Stars Above Kitsap: New Moon in Leo

An Invitation to Simply Be

In Honor of Cecil.

Did you see the dazzling display of Venus and Jupiter on the western horizon at sunset this summer? Stage center and shining their sparkling rays at us, they invited us to be as beautiful, radiant and unapologetic as they are. With the new moon (August 14 at 7:53 AM PDT), the Sun and Moon in Leo expand the invitation.

Leo offers courage as we attempt the simplest and hardest task of all – to be our radiant, self-expressive, vibrant selves. For all the bad press of Leo's arrogance and drama, Leo's true mission is simply to be ourselves with no hedging, dodging, or denying, and no self-aggrandizing or pomposity. Do that, and it will not only be enough, but it's all that is needed – for us and for our collective advancement.

Jupiter finished his year in Leo after offering expanded opportunities for self-discovery, joy and play. Now Venus is taking a sashay across Leo's stage spending four months there instead of her usual one month tour. She aids us in re-examining the territory of fun and pleasure Jupiter brought as we sort to find exactly which ones are our personal pleasures.

Fun here has a sense of personal value, is pleasurable and makes you feel expansive and content. It gets you up in the morning and makes your heart sings. This is part of the package Uranus in Aries shouts - wake up! Be you! The Leo Sun, Moon and Venus say do it with joy. As Mars slides into Leo, he can get down-right pushy about his needs for play!

If you had two days to live, what simple heartfelt gesture would tell us you are singing “I did it my way, I loved it and my heart bursts with joy?” Well, there you go. Surrender and be you – no drama needed.

Horoscopes for August 14 – August 29
Read your rising and moon signs, too.

Leo, a sense of self, vigorous self-assertion and sheer magnetism gives you many balls to juggle in the area of personal presentation. How DO people receive you? Where are you heading and are others opening doors you want to go through? Pay attention to your impact and fine-tune later.

Virgo, your behind-the-scene activities and personal sacrifice arena is active, baby. Can you catch yourself putting your foot in it? It's probably an unconscious habit you can fix. Cherish your privacy even as sociability runs high. Jupiter's kiss brings a trend of self-confidence.

Libra, social networks, organizations, informal gatherings of like-minded people run amok. You shine, feel empowered, and self-esteem rises. Don't take on projects unless they are near and dear to your heart and you love the activities you'll actually execute. This is a turning point.

Scorpio, the limelight isn't your natural area but the spotlight has you dancing on the roof and you are up for it! Reap your rewards, take a bow or two and parlay this career moment into your next big thing. You're a serious dude, but Venus is showing you where to play - a good life lesson.

Sagittarius, always the visionary, your read on what the masses want could have you swinging your professional weight for fabulous results. This year brings career highlights with less play but meaningful work that brings dreams to fruition. Baby steps and discipline. It's not a sprint!

Capricorn, enduring friendships and private matters need your masterful touch. You could be pulling more than your weight, but don't you love wielding skills and power for results? For you it's a form of play! Early January Goats are going through tear down stages...it's all good in the long run.

Aquarius, professional responsibilities could see you out networking and finding future friends. Financial finesse and research uses your analytical talents over the year. Tend to details. Current friends and partners need an audience and you're it! Take a bow yourself!

Pisces, pride at work, sensitivity to needs, and good taste make you a favorite colleague. A passion for order could shake it all up – or is it a new exercise plan? Generous mates, old and new, bear gifts and open doors. Be choosy about what works for you 'cuz this is a trend...

Aries, Leo brings you back to the deeply personal ways you fill your cup with fun and games. Children could be the bearer of your new torch, you big kid, you! Spontaneity and a little joie de vivre revive you and sets you up for more fun at work. Put your personal stamp on everything!

Taurus, Venus wants peace in the home arena but Mars is a burr in the saddle. Passive-aggressive, ambivalent? What!?! Go for a run, (quietly) write a blockbuster screen play about family drama. But watch yourself. Is it basic insecurity? Calm down, bucko. Give yourself (and us) a break!

Gemini, what not to say is as important as what to say - and when. You are all about communications and harmony with your 'peeps' and siblings - who may be a tad touchy. Back off a notch on what is normal for you but high-gear for others. Deep thinking about home.

Cancer, little claws cling. We won't say you are a hoarder, but you may be shocked at how much stuff you own - ancestors' stuff, the stuff grown kids left...stuff everywhere! What you keep AND let go is a form of self-expression. Keep the heartfelt. Let go of sentimentality. Give yourself room to grow.

Stars Above Kitsap/Aries Total Lunar Eclipse

Alert! Do NOT unfasten your seat belt! The trip to healing and wholeness is not a free ride, and we have work to do before arrival. The stars are shouting, “Wake up - now - express your god-inspired ideas, and quit playing small and petty. Pick up the reins of your life and steer a path closer to your heart's desires.”

Eclipses trace twenty-year cycles which set up life themes. Think back to what you were doing in 1995. What did you drop then that you'd like to pick up again? A lunar eclipse moves security issues and unconscious patterns aside and gives us time to evaluate un-emotionally how we must move forward.

Aries is the initiating, life-giving energy of the Zodiac. It's the 'I'm in!' and 'Let's get 'er done!' excitement. The shadow side of Aries is...well, rude and dominating. This eclipse points to finding ways to express the dynamics of Aries leadership within collaborative partnerships (Libra) so all can move forward harmoniously. Speaking our truth with courage and courtesy could work miracles now.

On April 5-8 the stars illuminate important insights to the questions and uncertainties the past few years unleashed. We have worked too hard to miss the message, so tune in, focus on the future, and listen for directions.The Winter of 2015 charts guided us through an endgame equivalent to the final chapters of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is no going back: bridges were burned, systems demolished. It will take the noble qualities of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' participants who battled together to rebuild a better future. Those archetypes exist in each of us. Activate them now – starting with the future-facing courage of Strider, the Aries warrior-king.

Horoscopes – April 4-18
Note: Read your Rising sign or Ascendant, and your Moon, if you know them, too.

Aries, such exciting times for you and a new year to boot. You can't go it alone so seek your natural buddies. Your go-get-'em personality is on fire so pick your target and don't throw that energy around all wily-nily! Initiate through deliberate action, cowboy.

Taurus, Mars comes to visit -use it to plod forth knocking on doors and being seen by those you want the attention of. Colleagues are congenial and helpful. Take time to review last year. Resolve what needs attention and look at how you undermine yourself. (Yea, you!)

Gemini, Mercury in fire inspires you to spread your wings and fly. Shake the networking tree - friends can facilitate changes you seek. Once the door opens, be deliberate to get what you want. Dreams are talking to you. Clever you, change AND relaxation!

Cancer, so much going on at work, so much desire to be home. This eclipse says re-invent yourself at work. Ask for help. It feels risky, but you more than pull your weight and there are those who will help. Be brave, ask - you could get home sooner.

Leo, oh, my goodness, you want a spring break. Take it if at all possible and watch new ideas ignite. You worked hard all winter setting cement at the foundation of your chart. Finally, you are getting noticed. Can't leave? Adventures of the mind work - gather friends on a sunny deck.

Virgo, part of intimacy is speaking up for yourself. Sometimes it just seems you have to yell to be heard. Lower your voice, pick your moments and ask your guardian angel to help. (Really! Who do you think helps with your to-do-lists?) A little future dreaming together works.

Libra, your full moon in eclipse and your partners or clients looking to you for what- everything!? Try to see their point of view even though you feel vulnerable. Deep-seated patterns are coming into sight. Easy does it. A time-out and quiet reflection may be the ticket.

Scorpio, man, it's all about work lately. Work, work, work with its strategies and intrigues is fun for you. Be sure health routines can sustain the extreme sport of work. Oh, 'honey' does need attention, if you don't want 'honey' hot and bothered. Well, maybe you do.

Sagittarius, you are hyped up for adventures with sporty-types. Saturn, the task master, let up a bit, but you know in your heart you're about to embark on a journey that will call forth your inspiring self. Find your mission and embark. The Earth needs you!

Capricorn, such deep changes over the past few years, but rebirth is at hand. Retreating home is a necessity. Still, you're digging to find your true voice and act on it. Work-wise, diplomacy and some mental health days are called for. You deserve it!

Aquarius, okay, Chatty Cathy, it's all about you! Places to go, people to see – it's simply inspiring to be you and that is okay. Remember to include your significant one and listen to other points of view. Are you blogging? Publishing? What's the new focus?

Pisces, frankly, the more you take charge, the more money you make. And the better you feel about yourself which leads to new ventures. Chat openly with a best friend who helps you clarify your intentions so even you are clear.

Stars Above Kitsap/First Week in March

Energetically speaking, we are running alongside that old Kitsap Peninsula joke: “If you don’t like the weather, wait a bit and it will change!”

The water sign Pisces is in play, but fire, air and earth want to play, too. We’ll get a different flavor in the Piscean waters on an every-other-day basis as the moon rotates through the signs.

The full moon in Virgo highlights how caught up we can be in the material, outer world and how we can miss our inner worlds available through the arts, spirit and dreams. If you are feeling victimized (Pisces) because you are “the only one around here who does any ‘real’ work” (Virgo), well, your “real work” is to find a balance between the two worlds. Intuitive insights show where real world efforts can be most effective.

Usually, Pisces brings a meditative mood to March. But the two week chart features a fiery trio with a rambunctious Ram (Aries), a roaring Lion (Leo), and a galloping Centaur (Sagittarius) leading the parade — which could easily turn into a fire storm. Little fish (Pisces) will have to wiggle fast to keep up with Virgo’s daily demands while still finding pools of quietude where we can conjure up compassion for the slips we are bound to make.

It’s a conundrum — neither Pisces or Virgo, but Pisces and Virgo. Figuring this dilemma out is well worth the effort. Otherwise, we are doomed — too idealistic to live in a world that is so much hard work. Somehow, our hearts and mind must merge and create a new reality.

HOROSCOPES
March 5-20
Note: If you know your rising sign, read it too.

Pisces, this is not a time for sacrifice or a pity party. In fact, bank on your self-esteem and ask for what you are worth. Your muse works to bring you into the spotlight. Don’t be shy — teach us how to act on our compassion.

Aries, Venus and Mars — the lovers — are stomping out an intense tango on top of that revolutionary Uranus, who is primed for a huge scene on March 16. Energies are lined up for action. Focus, be strategic and don’t screw it up, baby! Loose cannons need not apply.

Taurus, your Venus is dancing that explosive tango behind the scenes in your chart. Normally, it’s hard to get a bull to moo-ve, but a high level of anxiety and stirred up emotions could trip your trigger. Raging bulls can be self-destructive, so be a Ferdinand if at all possible (stop and smell the roses). Breathe through your nose, stomp hooves as needed.

Gemini, just hanging out with your peeps doing the daily run-here-run-there is cool but a reality check with your bestie is needed to get back to your ideals. At work, Pisces is too illogical, and at home Virgo is too fussy. It’s fun. It’s a strain. Or both. There’s that Gemini twins thingy.

Moon-ruled Cancer, you see the fire trio as the three Stooges, way too rambunctious, especially at work, but take an assertive risk or clean up their mess. Swim off in the Piscean tides to a warm beach or a cozy condo — somewhere you can go soft and fuzzy. A warm bath, a meditation retreat, a romance novel?

Leo, move out, way out of your comfort zone and give your new direction a test run even if it isn’t perfect yet. The applause inspires you to keep going. Still, you need quiet to figure out how to leverage your small successes business-wise. Flow and feel your way along to the next step.

Virgo, in your moon disguise, even you get mushy. What is your partner doing? Is it time to institutionalize someone or is this their idea of romance? Fortunately, your forward thinking and what happens in the honeymoon suite stays there. Fifty shades of what?

Libra, the Mars/Venus tango intensity ramps up in your most sensitive area — marriage and best friends. It’s exciting, stressful and unseemly! Sometimes kicking up a little dust clears the air — and then you can make up. Remember your body is your temple. It needs a peaceful approach. Relax.

Scorpio, Mars in Aries ignites innovation behind the scenes at work leading to good luck professionally. Play, arts and crafts, children can energize you. Add that to a serious need for spontaneity and dynamic activity to break up your daily routine and, hi-ho, a hike, anyone?

Sagittarius, there is a difference between spouting philosophy and speaking your truth. If you know your truth, it has power behind it and people are noticing. If you don’t, you have a cycle ahead of discovering what star you want to shoot for. Creative, fun time at home is well spent.

Evolve or die, Capricorn. It sounds so dramatic but something in you knows the imperative of which is spoken here. Your heart and soul need this change. Be assertive, surprise yourself and trust this slow process. Music, a romantic comedy, heartfelt talks can lift your spirits.

Aquarius, this moon crosses your money axis.Words create change — think of Thomas Jefferson and his, “We, the people,” which sounded pretty crazy at the time. Your original ideas can inspire new directions in groups, large and small, close and casual. Where do you want to lead?