As temperatures soar and the heart of summer rolls in, so does passionate, spotlight-loving Leo season. Ruled by the sun, which oversees self-image, confidence, and identity, the fixed fire sign encourages you to foster and embrace your sense of self, find new ways to infuse your world with self-expression, get after your dreams, and think proactively and optimistically. And of course, that's all a bit easier to do when the days are long, filled with cozy, golden sunlight, and you're on a mission to make the most of such a festive, fun-loving season with your friends, family, and love interests.
No matter how you plan to spend mid-July to mid-August, the sun's journey through Leo can bolster your sense of empowerment, confidence, and drive. It's a time of year that can make you feel like you're center stage while fueling romantic moments galore. Here's everything you need to know about Leo season in 2023.
When Is Leo Season?
In 2023, Leo season begins on July 22 and ends on Aug. 23. Because Leo is associated with the fifth house of romance and self-expression, the sign's energy can magnify your artistic impulses and desire for love, luxury, fun, and drama — ideally, the kind that's entertaining versus agitating. With the sun blazing during the long days and star-filled nights, this is the perfect time for steamy dates and Gatsby-like get-togethers. During Leo season, we're most blissful when we're showing how much we care and soaking up the limelight.
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Leo Season: What to Expect in 2023
The big news this year: Venus will be retrograde in Leo, causing slowdowns and urging self-reflection around artistic endeavors, relationships, romance, beauty, and money from July 22 to Sept. 3. But there's still plenty of excitement to be had. Action-oriented Mars and messenger Mercury, both in Virgo, will take turns forming harmonious, earthy trines to Jupiter in Taurus on Aug. 1 and Aug. 9. This will support your efforts to move the ball forward on a pragmatic plan.
The sun will join up with Venus on Aug. 13 to bolster beauty and our bonds, especially when we're approaching either from an introspective place, given Venus's retrograde. And with change-maker Uranus still in fellow fixed sign Taurus, the sun will square it on Aug. 15, bringing shakeups you might not have seen coming. Here's what every sign can expect. (Be sure to read your rising sign, too!)
Aries (March 20-April 19)
Leo season tends to crank up the intensity of your artistic impulses and appetite for playfulness, Aries, because the sun is in your fifth house of romance, play, and creativity. This moment was made for expressing your emotions through a creative project and hitting pause on work so that you can really be yourself with the people you love the most. You can look forward to Aug. 13 as an especially love-filled, lucky day, as the sun will pair up with Venus in your self-expression zone.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
For you, Taurus, Leo season is all about spending even more quality time with your nearest and dearest, thanks to the sun moving through your fourth house of home life. Whether you're heading to a beloved family vacation spot, puttering around in the garden, or taking twilight-lit strolls, relaxing with your loved ones can be particularly restorative for your heart right now. And with your ruling planet, Venus, moving backward there, taking a walk down memory lane with family members can bring you even closer.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Leo season takes your already curious, communicative nature to new heights, Gemini, thanks to the fact that the confident sun will be moving through your third house of information. It's also the astrological house associated with short-distance travel, so you could be enjoying more staycations and road trips than usual. When your ruling planet, messenger Mercury, moves through your fourth house of home life from July 28 until its retrograde begins on Aug. 23, more heart-to-hearts with loved ones can help you gain clarity on everything from ongoing emotional challenges to long-term goals.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You could be feeling a little bit exhausted by the whirlwind of your birthday season, Cancer. But now, the confident sun is moving through your second house of income, throwing your focus on money matters and your values more than anything else. You may be contemplating whether you're being valued enough for what you bring to the table — and if not, considering where you go from here. Then, around Aug. 1, you'll feel the vibes of your ruler, the moon, at its fullest in your eighth house of emotional bonds. This is the time to open up about your comfort level and needs in a close relationship.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Welcome to your season, Leo! If there's one thing that you love more than soaking up the sun, it's an opportunity to be in the spotlight, and that's what this time of year is all about. With your ruler, the vitality-bringing sun, moving through your first house of self, your mind is on how you're presenting yourself out in the world and pursuing passion projects. A surge of confidence can make it easier to make progress on all of your goals. Around Aug. 16, when the new moon lands in your sign, you'll have your annual opportunity to zero in on your vision — and begin to take steps toward making it an exciting reality.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Leo season could be sleepier for you than it is for the other signs, Virgo, because the confident sun is moving through your 12th house of spirituality and dreams. You're more meditative and in tune with your intuition. For this reason, solo time really benefits your well-being — and long-term goal setting. Also helping matters along: messenger Mercury, your ruler, will be zipping forward in your sign from July 28 until its retrograde begins there on Sept. 3, so you can easily research and share what you want to do ahead of kicking off a game plan during your season.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Leo season is pretty heavenly for you, Libra, because you're such a social butterfly, and the confident sun is moving through your 11th house of networking and friendship, bolstering a feeling of connectedness. You should find you can easily join forces with friends, colleagues, and neighbors and fill your days with more group events, parties, get-togethers, and teamwork. Just know that with messenger Mercury moving forward in your 12th house of spirituality from July 28 to Sept. 3, squeezing in just enough quiet time (maybe the occasional meditation break) gives you a chance to rest and recharge, so you can quickly get back to being the host with the most.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Leo season often makes you even more driven than usual, Scorpio, because your 10th house of career is activated now. Maybe you've been wanting to throw your hat in the ring for a more senior-level position or pitch a passion project to a new client. Either way, these next four weeks were tailor-made to staking your professional claim — and earning plenty of recognition for all your hard work. Don't forget that Mars, your ruler, is moving through your 11th house of networking until Sept. 23, so taking bold action with a group of friends or colleagues can also help you further your goals.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
There's nothing you love more than going on an adventure, Sagittarius, which is why Leo season was pretty much made for you. The sun is moving through your ninth house of adventure and higher learning now, nudging you to get out of your usual grind and go somewhere thoroughly eye-opening — literally or figuratively. You might also be feeling even more philosophical and want to soak up more knowledge, so take advantage of opportunities to connect with a mentor, professor, or teacher whose lessons will expand your mind. On Aug. 1, when Mars in your career zone trines fortunate Jupiter in your daily-routine sector, big, bold action can pay off.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
While you'd usually rather stick to a logical game plan than go swimming in deep, complex feelings, Leo season presents you with a chance to step out of your emotional comfort zone. The sun is moving through your eighth house of emotional bonds, intimacy, and joint resources, encouraging you to be more vulnerable and share what's in your heart with your partner or loved ones. Around Aug. 1, when the full moon lands in your second house of income, you could be at the end of the road with an ongoing money-making project. It's time to give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work, Capricorn — ideally alongside friends and family.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Leo season emphasizes your one-on-one relationships — including those that are romantic, platonic, or professional — because the sun is moving through your seventh house of partnership, Aquarius. So whether you're working toward a shared goal with your lover or pulling together a business proposal, you'll want to be sure you're leaning on one another's strengths while dealing with any challenges you face as a team head-on. Leo season also marks your annual full moon, which falls on Aug. 1 this year, and could be marked by eye-opening surprises — potentially from family members. Doing your best to be adaptable can help you smoothly sail through this sensitive moment.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Everyday need-to-dos (like doctor's appointments) and want-to-dos (like that mini wellness retreat) are easier to tackle, thanks to the sun moving through your sixth house of wellness and daily routine, Pisces. You can more easily find ways to not only be more productive but also elevate your sense of inner balance during this practical season. A particularly sweet highlight: Aug. 1 marks a harmonious angle between go-getter Mars in your partnership zone and lucky Jupiter in your communication sector, which can lead to hitting a long-term goal alongside a dear friend, loved one, or romantic partner.
