Lost Time

Remember that lost time does not return.
-Thomas a Kempis

This month's New Moon falls in the heart-centered, playful, childlike sign of Leo.  Though we all know the down sides -- Leo can be self-centered, domineering, autocratic and immature -- there's nothing quite as revitalizing as the warmth, strength, generosity, creative inspiration and benevolence Leo people can convey to others when at their best.  Being with a Leo can be like getting a cosmic boost of confidence right from the Sun; like coming in from the cold to feel the sun's healing warmth radiating through to our very bones.

With a national heat wave part of our experience this summer, and Saturn traveling in Leo along with the Sun, the Sun's energies are both intensified and dampened down, so we might have to work a little harder to find optimism within, to find the sunny outlook natural to this time of year.  

Several years ago, I read an article by Lance Morrow in Time magazine about then President Bill Clinton called "The Trouble with the Present Tense" (March 30, 1998 issue).  Written in the months following the public revelation of Clinton's sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky, the article eloquently points to the idea that though people like Leo Bill Clinton have natural charisma and leadership skills we can all admire, too often they are limited by their tendency to "live vividly in the present tense," where they "dare you to join them there."  Morrow imagines a Leo egotist using such an attitude to explain an affair to his wife when she asks "Where have you been?", and he explains, "Darling, I am vividly in the present tense.  I dare you to join me there!"  Such fullness of self won't take one far toward understanding another's point of view.

The Leo lure of living only in the present (like lions, like animals, like jungle cats, like playboys and girls) can at times be tempting to other astrological signs, who may live so often in their shadowy insecurities and fears or worries about the future, that Leo light gives stability and confidence, or at least the promise of recognition.  Certainly learning to live in the present moment, or the ever-changing Now, is one goal of many spiritual traditions and 12-Step programs ("Just for Today").  Yet Leo people like Mr. Clinton who overdo this tendency to live only in the present moment can excuse any transgression by amping up the brilliance of the light of their ever-present Leo Sun.  

Like a child or teenager playing on a summer street who resists coming in for dinner, Leo may consider that time is lost by succumbing to restraints.  Bill Clinton was notorious for being late to events because he attempted to be so present to the people he was with at the moment, he wasn't thinking about the people who were waiting for him at his next stop.  Astrologer Richard Tarnas posits in a recent interview that all of Western culture suffers from being at this stage of adolescent self-absorption. It's one thing to lose a sense of time in unbridled freedom of expression, but quite another to lose the lasting rewards that may come with time, not to mention the respect of other people, because one can't see beyond the ego's glare in the present moment.  

With Saturn traveling through Leo along with the Sun this summer and next, our task is to balance the expressive egoic self (Sun) with commitment, structure and service (Saturn) to others that will bear fruit in the future.  We do well to consider the ways we can weave our creativity and joy (Leo) into commitments with others (Saturn) for greater potential results than if we act on our momentary and individual desires alone.  

Some people naturally insert the Leonine ego into their actions and conversations.  Other people naturally defer to, listen to, or accommodate others more readily than they assert their own will. These two groups of people can learn from each other and balance each other's tendencies -- consider where you are on this continuum of self vs. others this month, especially near the Leo-Aquarius Full Moon of August 9.  

Mercury returns direct July 28, however the energies of Mercury's slow-to-turn-direct station will be with us all month.  Practice easing into activities and continuing a contemplative mood -- not a month to rush.    

DATES TO NOTE:

NEW MOON FORECAST FOR SUN AND RISING SIGNS
(sign dates are approximate depending on year of birth)

 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 can get going slowly with matters related to:  your home and family, home office, practices for internal security.
Best days for Aries:  Aug 12-13

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.  New starts in your emotional foundation and self-nurturing bring stronger family relations.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  local transportation, auto repairs, brothers and sisters, neighbors, writing and communications.
Best days for Taurus:  Aug 14-15

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. You could be busier than usual with more mental stimulation--make sure you get plenty of rest.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  work and income sources, balancing your checkbook, discussing your true values, making a spending plan.
Best days for Gemini:  Aug 16-17

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 network with others and surround yourself with coworkers or clients who share your values.  Look for income sources that will reflect your values. You can get going slowly with matters related to:  your personal appearance, health and body, public presentations, personal initiative.
Best days for Cancer:  Aug 18-19

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 use your appearance and presentation style as a tool to enhance your confidence.  You have a particular appeal this month that attracts people to you with ease.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  recording your dreams, helping those less fortunate, caring for the sick or disabled.
Best days for Leo:  Jul 24-26, Aug 21-22

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.  Relaxation may bring inspiration that resolves your biggest concerns.  You can get going slowly with matters related to: friendships and group involvements, leading a group committee, putting some legs on your hopes and dreams.
Best days for Virgo:  Jul 27-28, Aug 23

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 can further long-held hopes and wishes with practical action, especially by talking to others about your needs.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  career and reputation, relations with supervisors or VIP clients, improving balance of power with parents or parent figures.
Best days for Libra:  Jul 30-31

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 the public or those in positions of leadership.  You can improve relations with a supervisor or VIP client by communicating your needs more directly. You can get going slowly with matters related to:  long-distance travel, education (taking or teaching classes), new risks, big ideas, religion and philosophy.
Best days for Scorpio:  Aug 1-2

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of philosophy, religion, higher education, long distance travel, long-range plans and big adventures.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  Consider mapping out some details for a long range goal, even if only to open your mind to the possibility.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  joint finances, emotional intimacy, sexuality, shared resources.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Aug 3-5

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments or loans, refinancing, deepening partnerships through communication, and entering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda this month. Determine where you stand with important joint projects and consider reviewing your credit report.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  visiting the doctor or dentist, creating the kind of balance you want in a primary relationship, improving ability to share with others.
Best days for Capricorn:  Aug 6-7

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.  Take a look at your general approach to partnership and the balance you achieve between self and others.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  taking care of your health, revamping work or health routines, organizing your office, bringing up subjects with co-workers.
Best days for Aquarius:  Aug 8-9

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.  You may need to develop fresh routines in your work or health habits to keep you energized.  A doctor's appointment or health review could give you a reassuring reality check.  You can get going slowly with matters related to:  children, creativity, romance, self-expression.
Best days for Pisces:  Aug 10-11

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!

Archive of past Morsels:

2005-2006

2004