Can you feel the rumblings of change all around you? The last eclipse season of the year is officially in full swing, and there’s no going back now.
You know that feeling when you’re strapped into a rollercoaster, slowly climbing toward the first massive drop, and suddenly start questioning every decision that brought you there? That’s the energy right now. In the meantime, look at the part of your birth chart that belongs to 20 degrees of Leo. This is where the cosmos is opening a divine portal and brand-new door for you to walk through — one that asks you to move with joy, passion and a little more courage in yourself.
As a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun, it’s safe to say that Leo’s essence is anything but fleeting. On the contrary, it wants to keep the flame alive — steady, vibrant and ever-burning — and this solar eclipse (peaking on Aug. 12 at exactly 1:36 p.m. ET) is no exception. It’s here to breathe life into whatever has been waiting for your full devotion. Having said that, something you’ve been circling around for months could suddenly feel possible, and the desire to finally act on it could be difficult to overlook.
Unlike a lunar eclipse — symbolic of a potent ending and what we may be ready to release — often illuminating what has reached a culmination point, a solar eclipse arrives with the energy of a supercharged new moon. Solar eclipses plant seeds that can eventually break through into an entirely new cycle, ushering in beginnings that continue to unfold long after eclipse day itself. This particular solar eclipse, for instance, carries a strong sense of acceleration. This means developments can unfold quicker than expected, especially when pertaining to energies that have already started gaining momentum. 
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For now, pay attention to where your enthusiasm is suddenly returning. This could be an area of life that felt stagnant, uninspired or energetically draining — it may begin to feel alive again. After all, Leo’s archetype is connected to the heart and solar plexus, so this eclipse can also shed light on how much of your confidence and sense of self have evolved over the course of this year. Maybe what you once saw as intimidating no longer holds the same power over you.
As for the astrology surrounding this eclipse, there is a lot of emphasis on Leo with the sun, moon, Mercury and Jupiter all transiting this fire sign. Themes of creation and self-expression are at the forefront of this cosmic event. However, these planets are simultaneously interacting with Saturn retrograde in Aries, connecting the present moment with intentions, plans or personal shifts that could’ve begun earlier in the year.
Maybe some of those dreams haven’t yet manifested as quickly as you hoped, but this isn’t unusual with Saturn retrograde slowing things down. If anything, this is an opportunity for you to reconsider what you’re building and whether the foundation is strong enough to keep going. Either way, this eclipse is about to change the pace. There is a feeling of possibility surrounding this lunation, whether it’s new ideas, creative directions or a desire that’s gradually making itself known. And while you may not have it all figured it out yet, trust that something is beginning to take shape.
Creative energy, for instance, is especially potent now. Inspiration can arrive unexpectedly, and you may be drawn toward a project, path or passion that feels distinctly your own. So, if you’ve been considering trying something different or hoping to be more confident in your self-expression, this eclipse could have your name on it.
Mercury’s recent shift into Leo also changes the way we think and communicate. After spending an extended period in sentimental Cancer, not to mention a tumultuous retrograde cycle, Mercury is making us collectively bolder and perhaps even audacious. To think that Jupiter amplifies this even further! With the Greater Benefic here, there can be more optimism around your ideas, more faith in your voice and a stronger willingness to take a chance on something meaningful. Maybe you feel more confident venturing beyond what feels safe and or find yourself imagining what could happen if you gave yourself permission to dream bigger.
Still, Mercury’s recent opposition to Pluto could’ve brought certain fears to the surface, making you question whether speaking up creates conflict or whether being visible would attract criticism. Don’t indulge the worse-case scenarios. You’re more capable than you realize.
On a brighter note, Venus continues to move through Libra, one of the goddess planet’s home signs, adding a charming and more aesthetically pleasing quality to the atmosphere. Relationships, conversations and social interactions are also more open, charming and receptive. Still, Venus will also be in tension with Mars in Cancer, suggesting that what looks simple on the and light-hearted on the surface might be loaded with emotion underneath.
Think about it: Mars in Cancer stirs our memories, sensitivities and unresolved feelings, especially when it comes to situations where we once felt disappointed, overlooked or even defeated. This Mars transit is deeply reflective, but instead of charging ahead with blind faith, it looks back to understand what went wrong in the first place. Having said that, you might find yourself revisiting an old experience and in turn recognizing what you would do differently now with your wisdom and experience.
With Mars also involved with Neptune, motivation is fickle — it comes and goes. In fact, this could trigger moments of uncertainty, emotional fatigue or the desire to abandon something entirely, all because the outcome isn’t completely clear. Fortunately, the supportive aspects surrounding this eclipse allow us to soften, and ease into the uncertainty. Venus, for example, is connecting harmoniously with both Pluto and Uranus, while Chiron supports Mars.
Together, these alignments encourage emotional growth, creative experimentation and the courage to approach an old situation in a completely different way. You might experience a strong intuitive nudge that something needs to happen now. Or perhaps there’s a project you suddenly feel compelled to launch, if not a personal reinvention you’re ready to embrace. All in all, there is serious momentum surrounding this eclipse, and certain developments could manifest a lot sooner than planned.
Visibility often brings up feelings of vulnerability, and the excitement of being seen can simultaneously arrive with the fear of being judged. Both can be true and guess what? Neither has to stop you. Trust what lights you up inside, and have enough faith in yourself to follow it.
In the meantime, read on for what August's solar eclipse has in store for your zodiac sign, along with a new moon affirmation.
Please note: We recommend holding off on lunar magic and rituals during an eclipse, as the light of the luminaries is temporarily obscured making the energy unpredictable.
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Aries
Give your joy a real chance to become something more, Aries. A creative idea, flirtatious affair or passion project that started as “just for fun” could suddenly feel worth taking seriously. Maybe you’ve been secretly working on something after work, dating someone you didn’t expect to like this much or rediscovering a talent you abandoned years ago. Does it make you feel alive? Trust that feeling. Solar eclipse affirmation: I give myself permission to create from pure desire; my joy and fulfillment is worth it.
Taurus
Create room for the life you actually want to come home to, Taurus. Something around your living situation, family dynamic or sense of stability is ready for a fresh chapter. This could look like moving, finally decorating your space according to your unique taste or realizing that an old family dynamic no longer resonates with the individual you’ve become. Home should be where your heart is, not somewhere you’re constantly performing. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am creating a home that resonates and supports who I am today; I choose to plant roots that feel safe and entirely my own.
Gemini
It’s time to speak up and say what you’ve been rehearsing in your head for weeks, Gemini. Your voice has always been your greatest super power, and under this total solar eclipse, it holds more influence than you realize. This is especially true when it comes to your creative ideas, conversations and opportunities that come with a newfound sense of authority. Maybe you’re finally publishing the essay or speaking up in an important meeting. Either way, the cosmos is handing you the mic, so use it wisely. Solar eclipse affirmation: My voice deserves to be heard; I trust myself to pick, choose and speak up with confidence.
Cancer
Invest in (who and) what makes you feel worthy, valuable and respected, Cancer. Money, compensation and themes surrounding your sense of self-worth are being brought to the forefront for a reason. In fact, this could be part of a larger story that helps you realize you’ve been undercharging or perhaps even sacrificing your energy for the wrong people, places and situations. Either way, it’s about time you recognize what your time, talent and skills are actually worth. Solar eclipse affirmation: I open my heart and welcome opportunities that reflect my value and expertise; I am worthy of abundance.
Leo
You’re allowed to change, Leo — nothing is meant to say the same. Let yourself embody this new and evolved version of yourself, because your personal reinvention is here. Besides, it’s more difficult to pretend you haven’t changed at all. Maybe you’re debuting a new look, stepping into a more visible role or making a decision that surprises the people around you. Don’t sweat it. They’ll adjust. After all, this chapter of your life is all about authenticity, not about earning people’s approval. Solar eclipse affirmation: I confidently embody who I'm becoming; the more authentically I show up, the more aligned my life becomes.
Virgo
Protect the dream, and keep something sacred to yourself, Virgo. Something meaningful could be unfolding behind the scenes, and resisting the urge to explain it (or yourself) to everyone could actually help it manifest. Maybe you’re preparing for a shift in your professional life, completing a creative project or realizing that a significant chapter has come to an end. Much like the new moon, some beginnings need darkness before they’re ready to come to light. Solar eclipse affirmation: I trust in the power of divine timing; I choose rest, privacy and surrender as I hold space for my next chapter.
Libra
Gather with people who inspire and uplight you, Libra. Move toward the communities who make your future a little brighter. A friendship, network or professional circle could introduce you to an entirely new possibility. Maybe someone casually mentions an opening that happens to suit you perfectly, or a group you recently joined connects you with individuals who truly understand what you’re aspiring towards. Pay attention to what feels genuine rather than performative. Solar eclipse affirmation: I choose to surround myself with connections that support my growth; my dreams are expanding.
Scorpio
Think about the legacy you’re trying to leave behind, and allow yourself to be ambitious in the public eye, Scorpio. Your professional life could be entering a defining chapter, especially if you’ve spent months wondering whether you’re ready for greater visibility. A promotion, leadership role, major client or public-facing project could put your name in rooms where it wasn’t before. The intimidating part might be realizing people are actually paying attention now. And? You’ve worked too hard to remain the industry’s best-kept secret forever. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am ready to be recognized for the depth of what I bring; my success is rooted in heart-centered authenticity.
Sagittarius
Take a leap of faith in the name of your heart’s desires, Sagittarius. Trust the idea that makes your world feel larger and greater. A new path involving travel, education, publishing or a completely different worldview could begin opening up for you. Maybe you’re seriously considering a certification you’ve bookmarked online, planning a meaningful trip or finally submitting your work somewhere with a much larger audience. You don’t need to know exactly where the road will lead you before taking the first step. Curiosity is your compass. Solar eclipse affirmation: I trust the paths that expand my understanding of what is possible; new experiences are waiting for me on the horizon.
Capricorn
Stop carrying the burdens alone, and let someone meet you halfway for once, Capricorn. A financial or emotional entanglement could be ready for a new agreement, especially if you’ve become accustomed to carrying more than your share. This could involve merging finances with a significant other, restructuring debt or admitting that being “the reliable one” has kept you from actually receiving the support you deserve. Embracing your vulnerability may not be your forte, but allowing someone trustworthy to meet you halfway could change everything. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am open to receiving support without needing to earn it first; I welcome relationships rooted in reciprocity.
Aquarius
Allow space for the relationship that meets who you are now, Aquarius. A partnership could move into brand-new territory, whether that involves commitment, collaboration or an overdue change in the dynamic. Maybe the person you’ve been casually dating suddenly wants something real, or you and your significant other finally discuss the future without disguising it as a light-hearted joke. The right connection shouldn’t require either of you to disappear inside it. Choose the version of the connection where both people get to remain authentic and fully themselves. Solar eclipse affirmation: I welcome in relationships that celebrate my rebel heart; mutual love meets me with honesty and devotion.
Pisces
Build your day-to-day life around the new and improved version of you, Pisces. A change in work, wellness habits or your usual routine could seem small and insignificant at first but could have a surprisingly large ripple effect. Maybe you’re finally delegating the task everyone assumes you’ll handle or creating a schedule that doesn’t leave you exhausted by the following day. Just know that your everyday choices are contributing to your future, so why not make it worth it? Solar eclipse affirmation: My day-to-day life supports my energy, purpose and overall well-being; I am committed to my fulfilling lifestyle.
Valerie is an astrologer, writer & visual storyteller. She currently writes horoscopes for PEOPLE, formerly for PopSugar, StyleCaster, Elite Daily, among others. For more of her work, check out valeriemesa.com or follow her on Instagram @valeriemesa.
