yourself if this is something that will last. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, giving you a chance to process information behind the scenes. Your creative process is likely more private at this time, but this allows you to turn inward for inspiration. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, making you feel protective of your friend group. You may feel motivated to expand your network at this time, but also defensive and moody about it. Try channeling this energy into fighting for a cause that’s close to your heart or caring for your community. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 gives you a chance to reflect and retreat away from the crowd. Focus on nurturing your authentic self instead of seeking external recognition.
Libra: Mercury stationing direct in Cancer on July 23 may have started bringing you better clarity around your legacy, achievements, and goals, and how you can nurture them. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure boundaries in partnerships. If there are any boundaries that you have struggled to implement, now is the moment to figure out how you can take action in an aligned way. The lunar nodes also shifted into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde; learning how to embrace your unique creativity and what makes you happy, instead of focusing on what others think, will be thematic. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 could bring a sudden revelation to you about your creative process, joy, or even your dating life.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so wounds around collaborating and establishing a one-on-one dynamic with someone might be reactivated as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters your sign on August 6, making you feel more attractive and magnetic than usual. If you have the money and have been wanting to splurge a little on yourself, go for it! Mercury finally enters Leo, giving you fresh ideas on how you can show up for your friends, community, and hopes for the future. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, so you could feel protective of your goals, long-term legacy, and where you’re going with your career. If you are in a position of authority, it’s a good time to channel this energy into nurturing anyone you’re mentoring. Otherwise, you might notice yourself internalizing work conflicts or being passive-aggressive with people out in public. You’ll feel more motivated to chase your dreams when Mars enters Leo during your season. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 gives you the chance for a fresh start in how you express yourself to your friends and community.
Scorpio: Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, so if you’ve struggled to articulate your opinions or beliefs, you will be gradually regaining the mental clarity to do so. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure your routines, habits, and physical health. If you need to set better boundaries for yourself in terms of diet and exercise, start researching what you can do differently. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so it’s time to let go of the need to prove your worth publicly and to focus on cultivating inner peace and emotional security instead. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 might have brought a realization of how you can focus on building a private sanctuary for yourself to go to when you need to get away from everyone.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so wounds around your relationship to your physical health and building a routine that works for you that you thought were resolved could return for review as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards privacy, retreating, and self-love. You might find creative inspiration through meditation or your dreams. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, giving you creative inspiration in your career, legacy, and authority. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, so you will likely feel more protective and defensive over your opinions and beliefs. However, don’t be surprised if you react passive-aggressively when disagreeing with someone. Use this energy to keep an open mind and learn from what you experience. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 allows you to present yourself to the public in a way that gives your reputation a fresh start.
Sagittarius: Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, giving you better clarity around psychological breakthroughs, shared resources, and intimacy. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure boundaries in your dating life, creativity, and what you do for pleasure. If you’ve been dating someone and they keep overstepping what you’re comfortable with, start figuring out how to assert yourself better. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so it’s time to let go of limiting beliefs that are holding you back from communicating honestly and learning new things. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 may have brought you sudden mental breakthroughs or a strong urge to express your authentic voice.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so wounds around self-expression, authenticity, and dating that you thought were resolved may return to test you when it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards your friends, community, and future goals. This is a great time to expand your social network and surround yourself with people who see what you bring to the table. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, empowering you to do what you do best: loudly and proudly express your opinions and beliefs. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, shifting your energy and motivation towards shared resources and intimacy. Your subconscious fears may result in repressed frustrations, leading to things like unexpected emotional outbursts. It’s important that you maintain a healthy emotional outlet and do the necessary shadow work. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 brings a sudden revelation about your knowledge and beliefs, or even an opportunity to rise and act as a teacher or mentor.
Capricorn: Mercury stationing direct in Cancer on July 23 gave you a much-needed mental wake-up call about your relationships. This post-retrograde shadow phase will help you gain further clarity on who still needs to be in your life and who can go…for good, this time. Saturn, your ruling planet, stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure boundaries within your home, family members, and people from your past. If they can’t respect you, your time, or your energy, again, do they really still need to be in your life? The lunar nodes also entered Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so you will have to learn to release the need for external validation and control and move towards independent self-worth. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 may have brought realizations about how you value yourself, spend your money, and whether your talents and skills are being used properly.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so any lingering wounds regarding memories, home and family, or the past that you thought were resolved will come back up for review as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, so your values will shift towards your public and professional relationships. Now is a good time to put yourself out there professionally and seek guidance from a trusted authority figure. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, putting your mental focus on shared finances and psychological truths. You may boldly communicate your authority now, but your true motives remain private. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, making expressing your frustrations within a partnership or collaboration difficult to tackle directly. Instead, you may behave passive-aggressively towards your partner or side-step issues and conflict. It may be easier to confront issues head-on with those you’re close to when Mars enters Leo. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 encourages you to own your shadow side, step into your personal power, and embrace vulnerability.
Aquarius: Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, so you will gradually gain clarity on how you can structure your daily routine, habits, diet, and exercise in a way that works best for your lifestyle. Saturn, your ruling planet, stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure how you think, speak, and any boundaries you need to set with neighbors or siblings. The lunar nodes also changed signs the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, and with the north node entering your sign, it’s time to focus on yourself and what role you play in the world. It will be time to focus on walking away from partnerships and collaborations that no longer serve you. The full moon in your sign on July 29 may have brought a big turning point in how you see the world, allowing you to release parts of yourself that no longer resonate with who you’re becoming.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3. Any lingering wounds around communication, feeling misunderstood, or difficulty learning something new may resurface as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards seeking beauty and harmony in new experiences and broadening your horizons. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, putting your mental focus on your partnerships, collaborations, and contracts. There will be opportunity for both heartfelt communication and dramatic conversations within your one-on-one dynamics. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, so you may be feeling frustrated with your workplace, routine, or physical health. You may take a more passive approach to your to-do list, work projects, or diet and exercise. Your lack of motivation may stem from needing a change, so try to include routines that feel emotionally supportive and nurturing. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 may bring a sudden revelation around a partnership you’re involved in, a close relationship, or a contract that needs review.
Pisces: Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, which will gradually bring clarity around your creativity, how you experience joy, and your dating life. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure your boundaries around money, self-worth, and whether or not your talents and skills are being valued. If you’re prone to things like impulse spending when you’re feeling down, it’s time to cut that out and fix your budget! The lunar nodes also entered Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so it’s time to release routines, habits, and unhealthy workplace environments that cause you to self-sacrifice or self-sabotage. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 might have brought an opportunity to release hidden fears, outdated patterns, or a period of isolation you’ve been experiencing.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so any wounds around self-worth, personal finances, and values could re-emerge for more healing as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards intimacy, emotional depth, and sharing. If they’re unwilling or unready to go deeper with you, you don’t have the bandwidth for it. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, putting your mental focus on your workplace environment, daily routine, and physical health. Do your current habits make you feel empowered or energetically drained? Mars enters Cancer on August 11, so you could feel protective over your creative projects, who you’re dating, and what brings you joy. Watch for holding onto grudges. Try channeling any moodiness you’re feeling into your hobbies or who you’re romantically pursuing. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 might bring a sudden revelation about a health or workplace issue, and a way you can adapt your routine to these circumstances.
Aries: Mercury stationing direct in Cancer on July 23 may have started giving you clarity with a home or family issue, or perhaps you’re finally leaving the past behind for good. Saturn stationed retrograde in your sign on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure your personal boundaries and how you express yourself. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so it’s time to let go of the need for recognition and give yourself to something greater. Learn to start balancing your personal passions with a teamwork project. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 clarified which of your friends support your vision, and provided an opportunity to align your dreams with the collective good.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3, so any wounds around self-assertion, authenticity, or your role in the world as it dips back into your sign. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards your collaborations, relationships, and any one-on-one dynamics. You may be examining your role in these partnerships and whether or not your efforts are being matched. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, shifting your mental focus towards your hobbies, creative projects, and what makes you happy. Mars enters Cancer on August 11, so frustration with family, your home, or your past will have you feeling moody. Instead of taking action, you may choose to be uncharacteristically passive-aggressive. Channel this energy into something that you can control, like redecorating your space, creating a private sanctuary for yourself, or doing shadow work around your private feelings. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 brings sudden creative breakthroughs, a new hobby that brings you joy, or even a fresh perspective on romance.
Taurus: Mercury stationed direct in Cancer on July 23, gradually dissipating confusion around communication, feeling misunderstood, and resolving hurt feelings from being overly sensitive during the retrograde. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure the ways you handle self-sabotage, hidden fears, and isolation when you need to escape. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so learn that ego-driven behavior and the need to control your private life must be released if you want to step into an aligned legacy aimed at the ideal future you’re building. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 inspired you to break free from a traditional leadership path and publicly align with your values.
Chiron in your sign will station retrograde on August 3. Any wounds around hidden fears, self-undoing, or subconscious needs will be re-addressed as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, shifting your values towards your routines, workplace colleague relationships, and finding pleasure in mundane tasks. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, so domestic matters, real estate, and creative energy towards home and family will be your mental focus. If you’ve been wanting to re-decorate, this is a great time to start planning! Mars enters Cancer on August 11. Tension involving miscommunication, learning, or neighbors and siblings will be highlighted. This will likely make you moody and take a more passive-aggressive approach towards feeling misunderstood. If feelings become overwhelming, try taking a quick trip out of town just for yourself to unwind in your own energy. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 brings sudden revelations about your family, your home, or your inner world and how you process.
Gemini: Mercury, your ruling planet, stationed direct in Cancer on July 23. Any hiccups around personal finances, balancing your budget, or sensitivity around self-worth will start dissolving. Saturn stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure boundaries with certain friendships, communities, your network, or dreams for your future. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so learning to rely less on your own personal intelligence and to start letting the universe and objective truth be your guide will serve you well. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 gave you a chance to broaden your horizons, travel, or even have your opinions and beliefs challenged to focus more on the collective and less on the individual.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3. Any wounds around your friend groups, your role in community, and your general network will emerge for re-examination when it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, bringing you creative inspiration, new hobbies, and new ways of finding joy. If you’re single (or poly/ENM) and you’ve been thinking about dating, this is a good time to start testing the waters. Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9, breathing new life back into your communication skills and filling you with the desire to learn something new in a topic of interest. This is an opportune time to sign up for a class on a topic of interest, if that strikes your fancy. Mars enters Cancer on August 11. Feelings of frustration around self-worth, your personal finances, or the proper utilization of your talents and skills will pop up during this time. You may feel passive about budgeting, or even feel burnt out after that being your focus during this most recent Mercury retrograde. Channel this energy into building yourself up and changing the way you think about your personal value. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 brings the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded people who appreciate who you authentically are and your future dreams.
Cancer: Mercury stationed direct in your sign on July 23. Feeling misunderstood and extra sensitive lately will begin to dissipate as we move through the post-retrograde shadow phase. Saturn stations retrograde in Aries on July 26, making now through December a good time to review and restructure your foundations around your professional goals, legacy, reputation, and relationship to authority. Don’t be afraid to set firm boundaries, as needed. The lunar nodes also moved into Aquarius and Leo the same day Saturn stationed retrograde, so it’s time to release the need to rely solely on yourself and your own income and to get more comfortable with vulnerability and merging resources with another. The Aquarius full moon on July 29 gave you the opportunity to start releasing fears and insecurities you harbor regarding intimacy and sharing — including sharing finances.
Chiron in Taurus stations retrograde on August 3. Wounds around your reputation, the way others perceive you, and your career path will return for more healing as it dips back into Aries. Venus enters Libra on August 6, switching your values towards the aesthetics in your home, relationships with your family, and achieving domestic peace. If you’ve been wanting to re-decorate, take advantage of this transit! Mercury finally enters Leo on August 9. You might be brainstorming shrewd business ideas, finding clever new ways to budget, or amping up your self-worth. Mars enters your sign on August 11, so you could be feeling protective of yourself and your boundaries. However, you will likely be more defensive or reactive if you sense that your personal security is threatened. Channel this energy into self-improvement and how you can change the way you see the world. The Leo new moon eclipse on August 12 brings a sudden boost to your self-esteem or a new idea on how you can monetize your talents to your advantage.