Welcome to the Astrology Food for Thought Blog

This blog presents my interpretation of astrological symbolism as it pertains to the unfolding of individual lives and the events occurring in our world. I welcome you to present your own views and to challenge my thinking. Although I attempt to rely on accurate sources of information, I encourage you to do your own fact-checking, since any resource may at times be flawed.



Sunday, July 22, 2012

LEO THE LION








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] 

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:










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


[1] George Bernard Shaw. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from: http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/2552.html
[2] Ogden Nash. Poem: The Romantic Age. Retrieved on 7/22/12 from: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-romantic-age/.
[4] Julia Child. Retrieved on 7/7/12 from:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3465.JuliaChild
[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.

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