Leo Monthly Horoscope

MONTHLY OVERVIEW
To flirt is divine, and who knows that better than a playful Leo? Sure, your banter might get you in hot water with your significant other or earn you some raised eyebrows at the office. Well, public opinion be damned. In December, your mission from the stars is full throttle enjoyment, as the bold Sun in Sagittarius sets your fifth house of passion and creativity ablaze. This is a playful, romantic time of year when you’re feeling exceptionally affectionate with loved ones, colleagues, and yes, even strangers. If you’ve been holding back your feelings, now is the time to grab that microphone—no, the megaphone—and make them known. Midmonth, a new moon in Sagittarius (the sector of your chart that rules frisky fun) lends added zing to your romantic and creative life. On this day, begin to set your own love life on heart-melting, earth-quaking fire.

On December 13, change maker Uranus moves direct (forward) in your ninth house of optimism, travel and higher thinking. For the last five months, you’ve perhaps found it difficult to sustain a commitment to long-term goals. Perhaps a million and one different sparks have been lit...but these valuable ideas or seeds of your dream life have had no staying power. So, remember that brilliant plan you hatched while brushing your teeth? Well, odds are good you forgot about it by the time you walked in the office. Or maybe you were plagued by nagging uncertainties, overthinking pretty simple matters. Instead of seeing this period as a wash, consider it an important period of incubation and learning, of trying out your “sea legs” as you’ve explored radical or cutting-edge ideas. You may not have been sure how you’d apply them, and once Uranus shifts direct, you’ll see why, as this cosmic influence pulls the curtain back on the bigger picture at work. Around this date, you may receive word on an exciting opportunity to travel, study or teach something you’re passionate about. The offer could arrive from left field—so it never hurts to make sure your passport and resume are up to date!

On December 21, the Sun slips into Capricorn, your sixth house of healthy, organization and efficiency. Take the traditionally slow week between Christmas and New Year’s to organize your closets, clean out your files, arrange the books on your shelf by color of their spines...whatever will make you feel as if you’re taking charge of your immediate environment. Since the sixth house loves a good list, get a jump-start on resolutions by getting clear on all that you want to accomplish in 2013. Skydiving? Learning Italian? Building a home? Let the dreams commence.

Oh, and about that whole “end of the world” thing? Well, December 21, 2012 is more of a symbolic finale—a farewell to humanity’s attachment to separateness, suffering and self-centeredness. For the past few years, our culture has rapidly assumed the “2012 effect,” as the divide between the awakened and the asleep has widened. (For a shorthand version of this, just rewatch The Matrix…kinda.) As more people move toward a spiritual, unified energy, you may also see the opposite occurring. So, the choice is now yours, Leo. Are you prepared to accept your role as planetary lightworker? And if you’re wondering what the heck that even means, we love how angel therapist Doreen Virtue explains it here: http://www.angeltherapy.com/article12.php.

The month ends with a December 28 full moon in Cancer, your twelfth house of closure, escapism and the subconscious. Can you say trippy? Though you may have some illuminating epiphanies, you also risk feeling unmoored, especially if you’ve been striving really hard toward a particular goal, to the detriment of all else. If you’ve been excessively spiritual, turning every little interaction into a “sign” or imbuing it with divine meaning, expect a balancing out of those energies, which may, at first, feel like disillusionment with that which nurtures you. In other words, go ahead and make that vision board—but pair it with an action plan, too!

Chances are, you’re simply burned out--and perhaps overly focused on making sure that A+B always equals C (even though that’s not exactly a shining example of bowing to the universe’s will, i.e. “But I let go, dammit! Where’s my reward?”). This full moon is opposite Pluto in Capricorn, your sixth house of service, heightening the sense of having taken on too much. Even though you don’t want to say no, you must. You’re not an octopus. You only have two helping hands, and sometimes, the person you need to aid most is yourself. The full moon also forms a T-square to shake-it-up Uranus in Aries, your ninth “where’s-the-action-at?” house. We know, you don’t want to miss out on the greatest party of all time...what if (insert your biggest crush or fave celeb) shows up? But by being a “yes” lady (or gent), you can’t commit to anything, and you end up spreading yourself way too thin. Now that’s a recipe for misery if we’ve ever heard one.

So what’s the solution? Speak up. Make sure your voice is counted, and don’t hesitate to ask important, clarifying questions before you jump on board, e.g., what does it mean, anyway, to become an administrator on that Facebook group, “Exploring Your Dreams”? If you chair the young professionals group for the local homeless shelter, what kind of support will you receive, exactly? If you say “yes” to helping your cousin’s best friend strip the paint off her living-room walls, will she expect you to be there from the get-go, or is it all right to drop in and out? If you’re not sure, pause before getting in too deep. When in doubt, sleep on it.

You need your beauty zzzzz’s anyway, because—and you heard it here first—New Year’s Eve belongs to you, Leo. Yep, your name is written all over this glamorous, festive occasion...just the way you like it. With the Leo moon forming a supportive angle to Venus in Sagittarius, your fifth house of passion, you’re set to step into the spotlight and shake your booty like a pro (isolating gluteal muscles and all...). When it comes to groovin’ on the dance floor, you set the gold standard. Dedicate the night to yourself and your passions—and to fun! Skip the somber fireside toasts and board games with your nieces and nephews (whose drowsiness makes your own lids droop before midnight). You can hibernate in 2013. Until then, celebrate!

LOVE & ROMANCE
Home is where the heart is, Leo. For the first two weeks of the month, love planet Venus is in Scorpio, your fourth house of domesticity, which, truth be told, steals a bit of your usual romantic thunder. Instead of making out underneath the Eiffel Tower or slipping into that sequined dress, you’d rather be cozied up at home, holding a Netflix marathon and ordering your favorite Thai takeout (or cooking up a storm). Whether you’re coupled or flying solo, a girls’ night in (a nice infusion of feminine, receptive energy) might be just what you need to recharge your batteries or put your love life back in perspective. Since the fourth house rules mothering, you might just have babies on the brain, as your own maternal instincts kick into high gear. Use some of that nurturing energy to entertain in your home, since you’ll know just how to make guests feel welcome and cared for (and this goes beyond the homemade thyme gnocchi you’ve prepared for dinner). Spend time beautifying your home, since a little TLC for the interior of your house will make you feel firmly rooted.

On December 13, a new moon in Sagittarius, your fifth house of va-va-voom, sets the stage for a brand-new chapter in your love life. Oh, yes. We mean “stage” in that Shakespearean “all the world’s a stage” kind of way. Go ahead. Fist-pump at the prospect of an iron-clad excuse to wear a feathery, sequined costume. Pull out your most golden, Leonine outfit, because it’s time to strut your stuff, not to be bashful about who you are, including your heart’s longings. This day could bring news of a pregnancy, if you’ve been dreaming of a love child. As your deepest, sexiest desires for more romance or passion are ready for realization, set an intention. New moons are an excellent time to perform rituals and set aims, especially soul-mate wishes. When it comes to performing a ritual, break out the pageantry, Leo. (Hello, this your domain!) Tailor your ceremony according to your intuition and sense of passionate fun. In addition to writing a list, you may want to scatter geranium-scented bath salts and rose petals in your tub or “dress” for the occasion, donning a silky gown and sparkly jewelry as you send your wishes to the heavens. As a fire sign, you might really dig writing down a list of your romantic blocks (e.g., still hung up on an ex, feeling self-conscious) and then taking a match to that paper. (Note to your inner pyro: Please do this in a large aluminum bowl.) Then, take the pile of ashes and wash them down the drain, where those hideous, self-defeating elements belong. Whatever route you choose, be creative, trust your gut, and make sure it’s meaningful to you. The power of this exercise lies in your emotional connectedness to your own desires.

Amping up your love mojo, magnetic Venus enters Sagittarius, your wear-heart-on-your-sleeve house, on December 15, making the latter half of the month a perfect time to spill out your feelings and vamp up your look. Take bold risks across the fashion front, whether that means switching up your nail polish color, rocking skyscraper heels, or picking a glittery new shadow to show off your soulful eyes. Since you’re looking so damn good, don’t forget to hit the town, either with your honey or a pack of raucous, revelry-loving pals. If you’re single, the stars are on your side to attract a fun, charismatic love interest. Hello, sexy dates!

Tempering the love spell, sexy Mars is in Capricorn, your sixth house of efficiency and daily tasks, until December 25. While part of you wants to let your Morroccan-oiled hair down, the other part—the action-oriented part—is keen on chipping away at your to-do list. While Mars here makes you extra capable, remind yourself to get out and flirt a little. All work and no play makes Jane, well, stressed out! Maybe you reason that you need to be so productive, to get yourself into a romance-ready place, but still, there’s no reason you can’t soften the edges of your crazy-packed schedule. If you absolutely can’t step out to connect with others during your lunch hour, maybe playing some romantic affirmations in the background will send you the subliminal message to remember the part of you that needs some affection.

Once this uber-achieving time is through, you’ve got a Christmas gift waiting under the tree. From December 25-February 1, spicy Mars in Aquarius lights up your seventh house of relationships. The new year begins with a powerhouse partnership cycle. Single Lions should be on alert, since you very well may meet that dashing someone with true commitment potential, a mate to go the mile with. A warning, though: Mars can sometimes come bearing tension. If you find that you and your sweetheart are spending just a little too much time together (perhaps inducing claustrophobia...) you might just be feeling the Mars effect of impatience. One Leo we know can identify the need for space when she starts looking a little too closely at the way her honey stirs sugar in his coffee. Avoid cabin fever (and sniping remarks, to boot) by booking some independent time, as well as getting more physically active together (yes, in every sense). Don’t be afraid to branch out and sate your need to look at the new Silk Road exhibit—sans S.O.—at the Met (or whatever the edifying equivalent is near you...). No matter what you do, absence makes the bed grow warmer. Your mantra: “Independence is sexy.” Roar and repeat.

MONEY & CAREER
Live it up...at the office? Before you go swinging from the dropped, cork-tiled ceiling, just know...this is not your best “nose to the grindstone” month, Leo. With the energizing Sun in Sagittarius, your fifth house of celebration, you’re in a festive mood. Excel spreadsheets and heady analysis are just not your thing. Instead of fretting about your difficulty concentrating, nurture a budding creative or artistic talent. You never know, that acting class could pay off in big ways, when it gives you added confidence and eliminates any vestiges of a “shy” side you may have been holding on to. Or perhaps your chosen vehicle for expression turns into a bona fide revenue stream (because you never know who needs a personal lounge singer or private vegan chef!). But even if there’s no obvious payoff, indulge the creative spirit anyway. Dipping into that paint set or warming up on the piano will sate your creative soul...a dividend in and of itself.

Also, with the Sun in the desire-driven sector of your chart, you’ll be more likely than normal to tap into your passion—and how you can parlay this love into a great living. To aid in this process, check out the latest book and life-planning system from one of our favorite business gurus, Danielle LaPorte: The Desire Map. You can register for a 3-day launch party December 5-7 at https://wt107.infusionsoft.com/go/desiremap/ophira/).

Balancing out the dreamer part of you, go-getter Mars is in Capricorn, your sixth house of work and meticulous planning, until December 25. For the whole month, you’ll be tending to details and feeling a final push to finish everything by the year’s end (and preferably before the 25th, so you can take the last week off...or at least take it easier). If you’re feeling frazzled, stay motivated by using some of your vast energy stores to get into the swing of the holiday spirit. Participate in an office coat drive or spearhead an outing to volunteer in an underserved area. Just make sure it’s a team effort and that you make it a modest, and not overblown, one. There should be nothing stressful about sharing the love with your neighbors in need.

HEALTH: MIND, BODY & SOUL
“I’ll have another!” With the Sun in Sagittarius, your fifth house of festivities, this could very well be your motto. While you may be tempted to have just one more piece of marzipan or one more gin fizz cocktail, know that with tension-inducing Mars in Capricorn, your sixth house of health, you’ll end up with one heck of a food or drink hangover. If you overeat, balance it out with exercise. This is not the time to get rigid with your diet, but incorporating wellness activities, such as daily yoga or morning runs, could help counteract your indulgent tendencies. Just don’t get too OCD about exercise, since accident-prone Mars in this area of your chart could easily spell a muscle strain. Stock up on Epsom salts for your bathtub, just in case.

The last week of the month, the party mood dies down significantly, as the Sun enters Capricorn, your sixth house of organization and efficiency. Get a leg up on 2013 and spend this time cleaning your house and organizing your closets. Remember that getting rid of that old, moth-eaten sweater will make room for a new piece of clothing. Out with the old (and broken) and in with the new (and shiny)!

On December 28, a full moon in Cancer sheds light on your twelfth house of self-sabotage and the unconscious. Making this moon all the more tense, it forms a T-square to Uranus in Aries, your ninth house of optimism, and an opposition to underworld-ruler Pluto in Capricorn, your sixth house of health. If you’re the type to just scarf down some Advil at the slightest twinge of a headache or rely too heavily on a Western model of medicine (where you attempt to just remove the problem, outside-in), you may be forced to reckon with the mind-body-soul connection on this full moon. If you’ve been in denial about some aspect of your life, your physical and/or mental health will be worse for the wear. Now is the time to stop.

Under this nurturing, if jarring moon, you may want to explore meditation or other holistic approaches to health, perhaps even some that are mixed with traditional medical approaches or integrative medicine and treatments.

This moon could also usher in a surprise questioning of your beliefs. You’re a Leo. Of course you know who you are and what you stand for. But at this full moon…maybe not. Questioning your beliefs, values, spirituality and faith can be healthy, even if the event that spurs the inquiry is unpleasant. Now your tried-and-true beliefs are suddenly on shaky ground. As you’re reviewing your ideas on God, or your concept of a soul mate or the afterlife, you may just have a mini–existential crisis. Your once-steady ship adrift, perhaps you’re no longer sure what you stand for, or what you even want. For a sign as passionate as yours, this will not be a fun process. (Well, it wouldn’t be “fun” for anyone, but your confident self doesn’t take knocks to the ego so lightly.) Nonetheless, you’ve gotta let it all out, every bit of uncertainty. As the calendar year ends, you’re humbled by the force of your own emotions. If you insist on putting on a brave face, you’ll feel it via aches and pains in the body. Strive for equilibrium when it comes to balancing the spiritual and the practical. Yes, the Universe has got your back, but...this requires you to co-create and do your part. Remember, this too shall pass!