The time has come to step fully into your power. The stars are aligning in such a way that on August 12, you have the opportunity to invite in and initiate new experiences that will celebrate your truth, boost your confidence, and expand the scope of how you view yourself. The Leo solar eclipse, occurring at approximately 1:45 PM EST, comes on the heels of Barbault’s basket (July 19), and the lion’s gate portal (August 8), both of which are potent celestial gateways that encourage us to explore what it truly means to live.
Solar eclipses can be thought of as a supercharged new moon. Under a standard new moon, you can expect fresh starts, new chapters unfolding, and the opportunity to manifest a dream into reality. You might notice in the days leading up to the eclipse (typically within 10 days before, or even three days after) that something takes a shocking turn and now you’ve got an opening in your life. Often, that’s the eclipse working its magic by helping clear space so you can start something new.
Keep in mind, there’s a level of drama, urgency, and excitement that comes along with a solar eclipse. You can expect a bit of jittery nervousness, like you know something big is going to happen but you aren’t sure what it will be. All of this is good; it means you are in tune with the universe. And while the desire for new is encouraged, a hint of patience will do you wonders from committing to something that won’t keep your fire alive.
The solar eclipse is in Leo, which has been the sign of the summer. Jupiter recently shifted into Leo, which means our passions, creativity, and self-awareness are experiencing a glow-up. This eclipse is a companion transit to Jupiter in Leo, allowing for new forms of self-expression, new creative projects, renewed self-confidence, and willingness to express generosity. Leo is ruled by the sun, which is the core energy of our universe. So this eclipse doesn’t just want us to ask what makes us shine, it wants us to go deeper and think about what keeps us alive.
Leo is a fixed sign, so this passionate fire in our hearts needs to be sustained over a long time. Fixed signs enjoy a consistent and stable approach to life, so differentiating between immediate gratification and uninterrupted joy happens on a deeper level. We are moving past the surface-level Leo tropes and doing the deep work with this solar eclipse. What do you love so much that you could talk about it to a wall for hours? What keeps your hope alive after a long, hard day of dealing with the BS of your 9 to 5? What would your inner child do with their life if they had unlimited resources and no restrictions? And candy for dinner isn’t a good enough option—really think about those childlike dreams through the lens of an adult.
Thankfully, this eclipse has good vibes. The sun and moon aren’t in negative aspect to any planets, and both of them are still riding the high of being in the same sign as Jupiter, the planet of good luck and fortune. While there is an auspicious tone to the cosmos right now—meaning: The intentions we set and actions we take will likely turn out for the better—Jupiter can often be a beach bum. You will still have to put in the work to sustain the positive momentum coming out of this solar eclipse.
The good news is, Saturn has arrived to ensure we show up and keep progressing forward. Saturn, the planet of achievement and karma, is the only planet making a tight aspect to the sun and moon at the moment. Saturn acts as a parent, saying, “If you want a puppy, you will have to take care of it,” during this transit. This is a reminder that you are fully in charge of what you are building and that, while you are the only one who can walk through an open door, there are still support systems in place helping you when you need them.
While all this is fine and dandy, these are not the only energies in the sky. Venus, Neptune, and Mars are all in tense aspect to each other, forming a cardinal T-square. T-squares are the toughest aspects in astrology, and a cardinal T-square reveals tension with initiation. There could be some confusion about what you desire; maybe you are waiting for someone to help you stoke the metaphorical fires, or you’re slow to act because of some emotional block. There could be issues with a relationships, finances, or creativity causing bumps in the road.
The release point for this T-square comes through the lessons of Capricorn, which is ruled by Saturn—another reminder that we each must do the work for ourselves. And through this work, remember that great things are built over time. A lasting legacy isn’t rushed. All of the Leo energy could very well present itself like a burst of inspiration, without the infrastructure to sustain, so don’t let the hard work discourage you from chasing after a dream that seems ready to be born right now.
The impact of the Solar Eclipse will influence everyone a bit differently, depending on your rising sign.
Aries
What does honest excitement look like, something that gets your blood pumping and heart racing? What would it take for you to sustain some level of excitement more regularly? The Leo solar eclipse is a lesson in joy, but the kind of joy that will last a lifetime. This is a moment for you to start getting back into the hobbies and passion projects that go beyond simply a fun time.
Taurus
Is your house a home? Are the lights on, but no one is enjoying themselves inside? The Leo solar eclipse is a chance for you to check your comforts, and reflect on whether or not you’ve allowed too much dust to collect. I’m not just talking in the physical home, but the emotional one as well. Think about what it would take to clean out the chimney so a beautiful fire can warm you from inside and out. Be honest about what you need, and how the environments where you rest support those needs.
Gemini
Are you feeling like you need to speak up? Maybe you are tired of worrying about what others will say if you do. What would it look like if you spoke your mind fearlessly? The Leo solar eclipse is an opportunity for you to explore confidence on the mental plane. Getting your mind right so that you can allow all of your amazing ideas, ice breakers, and interests out into the material plane. Start exploring a bolder approach when it comes to articulating yourself, and if you find you are ruffling feathers, good, that means it’s working.
Cancer
What is needed for you to feel validated in your values? Are you too worried about what others might think if you said, “This is what I stand for”? Perhaps there’s a need to reflect on whether your consideration for others is taking you away from you. The Leo solar eclipse is the perfect moment to get aligned with yourself and what matters most. You now get to start prioritizing experiences that are deeply personal to you, and make you proud of yourself. Even if others don’t fully understand why, it’s your truth and that’s what matters.
Leo
Leo, this is your eclipse! The sun and moon are shining down on you and giving you a confidence boost, which could take you to levels of unbothered you didn’t know existed. The important ask, however, is: Do you love the person looking back at you in the mirror? Is it time for a reinvention, or perhaps a reintroduction, to make sure that your inner and outer selves are aligned? There will be so many realizations about who you are, what your path is, and how you wish to move through the world, so stay open to evolving.
Virgo
Your current era of isolation is leading to a metamorphosis. While you might not feel all of the happy-go-lucky vibes of the Leo solar eclipse, what is happening on a deeper level is going to make you experience more joy than you could imagine. This is the beginning of a powerful spiritual awakening; by the end of it, you will be the version of yourself you’ve always known and loved. Slow down, and enjoy this deep transformation of the self.
Libra
Do you enjoy the people with whom you surround yourself? Are you looking for ways to enjoy life in a rich and abundant community? Now is the chance for you to step into something bigger than yourself—but only you can decide what that is. Spend some time reflecting on who you are, and how you hope to express your gifts, so that you can better identify what company you wish to keep. There is a beautiful opportunity under the Leo solar eclipse for you to become a curator of connection, and a leader among your peers.
Scorpio
What path are you hoping to carve out for yourself? What legacy, dream job, or aspiration are you ready to accept as your truth, and fight for it? Now is the moment to hunker down and do the work to make your dreams a reality. With the Leo solar eclipse, the confidence to be seen, heard, and respected on your terms will increase over the next few months. You’ll find more opportunities to step into authentic leadership roles, and build something that excites you through every nerve in your body.
Sagittarius
What will your journey look like? I’m not talking about a frivolous weekend getaway, but a soul-searching, Eat, Pray, Love sort of journey that’ll help your perspective shift back to what brings you joy in this life. Perhaps you need to sit down with your inner child and give them the keys to the car for a while. Look back to your past experiences and reflect on how they have shifted your worldview and belief systems. Ask yourself, What adventure would help give me the tools to live more confidently with the unknown?
Capricorn
Buckle up, because the Leo solar eclipse marks the beginning of an era of vulnerability. You know how to keep it real, but are there layers to your story you haven’t yet shared with others? What would it take for you to be more comfortable and confident sharing yourself with those you trust the most? Is that the issue at hand, trust? Maybe this is a moment to explore more ways to trust yourself. Regardless, expect the new phase of your life to be transformative and to expose the parts of your ego keeping you away from genuine connection.
Aquarius
Are you excited and energized by your relationships? Do you feel truly seen by others? Are you open to new connections? The Leo solar eclipse is nudging you to reflect on all these questions and more, as you’re about to experience a whole new wave of interactions. This eclipse is particularly important, because it’s not just about who you are connected to but also who you are willingly attracting. How are you showing up, and is that influencing the quality of your rapport?
Pisces
How can you focus on yourself more regularly? Are there any habits/routines that are taking you away from yourself? Your resource management and how you allocate your time is the essence of this Leo solar eclipse. Now is the time for you to make some changes so that you can feel like a more authentic and fluid version of yourself. Maybe the work needs to become play, maybe you desire more discipline and a regimen—whatever it is, think of yourself and what you need to succeed.
