Understanding the Solar Eclipse in Leo

What makes you happy? Like, for real.

Next week’s New Moon in Leo (which will arrive on Wednesday, August 12th) is also a Total Solar Eclipse, and because this is Leo we’re talking about, one of the eclipse themes that I think will be coming up for people in the weeks ahead is something pretty fundamental:

“What makes me happy?”

I know. That’s not exactly the “reconnect with your creativity” or “don’t be afraid to be seen” messaging you’ve probably been hearing about everywhere lately. And, for the record, those themes certainly could be part of what comes up. But Leo energy isn’t just about visibility, creativity, or outward-facing self-expression. At its core, Leo energy is also tied to joy, play, pleasure, romance, and all the things in life that make us feel … happy to be here.

Life, however, can be complicated and difficult, and as a result it’s easy to lose touch with the idea that being alive is supposed to be fun. We all get busy. We all have responsibilities to meet. We tend to get through the day by doing whatever needs to be done, often on autopilot. And, occasionally, we become so consumed with reaching our goals that we fail to consider once in a while whether those goals are still what we really want.

This is a South Node Eclipse, which makes this lunation a moment of release in addition to a new beginning, as all New Moons are. So, what is it that you need to “shed” in order to become a happier version of yourself?

Is it a role you’ve been performing to meet others’ expectations? An outdated identity that doesn’t reflect who you are now? A need to prove yourself or seek approval? A project, hobby, or creative endeavor that no longer brings you joy the way it used to?

Whatever it is, what would happen if you let go it? What would become possible for you then?

If your interest is piqued, these are exactly the questions we’ll be exploring tonight at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT in our live gathering The New Moon and You, where we’ll discuss the astrology surrounding this eclipse season (which also includes the Full Moon later this month), what it might mean for you personally, and how to work with the energy.

To join us tonight, you can register over at Tending the Sacred.

And if you can’t make it, just know that you don’t need to have everything figured out by August 12th. Eclipse stories typically unfold over time. For now, consider paying more attention to what makes life feel good. And, conversely, what feels hollow or even downright unpleasant? Because our collective mission this season is to reconnect with the idea that life should make us feel alive.

Warmly,

Stefanie