Sunshine

The most beautiful thing under the sun is being under the sun. - Christa Wolf

It may seem a simple matter, the sun.  This reliable golden orb rises and sets every day, and we don't give it much thought.  But life as we know it on earth could not exist without the sun.  It gives vitality to animals, plants and people, warms frozen fingers after snowy outdoor adventures, brightens our spirits in the form of persons born under the sun-ruled sign of Leo who use their radiant capacity to inspire us. Sometimes, though, the sun can be too hot, giving Vedic astrologers steeped in the summers of India reason to consider the sun a malefic influence.  Yet astrologers also recognize the importance of the sun in the astrological chart for determining an individual's strength of identity, capacity to express healthy joy and authority and ability to radiate one's essence into the community.

Saturn and the Sun both in Leo at this New Moon, along with Mercury still retrograde in Leo, may put a damper or delaying factor on our self-expression.  These placements ask us to continue to review the past for creative ventures and heart-felt connections we can either lay to rest or resurrect, as well as to accept greater responsibility for extending our will into life in some positive way once the retrograde is over.  The important Leo lesson is to face life with heartfelt optimism, organizational ability and creativity most of the time, not getting too far into the rigid, self-righteous fixity that can characterize Leo gone sour.  

Leo, represented by the lion, is an animal sign, as opposed to the human essence of the water bearer who represents Leo's opposing sign, Aquarius.  Thus under a Leo New Moon conjunct Saturn, a ruler of Aquarius, we do well to aim for balance between the positive elements of passion and instinct associated with the animal world and the further-along-the-evolutionary-wheel, rational, "what's best for everyone" behavior that sustains friendships, organizations and human civilization.

With a fixed sign T-square (Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus) beginning now in the skies and following us until February 2006, it pays to both remain flexible and doggedly lay foundations for long term goals, as well as to take extra care of the areas of the body ruled by the fixed signs: back, spine, ankles, circulation, neck, throat, voice, sexual organs. With Saturn in Leo, it also pays to focus on whether what we're doing long-term and day to day comes from the heart.

Mercury turns direct August 15.  The retrograde shadow period ends August 29.  Convergence of information and factors to assist us in moving forward may come together near these dates.

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  New beginnings, breakthroughs or changes may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative project or find one you started in the past and bring it back to life. Focus on the childlike creative spirit within and bring a sense of play to whatever you do.  You may be lucky in love this month, as a Venus-Jupiter conjunction lights up your 7th house of partnership.  Any one-to-one relationships or negotiations are likely to be enhanced.
Best days for Aries:   Aug 21-22

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You may have more than usual the amount of activity in or focus on your home this month.  Luck comes your way toward the end of the month in regard to co-workers, work routines, or office and health efficiency.  You know the difference that these things, operating well, can make to your peace of mind. About the most you'll have to do is step aside and let people and circumstances work for you.
Best days for Taurus:  Aug 24

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communication, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for change or new starts may emerge in these areas. Communicating your needs and exchanging information with others via  telephone, e-mail or fax brings you better success than going it alone. A new romance or opportunity to date, create or interact with children may come your way toward the end of the month.  Sidestep power plays in your work environment avoided toward the end of the month as well.
Best days for Gemini:  Aug 26-27

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities may come your way this month.  It's a great month to reconsider the purpose of your work and surround yourself with coworkers or clients who share your values.  A lucky break regarding your home or family may occur toward the end of the month, as Venus and Jupiter take up residence in your domestic sector.  Powerful creative inspiration or regenerative experiences with children or romance could strike near the end of the month as well.
Best days for Cancer:  Aug 28-29

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  Put your best foot forward and consider making changes to your appearance that enhance your confidence.  Though you normally love the spotlight, Saturn traveling through your sign may ask you to exercise maturity, caution and sobriety along with your gleeful self-expression.  Writing or transportation endeavors--in fact, all things communicative--get a lucky boost toward the end of the month.
Best days for Leo:  Aug 4-5, Aug 31, Sep 1

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  If you think loafing is useless, this may be the month you discover that relaxation actually allows inspiration in that may solve your biggest problems.  A lucky break in personal income or employment may occur toward the end of the month, as Venus and Jupiter occupy your income sector.  Be aware that your words hold extra power this month, too, so choose them wisely.
Best days for Virgo:  Aug 6-7, Sep 2-3

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  You're about the luckiest sign in the zodiac this month, as beneficial Venus and Jupiter team up in your sign near September 1.  Don't overdo it, but taking steps to promote yourself or enhance your appearance are bound to pay off.  You're likely to discover more of your true values this month, too, and find ways to express them through what you do for income.
Best days for Libra:  Aug 9-10

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with those in positions of leadership.  Interacting with VIPs, especially in a public way, doesn't always thrill you, but keeping your cool and making good personal connections this month works to your advantage.  This could be a lucky financial month for you as well, especially toward the end of August, early September.  It may also be a good time to rejuvenate or regenerate your health and appearance.
Best days for Scorpio:  Aug 11-12

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  Consider taking a long range risk and mapping out some details, even if it's only opening your mind to the possibility.  Groups and friends provide a lucky spark for you near the end of August, first week September, so make yourself available for these opportunities. Powerful dreams near this time could also help move you forward.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Aug 13-15

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, refinancing, deepening partnerships through communication, and beginning counseling or therapy may be on the agenda this month. Put your best foot forward as you may be in touch with people in positions of importance who can benefit you this month. Changes in group or friendship affiliations may prove regenerative as well.
Best days for Capricorn:  Aug 15-16

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Taking a look at your general approach to partnership and the balance you achieve between self and others is indicated.  The lucky planets Venus and Jupiter align in your travel, spirituality and education sector toward the end of August, early September.  Consider planning a new long-range venture or trip overseas.  Changes involving a supervisor or important client may positively affect your willingness to try something new.
Best days for Aquarius:  Aug 17-18

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  A doctor's appointment or health review could give you a reassuring reality check.  Money from others in the form of tax refunds, insurance, gifts, loans, inheritances or other collective funds could come your way toward the end of August, early September.  Review your attitude toward adventure and consider a new calculated risk you might take to expand your future.
Best days for Pisces:  Aug 19-20

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!