LEO: 22 July – 21 August

How's 2009 looking, Leo?

By Shelley von Strunckel  

Finance Work and Achievements

If, as you begin the year, you recognise the shake-ups triggered by both planetary changes and eclipses on 26 January and in your own sign - the Leo eclipsed Full Moon - on 9 February, as opportunities for growth, then everything else will both make sense and you'll be able to proceed brilliantly. If, on the other hand, you try to sustain existing arrangements, and stick with the familiar in spite of the shake-ups going on around you, you'll be battling the year's trend and will be creating a cycle of struggle for yourself. The trick, therefore, is to recognise that even the most disruptive events are encouraging you to alter habits that, while familiar and reassuring, are also restrictive. Take an inquisitive approach to these events and to everything that arises, and you'll alter those habits, you'll approach the way you deal with finances differently, you'll discover new professional activities and, most of all, you'll find the joy that comes with reorganising elements of your life that you thought would never change. Most of all, the people you meet in the process will become an enriching part of your life during 2009 - and future years as well.

Health and Wellbeing

Ironically, the trait that some would criticise - which is your Leo vanity - actually benefits you hugely. It ensures that you keep looking after yourself. You work hard to look great and, because you enjoy life and so want to have plenty of energy, you also try to ensure that you're fit. Consequently, you'll have given considerable thought to your health and your wellbeing. However, you are a creature of habit which means that often you'll follow the same diet or exercise regime for years at a time. During 2009, however, either you'll get bored with what you're doing, perhaps out of habit, or circumstances will make it clear you need to make some changes. These are indicated by the eclipses during the last half of the year, which actually indicate the importance of a shake-up, and even more importantly, trying out something new. At first you might try to stick with what you know; only varying things slightly. But soon you'll enjoy exploring new options. Not only will what you discover be good for your health, it will enable you to approach this side of your life from a new angle and, as importantly, from one that brings a new delight to your life.

Love and Close Relationships

For a Leo and somebody who thrives on the excitement of life, you dread being bored. Yet when it comes to close relationships and intimate friendships, as well as business associations, you have a tendency to be a creature of habit. This can be both efficient, saving time because you eliminate uncertainty, but it also saves on emotional wear and tear. Now, during the year of 2009, however, changes in the lives of others, of intimate friends or family members, or even loved ones will, on one hand, shake things up and, on the other, kick start changes that need to be made. It would appear that you haven't been talking over issues or, alternatively, that you've been discussing them far too much, yet lost the importance of these relationships. The planets seem to want you to pause and look at things from a clearer perspective. Do that, invest time in asking yourself questions and discussing difficulties with others and, gradually, you'll recognise that what's needed is a complete shift in your approach. Be bold. Do something new and unaccustomed and what seemed insurmountable obstacles will be overcome, and with remarkable swiftness, and those relationships will not only be revived, you'll feel a sense of bright, shiny new hope.

Mind, Body, Spirit

You have a gift for inspiring others. You may not even realise it, but so often it's you, as a Leo, and somebody who seems to have a great deal to offer, who gives those around you - those who don't even realise they need it - a boost. During this year, however, it's the reverse. It will be others who are giving you a hand. They'll give that boost to you. This isn't because you'll need it but, rather, certain individuals will discover ideas or activities that have helped them and as they share them with you, you'll connect with something that seems to give you exactly the lift you need.