The luminous, life-giving Sun passed from Cancer, the dominion of the Moon, into his own realm in the sign of Leo on July 22nd at 3:44 am. It is in this sign where the Sun has his rulership, and where we see the expression of the Pure solar archetype - generosity, spontaneity, and legacy.

But as the Sun has continued to fall from its zodiacal zenith at the summer solstice, the days have slowly been diminishing in length. It happened imperceptibly at first with the Sun in Cancer, but now the increasing distance of the Sun from the place of the Summer solstice has markedly shifted the mood and feeling tone of the season. Against the backdrop of of Leonine enthusiasm is the lingering feeling that Summer won’t last forever, that the current reign of the Sun King will one day end.

During Leo season, the length of day far exceeds the length of the night, but this hegemony of the light is waning. We’re still in the middle of summer, and the warmth and light aren’t going anywhere soon, but our psyches are aware that maybe - just maybe - they won’t last forever. This isn’t a permanent status quo.

On an agricultural and communal level, the movement of the Sun from Cancer into Leo heralds the first full harvest. Food and warmth have been abundant the past few months, but at this point the plants give their first parting gifts as the flowers fade and begin to be replaced by the seeds and fruits of the harvest. We watch our plant friends wave goodbye for the first time after eagerly anticipating their arrival for months. Through their departure, they forewarn us that the circumstances of summer aren’t here forever - enjoy it while it lasts.

This slow, background intimation that the summer won’t last forever doesn’t dampen Leo. On the contrary - the spirit of Leo understands that the transience of the light, warmth, and joy of summer helps us to enjoy it all the more - the possibility of an absence of summer helps Leo to appreciate it while it’s still here. Just as death gives meaning to life, the waning light and darkening days of Leo season stir our gratitude for what we have right now.

Naturally enough, the Sun rules Leo. The Sun - who fights the darkness on our behalf every evening and is reborn every morning - typifies the monarch whose golden age has begun to fade. He knows his kingdom won’t last forever, that eventually the marble edifices and facades built during the zenith of the nation will fade and crumble. But in the meantime, he does what he can while he still lives and breathes.

This fact also bestows Leo with its generosity, an equally important component to their disposition as their theatricality and spontaneity. Leonine people are often very generous with their time and resources. Just as this king gives of himself unceasingly during the twilight of his kingdom’s golden age, or the plants giving their first parting gifts, Leonine people give of themselves unceasingly to welcome other people into the warmth and joy of the world while they still can.

People born with a great deal of Leonine energy are powerhouses. Native Leos are full of joy, happiness, and confidence. They see light wherever they go and like to spread that light, mirth, warmth, and summertime happiness to all those around them. All the strongest Leonine people I know exhibit a kind of “pre-nostalgia:” knowing that the good times won’t last forever, that the party will eventually be over, they want to make the most of it. They encourage other people to make the most of it. They put on a theatrical spectacle to revel in the good times while they last, and help others to appreciate the light as well.

This is a good time to practice spontaneity, keeping your agendas more open-ended, and being present. Learn from Leo's penchant to lose itself in the truth of the here and now. Let the wisdom of the heart - which can only be heard in the here and now - dictate your actions. Allow the old husks and shells of your personality and behaviors to be consumed in the fire of authenticity.

The work we do during Leo season should look like play - very serious play. Practice shaking yourself up out of routines. While there is more work and labor asked of us compared to Cancer season, preparation for the harvest is now on its way. Express gratitude for all the relationships, interactions, and experiences you share with others along the way.

The Sun forms a close sextile with Mars for the first half of this period. Manageable stressors and aggravating circumstances will arise that will nevertheless be overcome without too many long-standing complications. While Saturn doesn’t form an aspect to the Sun, the Mars-Saturn square will perfect while the Sun travels through the third decan of Leo. There will be more upsets and stressors during mid-august.

The only aspect the Sun forms is a sextile to Jupiter in Taurus. This is mostly a positive aspect, though the rewards will come with some work given Jupiter’s current placement in detriment. This can be a good time for spiritual growth and development, and receiving wisdom and insight from spiritual teachers. This can also point to financial success and good fortune - especially if you lean into the fun-loving, in-the-moment qualities of the Sun in Leo.

Peridot - also the folk birthstone of people born during August - is a good gemstone to work with during this period. It promotes good fortune, playfulness, and a carefree attitude that doesn't take itself too seriously. This approach to life is crucial now, especially for cultivating our spiritual awareness in this dour, saturnine age we witness.

Stir yourself and others out of their monotony. Shake free of established norms and stand for what truly matters. Dance in a fountain you’re not supposed to swim in. Recite long passages of erudite, soulful poetry when people least expect it. Be unpredictable.

Prayer: May we love life, the light, and the magic of the present moment. May its transience help us love it even more.