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Transits

July, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:
** Note from Astrology.com:
--Featured Readings: Personal Astrology Profile, Solar Return Birthday Reading, Romantic Compatibility Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Who's Your Leading Man Quiz, Dancing by the Signs
** All about Leo
** Your Starcast for July 22 to August 21
** Astrolesson: Sun Sign Compatibility

We can't all being kings and queens, but that doesn't have to stop us from holding our heads high and stepping into leaderships positions. As the Sun enters regal Leo on July 22, look out over your kingdom or queendom and assess your relationship with your 'subjects.' Would they like a party? (Is Leo in your chart located in the 5th House?) How about a trip somewhere? (Is Leo in your 9th House?) This is the time of year to let your light shine, to exude self-confidence and to be generous. Plenty of celebrities are Leos, as are politicians and others in the public eye. Now it's your turn to step into the spotlight!

Although the Sun in every birth chart represents the center of the personality, there are so many factors, strengths and weaknesses that make you ... you! In our Personal Astrology Profile Reading, you'll learn about all of the various components that make you tick. Knowledge is power -- isn't it time to go beyond your Sun sign?

Our Solar Return Birthday Reading is based on a chart drawn up for the exact time that your natal Sun reaches the same position in the zodiac -- otherwise known as your birthday! It's a fabulous tool to find out specific information about the year ahead. Whether your birthday occurred earlier this year or is yet to come, this Solar Return Birthday Reading will give you important information. Plus, it makes a great birthday gift!

But enough about you! Let's look at you ... and someone else! What is that magical ingredient that draws two people together like magnets? And, what are the causes of the difficulties that arise? In our Romantic Compatibility Reading, you can input two dates of birth and discover what keeps you and your sweetie together, and what drives you apart.

Academy award-winner and Leo Hilary Swank may have grown up poor, but she was born to rule Hollywood! Her birth took place on July 30, 1974 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Hilary displays the magnetism and warmth so typical of this sign. And her regal qualities, determination and creativity have brought her much fame and attention -- nice for any Leo! Happy Birthday Hilary! Read more about Hilary and other Hollywood hotties in our Celebrity Section!

Speaking of birthdays, how do you celebrate? Would you rather have a no-muss-no-fuss affair? How about a theme party? And when it comes to gifts, would you like people to make a donation in your name to your favorite charity? Or is your motto 'the more, the better'? Check out How the Signs Celebrate Birthdays and see what the cosmos thinks you would enjoy!

If you were a movie star and could pick anybody you wanted to be your love interest, who would you choose? Do you swoon over Denzel? Does Brad Pitt make your heart thump-thumpity-thump? We know all about the planetary personalities of the hottest men in Hollywood, so take our Who's Your Leading Man Quiz and we'll match you up with your most compatible leading man!

Dancing and celebrities -- now that is a perfect Leo match. How about you? What's your dance style? Are you methodically working on your ballroom dancing steps, or do you like to invent your own? Everybody has their own natural rhythm and style. Take our Dancing by the Signs to get tips about what gets your feet moving best.

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting pathways and byways ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Sun Sign Compatibility.

Happy Birthday to all you Leos out there! You lead us, entertain us and are just plain fun to be around! Life would be so dull without you. Let a lovely Lion know how much you care about them -- send your favorite Leo free astrological e-card!

Leo proudly bears the symbol of the lion -- which didn't happen by accident. It's an association brought about by this sign's reputation for being brave, strong and just about fearless. Since the lion is the king of the jungle, he also endows his signature sign with the qualities of a natural ruler. Leos can pull the mantle of authority over their shoulders at a moment's notice and start barking out orders -- benevolently, of course -- just as quickly. To pull it all off, certain qualities are a must: charisma, to start with, along with the ability to enchant and enthrall the masses. Like those of many popular leaders, Leos' 'followers' often seem to simply fall in love with them!

Bringing all those qualities into a relationship means several things: First off, the Lion's partner can't help but feel honored and, at times, a bit overwhelmed by the task of measuring up to such a partner. If you are a Leo yourself, you will, of course, do your best to let your chosen partner know that nothing is too good for them. You'll put your all into showing that lucky soul that they not only 'deserve' you, but that they're also worthy of anything -- as long as it's good, fine and pleasurable. The best of everything is all that will do. Luckily for the rest of us, Leos automatically endow their loved ones with a sense of worth that not too many others can match. They also carry themselves with regal demeanor, so whoever happens to be on their arm can't help but feel royal in turn.

There is a humble side to Leo, however -- again, only when it comes to the ones the Lion loves. This kingly sign will go right out of its way to make anything happen for cherished friends and family, whenever it's humanly possible. But don't fear, Leo: While it's not your ultimate goal, this unparalleled devotion ensures that you'll receive the same in return, with just as much emotional extravagance.

Speaking of extravagance, Leos are famous for that too -- and for being lavish, theatrical and, at times, a tad on the melodramatic side (even in the company of those they've just met). Keeping the latter qualities in check is their greatest challenge, and also what will keep them honest and reputable. So, to all you Lions out there, find a way to strut your stuff, a stage that deserves your presence, and a way to preserve your dignity, and you'll do all the other residents of your jungle proud!

Learn more about ever-charming Leo, or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not a Leo? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the lovely Lion might appear in your own birth chart with a Astro Identity Reading.

When the Sun travels through proud fiery Leo beginning on July 22, it's time to make sure the spotlight shines on you! Mercury, the communication planet, follows the Sun into Leo on July 26, giving you a platform to express your ideas. But the big news is the solar eclipse on August 1 when dramatic events eclipse themes currently in play. Wherever this eclipse occurs in your birth chart gets the lion's share of attention! Also attention-getting is the Mars opposite Uranus on August 6, when you'll need to give yourself plenty of room to do your own thing! Yet Venus enters Virgo on August 5 helping you to keep grounded in the midst of all of the dramatic energy. And Mercury's entrance into this earthy, analytical sign on August 10 helps you pay attention to the details. On August 16, a lunar eclipse in group-minded Aquarius reminds you that life is not just about you. Dynamic aspect patterns are present in this eclipse. Watch what you say because with a Mars square Pluto on the same day, somebody takes the gloves off in the midst of a rather confusing situation. Then Mars sets a new course entering cooperative Libra on August 19. We round out this solar period when the following day on August 20, powerful Pluto trines the Leo Sun and you receive benefits when people and events conspire to bring you success!

July 22: Sun enters Leo

It's time to be an honorary Leo as the Sun enters this proud, fiery sign. Don't hide in the wings; whether you want a relationship or a new job, the world needs to know you exist, so make sure the spotlight shines on you! Since Leo is all about having fun and being creative, why not check out a movie or sit down on that dusty piano bench and play a tune?

July 26: Mercury enters Leo

Pick up your megaphone! As communication planet Mercury enters bold Leo, everyone will be heard -- loud and clear. Dramatic announcements are common during this transit and some voices may compete for attention. Yet, at the end of the day, respect is important to this sign, so how you say it will matter the most.

July 26: Mars trine Jupiter

Time to focus on your goals. As energetic Mars in hard-working Virgo forms a harmonious trine to Jupiter in ambitious Capricorn, take advantage of this beneficial aspect to move yourself -- and your projects -- forward. People in influential positions will help you now. Don't waste any wonderful opportunities!

July 31: Venus opposite Neptune

Venus in Leo has a romantic flair. As she opposes spiritual Neptune, it's important to know the difference between fantasy and the real deal. During this transit, some people are pierced by Cupid's arrow and fall in love with the first person that comes along. Others have their rose-colored glasses in storage and know how to tell the difference between a god and a mortal. Make sure you do too!

August 1: Solar eclipse in Leo

Leo is known for being quite dramatic, and solar eclipses are also known for their emotional intensity. With the solar eclipse occurring in Leo, expect bold headlines and plenty of 'breaking news.' All eclipses occur at a new Moon, making this a time of fresh beginnings -- and this is truly an important event. Pay attention to your environment and the people in it. The word 'eclipse' means that something dramatic or attention-getting has occurred, captivating our attention enough to pull it away from something -- or someone -- else. Knowing where this eclipse lands in your own chart and what, if any, planets are contacted will give you information about an important focus of your life -- an area that deserves your attention.

August 5: Venus enters Virgo

When the love planet Venus enters such an analytical time as this, take a good look at the tangible aspects of your most important relationships. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for another is to help with daily tasks in a generous manner. Have you seen the smile of appreciation when you remember to pick up bread on the way home from work? Better yet, make an appointment for a couples' massage. Whatever you do, be sure to use this sensible transit to make your relationship run more efficiently.

August 6: Mars opposite Uranus

Mars in earthy Virgo excels at getting things done. Yet when this energetic planet meets electric Uranus, this doer gets a wake-up call in the form of surprises. While you may notice yourself and others feeling rebellious, make sure your rebellion has a point rather than just being contrary! Be certain that what you are doing is worth taking a stand over. Perhaps this is simply a time for you to assess whether you've built enough freedom into your life or not. The ultimate message here is to be true to yourself.

August 10: Mercury enters Virgo

Are you ready to improve your life? Mercury is quite at home in its own sign making this a fruitful transit where you'll be able to get a lot done. Virgo is known for having high standards, making this a great time to get a lot done. Your mind needs something to do with this transit, so get out your pen and notebook, or turn on your computer, and make a list of your goals. Every action is preceded by a thought. Get busy!

August 15: Sun opposite Neptune

While it's important to be confident about your own abilities, it's also essential to keep the greater good in mind. At this midway point of the Neptune retrograde cycle (which began May 26) tune in to your hopes and dreams. Examine how you can live your life more fully. Yet Neptune in Aquarius is quite community-minded, so your circumstances will let you know where reaching out to others is not only necessary, but personally fulfilling as well. This opposition in tomorrow's lunar eclipse makes this aspect doubly important! For greater insight, examine the house in your birth chart where this opposition occurs.

August 16: Lunar eclipse in Aquarius

Lunar eclipses are dramatic visually -- and they portend dramatic earthly events as well! This current eclipse in independent Aquarius is no exception. Eclipses are highlighters and bring awareness to what needs your attention. Dynamic aspect patterns are present in this eclipse including this week's Sun/Neptune opposition and the Mars/Pluto square. Also incorporated is an explain-yourself Saturn/Mercury conjunction. Watch what you say because somebody takes the gloves off in the midst of a rather confusing situation. Luckily, next week's Sun trine Pluto suggests that somebody will step forward in a good way and take control. Maybe it'll be you!

August 16: Mars square Pluto

Go-getter Mars traveling through the last couple of degrees in efficient Virgo comes into challenging contact with powerful Pluto, currently in its retrograde in belief-driven Sagittarius. All those plans you've instituted the last several weeks now need a major transformation. Whether you overhaul something or stand up and prove yourself -- now is the time. You'll be tested, but this is your opportunity to show the world you have what it takes to be successful. Keep in mind that how you handle challenges and disagreements says a lot about you.

August 19: Mars enters Libra

Warrior Mars in the relationship peacenik sign Libra may seem like an oxymoron. Yet, keep in mind that it takes two whether you want to make love or make war. This is a wonderful time to invest in your important relationships. For those married and seriously committed folks, pick an activity that you both enjoy. Single? This transit gives you the energy to pursue the person of your dreams! So get the word out that you are ready to be one half of a couple!

August 20: Sun trine Pluto

With this beautiful, supportive trine, powerful people help you take that next step. Hopefully during the Sun's transit of Leo you've been having fun -- a top Leo requirement -- and exuding confidence. Prominent people who can positively influence your life take notice and are ready to invest in you. Let go of any doubts and take a leap of faith. This transit only happens twice a year, so take advantage of it!

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Leo!

Although much of Sun sign astrology would have you believe that only signs that share an element or are in compatible elements are the best relationship picks, that idea is often not reflected in the partners we choose. In reality, two people's Sun signs that are opposite or even quincunx are common aspects found in committed relationships. Why is this?

Learn more about the 12 Sun signs, their distinct qualities -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- and how this affects all areas of our lives in Sun Sign Central.