Don’t worry, be happy is one way to boil down the goal of Leo season, but probably too simplistic (sorry, Bobby McFarin). Leo is about saying yes to life — and one way it does that is through the development of the personality itself fueling its magnanimous reputation through archetypes like the Fool, the King/Queen, the Child or the Performer. Leo encourages us to express what’s inside and leave tangible evidence of our inner processes upon the world. In other words, to create!  

We’re ready to emerge from Cancer season’s protective shell having spotlighted the need to rediscover where we belong, feel into our roots, and nurture our innermost selves and loved ones. Leo season primes us to express what was cultivated deep inside — and find our spotlight! There’s a collective invitation to share our exuberance and our creativity — to take up space in a way others can see, admire, and appreciate. That can take guts! 

The often overlooked ingredient beneath Leo’s shimmering chutzpah is vulnerability — we leave ourselves open to critics, to unrequited love, to silence in the audience. However, the greater risk is the performer that doesn’t find their stage, the leader that stays quiet in the conference, the fashionista that mutes their style so as to not make a splash. That confidence in the face of rejection is Leo’s cross to bear and perhaps its greatest directive. 

Between July 22nd and August 22nd — pay attention to places your roar is diminished to a kitten’s meow out of fear and self-doubt. In the first days of the season, the Leo Sun is opposed by Pluto in Aquarius and powerful subterranean forces may either amplify our light or obstruct it, depending on what’s been incubating in the subconscious. Take a look at your natal chart and see if you have any Leo planets and what house Leo rules for you — these influences represent your stage this season! Step up and step out!  It’s not about overconfidence, pride or begging for attention — but vulnerable acts of self-expression that come from straight from the heart — and more often than not, ignite joy, laughter and invite others to shine as brightly as you do.

5 Actionable Steps in Leo Season 

1. Take a creative risk — enroll in an improv class, wear something that makes a statement, tell someone how you really feel, tell that joke. 
2. Discipline your self confidence — do your power poses, visualize your performance, “act as if.”
3. Have more fun — organize a game night, do karaoke, be the entertainment at your kids’ sleepover, take yourself less seriously. 
4. Demonstrate your passion — make love, give and receive compliments, do and wear what makes you feel alive and sexy. 
5. Nurture your Inner Child — remind yourself that you’re safe, perfect, whole and complete just the way you are, give yourself credit for all the scary things you’ve done, give yourself a glowing review just for showing up, come from the heart. 

If the transiting Leo Sun is activating… 

🎭 1st house: You’re burning brightly with the generous Leo Sun activating your 1st House of Self and Personality. Commence bold projects, put your best foot forward, and lead with confidence. People can’t help but notice when you walk into the room, so don’t underestimate the power of making an impression. Work it, own it in other words — but be careful to not let this personal power surge devolve into a sense of entitlement. More than anything, a Leo Sun in your First House is about the power of your vulnerability — let people see and enjoy the real you! ‍

🎭 2nd house: With the Sun in the 2nd House of Earned Income and Possessions, it’s time to embolden your sense of security by really being intentional with the way you earn and enjoy your resources. Don’t apologize for wanting the things you love around you — including people that support and buoy your confidence.  Trust your own authority and sense of timing when it comes to augmenting income streams and showing up for opportunities to build the life of your dreams. You’re learning to trust yourself and your personal agency with each step! ‍

🎭3rd house: You’re firing on all cylinders with the Sun activating your 3rd House of Communication, Correspondence and Short-Term Travel. Lively repartee, ideating, and exploring the immediate world around you are especially in your cosmic flow but be prepared to spin a lot of plates — this will be a busy time! Your talent as a speaker, writer or teacher may come to the fore, so believe in yourself! “Act as if” if you’re having any quibbles with your innate talent for shaping a point of view — others need to hear from you right now and your abilities as a storyteller are in the spotlight! ‍

🎭4th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 4th House of Home and Family — you’re lit from within and have oodles of energy when it comes to those people and places you love most. This can feel like a reset period — as if you’re coming home to yourself and in turn being the generous hearth around which others can gather.  Take charge in creating an environment that gives you a sense of comfort, connection and pride. Being able to express yourself creatively without having to leave the nest would be the icing on the cake! ‍

 🎭5th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 5th House of Love Affairs, Creativity and Self-Expression, it’s time to get in touch with your inner child — and play! The vulnerability of expressing your inner process — whether it’s being a raucous raconteur at the water cooler, sharing a piece of creative work, or saying “I love you” first — can all give you the inimitable gift of sharing a piece of your authentic self with others. Yes, it can be risky — but that’s the point! Anything that gets your pulse racing with excitement or brings a smile to your face is good medicine. ‍

🎭6th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 6th House of Work, Health and Service you’re ready to dust off an old playbook when it comes to droll responsibilities and routines. Infuse a dramatic flair back into your daily routines! You’re ready to impress which may mean operating with a greater sense of authority and independence. How can you show up more fully and improve or showcase skills that give you a sense of pride in a job well done?‍

🎭7th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 7th House of Partnership, you can’t help but find yourself in the company of others and drawn to anything you find bold and beautiful. Likely, the bold and beautiful will be just as attracted to you! We’re always teaching others how to treat us, and this is your time to make it clear it’s ok to receive compliments, be adored and loved for the true you — so lean into your natural confidence and turn your light on, even if it’s a little scary! In turn, you’re ready to give your encouragement and support to anyone having their day in the Sun. ‍

🎭8th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 8th House of Transformation, a positive, direct and loving approach has the power to deepen intimacy and dispel pessimism. The stakes may feel high right now, but you recognize that to be human is to experience complexity and to keep showing up and loving anyway, especially if it takes some guts! Illustrate that you’re willing to shed light on emotionally difficult topics that may make others flinch. Opportunities abound to embolden your self-awareness, enrich intimacy and enjoy untangling the taboo mysteries of life.  ‍

🎭9th house: Freedom and adventure are calling your number as the Leo Sun activates your 9th House of Travel and Higher Education. How can you learn something off the beaten path or say yes to a quest — even if it doesn’t mean going far? Meet your magnanimous appetite for life experience halfway by embarking on novel experiences that push the edges of your comfort zone. This could mean taking an impromptu trip, signing up for a class that expands your mind, or taking that show on the road! ‍

🎭10th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 10th House of Career and Mission, putting yourself out there with the potential for positive recognition is chicken soup for your soul. The world is primed to smile back at you if you’re willing to step out and share something authentic from the heart. It’s your turn to take up more space and share your mission on a larger platform  — even if what you’ve been working on is simply your presence and positive attitude. Ask yourself what you want to be known for. What’s your legacy? ‍

🎭11th house: As the Leo Sun activates your 11th House of Community and Long-Term Vision you come alive in collaborative settings and recognize the power of leaning on your friends. Make a point to team up with people you admire that share your empowered outlook; they will open doors and inform your dreams for the future. Your world is teeming with opportunities to clarify your strategy, enlarge the scope of your ideas and gather just the right crew that remind you you’re part of something bigger.‍

🎭12th house:  As the Leo Sun activates your 12th House of the Unconscious, you’re ready shed something and dream anew. This may mean getting out of your own way and acknowledging any cycles that have come to their natural end. Be intentional about connecting with your soul — whether through creativity, long walks in nature or just taking some time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the “real” word.  It’s up to you to create the right space for the divine to come through and guide your next step — which may just be to bask in the magic of being alive.