Forecast Jul 20-26, 2020: The Call To Adventure

Each fire sign is a force of nature unto itself. Add two hyper-vitalizing planets to the mix, and bang! During the 2020 Leo Sun cycle, passions will run extra hot when Mars brings his audacious Aries kindling to Leo’s homecoming celebration. The red planet will of course continue his Aries transit until early 2021. But the September 9th start of his forthcoming retrograde will temper his firepower and considerably cool his proverbial jets. That makes the incoming Leo Sun cycle all the more critical of a time to strike while the iron is hot or to at least take in this cosmic boost of inspiration and drive. It all starts on Wednesday when the Sun returns to Leo. But before we get there, another reboot of sorts is on offer.

There’s a new Moon in Cancer midday on Monday, followed by the then still Cancer Sun’s opposition to strict Saturn. Though this is a potent Moon, clocking in at 28 degrees, Saturn’s presence suggests that our intentions remain realistic. Mercury, now picking up speed since stationing direct on July 12th, will continue making waves in Cancer until August 4th, and on August 7th Venus will venture into the cardinal water sign. While there, like the Sun before them, they will face oppositions from Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn. Thematically, we are continuing to work through any issues concerning home, family and security that have emerged since summer solstice. But languishing in the ebb and flow of moody Cancer is no longer an option. The upcoming oppositions will be forcing more decisions through early September, and Mars has begun adding pressure. On July 27th he forms his second square to Mercury, the bookend to their July 8th clash, and on September 4th he will create another choice point with Venus. The ongoing battle with Mercury has been bringing our attention to frustrations and feelings that have needed expression. The challenge has been to speak our minds, without biting someone else’s head off. Helpfully, the July 27th Mercury Mars meeting takes place in the wake of a superseding and ultra-cooperative Jupiter Neptune sextile.

Cancer isn’t the only front feisty Mars will be fighting on. At home in saucy, headstrong Aries, the warrior is also set to confront Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn, via the more contentious squares. Those take place on August 4th, 13th and 24th, with more combat scheduled in autumn. Unlike the oppositions which occur on a continuum, squares bring matters to a head and demand resolution. The coming conflicts are taking place amongst the instigating cardinal signs. Something new is finding, if not forcing, its way to the surface. Like clockwork, the Sun is arriving into warm, enthusiastic Leo. Under the regal spotlight we can decode the individual instructions of the unfolding celestial mandate to bravely forge into the unknown.

In Greek mythology, Apollo was the Sun god. His realms included prophecy, healing and music, and the nine Muses were among his progeny. Understandably, in modern astrology Leo describes the unique gifts and talents each of us possesses, as well as our creative capacity. Sun-ruled Leo is also associated with king-making. At some point on the mythic journey, the imperiled hero is required reach deep inside, for some intuited but not yet actualized piece of himself. He or she cannot proceed further without taking this test, and succeeding. Destiny is at work. The Sun’s homecoming is our annual reminder of purpose, of the particular treasures lying within each of us, and of our role in uncovering and sharing them with the world. In 2020, daring Mars has come to Apollo’s aid, and ours. Will we have the moxie to answer their call to adventure?