Whether you like the summer so far, or you hate it, you
can look forward to some changes, starting with the Leo new moon, exact last
(Thursday) night. Friday's main event is the sun's merger with Mercury retrograde,
perhaps exposing you to data that may have been overlooked while Mercury was
direct. A fortunate hookup between the fiesta-loving sun and optimistic Jupiter
on Saturday should brighten your outlook considerably, especially if you win
a prize. The sun shining directly on nebulous Neptune during their opposition
on Monday can clarify matters or, if you're in the business of make-believe,
boost your creativity. How you handle the smoldering, sexy square between Venus
and Pluto midweek depends on whose buttons are being pushed and by whom.

Aries

Let go of the notion that you're in control, and let the life-giving sun take
the lead, at least for the first phase of the Leo new-moon cycle. If you don't
insist on doing things your way, you could learn a lot more than you expect,
plus have a good time following the advice you get. The generous Leo sun can
also increase the odds of a partner succeeding and spreading the wealth. There's
fun and romance in the offing, a creative project that'll reward your participation
and talented folks to inspire you.

Taurus

Home and family, the cornerstones of your reputation, are the areas of your
life that'll be active during this lunar cycle. Since you've probably dealt
with the regulations Saturn tossed in your path last week, spend some quality
time comforting those who aren't as resourceful, the women and children who
need to be protected. Get used to it. While Mars camps out in Taurus for the
next six months, the role of Hero/Heroine will be played by none other than
you. The salacious sex scenes are scheduled for midweek.

Gemini

This week the she-devil (Venus in picky Virgo) tests the bounce-back ability
of a significant relationship when she squares Pluto in your Sagittarius house
of partners. While the heat generated by their friction may set a new record,
so might the extent of the damage inflicted by both parties. Since you've been
down this road before (Pluto has been in Sag for ages), you're familiar with
the drill: Assess the importance of the issue and its impact on your current
circumstances, decide if you can live with it, then make the necessary adjustments.

Cancer

A reminder: Don't dismiss what you learn in the next day or two. Rarely does
the promise inherent in yesterday's new moon coincide with the information being
beamed during Friday's sun-Mercury conjunction. Since the moon-sun-Mercury lineup
takes place in your Leo house of assets, the stellium could mark the beginning
of a major financial matter. Or increase the importance of a quality you already
value. Come Monday, when the sun shines directly on idealistic Neptune, the
line separating the possible from the impossible is revealed.

Leo

It's not a matter of ego gratification, self-involvement or that leonine sense
of entitlement. This week your sun ruler is the “planet” making things
happen, but not exclusively for you. The Leo new moon can affect every sign;
however, Lions could leap at what they discover when the sun and Mercury conjunct
the next day. But then so might Gemini and Virgo. The sun-Jupiter sextile this
weekend is good for felines, but it can benefit the Scales and the Seers as
well. As for Monday's sun-Neptune opposition – a futile fantasy.

Virgo

Much of what happens this week is not only beyond your control, but probably
beyond your understanding. That's because your Mercury ruler merges with the
Leo sun in your 12th house of secret enemies, hidden motivation and cosmic (not
ordinary) consciousness. Unless you are painfully aware of past lifetimes, what
you learn during this conjunction can elude you. But that doesn't mean it won't
exert an influence on your dream life or your karma. For a clue, take note of
the images evoked on Sunday and Monday nights.

Libra

Whether you decide to sidestep or deal directly with the nasty stuff cropping
up whenever your Venus ruler encounters more of the crap that Pluto likes to
wallow in, you'll be able to claim, “Vengeance is mine!” at least
for the time being. Eventually the benefits of this odd fertilization process
will become evident – however, probably not until you're carving pumpkins for
Halloween. A casual acquaintance could come bearing gifts this weekend when
the generous Leo sun favors lucky Jupiter in your sign.

Scorpio

For some it's vacation time, but for many Scorpions this is “Career Week.”
The Leo new moon in your midheaven may introduce you to an employer or client
you didn't suspect was interested or to work you weren't sure you could do.
Pay attention to conversations you overhear, to ideas that cross your mind,
especially the flamboyant, outrageous ones. No sign is as adept at showing off
as Leo or as comfortable around entertainers and extravagant behavior. As for
wretched excess, this weekend it won't feel wretched after all.

Sagittarius

While not the most terrific of opportunities, the one directed your way when
the Leo sun beams at your Jupiter ruler this weekend is definitely worth considering.
Experience should have shown that whenever the creative sun supports optimistic
Jupiter, the Sage's spirits soar. Enthusiasm for a concept, project or person
is renewed, and you feel you're back on track. Unless you get caught in the
machinations of a master manipulator, which is what can happen when social-climbing
Venus and Pluto in your sign lock horns.

Capricorn

The Leo new moon marks the beginning of another chapter in
a joint moneymaking matter or, if nothing is on your plate, it can introduce
a brand-new venture. Odd bits of information that previously eluded you could
resurface while Mercury is retrograde, so be on the lookout and prick up your
ears. The “purpose” of retrograde is to allow enough time to absorb
a revised set of circumstances and reconsider your position. If an adjustment
seems necessary, the good-natured Leo sun can help you avoid the more awkward
moments.

Aquarius

The Aquarius-Leo axis is so magnetic, so pervasive, it's hard to separate what
happens with one sign from the other. Who is more popular, more beloved? During
solar Leo, it's the sun-ruled Lions who draw most of the attention, but that's
because Leos relish a celebration of any kind, not just their birthday. Nevertheless,
the Water-Bearers are usually the ones pouring the drinks, giving the toasts,
presenting the gifts and making sure that the group gathering for the occasion
is compatible However, this week your expectations can clash with reality.

Pisces

No matter how absorbed you might be in one activity, each new
moon kicks off a fresh cycle of events that'll engage your interest. Luckily
for some Fish, the Leo new moon takes place in your house of recreation and
romance, so summer fun will continue to be uppermost on your agenda until Labor
Day. The others could find themselves drawn to a gig that promises more creative
freedom than you already have. And with independent Uranus in your sign, that's
saying something. Expect some opposition (friendly advice?) when the sun confronts
your Neptune ruler on Monday.

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