Leo Horoscope 2024

When Leo season roars in, the regal lion favors the charismatic and the bold. At least, that's what how his press agent touts his qualities. Leo does like to put on a good show, especially if it means the chance to bask in the audience's applause.

But look a little close and you'll discover all Leo seasons are not created equal. For the next few years, the dark side of the Lion is more likely in the news. Resist the urge to wallow in the superficial; honesty and authenticity will likely serve you better in the long run.

If you want to learn more about what the Zodiac sign Leo means, check out my post on how to Make the Most of Leo Season.

2024 Sun in Leo Horoscope

This year, the Sun enters Leo on Monday, July 22, 2024, 3:44 a.m. Eastern U.S., and remains there until Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 10:55 a.m. Eastern U.S. Here's the solar chart for the 2024 Leo ingress:

Zodiac Ingress Astrological Data

• Time: Monday, July 22, 2024, 3:44 a.m. Eastern U.S.
• Sun’s Zodiac Sign: Leo
• Aspects to the Sun: Sun opposite Pluto in Aquarius, sextile Mars in Gemini
• Location of Sun Sign Ruler: Sun in Leo
• Aspects to the Sun Sign Ruler: (see above)
• Location of the Moon: Aquarius
• Aspects to the Moon: Moon opposite Venus in Leo, trine Jupiter in Gemini
• Other Important Considerations: Neptune at 29 Pisces, Mercury Retrograde (Aug. 4); Mars conjunct Jupiter (Aug. 14) & square Saturn (Aug. 16); Jupiter square Saturn (Aug. 19)

Hold on to your Sun hats, Leo’s season will bring surprises and soul-searching. Once the dust settles, we may even find the world’s changed.

Mercury and Venus entered this fiery sign early to prepare the way for the Sun. Mercury in Leo is bold and brash, though he can get tongue-tied if he’s too worried about what other people think. Venus happily dons her sparkliest diva attire and dazzles from the dressing room to the dance floor. It’s an entourage that’s eager to soak in the Sun’s reflected glory.

But all this basking hides a dark secret. Underworldly Pluto in Aquarius lurks just opposite the Sun, suggesting that when you look a little deeper, things aren’t as shiny as they seem. Imagine biting into a perfect juicy apple, only to discover after a few good chomps that the core is rotten. That’s the bitter challenge of the season, what will you do when faced with the darkness within? Will you try to cast it away, or face up to it so healing can truly begin?

The Sun and Pluto are also harmonizing with fast-talking Mars in Gemini. It’s an energizing nudge to get on with it. Brave up, and strike out to find something new. There’s little profit to holding on to what’s not working. Just walk away, if you have to.

As Leo season begins, the Moon’s been coasting through its cosmic partner-in-crime Aquarius. While Leo is warm and energizing, Aquarius is cool and detached. When the Moon’s in Aquarius, it’s more willing to let go and remain aloof from the fray. That doesn’t mean it lacks commitment, rather it’s more likely to be motivated by a compelling ideology than the press of the crowd. Make some time to explore what you believe and how it’s creating your reality bubble.

The Moon also brings a posse of glitterati, an uplifting trine with Jupiter in breezy Gemini, and a spicy face-off with Venus in fiery Leo. This dynamic duo celebrates life in all its forms, but has little time for deeper reflection. To others, they be the enviable class or the condescending elites. Either way, encourage the Moon to remain in an airy castle avoiding the moody masses. You may feel the same.

There’s a deeper story unfolding, too. We’re coming up to the first reckoning of the 20-year Jupiter-Saturn cycle. On Dec. 21, 2020, Jupiter and Saturn met in the first degree of Aquarius, a moment astrologers call a Great Conjunction. It marks the beginning of social cycles, including the rise and fall of kings and other leaders. 

On Aug. 19, these two luminary giants meet up for their first quarter appointment. It’s a potent moment for a check-in to see where we are on their unfolding journey. Are our leaders aligned with our values? If not, what needs to change to meet evolving conditions? It’s the perfect celestial metaphor for the spate of elections happening worldwide from India across Europe, the Americas and beyond. 

This first challenge is fired up by feisty Mars’ meetup with Jupiter on Aug. 14 and a square-off with Saturn on Aug. 16. Jupiter and Mars together call for optimism, hope and change. A square to Saturn suggests tension from those who desire to play it safe or stick with tradition. As Mars triggers these planets just days before the first square of Jupiter and Saturn, we can expect the news headlines to reflect their martial dance.

In other news, with the summer’s Mercury retrograde beginning Aug. 4 (and lasting until Aug. 28), don’t be surprised at a little confusion and backtracking. Mercury retrogrades are ideal for considering where you’ve been, and making changes for a better future. Clear your closets, your schedule, and make some time to reset and reflect, so the next cycle is better than the last.

Finally, dreamy Neptune stationed retrograde in the final degree of Pisces on July 2. After that, he’ll backtrack until December, then turn and make final mad dash for Aries (where he’ll arrive on Mar. 31.) So we’re starting the final wrap-up of the lesson Neptune has learned while in Pisces. What are your hopes and dreams? What are you willing to sacrifice to make them happen? You’ve got a little time left before the Brave New World begins. Make the most of it. 

Best Approach to Leo 2024

Whew, that’s a lot to consider as individuals, communities and cultures. It may be a wild ride, but the world will continue to turn. Many may feel swept away by current events; the pressure to respond (or at least to watch) is enormous. No doubt, this month heralds the beginning of a global inflection point. 

The question for us all is how can we participate positively and effectively? Consider this, if you want to choose your response, rather than reacting without thinking, you’ll need to carve out some space so you can breathe and clarify your inner world. It’s from that laguna of stillness that you’ll find the best solutions to our complex world.

"The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemies."

Napoleon Bonaparte