Astrological Impact of Sun in Leo: Do I have to be a lion?

It's Leo Season!

The Sun enters Leo on 22nd July at 20:13 BST/23rd July at 03:13 HKT, where it is in dignity.  It also has dignity by triplicity (day).

What's the focus this month?

In the fixed, fire sign of Leo, the Sun burns steadily but with great enthusiasm and charm.  The area of your birth chart where Leo resides is where you learn to roar and strut your stuff with confidence.  

Back in June to early July, when Venus was in Leo, we learned to get to grips with loving passionately and to stand by our beliefs with steady loyalty.  Jupiter entering Leo on the last day of June further highlights the importance of believing in yourself and to be confident in being yourself.

Do I have to be a lion?  

If you have planets in Leo, is it a necessity to reach high levels of confidence, power, enthusiasm and leadership prowess, just like a lion, as represented by the astrological sign of Leo?

I personally think no.  I see it as the ultimate goal to work towards, but some people get there, some simply don't, whether by choice or ability.

Leo the lion belongs to the feline family, as are cheetahs, pumas, jaguars, leopards, lynx, tigers and domestic cats.  Lion is the king of the jungle, with the domestic cat at the other end of the spectrum, and all the other feline relatives in between.  Begin at the level of the domestic cat (or another feline representative) and work your way towards the lion in increments.  After all, Rome was not built in a day.  For those who believe in reincarnation, it could even take more than one lifetime to achieve.  

Alternatively, you can be happy with being a cat, or a cheetah and just remain there.  After all, a domestic cat can be the 'lion' of its neighborhood!    You can be content with being a confident cat that can catch mice, or strive towards being a confident lion that can catch zebras and antelopes.  You choose what you want to achieve by putting in the hours and hard work to reach the level of your desire.

The lion is the ultimate archetype to work towards, but you can still congratulate yourself in achieving one of those levels between the lion and the domestic cat.  Remember, realistically, a world doesn't function well with everyone being kings of the jungle.  Sometimes, I find it so sad to see people around me unhappy with their lives because they feel pressured to be a lion of the jungle, when they are more than happy being a puma, or a lynx or a cat.  If you are doing something you enjoy, and perhaps even contributing something back to the community, you are already doing something great!  The weakness of Leo is seeking external approval - learn to be a feline who can be self-sufficient in supplying themselves with praises.  It's internal strength we are seeking, not wielding power for the sake of it.

Image:  Canva Pro

Energetic Distribution of the Zodiac - Part 1: How does the fire burn?

In astrology, the 12 signs can be grouped by their modes (cardinal, fixed, mutable) and elements (fire, earth, air, water).

Fire is fast and furious.  It acts and moves forward in order to experience life first hand. It grabs opportunities thrown their way.  It creates new paths where there's none.

Fire signs include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.  How does each fire sign differ from one another?

Cardinal Fire

Cardinal signs like to initiate.  The energy goes outward.  The flame reaches out.   Cardinal fire acts quickly, bravely.  This is the first sign of the zodiac Aries.  Aries is a leader who dares to blaze a new trail by stepping into the unknown.  The downside is that they tend to be impulsive, act first think later is their motto.  'I do what I want.'

The house where Aries resides symbolises the area of life which requires you to exhibit Aries energy - to be bold, active and pioneering.  You're the leader of the pack......or rather, you're your own leader!

Fixed Fire

Fixed signs are stable and cautious.  The energy goes inward.  The flame burns steadily and surely in one place.  Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac, endowed with the fixed fire qualities.  Leo relishes visibility and craves to be seen.  It performs proudly on the stage, basking in the limelight.  The downside is their tendency to be bossy and self-absorbed.  'Look at me!'

The house where Leo roars symbolises the area of life where you can display Leo energy - to express yourself creatively and to live that area of life with passion.  You're the king (or queen) of your castle.

Mutable Fire

Mutable signs are versatile and resilient.  The energy is scattered.  The flame flickers in the breeze.  Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac, a wild horse (centaur to be exact!) galloping into the distance.  Don't even think about taming it and enclosing it in one place, it simply does not work that way.  Set it free and allow its free spirit to roam across the globe to seek its truth.  It can be dogmatic and blunt, but it merely wants to expand its horizon happily and freely.  'Let me be!'

The house where Sagittarius trots symbolises the area of life which wants the freedom to broaden one's mind through the exploration of life.  Life is a journey and you are the navigator.

Hello Leo - Jupiter in Leo 2014-5

From Cancer to Leo, we are moving from the watery realm of feelings and emotions to the fiery territory of action and vitality.  Some of you have already commented on your internal change of wanting to come out of your shell (Cancer) and meeting the world proudly in the face (Leo).  

Having spent the past year exploring on issues such as your sense of belonging, roots, family unit and the 'tribe' you're born into (Cancer), it is now time to consider your self identity - who am I (Leo) as an individual?  Rather than seeking protection and nurturance (Cancer), the focus is now shifting towards finding your 'stage' and displaying your talents with confidence (Leo).  In essence, the energy moves outwards.

Fire signs (Leo, Sagittarius and Aries) tend to feel especially 'at home' with this active backdrop of energy. 

Water signs, especially Scorpio (square Leo) may find this overt desire for recognition uncomfortable as it is in conflict with the gentle, private and selfless nature of the water signs.  Find the middle ground where both elements can be at peace with one another, e.g. gain recognition for helping others but the applause is private rather than public.  

Air signs (Gemini and Libra) are likely to respond rather positively to this sign change as air keeps the fire burning, though Aquarius, in opposition to Leo, may have difficulties with Leo's self-centred approach.  

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) have their reasons for discomfort but on the plus side, earth can help sustain the interest initiated by fire.  Allow fire (Leo) to give you the initial spark then pass the torch to earth for completion.  

Where is Jupiter transiting in your chart for the next 12 months?

Image courtesy of tiverylucky/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Moon Game

I attended my first astro event in Hong Kong over the weekend, organised by Hong Kong Astrology Club.

The Moon was the topic of the day.

This lunar body governs our emotions, feelings, habits and what gives us security. At one point, we split into groups according to the element of our moon and discussed on ways to protect our chicks from the vicious eagle if we were all hens.  

The fire group decided to give the chicks the opportunity to fend for themselves. The 'fire' hens wanted their chicks to develop a sense of independence.

The earth group would protect their chicks by finding a secure hiding place for them. The 'earth' hens did not think it's worth the effort to fight the eagle but to take a defensive approach instead.  


The air group would inform their chicks on ways to stay alive. Besides on educating their young, the 'air' hens would also wreck their brains to fight the eagle through trickery.  


Finally, the water group claimed that they would be terrified to be faced with the beast, but they would do all they could to protect their offspring by screaming at the eagle.


In the past, I've read about these 'elemental' discussions but it's something else to participate in one and witness the astrological influence on the final outcome.

Fire group

Earth group

Air group

Water group

Photo album of the event:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.259414017410875.69975.144474725571472&type=1