Workaholics love the changing of the months. The new energy they get when they can turn to a fresh calendar page and organize their appointments, assignments, and social activities for the coming weeks could power a rocket to Mars. We in the astrological community, however, get that feeling from the changing of the zodiac seasons. Throughout the calendar year, the sun moves through the twelve constellations of the zodiac, and spends about a month in each. This is how astrologers have determined the various Sun signs. The month-long period that encompasses all of the birth dates for each sign is known as that sign’s season. In other words, during Leo season (July 22 through August 21), the sun is moving “through” the zodiac constellation of Leo, and all of your Leo friends will celebrate their birthdays! 

LEO SEASON 

As I enter Leo season, I am allowing myself to exhale. I, like many of you, have spent the emotional days of Cancer season caught up in my feels. I think I held my breath for about three consecutive days towards the end there. Many of us experienced great emotional breadth and psychic understanding during Cancer season. We investigated things that were previously uncertain and have learned more about who we are becoming. As we enter Leo season, we will be asked to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and march forward. This season will bring us joy, confidence, and laughter. What we will be learning throughout the next weeks, though, is humility. We must master the quiet confidence of the lion. 

Leo, a fire sign, is brave. The lion is proud, confident, enthusiastic, and engaged. The lion leads and provides. We are catching our own food this month. What we get out of Leo season will be a direct result of the work we put in—the hunt. Stalk your prey, and strike when the time is right. If you’ve been waiting for a promotion, now is the time to ask for it. If you want to make the first move with your long-term crush, Leo season has your back. The only way out, my friends, is through. All of you fire signs (yes, Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo—I’m talking to you) are about to have your moment. You’ll be feeling excited, stimulated, giving, and on top of your game. Leo is also a fixed sign (meaning you tend to be more stable and unchanging), but for the other fixed signs in the ring (Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus) this season may challenge you. Leos don’t necessarily think the same way you do, so make sure to take things with a grain of salt and approach the difficult situations you encounter with love. 

We have a couple of astrological events on the calendar during Leo season. Firstly, Mercury goes into retrograde on July 26th. If you’re going to be making deals or signing contracts during Leo season, try to get them done before the 26th (or wait it out and push them through at the end of Virgo season). Mars is still in retrograde as well, so our external conflicts are moving inward. If you’re having existential crises related to politics, activism, or aggression, you can thank Mars. There’s also a blood/full moon on July 27th that is going to be beautiful, so make sure you get yourself outside for that! At the end of the day, Leo season asks us to be excited, be ourselves, and party until dawn.

Leo Season Syllabus

TO DO

Find a new hangout spot and get to know someone new. Go out with your coworkers or classmates. Wear something sparkly or shiny. Find glitter or buy new shoes. Go to a live show—somewhere dark with lots of neon. Dance down the sidewalk. Run. Build a bonfire and share stories. Play charades or perform a play with your pals. Recite your favorite movies by heart. Hike or venture outdoors. Take photographs. Enjoy the sun. Bask. Bathe. Flirt. Speed date. Download Tinder again. Show off your best dance moves. Compete in something. Play a game of skill. Sing Beyonce in the shower. Throw a pool party. Strut anywhere and everywhere.

TO LISTEN

Only Beyoncé. I mean it. Her greatest hits. Destiny’s Child, too. Drake, but nothing too moody. Top 40 pop. Now is the time to get behind Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, and The Chainsmokers. We are listening to fun music this month. Anything uplifting. “Green Light” by Lorde. Bleachers. “22” by Taylor Swift. Bring back “Despacito.” Post Malone. Feel-good hits are the mood this month. Musical theater, too. Leo season says bring on the drama and the fun. Carly Rae Jepsen. Miley Cyrus. Calvin Harris. If it screams “summer fun,” it’s on the list.

TO READ

Sorry, we don’t read books during Leo season. We have all of Virgo season for that.

TO WATCH

Superhero movies and adventure sagas. Comedies. Like, the classics: Superbad. Accepted. Hot Rod. Bridesmaids. Raunchy rom-coms. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. The first Mamma Mia also. Honestly, only watch movies in the Mamma Mia franchise this month. Sports. A Leo loves a good competition—watch a sport this month. The Baz Luhrmann Romeo + Juliet. Moulin Rouge. Chicago. Street performers. Magicians. Anyone putting on a show.