Leo, August 2016

Happy solar return, Leo! While your birthday is all about you (of course, most things are "all about you," Leo), this month is massive on the relationship front—thanks to a lunar eclipse in Aquarius, the sign opposite you on the zodiac wheel. Being cooperative, and considerate of other people's needs, is key this month. Let's take a look at everything August holds for you.

On August 1, the Sun in Leo contacts serious Saturn in Sagittarius. Nothing is fun when it comes to Saturn; however, this connection won't be all that bad. Expect to feel more supported in your creative endeavors. (Saturn is all about support when it's in good spirits with the Sun, the planet of vitality.)

You'll notice that your crushes, and the people you flirt or fool around with, will be in a serious mood today—this could be weird, or awesome, depending on whatever is going on with you romantically, Leo.

August 2 is definitely a day to mark on your calendar: It's the new moon in Leo! This is a fantastic time for a makeover, haircut, or shopping spree. New moons bring new beginnings, and this one is all about giving you a new look as well as giving you space to reconnect with your desires. Big things will be happening in your relationships this month, and this new moon wants you to get clear about your feelings.

Sorting out emotions sucks sometimes. It's hard to realize that a relationship is dying or that your long-time professional goals totally disinterest you now. Use this new moon's energy to clear away the old and make room for new things, people, and dreams to enter your life.

Also on August 2, warrior planet Mars enters fellow Fire sign Sagittarius, igniting the sector of your chart that rules romance, creativity, and parties: Amazing! Fun times are definitely in store. If things have been lacking in your sex life, or if you've been totally uninspired, Mars in Sagittarius will bring luck.

Mars was recently retrograde (major boner killer), but now it's direct and getting shit done. Think back to what went on in early March and late May of this year—those themes will pop back up for review.

On August 5, Venus enters materially minded Earth sign Virgo and activates the sector of your chart that rules money and self-esteem. You do your best to run high on both of these things, Leo; nothing is sadder than a broke, self-doubting lion! Venus in Virgo is an excellent time for you to reflect on your finances but also your ideas of self-worth.

Saturn ends its retrograde on August 13, pushing projects and ideas that had been stalled (in late March of this year) forward, especially creative projects, and possibly even romantic ones. Had a crush early this spring that you couldn't pursue? Things could open up for you now; however, remember that Saturn is all about structure and responsibility. It's not a flirty planet at all—if they didn't like you then, then I'm sorry, Leo, but they probably won't like you now. If what was blocking you and a lover was timing or work, things could begin blooming!

A note about romance, Leo: Love is always complicated, but for as long as Saturn is in Sagittarius (December 23, 2014, until December 19, 2017), dating will be more difficult than usual. This is because Saturn is the asshole of the zodiac. Just kidding. Saturn isn't entirely bad, and there are productive ways you can work with Saturn's energy: Be your most conservative, mature, reliable self when it comes to dating (and in your creative life, and at parties, and all that other fun stuff).

Be clear about what your boundaries are—to yourself and others. Not sure if you like one-night stands sleeping over? Not sure if you're OK with your friends using your music, that you made, in their podcast? Get real about these things now. Saturn's on your side, and you have the support you need to make your needs known.

One of the most exciting and easy days of the month will be August 16, when the Sun in Leo connects with wild Uranus in fellow Fire sign Aries. Unexpected trips could come your way, or a surprise invitation to something inspiring and mind-opening. Be open to new things today.

Whether you're open to new things on August 18 doesn't matter much. The universe will do it to you. That's what eclipses do: Rush new things into your life, and flush the old stuff out. There's a fated feeling to eclipses, like something was meant to be, but there's also a profound sadness, and fear, that can arise from feeling like everything is shifting.

The focus of this eclipse? Your relationships. This is a lunar eclipse in Aquarius, the sign opposite you on the zodiac wheel. These relationships can be romantic or professional, and even involve your enemy—anyone you partner with will be touched by this eclipse. Watching what happens in other people's relationships could also bring you revelations. While the new moon was all about you, doing your best to be cooperative and fair to other people will be major during this time.

Expect many things to come to light. Eclipses always bring revelations. You have a flair for drama, Leo, but Aquarius is a cool, logical Air sign that's not as interested in participating in theatrics as you are. Part of the frustration that could come from this eclipse is feeling like your partners aren't as invested as you are. But Leo: Freaking out, getting angry, or crying oceans of tears does not equal investment—don't confuse frenzy for emotion or caring.

On the flip side, one of the most helpful things about this eclipse is a feeling of clarity. This feeling could take over your partnerships, inspire you to try new things, and fill you with excitement for planning your future. Things can turn out in many ways as a result of this eclipse, and you'll likely see things play out in a variety of ways in all your different relationships.

The Sun leaves your sign and enters Virgo on August 22, activating the financial sector of your chart and marking the beginning of a month all about reflecting on your values and your relationship to money. Think it will be uneventful? You're wrong. A solar eclipse in Virgo comes on September 1, bringing the same intensity to your finances as the Aquarius lunar eclipse brought to your partnerships.

Venus enters cooperative, charming Air sign Libra on August 29, which will be fantastic for smoothing out any fights that happened during the eclipse (or, really, whenever; Libra is the diplomat of the zodiac and can solve just about any disagreement). Some short trips could also be on the way thanks to Venus in Libra.

August wraps up with a Mercury retrograde in Virgo on the 30th! Retrogrades are, as we all already know, thanks to the Internet, annoying. This one will be especially annoying regarding money. Be careful not to lose any important papers during this time, and avoid signing contracts if possible. Conversations and issues you've had since August 10 will come up for review.

Money and relationships—they make up a good chunk of our lives, and this August brings a lot of movement around these issues for you, Leo. If you find yourself getting frustrated, pause and remember that your sign rules the heart. (All zodiac signs rule a body part.) What makes your heart ache? What makes it melt? If a relationship is hurting you, consciously use Saturn to help create boundaries, and use the eclipse to let it go. If cash-flow issues are bringing you down, call on Saturn to help you be more frugal, and use this month's planets in Virgo to help you analyze your spending. (Virgo is the sign of analysis.) Move toward what makes your heart happy, not what breaks it. See you next month, Leo!