PREFACE
If your birthday does not fall during the Leo
timeframe for the year you were born, this DOES NOT mean that you do not
experience the energy of Leo, because somewhere in your natal birth chart, it
is present. All twelve signs of the zodiac are expressed in your being,
although some signs, and therefore their corresponding energies, may be more
emphasized than others.
The Sun sign is about your essence, your
vitality (what makes you feel alive), and your self-image. Whatever your Sun sign, you are on a
life-long journey to discover and fully embrace this sign’s energy. You may be
tested in life to experience the meaning of your Sun sign’s energy.
The Sun transits the sign of Leo beginning
July 22, 2012 at 3:01 am PDT.
LEOS SPEAK!
“If you
cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.”[1]
George Bernard Shaw
Leo Playwright
Born July 26, 1856
Poem: “The Romantic Age”
This one is
entering her teens,
Ripe for sentimental scenes,
Has picked a gangling unripe male,
Sees herself in bridal veil,
Presses lips and tosses head,
Declares she's not too young to wed,
Informs you pertly you forget
Romeo and Juliet.
Do not argue, do not shout;
Remind her how that one turned out.[2]
Ripe for sentimental scenes,
Has picked a gangling unripe male,
Sees herself in bridal veil,
Presses lips and tosses head,
Declares she's not too young to wed,
Informs you pertly you forget
Romeo and Juliet.
Do not argue, do not shout;
Remind her how that one turned out.[2]
Ogden Nash
Leo Poet and Humorist
Born August 19, 1902
"I may
not have been the greatest president, but I've had the most fun eight
years."[3]
Bill Clinton
Leo U.S. President
Born August 19, 1946
“Cooking is like love; it should be
entered into with abandon or not at all.”[4]
Leo Chef and Television
Personality
Born August 15, 1912
“Enthusiasm
is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the
sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the
irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.”[5]
Henry Ford
Leo Business Executive – Ford
Motor Company
Born July 30, 1863
“Heart is
what drives us and determines our fate. That is what I need for my characters
in my books: a passionate heart. I need mavericks, dissidents, adventurers,
outsiders and rebels, who ask questions, bend the rules and take risks.”[6]
Isabel Allende
Leo Novelist and Essayist
Born August 2, 1942
Leo’s Rulership, Symbols,
and Characteristics
The Sun has completed its transit of Cancer at
the beginning of summer, and now enters the midsummer, when the climate is hot
and steamy, and ripe for the passions to ignite. Cancer withdrew inward to
explore its realm of feelings. Now, in midsummer, the feelings are turned
outward, and this display is open, quite public, and there is no concern for
privacy or protection. The name of the game in the sign of Leo is shameless
performance from the heart.
The
lion is the symbol of the sign of Leo. This sign’s glyph resembles a flowing
mane or a curling tail of a lion. Astrologer Bruce Nevin says that Leo and its
animal lion can be associated with the kundalini, the source of physical animal
energy.[7]
The sign’s glyph, shown directly below the Leo the Lion image at the beginning
of the article, resembles the curving mane and tail.
The
Sun is the ruler of Leo, and it rules no other sign. Just as the Sun is the
heart or center of our solar system, so Leo identifies with a need for being a
focus of attention and, and some might say, a motivation to rise above the
ordinary. The Sun symbolizes power and command, asserts astrologer Deborah
Houlding. In traditional astrology, Leo was associated with royalty, and its
personality can take on a persona of grandeur. Houlding claims that Leos
perceive themselves as the royal center of activity. In the wild, lions develop
boundaries for their territory, and they must have an area where they rule.
Similarly, Leos must have their own “kingdoms” where they can be in control,
and where they can shine. [8]
Like
Aries and Sagittarius, fire sign Leo demonstrates spontaneity, high energy
levels, quick responses, expressiveness, and high spiritedness. The passionate
natures of fire signs can inspire others, and they are attracted to the
dramatic and the risky. These signs are comfortable with attention, particularly
in the case of Leo. Astrologer Nevin adds that the Leonine personality also
demonstrates courage, heartiness, pride, and strong personal will.[9]
As
a fixed sign, Leo will tend to moderate any tendency for impulsive actions. They
take their time to formulate an opinion. Leos tend to take a broad view of
situations, rather than delving deeply into a subject area. This expansive viewpoint,
along with a positive nature, tends to make Leos “executive material.”
Houlding elaborates on the darker side of Leo.
When Leo is confident about his territory, he can be the warm, sunny, and the generous
personality that the sign’s stereotype promotes. If Leo is less secure and
feels threatened, the traits can be quite bestial, with acts of destruction and
savagery. Less extreme traits might include airs of superiority, conceit, and a
bullying nature.[10]
Some obvious examples of the Leo personality in
the entertainment industry are Madonna, Mick Jagger, Sean Penn, and Arnold
Schwarzenegger. These are hardly shrinking violets! Leos in other walks of life
include Fidel Castro, Napoleon, and Barack Obama.
Finally,
Leo rules the fifth house, which is associated with fun, children, gambling,
risk, and creativity. Leo also rules romance, often associated with the showy and
fun expressions of courting.
Leo’s
Purpose
What
do astrologers view as Leo’s purpose at this developmental stage of the zodiac?
Nevin posits that in the phase of Leo, humans are to learn dominion, not over
others, but over one’s own internal forces, and this process can only be
accomplished through love.[11]
From another vantage point, astrologer Steven Forrest says that the endpoint
for Leo is the development of personality, and the strategic behaviors used to
this end are free expression, the celebration of life, and a positive attitude.
Like other fire signs, Leo lives in the now. Being in the now is very much how
children live, which is why Leo is seen as the sign of children. Children find
it easy to be joyful and happy. Leo utilizes its childlike qualities to
advantage, where spontaneity, innocence, and creativity are necessary
ingredients in its growth process. Forrest believes that Leo is about the
development of an ego, not its transcendence.[12]
Forrest says that the self-dramatizing, present-tense spirit so universal among
children that captures Leo’s essence.[13]
Astrologer Caroline Casey offers a third perspective, observing that the fixed
signs act as stewards of some resource, and that in the case of Leo it is
creative energy that flows through them. In its grander form, says Casey, Leo’s
creative energy goes beyond the struggling child ego to inspire others.[14]
I
know that it takes me a while to understand in greater depth the meaning of an
astrological sign. In contemplating the meaning of Leo, I asked myself how children,
creativity, performance, courage, risk, and love are related. I settled on the
theory that Leo is about passionately engaging the world through the path of
creativity and romance. Leo passion is different from the fire sign Aires,
which is more concerned about the self. Leos require an “audience,” even if it
is a transitory relationship. The love for creative expression and the desire
to be loved is a driving force for Leos. Diving into these processes require
courage. It is a risk to perform creatively and to love. After taking risks,
Leos may experience at least some success, and this builds courage. Even
without success, there is a need to believe in the self and to do what we love,
and this involves the development of ego strength.
The development of a healthy ego is not an
absolute guarantee of success. It does improve our chances of having the guts
to play whatever game we are intent on playing, whether it is the love of a
vocation or the love of another person.
The
musical A Chorus Line epitomizes for
me the Leonine process as it relates to vocation. Dancers and other types of
performers have to maintain a certain Leo energy, in spite of the hard knocks
of reality. The performance of “What I Did for Love” captures this “heartiness”
of a performer. The musical number is in response to the question “What would
you do if you couldn’t dance anymore. The character’s response is that she
would have no regrets because she did this all for love.
PROFILES OF TWO SUN
SIGN LEOS
Helen Thomas
Leo Journalist
Born August 4, 1920
Known for posing
pointed questions to U.S. presidents, Helen Thomas advanced her career in
journalism to become the first female member of the National Press Club and
first female UPI White House Bureau Chief. Thomas retired as a columnist for
the Hearst Newspapers at the age of 89 in 2010 after making controversial
remarks about Israel within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Helen Thomas was
born in Winchester, Kentucky, the daughter of immigrants from Lebanon. Her
family moved to Detroit, Michigan when Helen was only four, and there she spent
her formative years. Taunted at school because of her ethnic background, Thomas
nevertheless grew up with a strong identification as an American. By high
school, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism. Thomas
earned her Bachelor’s at Wayne State University.
Beginning as a
copygirl for the Washington Daily News,
layoffs at that newspaper led her to a position in 1943 with United Press (UP) at
its radio wire service. At UP, Thomas later became a society columnist and then
a reporter covering federal agencies. As the head of the Women’s National Press
Club, she and other female reporters forced the National Press Club, which
barred women from their membership, to open their doors to allow them to cover
the address by Soviet Union head, Nikita Khrushchev.
After providing press
coverage of John Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election, Thomas assumed the position
in 1961 of UPI White House correspondent, becoming known as the “First Lady of
the Press.” In the tradition of UPI reporter Merriman Smith who covered the FDR
Administration, Thomas ended her questioning of the Chief Executive with “thank
you Mr. President.” A fixture for many years, Thomas became the only member of
the White House Press Corp to have her own seat. Additionally, her professional
seniority earned her the honor of the first question.
As the UPI
Washington Bureau Chief, Thomas assumed many visible journalistic roles. She
accompanied President Nixon on his historic visit to China, the first female
journalist to do so. In addition, Thomas covered other major policy events,
including economic summits.
Thomas left UPI
after it was acquired by the Unification Church, headed by Rev. Moon. She soon
joined the Hearst Newspapers, which hired her as an opinion columnist. This was
an ideal position for the forthright Thomas, who said she had censored herself
as a reporter for 50 years.
During her
journalistic career in Washington, D.C., Thomas covered 10 presidential
administrations. Thomas called President George W. Bush the “worst President in
American history,” and her comments were soon made public. Following those
remarks, Bush and his Press Secretaries moved Helen Thomas to the back row.
After three years of being passed over, Bush finally called upon her, and
Thomas promptly asked him what his real reason was for going to war with Iraq,
given that all his previously stated reasons proved erroneous. Thomas became
one of the few prominent journalists who raised questions about the U.S.
occupation of Iraq and about the actions of Israel.
Upon assuming the
presidency, Barack Obama reassigned Thomas her old seat. Thomas, however, did
not spare the new chief executive frank questions. To the contrary, she asked
Obama what countries in the Middle East possessed nuclear weapons.
Nevertheless, the President honored her with cupcakes on her 89th
birthday, noting that the two were both born on August 4. Thomas later observed
that the Obama Administration tried to control the press even more than the
Nixon Administration.
Despite an apology
for her 2010 remarks about Israel, the press and leaders condemned Thomas for
her blunt opinions expressed in an interview with Rabbi David Nesenoff. About
this incident, she commented: "I
hit the third rail. You cannot criticize Israel in this country and
survive." She later added, “I paid a price, but it's worth it to speak the
truth." Since the remarks that led to her resignation, many associations
and schools have revoked prizes named in her honor.
As she developed
professionally, Helen Thomas became a fearless and intimidating journalist. In
an article about the 2008 Helen Thomas documentary, “Thank You, Mr. President,”
the Christian Science Monitor
described the subject: “Thomas, a fixture in American politics, is outspoken,
blunt, demanding, forceful and unrelenting. Not only does she command respect
by the highest powers in the US,
her reputation is known worldwide.” The irreverent Helen Thomas told journalist
David Brancaccio, formerly of NOW on PBS, that the remarks by former Cuban
President Fidel Castro (also a sun sign Leo) about her were the height of
flattery. When Castro was queried about the differences between democracy in
Cuba and democracy in the United States, Castro observed, “I don’t have to
answer questions from Helen Thomas.”
Some
Observations of the Natal Chart of Helen Thomas (Chart shown at the end of the
section)
Helen Thomas’ natal
chart is not one I would immediately associate with a journalist, because no
planets are in air signs, the element associated with the mental and
communication processes. However, Thomas’ Saturn (the planet of boundary
definitions, commitment, and hard work) is in the sign of Virgo (which is ruled
by Mercury, associated with communication). Virgo can be very detail-oriented
and meticulous, orientations helpful in the research tasks of a journalist.
Some astrologers speculate that when an individual lacks planets in a
particular element, the individual may “overcompensate” for that quality.
An astrologer’s eye
would certainly hone in on the Grand Trine in Helen Thomas’ chart. Three
planets in the same element 120 degrees apart form a triangle, or a Grand Trine.
This configuration is known to represent an easy flow of energy; trines often
indicate a talent that comes naturally to the person. Although there are many
benefits associated with trines, there are also negative aspects to this energy.
The downside for the individual with a trine is that they may rely too heavily
on their talent alone, thereby failing to put hard effort into an activity. However,
if the chart of an individual with a Grand Trine also contains squares, there
is tension to take action. This is the case in Helen Thomas’ chart where two
planets that form the trine (Mars and Pluto) are squared by two planets (the
Moon and the Sun).
Additionally, some
astrologers see the Grand Trine as indicating a self-sufficiency and
self-containment to the personality, which, once again, may have positive and
negative consequences in the life. My sense is that any self-containment experienced
by Thomas might be offset by the “I need other people to adore me” energy of the
four planets in Leo.
Thomas’ Grand Trine
is in water, the element associated with emotions and perception. It is
indicative of someone for whom “gut feelings” may come easily. Individuals who
have a heavy concentration of the water element may size up a situation using
their feelings as opposed to simply reasoning. Because the world of feelings
may predominate in their lives, the Grand Trine in water individual may be
extremely compassionate. On the other hand, these individuals may also be extremely
sensitive and may frequently experience hurt by the actions or words of others.
While one may think
of soft and mild energy for the water element, the planets forming this trine in
Helen Thomas’ natal chart are “hard-hitting” planets: Pluto, Mars, and Uranus.
These three are the “don’t bullshit me” plants. Mars is the inner planet of
action, representing the drive to pursue what you desire. Mars (conjuncting her
North Node – her “Dharma”) in Scorpio could reflect her desire to get to the
bottom of a subject through investigation in order to know the truth. Pluto and
Uranus are two of the three outer planets that are considered “transpersonal.”
They relate to generational themes and energies, as well as processes related
to spiritual growth. Pluto is associated with power and transformational
processes. Pluto uses its evolutionary energy to eliminate material that is no
longer functional. In Thomas’ case, this may pertain to patriarchy. Thomas was
at the forefront of the women’s movement, carving out important roles for women
in journalism. Additionally, Thomas was assigned to cover topics of power —politics
and governance. The other outer planet, Uranus, functions as an unpredictable catalyst
for change, forging a path for innovative ideas that will replace archaic
points of view. In my view, Mars, Pluto, and Uranus work together in Helen
Thomas’ life to support her perceptions of when situations may be covering up
abuses of power, and therefore require investigation and a need to bring
authenticity to the surface. Thomas brought the talent of perception, normally
associated with women, to the newspaper world.
Five planets in
Helen Thomas’ natal chart are in fire signs, which reflect exuberance and
inspiration. As previously mentioned, four of these fire sign planets are in
Leo, including her Sun, Neptune, Venus, and Jupiter. In true Leo spirit, Thomas
created a persona as a forthright journalist. Her script (“thank you Mr.
President) and her assigned seat all gave her a “performance role” at the White
House (except when she was dethroned by the Bush Administration). Leo is often
associated with royalty and leadership, and Thomas was assigned to positions
where she covered U.S. Presidents and leaders, as well as “high society.”
In her natal chart,
Helen Thomas’ Sun (her essence, will, that which makes her feel alive) trines
(easy flowing energy) her Moon (her emotions, habits, instinctive behavior,
symbolic of the mother and women). The Moon and and the sign of Cancer serve
very important roles in her chart. Pluto, the transformer, squares (creating
action because of tension) the Moon (the feminine, the Mother, emotions,
instinctual behavior). If the natal chart reflects the Universe’s operating
instructions to the individual, then it seems that Helen Thomas was endowed
with the energy to compel her (and propel her) to transform (Pluto square the
Moon) the role of women and to bring more compassion to the world.
Sources:
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Thomas)
Astro-Databank (http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Main_Page)
Tony Bennett
Leo Singer of American Popular Music
Born August 3, 1926
Still maintaining
an active career as a performer at the age of 86, Tony Bennett gained
popularity as a singer in the 1950’s, and he has continued to make strong
comebacks late in his career. His name has become synonymous with the song, “I
Left My Heart in San Francisco.” (The sign of Leo rules the heart!)
Born Anthony
Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 in the Queens borough of New York City, he
was the son of an immigrant grocer from Italy and his Italian-American wife. His
working-class family struggled through the Depression era. The family’s
financial challenges became more severe when the elder Benedetto died when his
son was nine years old. Bennett later helped his family by working as a singing
waiter during his high school years. After graduating, Bennett joined the Army
during World War II. Returning home after the war, Bennett utilized his G.I.
bill to pay for vocal studies at the American Theater Wing.
Discovered by singer
Pearl Bailey in New York’s Greenwich Village, Bennett was soon hired by
comedian Bob Hope as part of his road show. It was Hope who suggested a stage
name for the singer – Tony Bennett, rather than the “Joe Bari” name he used. During
that period, he also began his recording career, signing with Columbia Records.
His first hits included “Stranger in Paradise,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Because
of You.” He won a Grammy in 1962 for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which
was to become his signature song.
Tony Bennett
experienced a sense of artistic stagnation with his long-time contract with
Columbia, which wanted Bennett to restrict his recording contract to his
previous hits. Desiring more creativity and variety, Bennett ended his contract
with the recording company after 20 years.
With the rise of
rock music in the late 1960’s and 1970’s, the demand declined for Bennett’s
brand of music. He had difficulties contending with the changing tastes of the
public, and the fact that record industry marketed primarily to younger
audiences. During this period, Bennett encountered his “dark night of the
soul.” He succumbed to the influence of drugs, but a near-death experience helped
turn his life around.
With the assistance
of his son Danny, Tony Bennett thoroughly revamped his career. He resumed
recording after a long break, creating his own label and performing for other
labels. In 1986, he released his highly acclaimed album, “The Art of
Excellence.” He renewed his contract with Columbia, with the company agreeing
to refrain from input on the content of his works.
Tony Bennett was
named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2005. The following year, he earned the
distinction of becoming an NEA Jazz Master, and the recipient of Billboard Magazine’s
prestigious Century Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to
music.
In 2006, Tony
Bennett marked his 80th birthday with the release of “Duets-An
American Classic,” a work in which he collaborated with other major performers,
like Elton John and Barbara Streisand. With the release of Duets II,
Tony Bennett made music history as the oldest vocal artist to have his album
reach the number one spot on the Billboard Album charts in 2011. Nominated for
three Grammys, Bennett won his 16th and 17th Grammys for Best Pop Duo/Group
Performance with Amy Winehouse in their "Body and Soul" work; and,
for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Throughout his
career, Bennett has been involved in various humanitarian efforts. Beginning in
the early days of the civil rights movement, Tony Bennett marched alongside
Martin Luther King, assisting leaders in fighting discrimination and
galvanizing resources for this work. The Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta
later honored him for his contributions with its Salute to Greatness Award. The
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation established a research fund in his name because
Bennett has raised millions of dollars for this cause. Annually, his original
paintings appear on the American Cancer Society’s holiday greeting cards, with
sale proceeds earmarked for cancer research. Bennett also maintains interest in
environmental projects, volunteering performances at fundraisers for the Walden
Woods Foundation and the Save the Rainforest Foundation.
Tony Bennett has
chronicled his life in two books. He named his 1996 work Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen. This work was designed as a
coffee table book, which displayed his work as a painter, a serious avocation
to which he is devoted. Bennett’s second book, The Good Life, serves as his autobiography.
Tony Bennett has
been considerably successful in his second vocational passion, which is
painting. The Kentucky Derby named him their official artist for 2001. The
United Nations commissioned him for two paintings, including one for its 50th
anniversary. Some of his paintings are permanently installed in art institutes.
His oil painting, Central Park, has become part of the permanent
collection of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
Descriptions abound
about the joy (a particularly Leo characteristic) and energy (fire sign) that
Tony Bennett exudes. In its review of MTV Unplugged, the New York Times writer observed: “What accounts for the Bennett
magic? Artistry certainly. The repertory is indeed classic… But perhaps more
important is his ability to convey a sense of joy, of utter satisfaction, in
what he is doing.” About Ian Gallagher’s tribute to the legend, Gallagher’s
website remarks: “Experience the exuberance and joy of Tony Bennett. Ian
Gallagher's tribute to one of the greatest singer's of the 20th century is a
musical journey full of passion and remarkable songs.” In a profile of Tony
Bennett, one of the artists appearing at the 55th Annual Monterey
Jazz Festival, the event’s website ends its article with this praise: “As the
world’s most boyish octogenarian, a vital musical artist at the peak of his
powers, Tony Bennett is living proof that fairy tales can indeed come true when
you’re young at heart.”
Some
observations of the Natal Chart of Tony Bennett (Chart shown at the end of the
section)
It is not
surprising to see Tony Bennett’s natal Sun in Leo conjuncting Mercury and
Neptune, the planets of communication and ethereal artistry (as well as
compassion). The serious planet of worldly success, Saturn, plays a role
similar to a symphony conductor, making sure (using the energy of the squares)
that there is a balance between ease and effort. Saturn is part of a T-square
configuration, indicating some key challenges the individual will need to face.
I can almost hear Saturn say, “Just because you’re loaded with natural talent
doesn’t mean you can sit by the pool all day.” Although Bennett may have occasional
luck, Saturn is there to say that hard work will be tied to success. The square
(tension) from Saturn to the Sun in Leo (conjunction Venus and Neptune) forces
him to follow his passion and take care of business at the same time.
Venus (art, relationships,
women, resources) is conjuncting the transformational planet of Pluto and the
North Node (dharma). Saturn trines these planets, bringing an energy of ease to
these areas of life, although these aspects of life may also not get adequate
attention if insufficient work goes into them. Although Bennett lost his
marketability, let go of his recording contract, lost money, lost his marriage,
and perhaps temporary lost his purpose, he arose from the ashes to recoup his
value, his resources and form new relationships. Pluto says to discard what no
longer works for you in order to renew your soul.
Sources:
Astrodatabank (http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Bennett,_Tony)
ENDNOTES
[2] Ogden Nash. Poem: The Romantic Age. Retrieved
on 7/22/12 from: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-romantic-age/.
[3] Bill Clinton. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from: http://politicalhumor.about.com/cs/quotethis/a/clintonquotes.htm
[5] Henry Ford. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henryford151859.html#SiwuQkx58HUu4UvM.99
[6] Isabel Allende. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/i/isabel_allende.html#3wXCM3L5RTHHWgI3.99
[7]
Nevin, Bruce (1982). Astrology Inside Out.
Rockport,MA: Pararesearch Publishers, pp.82-83.
[8]
Houlding, Deborah. (June/July 2006). Leo the Lion. The Mountain Astrologer, Issue#127, pp.29-35; 105.
[9]
Nevin,Bruce. Op Cit.
[10]
Ibid.
[11]
Nevin, Bruce. Op Cit.
[12]
Forrest, Steven (1988). The Inner Sky. San
Diego: ACS Publishers, pp.56-60.
[13]
Ibid.
[14]
Casey, Caroline. (1998). Making the Gods
Work for You. New York: Harmony Books, p37.
