Welcome to the Stella Starwoman AstroUpdate for July-August. I’ve been away camping in central Australia for
the last few weeks with a friend from overseas, so my apologies for this late missive and especially to those of you
who look forward to the moon tables. The good news is you get two months squeezed into one, so here goes! And
I’ll also be sending you a special article on the MH17 plane disaster from an astrological point of view early next
week, so look out for that in your inboxes. The monthly stars will be on the website in late July.
Giant Jupiter in L
Giant Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and the largest planet in our solar system, shifted from water sign Cancer to fire
sign Leo on the 16th July. Leo in art and mythology is a symbol of strength, supremacy, glory and brilliance.
Jupiter will remain in Leo until August 2015 offering those with planets in the fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
special opportunities to achieve their potential over the coming year. Jupiter represents our yearning for meaning in
life and our desire for expansion and growth. This larger-than-life planet is very much at home in ebullient Leo and
will encourage growth through fun, self-expression, creativity and the performing arts. Jupiter represents success
but also excess - the phrase 'over the top', readily comes to mind. But Jupiter’s true purpose is to inspire us to
embrace a belief system that gives meaning to life. In practical terms, this means all areas of life ruled by Leo will
be fashionable or ‘in the news’ during this one year period. Here are my predictions.
Royalty, Hierarchy & High Society
Leo is the sign of royalty, presidents, prime ministers and by extension, the rich, famous, glamourous and successful people
from all walks of life. With Jupiter in Leo we can expect an increased interest in all things royal, with people visiting castles,
palaces, mansions, museums and the homes of the wealthy and famous and an increased interest in crests, seals, emblems and
other trappings of royalty. We are also likely to see more books, movies & TV programs
about people in highly paid and respected professions and more people taking interest
in awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Logies. This is the year for erecting
monuments and statues to commemorate high achievers and many will write their
autobiography. Film stars, rock stars, sporting heroes, CEOs and managing directors
will be in the news even more than usual.
Fashion, Beauty & Luxury
Jupiter in Leo is great news for those working in the fashion and beauty industries – people will be more willing than usual to
spend money on luxury items this year and the more glamourous and prestigious, the better. Leo likes to have the best of
everything and while this may seem shallow, there’s nothing quite like feeling and looking your best. Gold miners, goldsmiths
and those who work with gold and fine jewellery will thrive as will anyone who can make others feel like a king or queen.
Other industries likely to succeed include, top class hotel and travel; high class fashion, hair and make-up; luxury cars and up
market housing; designer furniture; fine dining and gourmet food and wine. And as for what will be in fashion - Leo favours
anything showy or glitzy with an emphasis on diamonds, pearls, rubies and gold coupled with luxury fabrics such as satin, silk
and fur in rich colours - purple, gold, scarlet, orange and white.
Fun & Entertainment
Jupiter in Leo brings out the inner child and all children like to play and have fun. The sports and entertainment industries
should experience a bumper year with people splashing out on holidays, parties, weekends away and generally having a good
time. Those who will benefit include amusement and theme parks; casinos and gaming industries; those working in horse, dog,
car or bike racing; those working in the alcohol, food, music, film, theatre and leisure industries and anyone involved in
athletics, golf or tennis.
Philanthropy
Jupiter in Leo is philanthropic combination. People will feel more benevolent and magnanimous than usual, making this an
ideal year for fundraising and charity appeals or a good time to apply for scholarships, arts funding and business grants. Ask for
a large donation for your particular project and you could well receive one!
Self-Expression & Self Development
Self-development and personal expression are important manifestations of the Leo energy. Expect an increase in courses,
workshops and books promising to release the inner child, develop the creative/artistic soul or nurture the true self. Ditto for any
business involved in interior design, grooming or personal styling.
Creativity, Culture & the Performing Arts
Leo is one of the zodiac signs most associated with the arts, particularly the performing arts such as dance, theatre, musicals,
opera and music but also the decorative and fine arts. Jupiter in Leo is a favourable period for artists of all kinds, but particularly
those who work in these industries. (Famous Leo lead singers include Metallica’s James Hetfield; Madonna; Jennifer Lopez,
Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin; Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits, Whitney Houston and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones).
Everyone will benefit from this burst of creative and artistic energy and we are likely to spend more time watching movies, plays
and concerts, going out dancing and watching live music performances. We could also see the opening of new social clubs,
dance halls, ballrooms and bars plus an increased interest in community singing and storytelling.
Children
Leo is the sign of children, so this period should be particularly favourable for children and those working with children.
Industries likely to thrive include children’s books, games, toys, movies and clothing and theme and leisure parks. We could see
more playgrounds being built and cartoons and cartoonists are likely to be particularly popular. And with Leo being a creative
zodiac sign, more children will be drawn to dance, music and theatre either as spectators or participants.
Love & Romance
Leo is one of the most romantic of all signs and magnanimous Jupiter in Leo will push us to spoil those we love. This is great
news for florists and jewellers and in fact anyone who promises to indulge our desire for more pleasure, love and romance. If
you run a luxury bed and breakfast, own a romantic restaurant or provide retreats for couples, this should be a good year. Ditto
for those who sell chocolate, champagne, flowers and anything to do with weddings and engagement parties.
Cats
Leo is the sign of cats, both big and small. Felines of all types, wild and domestic should be
in the news. If you’ve been thinking of sharing your life with a cat, now is the perfect time!
Health
Leo rules the heart, spine and circulatory system. With Jupiter in Leo we could
see increased research, funding and better treatment and rehabilitation for those
suffering from heart disease, stroke or spinal injury. And with Leo being the sign of
children, we could also see an increased focus on child education and health;
conception, pregnancy and childbirth; child protection and child care.
But What If You Are A Leo?
Those born under the zodiac sign of Leo or with a Leo Ascendant can look forward to a great twelve months ahead
as Jupiter enters Leo. Expect improvements to your immediate environment and self-confidence coupled with
feelings of freshness, expansion, enthusiasm and generosity. This twelve month period has the potential to be a
relaxed, fortunate and hopeful time in your life where you can impress others and display natural charisma. This
in turn will attract new and favourable opportunities, including the possibility of new romance or a new creative
project. You are able to leave the past behind and focus on the future. Problems that in the past seemed
challenging or insurmountable can be overcome as your perspective on life changes. This is your year to shine
and really enjoy being yourself. Step forward with confidence and conviction in the direction of your dreams!
Key Astrological Events – July-August
The Sun shifts into magnanimous Leo on the 23rd July meeting up with lucky Jupiter on the 25th, an astrological
event that happens only once a year. This should be a particularly favourable and optimistic week, so if you’ve
got some wild plans or private dreams, now is the chance to take that first step towards making them happen.
Those with birthdays around this date (22nd – 28th July) can look forward to a special year ahead.
On the 26 th July, action planet Mars leaves Libra after an eight month stay and moves into ruling sign Scorpio
where he will stay until the middle of September. Mars is particularly powerful in Scorpio, so if you’ve been
dragging your heels over the past few months, things should start to move forward again from late July onwards.
Mars in Scorpio is also a very passionate combination for both love and war, so choose your battles wisely!
Meanwhile, relationship planet Venus continues her journey through soft-hearted Cancer
throughout late July and into early August and then joins the Sun in passionate and vibrant
Leo on the 12 th August. Venus in Cancer (19 th July – 12 th August) is the perfect time
to strengthen family bonds and spend time with children, while Venus in Leo
(12 th August – 6 th September) enjoys, romance, excitement, fun and self-indulgence.
Communication planet Mercury spends the first half of August in fire sign Leo before moving into ruling sign Virgo
on the 16th. Mercury in Leo favours creative and dramatic expression, while Mercury in Virgo is fantastic for
detailed, analytical work, brainstorming and problem solving.
Since early July, Saturn at 16° Scorpio has been in a challenging 150 °angle to Uranus at 16° Aries, known to
astrologers as an inconjunct or quincunx. This energetic mismatch will continue to be felt throughout August.
Saturn in Scorpio asks us to develop strength through loyalty and commitment while Uranus in Aries asks us to
make a bid for freedom and innovation.
Limits are necessary, but there is a strong desire to break free. Fears are overwhelming, but courage is needed to
overcome them. And with both Scorpio and Aries ruled by Mars (god of war), the battle between these two giants is
not a quick or easy one. Many will be feeling frustrated and stuck (especially those with planets in mid-Aries and
mid-Scorpio – 15-17°). The answer is to make the necessary changes but in a solid and responsible manner while not
expecting quick results. A trine or flowing angle between Saturn in Scorpio and healing planet Chiron in Pisces will
help ease the tension, but patience and compassion will be required.
Finally the Sun shifts from Leo into Virgo on the 23rd August providing an incentive to focus on health, fitness and
spring cleaning!
Welcoming the Spring
In the seasonal calendar, the beginning of August marks the Festival of Lights known to Christians as Candlemas.
The older Pagan names are Imbolc and Oimelc, 'Imbolc' meaning 'in the belly' (of Mother Earth). Although the
nights are still long and dark, we can feel the first stirrings of spring and the warmer weather ahead. 'Oimelc' means
'milk of ewes', for this is also lambing season. If you’d like to celebrate the return of the light here’s a special ritual.
Light a blue candle (representing peace, wisdom, communication, truth, patience, health and calm) and place it in the
main room of your house. Fill a small bowl with water and add a pinch of salt for protection and purification. Follow
this with a few drops of your favourite essential oil – something calming like lavender is a good choice. Tie together
small bundles of basil, sage or rosemary and starting at the front door of your home, dip the bundle of herbs in the
water and gently wipe them over the door frame. Continue to do this to all doorways and windows in the house
visualising protection and peace spreading from the front door to the rest of your home. When you have finished,
leave the bowl of water out overnight to anchor the protection and let the bundle of herbs dry before burning it with
your blue candle. Now you can sit back, relax and have a nice cup of tea, knowing your home is ready for spring!
July New Moon
New moons are all about new beginnings. The July new moon falls on the 27th in fire sign Leo. The Sabian Symbol
for 3-4º Leo shows an elderly man dressed in formal clothing standing next to his hunting trophies, representing
pride in one’s own achievements. It is interesting to see the interplay between
the full moon and new moon energies in July. The full moon highlights the
importance of sharing skills in order to succeed, while the new moon (on the 12 th July)
focussed on the importance of personal achievement and its connection with
self-esteem.
August Full Moon & New Moon
The August full moon falls on the 11th in air sign Aquarius opposite the sun in fire sign Leo. The Sabian symbol for
this full moon (18-19° Aquarius) shows a bushfire being brought under control through the sustained and
superhuman efforts of firefighters. This full moon will test our mental strength, endurance and emotional stability
and asks us to have faith in our own powers of achievement and also in higher powers.
The August new moon falls on the 26th in earth sign Virgo. The Sabian Symbol for 2-3º Virgo shows two guardian
angels representing the invisible help and protection available in times of crisis and the importance of inner strength.
Now is the time to gather your courage and take up a new challenge. This month, both new moon and full moon
speak of the importance of faith and strength in times of trouble and crisis. We are never alone unless we choose to
be.
Featured Sign-Leo
The Sun travels through fire sign Leo from 23rd July – 23rd August. Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac with
keywords “I express” and “I stand out”. Leo’s symbol is the lion, king of the beasts, but also the beast within who
must be subdued and civilised. Lions in art and myth are symbols of strength, supremacy, glory and brilliance. Leos
are extremely creative and love to show off their talents. They are often attracted to the performing arts or any role
where they can shine and lead others. At best they are loving, loyal, affectionate and sincere, displaying willpower,
courage, dignity and leadership and radiating confidence. Negatively, Leos can be arrogant, bossy, vain and over-
dramatic. Leo rules the heart, circulatory system and spine. When Leos are out of balance they can suffer from back
pain, nervous palpitations, high blood pressure, fever, stroke and heart disease. The Leo colours are gold and orange.
Leo is ruled by the Sun, so those with a prominent Sun in their chart often display Leo qualities. Leo’s greatest
lesson is to learn that they are not the centre of the universe. The true leader is the servant of all!
August Moon Calendar
Launch projects at the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period from just before the Full Moon to the
Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on developments in the week before the next New Moon. The
period between the New Moon and the Full Moon is the waxing moon (moon getting bigger and fuller). The period
between the Full Moon and the New Moon is the waning moon (moon getting smaller and thinner).
You can use this moon table to select the most favourable days to slow or increase hair regrowth. Full instructions
can be found in my Lunar Hair Care guidelines at www.stellastarwoman.com/files/LunarHairCare.pdf but to get you
started I’ve marked the best dates for waxing/shaving to slow regrowth in yellow and the best dates to cut hair for
thicker, lusher growth in green. If you’re serious about Lunar Hair Care - order your own Moon Calendar from the
Stella Starwoman Store then you’ll know exactly what time of day the moon changes from one zodiac sign to the
next meaning you can fine-tune your activities with confidence.
Thanks for being part of AstroUpdate. If there’s something you’d like to see featured, or have something you think
would interest others, please contact me at stellaw@ozemail.com.au
PS – Don’t forget to check out your August Monthly Stars at www.stellastarwoman.com
to see what’s coming up for you this month. I’ll be posting these August stars in late July.
Happy Stargazing
Stella Woods